Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm
We headed straight to the Shangguan Family. After moving directly to their basement, I glanced at Zhuge Sa as I dismounted from the Four Buddha Statue. He smirked and said,
"Even so, you've trained in the Soul Separation Great Law quite a bit, so your soul won't scatter easily. Half a shichen should be plenty, so don't worry."
"Don't do anything weird."
I looked at Zhuge Sa with concern. As he said, my attainment in the Soul Separation Great Law had improved considerably thanks to my diligent training, and I was on the verge of being able to fully transfer him into the portrait. But regardless, Zhuge Sa was such an unpredictable madman that I couldn't help but worry.
"Take care of yourselves."
Zhuge Sa spat out curtly as he stared at the writhing spiral seal at the front of the basement. Then he said,
"This must be why."
"Do you know what it is?"
Muttering to himself, Zhuge Sa suddenly looked at the empty space opposite and said,
"You must've had a hell of a time pretending not to be there since last time, Shangguan Hyeok?"
Shuuuk.
In the next moment, Shangguan Hyeok revealed himself there stealthily. Since we had sensed his presence, Miho and I were already on guard, watching that spot. Shangguan Hyeok let out a groan before saying,
"Zhuge Yuryong?"
"Heh heh. Sorry, but no."
Zhuge Sa sneered and turned to me.
"Baek Woong. Use the Heaven-Inspecting Eyes to examine this seal thoroughly. You'll be able to see where the treasures forming it are located."
"Hmm."
As I took out the Imperial Seal of All Nations and prepared to activate it, Shangguan Hyeok cried out in panic.
to see where the treasures forming it are located."
"Hmm."
As I took out the Imperial Seal of All Nations and prepared to activate it, Shangguan Hyeok cried out in panic.
"That Heaven-Inspecting... Then that's the Imperial Seal of All Nations! No... don't!"
"What's not to do? Do you even know what's happening right now?"
Zhuge Sa took a step forward with a growl.
"The Heavenly Emperor is descending, and we'll all die in 49 days. And you're still only worried about yourself in this situation? Impressive."
"Urk..."
Shangguan Hyeok groaned before saying,
"Vice Leader Baek Woong! Hold on a moment. I'll explain everything..."
I considered pausing the activation at his words, but Zhuge Sa cut in sharply.
"Keep going! No need to care about this guy's excuses."
Right.
Agreeing with Zhuge Sa, I activated the Heaven-Inspecting Eyes. With Miho and Zhuge Sa using their magic to keep Shangguan Hyeok in check, I didn't have to worry about a surprise attack. Soon, I began to sense every detail of the surrounding space thread by thread. That's when I realized something was hidden in the seal before me, taking the form of a sword.
Unknowingly, I reached out toward that transparent sword. Though its essence didn't exist in reality, it was clearly present within the spiraling mechanism. The Heaven-Inspecting Eyes allowed me to sense the essence and even touch it freely.
when I realized something was hidden in the seal before me, taking the form of a sword.
Unknowingly, I reached out toward that transparent sword. Though its essence didn't exist in reality, it was clearly present within the spiraling mechanism. The Heaven-Inspecting Eyes allowed me to sense the essence and even touch it freely.
Wuuung.
But while I succeeded in grasping the hilt of the transparent sword, I felt tremendous pain.
".......!!"
Hot!
It felt like my skin was shriveling and my meridians burning—a terrifying scorching heat. The Flame Dragon surged through my veins, pressing as if to crush my heart, stopping my breath. The sudden shock and agony nearly made me black out, but having built up tolerance to pain as a martial artist, I soon regained my senses.
Grit.
Clenching my teeth, I forcibly pulled the sword from the seal while gripping it. When I fully withdrew my hand and extracted the sword, it took on a tangible form in my grasp. It seemed I'd used the power of the Heaven-Inspecting Eyes to wrench it free from where it had been absorbed into the mechanical seal.
But as I continued holding it, my body felt like it was burning from the inside out, so I couldn't endure any longer and let go of the sword.
Clang...!!
"Huff! Heok! Huff...!!"
As I gasped for breath, Zhuge Sa stared blankly at the sword on the ground. Then he glanced at Miho, thought for a moment, and said,
"What a hassle. Recovering it here would be impossible."
At that, the pinned-down Shangguan Hyeok cautiously said,
"Ah, if you understand, put it back. The holy relic is maintaining the seal, but without that sword, it won't hold long."
"By whose authority? You're not even its owner."
"What..."
"Fine, we'll put it back."
Zhuge Sa grinned wickedly and pointed at the sword on the floor with his finger.
"If you're truly its owner, come take it. Then put it back in the seal. If you're the owner, it should be easy, right?"
"......"
"What are you waiting for? Do it."
But despite Zhuge Sa's words, Shangguan Hyeok hesitated, unable to move. It wasn't fear of an attack from Miho or Zhuge Sa—it was clear he literally couldn't accept the proposal. Miho tilted her head in confusion.
"What's the problem? With such an ancient sword..."
As Miho bent down to pick it up, Zhuge Sa bellowed,
"Back off, fox! If a yokai like you touches that divine sword, you'll vanish instantly."
"......!!"
Miho jumped back in shock. So startled that her transformation slightly unraveled, revealing three pure white tails behind her hips. Calming her pounding chest, she realized something and alternated glances between Shangguan Hyeok and Zhuge Sa.
"I see... If I can't, then you two definitely can't either!"
"......?"
What was going on?
Bewildered and just staring blankly, Shangguan Hyeok sighed and said,
"What do you plan to do with it? You pull it out but can't handle the aftermath... You're steeped in the demonic path too—why act superior to me?"
"At least we have the will to clean up the mess. We don't ignore it just because hundreds of thousands might die~"
"Urk..."
"Heh heh. Now the problem is how to transport it."
Unable to hold back any longer, I asked Zhuge Sa,
"Zhuge Sa. What the hell is going on?"
"Hmm... Simply put, no one here can wield that sword—hell, even touching it is too much. You're probably the only one who could even move it, Baek Woong."
"What? Why?"
"Because it's a divine sword. As a supreme treasure of the heavens, it has its own will, and especially the Fire Spirit commanding it wields the power to shatter evil and reveal justice. Even weakened from centuries in the seal, it's this strong—what must it have been like at full power..."
Zhuge Sa gazed at the sword in admiration. I immediately understood and countered,
"You're a wicked demonic sorcerer, and Shangguan Hyeok over there is one too. Miho's a yin-attuned yokai, so of course they can't."
"That's right."
"Wait... Then why can I handle it?"
Zhuge Sa replied as if it was obvious.
"Haven't you been in contact with the [Ancient Ruler], handling otherworldly knowledge, and dabbling directly or indirectly in magic? You might not be pure demon yourself, but the heavenly Fire Spirit has plenty of reason to judge you as evil."
"......"
"Well, since you're not fully corrupted, you can at least touch it while enduring the pain."
Zhuge Sa spoke dismissively, as if it were someone else's problem. But I had no time for his snark. Because at that moment, I realized what powered the force maintaining the Shangguan Family basement's seal.
The driving force was this treasured sword harboring the Fire Spirit.
And there was only one such treasure in all the world worthy of it.
"Fire Dragon Divine Sword!!"
I cried out in shock, and Miho said,
"Baek Woong. Are you okay? The Fire Dragon's energy must have infiltrated your body."
"Ah... hold on."
I hurriedly circulated the Small Celestial Circuit briefly to check my condition. Sure enough, the burning energy from moments ago had seeped into my marrow, creating a flow of flames within me. I used the Hundred Burning Acupoints technique to suppress the Fire Spirit's energy and caught my breath.
'Just holding it briefly did this much.'
No way I could fight wielding the Fire Dragon Divine Sword like this. Even with my immense inner energy, I couldn't fully suppress the internal flames. A normal martial artist would combust instantly upon grasping it. Hell, they might burn just getting close.
"I'm fine."
What a terrifyingly powerful treasure. As I inwardly recoiled from the Fire Dragon Divine Sword's spiritual power, Shangguan Hyeok said,
"Stop before you regret it. The Fire Dragon Divine Sword must maintain this seal. Otherwise, a colossal disaster will strike all of Luoyang."
"Well~ That's your view. We see things differently."
Zhuge Sa sneered and continued,
"You used the Fire Dragon Divine Sword—something that wasn't even yours—for your seal's upkeep without a second thought. Originally, it should have been sealed in a hidden place on Mount Ye and awaited its successor, allowing Yeo Dongbin to properly fulfill his duty as guardian. The line of Earth Immortals and protectors should have been passed down properly through the ages."
"Hmm..."
"But because your Shangguan Family brought the Fire Dragon Divine Sword to Luoyang, the Earth Immortal Yeo Dongbin could barely carry out his duty to protect humanity from the Yi Clan. That's why he spent a millennium twiddling his thumbs before finally descending into that ruthless Baekga brat, right?"
"......"
Ruthless was a bit harsh.
But every word from Zhuge Sa clearly explained why the Fire Dragon Divine Sword was in Luoyang, its secrets, and the causal links.
'So that's why it wasn't at Mount Ye.'
The Fire Dragon Divine Sword was originally sealed in a deep cave on Mount Ye, lodged in the neck of an earth dragon. But an ancestor of the Shangguan Family, craving a powerful treasure,
Luoyang, in Luoyang, and the Earth Shrine."
'So that's why it wasn't at Mount Ye.'
The Fire Dragon Divine Sword was originally sealed in a deep cave on Mount Ye, lodged in the neck of an earth dragon. But an ancestor of the Shangguan Family, craving a powerful treasure, must have found and brought it to Luoyang, using it as material to reinforce the seal in their ritual.
I looked at Shangguan Hyeok with incredulity, and he defended himself,
"It was all for the sake of the world. If we hadn't maintained the seal then, the land would have drowned in blood, and yokai would have slaughtered humans in broad daylight. The Fire Dragon Divine Sword was used righteously, so we did nothing wrong."
"Heh heh. Is that so?"
Zhuge Sa narrowed his eyes and said to me,
"Hey, Baek Woong. To confirm, summon Yeo Dongbin for spirit descent. He'll know best, and we can verify the truth."
"Huh...!!"
Shangguan Hyeok's eyes widened in shock as he shouted at me,
"Y-You're Sword Immortal Yeo Dongbin's successor?!"
"Hmm... Something like that."
I scratched my head and replied. Then I added,
"Best to do as Zhuge Sa says."
As I focused and began summoning Yeo Dongbin, Shangguan Hyeok wore a defeated expression. He slumped to the floor, muttering,
"Karma... It's karma..."
Paat!
Moments later, Yeo Dongbin descended into my body. Upon arrival, he immediately grasped the situation and stared silently at the Fire Dragon Divine Sword on the ground. Then he strode forward and picked it up.
Fwoosh.
The Fire Dragon Divine Sword blazed briefly, as if scorching my hand hotly. But soon the flames subsided, and it rang out purely and clearly, as if welcoming its master.
Kiiing—
Holding the Fire Dragon Divine Sword, Yeo Dongbin stared at the blade in silence for a while before speaking.
[What should be done with this? All these events have wandered in chaos, weaving an unbearable tangle of karma...]
Zhuge Sa sneered at Yeo Dongbin,
"Sword Immortal. How about destroying that seal as is? With your power, you could handle even a horde of demonic beasts pouring out like dogs."
[Utter such nonsense again, and I'll behead you.]
Paat!
At that instant, Zhuge Sa collapsed like a puppet with cut strings. His expression was dazed, his
[Utter such nonsense again, and I'll behead you.]
Paat!
At that instant, Zhuge Sa collapsed like a puppet with cut strings. His expression was dazed, his soul not returning to me—it seemed he'd fainted rather than died. Yeo Dongbin had merely released a burst of killing intent, completely overpowering Zhuge Sa's spirit and sending him into a coma.
'No way.'
Zhuge Sa was the cult leader of the Demonic Cult and an exceptional demonic sorcerer—his mental strength incomparable to ordinary humans. To fell him with mere presence! I could only sense that Yeo Dongbin's power was on another level entirely from before.
Yeo Dongbin walked over to Shangguan Hyeok and said,
[This seal was made to block the divine authority of Wu Ce Tian, was it not, human?]
Too terrified to even think of resisting Yeo Dongbin, Shangguan Hyeok bowed his head in panic.
"Th-That was an unavoidable choice at the time."
[From that moment, everything went awry... Did you truly have to make that choice, Shangguan Wan'er?]
Sighing, Yeo Dongbin soon raised the Fire Dragon Divine Sword in sword-drawing stance, aiming it straight at the seal. Then he shouted,
[Xiao (?)]!
Fwooosh!
At that moment, a flash-like flame erupted from the Fire Dragon Divine Sword, piercing the
[Xiao (?)]!
Fwooosh!
At that moment, a flash-like flame erupted from the Fire Dragon Divine Sword, piercing the center of the complex mechanical seal and even shredding the darkness. The darkness lashed out with tentacle-like energies in all directions like a death throe, but as Yeo Dongbin unleashed tens of thousands of sword qi, deafening explosions rang out.
Kwaaaaang.
Soon the darkness fully dissipated, and the seal followed suit. To Shangguan Hyeok, who watched the divine feat in a daze, Yeo Dongbin said,
[Thanks to the power of the other relic, I could clean it up completely. The gate to Dark Heaven Village will not open now.]
Shangguan Hyeok started in surprise.
"You truly sealed it completely?"
[Indeed.]
Tears streamed down Shangguan Hyeok's face as he rejoiced.
"Ahh...!! Thank you, Great Immortal!"
[......]
But Yeo Dongbin didn't seem particularly pleased. He turned to Miho, who had watched everything blankly from the side, and said,
[The situation is dire. Return to the Heavenly Realm at once.]
Miho, feeling resentful, pouted and retorted,
"Who are you to order me around, Yeo Dongbin? Is that an order from the Queen Mother of the West?"
[Yes. She desires it.]
".......!!"
As Miho recoiled in shock, Yeo Dongbin said flatly,
[If it becomes irreparable, she will eradicate without mercy. Go to the Heavenly Realm before that.]
"But... the path to the Heavenly Realm for me is sealed."
[I left a back path open.]
"Ah...!!"
Miho's face lit up in realization, and she used transformation magic to vanish. From within Yeo Dongbin, I watched Miho leave, feeling both empty and bewildered. She'd promised to help, and now she was gone just like that?
But as if there was no time to worry about Miho, Yeo Dongbin said to me,
[Successor... Discovering the Fire Dragon Divine Sword and sealing the Dark Heaven Village rift is a great merit. However, the Heavenly Realm greatly fears the White Lotus Cult Leader's
and how she was gone just like that.
But as if there was no time to worry about Miho, Yeo Dongbin said to me,
[Successor... Discovering the Fire Dragon Divine Sword and sealing the Dark Heaven Village rift is a great merit. However, the Heavenly Realm greatly fears the White Lotus Cult Leader's power and potential, so they plan to exterminate him decisively this time. Their plan to send down the Heavenly Emperor in 49 days won't be easily stopped.]
What?!
[We've eliminated the threat to Luoyang! Isn't it foul play for the Heavenly Realm to interfere anyway?]
As I protested inwardly, Yeo Dongbin continued,
[This seal was merely an additional threat. The true threat is elsewhere... The Heavenly Realm cannot tolerate the White Lotus Cult Leader occupying Luoyang.]
[What true threat?]
[I cannot reveal it, as it concerns the secrets of heaven.]
Sighing regretfully, Yeo Dongbin said,
[... Successor. Decide now. Will you eliminate the White Lotus Cult Leader, or seek another path?]
I sensed something off in Yeo Dongbin's suggestion.
Normally, he wouldn't offer me such a straightforward choice. Recalling his rampage during our past clash with the Yi Clan, he surely would have raged at the vile White Lotus Cult Leader and taken my body to fight him on his own. Yet for some reason, Yeo Dongbin was adopting a stance of leaving everything to my decision.
[Yeo Dongbin. What are you thinking? I thought as an Earth Immortal and Grand Heavenly Immortal, you'd unconditionally eliminate heavenly foes.]
our past clash with the Yi Clan, he surely would have raged at the vile White Lotus Cult Leader and taken my body to fight him on his own. Yet for some reason, Yeo Dongbin was adopting a stance of leaving everything to my decision.
[Yeo Dongbin. What are you thinking? I thought as an Earth Immortal and Grand Heavenly Immortal, you'd unconditionally eliminate heavenly foes.]
[Did it seem that way?]
With a bitter reply, Yeo Dongbin said,
[It may be futile struggling... But descending the Heavenly Emperor is far too extreme, so I cannot fully endorse it. Thus, I leave the choice to you, successor. Whether the White Lotus Cult Leader is a great evil worth bearing all wickedness to subdue—judge that yourself, as you've seen him directly.]
[......]
I was surprised to realize Yeo Dongbin's proposal stemmed from his own free will. I'd thought him merely a heavenly enforcer who would mechanically opt to slay the cult leader, but unexpectedly, he was skeptical of the Heavenly Emperor plan. Knowing it was sincere, I pondered deeply.
Slaying the cult leader.
If achieved, it would likely cancel the Heavenly Realm's plan. After all, they feared the cult leader enough to send the Heavenly Emperor. It would probably succeed nine times out of ten.
But was it truly the right thing to do?
The cult leader's ideal of Pure Void Paradise was a plan driven by his own conviction to save humanity. And he wasn't human scum distinguishable as utter evil. Zhuge Sa's words about not judging good and evil by surface appearances made it even more uncomfortable.
After much deliberation, I opened my mouth.
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