Chapter 656
Dark Heaven Village
“We need to figure out the identity of the Lord of Mount Tai before heading to Northern Mourning Mountain!”
As soon as the plan was set, thoughts began swirling in my mind. After all, barging into the Celestial Realm to directly interrogate them about the Lord of Mount Tai’s identity and acquire the passage to the Underworld sounded utterly ridiculous. I pondered for a moment before exclaiming, “We can summon the Lord of Mount Tai through an Offering Ceremony!”
“Sounds good. But what offering do you think would be appropriate to secure our entry rights to the Underworld?”
“Hmm…”
I began to worry about what kind of offering would suffice. Since Jang Sam-bong had returned my offerings, I technically had enough now. After mulling it over, I declared, “I’ll offer this.”
As I mentioned what I’d present, Mangnyang voiced his concern. “Baek Woong, shouldn’t we investigate that further before making an offering? Isn’t it going to be troublesome to get something that the Southern Dipper Sorcerer has hidden for the next lifetime?”
“How so?”
“My guess is, considering what we currently possess, there might be something worth trying.”
Following Mangnyang’s suggestion, I decided to give it a go.
Suuuu…
I took out the mysterious silver spear I received from the Southern Dipper Sorcerer, focusing my strength into it. As I did, Yin Spirit Power gathered in my hand, seeping into the spear, which I then fueled with overwhelming energy.
Kugugugugu!
The silver spear suddenly emitted waves of energy in response, to which Mangnyang exclaimed in awe, “As expected… that spear carries a story! It’s quite a remarkable item.”
“It’s tough. Do I need to keep channeling energy?”
“There’s no other choice.”
I frowned. Though I was channeling Yin Spirit Power, I felt resistance coming from the spear, unlike the smooth and satisfying experience with Muramasa. It seemed the spear was not as welcoming to the Yin Spirit Power.
‘Such a fussy thing…’
After a while, I found it increasingly arduous to muster more Yin Spirit Power, beads of sweat forming on my brow. Afraid I might lose the already stored power if I continued, I ultimately stopped.
Mangnyang, sensing my fatigue, remarked wistfully, “I thought by infusing Yin Spirit Power, the strength and memory contained in the spear could manifest as a spirit… such a shame.”
Mangnyang’s suggestion was to awaken the weapon’s self-awareness! While Muramasa wasn’t originally a self-aware weapon, it reacted and gained a frenzied self-awareness when I infused it with strong Yin Spirit Power. Not only that, but it also unlocked techniques and went berserk. I had assumed this method could be applied to other weapons as well.
Just then, Cheon Woo-jin, who had been observing, chimed in, “Give me that spear for a moment.”
As I willingly handed it to him, he began to chant an incantation for a spell, his spirit eyes opening wide as he scrutinized something. Then he said, “It’s not completely fruitless. This spear’s spirit is beginning to stir.”
“Is it due to the Yin Spirit Power?”
Nodding, he responded, “It’s a power of the Three Sovereigns, so it would be strange if it didn’t respond. However, from what I see, it seems to lack enough energy to awaken fully.”
“That’s absurd. There’s no human on Earth who possesses more Yin Spirit Power than I do.”
“It’s likely due to the weapon’s inherent traits. Muramasa naturally harbors a potent aura and is highly compatible with Yin energy, but this silver spear is the opposite. It contains divine power, and there are traces of dragon slaying. It probably considers Yin Spirit Power as the energy of an evil god and thus rejects it.”
I was astounded by Cheon Woo-jin’s words. “Dragon slaying?! So someone killed a dragon with this spear?”
“There’s a curse from the dragon embedded in it. Though it’s more of a decoration, it’s likely that when the dragon was slain, its resentment became entwined with the spear. Using this silver spear while hunting dragons would probably yield great results.”
“Then if I infuse more Yin Spirit Power, might it awaken?”
After pondering my question, Cheon Woo-jin replied, “It could, but perhaps you shouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
“It’s inefficient. From what I can tell, you would need to expend at least ten years’ worth of Yin Spirit Power to awaken this spear. Your goal is to amass Yin Spirit Power quickly, so wasting it on just resurrecting one weapon’s spirit seems ill-advised…”
“I see.”
Cheon Woo-jin’s words made me reconsider. Right now, I was in the process of accumulating Yin Spirit Power using Jeon Wook’s statue during my reincarnation, and I couldn’t afford to squander it. Mangnyang then suggested, “However, Baek Woong, the more Yin Spirit Power you accumulate, the greater the dimensionality of its strength seems to change. Perhaps once you have amassed enough Yin Spirit Power, you could awaken the weapon’s spirit without losing its potency.”
“Hmm.”
Hearing Mangnyang’s words, I thought, ‘So I should gather at least another hundred years’ worth of Yin Spirit Power before attempting this.’ Mangnyang’s strategy was indeed quite valuable. Yin Spirit Power is divine energy; thus, extraordinary or precious items would respond to it and awaken their spirits. Later, when I accumulated enough Yin Spirit Power, I could potentially awaken the spirits of well-crafted or peerless weapons, turning them into even stronger tools! Additionally, enhanced items would surely be offered at a higher level when presented.
Suddenly, an idea struck me, “By the way, what would happen if I infused formidable, great-level Yin Spirit Power into the Seven Luminaries?”
“Umm… that’s something we won’t know until we try,” replied Mangnyang, his tone pondering. “However, I suspect it could lead to catastrophic results. The Water Element of Seven Luminaries may differ slightly.”
“Is it because the Seven Luminaries were crafted from different powers of the Three Sovereigns?”
“That’s part of it… but my thought is…”
Mangnyang fanned himself with a sigh. “Should the spirits of the Seven Luminaries awaken, there could be a serious disaster.”
“Really?”
“Their spirits would be of a different caliber. I believe they themselves would be divine beings, possessing enough strength to devastate worlds.”
“I share the same sentiment as my older brother.”
Cheon Woo-jin interjected. “It’s best not to proceed.”
“……”
“A situation like Jeon Wook’s might control the powers of the Seven Luminaries, but you are not in that position.”
A disaster scenario. I felt disheartened at the thought of being unable to touch the ultimate weapon—the Seven Luminaries—despite being on the brink of awakening a weapon’s spirit. As I internally sulked, Mangnyang said, “Well then, let’s go. There’s no point dragging this out.”
“Understood.”
I proceeded with Mangnyang and Cheon Woo-jin to perform the Offering Ceremony. We placed the silver spear as our offering, erected flags, and moments later, Cheon Woo-jin began to chant the incantation to call upon the Heavenly Spirits.
Kugugung!
Cheon Woo-jin’s demeanor shifted. He had entered a state of spirit summoning. The being summoned within Cheon Woo-jin gazed at me and asked, [Are you the one who summoned the Lord of Mount Tai?]
I responded with authority, “Indeed. You are the Lord of Mount Tai, are you not?”
[……]
There was a brief pause, a lingering silence before the entity finally spoke. [I hold the title of Lord of Mount Tai, but the Lord of Mount Tai does not exist.]
“Then who are you…?”
[I am the Northern Dipper Star Lord. I hold the title of the Lord of Mount Tai as well.]
As expected!
Just as Cheon Woo-jin surmised, the Northern Dipper and Southern Dipper were supposedly acting like the Lord of Mount Tai, being from the Underworld. I feigned surprise and acted astonished before promptly stating, “No matter! I have made my offering, so please confirm it. Also, grant me the right to enter the Underworld!”
[The passage to the Underworld… is that what you desire?]
“Yes.”
The Northern Dipper Star Lord appeared dubious as he replied, [What purpose do you have in seeking entry to the Underworld? After all, it’s merely a place anyone visits upon death.]
“What value is there in learning after I die? I just wish to understand where I’ll end up after death while I’m still alive.”
[A foolish thirst for knowledge, hmm…?]
At that moment—
Whoosh!
Something ethereal appeared beside the Northern Dipper Star Lord. It transformed into a figure donning a ritualistic robe and spoke to him. [Northern Dipper Star Lord. It has come to my attention that this one possesses the famed sword of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens. Recently, they also made an offering to that monkey.]
[What…? Southern Dipper Star Lord, is this true?]
[Would I lie?]
[Hmm.]
Doubt crept into the Northern Dipper Star Lord’s gaze. He then declared, [Something’s suspicious. What are you scheming by repeatedly making offerings to the Great Existences of the Celestial Realm?]
“This isn’t some dubious matter. If you truly don’t wish for this, I’ll cancel the ceremony right now.”
I displayed a humble attitude, adhering to Mangnyang’s counsel. The Northern Dipper Star Lord responded, [There was once a sorcerer who borrowed our power to meet Yama King, gaining immense lifespan and returning to the mortal realm… However, he had sufficient skill and destiny, which is why we allowed him his lifespan.]
“……”
[Are you also seeking to extend your lifespan by entering the Underworld?]
“Yes, that is my intention.”
[Hah… foolish. I will grant you the right to enter the Underworld; do what you wish.]
Swoosh!
In the next moment, Cheon Woo-jin’s spirit summoning dissipated, and the Northern and Southern Dipper Star Lords vanished simultaneously. Mangnyang, who had been observing the ceremony, supported Cheon Woo-jin and said to me, “Well, the ceremony was a success.”
“Now let’s move on to Northern Mourning Mountain and pass through the passage.”
We journeyed to Northern Mourning Mountain. Upon reaching the base, Cheon Woo-jin instructed, “Baek Woong, use the Fire Eye Golden Spirit Technique.”
“Understood.”
“The darkest world is the Underworld.”
Flaring up, I activated the Fire Eye Golden Spirit Technique, suddenly realizing that I could perceive the hidden world behind the veil. Carefully shifting my gaze, I noticed the scenery transformed into multiple shades and picked the darkest, most ominous color of the hidden world.
‘The Fire Eye Golden Spirit allows me to see the overlapping hidden realms…’
Whooo…
Observing Northern Mourning Mountain through the Fire Eye Golden Spirit revealed that while the terrain remained unchanged, souls of the departed, judges, and reapers roamed about—it was astonishing to see such a multitude is gathered here. They seemed to guard a colossal “gate” atop the mountain, undoubtedly the passage to the Underworld.
As I stared intently at Northern Mourning Mountain, Cheon Woo-jin commented, “Now we can easily venture into the Underworld. It’s something I could achieve with the Palace Examination Technique, but the Fire Eye Golden Spirit will likely carry on even after reincarnation, expanding our options from the start.”
“Hmm… now that we have the passage to the Underworld, can we just go straight through?”
“No… that would be foolish. If such a simple task were possible, there wouldn’t be such elaborate preparations for the Lord of Mount Tai ritual.”
“Then what do we do?”
Cheon Woo-jin answered bluntly, “The passage rights are merely authorization to cross that gate, and the denizens of the Underworld will surely try to obstruct our entry.”
“……”
“And just look at those shameless ones.”
“Where?”
“Those standing directly in front of the Underworld Gate.”
I amplified the Force of the Fire Eye Golden Spirit, peering toward the Underworld Gate.
Before me stood two fully armored figures.
“……”
The Northern and Southern Dipper Star Lords!
I was left agape and shouted, “Wait, they gave us passage and now they’re blocking us?!”
“Weren’t those two the duplicitous types? You should have expected this much from when they played the Queen Mother of the West’s minions during our last life.”
“What should we do?”
“There are two options. We can either overpower that crowd of Underworld denizens or abandon our journey to the Underworld.”
“Damn it!”
Neither option pleased me. Above all, if I backed out of my journey to the Underworld like this, I’d feel so uneasy that I wouldn’t be able to sleep a wink. As I vented my frustration, Mangnyang spoke up. “Something feels off.”
“What do you mean?”
“……”
After pondering for a long moment, Mangnyang stated, “It’s strange that despite a gathering of Underworld denizens near Luoyang, they seem unaware of Zhuge Yulong’s evil deeds. He must have been practicing human sacrifice or forbidden arts frequently.”
“Hmm…”
“Baek Woong, this is grave. Perhaps…”
Just then—
Whoosh!
Time felt as if it was coming to a halt. Mangnyang froze mid-sentence, while Cheon Woo-jin seemed to have resisted the time-stopping effect with a barrier.
Then, a familiar voice rang out from nearby, echoing through the stillness.
“It seems you’ve caught on to everything.”
“You…”
“Shall I assist the offerings a bit?”
Emerging from the thicket like a phantom was a monk dressed in ancient robes—
The Celestial Sage Tripitaka of the Eight Parts of the Divine.