NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 661
Chapter 661: Dark Heaven Village
The Five Great Mountains?
I felt uneasy again, as if I was straying off course, but now that the name Shenglong was mentioned, I couldn’t overlook the request of the Fire Dragon Incarnate. I asked him, “Why does Shenglong wish to communicate?”
[ I don’t know.]
“Then why do we need to go to the Five Great Mountains?”
[ They told me to come here.]
“……”
It seemed that Shenglong was calling us unilaterally, while the Fire Dragon Incarnate didn’t appear to have any insights. I felt a throbbing headache coming on, but nodded my head.
“I understand. I will follow the words of the Incarnate.”
I had no choice but to go. Above all, it was a chance to uncover the secrets of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace, specifically the secret of Shenglong, who was regarded as the Emperor’s right arm and equal to the Five Emperors. I resolved to learn something even at the cost of my life and informed the advisors of the Fire Dragon Incarnate’s task.
Zhuge Sa commented, “This is unexpected. Such things haven’t happened before, have they?”
“Indeed.”
“It seems the powers regained from the Celestial Realm are far stronger than we thought. When we met Yeodong-bin a thousand years ago, he was likely already quite depleted.”
Mangnyang, who was beside me, spoke, “Baek Woong, didn’t you ask the Fire Dragon Incarnate which powers of the Dragon King he has restored?”
“I did, but he only answered that he is still in the process of recovery.”
“Hmm… For now, my fellow priest and I will accompany you. If anything happens, we must assist you.”
“Where shall we go among the Five Great Mountains?”
Without hesitation, Mangnyang answered, “Naturally, Songshan.”
“Because Shaolin Temple is on our side?”
“Exactly. Let’s also ask for help from the Master of Zen. Coincidentally, our companions are training there, so it wouldn’t hurt to accept the help of Jin So-cheong or the Sword Demon.”
Boom!
We headed toward Shaolin Temple. Just before we ascended to the Heavenly Altar on Songshan, I felt something was off.
“Let’s hide.”
Using the strong intuition and perception unique to experts, I sensed the atmosphere was different. The oppressive aura thick in the air undoubtedly belonged to highly skilled martial artists, and I quickly realized that revealing our presence carelessly would be unwise. When Cheon Woo-jin executed the Stealth Technique, we were able to observe our surroundings in a transparent state.
While observing the buildings of Shaolin Temple from atop the mountain region, I let out a murmur.
“The Wind Spirit Sect…”
I enhanced my vision and was able to spot the experts hiding throughout Shaolin Temple. They were the elite combat unit of the White Lotus Sect, the Wind Spirit Sect, and each member was powerful enough to be considered a peak-level expert in Jianghu. I had clashed with them multiple times and clearly recognized quite a few familiar faces. Moreover, I spotted the leader of the Wind Spirit Sect and several elder-level experts.
The elders of the Wind Spirit Sect seemed to be seated around the Great Hero Hall, watching over the monks kneeling before them. The monitored monks were at least equal to the renowned martial monks of Shaolin Temple. At a glance, the Master of Zen’s figure wasn’t visible.
Seeing that, I muttered, “It seems Shaolin Temple has been subdued by those from the Wind Spirit Sect. With barely any signs of battle, they likely surrendered quietly.”
“Is that so!” Mangnyang sighed.
“It seems the Master of the White Lotus acted. He must have seized Shaolin Temple overnight without a sound. To have completely escaped our Bancheon Alliance’s ears, that’s impressive action.”
“But Shaolin Temple has sealed their gates.”
“The Master of the White Lotus wouldn’t be bothered by such trivial matters. To him, the renown of Jianghu is nothing. Rather, not destroying Shaolin Temple would be showing some kindness.”
“True enough.”
As I pondered over this, I said, “The Master of the White Lotus likely thinks Shaolin Temple is connected to us.”
“Most likely. Our priority now is to rescue the Master of Zen before ascending to the Heavenly Altar. He has a lot of information about us, and we must move quickly before he gets tortured.”
That was indeed correct.
Having shared the Obsidian with the Master of Zen, he surely knew I was the Reborn Person and likely understood my goals and secret methods well. If the information shared with the Master of the White Lotus reached him, it could create significant problems.
“Ugh… I should have brought the Master of Zen and Bright Dragon back to the base.”
“They refused to come with us by their own will, so it can’t be helped.”
“……”
“Baek Woong, what’s wrong?”
I hesitated and said, “With the Wind Spirit Sect members and the elders all gathered, and with a large faction like Shaolin Temple quietly surrendering… this indicates that Yong Bi-cheon is present.”
The Master of Zen knew the power gap between himself and the Dharma Guardian and likely surrendered to avoid casualties.
“That could be.”
“I have no confidence in saving the Master of Zen and Shaolin Temple without casualties against Yong Bi-cheon. Even just the aftermath of fighting him would cause many monks to die.”
“Your concerns are valid, Baek Woong.”
After pondering for a moment, Mangnyang said, “It seems difficult for just the three of us. Let’s bring along more of our companions as we originally planned.”
“Understood.”
“Before that, let’s bring back the crucial comrades from the base first.”
“I’ll go quickly.”
After bringing back the ‘comrades,’ we headed toward the mysterious ancient facility nearby. Originally, it was structured to open when recognizing the Master’s fingerprints, but thanks to the Master of Zen operating the device, we could easily push aside the rocks and enter.
“Baek Woong, what’s up?”
Inside, Jin So-cheong, the Sword Demon, Extreme Tiger, and Tang San were diligently practicing martial arts. This space was ideal for swiftly enhancing one’s power as the accumulation of internal energy was significantly faster than outside. With a grave expression, I explained the situation, and everyone’s faces turned grim.
The Sword Demon said, “We can’t avoid casualties against Yong Bi-cheon. We have more than enough strength to deal with him, but if he utilizes his Infinite Internal Power to resist, it would be a cataclysm. The deaths of the Shaolin monks are unavoidable. Not to mention the Wind Spirit Sect’s forces are also present.”
“But…”
“If we confront him head-on, there’s no way to prevent Shaolin Temple’s destruction from the aftermath.”
The Sword Demon’s tone was resolute. I looked at Jin So-cheong, who also shook her head in agreement as if she thought the same.
“No matter how much we combine our strength, it’s impossible to assassinate Yong Bi-cheon in an instant. Fighting the Dharma Guardian will inevitably turn into a power struggle. Unless enlightened in the Absolute Realm….”
We could eliminate the Wind Spirit Sect members, but casualties were unavoidable.
“Cough…”
Even with help from Cheon Woo-jin, it would still be difficult. Though Cheon Woo-jin was a Master of Zen, there were limits to how much help he could provide.
At that moment, Extreme Tiger, who had been chewing on some jerky, suddenly spoke, “Why not leave it to Tang San?”
Everyone’s gaze shifted to Extreme Tiger. He pointed at Tang San with his chin and continued, “This little one has skills that you can no longer dismiss. If he plays his cards right, he can achieve our goals easily.”
“What do you mean, Extreme Tiger?”
“Just ask him directly. See whether he can or can’t.”
I questioned Tang San, “Tang San, do you have a solution?”
Tang San grinned and said, “Hehe. I think it’ll be very easy.”
“What?”
“Directly meeting swords is not the only option.”
Soon, we all gathered near Shaolin Temple. Tang San opened the poison bundle he had prepared and sent the contents flying into the wind. With Cheon Woo-jin using Wind Techniques to create a powerful cyclone, the poison powder spread much faster.
Swish!
About one meal later, the invisible fine poison powder drifted, and suddenly, the members of the Wind Spirit Sect standing guard seemed to struggle for breath.
“Cough… Gah!”
“This poison is too potent…”
“Elder… please be cautious…”
“Ugh.”
The elders of the Wind Spirit Sect appeared fine given their significant internal energy, but the others were not. As the Wind Spirit Sect fell incapacitated all at once, the elders hurriedly started to retreat. It was a pitiful end for a force that could have obliterated a major faction overnight.
Boosh!
We arrived late to the area swept clean by the poison and scattered antidotes among the people. Time was too short to give them the antidote one by one, so we made them absorb the powder through their pores. As a result, the fallen monks and Wind Spirit Sect’s members slowly began to regain consciousness, and with Jin So-cheong and Extreme Tiger applying blood seals, we subdued the Wind Spirit Sect’s members.
Then, I placed all the Wind Spirit Sect members and monks into the Wooden Armor.
‘Now there’s less worry about getting swept away.’
It was now possible to engage Yong Bi-cheon freely.
However, I was flabbergasted and said, “What kind of poison did you use? Even peak experts can’t endure it…”
Tang San grinned. “It’s one of the Ten Deadly Poisons from the Tang Family’s vision, the Soul-Hiding Death. Just a handful of this poison can infect a hundred people, and prolonged exposure causes even Peak Masters to bleed and die.”
“How did you get your hands on that?”
“I tortured a direct descendant of the Tang Family before and stole the manufacturing method, memorizing it.”
“And the antidote?”
“Oh, that originally didn’t exist, but I discovered it through my own research.”
“……”
“I had made these poisons and antidotes in advance, thinking there might come a time when I’d help my lifesaver.”
Creating poisons requires high-level engineering and mathematical calculations along with a lengthy training period. An outstanding intellect is undoubtedly necessary. Yet, for such a young teenager to comprehend the manufacturing method and invent an antidote was genius! I realized once again that Tang San was an extraordinary prodigy.
Thanks to Tang San’s poison, we resolved the troublesome matter and proceeded forward. As we entered the Great Hero Hall of Shaolin Temple, just as I had seen in the Palace Examination Technique, there were Yong Bi-cheon and the elders of the Wind Spirit Sect gathered.
‘ The Master of Zen… is dead.’
I clenched my teeth. When I had seen him in the Palace Examination Technique just previously, the Master of Zen had still been alive despite undergoing severe torture. But now, he was lifeless. Yong Bi-cheon was undoubtedly behind his death.
Yong Bi-cheon regarded me and my companions with a sly gaze and said, “This is fortuitous. I couldn’t glean much from this fellow, and the parties have come to find me themselves.”
“Yong Bi-cheon. Are you out of your mind? To attack a sealed Shaolin Temple of the White Lotus and seek its destruction? What madness is this?”
I bellowed, to which Yong Bi-cheon replied, “Kekeke. A mere pup like you. Even I alone could handle the likes of you.”
I was aware that Yong Bi-cheon’s confidence was not unfounded. If a Dharma Guardian with Infinite Internal Power fully indulged in battle, the entirety of Songshan could be obliterated. Yet, I scoffed and said, “Killing the Master of Zen was your mistake. You’re still just a strong but foolish brat!”
“Shut your mouth!!”
Yong Bi-cheon shouted with fury, conjuring a massive Wind Bullet in mid-air and launching it at me. The overwhelming force and speed would have normally brought substantial pressure. However, I immediately drew the Fire Dragon Sword and sliced through the Wind Bullet in a single strike.
Swoosh!
“……!!”
Yong Bi-cheon’s face exhibited shock. The powerful barrier effortlessly vanished into thin air the moment my blade struck. I had aimed precisely for the core of his aura, and just with that singular movement, I captured the essence of the Thunder God’s unnamed cutting technique.
I glanced at him mockingly, saying, “With your current power, I can handle you alone. But…”
Swoosh!
At that moment, Jin So-cheong, the Sword Demon, and Extreme Tiger each moved in unison, and Zhuge Bu, brought back from the base, had also assumed an attacking stance. Alongside, Mangnyang and Cheon Woo-jin were prepared to deploy their techniques.
“Ugh… what’s happening?! Where did all you experts come from…”
Yong Bi-cheon, sensing the ominous aura, broke into a sweat along his neck and staggered back. I glared at him and said, “We’re short on time, so let’s finish this swiftly along with my comrades.”
“W-wait…”
“Shut up! You’re not important anymore.”
Your worth is nonexistent.
Without hesitation, my comrades and I launched into a combined attack.
Boom!
The battle with Yong Bi-cheon concluded roughly thirty seconds later. Yong Bi-cheon unleashed his Infinite Internal Power for a ferocious attack, but with our combined might, we overwhelmed him in an instant, preying upon his numerous openings. Yong Bi-cheon’s understanding of martial arts wasn’t that high, allowing Jin So-cheong to slip through and deliver a finishing blow—he collapsed forward, bleeding profusely.
Thud!
“Ugh…!”
As soon as we brought down the Dharma Guardian Yong Bi-cheon, Extreme Tiger glared at him with mixed hatred and pierced him with his spear.
Swish!
Extreme Tiger’s spear pierced through his head and then separated his neck from his body. With a powerful Lion’s Roar, he shouted, “Master!! I avenged our enemy!”
After swiftly dealing with Yong Bi-cheon, I called forth the spirit of the deceased Master of Zen using the Heavenly Secret Technique. The Master of Zen appeared to be in a poor state, likely having suffered terribly in life.
[ I’m sorry… Baek Woong, disciple… According to your words, I should have sought refuge at your base… but I feared that the innocent monks from my faction would suffer… I had to draw attention to myself to prevent the massacre of my monks… ]
“Hmm…”
[ But don’t worry… Yong Bi-cheon tortured me, but I revealed almost nothing… However, I had to speak about the Heavenly Altar since he kept asking about it… ]
“The Heavenly Altar?”
[ … It seems the Master of the White Lotus is plotting to seize the Heavenly Altar… ]
The Master of Zen sighed deeply as if extinguished and spoke, [ Disciple, I ask a favor… Yong Bi-cheon is likely in as much peril as I was. Either help him or send him off without pain. ]
“Understood.”
[ I hope in your next reincarnation, you can be of greater help… ]
Swish!
The spirit of the Master of Zen vanished. I immediately intended to head to the Wudang Sect but at that moment, Mangnyang interrupted.
“Baek Woong, don’t rush and first check Jin So-cheong’s status using the Palace Examination Technique.”
“Got it.”
I utilized the Palace Examination Technique to search for Bright Dragon’s whereabouts and condition. The spirit of the National Seal indicated that he was still alive and trapped in an unknown secret room, and he wasn’t being tortured.
As we viewed the projection together, Mangnyang said, “It seems the White Lotus Sect did indeed attack the Wudang Sect; however, unlike the Master of Zen, Bright Dragon must have successfully escaped. That location is probably a hideout of the Wudang Sect.”
“Hmm. Then I shall retrieve him right away.”
Boom!
I rushed to rescue Bright Dragon. Upon seeing the corpse of the deceased Master of Zen, Bright Dragon sighed in despair.
“Self-inflicted consequences, so who can I blame… sigh.”
“Did you not get captured by the followers of the White Lotus?”
“Nothing of the sort. My only worry is for the disciples back at my faction…”
“I’ll save them later.”
“… Please do.”
I moved Bright Dragon to a safe location at the base and returned to Songshan. We tidied up the matters at Shaolin Temple before heading to the Heavenly Altar.
Boom!
Once atop the Heavenly Altar, the Fire Dragon Sword suddenly emanated a divine light. Leaving my grip, it soared into the air on its own, releasing an enormous flame that seemed to form a pillar of fire connecting heaven and earth.
Whoosh!
“Ah, I’m getting sucked in…”
While my companions quickly dodged, I found myself drawn into the fiery pillar without any chance to escape. However, the flame wasn’t hot nor did it harm me, and I soon realized I was standing in an entirely white space of void.
‘ Where is this…’
I wasn’t alone in this space.
The Fire Dragon Incarnate stood before a gigantic dragon, dressed in ancient attire, gazing intently at the massive dragon that exuded an ethereal elegance, its giant wings impressively unfurled.
The Fire Dragon Incarnate spoke to the dragon, [ My true body, why have you summoned me? Do you wish to take me away?]
The response echoed back silently.
The dragon merely stared at the Fire Dragon Incarnate for a while, and moments later, his form completely vanished from this reality.
“Ah!!”
Startled, I charged at the dragon with my sword, but it felt as if an immense distance separated us, and I could not reach it. As I flailed in nothingness, the dragon’s eyes glimmered with a mysterious light as it regarded me.
Then, its will reached me.
[ Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens. It’s been a while…]
Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens?
Whoosh!
As I was engulfed in confusion, a blue sword blade suddenly erupted from my heart. It wasn’t a real sword but the celestial blade I had harbored within me all along. As the sword drew out from my chest, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman effortlessly appeared at its tip.
Could it be… the Heavenly Mysterious Woman manifested in this realm through my celestial blade?
While I struggled to conceal my astonishment, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman spoke, not addressing me at all, but directed her words toward the dragon.
[ Shenglong, do you wish to take the Fire Dragon Incarnate to the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace?]
Shenglong!
It became evident that the divine dragon present here was indeed Shenglong.
Shenglong replied slowly, [ There’s no need for that… I’ll let this child act as she wishes until the end.]
[ Why did you send her to the Celestial Realm then?]
[ The Emperor wished for it…]
[ ……]
[ Do not attempt to presume the will of that being. There need only be one like Changhil.]
At Shenglong’s words, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman sighed.
[ A great evil is lurking. You don’t mind if the Celestial Realm is destroyed?]
[ Evil is also the essence of the world. We have no right to measure good and evil.]
[ But you were once the Spirit King of the Dragon, and you feel no attachments to this land?]
[ Enough.]
Whoosh!
In a moment, Shenglong released a surge of energy, causing the Heavenly Mysterious Woman to shrink back, her complexion paling. The pressure alone made her, one of the greatest Great Immortals of the Celestial Realm, shrink before Shenglong. The claim that Shenglong was on par with the Five Emperors wasn’t false at all.
Looking at her with a mysterious gaze, Shenglong spoke.
[ Heavenly Mysterious Woman, I didn’t come here to listen to your complaints. I have no leisure for the likes of the Three Sovereigns to interfere… so you may leave.]
[ But…!!]
[ Leave!]
Swish!
In an instant, the form of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman vanished. It seems that Shenglong held undeniable authority in this space, capable of expelling anyone at will. His eyes then turned to me, and he opened his mouth.
[ Thank you for reviving my Incarnate, Mortal Being.]
I sensed the overwhelming power and essence of destruction and chaos akin to that of the Three Sovereigns yet felt that the nature of his strength differed. Strangely, I felt an inexplicable familiarity with him and responded.
“Shenglong, why have you called the Fire Dragon Incarnate up until now?”
[ Because I’m fond of her.]
“What?”
[ That child likely should have questioned her essence, yet she has maintained her beliefs. Observing her is one of my few joys. And now that she has regained the strength to uphold her convictions, I feel proud.]
That was an emotion I couldn’t quite comprehend.
As I tilted my head in confusion, Shenglong spoke.
[ Mortal Being… from you emanates a familiar echo of chaos. However, such energy is forbidden to humans. Therefore, you are remarkably unique.]
“……”
[ You possess the talent to be loved by the myriad demons.]
I didn’t need such talent!!
I nearly exploded in outrage but restrained myself in front of Shenglong.
I said to Shenglong, “Shenglong, please form a contract with me. Or at least allow me entry into the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace!!”
[ I refuse. You do not possess the qualifications for that.]
“Then could you tell me what the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace is like?”
[ I refuse.]
“If you accept an offering…”
[ I have no need for material offerings from the worldly plane. All who reside in the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace are the same. I reject all transactions with Mortals.]
“……”
[ The Emperor offers all; there’s no reason for me to begrudge anything against his will.]
To refuse a deal in the first place!
What kind of madness was this? The notion that all attempts to establish ties through offering ceremonies with the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace would be completely rebuffed left me flabbergasted! By that logic, all efforts to explore connections with the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace via offering ceremonies were blocked!
‘ No, this is too closed off!’
As I stood there in a daze, Shenglong spoke again.
[ Jeon Wook and Jeogok are trying to intervene in this space…]
Boom!
Just as he said that, massive wings of a demon appeared outside, accompanied by throngs of spirits swarming into sight. The enormous hand belonged to a manifestation of Jeogok’s strength, while the spirits were undoubtedly dispatched from the realm of the myriad demons. I exclaimed in disbelief.
“Why are the Three Sovereigns trying to come in here?!”
[ They ardently desire to access the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace… longing, even yearning to push through by seizing me, the Emperor’s aide… to remove their masks.]
“A mask?”
[ They merely wish to act as they please… but do they have the qualifications to be called rulers of this world?]
With a mutter akin to annoyance, Shenglong suddenly let out a roar.
[ Be gone!]
Boom!
At that roar, the hand of Jeogok turned to mere fragments of blood and soared into the heavens, while the spirit entities of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace were all shredded into chunks. Realizing the insane power contained within that roar, my face turned pale. Shenglong’s might was truly formidable.
‘ So… powerful!’
To effortlessly repel the hand of the Three Sovereigns!
Once the area settled, Shenglong sighed, as if commenting on the burdens of visiting the mortal realm after such a long time.
[ I shall take my leave now.]
It seemed that Shenglong genuinely came to see the Fire Dragon Incarnate, as if viewing her with affection, rather than coming to see me.
“Wait a moment.”
I was overrun with an obsession to gain something.
‘ This is not a common opportunity!!’
It’s rare to have the chance to restore the Fire Dragon Sword in Celestial Realm for such an extended period. Securing the cooperation of a Celestial Sage like Jeon Wook wouldn’t be easy!
Since I wouldn’t frequently see Shenglong, I felt an instinct to learn something during this rare moment. As I racked my brain, I shouted at Shenglong.
“If I collect all six of the remaining Seven Luminaries, will I truly be able to acquire the sun at Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace?!”
I wanted to verify the truth behind this information!
He paused.
Shenglong stopped on his way to leave this space. Then, he answered briefly in response to my inquiry.
[ Indeed.]
“If I gather all six of the Seven Luminaries, the gate to the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace will… open?”
[ No. It is a separate matter.]
“A separate matter means…”
[ It would be prudent to find a different method to access the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace.]
After replying, Shenglong flapped his wings.
[ Mortal Being, cease your foolish ambition to gather the Seven Luminaries… you will not achieve that as long as the Three Sovereigns endure in this land.]
Boom!
No sooner had the words left his mouth than I was returned to the state before the fiery pillar unfurled.
It was as if no time had passed, barely a blink.
As I stood there in a daze, I clenched my fist.
‘ … So what if it’s foolish.’
No matter what anyone said, I would see this through!
“Everyone, those who are ready, raise your hands.”
With my resolve firm, I shouted to my companions nearby.
“We’re heading to Dark Heaven Village right now!”