NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 668
Chapter 668: Dark Heaven Village
Something feels off.
‘How on earth can that guy use the Mind Control Technique?’
The moment I glimpsed the Nirvana of the Absolute, I instinctively realized it was the martial arts of the Absolute Realm.
Just earlier, I witnessed a tremendous epiphany where intent gathered around the sword, manifesting into six ultimate techniques, so it was only natural for me to be confused. After all, only humans can properly wield and utilize intent, yet here’s the Asura, the incarnation of Changhil, using the Mind Control Technique? At a level that reaches the Absolute Realm no less? That just didn’t make sense.
No, the strange signs had been there all along. It was odd that Geol-seon freely wielded martial arts in the past. The incarnations of Changhil have an unsettling ease with the power of intent typically granted to humans. Wouldn’t beings of chaos struggle to control intent, which is the power of the Primordial Void? What is going on?
While I was wrapped up in my own intense thoughts, the Fire Dragon Incarnate suddenly spoke.
[Are you bragging about reaching the pinnacle of martial arts?]
[Hahaha. You’ll find out for yourself.]
The Fire Dragon Incarnate raised the Fire Dragon Sword alongside the Water Elemental Sword and glanced sideways at the Sorcerer beside him.
[If you have any secret arts, use them quickly. This isn’t a foe to spare your strength against.]
[Don’t order me around.]
Goooowww
It felt like a giant fire dragon shimmered, as the Fire Dragon Incarnate poured all her strength into both the Fire Dragon Sword and Water Elemental Sword. It seemed she was determined not to lose the battle of strength. The Asura, recognizing the Fire Dragon Incarnate as a master of the martial arts, held back, gauging the distance instead of rushing in carelessly.
Swoosh
[Ah, here is the secret art.]
The Sorcerer fixed her gaze on the Water Elemental Sword and suddenly reached out her power to draw it towards herself. The Fire Dragon Incarnate looked at the Sorcerer with a wary glare, to which the Sorcerer chuckled.
[Are you really planning to waste something this good on just the Water Elemental Sword? You don’t understand the true value of the Seven Luminaries.]
[Stop. That’s dangerous.]
[Hmph! Foolish words.]
[Do you not understand what it means to unleash the Seven Luminaries in Dark Heaven Village?]
[What do I care about that?]
With a scoff, the Sorcerer began to bring the Water Elemental Sword under her control. Her spirit body began chanting the Absolute Teachings, and the seal started to lift gradually. I was taken aback by the sight.
‘What?! Can she really release that seal alone?!’
Wasn’t unleashing the Seven Luminaries something only the Three Sovereigns and divine beings could do? Does the ancient Absolute Teachings master possess skills of such caliber? Light began to flow from the Water Elemental Sword, quickly giving rise to grotesque chaos, becoming increasingly powerful. It appeared the Sorcerer intended to unseal the Water Elemental Sword and draw out its power for her own use.
At that moment, the Asura, who had been watching from the front, suddenly wore a decidedly aggressive expression.
[You dare to release the seal of the Seven Luminaries in front of me? I won’t allow that!]
[Hahaha. You worthless scum.]
The Sorcerer let out a loud laugh.
[So you’ve become a supreme being through martial arts? What nonsense can you spout before the power of this god?]
Crash!
It was the moment the Sorcerer swung the Water Elemental Sword once.
The technique unique to the Water Elemental Sword, encasing time and space in ice, surrounded the advancing Asura. While the ice realm created by Ha Eun-cheon’s Cosmic Fragment was remarkable, what the Sorcerer unfolded now seemed to paint the entire Heaven and Earth Sea white at the moment of its manifestation. The strength matched the terrifying aura of the Fire Dragon Incarnate’s Flame Elemental Sword.
‘Yes… when the incarnation of the Old Ruler manifested, it wielded this level of power.’
Crackle
But the Asura… did he truly master the martial arts of the Absolute Realm? With moves far faster and more agile than my Soul Removal Technique, he dodged the attack accurately. It was as if he was flying through the air like beams of light. At the same time, as the Mind Control Technique charged in like the Nirvana of the Absolute, it was instead the Asura who countered.
[Hah!]
The fire dragon devours the Mind Control Technique! In that instant, the Fire Dragon Incarnate deflected the Asura’s counterattack with the power of the Dragon King imbued in the Fire Dragon Sword. She had anticipated that with the Asura’s skill, even using the Seven Luminaries, he would counter-attack, so she was prepared. When the Sorcerer noticed the Fire Dragon Incarnate deflecting the attack, a twisted smile curled her lips.
[Hahaha. It’s no longer simple.]
She seemed intent on finishing things off with just the Water Elemental Sword, further enhancing its power.
[Be trapped and die!]
Boom!
In an instant, it seemed the sky was filled with a torrent of glacial rivers. A radius of several miles was engulfed in terrifying coldness, emanating a pure white glow. The power of the Water Elemental Sword appeared to be spreading, quieting the surroundings under the oppressive coldness.
Crack!!!
Breaking the stillness, one of the Asura’s weapons shot toward my heart using the Invincible Sword Technique, piercing through the massive icy glacier. With such immense intent imbued, normally, it would be impossible for me to stop. Just as I felt a chill run down my spine, the Sorcerer began to conjure her techniques again.
Kachang!
The Asura’s technique was blocked by none other than the Ruyi Staff. When the Asura’s weapon collided with the Ruyi Staff, it shattered into countless pieces, but the staff showed no sign of damage. Clearly irritated, the Sorcerer muttered.
[That Asura, is he trying to snipe me, as if he’s a conqueror? Seems like he picked up on how little time he has left to borrow this Baek Woong’s body.]
[It needs to be a short battle. I’ll defend; you attack.]
[You don’t have to tell me the obvious.]
[Then…]
The Fire Dragon Incarnate’s eyes gleamed, and she activated her powers.
Shenglong Invoking the Clouds!
At that moment, a divine cloud-like force swirled around the Fire Dragon Incarnate, propelling her forward like a beam of light. She shot through the air, seemingly knowing exactly where the Asura was hiding, soaring dozens of miles in an instant, and in the blink of an eye, her sword struck him directly on the head.
Boom!
A small earthquake rocked the area as the Asura and the Fire Dragon Incarnate exchanged fierce techniques. Though the Fire Dragon Incarnate was proficient and mighty as the master of the Sword Master Yeodong-bin, facing the number one martial artist of the Martial Arts World, the Asura, was remarkable. It seemed the power of Shenglong Invoking the Clouds temporarily elevated all the Fire Dragon Incarnate’s abilities.
Crash!
With a look of fury, the Asura swung his weapon and shouted.
[Back off, Dragon King! I’ll take care of that arrogant Great Immortal first!]
It seemed the Asura was greatly annoyed by the Sorcerer attacking him using the Seven Luminaries. In a state of considerable rage, losing the usual calm of a battle maniac, the Sorcerer laughed derisively at the Asura.
[Huh. I wonder if you can actually do that. Eat this!]
Whaaa!
A thunderous roar erupted.
The Sorcerer had summoned the Ruyi Staff, Sabre Sword, and Water Elemental Sword simultaneously, and each one reacted to the spells of the Absolute Teachings she recited, gradually emitting a brilliant glow. Watching the Sorcerer handle multiple treasures at once, I recalled our earlier conversation.
[This is my natural ability. I have nearly infinite mental endurance, no consumption of power when using any spell or treasure, and an innate ability to comprehend all spells at a glance.]
When she handled the Sabre Sword just now, I hadn’t thought much about it…
Could it be possible that the limit isn’t four but instead six treasures at once, including the Sabre Sword, Seven Luminaries, and Ruyi Staff?!
As I gasped in shock internally, the Sorcerer began chanting a spell.
Six Soul Banner.
Bind it.
Whooooosh!
In that moment, a dark veil or fabric suddenly shot up near the Asura’s body. Amidst the chaotic battle with the Fire Dragon Incarnate, the Six Soul Banner unraveled, but the Asura, true to his mastery in the Absolute Realm, transformed as if he were light, retreating at extraordinary speed. However, surprisingly, the Six Soul Banner pursued him, moving more swiftly than he could escape, gliding through the air like liquid. The Asura let out a cry of exasperation.
[What! What is this…?]
The Sorcerer chuckled.
[No matter how fast some martial art technique is, it will never catch up to the speed of the Six Soul Banner, a treasure exclusive to the Lord of the Grove!]
[……!!]
[It’s your folly to rely on such weak human techniques and neglect your powers.]
Crackle!
The Six Soul Banner soon wrapped around the Asura’s arms, binding all four of them. The Asura struggled to explode his power to break free, but it proved difficult. After all, it was the Lord of the Grove’s exclusive treasure, specializing in binding; not even the Eight Parts of the Divine could easily break free from it.
Seeing the Asura bound up, the Sorcerer triumphantly murmured.
[Once bound by the Six Soul Banner, even a Great Immortal will be sucked dry of all their power within moments. This is as good as victory.]
Boom!
Once again employing the Shenglong Invoking the Clouds, the Fire Dragon Incarnate pursued the Asura, yet the Asura seemed to wear a strangely ecstatic expression.
He appeared delighted, even in this crisis.
[Heh heh… I wish I’d attacked before joining forces earlier, but… this is also good. It’s a crisis I haven’t felt in thousands of years, right?]
[Asura, you shall die from your own arrogance. Were I to face you alone, I might have lost, but now you lack the strength to withstand our combined forces.]
[But I’m glad. I’ve been thirsty for this.]
[Thirsty for this?]
The Asura raised his sword in a hesitant guard stance as he replied.
[I’ve diligently mastered human martial arts, but that Martial God has never shown himself before me… it has been a growing frustration! I’ve met several masters from the regions who died at my hands.]
[……]
[By facing formidable opponents like you, Dragon King and the Lord of the Grove, I will elevate my martial arts to the next level and transcend this life’s crisis.]
Hearing the Asura’s words, the Fire Dragon Incarnate wore a dazed expression, not knowing how to respond.
[Are you truly insane? You’re hoping to gain enlightenment in the moment of danger and reach the realm of the extraordinary?]
[Hahahaha…!!]
[Do you think you’re a protagonist in some novel?]
Although the Fire Dragon Incarnate scolded him, the Asura merely laughed aloud as he gripped his weapon.
[Come at me! I’m having a blast.]
What a lunatic.
What kind of martial artist would deliberately place himself into adversity just to encounter a Martial God? It was unfathomable for any human, but looking at this man who had thirsted for thousands of years for martial prowess, it felt almost plausible.
Yet, when I saw the Asura, so absorbed in battle that he’d even forgotten Changhil’s orders, I felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
‘He is a divine being. But… that obsession and eagerness are far too human.’
The Asura, displaying the most human qualities, stirred something within me.
The Sorcerer, finding the Asura’s state distasteful, furrowed her brows and waved her hands once more. Just like before, the Ruyi Staff, Water Elemental Sword, and Sabre Sword began to encircle her once more. The Sorcerer waved her hands again, and the Sabre Sword split into four different blades.
[Preparations are complete. The Sword to Exterminate Celestials, the Sword to Slay Celestials, the Sword to Obliterate Celestials, and the Sword to Trap Celestials will strike once each while the Ruyi Staff and Water Elemental Sword will cover you. Try and stop them if you can.]
Mellowly pressuring the Asura, she met his gaze, a grin on her face.
[Even without telling me, I will!]
[Then.]
In the next instant, as her finger flicked, the four Sabre Swords surged forth, unleashing their spirit energy toward the Asura. These weren’t ordinary techniques that could be brushed off; each contained enough power to cut down even a Great Immortal, and it was clear they couldn’t simply be deflected.
I could see the Asura exerting his Absolute Realm ability at the moment of the Mental Command.
Nirvana of the Absolute!
Behind the Asura, a golden radiance began to materialize; he was starting to unleash his martial arts, imbued with a lifetime’s worth of enlightenment. And I suddenly realized, watching the energy within his sword flickering as it blasted forth.
The Absolute Realm’s mastery specializing in unraveling condensed techniques!
Moon Blade’s Eternal Dragon Wave!
Thousand-Handed Guanyin!
Self-Reliance Concealed Dance!
Flying Heaven Elemental Spirit Jade!
Explosion of Light Annihilation Sword!
Asura Breaking the Heavens!
Each one was a legendary martial art and an ultimate technique within the realm of origin. And after thousands of years of cultivation, the Asura had absorbed all of those ultimate techniques into himself, struggling to unleash them all at once. The unprecedented Nirvana of the Absolute was now revealing itself to the world.
[Oooooh!!]
An outpouring of unmatched martial techniques!
The flowing dragon aura from the Moon Blade’s Eternal Dragon Wave collided head-on with the Sword to Exterminate Celestials, while the dazzling thousand strikes of the Thousand-Handed Guanyin blocked the Sword to Slay Celestials. The Self-Reliance Concealed Dance released its sword shadows, bouncing off the Sword to Obliterate Celestials, and the Flying Heaven Elemental Spirit Jade unleashed magical orbs that enveloped the Sword to Trap Celestials.
Each of the four ultimate techniques succeeded in preventing the attack of the Sabre Sword, but the next challenge loomed large. The fierce momentum of the Explosion of Light Annihilation Sword met the Ruyi Staff’s advance, but the power was evidently lacking, causing the entire technique to shatter in an instant. The Ruyi Staff suddenly grew massive, piercing through the Asura’s chest.
Thud.
[Ugh.]
The technique, Asura Breaking the Heavens, launched toward the Water Elemental Sword, exuding an aura of destruction, but even that was insufficient as the destructive force dissipated against the millennium glacier, leaving the Asura drenched in blood. As the icy thorns pierced through the Asura, the Fire Dragon Incarnate mercilessly swung the Fire Dragon Sword, beheading him.
Thud.
Two of the Asura’s faces were severed cleanly. However, the middle face remained intact. In a pitiful state, the Asura gazed at the Fire Dragon Incarnate with hollow eyes and spoke.
[Is this the mercy of a warrior?]
[I haven’t won by my own strength. You should at least be given a chance to speak your last words.]
The Fire Dragon Incarnate seemed well aware that he only won because of the Sorcerer’s overwhelming power. Being inherently honorable, he felt a moral debt. The Asura then smiled faintly, saying.
[Khuk… My name as a human is Parashurama, the ruler of the Tianchou Martial Realm… If you return from Dark Heaven Village, inform my friend Krishna of my death… I ask this of you.]
[Who is Krishna?]
[The Guardian of Tianchou… at the Gujarat temple…]
[Very well.]
[Hah… it seems Nirvana of the Absolute remains imperfect… If only I’d met the Martial God.]
The Asura’s eyes slowly closed, and the Fire Dragon Incarnate beheaded him.
Swish!
As the Asura’s head fell to the ground, the Fire Dragon Incarnate turned toward the Sorcerer, a serious expression in her inner voice.
[Baek Woong.]
[What is it?]
[The Sorcerer already possesses strength exceeding the Eight Parts of the Divine. She has surpassed the Great Immortal. She wields spells comparable to the Three Pure Ones or the Jade Emperor.]
[……!!]
In the aftermath of the Fire Dragon Incarnate’s former inner voice, I was taken aback.
[Should she be released into the world, it will spell disaster, so find an opportunity to seal her. Under no circumstances should she return to the realm of reality.]