1293——————==

Soul of the Evil God

Mangnyang’s plot kicked off the very next day. It seemed like Mangnyang was up to something, using his authority to command the Eight Demons of the Demon Path, but when I asked if I could help, he shook his head.

“There’s nothing you can do right now. It’s just about using the power of the human organization, so it’s not your time to shine. For now, just take charge of the humans from the slave market that we brought along.”

“Right now? So later on I can help, huh?”

“Probably in the later stages of the plan… it will be at least three months from now.”

I was taken aback.

“Three months! Isn’t that too long? Who knows what those guys using the Crystal Stele will do to summon Hermes…”

“Not at all. I already said that summoning Hermes was to replenish the power of the Eight Parts of the Divine, right? So even after summoning him, they will likely focus on regaining the lost power from fighting ancient monsters instead of jumping into action. They’ve got a lot on their plate and will be facing more powerful divine beings, so they’ll need to save up energy.”

“I see…”

“In other words, it’s actually the forces of the Imperial Palace that do not want an all-out war right now. They are simply letting things proceed as they wish.”

At that, Saint Germain nodded from the sidelines.

“I think so too. It’s not so much about the sheer power of Hermes, but rather the special abilities and knowledge possessed by the secret god of alchemy that they aim to exploit for their own gain.”

“Hmm. So it’s kind of like recruiting an outsider.”

“But giving too much time is not good either. Even if Hermes isn’t all-powerful, he has vast knowledge and can create all sorts of variables.”

“Got it…”

As I nodded, Mangnyang spoke up.

“Baek Woong. Just a reminder, don’t get too caught up in external affairs. You hold the reins of the situation, so fight when you want to… try giving up advantageous positions while claiming to protect everything, and you’ll lose everything, that’s the principle of warfare.”

“Understood.”

“Right now, we need to strengthen our internal bonds. That’s something I, as a strategist, can’t do, so you focus on that.”

Internal bonds, huh…

‘Hmm… First, I need to check on the people from the slave market.’

I decided to follow Mangnyang’s advice. When we brought the humans from the slave market yesterday, I asked the other Soeul Village experts to investigate their identities, and today I figured they might have something sorted out, so I went to find Dokgo Seong. Dokgo Seong, who had been handling the tasks I assigned him, handed me a list he had written out and spoke.

“I was really surprised while investigating identities all day yesterday. I had guessed there’d be people from various backgrounds, but I didn’t expect there would be royalty… just how big was that slave market?”

“…….”

“You’re not shocked. Did you see this coming?”

“To some extent, I had information, which is why we attacked the slave market, bro. There was probably a woman named Princess Hyosung.”

“Right. Seems like a fitting candidate to serve the Thunder God Lineage.”

Dokgo Seong stroked his chin, impressed, then continued.

“You’ll decide what to do with the princess, since you’re buddies with the Seongseo Castle Lord. But there are many colorful-eyed people, and I haven’t figured out their identities yet.”

“Colorful-eyed people? Are they particularly concerning?”

“To say no would be a lie. Even I felt an unsettling atmosphere about them…”

Dokgo Seong pointed to the upper part of the list.

“I marked those you should pay attention to. You should interrogate them yourself.”

“Thanks, bro.”

I began calling the noteworthy individuals one by one, starting with the royal Princess Hyosung.

“Th-thank you for saving me, Chief of Soeul Village.”

“Is that really you, Princess Hyosung?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Princess Hyosung!

She was the ‘commodity’ I had seen introduced by the slave market’s leader when I infiltrated the market as Zhuge Sa’s spirit. She was a stunning beauty, and I recalled seeing her crying miserably behind a glass wall back then. Of course, she had been rescued and taken to the White Lotus Sect, so she must have survived.

I stared at Princess Hyosung and spoke.

“King Yinghui of Hanan abandoned you, and I hear there’s a fake princess by his side. Is that true?”

“……!!”

Princess Hyosung’s face drained of color, and she bit her lips tightly as she replied.

“You know everything… Are you planning to help me get my position back?”

“… I can’t say that right now. But I do feel compassion for your situation, so for the time being, please stay as a guest fighter in this Soeul Village.”

“Ah… I… I mean…”

“I guarantee you won’t be chased away or abused here in this village.”

“Thank you…”

Princess Hyosung momentarily wore a resigned expression before seeming to smile. However, knowing that was a forced smile left me feeling bittersweet.

‘I can’t give her a definite answer. It’s not too hard for me to crush someone like King Yinghui, but Mangnyang’s plan is underway. Acting hastily might bring unexpected consequences.’

Aside from Princess Hyosung, there were numerous other nobles and palace members among us. These were mainly individuals pushed out of power struggles, related to royal bloodlines, so they were quite noble figures. Unlike Princess Hyosung, who decided to stay quiet and understand the situation, they displayed a rather arrogant attitude.

“This chief of a mere village seems to have quite the cunning. I used to work directly under a castle lord and commanded thirty thousand troops, so if you help me regain my standing…”

Thud.

I slammed my hand down and silenced the babbling noble before he could say more. Annoyed, I muttered.

“Even the princess knows her position; why are these lowly scum trying to act so grand?”

If I listened to every word from these people, it would not only disrupt the peaceful life I desired, but they’d also likely try to politically manipulate me.

‘Mangnyang wants to leverage them later, so I’ll leave them be, but their commotion in Soeul Village lodging is getting bothersome.’

Their high status would certainly cause issues with the other residents too. I turned to Dokgo Seong to discuss this matter, and he casually replied.

“Just send all those nobles to me. I’ll whip them into shape so there won’t be any back talk.”

“You have a plan?”

“Keuhuhu. You think there aren’t any nobles around Gansu when it’s near the White Lotus Sect? When I was there, I dealt with types like them.”

“…….”

I felt a bit ominous, but I decided to send them all to Dokgo Seong.

Finally, the meeting I’d been waiting for with the colorful-eyed individuals from the slave market arrived. Just to be safe, I brought Saint Germain along, and soon the first interviewee opened their mouth.

“Is this, by any chance, a demon artifact?”

The foreign words flowed effortlessly into Central Plains language thanks to the fact that the interviewee was wearing a ‘necklace’ that was a demon artifact given by Saint Germain. I felt curious about someone who recognized a demon artifact and spoke up.

“Yep. How do you know? Reveal your name and identity.”

Then, the beautiful girl with obsidian-like hair and blue eyes spoke.

“I am Hyasmin, from the Ottoman Empire, and thank you for rescuing me from the [Ancient Race].”

“The Ottoman Empire? That seems quite far to the west…. How did you recognize the demon artifact?”

“I used to be a demon researcher directly under the royal family of the Ottoman Empire.”

“……!!”

“I got caught up in the Janissary Rebellion and ended up like this, but I know a fair amount about magic.”

“So, you’re a Demon Sorcerer?”

Hyasmin smiled brightly.

“On the contrary, I belong to a school of magic that specializes in dispelling and working to protect the royal family from the [Old Ruler]’s magic. I wish to repay you for saving me, so please let me handle the curse dispelling.”

I stole a glance at Saint Germain, who said, “I’ve heard there are such beings in the Ottoman Empire. They say they employ ancient spirits for curse and dispel magic.”

“Exactly.”

“But that sounds like a noble profession, something only a high-ranking individual could do. How did you end up sold in the slave market? What is this Janissary Rebellion?”

“…….”

Hyasmin responded with sad eyes.

“The [Old Ruler] manipulated a powerful demon sorcerer to corrupt the strongest warrior faction of the Ottoman, the Janissaries, and incite a rebellion using their strength. The Emperor was assassinated by the Janissaries, and I was demoted to a lowly commoner and sold in the slave market.”

I was astonished by her words.

“The [Old Ruler]? Isn’t the Ottoman Empire a pretty large country? How did they get their hands on it?”

“The strength of the Janissary faction is incredibly potent… When they recently rebelled, no one could stop them. But they were once noble and mighty warriors; I’m just baffled by how they got taken down by the [Old Ruler].”

Hyasmin spoke with a trembling voice, lowering her head.

“Please, I beg you. You look like a powerful being capable of facing the [Old Ruler]. I’ll put my life on the line to assist you, so please quell the fallen Janissaries and save the Ottoman Empire…”

“…….”

“You could definitely defeat the captain of the Janissaries, who have reached the peak of martial arts…”

Something feels like it’s popping off suddenly.

Feeling a bit of urgency, I turned the conversation.

“Let’s talk about that later; for now, let’s focus on achieving results. I’m going to think about it.”

“Thank you.”

After Hyasmin left, I rubbed my temples in frustration.

‘What’s going on? Are things stirring up in the west too?’

As far as I recall, the Great Bear Empire included the Ottoman Empire among the nations it targeted. However, according to the memories of the past incarnation, the Ottomans weren’t recorded as a particularly powerful opponent, and there was no mention of the involvement of the [Old Ruler].

Meaning – the 28th life and this life indicate the state of affairs in the west has changed.

Perhaps the impact of sealing Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen…?

A foreboding feeling crept in, but I shook my head and prepared to meet the next candidate. This time, the individual entering was a massive, muscle-bound man who appeared to have completely lost his senses.

“Growl!!”

The guy was so huge, he looked like he was at least ten feet tall, easily several times bigger than a regular person. He looked like a small giant, grunting stupidly with vacant eyes, while the man holding onto the iron chain around the giant’s neck spoke timidly.

“We don’t know why you want to see this one, but I don’t have any information. I’m just a hired hand cleaning up at the slave market…”

Since the worker had only been hired for minor tasks, I decided to spare him. However, the giant before me, devoid of any sense or intelligence, definitely appeared to be a potential threat. Naturally, I couldn’t ask someone like him about his name or past, so I was left dumbfounded.

‘What’s this guy’s deal? Why was he in the slave market?’

As I pondered the identity of the unknown brute, Saint Germain raised an eyebrow.

“This guy… could it be…?”

“Do you know who he is?”

“Just a moment, let me subdue him properly, and then I’ll get a look at him.”

“Got it.”

I understood that Saint Germain meant he would properly subdue him. The iron chains were not actually shackling the brute, they were merely for show, and the guy could break free anytime. Originally, the otherworldly beings in the slave market would have used magic to restrain him, but now those restraints were absent.

Bang!!

Zoom!

As I charged at the muscle giant, his colossal fist filled with raw power came swinging at me. The strength and speed behind that punch were incredible, on par with the Absolute Slash of a Peak Expert, making me flinch for a moment.

‘Is this pure physical power really at this level? Is this even a human?’

To reach such physical prowess using just his body, without the years of qi practices and martial arts typical in the East, was shocking. His physique seemed to surpass human limits by a long shot, and I was momentarily struck with awe, then attempted to deflect his punch using Thunder Shadow Palm.

Thunk!

The giant’s punch missed, causing a strange sound as it collided with the void; he suddenly opened his mouth as if ready to bite me. I dodged his brutish and animalistic attack using the Three Treasure Technique and landed a single palm strike to his side.

Boom!!

Thud.

‘Huh? Did he not even feel that much pain?’

I was stunned when my strike, aimed to knock him out, seemed to only slight him like a mosquito bite. His physical resilience was truly impressive, likely on par with the invulnerability of ancient legends. I felt curious and decided to strike with a bit more force.

‘Maybe hitting him harder won’t be fatal!’

Crash!!

“Grwooor!!”

With a third of my strength, the giant finally howled in agony and crumpled to the ground. I saw a mark from my fist remaining at his side, seemingly hinting at broken ribs. However, considering I hit him hard enough to break his Protection Energy, it was hard to believe he only responded like that. Staring with wide eyes, I muttered.

“Looks like this guy could survive a nuclear blast. Anyway, just take another hit.”

Bang!!

I threw another punch, twisting my arm to restrain the giant while infusing qi into his bloodline. But no matter how much energy I poured in, the unknown resistance within his body fought against my effort; the pressure was so great that my bloodline suppression failed. If even my internal energy couldn’t work, then this guy must’ve been impervious to normal qi techniques.

‘What kind of freak is this? Some kind of demon life form?’

As I stood there flabbergasted, Saint Germain stepped closer and meticulously examined the giant’s muscular back. He then muttered an incantation while placing his hands on his back, and suddenly a massive weapon shape emerged out from beneath the giant’s skin.

The giant screamed.

“Urrrgh, urgh, urgh!!”

Thud thud thud.

The shape protruding from the massive body looked like a giant sword embedded under his skin! That sword was as tall as a person and throbbed ominously, making me gasp and turn to Saint Germain.

“What the hell is this? This guy carries a sword inside his body?”

“…….”

After a while, Saint Germain spoke to me.

“Chief Baek Woong. Can you forcibly extract that sword from him?”

“Well… It doesn’t sound too hard.”

“That sword is the top-tier sword in the West, directly bestowed by the Guardian—one of the strongest blades. It’s very picky about its owner, so tampering could lead to severe consequences.”

Now my curiosity was piqued.

“You know this guy’s identity.”

“…….”

“Fine. Let’s give it a shot.”

Swish!

A moment later, I swung the sword to cleanly slice through the giant’s back and skin. Blood gushed out as I gripped the enormous sword that erupted from the incision.

Boom!!

As soon as I grasped the weapon, I heard a voice resound in my head.

[Are you willing to bear this man’s karma…?]

I recognized the voice from somewhere. I thought back, responding in my mind.

[This is my sword now.]

[You, the otherworldly being. Are you truly willing to bear this karma?]

[I won’t bear it if it’s something bad.]

[…….]

The voice fell silent for a moment before continuing.

[For now, I shall allow the inheritance of karma to be postponed… We shall meet again soon.]

Shortly after the voice faded, in my hands lay the giant sword, gleaming with silver light. I marveled at the intense spirit energy emanating from the sword; it was strong though not as potent as the Seven Luminaries, and it was also fully wrapped in pure silver.

“This is one beautiful sword!”

A moment after I struck the giant’s back, now bleeding badly, he began to stir, regaining consciousness, his eyes filled with clarity as he stared intently and let out a hoarse voice.

“Ohh…. Is the curse broken before the world ends?”

Saint Germain spoke to the giant.

“It’s been a long time.”

“……?! Saint Germain? You’re the one who lifted my curse?”

They seemed to know each other.

“That’s impossible… How could I lift a curse directly from the Guardian?”

“Then…”

“To explain would take time, but in any case, you should thank Chief Baek Woong over there. He took on your karma and freed you from the curse.”

Upon hearing this, the giant glanced at the silver sword in my hand, and then suddenly kneeled before me with a thud.

“I am truly grateful! It was a divine curse that would make me go insane until the end of time, and yet you saved me.”

I scratched my head, puzzled.

“I still don’t get what’s going on. Who are you? Why did you carry a sword inside your body?”

The giant then replied.

“I am Roland, the strongest paladin of Charlemagne, battling against the [Old Ruler] alongside the alchemist Saint Germain! I look forward to working with you!”