영귀 started explaining calmly.

“You haven’t encountered it yet, but a huge misfortune is lurking within you. One day, you’ll inevitably face great adversity. However, the mask of Hong Gyun Do-in is something that can counter this misfortune; using a curse to ward off a curse will be your protective rite.”

“Is that really going to work?”

“Misfortune doesn’t wait in an orderly line. Everyone wants to eliminate you at once, causing chaos that prolongs the time… and leads to mutual self-destruction… That’s what we aim to achieve.”

“Um.”

Beside me, Fuxi chimed in.

“If the mask of Hong Gyun Do-in wasn’t sealed, it would never work. The moment you put on the mask, Baek Woong, you’d be devoured by Hong Gyun Do-in. But since it is sealed, its power has been significantly weakened. And if I control its power additionally, the mask will merely be a medium that attracts misfortune without harming you. When two curses collide, it will induce mutual annihilation.”

“Hmm… So as long as I deal with that great adversity, I’ll be safe then?”

“You’re still in a dangerous situation now, do you think you can survive when you meet that great adversity?”

“……”

“Let’s consider this a blessing in itself.”

Oh damn, is that really how it works…?

I grumbled as I finally picked up the mask of Hong Gyun Do-in. With a grim expression, I stared at it and slowly brought it to my face.

Clunk.

The moment the mask was placed on me, I could see a surge of divine power emanating from Fuxi and 영귀. The mask of Hong Gyun Do-in was reaching out with chaotic power trying to devour me, but it seemed as if the two divine beings formed a barrier for my protection.

Crunch!

But then came the pain that felt like my entire body was being crushed! I barely managed to endure it, but the agony was unavoidable.

‘Damn it, when is this going to end!!’

Just as I was on the verge of yelling out from the unbearable pain, I heard 영귀’s shout echo in my ears.

“Reveal yourself, great adversity!!”

Boom!

In that instant, something appeared before my eyes.

That “something” seemed to be an illusion rather than a reality, writhing as if responding to the mask, echoing my own pain.

I could see the “something” releasing a murderous glare towards me.

“……!!”

Hat Warrior?!

Swish!

At that moment, a sword flash sliced through my chest. I couldn’t even deploy the Protection Energy Technique; it was only after being cut that I realized what had happened, and in the next moment, I understood that my upper body was completely severed along with my ribs.

Stumble.

I staggered, but with sheer willpower, I retaliated.

‘You bastard! Did you think I’d always be the one to take the hits?!’

Infinite Slash!

Bang!!

My sword clashed with the opponent’s in mid-air. It was unbelievable to clash swords with an entity that was merely an illusion, but as it unfolded before my eyes, I had no choice but to accept it. I still couldn’t see what the Hat Warrior looked like clearly, shrouded in mist, but I could never forget the hatred in its gaze.

I watched as the Hat Warrior began to stammer out words.

[I too… will surpass you!!]

Boom!!

The next instant, the illusion of the Hat Warrior disappeared.

Having lost my strength and plopped down, Fuxi soon dusted off his hands and said.

“That’s settled. The misfortune of the mask absorbed my great adversity, so it shouldn’t interfere for a while.”

“R-Really?”

“The greatest achievement is that the poison of that mask has significantly diminished. Just take a look.”

I glanced down at the mask of Hong Gyun Do-in. Even though it was sealed, the mask that used to emit immense darkness seemed to have calmed down, almost like a docile lamb now. With this state, it might actually be easier to control once the seal is lifted later.

However, at that moment, a sense of unease brushed past me.

“……”

The realization that the poison contained within the mask of Hong Gyun Do-in couldn’t completely eliminate the Hat Warrior had dawned on me.

After the rite ended, 영귀 spoke up.

“Your misfortune has indeed diminished significantly.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. So, is that the reason for Lady Fuxi’s visit concluded?”

At that, Fuxi smiled slightly.

“Since we’ve considered this as dealing with Baek Woong’s misfortune, it would seem so. However, personally, I still have things to discuss.”

“I suspected as much. Please, go ahead.”

“How do you feel about Baek Woong? Don’t you think he possesses the potential to overturn this world?”

“……”

영귀 stared intently at me and nodded.

Oh!!

Could it be that 영귀 acknowledges me?!

While I was feeling elated inwardly, Fuxi continued.

“I can’t disclose the details of Baek Woong’s past. But if even a fortuneteller like you cannot gauge his limits, there’s no doubt he can become a dagger to reach the Emperor. Would you consider believing in Baek Woong’s growth and joining our side?”

“Hmm……”

영귀 seemed to ponder deeply for a bit. Then he spoke.

“I’ll cast a divination. The fee, as I mentioned earlier, will be deducted from the Law of Cause and Effect.”

“What’s the divination about?”

“It concerns the fate of this world related to Baek Woong.”

“I assumed you must have cast many already.”

“No. Just because I’m a fortuneteller doesn’t mean I cast divinations at any time. The more often I attempt divinations on a massive fate, the more the accuracy decreases, so I’ve been refraining from mnemonics until now. If I’m not careful, I’ll end up seeing only a dismal future without any resolve.”

“……That makes sense. So you’re ready to face fate now?”

At Fuxi’s inquiry, 영귀 slowly nodded.

“I believe that Baek Woong is a being that can change the world; thus, I will divinate the fate of this world.”

As if on cue, a familiar divination tool appeared before me, and 영귀 held it in one hand and threw it toward the sky.

Whoosh!

The sticks inside the divination tool scattered in all directions, and 영귀 observed intently as the sticks fell. Not only was it 영귀 observing, but Fuxi was also keeping a close eye, and a sound of contemplation escaped her lips.

“It’s quite muddled. I created the hexagrams, but I can’t even read the divination I made!”

“……!!”

I was genuinely surprised by those words. Indeed, the Fuxi before me was the creator of the Precelestial Eight Trigrams, the creator of techniques! To think a supreme sage, the source of all hexagrams, had failed to read 영귀’s divination.

After a moment, 영귀 picked up a stick and began forming a picture.

“My divination states… Baek Woong will soon have to make a significant choice. And the divination beyond that choice cannot be read at all.”

“What choice?”

“Will he preserve the destined ones… or will he defy destiny to forge a new era?”

“That sounds immensely significant……”

“……”

영귀 spoke in a somewhat heavy voice.

“What’s truly strange is that although it’s already a predetermined result, it can be changed. Such contradictions cannot be interpreted through mere fortune-telling.”

“To change what can’t be changed?”

“Indeed. From my interpretation, there is only one possibility.”

영귀’s gaze settled on me.

“Baek Woong, the subject of destiny, himself is a contradictory existence. Only a contradictory being can untangle contradictions.”

“Hmm, that might be true.”

Fuxi seemed to take that as if she expected it and casually moved on. Then she spoke to 영귀.

“So what will it be? Will you stand with us?”

“If the Qilin is willing to side with you, then I will as well.”

“The Qilin?”

“I believe if I can persuade the Shenglong and the Qilin, it would be practically equivalent to persuading all four Divine Beasts.”

“Hmm, so that’s the angle. I understand.”

Fuxi nodded, indicating comprehension.

“Baek Woong. Now go. Your conversation with 영귀 is over.”

“……”

“Why so glum?”

I hesitated and then spoke to Fuxi.

“Lady Fuxi, does that mean we’re heading to find the Qilin?”

“Indeed.”

“Uh, that’s um…”

I couldn’t help but hesitate.

‘The Qilin wants to kill me!!’

This was understandable. Back in cycle 28, the Qilin tried to kill me which led to countless complications! I didn’t know why the Qilin wanted me dead back then, but that bloodlust was all too real. It would definitely be annoying if the Qilin in this era were to be antagonistic towards me, so meeting it directly was something I wanted to avoid.

Then, Heuk Woong beside me spoke up.

[Master. No need to be afraid. I’m confident in protecting you from the Qilin, and most importantly, isn’t Fuxi accompanying you? No matter how much a Demonic Beast it is, it shouldn’t be able to harm you.]

“R-Really?”

[It’s absurd that the Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen wants to take you down, yet you fear the likes of a Qilin.]

“Who said I was afraid?! I’m just preparing my mind for this!”

I mumbled with annoyance as I said to Fuxi.

“Let’s go!”

Boom!

Moments later, I found myself in an enigmatic place again. Looking around, I recognized a vast darkness dotted with star shine, murmuring.

“It’s the universe.”

“Indeed. But this isn’t the physical world you know.”

“What do you mean?”

“Look. Can’t you walk? And you aren’t choking for breath either.”

Clop Clop.

As he said, Fuxi was calmly walking to the very center of the universe, as if there was invisible ground beneath him. Also, there was no air in space, yet here, I could breathe comfortably, and that air was filled with refreshing energy.

“I see.”

Since I could walk too, I followed him curiously. As Fuxi continued walking, he said.

“This is the Central of the Five Elements. When this star was created in the beginning, a primordial contract was established, and the Qilin was born as per that contract, automatically assigned to a central position in its dimensional realm. It’s a conceptual dimension where no material laws apply.”

“The Central of the Five Elements……”

“The Qilin has been living here for billions of years.”

I think I heard about it when studying the Daoist arts. The dimension the Qilin inhabited must have been what later generations described.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been here myself. The Qilin doesn’t welcome unfamiliar visitors, so even when I came previously, I felt a jolt from its lightning.”

Boom!!

The moment Fuxi finished speaking, a tremendous bolt of lightning struck his entire body.

“……!!”

What the?!

It was an unfathomable surge of energy. It was so swift that I barely managed to react, and even with my Protection Energy, I was rent apart! It seemed Heuk Woong instinctively created a barrier for me, but I was still blown back by the aftershock.

No attack from the Great Immortal could come even close to this power!

Thud…

After being struck by the overwhelming lightning, Fuxi came out unscathed. It turned out he had summoned the Divine Technique of Precelestial Eight Trigrams to defend against the lightning. However, it didn’t seem to completely negate the damage because a bit of his hair was slightly burnt, and Fuxi tidied up his hair as he smiled.

“This is how it gets angry.”

[Isn’t it obvious?]

Boom!

Suddenly, I heard a menacing roar from a dimension somewhere, and a divine beast appeared. As I recognized the being that emerged several meters away from us, I could tell who it was immediately.

‘The Qilin!!’

Having fought for my life against the Qilin back when 영귀 transformed into one, I had no chance of forgetting it! Just as I reflexively reached for my sword, the Qilin spoke in ancient language.

[Dragon Deity Fuxi! I do not know the reason for your visit, but I already told you I would abstain from any involvement.]

“Indeed.”

[I maintain absolute neutrality and, in return, shed a portion of my strength to lend to you. I heard you even created a new Spirit Beast in the Celestial Realm with it; is that not enough?]

As if it was mocking!

Its voice clearly showed it disliked Fuxi, yet he was unfazed and retorted.

“Qilin, do you understand? That Spirit Beast is known as the Four Great Spirits. It possesses aspects of all three Divine Beasts except the Phoenix, making it the strongest spirit in the Celestial Realm. I sealed its powers a bit to prevent an overreach.”

“Huh?!”

The Four Great Spirits?!

‘I’ve encountered that being several times!’

The unexpected mention surprised me, and I turned to Fuxi. To think the origin of that Spirit Beast was connected to the great Qilin!

Upon hearing this, the Qilin snorted derisively.

[Hmph, that’s none of my business. I had promised to remain neutral, even exchanging costs back then, so I didn’t expect the Dragon Deity to behave in such a shameful manner!]

Its voice was filled with hostility; that was not just about me, but it hated everyone. It desired absolute neutrality.

Then Fuxi nonchalantly said,

“I never broke the promise. I merely guaranteed neutrality, but I never promised not to come back to this dimension.”

[That’s sophistry. Simply being here has already violated neutrality.]

[“…… Leave swiftly, declaring your desires. I am under no legal obligation to accommodate you.”]

Seeing the Qilin’s words were laced with malice made it evident that normal negotiations would be impossible. Fuxi chuckled and said to the Qilin,

“Do you know what your mission is?”

[“……”]

“You might think I lost my senses because I didn’t comment on it earlier, but that can’t be true. I am a descendant of the Creator God; since I descended, I have inferred your role. But I see you wish to remain silent about it, so I’ll refrain from mentioning it.”

[Do you claim to know what my role is?]

“I suspected you were clinging to that position just because the Central of the Five Elements is where the power of Pangu flows into the world.”

[……]

“If this dimension collapses, the laws governing this world will significantly weaken and become tainted by chaos.”

The Qilin fell silent. Then it said,

[Correct. I am the gatekeeper who guards the flow of Pangu’s power into this world according to the primordial contract! Fuxi, do you intend to disturb my mission even as a descendant of Pangu?]

That was an unexpected revelation.

‘So this place serves as a conduit for the Creator God Pangu’s power?’

And to hear that the Qilin functioned as the gatekeeper was the first I’ve heard of this. While I was still processing this ancient secret, Fuxi suddenly unfurled his fan and spoke.

“Honestly, I didn’t understand it back then. I knew you were guarding the center of order, but if you were just a gatekeeper, there would be no reason for you to act so sensitively, especially in front of me as the descendant of Pangu.”

[What are you trying to say?]

“Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking, and the only reason you’re acting so fiercely is that you are guarding something far more substantial than just a conduit. Based on what I know, there’s only one possibility.”

At that, the Qilin flinched, and Fuxi smiled.

“The axe used by Pangu to create the world must be right here!”

As Fuxi posed that question, the Qilin fell silent for a while, then suddenly responded.

[Are you asking because you wish to inherit the will of Pangu?]

Fuxi smiled lightly.

“That’s nonsense. My very existence and activities in this universe are the will of Pangu. The lives of those who inhabit the order world, untainted by chaos, are also Pangu’s will. He is the essence of chaos; thus, every action opposing chaos is the will of Pangu. Pangu is not a specific entity, so what significance does your question hold?”

[Though Pangu is not a person, he does indeed possess a distinct will. You should know what determination he bore when he carried the universe.]

“….”

[If you do not inherit that will, even if you are his descendant, I can offer you no answers.]

Fuxi seemed perplexed.

“Isn’t that strange? As I said before, Pangu has a will but lacks a persona. What you require is purely subjective.”

The Qilin seemed agitated as it said,

[Yours is a fallacy. I have a duty to protect this place, which I cannot concede at any cost.]

“Such stubbornness…”

With a sigh of exasperation, Fuxi seemed overwhelmed by the Qilin’s obstinacy. A moment later, he spoke.

“If I ascend to the divine seat and gain control over the universe, would you agree to offer me Pangu’s last artifact as a bargain? Is that your intent? I must express my refusal to comply with such demands.”

As the Qilin was caught off guard, it replied.

[…… You must surely realize your rights. The Emperor is making a significant undertaking; haven’t you noticed? If you become his competitor, perhaps…?]

“Oh, so even in this secluded space, you’re aware of everything… But my answer won’t change.”

[Why not?]

Fuxi spoke with determination.

“Because that would be foolish.”

[?!]

The Qilin’s surprise was evident as Fuxi continued.

“The beings of the outer gods, while great, are primarily mere bystanders. They’re inherently difficult to interfere with since their observations can influence the world. And based on my experiences with the divine seat, they’re also merely a part of a grand dance.”

[……]

Curious, the Qilin fell silent for a moment before questioning Fuxi.

[Do you still retain memories from your time in the divine seat?]

“Vaguely. Though it felt shrouded in mist, uncertain. If I were to liken it, it felt like a daydream.”

[A daydream.]

“In that daydream, the outer gods kept dancing forever. It seemed grand yet irreverent… They appeared to believe that was the sole purpose of life.”

Fuxi lowered his voice.

“Do they pour their entire existence into becoming such outer gods? That’s foolish. I don’t regret descending to this world and leaving the divine seat.”

[Your refusal to require the absolute might of the outer gods leaves me confounded.]

“Escaping one cycle doesn’t guarantee another won’t arise. Power cannot free one from fate; I don’t want to become part of the vicious cycle where the strong prey on the weak.”

[……]

“I don’t mind if you don’t understand. Even my own kin, Nüwa, doesn’t fully grasp my thoughts.”

The Qilin seemed anxious and remained silent for a moment before saying,

[…… Very well. I acknowledge that Pangu’s axe exists within this space. However, if that is your mindset, I have no intention of handing you that relic.]

“It seems we’re finally making some progress. I only needed to confirm its existence from the start.”

Despite the Qilin’s negative remark, Fuxi’s expression brightened, and she looked at me, smiling.

“Baek Woong, I will reveal my true form, so make your move.”

Huh?

I was taken aback by the sudden remark, but Fuxi gathered her powers and summoned an orbs of light above her hands.

Ka-wooo!!

The force gathering within the sphere felt increasingly powerful, and on the side, Heuk Woong expressed amazement.

[That must be Fuxi’s true power!]

The Qilin seemed to grasp what Fuxi was about to do and was shocked, bellowing in anger.

[Fuxi!! Stop it!]

Bang—!!

In the next moment, the gathered light exploded, flooding the area with brightness. The dark universe was illuminated as if everything turned into pure light! Just as immense darkness could obscure everything, the sheer brightness made everything indistinguishable. I was dazed by this unforeseen event, and at that moment, I sensed something.

‘Oh!!’

There was something extremely dense with absolute mass on the other side of space. It resembled an axe embedded in the ground and, although invisible, its outline was gradually becoming clearer with the spread of light.

So this was Fuxi’s intention!

Without a moment’s thought, I dashed toward that location.

[You fool!]

The Qilin seemed to sense my movements and launched a bolt of lightning aimed at my back.

Boom!!

‘Ugh!!’

It was literally as fast as light, and its power was incredible. There would have been no way to evade it had I confronted it head-on!

When the orb struck my back, it felt like it carved away at my side. But thanks to Heuk Woong laying down a barrier, that was the only harm, and without that barrier, I might have been completely obliterated.

Boom!

Gritting my teeth, I jumped again. As the axe drew closer to my reach, I didn’t hesitate to unleash my sword technique.

Technique of All Things!

Clank!

With a sharp sound, the axe’s handle stuck to my hand. Without any thought, I pulled the axe toward myself, that moment!

[……You are…… not worthy!!]

Whoosh!!

“Ugh!!”

At that moment, my arm felt as if it was catching fire. Despite having only one arm left, the thought of both being ablaze overwhelmed my mind, and I nearly yanked the axe away.

‘What… is this flame?’

I instinctively understood. This wasn’t the flame of the Giant Race nor was it anything like Amaterasu’s fire—it was a completely different power from another dimension! Which is why even with Heuk Woong shielding me, it burned through my arm completely!

As I was being harmed, Fuxi shouted at me,

“Throw it to me!”

“Here it comes!”

Whoosh!

Without a moment of hesitation, I threw the axe to Fuxi, who raised her arms and caught the blade with her hands.

“Ah! Are you alright… oh?”

I was worried that if she held the blade instead of the handle, her hand might get sliced, but she seemed unscathed. In fact, she swung the axe around casually.

“I thought I wouldn’t need any weapons. But this one seems quite useful.”

I hastily warned Fuxi,

“The Qilin seems angry!”

Ka-boom!!

Indeed, the Qilin, observing the whole scene, had grown to a size several dozen times its original form. Its eyes sparkled with azure lightning, and even Heuk Woong flinched as a formidable aura of lightning enveloped the Qilin completely. The mere presence of the Qilin set my instincts on warn!

‘No freaking way… What if the last time 영귀 transformed into a Qilin was child’s play?!’

It had been strong before, but the furious Qilin now emitted power beyond imagination. Even with Heuk Woong pressed closely to my side deploying his divine power, I could feel how oppressive the Qilin’s energy was.

He was no mere human who could invoke the Absolute Realm; even a Great Immortal would be extinguished merely by grazing the lightning surrounding the Qilin.

And it was still gaining strength!

Heuk Woong murmured,

[The Shenglong and Qilin equate to the Three Sovereigns; they may indeed even surpass that here.]

‘Damn it!! Fuxi must have had some plan to justify her reckless actions at the Qilin’s den?!’

[I do not know.]

‘……’

Then Fuxi, wielding the axe, spoke calmly.

“Qilin, if you wish to rage in chaos, it would be better to come out into the worlds yourself rather than subjecting me to a test of worthiness. I trust myself well enough that you wouldn’t touch a relic of Pangu which was deemed worthless.”

[Such folly…! Fuxi!! I won’t spare you or that thief!]

Ka-boom!!

As the furious Qilin gathered the mighty lightning into its enormous antlers, it shot a beam toward Fuxi.

[Let’s see if you can block it with your divine arts!!]

Crash!!

The entire space exploded with a tremendous flash of light. Heuk Woong and I were sent flying backwards by the shockwave, and the sheer destructive force of it left us shuddering in dread.

‘Damn! No matter how strong Heuk Woong is, he won’t survive the full brunt of that attack!’

[Indeed. My defenses would be insufficient. Surely, that’s an attack capable of wiping out stars!]

‘What do I do?!’

[…… As a Divine Beast in its own dimension, it is only natural that it would be stronger than me… But perhaps it is fortunate.]

In Heuk Woong’s continuation, I felt a slight sense of relief.

[Fuxi blocked it.]

As anticipated, Fuxi had faced the Qilin’s attack head-on without a single injury! As the smoke from the lightning dissipated, Fuxi brandished the axe she still held in one hand.

“Of course, there’s no way your utmost divine arts could ever stand against my full power. I wouldn’t dare to be so arrogant. But if I pull the power of the axe, I’ll surely be able to confront you.”

The power of the axe?

Overwhelmed by unfamiliar concepts, I stared blankly, while the Qilin seemed to voice its admiration.

[…… Can you truly draw the strength from that axe?]

“I believe you called me a descendant of Pangu. In truth, only I or Nüwa could wield it.”

[……]

Fuxi rested the axe against her back and said.

“Stop being so temperamental. Regardless, if I overthrow the Emperor to create a better world, I’ll take this axe with me.”

[Hmph……]

A moment later, the Qilin reverted to its original size. Then it muttered softly.

[Had you merely agreed with me, I would’ve given it freely, but instead you chose to steal it. What is it you’re truly thinking?]

Fuxi shrugged.

“Disliking something just means it’s unwelcome. None of us can claim to know the truth of the universe, so trying to pin me down to a contract is outrageous. What right do you have?”

[While I worry for the future of this world.]

“As I have said, your insistence on absolute neutrality doesn’t grant you the right to meddle. If you want to take a stand, then stand boldly as I do.”

[……]

When the Qilin fell into silence, it became clear Fuxi had no intention of backing down, and abruptly spoke again.

“One more thing. I hope you won’t side with the Emperor out of spite for this realization. I don’t believe you’ll resort to such a move.”

[I won’t do such a thing.]

“Good. Then, may I request one last thing?”

The Qilin responded in disbelief.

[A request?! After causing such a ruckus, you dare ask for that?!]

“Simply bestow Baek Woong one blessing. If you can agree to that, we’ll leave right here.”

[You must be joking! Do you think I would ever bestow a blessing upon such a human?!]

“Is that so?”

The way Fuxi’s statement unfolded left the Qilin disoriented.

“If you don’t, we’ll remain here indefinitely. If you prefer to play with us, go right ahead.”

[!!]

Fuxi grinned.

“I’m not coercing you to join us; with a condition like this, you’d be giving it away for free. If I were in your shoes, I’d simply grant Baek Woong a blessing and chase off the unwelcome guests; that would be your wise choice.”

The Qilin found itself flabbergasted.

[You… truly are the Dragon Deity? I never anticipated you would act this way!]

“I’ve said it before; do not measure me by your own standards. What might seem clear to you and what saves the world are completely different matters.”

[Ugh!!]

The Qilin trembled with rage, filling the space with volts of electricity, sending a chill down my spine. If I hadn’t possessed any divine power, I would have probably been obliterated by the sheer presence alone.

After a while, the Qilin looked at me and declared.

[You thief.]

With a rasping voice, the Qilin continued,

[I shall elevate your potential for lightning.]

Lightning potential?!

Upon hearing this, I looked quizzically at the Qilin.

“Is there such a thing as lightning potential?”

[……]

The Qilin scrutinized me closely, finally saying,

[Now that I see, your very being has come into contact with the powerful spirit of lightning through extensive training. That’s why you were able to endure my attack!]

“Ah….”

[You might not even truly be human.]

Hearing this prompted me to recall how my training in Thunder God techniques had meshed with the energy of Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng. In time, that energy had begun rotating in my body, a form birthed from the formidable powers of the Great Bear Empire.

The Qilin spoke condescendingly.

[However, compared to the power of the gods, that is inconsequential. If I bestow my blessing upon you, your feeble lightning power will ascend to another dimension.]

“Whoa!!”

Excited by this prospect, I clenched my fist and shouted.

“Please, give me that blessing right away! I feel like I’ll need it badly!”

The Qilin’s lightning bore unimaginable differences from my own, akin to comparing the sun to a firefly! If I were to receive its blessing, every one of my techniques could reach new heights!

Then the Qilin leaned toward me.

[If I merely force my blessing upon you, you would combust into flames incarnate. You must maximize the activation of your lightning energies.]

“Ah… Yes!”

I quickly grasped what the Qilin meant and concentrated.

Then, my external energy began swirling like a tempest around my body, aligning with my Intent Heavenly Pillar, and I began amplifying my true essence according to the method of the Heavenly Spirits.

Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique!

Chirp-chirp! Chirp!

In my body, the thunder spirit began to whirl furiously, accelerating. The faster they ran, the more potent the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique would become. Plus, the more the lightning energies activated, the stronger the thunder spirit would manifest externally—it was the best possible outcome.

As my thunder energies were starting to intensify, the Qilin spoke again.

[That being behind you—withdraw your divine shield.]

[……]

[It’s hindering me from effectively conveying my power.]

[Understood.]

As Heuk Woong quietly complied, I could sense the change. He must’ve been shielding me as a precaution; he could hardly be blamed, given our uncertainty about the Qilin’s intentions.

With the divine shield withdrawn, the Qilin stomped firmly.

[You shall… receive my blessing!!]

Your Qilin just said something odd, right?!

Boom!!

The next moment, the Qilin’s antlers pierced through my heart! Yet it wasn’t a physical piercing; I didn’t feel pain; it was more like its spirit reached deep and attached to me, extending through my back. Furthermore, upon embedding within my heart, the Qilin’s eyes gleamed brilliantly with azure light.

[By the name of the Qilin… I command you… Spirit of the Heavenly Lightning, pure power of the Five Elements, descend to this human!]

Zap!!

The next moment, the descending thunder spirit surged exponentially, blowing up to fill my entire being, completely overwhelming my bodily essence! My veins flowed with this spirit’s energy like never before!

“Ahhh…!”

A wail escaped my lips of sheer agony as every fiber of pain shot through me. Additionally, uncertainty flooded my mind, fearing when this massive power might erupt from within me.

‘W-What in the world have I done to unleash this uncontrollable force?!’

I had indulged in the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng a dozen times and wielded enough inner strength to match the Great Bear Empire’s genius thanks to my internal training. But to bear the weight of this thunder spirit within my body was a different story altogether! Its might surely surpassed all I had been managing!

Squirt!

I found blood seeping from my mouth without warning as my internal organs threatened to rupture. Just as I was faltering, the Qilin seamlessly withdrew its sharp antlers from my chest.

[You have received the thunder of the realms surrounding the cumulonimbus! Not to be compared with any human-level energies!]

Boom!

Instantly, one of my eyes burst, overwhelmed by the raging thunder’s energy. The Qilin offered no concern for the rolling eye that was now rolling away.

[Have you offered yourself to me? Your devotion is commendable!]

Boom!

With a swift stomp, the Qilin crushed my eyeball beneath its hooves.

“……”

As I lingered in shock, Fuxi sighed beside me.

“Such a being cares little for lesser beings, as is evident by its roughness. I’ll take care of your matters, Baek Woong.”

Divine Art!

Precelestial Eight Trigrams!

Boom—

In the blink of an eye, a form encapsulating my body formed. I finally realized that the fruitlessly raging energy within me was calmed down like still water, my pain from the earlier ordeal vanished instantly.

“Oh! Thank you!”

“It’s merely a temporary solution. The Eight Trigrams ensured that energy balances you out, but this technique isn’t perpetually sustainable. You’ll need to harness your strength to manage it properly.”

“What does that mean…?”

“According to the law of the Five Elements, it can either counter the Gold to make it capable of matching its strength or you could dissolve the attributes of lightning into divine techniques. Either way, it is far from simple.”

“……”

“This blessing is certainly at a level you cannot handle right now. It’s practically akin to a spirit descent. It will be interesting to see how you manage it.”

“How can you expect me to manage this?! Couldn’t you just keep the Precelestial Eight Trigrams going indefinitely…”

“I can’t just casually lay my divine arts over something that’s misaligned. I’m paying the cost for the bargains I made with you, and if I sustained the spell endlessly on my end, then you’d owe me yet another cost in return, and are you prepared for it? I wouldn’t mind personally, but…”

“Oh……”

Fuxi’s words left me with no retorts. If I recklessly used immortal spells to make temporary bindings, I’d end up caught into a labyrinth of debts that could circle back on me! Regardless of how friendly Fuxi might be, it’s still worth questioning if the dependency could be justified.

‘This sucks… did I make a mistake asking for a blessing?!’

While I remained in shock Heuk Woong spoke up.

[Master. Worry not. Fuxi’s words refer to the energy and intent you generate to withstand the thunder. Until now, I’ve been watching over your energy as well; from now on, I will shield you with my divine powers.]

Boom!

The moment Heuk Woong placed a hand upon my shoulder, I felt an immense improvement. All pain ceased, and even the bleeding stopped. Feeling relieved, my expression brightened as Heuk Woong waved his hand.

[No need for your eye to continue to be injured.]

Swoosh!

“……!!”

In the blink of an eye, the vision returned to my missing eye. Staring at Heuk Woong confused, he replied nonchalantly,

[Nothing too special, Master. We could do without an eyepatch, don’t you think?]

“You… How did you do that?”

Observing from the sidelines, Fuxi found this process intriguing.

“It seems you deployed your divine skills by using “Small Cycle.” You should have been able to do so from the start.”

[You are observant.]

Fuxi cast a glance at the Qilin standing nearby.

“That offering isn’t dedicated to you, so don’t mess with the Small Cycle.”

[Hmm.]

The Qilin answered with faint annoyance. It appeared that had Fuxi remained silent, it would have turned back the Small Cycle to steal my eye.

“By the way, how long can you maintain protecting me with divine powers? Given the heavenly lightning falling, it should be draining quite rapidly.”

[It should remain manageable. Before long, we must research methods together.]

“Remarkable loyalty. I envy that.”

Fuxi grinned and turned to the Qilin.

“Well then, I shall take my leave. If anything arises, do call upon me again.”

[Do not return!]

Boom—!!

Moments later, I exited Fuxi’s teleportation technique, emerging from where the Qilin had been—the Central of the Five Elements. I found myself back at the coastal area, now shrouded in the blanket of night. I surveyed the coast and spoke.

“This is where 영귀’s…”

“Yes. It resembles a shell—like a turtle’s shell.”

“Are you planning to converse with 영귀 again?”

“Of course that’s my purpose for coming, is it not?”

I grew perplexed at Fuxi’s response.

“You’ve already met three of the Four Divine Beasts, so shouldn’t you be seeking the Phoenix next?”

“……?”

Fuxi looked genuinely puzzled at my inquiry. After a moment, as if coming to a realization, she chuckled and responded.

“Ah, I get it. When you spoke of your past, it seems you hadn’t noticed yet; you’ve been unaware of what the Phoenix is.”

“What? Why the Phoenix?”

“It’s understandable; it’s probably difficult to comprehend the essence of the Phoenix. Even a reborn person might fail to recognize it…”

Having stated this, Fuxi raised her voice.

“영귀, come out! I have something to discuss.”

Swish!

At that, 영귀 appeared, transformed into a young man with gray hair, walking toward us from the shore. As he came before us, he appeared excited and said,

“Though my divination said negotiations might fail, it seems you’ve attained not a small success, but a massive achievement.”

영귀’s gaze enveloped the axe of Pangu that Fuxi held. Fuxi smiled slyly.

“That’s accurate; it’s a modest achievement. This one axe can’t change the entire game on its own.”

“That must indeed be Pangu’s relic… the potential is undoubtedly within reach.”

“An Emperor won’t be felled by merely such artifacts. Someday, he may even take down Pangu himself.”

After making those parting remarks, Fuxi continued,

“Anyway, if you say you’ve seen something, I suppose I’ll speculate as well. You might think you are responding to me out of the desire to align with my side, but is that true?”

“Hah… It’s wisdom, not just speculation. You are correct.”

“You likely meant to lure in the Qilin for your own side, but now that the promise has been broken, I’m pleased to hear your excitement.”

Fuxi’s teasing provoked laughter from 영귀, but he remained calm and composed.

“Even if I couldn’t draw in the Qilin, the talents extracted from it should give you enough power to dethrone the Emperor. Plus, with Pangu’s validation, I can recognize you as the true successor of Pangu.”

“Quite perceptive. However, you are still far superior to the Qilin.”

Satisfied, Fuxi moved on.

“영귀. The reason I’ve visited you isn’t solely about recruitment. I wish to inquire about the Phoenix.”

“I suspected you might be here for that. It’s not a being one can have discussions with.”

A being one can’t speak to?

I tilted my head in confusion when Fuxi resumed.

“I do not seek to coax the Phoenix into my camp. However, depending on how one goes about it, they could engage the Phoenix as a decisive force against the Emperor.”

“I cannot advise you on that matter. The Phoenix shouldn’t be taken lightly; even Pangu’s descendants would burn for making such an attempt.”

“One would assume so. Yet they may also possess the stamina to be thrown into the fray.”

“I’m unsure. Even with your status, daring to confront the Phoenix could lead to calamity. The Phoenix is different from the other Divine Beasts.”

Fuxi laughed lightly at 영귀’s response,

“But it’s entirely possible we might find a way to summon it without consequence.”

“Hmmmm.”

Inspired by 영귀’s words, I pondered what information I could gather about the Phoenix.

“Why is the Phoenix so special that conversations with it are terminally dangerous?”

Fuxi explained,

“Once, hundreds of millions of years ago, the Phoenix made a singular appearance.”

[Once?]

“Indeed, just that one appearance saw it flap its wings, instantly incinerating over dozens of ‘Rulers’ within the Star Realm.”

[Old Rulers], burning away in an instant?

The thought of the Phoenix’s overwhelming power shook me!

[What?!]

My surprise was reflected in Heuk Woong’s expression too. Fuxi continued without paying us mind.

“Upon appearing, the beings from the charge saw countless strong individuals falter in awe, and then as it enveloped the Heavenly-Mysterious Woman and the spirits of order, they instantly transformed into something far mightier.”

“……!!”

The feathers of the Phoenix?!

“In this vast universe, where numerous galaxies and stellar realms reside, our Divine Beasts, when thrust into existence, derive their strength from beings like the Phoenix and enjoy respectful status wherever they go. Considering this small rock-like planet, to have such potent spirits gathered is historically unparalleled.”

At that moment, Fuxi nearly chuckled as if lost in thought.

“Honestly, when it comes to true king of divine beasts, perhaps it’s the Phoenix! Typically, chaos deities were overwhelmingly powerful, but would they truly form a consensus on strength with the spirits? That’s quite the intellectual diversion.”

“…….”

I was fully taken aback by concepts I’d never even contemplated.

“`

 

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