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chapter 110
Mid-slope of Dobongsan Mountain.
Lee Hyun was catching his breath deeply.
“Phew…”
Crackle! Crack-crack!
With every exhale, bluish-white lightning sparked out. At the same time, concentric waves spread outward.
The senses of a yokai.
In other words, the Toujeon style expanded the boundary of “self-awareness,” reading all impressions within that range.
Lee Hyun called this place the “realm of consciousness.”
This range is also the range of my attacks. It’s the area in which my willpower can act.
He focused on the colors of impressions captured within the realm.
The wider the range, the greater the advantage I can secure in future battles.
Bzzzz!
[‘Sacred Relic: Ginkgoa’ is used to accelerate thought speed!]
The Ginkgoa spun violently as it emerged from his head. Time slowed around him.
Within this slowed world, Lee Hyun intended to test everything he had learned from the Tower of Five Elements—not only the Toujeon style gained from Sun Wukong, but also what he inherited from Sha Wujing and the Demon King of the Roaring Horse.
Since he had acquired new titles, many aspects had changed. He needed to reacquaint himself with his senses quickly.
Of course, if he went all out, the surroundings wouldn’t survive. So he limited himself to implementing his willpower alone.
Still—
Actually, this is better for improving precision and control.
Crackle!
At that moment, a bolt of lightning fell from the dome-shaped ceiling of his consciousness realm.
A fierce, lightning-fast strike.
Flash—
Lee Hyun swung his axe, deflecting it midair. The lightning split into dozens of strands, scattering in all directions.
And from each point of impact, new lightning bolts spawned.
Bang! Bang! BANG!
Every time he blocked a strike, more lightning emerged, filling the consciousness realm in an instant.
Lee Hyun focused solely on evading and countering each attack using only yokai senses.
The unpredictable clash between external willpower and his own new willpower.
That alone was an immense training.
Boom!
Sweat trickled down his forehead.
Meanwhile, not far away—
Sun Wukong and the Demon King of the Roaring Horse sat side by side on a branch, watching him. Both in animal form.
“Earth Fiend Arts? You’ve already started teaching him? You really are ruthless… He just got out, and you can’t even let him rest a little.”
What Lee Hyun was practicing was one of the many spells comprising the Toujeon style.
Specifically, one of the 72 Earth Fiend Arts Sun Wukong had learned from Subhuti, his first master.
The Demon King worried Lee Hyun might exhaust himself.
But—
“Who says I taught him anything?”
Sun Wukong crossed his arms and snorted.
“What?”
“I didn’t teach him that.”
“…That can’t be right. That’s clearly the Earth Fiend Art, Lightning Split Self-Execution, isn’t it?”
“That’s why I’m baffled too.”
“…!?”
Only then did the Demon King realize what he meant.
“You’re telling me he figured that out on his own?!”
“Strictly speaking, he was fiddling with how to handle Toujeon, and he peeked into my impressions and just… imitated it. But in doing so, he ended up with something similar. Not exactly the same, but close.”
“…”
“The essence of the incantation is nearly identical. He grasped the core of the spell instinctively.”
“…To think he created something like that just as training.”
The Demon King muttered incredulously.
“Is he really human?”
“Of course. You sense souls better than I do, don’t you?”
“That’s exactly why I’m asking.”
The Demon King chuckled bitterly.
“If that’s true, then it must be innate… Perhaps it’s tied to the legacy he bears?”
The Dokkaebi, especially the Dueokshin legend, was indeed strange.
A form, or a phenomenon, that embodied all the world’s anomalies.
That might explain his rapid assimilation of Toujeon.
Though honestly, I and Sa Hwasang weren’t much different.
Just as Lee Hyun had bonded as disciple with Sun Wukong, he had formed new ties with Sha Wujing and the Demon King—different from mere apostlehood.
[You have formed a ‘Confidant’ relationship with two beings. You have acquired a qualification higher than that of an Apostle.]
[Bonus reward: Curse Immunity (SS) has advanced to Curse Assimilation (SSS).]
[Bonus reward: Heat Immunity (SS) has advanced to Heat Assimilation (SSS).]
A Confidant. A bond deeper than simple friendship.
Just as Lee Hyun wished, his relationships were now forged through ties of trust.
Besides, apostleship restricts all potential to that one god. This bond doesn’t. For him, it’s far more advantageous.
Even if he met other Seven Heavenly Stars later, inheriting their powers wouldn’t be a problem.
Of course, for mortals, it should be nearly impossible to contain such diverse divine powers simultaneously.
But—
He pulled it off. He even reached assimilation stage. His limits are unknown… maybe he has none at all.
That might be the terrifying essence of the Dueokshin legend.
But why has such a legend never spread until now…?
The Demon King briefly wondered, then shook her head.
“So, this training wasn’t your idea. He chose it himself?”
Sun Wukong nodded silently.
The Demon King laughed dryly.
“He’s really a training maniac. He just finished the Apostle trials… Who else would be like this but your disciple?”
“Being able to discipline yourself on your own is a blessing. It means you see your own path.”
“Yeah, sure…”
Their conversation faded into silence.
Despite once being lovers, and sworn brothers before that, the years apart left awkwardness when they were alone together.
After a while, Sun Wukong broke the silence, eyes still fixed on Lee Hyun.
“Didn’t you come here with a question? Go ahead.”
“…You—”
The Demon King began, but Sun Wukong suddenly stood.
“Wait.”
“Hm?”
As she turned, Sun Wukong snarled, hurling lightning with a twisted face.
“You little rat bastard—I’ll fry you into turtle soup no matter what!”
BOOM!
At the strike’s impact, a tree collapsed, revealing Sha Wujing in the form of a baby turtle.
“Kehehe! As expected, Senior Brother’s eyes miss nothing! Even with a concealment curse and perception interference, you still caught me! I even held my breath to hide my breathing!”
“Is that the point right now?!”
“Of course not! The real issue is you, Senior Brother!”
“What was that?!”
“I mean, what are you doing sitting there with Sister-in-law all cozy, like it’s some date? At least do something manly—wall slam her, or steal a kiss! You’re killing me with this blandness!”
Sun Wukong didn’t bother to ask what “wall slam” or “kiss stealing” meant. Knowing Sha Wujing’s obsession with modern content, it was undoubtedly nonsense.
“Enough nonsense—just die already!!”
“No way! I finally met my ideal Apostle—no, my Confidant! Why would I die now? I’ll live long enough to see Brother Sun Wukong stop being a useless man and become a proper one!”
“Shut up and die!”
Crash! Flash! Crack!
Sha Wujing fled, Sun Wukong chased. The mountain peak erupted in chaos.
“…Should I really be here?”
The Demon King scratched her cheek with a wing, looking exasperated, while Sun Wukong only returned after a long chase, panting, leaves and branches clinging to him.
“Huff! Huff! That bastard—is he really a turtle, or a rat?! How can he be so damn fast only when he’s running?! If I catch him someday, I swear… grr!!”
Fuming over yet another failed revenge, Sun Wukong turned back to the Demon King.
“So, what was your question?”
“Ah… nothing. Forget it.”
She shook her head.
This wasn’t the time for such talk. Her intended question was too delicate.
Back in the Tower of Five Elements, when Lee Hyun said he wanted to be Sun Wukong’s successor—why had he hesitated, unable to answer right away?
Was it because he thought of that child?
She wanted to ask, but—
…Not now. That was the very reason we parted ways in the past.
She saved it for another time.
At that moment—
“Hm?”
As Sun Wukong crossed his arms again, suppressing his rage, he suddenly turned.
Far away, someone was running toward them.
Not Sha Wujing.
A human.
A familiar face.
“That one… wasn’t she from the rookie’s company? Her name was… Seo something?”
It was Assistant Manager Seo Aeri.
A member of Team Z.
How did she find us here? And her aura looks frantic…
Her impression was trembling violently. Something had clearly happened at the company.
Combined with the <Heavenly Realm>’s warning message earlier, an ominous feeling rose.
Sun Wukong immediately dashed toward Lee Hyun.
Flash—
Meanwhile…
Team Z and Astra exchanged greetings.
Fortunately, Kim Minjung and Assistant Manager Eom Giseon were fluent in English.
“I never expected to meet you here in Whiteburn instead of Cheongroe, Twin-shot.”
“I’m surprised you remember me. It’s an honor. I’m glad to see you again too.”
“Haha, who could forget such a beauty?”
Twin-shot.
Kim Minjung’s old codename from the Cheongroe days.
Originally a nod to the Janghwa Hongryeon legend, later extended to mean her bullets always struck the same spot, even when fired consecutively.
A name almost relegated to memory—yet hearing it now after so long stirred strange feelings.
Michael Shepherd was unchanged.
Or rather, more imposing—his frame larger, his eyes deeper.
A rare Black prophet with unmatched intellect, even nicknamed the “Brain of Astra.” Back in Cheongroe, he had been their most dangerous opponent.
As expected, he’s not easy to read. I can’t tell what he’s thinking at all.
Relying on past data to handle him would be a mistake.
And the fact that Chief Eom once called him trash still bothers me…
Michael extended a hand even to Eom Giseon, who stood stiffly beside Kim Minjung.
“Long time, Knight. I heard you returned to Korea after discharge, but when I learned you’d joined Team Z, I was shocked.”
“…Yes. It’s been a while, Michael.”
Kim Minjung was startled to see this side of Eom Giseon—so serious and subdued.
No, this isn’t seriousness…
His grip was tense, tight.
He’s… not just cautious. He’s afraid. Afraid of him.
Eom Giseon regarded Michael like prey before a predator.
The same applied when greeting Astra’s other members.
“Hey, bro. Long time no see.”
“Our Knight’s looking stiff.”
“His eyes have changed too.”
“…Yeah. Funny place to meet again. Good to see you all.”
While Astra’s members treated him warmly, Eom Giseon’s eyes stayed hard.
It felt like they were humoring a neighborhood kid.
Their dismissive attitude was obvious—even calling him only by his codename.
The worst was Donovan Black.
He went so far as to sling an arm over Eom’s shoulder, chattering casually.
This is psychological warfare. An intimidation tactic.
There was no way Astra’s elite operatives would act so sloppy while on foreign mission. It was deliberate.
Realizing this, Kim Minjung’s face stiffened.
She opened her mouth to retort, but Michael spoke first, lips curling.
“Since everyone’s a little acquainted, conversation should be easier. In that case, let me ask one thing, Twin-shot.”
Kim Minjung frowned warily.
“What is it?”
“I heard rumors that Korea plans to revive Cheongroe.”
The first thing he asks upon meeting again… is this?
A sudden strike at her defenses.
“…So what if we are?”
She answered as calmly as possible.
But Michael’s voice sank low, heavy like an abyss.
“In that case… does Korea intend to make America its enemy?”
