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chapter 98
Lee Gunsan nodded as if he understood.
“It’s the Phoenix Heart. Where did you get something like that?”
“It was a gift from Executive Jeon.”
“Really? Foolishly, you’ve wasted an extra life for yourself, haven’t you?”
Lee Gunsan let out a hollow laugh, his eyes shifting strangely.
“Then why aren’t you using it yourself?”
“I did consider it for a moment, but the enemies I’ll face in the future… even if I use this, it won’t make much difference whether they revive or not.”
“Hmm.”
“So I decided to focus on strengthening my overall power instead.”
Lee Gunsan nodded.
“If that’s your judgment, then it’s the right choice. And what about what’s inside that…?”
“A very good friend.”
Lee Hyun released the cube.
Whoosh!
As the cube lifted, a giant heart, about the size of a human torso, appeared.
Thump! Thump!!
A wave of scorching heat surged forth. Its pulsations were vigorous, as if it could explode at any moment.
“Indeed, a fine companion.”
“Yes. It won’t disappoint.”
Smiling, Lee Hyun placed the Phoenix Heart against the surface of the egg. At that moment,
Flare!
[Phoenix Heart used.]
[The blood flow of fire is absorbed into the egg.]
[The <Sahun> narrative is transferred.]
The Phoenix Heart became a massive flame, swirling as it was fully absorbed into the egg.
The patterns on the surface turned a dull red-black, and heat radiated off the egg.
Once the absorption finished, Lee Hyun no longer held the Phoenix Heart.
Instead,
Thump!
The egg pulsed violently.
Thump! Thump!!
[A new narrative has been added to the narrative recorded in the egg. Some of the previous narrative has been deleted.]
[The item’s name has changed.]
[‘Cradle of the Flame Demon Dragon’ has been born.]
[Cradle of the Flame Demon Dragon]
An egg containing the chaotic lord Sahun, who has now found its unique identity. Covered with the skin of a dragon, it has a high chance of hatching a fire dragon.
The integration with existing narratives is still unstable, and it lacks sufficient nourishment, so it will require more time for a full hatching.
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Type: Ancient Fossil Egg
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Origin: Myth <Journey to the West>
“Since Phoenix is also a legendary creature, it shouldn’t be lacking for hatching a dragon.”
Lee Gunsan stroked his chin.
“After living so long, I even get the chance to witness a dragon hatching. How remarkable. Haha.”
As a researcher before being a soldier, he seemed genuinely pleased at the prospect of future studies.
Lee Hyun nodded, gently holding the dragon egg.
Its surface was extremely hot.
Just like when Sahun had clashed with him intensely.
“It will become a valuable companion for us.”
[Sahun’s narrative expresses gratitude for keeping its promise to you.]
[Sahun’s narrative begins preparations for hatching.]
The baby dragon, appearing as a bright flame-gold, sank into a deeper slumber.
Its lacking soul had been replenished, making it feel more comfortable.
A smile formed on Lee Hyun’s lips.
On an old tree in the yard overlooking Lee Gunsan’s mansion, a man with long, snow-white hair sat.
“The more I see it, the kinder the child seems. Isn’t that right?”
Next to him, a woman with her red hair tied up smiled. It was the Crimson Demon Queen.
The handsome man, Sun Wukong, glanced at her and let out a light scoff.
“Kind? The one who never listens to the gods?”
His golden eyes displayed the scene: Lee Hyun preparing to bestow Sahun upon the dragon egg and liberating the Queen of Eyes.
He was preparing for the war to come.
A war that could spread uncontrollably…
“Hahaha. Isn’t it because our god keeps whining for strange snacks instead of acting like a god?”
The middle-aged Sha Wujing chuckled, making Sun Wukong frown.
“How can one play the part of a god if they hesitate to offer tributes?”
“If you dislike it, you could just withdraw the apostle duties. I’ll take them anyway. Unlike others, I can hand out formal apostleships quickly.”
“Do you want to die? I told you not to cross the line.”
Sun Wukong growled, and Sha Wujing shook his head.
“See, sister-in-law? That’s the kind of person he is. Even if he’s greedy, he’s gone too far. Why would he try to monopolize someone temporarily bound to him?”
The Crimson Demon Queen smirked at Sun Wukong, who pouted.
“You don’t easily open your heart to that child because… you’re worried about them, right?”
Sun Wukong scowled.
“Nonsense.”
“That’s probably correct.”
“……”
“How long are you going to just worry?”
“Hahaha. I’m afraid of losing an apostle I’ve finally obtained. Back in Heaven, he dismissed all candidates he didn’t like. But now that he likes one, he wavers.”
As Sun Wukong glared again, Sha Wujing subtly hid behind the Crimson Demon Queen.
Sun Wukong never acted the same way toward her. He had a single weakness.
‘Food chain! I’ll just have to make sure to give sister-in-law what she deserves! Haha!’
Thanks to this, Sha Wujing gained confidence, delivering honest truths to the hesitant Sun Wukong.
“The ones you like most shouldn’t be smothered; you must trust them and let them fly.”
“……”
“You know, brother? Our remaining time isn’t that generous.”
“……”
“We don’t know how they will act. Will they go together, or separate here? We must decide.”
Sun Wukong pressed his lips tightly.
The Crimson Demon Queen asked,
“What would you like to do?”
After a long silence, Sun Wukong finally spoke.
“I…”
After transplanting Sahun’s soul into the dragon egg, Lee Hyun spent a night at Lee Gunsan’s mansion to prepare for any possible side effects. When the morning sun rose, he headed home with relief.
The hangover soup that his lady had made tasted exceptionally good.
He could imagine eating it repeatedly in the future.
“Thank you.”
A small bird landed on his shoulder.
A tiny sparrow—or perhaps a chick—with a reddish hue.
“Always craving life, and now finally it can walk again after fulfilling its desires.”
Despite its small size, its voice was hot and intense.
It was the Crimson Demon Queen, disguised to hide from Heaven.
“…I don’t quite understand why everyone takes the form of baby animals.”
Sun Wukong’s choice may have influenced the others.
“Sahun is my friend. I just did what needed to be done, so there’s no need to worry.”
“Still, gratitude is gratitude. Without you, this child couldn’t have dreamed anew.”
Her voice was full of affection for her disciple.
“It’s not just because of fate; I didn’t want to let such a child go.”
“I agree.”
Lee Hyun also hoped Sahun would hatch well and grow vigorously.
“By the way, what you said last night…”
A faint smile colored her voice.
“The ‘four people’ sharing that meat—of course, we are included, right?”
Snap.
Lee Hyun smiled lightly, looking around.
The baby monkey Sun Wukong, the baby turtle Sha Wujing, and the others were seated nearby.
Sha Wujing laughed heartily.
“Haha! Sister-in-law still doesn’t know our apostle! Whenever there’s a fun event, she never leaves us out!”
“You know there’s much for you to do to join us, right?”
Sun Wukong crossed his arms, staring at Lee Hyun.
Last night, Lee Hyun had heard from the Crimson Demon Queen about her life after falling from Heaven.
The experiments as a captive of the Central Hero Committee, leaving behind the soul of Wu Yongwang, the destruction of Tongpung Daeseong, and continued pursuit…
“Yes. I know.”
Lee Hyun nodded. Sun Wukong exhaled.
Then he noticed something different: Sun Wukong’s golden eyes were softer, showing concern for him for the first time.
“I understand your mindset, but it’s better not to answer lightly.”
Both Sha Wujing and the Crimson Demon Queen kept silent, agreeing.
“As long as you’re with us… you might have to fight the whole world.”
The Crimson Demon Queen nodded and whispered:
“Take your time to reconsider. Even if you change your mind, we won’t blame you.”
“Haha! Even if you change your mind, we’re still your comrades laughing and joking together!”
All factions pursuing Sun Wukong shared one trait: Immortality and eternal life.
They were seeking ways to become gods, to complete their narratives and ascend to Heaven.
Hence, they had tormented the Crimson Demon Queen and Wu Yongwang so relentlessly.
As long as Lee Hyun stayed with Sun Wukong, conflicts with these factions were inevitable.
Sun Wukong planned to start with Wu Yongwang’s rescue. Later, he’d search for clues regarding Zhu Bajie and the Horse Demon King.
Thus, based on these facts, it wasn’t clear if Lee Hyun should part ways with Sun Wukong.
Sun Wukong pointed out that there was no need to forcefully take the apostle position.
However,
“Do you know?”
Lee Hyun met Sun Wukong’s gaze, confirming his resolve.
“By chance or fate, most of those mentioned by the Crimson Demon Queen yesterday helped dismantle Cheongrae.”
Sha Wujing and the Crimson Demon Queen watched eagerly.
“I will inevitably clash with them. Therefore, it’s natural for me to inherit the apostle role.”
Lee Hyun smiled faintly.
“And as I said, I will inherit the apostle roles of not just the Greater Saints, but also the other Seven Great Saints.”
“…You speak boldly. Fine. If your determination is truly that, then…”
Sun Wukong released his arms and leapt in front of Lee Hyun.
“No time to waste. Let’s begin the Apostle Test.”
Lee Hyun clenched his fists.
The long-awaited moment had come.
A formal apostle, not a temporary one.
Truly becoming Sun Wukong’s sole apostle.
“But my test will not be easy.”
Sun Wukong’s gaze was cold.
“Sha Wujing mentioned before, I have never accepted an apostle under me. Not once.”
Lee Hyun swallowed dryly, tension rising.
“And if it weren’t for this Fallen from Heaven, I would never have taken anyone.”
“You mean Brother Suchan?”
“Not much different, I think.”
“…Why?”
Lee Hyun nodded gravely.
“Because no one met your high standards?”
“That’s part of it, but also because I didn’t feel the need. My standards for viewing the world are very high.”
Sun Wukong’s golden eyes gleamed sharply.
“My thinking hasn’t changed. Right now, a hand is needed urgently, so I stepped forward to select an apostle.”
He paused, then continued:
“But I will not lower my standards. No second chance will be given.”
“….”
“If you are unqualified, that’s it. Do you still accept?”
“Yes. I do.”
“…Good. You’ve made your choice with your own hands, so no more complaints.”
“However, may I set one condition?”
Sun Wukong frowned slightly.
A condition? There were no negotiations in his apostle test.
If Lee Hyun sought this due to past sentiment or to leverage Sha Wujing and the Crimson Demon Queen…
At that moment, Lee Hyun grinned.
“I want to take not only the formal Apostle Test with the Greater Saint, but also the formal tests of Sha Wujing and the Heavenly Saint in one go.”
“…!? What?!”
“Hahaha! Our apostle truly exceeds all expectations!”
Sun Wukong and the Crimson Demon Queen looked stunned, while Sha Wujing doubled over laughing.
“Why take three separate tests when we can do it all at once? Let’s go. Give it to me.”
Lee Hyun’s golden eyes gleamed with determination.
This chapter emphasizes the bonding between Lee Hyun, Sahun, and the legendary figures, while also setting the stage for the formal Apostle Test with Sun Wukong.
