Suddenly, the gazes of various divine realms and constellations poured down upon him.
It wasn’t surprising.
Just like when he had birthed the Faerie Dragon, Kyung, wasn’t a new life, a new dragonic species, born without any forewarning?
Moreover, it wasn’t just an ordinary dragon species, but a birth mixed with the divinity of a celestial like the Bull Demon King.
In reality,
『The Constellations of the Celestial Realm widen their eyes at the sudden divinity of an ancient great demon.』
『The Constellations of the Underworld are in turmoil over the sudden divinity of an ancient great demon.』
The Celestial Realm and Underworld, which had the most direct relationship with the Bull Demon King, were showing exceptional interest.
Of course, just like with the Faerie Dragon,
『Constellation ?? exclaims, ‘Who dares to create a new dragonic species again!’』
『Constellation ? frowns, saying, ‘They must be out of their minds!’』
『Constellation ???? declares, ‘If this new species is not exterminated immediately, I shall personally take action.’』
Some Constellations, who seemed to have a grudge against dragons, expressed their displeasure, but that was it.
『Constellation ?? expresses bewilderment, saying, ‘No! How can the divine kings…’』
『Constellation ???? nods, saying, ‘I see, it must be the work of that entity from that time.’』
『Constellation ? withdraws, saying, ‘If that’s the case…’』
After seeing the divine kings, who were watching Shimun from a much closer place than themselves, they immediately expressed assent.
Of course, it wasn’t just because of the divine kings.
『Constellation ? is startled, saying, ‘The Celestial Realm?!’』
『Constellation ??? murmurs, ‘For them to show such interest…’』
『Constellation ????? says, ‘With the Underworld involved, I should withdraw before getting entangled.’』
They hurriedly left upon seeing the particular interest shown by the Celestial Realm and Underworld due to the Bull Demon King’s divinity.
Thanks to this, Shimun’s Constellations didn’t have to go through the trouble of driving them away, unlike with the Faerie Dragon.
However, Shimun’s Constellations didn’t seem too pleased.
Rather,
『Constellation Zeus clicks his tongue, saying, ‘Tsk.’』
『Constellation Baal shows a discomforted expression, saying, ‘Hmm…’』
The atmosphere among Shimun’s Constellations grew more somber.
The reason was simple.
『Constellation Emperor remarks, ‘Indeed, you’re all gathered here.’』
The divine king of the Celestial Realm, one of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, the Emperor, had made a personal appearance.
Then.
『Constellation Emperor remarks, ‘In any case… like this, it will be difficult to have a pleasant conversation.’, he waves his hand.』
Sasasasak.
With the Emperor’s final message, the previously dark and empty space instantly transformed.
It unfolded into a breathtaking landscape resembling an Eastern painting.
At the very top of that place, where five mystical mountains stood out,
“Come down here, why don’t you join me for some tea?”
A figure, resplendently dressed, lifted a jade cup slightly. But that was all. Perhaps because his face was only outlined in shadow,
『……』
『……』
The seven gazes from above regarded him, but not one of them came down. Nor did they respond.
Soon,
『Constellation Black Goat snorts, ‘Hmph, you’re not even worth meeting.’, turning away.』
The dark purplish gaze presumed to belong to the Black Goat disappeared.
『Constellation Michael remarks, ‘I never thought I’d see a day when Lucifer appears more virtuous.’, leaving with a look of disdain.』
『Constellation Heavenly Demon chuckles, ‘Ha, your method of annihilation is indeed quite novel. You’re still as fearless as ever.’, exuding killing intent.』
The other six divine kings also displayed unfavorable reactions and vanished. Before long, the Emperor was left alone in the splendid landscape where the Five Sacred Mountains converged.
It would be natural to feel displeased at the attitudes of the seven divine kings.
“Well, visit when you wish. The tea is always ready.”
The Emperor displayed no hint of disturbance, continuing to enjoy his tea with the serenity of a Daoist immortal.
Then,
Sleek.
The space in front of him split open.
Glancing at this, the Emperor said, “Tsk, the guests I called for are absent, and such a vulgar thing dares to appear.”
He showed visible displeasure which had not surfaced with the divine kings’ indifference.
-Kuhaha! But I am no unwelcome guest, am I?
A booming laugh echoed through the five mountains.
Matching the laughter,
Boom!
A giant head alone appeared. Its grotesque horns, fangs, and facial features were enough to make anyone frown, a reaction not even a divine king Constellation could avoid.
“How dare you, Shuten Doji, stand before this emperor?”
The Emperor’s expression darkened with clear displeasure.
Realizing this, Shuten Doji let out another booming laugh.
-Kuhaha! That’s just how it is, isn’t it?
And then,
-With the birth of a new dragonic species and the inclusion of the old Bull Demon King’s divinity, it’s bound to be intriguing.
The meaning behind those eyes was profound.
Stop.
The Emperor’s motion of tilting the cup came to a halt.
“Hoho?”
Then, a small exclamation escaped his lips.
However, the emotion within his voice was unmistakably anger.
“Are you, a lowly being, blaming me?”
Sensing this, Shuten Doji replied,
-Kuhaha! How could that be? It’s just that… you were the one to mark the end of the Bull Demon King. I merely want to know how it happened.
He merely raised his eyebrows with his characteristic laugh.
Was even that unpleasant?
Tap, tap.
The Emperor tapped his black fingers against the cup.
“If you wish to discuss such matters with me, shouldn’t at least the White-faced Golden-haired one be here?”
He spoke in an even lower voice than before.
Sensing the danger, perhaps?
-That, that may be true… but as you know, she’s exceedingly busy, isn’t she?
The scornful being replied in a somewhat subdued tone.
“Ha! Apart from polishing that wretched stone, what else does that cunning woman do?”
-You’re right, but the Killing Stone is quite important to us. Anyway…
He trailed off and glanced to the side.
Surprisingly, in a stark contrast to the beautiful scenery overlooking the Five Sacred Mountains,
Wooong.
A space filled with brilliant white light. Specifically, he looked at what should be called a screen within it.
-What really happened?
He expressed a sincere question.
For truly,
-The Bull Demon King was said to be not only dead but also annihilated, wasn’t he?
Didn’t kb meet his end at the Emperor’s hand?
-How can the Bull Demon King’s divinity shine once again?
At the scornful being’s question,
“The Bull Demon King’s annihilation is certain.”
The Emperor’s gaze also turned to the screen filled with white light.
“As you can see. That divinity is merely a remnant of the Bull Demon King, and its power is indeed meager.”
-That may be, but…
“It was merely a ploy to bait that monkey…”
The Emperor trailed off. Was he choosing his words?
After a brief pause,
“…it has just slightly deviated from the plan.”
He finished in a reluctant voice. Realizing he had pricked the Emperor’s pride, the scornful being quickly shifted tone.
-Well, if it’s merely at that level, there’s nothing to worry about. You can crush it whenever you get the chance.
He swiftly redirected the conversation with his characteristic nonchalance.
Of course, it wasn’t merely to dodge the topic.
-But by the Emperor’s words, does it mean that the Great Sage Equal to Heaven has been freed?
Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, was just as, if not more, significant to the Underworld than the Bull Demon King now.
Especially considering the circumstances.
-I heard that due to your scheme, even Shakyamuni personally got involved. How did he get freed?
Hadn’t a primordial god personally sealed him?
Hearing that the seal had been broken naturally raised questions. However, maybe the Emperor didn’t want to discuss it anymore.
“What difference does discussing the past make?”
The Emperor set the cup down with a slightly rough motion.
-Well, well, hah! True, what’s done is done. We must prepare for the future!
Bowing his head quickly, the scornful being complied with the Emperor’s mood.
Although his true intentions were apparent,
“Tell the White-faced Golden-haired one. Soon, you Three Great Yokais will need to contribute to my grand plan.”
The Emperor left his final words, and vanished without a trace.
Rumble!
With the creator’s absence, the once magnificent scenery of the Five Sacred Mountains began to crumble.
-That filthy usurper! All he does is fail, and he dares to disdain the great me?
The scornful being scattered a chilling killing intent.
-Gongsun Xuanyuan… don’t think your reign will last forever.
Glaring in the direction the Emperor had gone,
-You too will fall as the Seven Archdemons did…
He too disappeared from the scene.
*
A world of radiant white, filled with a natural sense of grandeur and greatness.
Floating through this realm,
‘So warm…’
Shimun felt an indescribable peace and warmth akin to being held in a mother’s embrace.
And then, before him,
『You, as a human, have birthed a living homunculus.』
『Galaxy Arena sends its applause for the myth you achieved.』
Messages from the Galaxy Arena appeared.
Unlike before, the content was rather plain.
And the reason for this soon became clear.
『Separate from your achievements, homunculus creation falls under the ‘forbidden domain’ for various reasons.』
『A meeting will be held with the relevant Constellations to discuss lifting the ‘forbidden domain’ status.』
Forbidden domain. The emphasis placed by the Galaxy Arena puzzled him.
‘What’s this about? Forbidden domain?’
Even in the warmth enveloping his entire body, Shimun couldn’t help but tilt his head in confusion.
Then.
‘Wait. Come to think of it…’
Had he noticed something odd?
Shimun furrowed his brow slightly while reading the message.
‘There’s no mention of being the first in this achievement?’
When he alchemized the Faerie Dragon, Galaxy Arena had clearly mentioned it as a ‘first by a mortal’ and showered him with praise and rewards.
But there was no ‘first’ mentioned in this current message.
Thus, ‘This means someone else created a homunculus before me…’
Someone had already claimed the first achievement. Fortunately, it wasn’t too hard to identify who that someone might be.
‘Could it be Paracelsus, the Constellation of Alchemy?’
Paracelsus, the Constellation of Alchemy. Considering the information he had, it wasn’t implausible.
‘He was a mortal who ascended to the status of a Constellation, after all.’
Constellations had subtle hierarchies based on their origins.
Through his past life’s brother, Kim Shihyuk, and his own experiences in this life,
He had personally experienced what kind of power the trait ‘Stigma’ held.
“Paracelsus probably became a Constellation through the Stigma as well…”
But that was the limit of what he could deduce.
Hearing his muttering,
-… Oppa? Before those Arena guys bring back the meeting results, let’s handle something else first.
The Philosopher’s Stone spoke with an unusually somber tone, diverging from its usual cheerful demeanor.
“Huh? Oh. Alright.”
It wasn’t just the Galaxy Arena’s message that appeared before him. Swiping aside the Arena’s messages, Shimun checked another message window.
『You have achieved a mythic alchemization.』
『The title ‘Pioneer of Alchemy’ has grown.』
『You have gained 50 alchemy energy.』
A message announcing the growth of his title ‘Pioneer of Alchemy’ and the gain of 50 alchemy energy.
Yet, he couldn’t focus on the changes to his title and the significant gain in alchemy energy.
Right below it,
『Your truth responds to the mythic alchemization.』
『Ars Magna (Ars Magna) traces a new truth previously missed.』
‘A new truth?’
A message related to Ars Magna popped up.
Then.
Swoosh.
“Ah…!”
A different kind of pleasure overwhelmed him compared to the peace and warmth he had been feeling.
A ticklish and refreshing sensation swept over not just his body, but his mind and soul.
Accompanied by that indescribable ecstasy, ‘Yes. This is…’
He recalled an unforgettable moment.
‘The time when I absorbed the Nemean Lion’s hide!’
The Nemean Lion’s hide. He had felt it once when he fused it with the Dragonoid form.
Perhaps due to a lack of realization back then, even for someone as adept as Shimun, the truth he couldn’t grasp then, had come to him again now.
Of course.
Wooong…
Ars Magna emitted an unstable hum, just like back then.
The reason was simple.
‘It’s still difficult to comprehend.’
Even though he had grown since then, the new truth was still elusive.
However,
‘Though I can’t fully grasp it… I understand it better. And I know why it’s difficult.’
Perhaps because he had achieved the high-level alchemy of creating a homunculus?
He could understand it much better than before—almost halfway, if quantified.
Therefore, ‘This time, I won’t miss it.’
He didn’t lose the new truth, unlike before. He grasped beyond the clue of the new Ars Magna, seizing its essence.
Then,
Wooong!
A powerful hum resonated, unlike the weak one from before.
“Ah…”
Something unknown engraved itself into his brain, or perhaps his soul.
Yes.
It felt like the moment when he first comprehended Ars Magna while facing the undefeated Sargas. And though he couldn’t fully understand it, ‘Got it!’
The moment he fully grasped it, “Uhm…”
A small groan reached Shimun’s ears.
And then, ‘Yes. The homunculus!’
He recalled the being he had forgotten while engrossed in Ars Magna.
‘Is it awake? What kind of existence is it? Might it retain any memories from when it was the Bull Demon King…?’
As Shimun turned his head towards it, “Hey! Appa!”
With an unexpected rush from a child,
Thud!
“Ughh!”
Shimun was immediately knocked to the ground.
TL’s Corner:
주전동자 – Jujeondongja / Shuten Doji
삼대요(三大妖) – Three Great Yokais
Probably Pertains to the three Great Evil Yokais of Japanese Mythology
Namely:
Shuten dōji, oni
Tamamo no Mae, Kitsune
Emperor Sutoku, tengu
P. S.
Another kid?