EPISODE 28

I climbed the upside-down tower. Thankfully, it had an entrance, and inside, a spiraling staircase wound upward, sparing me the agony of scaling the walls. While the exterior was stranger than any building I'd ever seen, the interior was surprisingly decent—less shabby than I expected. It was dusty, though.

"When was this tower built?"

—It predates my death, so at least 2,000 years ago.

"It is amazing that a tower from 2,000 years ago is still intact."

—An outstanding building's natural beauty doesn't lose its luster even after 5,000 years of wind and rain.

"Then this building has 3,000 years left?"

—That's what they say.

The tower's height was considerable, making the climb difficult. Normally, I wouldn't have any issues, but I was utterly exhausted. I had drained both my internal and true energy after entering the White Fire state, and my body ached all over. To be honest, I wanted to faint right then.

—Have strength, Messenger. Just a bit further.

"I think you've said that five times already..."

—It is true this time. Look.

I glanced up at the Martial God's words and saw a faint light—an opening in the ceiling with stairs leading to it. It had to be the rooftop.

"It is true."

—Why would I lie about something like this?

I nodded and pushed off the final steps. The roof, or top of the tower, was wide open, completely bare of decoration. A shabby sword was stuck almost in the center.

"Is that it? It looks different from the Seven Sins Sword that I know."

—That's the one. It has lost its original appearance.

"What do you mean?"

—I'll explain the details later. I don't think this is the time to relax.

The cave shook.

I brushed the dirt off my shoulders and grabbed the sword's handle.

"Is there a scabbard, by any chance?"

—There is no such thing.

"I see."

I nodded and gripped the sword, putting all my strength into drawing it. To my surprise, it slid out effortlessly.

"I drew it just like that?"

—What do you mean?

"Why? Don't you need qualifications to draw a legendary sword? There is a saying that a good sword chooses its master."

—That's ridiculous. A sword is just a tool. You don't need qualifications to handle it. You simply draw it. The idea of a sword choosing its master is absurd.

Maybe because he was a god, he had no sense of romance. Maybe there were no hero novels 2,000 years ago. I hid my disappointment and roughly fastened the Seven Sins Sword to my belt.

Fortunately, it was rusty from exposure to the elements, so it didn't seem too dangerous.

"Are we done here? I want to get out of this damn cave."

—There is still one thing left.

"What is it?"

—You must go back to the altar where you were before, place the sword there, and make an offering to me.

"Offering? I don't have anything." I briefly rummaged through my pockets and found some leftover jerky. "I'll give you this, at least—"

—Forget about the food. Just place the sword on the altar and say a short prayer.

"Oh, I understand."

I descended the tower quickly, but it was harder than climbing up. My body was in poor condition, and if I relaxed, I'd likely collapse. Now, I had to pray in this weakened state, knowing I would pass out once I closed my eyes.

Soon, I stood before the altar, suppressed my emotions, clasped my hands, and bowed my head slightly.

What type of attitude should I have while praying?

I wasn't an atheist, but I didn't believe in religion or god. My lack of belief stemmed from a childish reason—I didn't have a god's blessing. That pride had kept me from turning to any gods even when staring death in the face.

Now, here I was, communicating with a divine being, yet my heart held no faith. How should a non-believer like me pray?

For starters, what I was doing now—clasping my hands and bowing in silence—wasn't the customary way of praying in this world.

I just closed my eyes and stayed silent for a while.

At this moment, a soft breeze stirred, its warmth soothing enough to make me forget the changing seasons.

The Martial God's voice was present in the wind.

—Now open your eyes.

I opened them and saw a white figure appear beyond the altar. It resembled a human, but something about it felt distant from humanity. It was a bright shadow, and I couldn't discern its form, age, or gender.

—Hmm. A complete manifestation seems impossible due to a lack of faith.

"Why appear now, then?"

—I told you, Messenger. I will teach you the Galaxy Sword.

"You don't have to teach me so hastily."

—If not now, I don't know when it will be. As long as there is a forgotten altar, I can manifest, even if only in an incomplete form.

So, this is the reason.

—Look closely. I will demonstrate it now.

The Martial God reached out, grabbed the Seven Sins Sword, and assumed a stance.

Martial arts names often concealed their true secrets and meanings.

The White Sun Style I developed was inspired by the sun's blazing brilliance. This influence was most evident in the White Sun Eclipse, designed for the First Fire Style, which excelled in explosive power, endurance, and rapid recovery.

If so, what secret did the Galaxy Sword contain?

I watched in silence.

The Martial God's movements were a demonstration full of consideration.

The Martial God's movements were deliberate, designed to show and teach. If the movements hadn't been so slow, I wouldn't have been able to grasp any of their meaning.

I could feel it faintly now. I barely caught one of the petals falling from all directions, but it allowed me to glimpse the Galaxy Sword's secrets.

Big and magnificent—these were the Galaxy Sword's characteristics that stood out to me.

It made sense when considering the origin of this martial art. I was so absorbed that I lost track of time and ignored my fatigue.

I focused intently, trying not to forget even the smallest detail. Though I couldn't yet interpret even 1% of the movements, keeping them in my mind would surely benefit me someday.

Soon, the Martial God's demonstration ended. It felt like an eternity had passed, yet also as if it had been only a moment.

I remained silent, unable to shake off the Galaxy Sword's lingering influence.

The Martial God spoke in a calm voice.

—The galaxy refers to a collection of countless stars scattered across the night sky. Messenger, do you know that, in a broad sense, the sun is just a star?

"Yes. If those who worship the Sun God heard this, they would foam at the mouth."

—I have no intention of belittling their faith. I am simply stating the truth about all things in heaven and earth.

The Martial God's figure placed the Seven Sins Sword back on the altar.

—What did you feel when you saw the Galaxy Sword?"

"It was magnificent." I added, "It made me feel like chickening out."

—Chickening out?

"It means I was scared."

—Hmm.

For some reason, the Martial God laughed as if he appreciated my honest confession.

—You are honest. Even though you are young, you are a martial artist. It isn't easy to admit fear. In fact, it is a given. Humans are inherently afraid of huge beings that exceed their understanding.

"Are you talking about something like a giant god?"

—I'm not just talking about the gods.

The Martial God continued.

—Have you ever considered the age of the earth you stand on? Who was the ancient ruler of the era where no surviving documents or records exist? Conversely, what will the world look like hundreds of millions of years from now?

The Martial God seemed to notice my expression and smiled gently as he spoke.

—It seems that you have never thought about these things before.

"That's right."

—Why?

"It is so distant. My life has always been about taking the next step, so I didn't have the luxury of looking far ahead."

I felt like the Martial God was nodding.

—That is probably the essence of a human being.

The essence of a human being... Those words somehow resonated with me.

—What I'm trying to say is that a being that exceeds their understanding can evoke awe simply by existing. This is likely the same feeling that humans experience when encountering a god. The universe is the greatest concept that encompasses everything.

It was only then that I truly understood what the Galaxy Sword contained. "It is inclusive."

—That's right.

The white figure vanished like a candle snuffed out.

—The Galaxy Sword's ultimate meaning is the inclusion of all things.

"Then, if I master this martial art to the extreme..."

—Messenger, your vessel will become large enough to contain the universe. Completing the swordsmanship that mirrors the sun will place no burden on you.

I took a deep breath, finally understanding the Martial God's words. In a sense, the Galaxy Sword was the martial art I needed most right now. That didn't mean it was superior to the White Sun Eclipse.

Likely, the Martial God's level wasn't above my master's. It was simply a matter of compatibility.

—The Galaxy Sword consists of seven stages: Dubhe, Merak, Phecda, Megrez, Alioth, Mizar, and Alkaid. To attain your desire, you must reach at least the fifth form.

I tilted my head, recognizing the names. "Are these stage classifications perhaps derived from the red sky's seven stars?"

—That's right.

The red sky's seven stars referred to the brightest stars in the night sky. Curiously, this constellation earned its name because it seemed to shine most brightly at sunset.

I stared blankly at the Seven Sins Sword. "Could the form of the Seven Sins Sword be derived from the seven stars?"

—That's right.

Goosebumps prickled my skin. The seven stars held significance not just in astrology but also in magic, black magic, animism, alchemy, and theology.

In many of these disciplines, the seven stars represented light, darkness, wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Thus, in the broader sense, the Galaxy Sword was a martial art rooted in the principles of Yin and Yang and the five elements. This connection touched on my foundation, the First Fire Technique.

As I held the sword, the Martial God's sword dance replayed in my mind.

Martial arts were a mysterious field, and the saying, "You see as much as you know," applied most fittingly here.

I found one key similarity between the First Fire Technique and the Galaxy Sword, and suddenly, the Galaxy Sword didn't feel as overwhelming. Instead, I felt a surge of excitement.

If I integrate the Galaxy Sword into the White Sun Eclipse...

Of course, it wouldn't be an easy process. The difference between martial arts and swordsmanship was significant.

My head was spinning more fiercely than ever before. I instinctively started performing the First Fire Technique's internal energy circulation.

A small flow of internal energy coursed through my entire body's blood vessels.

This cyclical process, repeated thousands—maybe tens of thousands—of times, including during my time on Spirit Mountain, now felt unfamiliar. The road I had known so well appeared different because my perspective had changed. My body, once familiar, now felt vast, like a small universe.

The universe?

At that moment, I suddenly understood that the universe didn't have to be a vast, incomprehensible expanse. Every human being possessed their own universe. Once I realized it, the truth was simple. The human body was a microcosm.

—This...

I heard the voice of the Martial God, but I couldn't respond. I was immersed in the mental pleasure that followed enlightenment.

How much time has passed?

My body was soaked in sweat, but the dampness didn't feel unpleasant.

It was the aftermath of enlightenment. At moments like this, it's only natural for a person to want to be alone, free from any interference.

—Messenger, congratulations on your initiation into the Galaxy Sword.

The Martial God's words left a lingering aftertaste, but his next words jolted me back to reality as if cold water had been poured over me.

—By the way, what is your relationship with Bai Luguang?