Bai Luguang, the First Under Heaven, the greatest of both past and present, Spirit Mountain's Martial Immortal, a transcendent being, and my master. His name crossed my mind multiple times each day, but after traveling back in time, I never expected to hear it from someone else's lips. My master wasn't from this world, not figuratively, but literally.
"How do you know that name...?"
How did the beings of this world know my master's name? My surprise didn't lessen, even though the other party was a divine being.
—I see. Was it Bai Luguang who taught you martial arts? But how could he have a disciple like you...?
The Martial God suddenly felt like a different person. An inexplicable chill ran through me as I heard his words, muttered almost to himself.
Until now, he had only been warm and benevolent like a spring breeze. At that moment, however, he seemed ready to strike down anyone who approached him without hesitation.
My instincts screamed at me to stop asking, but I ignored them and pressed, "What's your relationship with my master?"
This matter was so important to me that I disregarded my instincts' warnings.
The Martial God said nothing, but his silence alone weighed heavily on me.
It was absurd. I was the one who pressed him for an answer, yet I was the one feeling the burden.
I gritted my teeth and persisted. Since the Martial God was essentially an intangible being, I didn't know where to direct my gaze. Therefore, I looked beyond the altar for now.
—I can't answer this question. Don't misunderstand. It isn't that I don't want to. I can't.
I wasn't so naive as to miss the meaning behind his words. But understanding didn't make it easier to accept.
"You are a god. Even if you are a forgotten god, who can oppress you?"
—This is closely tied to the story of how I became forgotten.
"What's the story?"
—Messenger, how many people do you think have divine power on this continent?
Divine power? If he meant divine beings, I considered the seventy-two gods, the thirteen dragon kings, the nine spirit gods, the five kings, and the gods of disaster.
I named the most prominent gods in the empire.
The Martial God nodded at my response.
—The beings that you mentioned are only a very small part of the divine beings. Nobody knows the exact number. Do you know why?
I shook my head, unable to think of an answer.
—It is because there is no Absolute God to act as the center.
"Absolute God?" The term was foreign to me.
—In other words, the Creator God. Think about it. Every myth includes a creation story. A myth without one contradicts itself. But in this world, no matter what myth you look at, there is no mention of creation anywhere. The leader of the seventy-two gods, the lord of the thirteen dragon kings, the leader of the nine spirit gods, and perhaps even the five kings you mentioned—they all possess great power, but none are tied to the world's creation.
The Martial God's gaze seemed to fix on me as he spoke.
—Of course, if you forget it all, you won't feel surprised or unsettled by this fact. This is what "forgetting" means.
I paused, considering his words, then shook my head. "That isn't true. When I think about it, it does feel strange."
The Martial God appeared slightly surprised.
—Do you believe what I am saying?
"I don't trust you completely, but if everything you've said is true, then yes, it feels strange."
—That alone is remarkable. Are you perhaps the descendant of a hero?
I knew what the Martial God meant by a "hero" and nodded. "Come to think of it, I have yet to introduce myself. My name is Luan Badniker."
—Badniker...! Messenger, are you a descendant of Black Fairy Kuset?!
Black Fairy Kuset was the hero who had ended the desperate Age of Darkness and was the Badnikers' founder.
For some reason, I smoothed out my bangs.
"Well, the black fairy's bloodline is somewhat diluted, but..." I trailed off.
In truth, my features were influenced more by my mother than by my father. While most of my siblings had black hair, mine was platinum-blond. Still, my eyes were the same purple color.
"You knew my ancestor. Was he also your disciple, Martial God?"
—No, Kuset wasn't my disciple. He was more like an associate.
While climbing the tower earlier, the Martial God mentioned that he had died around 2,000 years ago. Few records from that time remained, but it almost coincided with the era when Black Fairy Kuset had been active.
Hearing the Martial God's words stirred strange emotions within me.
Two beings who existed during the same period—one became a forgotten god, while the other was remembered as a hero.
Which fate was better? To be forgotten as a god or immortalized as a hero? I couldn't decide.
The Martial God looked at me.
—Perhaps you might be able to uncover the truth of the Forgotten Era.
"I have something else I need to do first."
—I won't force you. This can be your last priority. The more you delve into these matters, the farther away they will seem. Just don't forget this incident. Keep it in your mind and move forward as fate guides you. Still, let me phrase it in another way first. The truth of the Forgotten Era will also benefit you, just like the Galaxy Sword.
I looked at the Martial God and asked, "Will I learn about my master while uncovering the truth about the Forgotten Era?"
—This is a question I can't answer.
The Martial God's response itself felt like an answer.
I paused to reflect. At first, hearing my master's name had startled me, but soon, another thought surfaced. Was it really so surprising?
I didn't know the full circumstances, but my master had brought me to Spirit Mountain moments before I died and sent me back to this time. If he could manipulate time, then his presence here, in this era, wasn't impossible.
Considering Bai Luguang's personality, it wouldn't be unusual for him to have fought against gods during the Age of Mythology.
The real issue was that I couldn't fathom my master's true intentions.
Was I sent back to the past simply because of Eldest Senior Brother? Does he want me to grow even more than before so I can catch him?
But that couldn't be the only reason. Something deeper was at play—something connected to the truth of the Forgotten Era, as the Martial God suggested. Though there was no evidence, I felt a strong conviction about it.
I raised my head and said, "Okay, I will accept your suggestion. What should I do next?"
—There must be someone in your family who has inherited Kuset's legacy. They're likely the head of the family.
The Martial God looked at me again.
—That person can provide you with more information than I can. Given how much time has passed, that person might know more than I do.
"I see."
That was how things were connected. Regardless, the tasks at hand hadn't changed. I needed to meet my father, the Iron-Blooded Lord—the direct descendant of the hero Black Fairy Kuset, the head of a Great Family, and a man who served as both swordsman and executioner for the royal family.
***
I went back the way I came. Even with just this effort, it felt like I would collapse.
"Once the White Fire state is over, just go to sleep," my master's advice echoed in my mind.
He had said that casually, but he rarely spoke kindly. So, when he did offer advice, it carried a significant weight.
How much time has passed since the White Fire state ended? One hour? Two hours?
Regardless, the consequences of ignoring his advice were severe.
"Gasp, gasp... "
Even though I was just walking, my consciousness kept drifting. This was why I was moving as slowly as a turtle.
The spot where the Sapphire Snake's body was located wasn't far, but it felt like an eternity away.
—Messenger, don't push yourself too hard. How about resting for a bit before continuing?
"The one heading this way is my enemy. If we cross paths, they'll likely try to kill me," I replied, struggling to breathe. "How far are they now?"
—I don't know.
"What?"
—I could see inside the cave up until now because of the Seven Sins Sword stuck in the tower. Now, my consciousness is tied to the sword, so I can't track anything here. Once I leave the cave, I'll likely fall asleep.
"Then I'm screwed."
—You speak a bit harshly.
"Forget it! When did you last check?"
—Um. From this spot, it should take about ten minutes for them to reach here.
"When was that?"
—About ten minutes ago?
"Ah, shit!"
I broke into a run. My body creaked with each step, but I pushed myself forward.
Soon, I reached our original location, where the corpses of the Sapphire Snake and her offspring lay in a cold pile. The chill matched my exhaustion, making everything feel worse.
Where were Arjan and Carzakh?
"Young Master Luan!"
A woman fell from the ceiling, covered in blood.
I immediately recognized her and called out, "Arjan."
"You are safe. Are you okay—"
"What about Senior?" I interrupted her.
Arjan shook her head. "I don't know."
"Things aren't looking good. A church member is coming here. I'll give you a more detailed explanation later. Let's find Senior and get out of here," I instructed.
"I understand."
Fortunately, Arjan was perceptive. Without asking about trivial details like how I knew this, she left with determination.
I forced my weary body to move and scanned the area. My gaze shifted to the entrance—the place the Sapphire Snake had been blocking.
The wide open sky and mountain range came into view, and only then did I realize it was daytime. The sunlight, long unseen, stung my eyes, and I closed them briefly.
Then it hit me—I had forgotten something.
Rumble...
"I forgot about the state of the cave!" I exclaimed. "Arjan!"
We couldn't waste time looking for Carzakh. This cave wouldn't last much longer.
First of all, let's get out of here.
Arjan's voice cut through the air. "Get down!"
I immediately ducked. Something brushed the top of my head, sending a chill down my spine. I hadn't sensed the attack at all, a clear sign that my instincts weren't as sharp as they should be.
Then Arjan passed by me and collided with someone in front of me.
They're already here!
No, more accurately, they arrived exactly as the Martial God had predicted.
The figure Arjan had blocked was a monster cloaked in a bright red robe. I had encountered dozens of Hadenaihar's assassins, but this one's attire was different—it marked this bastard as a chief priest.
He exuded a sinister aura, and just looking at him drained my strength.
It was no surprise. This man was a leader of the church—an opponent I would lose to 100 times out of 100, even if I were at my best.
I glanced at Arjan. It seemed that the mysterious power she had used to escape the group and fight the Sapphire Snake wasn't available now. Without it, she wouldn't last long.
Bam!
As expected, Arjan was kicked in the abdomen and was sent flying toward me.
I reflexively caught her, but the priest swung his black sword, aiming to strike both of us at once.
It was a serious situation, unavoidable.
Clang!
At that moment, Carzakh appeared, as though falling from the sky, and blocked the priest's black sword.
"Senior?"
"Go!"
I shut my mouth. As Arjan staggered to her feet, I warned, "Senior, this cave—"
"No, just go!" he barked.
The cave's collapse echoed in my ears. I understood the danger but didn't intend to stop him. I admired Carzakh's quick judgment, yet I knew he had already made up his mind. If things went south, he planned to be buried with the priest.
"Senior, this sword is expensive," I said, the humor clear in my voice.
Although Carzakh's face wasn't visible, a trace of laughter laced his tone. "Don't worry. I'll return it in good condition. Go to the main house first. I'll follow you shortly."
"Okay," I replied before turning to Arjan. "Let's go."
Arjan gritted her teeth, her expression gloomy.
We quickly left the cave, supporting each other.
The sounds of fighting drifted behind us, but I purposely didn't look back.
When we finally emerged from the cave, a massive crash, like a landslide, reverberated around us. The entrance, large enough to fit the Jewel Beast, had been buried beneath a heap of stones.