Ranker Who Shatters Myths - Chapter 252

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Broken Ranker

Devours Myths

Chapter 252

Two Faces (2)

Above the altar that had become ruins.

This place, where some offering had been made just moments before, was emanating far too much evil energy.

An energy fundamentally different from demonic magic.

So unrefined and chaotic that even a heavenly general like Nezha found it difficult to stand here.

『General, I have completed everything as instructed and returned.』

A man with brilliant red hair quietly landed before Nezha and bowed his head.

Myoilgye. The incarnation of a rooster, also called Myoilseong-gwan, one of the 28 Constellations.

He was also Nezha’s adjutant.

His face was flushed as red as his hair color.

After taking a long detour, they could finally set the 【Heavenly Realm】 right.

『General…?』

When there was no response from Nezha, Myoilgye looked at him with cautious eyes.

“Did we really make the right choice?”

Though Nezha had always been called an emotionless treasure-person,

today his voice carried bitterness.

『General, how can you say such things…』

“I just had that thought. In the end, what we’re doing is no different from rebellion.”

『…』

“If I was going to make this choice anyway, what was I agonizing over for so long?”

Myoilgye pressed his lips tightly together.

He knew well what Nezha was troubled about.

-You’re just as stupid now as you were before.

-What are you trying to say?

Just before Nezha was cut by the Evil-Slaying Blade, Son Wukong had said something.

-You’re definitely thinking about this wrong, no matter how I look at it.

-What exactly are you trying to say…!

-You said stopping the Jade Emperor is the best course? But is that really proper loyalty?

-…What?

-Let me ask you one thing. Is your loyalty to the Jade Emperor, or to the 【Heavenly Realm】?

-…!!

A sharp question that suddenly struck at the heart of the matter.

Nezha was momentarily speechless.

-That’s…!

-Be precise. If you’re loyal to the Jade Emperor, then you should actively help with what he’s trying to do. If you’re loyal to the 【Heavenly Realm】, then you should think about what path benefits the 【Heavenly Realm】. Have you?

-…The Emperor is the 【Heavenly Realm】. So correcting the Emperor when he goes down the wrong path is a minister’s true duty,

-What bullshit.

-…!?

-If that were the case, you should have stopped him from the beginning. You’re only trying to stop him now because things didn’t go as planned and you’re having second thoughts, aren’t you?

-…!!

-But can the Jade Emperor’s schemes really be stopped with such a half-hearted attitude? I doubt it.

-…

Nezha couldn’t answer any of Son Wukong’s continued questions.

Golden Eyes of Truth.

Son Wukong’s golden eyes always stripped away vain obsessions and found the truth hidden within.

Nezha was finally able to properly face his true feelings that he had been avoiding.

-So decide clearly on your path. Whether what you want to protect is the Jade Emperor or the 【Heavenly Realm】.

-…

-Were you always this indecisive?

-…I.

In the end, Nezha had to make a choice after long deliberation.

Time was of the essence now.

And,

The strange sight occurred of him joining hands again with Son Wukong, whom he had once betrayed.

The Evil-Slaying Blade ended with merely ‘banishing’ Nezha and all the 28 Constellations.

This provided the foundation for them to quickly leave the battlefield and act independently.

As a result, Nezha was able to prevent the moment when the Vajra Bracelet containing Xuanzang Tripitaka was about to be offered to the beings of the Outer Sea…

At that time, it would have been very dangerous without the help of Brithra and Mahabali.

And,

The evil energy currently swirling in this place all flowed from the Outer Sea.

Mixed energy and madness that seemed to corrupt souls and cause mental derangement from mere exposure.

『Actually, I don’t really understand why you’re having such concerns, General.』

“What?”

Nezha looked at Myoilgye for the first time.

Myoilgye spoke, prepared to be punished.

『What’s wrong with long deliberation? It just means you were being careful, General.』

“…”

『We… no, all of us think the real problem is ignoring concerns without any countermeasures after having them.』

“…!”

『You have already drawn your sword, General. Then please handle it decisively with a swift cut. The sin committed against the Emperor can be atoned for when the time comes.』

Nezha pressed his lips tightly together.

Myoilgye’s head sank lower.

『I spoke too presumptuously. Please punish me,』

“No. You’re right.”

Nezha ran his hand through his hair.

“My wavering directly affects the morale of my subordinate generals. When you’ve already followed me to establish this cause, what more should I worry about? I learned from you.”

『It was merely a presumptuous statement. Thank you for your generous understanding.』

Nezha felt his heavy head become much lighter.

Myoilgye was right. The sword was already drawn, and he had begun to grab the ankles of the Jade Emperor who was about to start a furious rampage.

Returning Xuanzang Tripitaka to Son Wukong’s group and revealing all of the Jade Emperor’s dealings with the Outer Sea to the Heavens were his own choices.

[Divine Society 【Asgard】 frowns at the 【Heavenly Realm】’s conduct!]

[Divine Society 【Deva】 violently protests to the 【Heavenly Realm】 about the completely different situation shared with them!]

[Divine Society 【Olympus】 declares they will keep their distance until the 【Heavenly Realm】 reforms itself!]

[Divine Society 【Malaakh】 suggests that this incident disturbs the balance of the scales, and if not corrected promptly, they will actively intervene!]

…

[The status and reputation of 【Heavenly Court】 falls within the Divine Faction!]

Because of this, the honor of 【Heavenly Court】 may have temporarily plummeted to rock bottom…

‘To shed this filthy skin requires tremendous effort.’

Nezha might have agonized over his choice, but he did not regret his actions.

“Now let’s return to Baeokgyeong (White Jade Palace, the palace where the Jade Emperor resides). It’s time to set everything right.”

『We obey!』

『We obey!』

『We obey!!』

Myoilgye and all of the 28 Constellations rose and began looking up toward the heavens.

Especially Myoilgye, who was now waving a massive flag.

—Heaven.

It was the moment rebellion erupted in 【Heavenly Court】.

* * *

[Nezha and his subordinate generals, the 28 Constellations, have started a rebellion!]

[Soldiers who had been secretly communicating with Baeokgyeong responded and opened the castle gates wide following Jinmu Daeje’s orders!]

[Guan Yunchang is leading the vanguard attempting to capture Baeokgyeong!]

…

[Baeokgyeong has fallen into chaos!]

[The gods of 【Heavenly Court】 remaining in the heavens are panicking and running about in confusion!]

[The military officials of Baeokgyeong are desperately sending requests for help to the Jade Emperor, not knowing what to do!]

…

[Baeokgyeong is in danger of falling!]

“…!”

“Re, rebellion…!?”

“Your Majesty!”

“Your Majesty!!”

Global messages suddenly spreading throughout the sky.

“…What in the world is this!!”

The Jade Emperor felt his mind spinning for a moment.

He had been anxious that Nezha might have conspired with Son Wukong, and now suddenly news of rebellion.

Moreover, the news that Guan Yunchang and Jinmu Daeje, whom the Jade Emperor had trusted most firmly and entrusted with protecting the capital, had turned their swords around,

sent chills down his spine immediately.

Currently, he and the main forces were down in the Lower Realm to capture Son Wukong’s group.

At this rate, the capital and palace could truly fall.

The exact same thing that happened when he pulled down the Heavenly Primogenitor in the distant past was occurring.

[The leader of the rebels, Nezha, consumes causality to announce a proclamation to the entire world including the heavens!]

[Message: Evidence has been discovered that His Majesty, misled by the scheming of treacherous officials, has made erroneous judgments, breaking the past ‘covenant’ and making contact with the Outer Sea.]

[Message: Therefore, I, Nezha, along with like-minded civil and military officials, have joined forces to correct this wrong path and expel the treacherous officials.]

[Message: Once 【Heavenly Court】 begins walking the righteous path again, we will immediately lay down our arms, beg forgiveness from His Majesty, and willingly accept death.]

And even a proclamation filled with determination.

In that moment, the Jade Emperor’s body swayed greatly.

“Your Majesty, we cannot hold out here much longer!”

“That’s right! If not only Nezha, but also Guan Yunchang and Jinmu have joined the rebels, we have no way to handle them! You must return quickly,”

General Irang and Leijinzi urgently requested retreat, but,

Rummmmmble!!

The Bull Demon King suddenly flipped Pangu upside down and this time tore through the sky.

Crash!

[The Heavenly Gate connecting heaven and earth has been damaged by Pangu!]

[Attempting to restore the Heavenly Gate by consuming causality. This will require considerable time.]

『You came here as you pleased, but don’t think you can leave as you please too.』

“…!”

“…!!”

The Celestial Soldiers of 【Heavenly Court】 were indignant, asking wasn’t it him who forcibly dragged them down to the surface in the first place,

but now was not the time to argue about such things.

Their escape route was immediately blocked.

Then they had to somehow capture Son Wukong’s group right in front of them and look for an opportunity to return to the heavens.

However,

[The sulfur fires of 【Gehenna】 begin to boil over!]

[【Gehenna】 seeks to intervene on the surface.]

Kukukukuku…!!

The sulfur fire gas that had been gradually filling the surface began to take shape.

Though their number was only two,

each boasted a level that was not inferior even compared to the Bull Demon King.

“Your Majesty, give us orders!!”

“…I should have confirmed it clearly. Everyone’s loyalty should have remained the same, so how could such a rebellion…?”

Looking at the Jade Emperor, Son Wukong let out a bitter sneer.

“It seems you’re thinking about something wrong.”

“…What are you trying to say, Great Sage Equal to Heaven. Just because my existence seems precarious doesn’t mean you can mock,”

“I don’t think the loyalty of Nezha or the other war gods ever changed, do you?”

Before the Jade Emperor could get angry, Son Wukong spoke with a calmly settled gaze.

“They loved 【Heavenly Court】 as much as they loved you. Yet they made this choice, which means you were making wrong choices to that extent.”

“Don’t be ridiculous!! I am 【Heavenly Court】! My choices are 【Heavenly Court】, so if this isn’t an evil conspiracy, then what is a conspiracy!!”

Tsk!

Son Wukong clicked his tongue lightly and no longer responded.

Demonic nature was swirling in the Jade Emperor’s eyes.

Meaning he was already not in his right mind.

Madness and obstinacy were clouding the brilliant judgment that had once made 【Heavenly Court】 one of the most prominent societies even within the Divine Faction.

“Yes. This is more like the Jade Emperor I knew. If you suddenly showed repentance here, wouldn’t I feel wronged?”

The Golden Eyes of Truth glowed eerily.

“The Dhammapada states that all beings fear punishment, and there is none who does not fear death (, ).”

Clatter, thud!

Son Wukong re-gripped the Ruyi Jingu Bang and took a combat stance.

At that moment,

Whoooosh!!

[The lost Buddha power of ■Great Sage■ is revealed!]

Centered on him, golden radiance swirled like a storm, revealing warm yet intense Buddha light.

“Those who can measure others by themselves do not kill or harm (, ).”

That appearance seemed like seeing the face of Buddha he had supposedly laid down long ago, the Victorious Fighting Buddha.

At the same time,

Paaaaat-

[■Great Sage■ reveals the demonic power that was sealed!]

Even the face of the demon that opposed the Victorious Fighting Buddha.

If the Buddha’s light was brilliant and warm, the demonic power was dim and sinister in color, so the two golden hues formed a complete contrast.

[The dual aspects of Buddha and Demon reveal themselves!]

Behind the white-haired Son Wukong, the compassionate face of Buddha and the twisted face of the demon appeared overlapping simultaneously, greatly enhancing his dignity.

Among the countless manifestations, only one boasted brilliant dignity.

The Jade Emperor finally understood why his dominance had not worked on Son Wukong all this time.

It was because Son Wukong possessed dual aspects , that is, two faces.

One who was Buddha before being a demon, and was a demon before becoming Buddha.

Therefore, he was qualified to wear the [Crown] and could be born with the jade liquid called the breath of the [One God].

The reason why the Jade Emperor had struggled to obtain it somehow, but when that didn’t happen, he eventually offered it to the beings of the Outer Sea, trying to be reborn as the same kind of existence as them.

So naturally his dominance wouldn’t work.

Son Wukong already lacked only in dignity, but his soul would be noble.

“I…!”

The Jade Emperor couldn’t even budge, like a bug tightly bound in a spider’s web.

Just like how Buddha Shakyamuni had subdued Son Wukong with one hand in the distant past.

He felt as if the Buddha positioned behind Son Wukong had stretched out his hand and gripped him tightly.

No, it wasn’t just Buddha. The demon’s touch was also added on top, creating a complete seal.

“You bastard, can’t you stop this, Great Sage Equal to Heaven!!”

“The celestial soldiers! The celestial soldiers must somehow protect the Emperor!!”

General Irang and Leijinzi realized the crisis and tried their best to become rays of light with the celestial soldiers to restrain Son Wukong, but,

『Blow, plantain fan.』

The Bull Demon King absolutely would not allow their approach. When the plantain fan he had hung on his back created fierce winds, all the celestial soldiers were bounced outward.

Even those who were barely holding on couldn’t withstand the typhoon that continued for a second and third time.

Aaaaah! Amid screams, shrieks, and roars shaking heaven and earth in all directions,

『…』

The Bull Demon King no longer approached the Jade Emperor and quietly observed Son Wukong’s actions.

The dimly glowing Honyaosan was rippling with various complex emotions.

And…

“But since you lived only according to your greed and harmed others, this karma is merely returning to you.”

Son Wukong, keeping the now pale-faced Jade Emperor tightly confined within his Golden Eyes of Truth, pronounced judgment with Buddha’s face and the demon’s voice.

“So just die now.”

Paaaat-

Shwaaaah!!

Son Wukong became a ray of light and thrust the Ruyi Jingu Bang forward roughly.

“Grow, Ruyi.”

Tujuan Style – Evil Must Be Cut.

The ray of light swept across the Jade Emperor’s upper body.

There was no time to scream.

Peoooong!!

The spot where only the lower half remained after being brutally torn apart.

The dignity and majesty the Jade Emperor had boasted of disappeared without a trace.

[■Great Sage■ Son Wukong has successfully defeated the Jade Emperor!]

[Due to the strong nature of Buddha power and demonic power contained in the Ruyi Jingu Bang, the Jade Emperor’s soul cannot fall from heaven and is annihilated…]

[The great myth…]

Ding!

Ding!

And at the messages that appeared in succession,

“…!”

“…!”

“…!!”

The Seven Great Sages and the Three Law Kings, as well as the celestial soldiers of 【Heaven】, all fell into deep shock and let out silent gasps of horror.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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