Flash!
I open my eyes again to the sensation Im feeling.
A new cycle.
At the same time, I feel an enormous pain!
"Grrrr!"
Without even a moment to properly reflect on my past life, my head began to swell.
First, I form a water spell and use a sleeping spell to put the people around me back to sleep.
"Urghh!"
"Damn, this is dangerous."
I try to use the Hidden Consciousness Technique to suppress the size of my consciousness.
But the pain only intensifies.
The technique isn't for eliminating consciousness, but rather for 'compressing' it within the upper dantian, making the upper dantian endure even more stress.
Qi Refining 14th Star.
I even reached the pinnacle of Qi Refining by mastering four elemental methods.
Although not much, my consciousness is certainly larger than in my past life, and it feels like my head is going to explode at any moment.
'I need to get to spiritual plants quickly...'
Foam forms in my mouth.
Trembling, I almost crawl to where the yellow bamboo roots are.
Drip, drip...
Blood begins to flow from my eyes, nose, and mouth.
My upper dantian is swelling
'I must do something!'
Gritting my teeth, I perform acupoint sealing all over my body.
The acupoints I learned to amplify the body's internal energy during my medical studies.
Boom!
The internal energy inside my body surges suddenly.
I start to infuse my consciousness into the internal energy, pushing it outward.
Whoosh!
As my consciousness splits, a Gang Sphere is formed.
This slightly reduces the mental strain.
'Even though I've amplified the internal energy in my body to create a Gang Sphere, it won't last long because there's too little internal energy. My consciousness will return soon, so I must find yellow bamboo roots quickly!'
I hurriedly run to where a yellow bamboo root is, suppressing my throbbing head.
I dig up the earth and put the herb directly into my mouth.
Crunch, crunch...
The yellow bamboo root, soil and all, enter my mouth.
But I quickly chew and swallow, guiding its energy to my dantian.
Boom, boom!
The internal energy in my body makes a complete cycle.
I try to undergo rejuvenation right away.
Boom, boom!
Crack, crack, crack!
My entire body starts evolving according to the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, achieving perfect harmony in the upper, middle, and lower dantians.
The swelling in the upper dantian is soon relieved by harmonizing with the middle and lower dantians.
"Phew..."
I finally let out a sigh of relief.
'I almost died from my head exploding.'
I absorb the Gang Sphere I had previously created back into my body and reform my Inner Core.
The Inner Core takes its place and helps regulate the flow of internal energy throughout my body.
I feel completely relaxed.
I continue to eat more yellow bamboo roots around me to fill my Inner Core completely and stabilize the overflowing internal energy.
... I really need to find a way to handle this consciousness.'
Even at the level of Qi Refining, such incidents are happening. If I advance to Qi Building, each cycle might start with my head exploding.
It would be an endless cycle of explosions.
Shivering, I shake my head.
'I really need to find a solution.'
I became deeply aware of the consciousness issue and finally have time to think about what I gained from my past life.
'At the end, I realized the essence of Ultimate Pinnacle.'
Whoosh!
A Gang Sphere emerges from the Inner Core.
"One becomes three."
The Gang Sphere splits into three.
"If the three influence each other and circulate, focusing on that circulation..."
Everything in the world influences each other.
Each of the three Gang Spheres project onto the others.
Flash!
The three Gang Spheres split into three again.
'Ah...'
I smile faintly.
Seven of the nine are stable, but the two newly acquired ones are still a bit unstable.
Stabilization is a matter of familiarity, and it's a problem that can be solved in a few years of training.
In other words, I have truly reached the extreme of Ultimate Pinnacle.
Flash!
I open and close my eyes, entering the world of intent.
Around me stands nine versions of myself.
"Come in."
Flash!
The nine versions of me overlap with me again.
I feel the speed of my thoughts accelerate tremendously.
"10 times acceleration."
Instantly, the world slows down.
Bang!
I kick off the air and jump up.
Unlike the time of Five Energies Converging to the Origin, I don't need to sense the flow of air or energy to step on the optimal spot.
Anywhere I step feels slow, and I can hop around easily.
It feels like I am truly soaring through the sky.
'Good.'
I float in the slowed-down world, organizing my thoughts high up in the sky.
The Path Beyond the Heavens Martial Arts that Kim Young-hoon left behind.
I feel I am close to grasping the essence of that martial art.
'The realm beyond Ultimate Pinnacle involves integrating Gang Spheres with consciousness, materializing it.'
But the 'how' of this integration, even when I recall the Path Beyond the Heavens Martial Arts, remains elusive.
It isn't a matter of being a genius or a dullard, experienced or not.
It is simply that the martial art is too subjective to Kim Young-hoon.
'Too much of Kim Young-hoon's subjectivity. Perhaps I should ask him after pulling him up to the Ultimate Pinnacle...'
After all, in this life, I have to fully develop the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation, so I could wait for him to reach the Ultimate Pinnacle.
'Hmm, okay. Then for the Path Beyond the Heavens Martial Arts, I'll remove Kim Young-hoon's personal touch and pass it on to him again without making it too obvious...'
As I float in the air with these thoughts...
Zap!
"Huh?"
In the realm of intent.
A strand of hostile intent reaches out to me.
I follow the thread of intent.
Below in the forest.
A white massive figure is staring right at me.
Shiver!
'A fox!'
Almost instinctively, I cover myself with protective Gang Qi, and in the next moment...
The fox appears before me, spinning in the air and slamming its tail down.
Boom!
The sound of air breaking resounds, and I am slammed deep into the ground.
[You, who dares invade my territory! Don't you know I am the master of this forest? How dare you enter without my permission?]
"What are you talking about?"
I naturally reply in the language of the demon race, which I had learned from Seo Ran, and the fox's eyes narrow.
"...Speaking the demon race's language, you must be a demon as well. To enter my territory uninvited as a fellow demon beast, you must be ready to die!"
'Damn it.'
"Lord of the forest, this is all a misunderstanding. I was just caught in a spatial rift in the Ascension Path and fell here!"
"Oh, what a convenient excuse. But how do you explain that the space around here, except for the center of the Ascension Path, is stable? Are you saying you entered my territory uninvited despite detecting my presence?"
'Is it recognizing me as a demon?'
It seems different for a demon like me to invade its territory compared to a mere human snack.
"Please understand that as a fellow demon, I was not aware of the traces of the forest's owner."
"Carrying a spirit nature close to the peak of Qi Building in your demon core and you dare to mock me with such lies?"
The fox begins to shine brilliantly as it treads the air.
"Die, intruder!"
Flash!
The demon fox, now a blazing white light, plummets towards me.
'Damn it. What a mess.'
I grit my teeth and dodge the fox's attack, starting to move away from where my companions are.
I don't want them to be dragged into the fight with the fox, especially since they are still mere mortals.
Whoosh!
The fox spreads its domain of consciousness.
Even from a distance, its massive field of consciousness is palpable.
The fox begins to gather strength.
Flash!
At the same time, the fox's field of consciousness condenses, taking on the same form as the fox. The overlapping of the consciousness and the fox causes it to blaze even brighter.
Flash!
It seems to turn into white light itself.
The fox accelerates tenfold and rapidly approaches and stikes down with its front paw.
'So fast!'
I hastily dodge the paw and leap over a small hill.
But in the next moment...
Flash!
Boom!
A white light explodes, and the small hill is obliterated.
Beyond that, white luminescent figures in the shape of the fox fly towards me.
The power to obliterate a small mountain and still target its opponent!
'A Core Formation fox... I can't face it head-on.'
I continue to dodge and flee from the fox's attacks.
Flash!
The fox transforms into a streak of white light again, chasing after me.
'Wait for the right moment!'
The air explodes as the fox reaches me.
Its mouth opens wide.
I take a stance and shoot a Gang Sphere from my Inner Core.
Although my acceleration rate drops, I don't care and swing the Gang Sphere connected to Gang Qi.
Clang!
Boom!
Light explodes, and the fox is momentarily pushed back.
But I frown.
Only a slight mark is left.
The fox isn't significantly harmed.
A surprise attack with a Gang Sphere could injure an unprepared human Core Formation cultivator, but...
Its ineffective against a Core Formation demon fox, especially one charged with energy and boosted to the max.
Engulfed in rage, the Core Formation demon fox, overwhelmed by my Sword Gang attack, grows even more infuriated. It gathers more energy, and roars.
"You! I will kill you!"
With a burst of white brilliance, several clones of the fox, resembling itself, appear around it. These massive clones turn into beams of light.
With a loud bang, the rivers and lakes in Ascension Path explode, and mountains and hills crumble. The sound of the explosions echoe everywhere.
I flee frantically towards the edge of Ascension Path, dodging the fox's relentless attacks.
"Damn, it's more resilient than a human cultivator and is prepared against my Gang Sphere. There's nothing I can do."
At least my speed, enhanced beyond the Qi Refining stage, allows me to dodge the Core Formation demon fox's attacks.
"Nothing works except for speed."
Even then, my best strategy is to flee. Occasionally, the fox almost catches me using its strange magic.
"I'll throw you out of Ascension Path, intruder!"
"Wait, this is a misunderstanding..."
As the fox opens its mouth, a white beam shoots out, narrowly missing me. Swallowing hard, I clench my teeth.
"Damn that fox..."
Thankfully, I am now far enough away from my colleagues. Even if the fox rampages in its frenzy, they should be safe.
"Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts."
My consciousness enters a blind spot in the fox's perception. To the fox, it must have looked like I vanished into thin air. The "Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts" allows me to sever my consciousness and hide. The "Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts" details how to channel one's consciousness into sword control, creating a phantom with one's intent.
These techniques, along with others in the "Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts," are invaluable regardless of one's cultivation level.
Kim Hyung's martial arts are always useful, regardless of cultivation level.
Whenever I think about it, I find it amazing.
"'Intruder! Show yourself, or face the consequences!"
The fox's voice vibrates with spiritual power, searching for me in its blind spot.
As long as I don't dig too deep, it won't notice.
With my current strength, I can stay hidden for days using the "Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts," as long as I don't walk right in front of the fox.
I didn't expect to be running from the fox right at the start of this life
I was too reckless, especially after reaching the peak of Ultimate Pinnacle.
I should have just made the Inner Core and stayed quiet... The others should be able to last about three days, right? Or I could hide and return with the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts...
Then, the fox begins another spell.
It glows intensely, and thousands of sharp, white thorns, each as powerful as my Gang Shere appear around it. These thorns cover the sky and the surrounding area, randomly plunging towards the ground.
Creatures and birds, sensing the ominous flow of energy, flee in all directions.
Damn that fox!
If all attacks are aimed at me, just like the ghost hands and insects, I could fend them off, but this random assault is hard to avoid.
The white thorns begin to fall.
Amidst the chaos, I accelerate my thoughts and dodge the thorns, stepping on the void. The nearby forest is instantly devastated.
Good thing I'm away from my allies
I reappear before the rampaging fox, sweating and exhausted.
Even though I am far from my colleagues, I feel I need to go even further
Three days have passed.
I have been running from the fox non-stop. Despite its relentless pursuit, the Core Formation demon showed no signs of fatigue.
"You should be tired by now. Why don't you show yourself?"
Hidden by the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, I catch my breath. My Inner Core is nearly depleted after three days of non-stop evasion.
Damn this monster
I frown and curse the fox in my mind.
The fox's intent is shimmering gold.
Initially full of vigilance and anger towards me, the intruder, it seems to have figured out the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts over the past few days. Now, it looks to be toying with me, probably planning to deliver a final blow once it gets bored.
But I smirk, catching my breath.
It's about time.
"Come out now, you unidentified demon beast. If you come out now, I will overlook your rudeness for brazenly invading my territory by just tearing off your limbs."
With a sly smile, I deactivate the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts and stand in front of the fox.
"Ah, finally given up, have you?"
"No, watch the flow of Yin and Yang carefully. Isn't the celestial energy around us trembling?"
"What is this guy talking about..."
The fox, whos about to growl at me, pauses and widens its eyes in shock.
The celestial energy is indeed trembling chaotically.
Koogoo, koogoo!
I hadn't noticed when I was weaker, but now that I've grown stronger, it became more apparent.
The celestial energy and the flow of Yin and Yang are quivering and warping.
Without doing anything, just by emitting an aura, the mountains and rivers, the grass and trees, are trembling.
"Ah, aaaah..."
The fox drools and looks up at the sky.
Heavenly Being cultivators are approaching.
"Hee, heek!"
The fox, trembling with fear, tries to flee, but a person clad in black robe flicks their finger.
"Kaaak!"
The fox's soul is sucked into the sleeve of the person in the black robe.
Kururung!
A golden lightning bolt strikes from the sky, incinerating the fox's body.
Only the fox's bones and a radiant orb, seemingly a Demon Core, remain.
A man in a golden robe makes a gesture, and the fox's Demon Core is sucked into his hand.
"Ah, I'm too late. Then I'll take this."
Woong!
A giant in blue armor opens his storage device at his waist, and the fox's bones are absorbed into it.
"What is this... I saw it from afar earlier. It was running away from the fox."
"Hmm, I don't feel any spiritual energy... Perhaps it's a creature that mastered some special technique with Qi Building level consciousness?"
"Hmm, but can you give me that Demon Core?"
Its Jin Byuk-ho, White Bone Ghost Devil, and Sir Chang-ho.
Jin Byuk-ho and White Bone Ghost Devil are murmuring to each other, and Sir Chang-ho asks Jin Byuk-ho for the Demon Core.
"You're noisy, Cultivator Cheongmun. Anyway, I feel something like a Demon Core in that guy's dantian. Is he a human or a demon?"
"If it's a hybrid, some demon traits should be visible, but that's not the case. At Nascent Soul level, he could be a demon disguised completely as a human, but he was being chased by a Core Formation level fox... What is this, really?"
"Hey, Daoist Jin. Are we really doing this? That Demon Core has an energy that would be perfect for one of my disciples."
Ignoring me, Sir Chang-ho keeps pestering Jin Byuk-ho, who eventually shouts in irritation.
"Didn't I say you're noisy! Behave like the renowned Chang-ho you are!"
Kwarung!
Just his anger causes lightning to strike from the sky, hitting Sir Chang-ho.
"This guy, suddenly making a scene..!"
Kwagwang!
Sir Chang-ho, not one to back down, punches back at Jin Byuk-ho, and White Bone Ghost Devil, trying to intervene, gets caught in the fight, making it a three-way battle.
Koogoo, koogoo!
The celestial energy twists wildly, seeming to bring a storm.
'Damn it..!'
Im caught in the storm of the fight and thrown into the air.
"Ah, wait a minute. There was that guy."
As if remembering me, Sir Chang-ho stretches his hand towards me, floating in the air.
Then, the celestial energy around me moves and naturally brings me before him.
"Let's stop the fight. What a disgrace in front of a young junior?"
Sir Chang-ho, with a calm face, grabs the back of my neck and laughs heartily. Soon after, White Bone Ghost Devil and Jin Byuk-ho stopped fighting with irritated looks.
"You're the one who started it...!"
"What are you talking about? You suddenly lost your mind and struck me with lightning!"
The three seemed to be fighting but didn't show any real animosity.
'Were they close from the start?'
[Anyway, what are you? Are you a human or a demon? How and why did you come to the Ascension Path?]
Sir Chang-ho asks me through consciousness, and I reply in Byeokra language.
"I'm a human with a slightly unique constitution, not a hybrid. I got caught in a spatial rift while traveling with my companions and ended up in the Ascension Path."
"Oh, you speak the language of Byeokra. Indeed, you have a unique constitution. Upon closer inspection, your energy slightly differs from that of a Demon Core. Additionally, the spirit nature of a Qi Building level demon beast seems to be settled in you, but not to the extent of a real Qi Building level concentration."
"Yes, that's correct."
"A human possessing a Demon Core and not being a hybrid... what kind of constitution is this..."
As Sir Chang-ho is examining me:
Startled!
Sir Chang-ho, Jin Byuk-ho, and White Bone Ghost Devil simultaneously look in one direction.
"...This, this energy!"
"It's not a mistaken feeling, is it!?"
"Let's talk with you later. Let's go!"
Whooosh!
The three Heavenly Being cultivators take me and swiftly moves to one side.
In a flash, it seemed as if there was a burst of light, and I found myself where I first woke up.
There, my colleagues are being drained of blood and dying by a two-headed snake.
[Huh, huh..!]
The two-headed red snake shiveres and looks up, and at that moment, lightning strikes and erases the red snake from existence.
"Hmm, these guys. I felt that energy from them..!"
Sir Chang-ho grabs the back of my neck and descends.
Blue energy radiates from his body, seeping into my colleagues.
Then, my colleagues who were dying from the snake's blood draining are completely healed, their wounds disappearing.
Thus, the selection process began.
As before, Section Chief Jeon Myeong-hoon, Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee, and Chief Oh Hyun-seok were each seized by Jin Byuk-ho, White Bone Ghost Devil, and Sir Chang-ho.
Then, I seized the opportunity and knelt before them.
'I can't trust Mad Lord or Seo Hweol.'
Of course, they could be no different.
'But when I read the records of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, they cherished their disciples. The soul fragment of the Nascent Soul left in the Black Ghost Valley's Nether Crossing Ship also tried to protect its sect before becoming a remnant soul. Sir Chang-ho is a man of good character...'
I can't let Seo Hweol and Mad Lord take the others.
"Seniors, please listen to what this junior has to say. I have always admired the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect..."
I speak in the language of Shengzi to Jin Byuk-ho.
"And I have respected the Azure Ghost Valley for its reputation."
I say to White Bone Ghost Devil in the language of the islands of the Black Wind Sea.
I referred to the Black Ghost Valley as Azure Ghost Valley, remembering how the Heavenly Beings fragment had called it.
"Also, the Cheongmun Clan, the descendants of Sir Chang-ho, is one of the great clans that venerates the Dao of Combat, as far as I know.
The three Heavenly Being cultivators saw me and my colleagues possessing unique constitutions like the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, Ghostly Yin Transformation Immortal Root, and Unique Holy Body.
They are my originally separated companions, and the rest here also have quite good qualities.
I lack the qualifications, and I do not expect to be chosen by the seniors, but please show mercy and consider the qualities of the other two!"
Upon hearing my words, the three cultivators look at each other and seem to ponder for a moment.
"Hmm, you're a polite one, so I'll forgive your forwardness. But qualifications or not, the others you call your companions have no spiritual qualities at all?"
Jin Byuk-ho scoffs.
"Rather than testing them, it would be better to test your qualifications, the one who fled from a Core Formation fox."
Woosh!
Celestial energy moves, pulling me in front of Jin Byuk-ho.
Shortly after, under Jin Byuk-ho's will, the celestial energy rummages through my body, and he clicks his tongue.
"What, you have Five Elements Spiritual Roots? While your unique ability seems useful, your training speed is too slow... Unfortunately, you're not needed."
Hearing the term Five Elements Spiritual Roots, White Bone Ghost Devil and Sir Chang-ho also look a bit less interested.
"Still, your escape from the Core Formation fox is impressive, so I'll give you a recommendation to join the Cheongmun Clan anytime. With your skills, you could even receive the position of an elder in one of my remaining branch families."
White Bone Ghost Devil loses interest in me, and Sir Chang-ho draws a blue mark on the back of my hand, making the same offer as before.
But I bite my lip and kneel before them again.
'No, I can't let my remaining colleagues fall into the hands of Seo Hweol and Mad Lord.'
"To the noble three Heavenly Being cultivators, I want to explain the qualities possessed by my colleagues."
"Stop talking nonsense. Didn't I say your colleagues have no spiritual qualities whatsoever?"
Jin Byuk-ho speaks with an irritated voice.
However, I explain with desperation in my voice the qualities of Manager Kim Yeon and Deputy Manager Oh Hye-seo to the three cultivator..
After hearing my explanation, the eyes of the three Heavenly Beings change again.
"Huh, is that really true? It's not some extravagant lie?"
"You, what a novel-like story..."
"It's too fanciful... but fine."
Sir Chang-ho laughs heartily.
"I've met a pure-blooded human with a Demon Core in his dantian, and now I've met three people with mythical qualities. Let's believe it for now. Hey, Heo Gwak"
Sir Chang-ho gestures to White Bone Ghost Devil to start with Oh Hye-seo and Kim Yeon.
"The most proficient in consciousness techniques among us is you, so you go check that woman first."
"Hmph, ridiculous. A consciousness that covers heaven and earth? If such a thing existed, that mortal's head would have exploded long ago."
White Bone Ghost Devil approaches Kim Yeon with skeptical eyes, and she tries to step back, but they flick their finger, and dark shadows grab and immobilize her.
Kim Yeon, not seeing the black shadows, thinks her body just wouldn't move and screams. White Bone Ghost Devil placed their hand on her head.
Then, suddenly, ghostly energy from their fingertips enters her head.
'That flow is...'
Its similar to the secret techniques of the Jin Clan.
It seems that the Jin Clan's secret techniques are influenced by the Black Ghost Valley.
The next moment.
"Aaaah!"
Blood drips from Kim Yeon's eyes, nose, and mouth.
At the same time.
Whooosh!
Boom!
Weak spiritual energy bursts from her upper dantian, and consciousness like threads extends in all four directions, covering the world.
Stunned by the sight, White Bone Ghost Devil, Jin Byuk-ho, and Sir Chang-ho suddenly rush to her side and shake her vigorously.
[If you join the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, I'll give you the position of my previous disciple!]
[The same goes for my sect! Become my disciple, and you'll have the same share as the current sect leader!]
[Forget them! I'll feed you as much spirit-enhancing elixir as you want if you join the Heaven Creation Sect! I'll even hand over the position of sect leader to you!]
Whooosh!
As White Bone Ghost Devil manipulates the ghostly energy, Kim Yeongs swelling upper dantian begins to stabilize.
'Yes, this should do it.'
Now that Kim Yeon's qualities have been confirmed, they will definitely check Deputy Manager Ohs qualities.
If so, they will not fall into the hands of Seo Hweol and Mad Lord.
'The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Black Ghost Valley, and Heaven Creation Sect...'
They are sects that at least take care of their own.
Not cunning and ruthless like Seoh Hweol, nor insane like Mad Lord.
'Since Seo Hweol and Mad Lord will appear tomorrow, if they take them...'
Suddenly,
Whisk, whisk, whisk!
The three Heavenly Beings, arguing over Kim Yeon, look in the direction of the Ascension Gate.
There, something small is flying towards us.
"What..."
I recognize the identity of the dot and lose my composure.
'Not appearing tomorrow?'
[Mad Lord!]
Jin Byuk-ho shouts as if screaming his name.
Koooung!
In an instant, a giant puppet arrives at our location. The hunchback old man with silver hair sitting on it looks down at us, smiling.
[Oh, I thought a cultivator from the Upper Realms had descended. Turns out its just a small mortal. What unbelievable talent. I must take her as my disciple.]
-x-X-x-
[Ah, who might this be? Isn't this the trio? It seems like just yesterday when you three were at the Nascent Soul stage, and now you've grown so much!]
[Mad Lord!!!!!!]
White Bone Ghost Devil widens their eyes, scattering dark ghostly energy.
Their sharp roar makes the four directions tremble and the heavens and earth quake.
[You, you...!!!]
"Hey, are we really going to make such a disgraceful scene before the Ascension Gate?
"Anyway, that old man probably doesn't want to cause unnecessary trouble before the Ascension Gate opens either."
As White Bone Ghost Devil is about to erupt, Jin Byuk-ho and Sir Chang-ho holds them back by their shoulders.
Mad Lord chuckles at them and then leapes down from his puppet, landing in front of us.
[Your words ring true. At this auspicious time when the heavens open, I don't want to create unnecessary trouble. So, if you hand over that mortal to me, I shall just leave.]
At his words, the three Heavenly Being cultivators gave a cold laugh and stood in front of us, blocking his path.
Jin Byuk-ho locked eyes with Mad Lord and spoke.
"Sorry, but they all possess talents beyond imagination, so it's difficult to hand them over."
"Don't be too greedy, old man. You've already taken the core of our Nether Crossing Ship. What more do you desire?"
Hearing this, Mad Lord chuckles and strokes his beard.
[Ah, right. The power source I took from your stomach, it works brilliantly. I've modified and installed it as [Her] heart. Thanks to you, [She] has become more complete. I'm always grateful to your Black Ghost Valley]
White Bone Ghost Devil's pale face turns crimson with anger.
"You... installed the power source of the Nether Crossing Ship in a mere puppet..! That power source, stronger than the combined dragon veins of a major sect, in a mere puppet..!"
[A mere puppet..?]
Mad Lord's expression hardens.
[Say it again. [She] is just a mere puppet..? [She] is alive. [She] will become a complete being. [She] is everything in my life..! You want me to smash the rest of the Nether Crossing Ships..!]
Koong!
Mad Lord takes out a wooden box from his bosom and throws it, making it expand to his size.
He places his hand on the lid of the large wooden box.
'A storage device..?'
The same kind of spiritual energy fluctuation that comes from storage devices is flowing out of the box.
At the same time, it feels much heavier, as if it contains far more than a typical storage device.
Creak-
Just as Mad Lord is about to lift the lid of the wooden box.
"It's better not to open that, Mad Lord..!"
Chaaak!
White Bone Ghost Devil opens the storage device at their waist, and black darkness spews out, releasing something huge.
Kwaaang!
The huge object takes shape in the air and turns into a massive gate, about ten meters in size, landing behind us.
On the door of the gate, a giant ghost king is depicted.
Creeeak!
The door of the ghost king opens. Inside is filled with pitch-black darkness, and it emits the smell of the ocean breeze.
Chalang, chalang...
At the same time, it sounds like the space behind the door is filled with water, making splashing sounds.
I sharpen my vision to look inside the door and am startled.
Inside the door, two huge warships emitting thin ghostly and yin energy are floating above a dark sea.
'The Nether Crossing Ships..!'
Although its unclear inside the door, the ghostly energy emanating from the two Nether Crossing Ships is far more chilling than the wrecked one I saw in my past life.
Moreover, I could feel the presence of beings with the same aura as White Bone Ghost Devil inside the two ships.
'So the words about bringing his entire sect in compressed form are true..'
White Bone Ghost Devil reveals the two Nether Crossing Ships and growls at Mad Lord.
"If you open that, I'll take it as a declaration of war right here. I warn you, do not open it..!"
[Hmm]
Creak..
However, Mad Lord looks at White Bone Ghost Devil with a meaningful gaze and opens the lid of the box slightly more.
At this, Sir Chang-ho and Jin Byuk-ho's expressions also harden.
"Mad Lord, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect also warns you, do not open that. Even if you are a one-man army, do you think you can stand against all of us?"
"I, Chang-ho, also warn you. If you pull out those things, I won't just stand by! Are you really planning to obliterate the Ascension Path!?"
Crackle!
As Jin Byuk-ho brings his hands together, it looks as though lightning energy is gathering, and from within the lightning, a small model of a palace appears.
From inside the palace, there are clear signs of many presences.
At the same time, Sir Chang-ho also pulls out a scroll from his waist and unfolds it.
The scroll floats into the air and unrolls on its own, revealing a landscape painting.
Numerous presences are also felt from within the landscape painting.
Mad Lord grins wickedly.
[Hmmmmmmm.....]
Creak...
The lid of the box is lifted further.
[You bastard..! Do you really think you can wage war against us..!?]
[Do you not value your life!?]
[Are you underestimating us too much!?]
Rumble, rumble...
Dark clouds gather in the clear sky, and the heavens and earth begin to shake.
The three Heavenly Beings raise their spiritual power, pressuring the Mad Lord.
However, Mad Lord remains calm under their imposing aura.
[You ask if I value my life? Of course, I don't. My heart has long been dead; what more is there to living? You better not provoke me further and leave the mortal here. Quickly make your way to the Ascension Gate.]
[Hmph, you could barely destroy one Nether Crossing Ship and ran away when you fought with my sect... In the current situation with the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and Heaven Creation Sect combined, are you saying our three sects are inferior to you?]
[Haha, not obliterating you completely back then and merely giving you a little lesson was my mercy. Did you not realize that? And that was at my weakest moment. If you wanted to confront me, you should have joined forces at that time.
Now that [Her] heart is completed, it's even harder to face me than before... Think carefully.]
Creak...
Mad Lord opens the lid further again.
Simultaneously, numerous types of spiritual energy burst from the gap in the box, and the three Heavenly Beings tense up, glaring at Mad Lord.
Then, it happened.
Swoosh-
Rain begins pouring around us.
"Huff.. Huff.."
At the same time, Deputy Manager Oh Hye-seo suddenly turns red and collapses.
Rumble, rumble...
There were already dark clouds due to the clash of aura between the Heavenly Beings and Mad Lord, but the flow of the clouds accelerated.
'What, she awakened her power today..?'
Im shocked, guessing why shes reacting like this.
This is also a day earlier than planned.
Simultaneously, the eyes of the three Heavenly Beings and Mad Lord turn to Deputy Manager Oh Hye-seo.
[Oh, what's this... An interesting bloodline?]
Mad Lord's eyes sparkle as he strokes his beard.
The three Heavenly Beings also looked at Deputy Manager Oh with interest.
[Reacting to the energy of my living puppets..? Ah, I see. Theres a puppet made from the royal family of the Sea Dragon Tribe. Is she reacting to the bloodline of that puppet? Haha, makes me want to dissect her.]
Mad Lord steps forward towards Deputy Manager Oh Hye-seo, grinning, and the three Heavenly Beings raise their aura to block his path.
[Do you think anyone here will hand over even a single person to you, Mad Lord!]
[If you don't back down, I'll kill everyone here and replenish them with living puppets.]
Creak...
Mad Lord lifts the lid of the box further, and the faces of the three Heavenly Beings become even more distorted with fierce anger.
Their aura alone seems enough to shatter heaven and earth.
Just then.
Crash!
Lightning flashes in the sky, and suddenly, a new figure appears in the arena.
A young man with blue hair, wearing a blue robe.
A small horn protrudes from his forehead, and he radiates a composed aura.
[Well. The heavens are twisting and something calls to my bloodline, so I came early. Didn't expect to see familiar faces...]
Sea Dragon King Seo Hweol.
Ultimately, even he appeared at a different time than in my past life.
[It's been a while, Golden Heavenly Lightning Sect Master. Elder of Black Ghost Valley. Heaven Creation Sect Leader. And...]
Seo Hweol greets Mad Lord with a smile in his eyes.
[Mad Lord is here too. While rushing over, I heard the wind say that there's a conflict between you and the three... May I mediate?
Fighting here in Ascension Path during this auspicious time is something none of you would want, especially you, Mad Lord. Instead of trying to destroy the Ascension Path, why not close that thing?]
Upon Seo Hweol's arrival, Mad Lord smirks in amusement, and the three Heavenly Beings show delight.
[Haha, if the respectable Sea Dragon King says so, it must be credible.]
[Yes, the Sea Dragon King has resolved many conflicts and brought peace. We hope you'll advise that old man to keep his composure.]
[I too find the Sea Dragon King trustworthy.]
Jin Byuk-ho, White Bone Ghost Devil, and Sir Chango-ho greet Seo Hweol with trust.
However, Mad Lord chuckles mockingly.
[Puhuh, hahaha... What? That guy mediates disputes and brings peace? He's the one who spread discord and schemed across the continent. Are you all brainless?]
Jin Byuk-ho refutes.
[Don't slander the Sea Dragon King, Mad Lord! Unlike you, who lacks credibility, the Sea Dragon King has been mediating conflicts all this time.]
[Hahaha! All of you are blinded from only looking after your own sects. You must roam freely like me to see the truth.
Does he seem kind and reputable? He's a broken man. He wears a thick mask, hiding his true self, even I can't see through him.]
[Hmph, isn't it natural for everyone to hide some of their thoughts?]
[Heh, are you naive because you're young or unbroken? You know nothing.
There's something only those with broken hearts understand. I, too, am broken and know my kind! He's a monster, more twisted and rotten than me!
Seo Hweol, did you think wearing your mask would fool everyone? I can see through it. I'm broken like you.]
Seo Hweol simply smiles gracefully, not responding.
[Seo Hweol, Seo Hweol. Just because your heart is dead, locking it in a mask will only worsen it. Wouldn't it be better to live freely, like me?]
[Haha, I've lived as my heart desires. I have nothing to regret, so isn't this a life to be grateful for?]
[Huh, the conflicts and pain you've caused by following your heart... You're turning more into a monster. Make your choices wisely.]
Seo Hweol smiles silently without changing his expression.
[Thank you for the advice, Old Man.]
[You're older than me, Old Man. How hypocritical.]
[Isn't it right to consider anyone with something to teach as a senior in life?]
White Bone Ghost Devil scoffs at their conversation.
[Sea Dragon King, you have a hard time. Such a great person being slandered by that senile monster. A 'heart disease'? More like that mad old man is the one with a diseased heart.
He's a lunatic who turns normal people into puppets with his crazy logic!]
[It's not my crazy logic, you fool. I've realized one of the world's principles and evolved others to implement it!]
White Bone Ghost Devil look disgusted and stops arguing with Mad Lord, turning to Seo Hweol.
[I don't want to fight with that mad old man anymore. Sea Dragon King, please mediate.]
[Understood. Old Man, and you three, is this dispute mainly about those mortals?]
[Yes. We found them first, so we have the right to make them disciples. But that wretched old man keeps telling us to leave!]
[Huh, do you think you can teach those kids well? Especially the one with the vast consciousness, only I can teach her the best. From my perspective, the woman using the Sea Dragon Tribes power to control the wind and rain, you, as a spiritual beast, can teach her the best.]
Mad Lord points at Manager Kim, indicating himself, then points at Deputy Manager Oh, indicating Seo Hweol.
[What nonsense! Our Azure Ghost Valley lacks no elemental methods. Do you know how long our sect's history is?[
[I don't care how old your Black Ghost Valley is. I know you have plenty of techniques, but do you have a proper teacher? Especially me, I've learned many consciousness related techniques in various ways. I can teach much more about controlling consciousness.]
Seo Hwol speaks slowly to them.
[Firstly, I want to ask you three. Realistically, can you withstand the spatial pressure if you add two more people each right now?]
The three Heavenly Beings look concerned.
Seo Hweol continues.
[I suppose you've all put your full effort into ascending your sects this time. In each sect's building or ship, selected disciples are under the elders' guidance, resisting the spatial pressure.]
[...Right.]
[Adding one more person would be fine as you can bear their pressure, but adding more than two could disrupt the formation and increase the risk of failing the ascent.
Especially since you're attempting the ascent during the widest opening of the Ascension Gate, failure is not an option.]
Seo Hweol's calm explanation is met with expressions of regret on the faces of the three Heavenly Beings.
[However, it is true that the three of you discovered these humans first. You acknowledge that, right, Old Man? I understand that Old Man's logic is different from the usual, but even in your logic, the sequence of time does not change.]
Mad Lord chuckles at Seo Hweol's words and nods his head.
[Well, let's just say that's correct for now.]
[So, wouldn't it be right for Old Man to offer appropriate compensation to the three of you? In a way, Old Man is trying to snatch away the treasure you discovered, so it's only fair that you receive proper compensation.]
Upon hearing this, the complexions of the three Heavenly Men brighten.
[Indeed, Seo Hweol, you are a wise judge!]
[A truly excellent response.]
[The future of the Sea Dragon Tribe is bright.]
However, Mad Lord's eyes sparkle as he lifts the lid of the box further.
[But what if I refuse?]
Upon hearing this, the Sea Dragon King frowns as if he has a headache, and the three Heavenly Being's faces contort.
[I belong to no sect and have no living beings to take along, so I bear almost no pressure. I could just smash all of you right here, along with the unique constitution individuals you've chosen, capture them all, dissect, and 'evolve' them for my world. Why should I bother negotiating?]
At this, the Sea Dragon King takes a deep breath.
Kuwoong!
Wind begins to blow around him.
[I made the best offer I could. If you continue to ignore my proposal, the Sea Dragon Tribe and I will join the three sects in attacking Old Man and retrieve the bodies of my kin whom Old Man kidnapped in the past.]
[Hmph, pretending to care about your kin just to secure a moral high ground. Isn't that just laying the groundwork for your argument?]
After a brief stare-down between Seo Hweol and Mad Lord, Mad Lord smiles and closes the box.
[Fine. I'll concede a bit today. If its just the three of you its unknown, but with the Dragon King involved, I might indeed lose. I need to ascend and complete [Her] this time, so I'll go along with your proposal.]
He steps back and points at Kim Yeon.
[I'll take her as my disciple. The compensation will be discussed later. I swear it in front of [Her].]
Thump, thump, thump-
Mad Lord taps on the wooden box and listens closely to its surface.
Then, nodding solemnly, he speaks,
[Did you hear that? [She] has also witnessed my oath.]
The three Heavenly Beings watch Mad Lord's actions, their faces twisting in disdain.
[What's this... A puppet speaking...]
Seo Hweol sighs and says to the three Heavenly Beings.
[You know that Old Man's logic is different from the norm. But from what I've observed, every oath sworn before [Her] by Old Man has been upheld. I guarantee it, so please trust me.]
At this, the three Heavenly Beings click their tongues but nod.
[Then I'll take this mortal as my disciple, and we'll discuss compensation later... What about that mortal?]
Mad Lord points at Deputy Manager Oh.
[From my insight, Seo Hweol seems most likely to draw out that mortal's potential. But I'm worried that the young mortal might learn only bad things from Seo Hweol. How about I take that her too?]
At this, Seo Hweol's eyebrows twitch.
But soon regaining his composure, he turns to Deputy Oh Hye-Seo with a pleasant smile.
[To be honest, it would be too burdensome for any of the three cultivators to take two, and it wouldnt be ideal to leave two with Old Man.
Would you permit me to take this woman? I too promise, staking my honor, to offer compensation later.]
Upon hearing this, the three Heavenly Beings glare at Mad Lord and speak.
[Since the Dragon King has mediated, let's do so.]
They seem displeased that Mad Lord is gaining more advantage.
Then, Seo Hweol approaches Deputy Manager Oh.
At the same time, I feel dizzy.
'Why... has it come to this?'
I asked them to awaken Manager Kim's talent, and sensing it, Mad Lord flew in, ready to confront the three Heavenly Beings.
Mad Lord, having opened the box, released the energy of the biological puppets of the Sea Dragon Race's royal family, awakening Deputy Manager Oh.
Seo Hweol, feeling Deputy Manager Oh's ability, arrived faster than expected, mediated, and distributed the personnel as originally fated.
As originally fated.
Everything, strangely enough, is flowing exactly as it should have been, according to the original history.
I kneel before them with a hollow laugh.
"Seniors, please hear my words. These people are my colleagues. Can you just let them stay with me?"
Upon hearing this, Mad Lord flicks his finger.
[I forgot about that. What are you? Why do you, a human, carry a Demon Core inside? This is new... I want to dissect you.]
Crack!
"Ah... Aaah!"
Simultaneously, my Inner Core inside my dantian starts to ache as if being pulled out.
Under Mad Lord's will, my Inner Core is being drawn outward.
I feel like my abdomen would rip open any moment!
Whoosh!
A gentle energy flows between me and Mad Lord, blocking his energy.
Surprisingly, the owner of the energy is Seo Hweol.
[How can Old Man torment such a powerless being? It's better to refrain from such actions during this auspicious time.]
[...Hmph! Such a hypocrite. Fine. It's just a Qi Building Demon Core anyway. It won't be much use for research. I'll leave it be.]
"Tsk tsk, tough luck getting caught by the madman."
Sir Chang-ho taps my shoulder.
His touch heals the internal injury I sustained from Mad Lord in my dantian.
Seo Hweol looks at Mad Lord and speaks.
[Swear that you won't bother these weak and pitiful beings after we leave.]
[...What? Have you gone mad, Seo Hweol? What are you even talking about?]
[Why torment the powerless during such an auspicious time?]
At this, Mad Lord bursts into laughter after staring blankly at Seo Hweol for a moment.
[Hahaha! Disgusting, utterly disgusting. It's a pity that you all don't know the atrocities Seo Hweol has committed while being holed up in your sects. It's so revolting it almost makes me sick.
Fine! I swear, impressed by your disgustingness. Even [She] suggests to just empathize and let it slide.]
Mad Lord swore to [Her] that he would no longer bother us, then stepped back.
Seo Hweol, with a kind smile, looks at me and says to the three Heavenly Beings,
[I've seen on my way here that the three of you have also harmed many spirits of Ascension Path. Whats done is done, but please exercise restraint to avoid negativity during this auspicious time.]
Jin Byuk-ho, White Bone Ghost Devil, and Sir Chang-ho nod reluctantly.
[We've embarrassed ourselves in front of the Dragon King.]
[We'll exercise caution.]
[How righteous you are, Sea Dragon King.]
Seo Hweol chuckles, exchanging pleasantries with them, then picks up Deputy Manager Oh and approaches me who is managing the pain in my dantian.
[I don't know the details, but you're undoubtedly of demi-human lineage. Since it's come to this, would you be willing to do me a favor?]
"What is it?"
Seo Hweol takes out a dark bead from his robe.
[Due to sensing this woman's energy and arriving hastily, there is something I couldn't handle. I should have delivered this bead to one of my descendants remaining in the sea, but I failed to do so.
Can you deliver this bead to my descendant, Seo Ran, who resides near Utmost Chaos Island?]
"..."
[If you agree to my request, as a reward, I will give you a special cultivation manual suitable for someone of your demi-human lineage.]
Seo Hweol then takes out a demon beast method bound in demon beast leather and hands it to me.
The title of the manual is Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation.
'Ah, so this was why he saved me.'
Now I understand Seo Hweol's intentions.
Hiding my rising disgust, I put on a mask of gratitude in front of Seo Hweol and accept what he has given.
"Tha, thank you, Dragon King... I will not forget the favor you have shown."
[You're welcome. And remember...]
Rumble!
His gaze becomes fierce and intense.
[Expressing your opinion like earlier is courageous, but it can also be reckless. Be sure to behave properly in front of those greater than yourself.
To answer your question, you and that other person are of ambiguous quality for taking. Leaving your colleagues behind means they are likely to be consumed by their mythical talents and perish.
If you have a way to suppress those qualities, it's a good suggestion, but if not, it's better to stay quiet and remember this.]
Rumble!
His presence makes it hard to even breathe.
The Dragon King gives me calm advice, then transforms into a dragon and flies towards the Ascension Gate. The other Heavenly Beings also take my colleagues and fly towards the Ascension Gate.
Left in the area are only Mad Lord, who had knocked out Manager Kim Yeon trying to escape, and me with Kim Young-hoon.
I stare blankly into space.
Why did everything turn out this way?
As Mad Lord looks at me and Kim Young-hoon, a spatial rift opens.
[Tsk, such a hypocritical dragon. If hes going to talk like that, he should at least send them outside Ascension Path...]
"Ha, ha..."
In a past life, I had managed to send Kim Young-hoon away through Seo Hweol's hands.
But in this life, everything returned to how it originally was, like a rubber band snapping back.
Probably, Mad Lord will send me and Kim Young-hoon back.
Again.
The same way.
To Yanguo.
"Senior."
I ask Mad Lord, unable to hide my feeling of futility.
"Does fate really exist?"
At my question, Mad Lord strokes his beard with an intrigued expression.
[Fate does exist. I'm not sure if you've learned any special techniques, but when you perform the Qi Refining Seven Stars Ritual, everyone realizes that there is such a thing called fate.]
He points to the sky.
[What is fated to happen, [will] happen. That is fate.]
"Then, can humans not change their fate?"
At this, Mad Lord smirks.
[You don't seem to understand the structure of fate. No, that's not the case. Every living being can change their fate.]
"...Yes?"
[Have you ever wondered why cultivators learn the principles of the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha, Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang, Seven Stars, and the Spiritual Energy Star during Qi Building? Why do they learn the principles of the stars in the sky?]
His finger stabs towards the end of the void.
[Have you ever questioned why cultivators are 'against the heavens'?]
"That's... isn't it obvious? Because they defy the lifespan given by the heavens.."
[Then 'why' can cultivators defy the lifespan, the fate, given by the heavens?]
"That's..."
I have never thought about this before.
Mad Lord draws in the air with Pure Spiritual Force from his fingertip.
[You poor thing, let this great being explain the structure of fate to you, as [She] also suggests.]
-x-X-x-
Mad Lord began his explanation.
[As the most basic example, from the moment a human is born, they are continuously drawn towards 'death,' which is the force of attraction of their fate.]
Mad Lord draws two points in the air and connects them with a line.
[This is the basic structure of life. It starts here and ends there. The slight differences in each being's lifespan introduces changes in fate.]
Mad Lord draws several more lines above and below the line connecting the two points.
[Let's say this line represents life. The endings of other lives, represented by these different lines, influence it. Since fate has a force of attraction, it pulls slightly towards where other fates end.
Thus, fate is not a smooth, straight line from life to death, but becomes chaotic, influenced by the fates of other beings.]
The original line becomes uneven, adjusting to the endpoints of the other lines.
[We call this the play of fate or connections. These connections and fate determine our lives, and what is meant to happen, will inevitably happen.]
"...So, the saying that what is meant to happen will happen means..."
[Let's assume there's a close friend. That friend has a different lifespan and fate than me, meeting the fate of death earlier than me. That fate is closely attached to me and also has a force of attraction, so I inevitably get involved in the friend's death.
This is why what is meant to happen will 'definitely' happen.]
"So, does this mean that events unrelated to death are also fated to happen?"
[No, there are no events in this world that are not related to birth and death. Do you know how many lives are born and die in the air we breathe, even in a single moment? I may have explained fate using simple lines, but the cycle of birth and death in fate is so complex and endless that it can never be simply expressed.]
"I see..."
[As all beings, in the cycle of birth and death, carry life, it can be said that every event ultimately has a force of attraction.]
Mad Lord erases the lines in the air and randomly dots points.
[Following these forces of attraction in life, every being embarks on a long and short journey...]
Mad Lord starts connecting the points from the first one.
Eventually, all points are connected, forming a complex and intricate trajectory.
[What do you think, looking at this?]
'A child's scribbles?'
I swallow what I was about to say and reply to him.
"I don't quite understand."
[Points creating attraction, and lines drawn towards them... Doesn't it resemble constellations in the night sky?]
"Ah..."
Tick, tick, tick...
Mad Lord continues to dot points with Pure Spiritual Force beyond the connected lines.
Indeed, it resembles stars in the night sky.
[I've never reached the stars in the star realm, but ancient texts from cultivators who roamed the star realm say that the stars in the night sky also exert a force of attraction.]
Mad Lord strokes his chin and continues his explanation.
[Stars are much like fate, aren't they? Or rather, if those texts are true, it's more like fate resembles constellations. Fate is like constellations.
Life is thus a journey of swimming through a sea of stars, finding forces of attraction close to one's fateAnd events close to one's life. Being pulled by the attraction of fate, these events 'inevitably' happen...]
Something seems to come to his mind, and Mad Lord looks bitter.
[...Anyway. If we view fate as constellations and life as swimming through a sea of stars,
The principle of cultivators observing the celestial energy and reading their fate is roughly like that. Detecting the nearest force of attraction of fate.
Additionally, the way for cultivators to escape the force of fate's attraction is simple. When ordinary life goes from here to there.]
Mad Lord connects points in the air.
The constellation drawn by connecting the points ends at a certain spot.
The distance to the next point is quite far.
It looks like the line could not be extended further.
[Between these stars, create a suitable star and head towards the next one.
The stages of cultivation, such as the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha, Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang, Seven Stars Ritual, Qi Building's Spiritual Energy Star, Core Formation's Star Domain, are not there for nothing.
They create something similar to a star within the body, artificially creating a flow of fate, thus extending their fate.
This is how cultivators extend their lifespan and why they are called beings against the heavens.]
Mad Lord smirks as he continues his explanation.
[Then, if fate is meant to happen but one wants to escape it, how? How to escape this trajectory of fate? Simple.]
Mad Lord redraws the constellation.
[The closest thing in this fate is the next fate, but if the master of the life desires a different fate...]
He daws a line from one star to another, illustrating the line moving towards a different constellation than originally intended.
[It's difficult to move to a different fate because the force of attraction of the next fate pulls in the existence.]
The line tries to move to a different constellation but is held back by the force of attraction of the determined fate.
[So, what should be done? The method is simple. Escape the force of fates attraction.]
Whoosh!
The line escapes the force of attraction of the predetermined star and lands in a different one.
"...How do you do that?"
[How, you ask? Power! If there is power to escape the force of attraction, one can escape from fate.]
As he clenches his fist, all the constellations and drawings he had made in the air disappear instantly.
[If you can't change fate, it's evidence of your weakness. Overwhelming power to escape the force of attraction of fate! And the bone-grinding effort to escape that force! With just these two, we can reach a different fate than the one pre-determined.
Things that are meant to happen will happen, but depending on the effort of the being, we may not suffer from those inevitable events.]
As Mad Lord continues his explanation, his eyes sparkle with excitement.
[If fate torments me, then I should become stronger than fate! Where else can you find such a clear solution! I, too, have strived and strived to escape from my predetermined fate...]
Mad Lord clutches the box beside him, gasping for breath.
[I will escape the fate of never meeting her again and will see her no matter what. By any means! If I keep trying, I will definitely see her again. Definitely, with her...]
Mad Lord caresses the box with shining eyes, muttering to [something] inside it.
[Ah, my love. I love you. Please, please, talk to me again, hold the fan, and dance those steps like before. Not being able to see you is not the fate I want. If I can see you again, I will throw away all my fate and gather strength to leap to a different fate. To a place where I can see you. So please...]
He scratches the box frantically, speaking crazily to something inside.
'Certainly, he's not in his right mind.'
I look at Manager Kim Yeon, who had been knocked out by Mad Lord.
'Power...'
The power to escape fate.
And effort.
Yes.
I am still lacking in everything.
I simply lack the ability to change the current situation with my power.
That's why what is meant to happen happens, and I can only watch as my colleagues are handed over to the madman and hypocrite.
"...Thank you for your teachings."
I feel a bit more understanding regarding fate thanks to him.
'Yes, fate will definitely happen, but it can be changed.'
In this life.
No one had their arm torn off by the fox.
Because I distracted the fox and became strong enough to run away from it for several days.
'If I become stronger, strong enough to knock down the fox, maybe I can escape the fates attraction of the fox.'
Let's become stronger.
Stronger and stronger, increase the lifespan through cultivation, and create a constellation to escape all fate.
'Someday, if I become strong enough to escape even from the grasp of the Heavenly Being cultivators, then I can truly escape all fate...'
After scratching the box for a while in a frenzy, Mad Lord looks at me and Kim Young-hoon alternately and flicks his hand.
"Thank you for the teachings today. I have a few more questions to ask..."
[That's enough answers for now. Go on. [She] is calling me. She needs my help. She says she needs oiling in her joints. She's calling me, she is...]
Swoosh!
Before me and Kim Young-hoon could react, we are pushed into a spatial rift by Mad Lord's gesture.
I see the Mad Lord open the box lid and bury his upper body inside, sinking into the darkness.
Once again, we found ourselves in Yanguo.
'The force of fates attraction...'
If there really is such a thing as the force of fates attraction, even if Mad Lord sends us randomly, ending up in Yanguo is also because the force of attraction pulls us there.
I pondered over fate, chewing over Mad Lord's words.
His words made me feel like I could grasp the concept of the Qi Building's Spiritual Energy Star.
Before Kim Young-hoon woke up, I transferred knowledge into his mind using a technique.
Kim Young-hoon was confused about the knowledge in his head, and asked me about my conversations with the Heavenly Being cultivators. I explained that I had the knowledge in my head too, and that's how I conversed with them.
I managed to persuade Kim Young-hoon sufficiently and helped him establish himself in Yanguo. After raising him to the level of Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, I taught him the Beyond the Path to Heaven Martial Arts, the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, and other such teachings, hoping that one day he would surpass the Ultimate Pinnacle and enter a new realm. Then, we parted ways.
Afterward, I secretly infiltrated the Jin Clan, seeing my disciples, and once again, I caught a glimpse of my master from a distance at the Cheongmun Clan.
Finally, I headed towards the Black Wind Sea.
Before heading to Seo Ran's abode in the Black Wind Sea, I look at the dark bead Seo Hweol had given me. It was the bead that, in my past life, Seo Ran used to completely destroy the Nether Crossing Ship in a mutual self-destruction.
With a wry smile I throw the dark bead into the sea. It sinks deep, beyond anyone's reach.
Seo Ran will remember you as a good king and grandfather.
I think to myself. Not as a villain with a heart of a beast.
Thats enough.
I glance at the manual of Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation, deciding to use it as a token when I meet Seo Ran.
Should I go to Seo Hyung right away?
As I ponder in front of the Black Wind Sea, I know if I went now, Seo Ran would urge me to learn Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation, and challenge the Nether Crossing Ship again in a few years.
"No, that won't do."
I sigh. Even both of us together couldnt defeat the Core Formation-level ghost spirit in the Nether Crossing Ship. Seo Ran, unaware of my situation, will probably wait for years.
I lack the power to change Seo Ran's fated death.
"So, I'll seek the power to change fate before going to him."
No matter how long it takes or what effort is needed.
"I'll enter Qi Building and then go to him."
I make my decision and head to Shattered Heaven Peak in the great mountains of Shengzi, where the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and a mountain with good dragon veins are located.
Five years have passed since my return.
With a sigh, the brown clouds swirling around me are sucked into my nose and mouth. Through Understanding before Breakthrough and repeated insights in each life, my understanding of the Earth Surpassing Path increased.
'Five years to reach mastery this time.'
The Water, Fire, and Metal Surpassing Paths, mastered in the past life, will take about eight years each to master now. If this pace continues, I can master all the methods in the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation in 40 years.
'It's possible...!'
In this life, reaching Qi Building is achievable.
I open my eyes and release Gang Spheres. Now I can stably control nine Gang Spheres.
"I've consolidated at the extreme of Ultimate Pinnacle..."
Its time to move beyond, but materializing consciousness is still challenging.
The Gang Spheres can meld into my consciousness, but it can't hold its essence, and the energy dissipates.
"How can I materialize this power in my consciousness...?"
Even as I ponder over the Beyond the Path to Heaven Martial Arts, it remains complex and subjective.
Hence, I spend my time continuing to practice the martial art and mastering the Water Surpassing Path.
Eight years later, I have mastered the Water Surpassing Path but still haven't deciphered the Beyond the Path to Heaven Martial Arts. Despite recalling Kim Young-hoon's trials and errors, the martial art remains elusive.
Its around this time.
Kim Young-hoon came to Shattered Heaven Peak.
"What brings you here?"
Im speechless at his rapid growth.
"Have you already reached the end of Ultimate Pinnacle?"
It makes no sense.
We are just in the 13th year since my return.
Has he already surpassed the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, reached Ultimate Pinnacle, and even its end?
As I ask him in astonishment, Kim Young-hoon gives a wry smile.
"I reached the end of Ultimate Pinnacle and helped the Jin Clan, a cultivator clan, in driving out the Makli clan, a devil path clan, from Yanguo. I thought I had achieved everything, but only at the extreme of Ultimate Pinnacle did I realize that if I settled here, I would gain nothing."
He looks serious.
"That's why I left everything, including my external elder position in the Jin Clan, to come to you. Together, we need to discuss this Beyond the Path to Heaven Martial Arts in our minds and move to the next realm."
"..."
"I instinctively know. To reach this realm, I can no longer rely solely on innate talent. It's a realm that can only be achieved through decades of intense training... I understood the bloodied and painful efforts of the creator of the Beyond the Path to Heaven Martial Arts..."
He floats nine Gang Spheres around him.
"I have reached the extreme, but honestly, I have no idea how to move to the next realm. Even though the predecessor carved the path forward with their blood, I dont dare to walk it alone."
His eyes fill with a somber look.
"It will take decades of intense practice. Even for someone like me! So, walk this path together with me... reach this realm with me."
Yet, even in his somber state, his eyes tell me he has no thoughts of giving up.
'Kim Hyung...'
They say to change one's fate, humans need both the effort to break free from fate's attraction and the power to do so.
But perhaps what truly frees humans from fate is not power, but will.
"...Understood."
I meet his eyes, reaffirming my resolve for this life.
"Let's together, surpass fate."
From that day, Kim Young-hoon and I began our simultaneous cultivation at Shattered Heaven Peak.
"...Huh!"
I suddenly wake up.
'Was it a dream of the past?'
It was a dream about the day Kim Young-hoon and I decided to train together at Shattered Heaven Peak.
I shake my head to clear it.
'I passed out to the point of dreaming.'
Thud, thud...
I stand up, dusting off the dirt and stone powder from my body.
The vicinity of Shattered Heaven Peak is a mess.
There are sword and saber marks everywhere, and craters caused by Gang Spheres all around.
Cough, cough!
I use a palm strike to clear the dust and look for Kim Young-hoon.
If I remember correctly, during our spar, Kim Young-hoon and I had struck each other and were thrown in opposite directions.
I had taken a blow from Kim Young-hoon and lost consciousness momentarily, ending up dreaming about the past.
But Kim Young-hoon had taken not only my kick but also dozens of cultivator spells, so I don't know his condition.
"Kim Hyung! Kim... Huh!"
While searching, I see Kim Young-hoon below in the valley, half-buried.
'Damn it, if we had just fought using martial arts from the start, it would have been somewhat safer...'
If Kim Young-hoon hadn't been stubborn about gaining enlightenment in a life-and-death struggle, insisting we use both martial arts and cultivation techniques, it wouldn't have come to this.
"Kim Hyung, Kim Hyung!"
I use a light body technique to descend into the valley and pull out Kim Young-hoon, who was half-buried.
"Cough, cough..."
It seems he wasn't seriously injured despite being buried headfirst, perhaps because he used protective Gang Qi at the moment of impact.
"Cough, chuckle..."
He spits out blood, but at least he isn't dead from the head-first crash.
"Please wait, I'll perform first aid first."
I bring the herbs and acupuncture needles I had prepared before the duel and start treating Kim Young-hoon.
Tap, tap, tap, tap...
I insert needles into Kim Young-hoon's body to activate his life force.
Soon after, Kim Young-hoon regains consciousness.
"Kim Hyung, are you okay? How many fingers am I holding up?"
"...Two.."
"...You're in bad shape."
I clench my fist, tucking in my index finger, and click my tongue.
"I'll do the treatment first and then go to the cultivators' market to buy some healing talismans. For now..."
"No, I mean two."
Kim Young-hoon, waking up from his dazed state, speaks decisively.
"I meant I gained two insights this time..."
Crack...
Kim Young-hoon stands up.
Cough, cough...
He coughs up blood.
"...On the brink of life and death, I found a clue to the next realm. I've somewhat succeeded in understanding the enlightenment of the Beyond the Path to Heaven Martial Arts."
He wipes the blood from his mouth and grins.
"One thing's for sure. The Beyond the Path to Heaven Martial Arts is a martial art steeped in the subjectivity of its creator. The reason is, the realm obtained through the Beyond the Path to Heaven Martial Arts is different for each person."
"Really...?"
"Beyond the Ultimate Pinnacle, the realm is reached through different enlightenments for each individual. Up to this point, it was divided only by the type of weapon and martial arts, but beyond this, it differs based on the 'person.'"
I listen to Kim Young-hoon's insights and my mouth opens in amazement.
35 years into the return.
Kim Young-hoon began to gain insights into the next step through the Beyond the Path to Heaven Martial Arts.
-x-X-x-