Chiiiiiii
"Hatt!"
However, at some point, she regains her senses and the two patterns that were merging return back under her skin.
'What was that?'
"Miss, are you alright?"
"Oh, I'm fine. Just needed a moment to think."
She smiles briefly, then takes the magic artifact from me again.
"If you don't like this one either, let's use this failure as a learning experience and try again next time."
She takes the magic artifacts and goes back into her workshop.
'She doesn't know how to give up...'
I let out a light sigh.
I've said several times that I don't need a magic artifact...
Is she stubborn, or just not understanding?
I find a subtle sense of kinship in her persistence and unwittingly smile lightly.
I get a message from Seo Ran three days later.
"I can let you use the Nether Crossing Ship, but in exchange, give me spirit stones..."
I immediately tell the news to the Cheongmun Ryeong.
"The Nether Crossing Ship...?"
Cheongmun Ryeong, shocked, quickly communicates back to the Cheongmun Clan head through sound transmission.
And a few days later.
Koong!
At Cheon-saek City, the Cheongmun Clan head, Cheongmun Jung-jin, personally arrives with eighty thousand spirit stones.
"Is it true that just by offering spirit stones, one can have a chance to ride the famous Nether Crossing Ship?"
He asks, placing the storage artifact filled with spirit stones on the ground, addressing me and Cheongmun Ryeong.
I nod.
"Yes, a senior I know has agreed to allow a one-time ride on the Nether Crossing Ship. However, it's important to know that this Nether Crossing Ship is a wreck from a battle with the Mad Lord..."
"I'm aware. The tale of the Mad Lord facing the Black Ghost Valley alone is known to everyone in the cultivation world. Nevertheless, I'm eager to ride the Nether Crossing Ship... Even if it's ruined, the honor of riding the ship from the Black Ghost Valley that swept the seas is immense."
Cheongmun Jung-jin speaks with a hint of excitement uncharacteristic of his usual solemn demeanor.
The prospect of riding the Nether Crossing Ship excites not only Cheongmun Jung-jin but also Cheongmun Ryeong and Buk Hyang-hwa.
"That legendary artisans replica ship... To be able to see the Nether Crossing Ship..."
I look at them slightly awkwardly, thinking to myself.
I have entered the Nether Crossing Ship several times with Seo Ran. In my past life, I had even personally sailed it a few times, so it doesn't feel like a big deal to me.
But it seems the Nether Crossing Ship's value is much greater than I thought.
Several days pass.
I fly to the Black Wind Sea with Buk Hyang-hwa, Cheongmun Ryeong, and Cheongmun Jung-jin.
Buk Joong-ho wanted to join with his daughter, but as hes responsible for overseeing Cheon-saek City, he couldn't leave easily and just entrusted us with her safety.
"Just head in that direction."
"Understood."
We boarded Cheongmun Jung-jin's flying magic artifact shaped like a ship, and I guided them towards the Nether Crossing Ship.
"Didn't Miss Buk say she wouldn't leave Cheon-saek City?"
I ask, looking at Buk Hyang-hwa.
"Technically, I don't take on important duties that require me to be away for months. It only takes a few days to visit Serving Command Palace, so I joined this journey."
"I see. Your father mentioned that you don't like to be away from Cheon-saek City for long periods due to your mother's last wish..."
"Yes, that's right."
She plays with the jade-colored norigae tied around her waist.
"My mother was also an artifact artisan. Before I was born, she made a pact with her friend to make their sons sworn brothers if both had sons, make their daughters sworn sisters if both had daughters, and arrange a marriage if they had a son and a daughter."
She looks at the norigae while facing the sea breeze.
"This is a magic artifact made by my mother. It was made in pairs, and she said the other one would be with my destined partner. According to my mother's last wish, I've been waiting at Cheon-saek City, which is why I don't like to leave the city."
"I see..."
I smile at her.
"I hope that someday, your destined partner appears before you."
"Thank you."
Buk Hyang-hwa smiles, holding the accessory.
Kurung Kururung
Soon, Cheongmun Jung-jin's flying artifact enters the sea area where the Nether Crossing Ship resides.
"There should be a barrier ahead. Just break through it."
Understood.
Cheongmun Jung-jin looks around, then precisely steeres the flying artifact towards the location of the barrier and flies into it.
Kuwooong!
The flying artifact hits the air as if its striking something, and we enter inside the barrier.
[It's a big ghost...]
[The big ghost has appeared...]
Once again, the ghosts within the barrier call me a big ghost and seem to jump around, but they don't dare to approach due to Cheongmun Jung-jin's presence.
After piercing through several layers, we finally break through the last barrier and arrive at the location of the Nether Crossing Ship.
Chaaak!
"Wow, is that the Nether Crossing Ship...?"
"Ho, that is the one from Black Ghost Valley..."
"The replica of the masterpiece created by the legendary craftsman..."
Above the Nether Crossing Ship, there stands a figure.
'Song Jin?'
Its Song Jin, exuding the aura of Core Formation, welcoming us.
"Hmm..."
Cheongmun Jung-jin's expression turns serious upon sensing Song Jin's aura, which is even stronger than his, in the late stage of Core Formation.
"Hello, Elder Song Jin. Wheres Daoist Seo Ran?"
[He is gathering yin energy and ghostly energy from the deep sea as I instructed. He should be absorbing yin energy in the depths, practicing his cultivation method by now.]
"I see."
After answering me, Song Jin turns his attention to the spirit stone box held by Cheongmun Jung-jin.
[It takes ten thousand spirit stones to launch the Nether Crossing Ship once. Another ten thousand for a single spatial travel. That's twenty thousand in total.
Another twenty thousand for the return journey, plus the privilege cost of stepping onto the Nether Crossing Ship of the Black Ghost Valley, another twenty thousand spirit stones.]
A total of sixty thousand spirit stones!
Its an enormous cost.
"What is this..."
"I understand."
I was about to object, but Cheongmun Jung-jin nods and hands over the sixty thousand spirit stones to Song Jin.
"This junior presents these spirit stones to the elder of the great Black Ghost Valley."
[Good, a well-mannered one. Unlike that bandit who demanded the Nether Crossing Ship out of nowhere, you have a different level of integrity.]
"..."
Cheongmun Jung-jin looks puzzled, and I avoide Song Jin's gaze.
[Are you from the Cheongmun Clan? If you are descendants of Chang-ho, it makes sense. Well, I also owe Chang-ho, so I'll reduce the cost by two thousand spirit stones.]
Song Jin, noticing the Cheongmun Clan emblem on Cheongmun Jung-jin's clothes, returns two thousand of the sixty thousand spirit stones.
"Thank you, elder."
[Alright, where did you want to go?]
"We wish to enter Serving Command Palace."
[Serving Command Palace? It's not the time for Serving Command Palace to open. Unless you're in the later stages of Nascent Soul, you can't break the prohibition of Serving Command Palace.]
"Don't worry about that. I have the means."
I take out a barrier-breaking scroll and Song Jin nods.
[If you say so. Let's go then...]
Song Jin takes the spirit stones and climbs near the steering wheel of the Nether Crossing Ship.
Kugugugugu!
As Song Jin grabs the steering wheel, the spirit energy stored in the thousands of spirit stones begins to flow out.
Paaaaat!
The spirit energy is sucked into the Nether Crossing Ship, turning into ghostly energy and filling the ship's reserves.
The Nether Crossing Ship rattles and begins to gather yin wind around it.
Enveloped in the yin wind, the giant ruined ship slowly rises into the air.
Cheongmun Jung-jin and Cheongmun Ryeong watches the ship rise from the bow with amazement, while Buk Hyang-hwa looks at every corner of the Nether Crossing Ship with curiosity.
[We're going.]
Paaaaat!
The Nether Crossing Ship is engulfed in the wind and enters the space between, moving into the void.
Swoooosh!
After a while in the void, we re-emerge into reality, transported above the western mountain ranges of Shengzi.
Spatial transmission through space!
[Let's see, the coordinates for Serving Command Palace are around here...]
Song Jin holds the helm of the Nether Crossing Ship, looks around, and once again enters between the void
Paaaaat!
We re-enter the outskirts of space!
There, floating in the void, we can see a massive cylindrical palace.
[We have arrived at Serving Command Palace!]
"So soon..."
"Is this the power of the Nether Crossing Ship..."
Cheongmun Jung-jin and Cheongmun Ryeong look amazed by the speed of the Nether Crossing Ship.
"I, I want to see more..."
Buk Hyang-hwa looks disappointed that she couldn't explore more of the Nether Crossing Ship.
"Let's enter the Serving Command Palace now."
"Sigh... It's a shame, but what can we do."
Her face, initially filled with disappointment, lits up with excitement again upon seeing Serving Command Palace.
[Then, I will anchor the Nether Crossing Ship next to Serving Command Palace for four days. If you dont return within that time, I'll leave without you, so manage your time well.]
"Understood."
Cheongmun Jung-jin nods solemnly, and I take out the scroll.
Paaaat!
The golden prohibition of Serving Command Palace's outer wall shatters.
Cheongmun Jung-jin immediately raises his fist and strikes the outer wall of Serving Command Palace.
Kooowooong!
Green light flashes, and the outer wall of Serving Command Palace breaks open.
We enter Serving Command Palace through the newly created passage.
"Wow..."
As soon as we enter Serving Command Palace, Buk hyangh-wa exclaims in awe.
'What is it?'
The inside of Serving Command Palace's outer wall is just a corridor.
Though it is impressively large due to spatial compression, it looks just like a plain corridor.
Yet, something different seems to catch her eye.
"It's beautiful..."
Chiiiiii
She touches the decorations of Serving Command Palace, the golden patterns flowing there, and the finely detailed spiritual energy circuits, with a mesmerized look in her eyes.
"This is the one made by the legendary artisan..."
She caresses the walls of Serving Command Palace.
After watching her for a moment, Cheongmun Ryeong, Cheongmun Jung-jin, and I discuss.
"Can you lead us to where the Longevity Fruit is said to be?"
"Yes, I will do so."
I lead the group to the botanical garden on the first floor of Serving Command Palace.
Whiiiiiiiii
In the green-lit interior of the arboretum, at its center, stands a young Longevity Tree, with a nearly ripe Longevity Fruit hanging on it.
"Oh, so this is the Longevity Fruit..."
"Don't pick it, clan head. A fruit in this state won't extend life for even a year, let alone a hundred."
"I know, Cheongmun Ryeong. I was just tempted..."
Cheongmun Jung-jin, who was mesmerized by the Longevity Fruit, then notices several flowers on the tree and asks.
"If the formation you mentioned is completed, not only this Longevity Fruit but also the other flowers could bloom and bear Longevity Fruits, correct?"
"If the formation is perfectly completed, it might be possible."
"Good. Then, during these four days, Cheongmun Ryeong and Cultivator Seo will investigate Serving Command Palace's environment and draft a formation layout, while the artifact artisan will plan the formation artifacts.
I'll explore the upper floors of Serving Command Palace since I'm here."
Saying this, he flies towards the door leading to the second floor of Serving Command Palace.
"Hmm, I'll center my research around the Longevity Fruit and Longevity Tree, studying the nearby dragon veins and drafting a formation layout. Daoist Seo, please survey the outside of the arboretum and plan the external part of the formation."
"Understood."
"Then, I will also roam around and study Serving Command Palace."
Cheongmun Ryeong starts measuring around the Longevity Tree and drafting the formation layout, while I roam the outskirts of the first floor of Serving Command Palace, planning an external formation to complement Cheongmun Ryeongs inner one.
Buk Hyang-hwa follows me around, observing different parts of Serving Command Palace.
"Ah, this is truly magnificent. Thank you for allowing me such a wonderful experience."
She takes out a small tool from her artifact box and starts to analyze the walls of Serving Command Palace and their inner spiritual energy circuits.
Jjalgrak Jjalgrak...
The wall is quickly dismantled, revealing the spiritual energy circuits within.
Buk Hyang-hwa pulls out various unknown devices and begins disassembling and studying the circuits.
"It's nothing. It's all thanks to yourself. And... didn't you give water to me and my companion before?"
At my words, she pauses and looks at me.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I've offered water to so many desert travelers... I couldnt quite remember who you were."
"Haha, that's alright. We were really saved by your kindness. You've always been kind-hearted."
I continue planning the formation while observing the dragon veins of Serving Command Palace's outskirts, and Buk Hyang-hwa continues recording in her notebook as she examines different parts of Serving Command Palace.
The walls she dismantles will self-repair after a while, so theres no need to fix them.
Buk Hyang-hwa also meticulously records the self-repairing process in her notebook.
Its when we entere a different area.
Jolt!
Buk Hang-hwa suddenly twitches.
In her line of sight are the remnants of Mad Lord's puppets.
"C-could these be..."
She approaches the remains, trembling.
They are all ruined scraps, but they dont appear as such in her eyes.
Th-the Mad Lords puppets..!
She hurriedly ran to the debris with her eyes rolling, fiddling with, and tearing apart the remains, then began to recklessly stuff them into her magic artifact bag.
'What a tremendous reaction...'
After all, to artifact artisans, the Mad Lord essentially stands at the pinnacle of their profession.
'Besides, a One-Pattern Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent. Someone even more talented than Buk Hyang-hwa...'
It isn't strange that shes drooling over this.
"Are the Mad Lord's puppets proving to be of great help to you?"
"Are you kidding? Of course! Even his scraps are precious artifacts worth studying!"
"Hmm..."
Buk Hyang-hwa has earlier been using her equipment to tear apart and dissect the Mad Lord's puppets.
But suddenly, she sighs.
"It's a pity many parts are too damaged. Its helpful to be taking as many remnants as possible, but if there was even a slightly intact puppet remaining..."
"Are you talking about intact remains?"
I suddenly recall a puppet from the Mad Lord that I had found when wandering the Serving Command Palace.
'Right, there was one fairly intact puppet!'
"Ah, come with me, miss. I know where to find an intact puppet."
"Really?"
Her face lits up with excitement.
I take her to the place I have visited before.
And there, just like before, is the puppet.
A bee puppet the size of a human torso.
Its relatively intact.
Buk Hyang-hwa's hands tremble slightly.
I can guess her feelings.
"This is..."
She doesnt take apart the bee puppet right away but first holds and looks it over.
"Inside... it seems only the circuits are slightly damaged. The exterior is intact, and aside from some minor damage, the internal parts are mostly... intact. This is..."
Joy lits up Buk Hyang-hwa's face.
"With a little bit of repair, it might be usable again!"
"Oh..."
Buk Hyang-hwa, visibly thrilled, carefully places the puppet in her storage bag.
"Really, this place is a treasure trove."
"A treasure trove, indeed..."
When I first came here, there seemed to be nothing of use.
The only object of hope was the one Longevity Fruit growing on the first floor.
However, it seems that for someone like her, even this place can turn into a treasure trove.
"Definitely, for someone like Miss, this place is beneficial. Honestly, I just thought of these puppet remains as mere debris..."
"Ahaha, it's not unreasonable to think that way."
She continues collecting the surrounding remnants as she speaks.
"To those who don't need them, they're just trash. But I think differently."
Buk Hyang-hwa picks up a small plate-like object from the floor, covered in numerous spiritual circuits.
"Even ordinary debris, or trash, becomes a treasure in the hands of someone with a connection, don't you think?"
"In the hands of someone with a connection..."
"I believe whether something is trash or not depends on fate and connection. That's why I think there's no real trash in this world.
There are just things that haven't met their destined purpose or connection, and those that have."
"..."
Im quietly impressed by her perspective on fate.
A view of fate different from mine.
'I just thought of it as something to escape from, but this is another perspective.'
Not just something to escape from.
But something that gives value in itself.
'Fate, huh...'
Im lost in thought about fate when...
"Oh, why hasn't this part self-repaired yet?"
She has put the puppet remains in her storage bag and is now looking at the outer wall behind it.
Theres a small injury on the wall, exposing numerous spiritual circuits, which have not self-repaired yet.
"Serving Command Palace should have an auto-repair function... why hasn't this part..."
Buk Hyang-hwa starts to dismantle that area with her tools.
That's when it happens.
Creak...
A small compartment behind her opens.
Simultaneously, a small hidden weapon springs out.
'A trap mechanism..!'
Clang!
I quickly dash over and deflect the hidden weapon.
"Ah!"
"Are you alright, Miss?"
"I, I'm fine but..."
Her face has turned pale.
"Oops..."
When I rushed over to deflect the hidden weapon from behind her, the shockwave caused her to lean forward slightly, causing her tool to deeply embed itself in one of Serving Command Palace's spiritual circuits.
"I think I might have triggered something wrong."
"Is it serious...?"
"It's not so much serious as one of Serving Command Palace's hidden functions..."
Rumble!
"Seems to have activated."
"....!"
Suddenly, a strange pressure envelops the entirety of Serving Command Palace.
This pressure circulates around, compressing the Pure Spiritual Force in every part of my body.
'This is...!'
My spiritual power is restricted, and my cultivation drops from the early stage of Qi Building to the early stage of Qi Refining in an instant.
Looking at Buk Hyang-hwa, her internal spiritual power seems to have mostly dried up, reducing her almost to the state of a mortal.
'Has everyone's cultivation been reduced by one realm...?'
Judging by the range, it seems that the entire Serving Command Palace has fallen into this state temporarily.
As the clan head of the Cheongmun Clan, Cheongmun Jung-jin, being in the Core Formation realm, would have been restricted to Qi Building, and Cheongmun Ryeong would have faced similar restrictions as me.
"It seems I've accidentally triggered some sort of restraint within Serving Command Palace."
"I apologize, Miss. It's my fault for pushing you into it..."
"No, it's my fault for recklessly meddling with Serving Command Palace's walls. I'll try to restore it to its original state."
She hurriedly reinserts her elongated tool into the wall, trying to rectify the circuits.
That's when I notice something.
'That is...?'
Inside Serving Command Palace.
Amidst the debris of the Mad Lord's puppets and other remnants of Heavenly Being cultivators, the guardian stone statues of Serving Command Palace begin to stir.
Creak, creak...
The statues are gradually repairing themselves and starting to rise into the air.
'Is this the effect of the restraint?'
It looks so.
Since this pressure began, spiritual energy has started to flow back into these guardian statues.
"Miss, is it possible to completely undo the restraint?"
"Yes, it's possible. I just need to reset the circuits, but it'll take some time."
Understood.
I sense the energy of the rising guardian stone statues.
'They seem to be in the early stages of Qi Refining, probably because they're still recovering. But the longer this goes on, the more they'll regain their original strength by repairing their damaged body.'
I inspect my own condition.
Woooong!
My spiritual power is restricted and barely movable, but my internal energy is still flowing well.
'Hmm...?'
When I try forming a Gang Sphere, it forms without any issue.
My martial skills are unaffected by the restriction on my spiritual power.
-x-X-x-
I attempt to sweep away the statues with my Formless Sword, but Im suddenly concerned about Buk Hyang-hwa repairing the circuit behind me.
'I could sweep them away, but if she carelessly informs Cheongmun Ryeong or Cheongmun Jung-jin...'
I can already hear the word 'Daoist' from Cheongmun Jung-jin and I can imagine Cheongmun Ryeong saying, 'Senior.'
'That can't happen.'
I stop myself from drawing out the Formless Sword and just overlay Gang Qi in the air instead.
Wooong!
'For Qi Refining level puppets, Five Energies Converging to the Origin should be enough.'
Kwaang!
I swing wildly at the statues in front of me while overlaying Gang Qi in the air.
The statues seem to resist, but because they have not fully recovered, theyre swept away by the Gang Qi.
Wooong!
However, after destroying the statues, they automatically start repairing themselves, wrapped in a pale light.
'I hope Cheongmun Jung-jin and Cheongmun Ryeong are alright...'
Despite the restraint that reduces one's realm by one, Cheongmun Jung-jin would still be at Qi Building, so theres no need to worry.
But Cheongmun Ryeong will have fallen to Qi Refining.
"Miss Buk, how much longer until the restraint is lifted?"
"Almost done. Just..."
Paaaat!
"If I just repair this!"
As she manipulates the circuit with a tool resembling a pick, the circuit glows, and the oppressive pressure dissipates. .
Simultaneously, the guardian statues of Serving Command Palace, which were repairing themselves, collapse into ruins again.
"Phew, finally done."
"You've worked hard, Miss. Youre truly remarkable."
"Not at all, the golden order was just temporarily triggered and would have dissipated over time. I just hastened the process."
Buk Hyang-hwa began to tidy up her tools, wiping the sweat off her forehead.
"Then Miss Buk, please wait here for a moment. I'll check if Cheongmun Ryeong is safe."
"Okay, please do so."
She agrees readily, and I fly to the first-floor arboretum where Cheongmun Ryeong is likely to be.
In the center of the arboretum, Cheongmun Ryeong is gathering wood attribute spiritual energy, standing in the midst of a large formation.
Around the outskirts of the formation lay the ruins of what appeared to be guardian statues.
"Cultivator Cheongmun, are you alright?"
"I am fine. The spiritual energy scattered here is of the wood attribute, and I was able to draw it into my formation and use spells since the dragon veins around here have already been investigated..."
It seems that the restraint was not a significant threat to Cheongmun Ryeong.
"...What exactly was that just now?"
"I'm relieved you're safe. What just happened was..."
Kugugugugu!
From one side of the arboretum, a cracking sound rings out, and Cheongmun Jung-jin arrives, using the Flying Escape Technique.
"What was that just now!"
"Ah, clan head."
Cheongmun Ryeong looks at Cheongmun Jung-jin.
I explain the situation to him.
"So, that Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent caused this phenomenon in Serving Command Palace by tampering with its circuit?"
"Yes, that's correct."
After my explanation, Cheongmun Jung-jin seems to ponder for a moment before speaking.
"Where is she now?"
"She's currently on the outskirts of Serving Command Palace."
"Lead me to her. I need to verify something."
I guide Cheongmun Jung-jin back to Buk Hyang-hwa.
"Ah, clan head. What brings you here?"
"There's something I need to discuss. I understand you triggered the restraint, causing this phenomenon in Serving Command Palace."
"Yes, that's correct."
He strokes his chin thoughtfully and says,
"When that phenomenon occurred, I was examining the upper levels of Serving Command Palace and discovered something strange."
"Something strange?"
"Yes, at the top floor of Serving Command Palace, a peculiar barrier revealed itself."
'Hmm...'
It seems that Serving Command Palace has something that can be revealed by triggering the special restraint
He then asks Buk Hyang-hwa.
"Can you trigger that phenomenon again?"
"It's possible."
"Hmm... Then you'll need to trigger it right when I give the signal..."
"Oh, that should be no problem."
She begins to explain.
"The restraint I triggered seems to be one of the main golden orders forming the axis of Serving Command Palace. Judging by its state, there appears to be at least three more corresponding golden orders.
These axes exist all around Serving Command Palace, and each floor of the palace is formed along these axes. If I go up to the top floor of Serving Command Palace with the clan head and trigger this order again, that should do it."
"Hmm, understood. And..."
He looks at me.
"Come with us. Since the external formation you're responsible for isn't as critical as the one Ryeong is handling, protect the artifact artisan. It seems when the order is activated, the guardian statues of Serving Command Palace will start moving again..."
"I understand."
Curious about the barrier Cheongmun Jung-jin has discovered, I follow him without complaint.
Together with Cheongmun Jung-jin and Buk Hyang-hwa, we go up to the top floor of Serving Command Palace.
Buk Hyang-hwa goes to the axis of the top floor of Serving Command Palace and begins to dismantle the wall there.
The top floor is a bit narrower than the others, even considering the spatial compression, so I can see Cheongmun Jung-jin from a distance.
He looks to be waiting for something in the center of the top floor of Serving Command Palace.
'I thought there was nothing there, but it seems I didn't know about something.'
[Begin!]
Cheongmun Jung-jin roars with spiritual power, and upon hearing his command, Buk Hyang-hwa begins her work.
Giiiing!
As she fiddles with something in the circuit, an odd pressure circulates, compressing the spiritual power.
Just then.
Paaaaatt!
In the center of the top floor of Serving Command Palace, where Cheongmun Jung-jin is waiting.
Above that area, a white light bursts out, revealing a hidden barrier.
'What is that?'
Im slightly surprised and observe the barrier closely.
There was no change previously even with my demon senses, but the barrier appeared suddenly.
Is it because my perception is weak, or was it that the artisan who built Serving Command Palace was such a great being?
Its unclear, but whats certain is that the barrier that appeared this time is an immense one.
'A dense spatial fluctuation... Inside that barrier, space is compressed again. If we enter, another place will appear...'
Suddenly, Cheongmun Jung-jin, who has been observing the barrier, suddenly throws a punch towards a weak point in the barrier.
Kwaaaaang!
However, the barrier just vibrates and roars, showing no further reaction.
I can see him muttering something from a distance.
I couldn't hear him due to the distance, but judging from his lip movements, it looked like he was saying, 'Even the power of Qi Building can't break through it.'
Cheongmun Jung-jin continues to observe the barrier, and I destroy the guardian statues of Serving Command Palace that are rushing towards us.
About one hour passes, and the order naturally subsides.
When the order disappears, the barrier also vanishes, and Cheongmun Jung-jin flies back to us.
"Thank you for your cooperation. For now, go back down to the lower floors. Spend the remaining time working on your formations and magic artifacts."
He looks towards the place where the barrier had appeared and murmurs.
"I will gather energy here for the next few days. The strength of Qi Building can't break through the barrier, but if I gather enough for a few days and release it all at once with a secret technique of the Cheongmun Clan, it might rival a Core Formations strike for a moment..."
"Understood."
We nod and head back to inspecting various parts of Serving Command Palace, drafting diagrams for the formations.
At the same time, the three of us gather for meetings about the formation.
And so, three days pass.
"For now, I've completed the basic investigation of the surrounding area and the conceptualization of the inner formation."
"The external formation has also been designed. It will perfectly support Cultivator Cheongmun's inner formation."
"I've also conceptualized magic artifacts that can maximize the formation by connecting it with Serving Command Palace."
Somehow, we managed to finish all our tasks in a short time.
"Now we have to go back to Cheon-saek City to report on the formation, make adjustments, and realign the connection between the magic artifacts, external formation, and inner formation. And..."
Cheongmun Ryeong looks upwards.
"Is it true that the clan head is trying to break the barrier on the top floor?"
"Yes."
"Hmm, it's dangerous to break a barrier directly connected to the palace's golden order without caution... Especially with an ancient relic like Serving Command Palace..."
He expresses slight concern.
"If the analysis of the barrier had been entrusted to me, I could have done it quickly... It seems clan head thought the conception of the Longevity Fruit and Longevity Tree Formation is considered more important."
"Indeed, the Longevity Fruit must be important to the clan head."
I say, looking upwards with Cheongmun Ryeong.
After a while, Cheongmun Ryeong frowns and speaks.
"This won't do. I need to go up and see for myself. There's not much time left, less than a day, but I still need to analyze the barrier. If the clan head accidentally triggers more of the palace's golden orders..."
With that, he heads upstairs, and Buk Hyang-hwa and I follow him to the top floor.
At the top floor.
Cheongmun Jung-jin is there, infusing spiritual power into his right fist, waiting.
His right fist shines brightly, vibrating the space around him.
'Is that the secret technique of the Cheongmun Clan...'
The power contained within it seems capable of delivering a blow equivalent to that of a Nascent Soul, even if just for a moment.
"Clan head, we have established the basic framework of the formations. What remains is to go back and refine the details... I came here upon hearing that you intend to break the barrier connected to the golden orders"
He speaks earnestly to Cheongmun Jung-jin.
"However, tampering with a formation connected to a golden order can be dangerous."
"I know, Cheongmun Ryeong. But it will be disgraceful for a clan head to come all the way to Serving Command Palace and gain nothing.
The Heavenly Being seniors have literally scraped everything clean. Only a few talismans, wine, and useless decorative artifacts remain, nothing else."
"Hmm..."
Cheongmun Ryeong sighs lightly and says,
"Could you give me time to analyze the barrier? If you do, I'll try to analyze it so you can strike where it's least problematic."
"Alright, let's do that. Artisan! Trigger the golden order again and reveal the barrier!"
"Yes."
Buk Hyang-hwa, obeying Cheongmun Jung-jin's command, tears the wall again to trigger the golden order.
Kurrrrung!
The golden order is triggered again, and the barrier appears.
Cheongmun Ryeong examines the barrier closely, and each time the order's activation time ends, Buk Hyang-hwa repeats the process of triggering the golden order.
A day passes like this.
"Clan head, you should strike this part."
"Alright, it's about time for the Nether Crossing Ship to depart. Let's quickly check inside the barrier and leave."
Kugugugu!
The power gathered in Cheongmun Jung-jin's right fist looks ready to burst at any moment.
"Alright, trigger the golden order again!"
Buk Hyang-hwa triggers the golden order once more.
After several days of inspecting various parts of Serving Command Palace and triggering the golden order at four axial points, Buk Hyang-hwa has become adept at freely turning the golden order on and off.
Paaaaatt!
The golden order is triggered, and the barrier appears.
Cheongmun Ryeong points to a corner of the barrier.
"This part here."
Even though the golden order has lowered its level, the power in Cheongmun Jung-jin's fist is still immense, comparable to that between Nascent Soul and Core Formation.
Kugugugugu!
As Cheongmun Jung-jin swings his fist, the barrier shakes and begins to crack.
A look of satisfaction appears on Cheongmun Jung-jin's face, and Cheongmun Ryeong, Buk Hyang-hwa, and I all look at the barrier with anticipation.
Then, Cheongmun Ryeong's expression changes.
"Wait, clan head! Stop for a moment!"
Giiing!
A red light spreads from the barrier.
Soon, the entire Serving Command Palace is enveloped in the red light.
Jjaang!
The barrier finally shatters.
But the red light from the barrier does not subside.
"What's happening, Cheongmun Ryeong? Didn't you say there would be no problems?"
Cheongmun Jung-jin looks at Cheongmun Ryeong in panic, and Cheongmun Ryeong grimaces and replies.
"There shouldn't have been a problem under normal circumstances. But it seems someone twisted the barrier from the inside artificially. I didn't anticipate this scenario. I apologize..."
"Hmm... First, let's secure an escape route."
Cheongmun Jung-jin retreats from the barrier and strikes the outer wall of Serving Command Palace.
Kwaang!
The outer wall crumbles, and now only the outer wall's prohibition remains to be breached for escape.
But.
"The prohibition on the outer wall... it's changed."
I grimace.
I grimace at the sight.
The outer wall's prohibition is also dyed in a red light, and the barrier-breaking scroll I brought does not respond to the mutated prohibition.
Cheongmun Jung-jin's face contorts in frustration.
"Damn it, it's almost time for the Nether Crossing Ship to depart! Can't we send a message out?"
But neither I nor Cheongmun Ryeong can do anything but shake our heads.
Cheongmun Jung-jin, with a hardened face, turns back to look at the barrier he had shattered.
"First, we need to see what's inside."
Outside Serving Command Palace, in the empty space.
Song Jin, who has anchored the Nether Crossing Ship nearby, looks up at Serving Command Palace.
The entire city is enveloped in a deep red light.
[This reaction from the golden order... They must have tampered with Serving Command Palace's control room. Heh heh... The agreed time is almost up, and with their abilities, they won't be able to break out of this golden order... Should I wait a bit longer out of mercy, or not?]
After a moment of contemplation, Song Jin decisively grabs the steering wheel.
[Those who recklessly meddle with the control room without knowing their place, it's not my concern. I should go see my disciple's training.
Besides, if they entered the control room, there should be an escape route, so there's no need to worry about them being trapped...]
Kugugugu!
The Nether Crossing Ship begins to leave the void, enveloped in mist.
Suddenly, Song Jin, holding the steering wheel, looks back at Serving Command Palace.
[But... It's been 800 years since I last entered Serving Command Palace... Are the escape routes still intact...?]
'This place is...'
The inside of the barrier which we entered is a vast library.
Or more precisely, it 'was' a library.
"Ha, they've scoured everything thoroughly."
Cheongmun Jung-jin looks around with a hollow voice.
The library is completely empty.
The bookshelves are devoid of a single book, and dust has accumulated everywhere.
"This formation seems to be the one that twisted the barrier from the inside. It appears I misanalyzed because of this formation..."
On the floor, walls, and ceiling of the library, a bizarre formation drawn in blood cover the surroundings.
"It looks like a demon formation, but I don't know the demon script, so it's hard to identify."
Cheongmun Ryeong examines the formation with a grimace.
Cheongmun Jung-jin also scrutinizes the formation with a serious look.
However, I shiver as I read the script and symbols on the formation.
'Isnt this a symbol of the Sea Dragon Tribe?'
I have a hunch about who is behind this.
'Is it you again, Seo Hweol?'
What exactly is his goal?
While Im observing the formations,
"What does this stand for?"
Cheongmun Jung-jin points to a small stand in the center of the library.
'That stand...'
I look at the stand with intrigue.
On top of the stand, theres a small indentation that perfectly matches the size of the Serving Command Seal I had seen in my past life.
'If you insert the Serving Command Seal there, does something activate...?'
"Let's investigate that area."
Led by Cheongmun Ryeong, I and Buk Hyang-hwa start to examine the stand.
Cheongmun Jung-jin watches us with a serious expression.
'Huh?'
Suddenly, I notice small writing on one of the bookshelves near the stand.
'Is this ancient script?'
I had studied ancient languages while reading scrolls in the royal library of Shengzi, so I could identify the writing without difficulty.
The inscription read something like this:
-Why even bother preparing the ascension blessing for maggots? So they can feast harder on high-quality corpses?
"....?"
'Is "maggots" the right translation?'
It was an ancient term meaning something like 'corpse-eating worms,' so I interpreted it as "maggots."
The corpse-eating worms referred to here... Are the maggots meant to symbolize those who are preparing for ascension? Who left these words, and with what kind of sentiment or intention?'
I look around the writing for any mechanisms or formations but find nothing and eventually dismiss it.
While investigating the area,
"I found it!"
"I've got it!"
Cheongmun Ryeong and Buk Hyang-hwa exclaim almost simultaneously.
Cheongmun Ryeong was inspecting the ceiling while Buk Hyang-hwa tore open the floor under the stand, manipulating circuits.
Wooong!
At the same time, two white formations appear on the ceiling and floor.
"This is..."
"A teleportation array.?"
Cheongmun Jung-jin and I mutter as we look at the formation.
"Ah, there was an escape route!"
A look of relief appears on Cheongmun Jung-jin's face, but Cheongmun Ryeong is still cautious.
"We don't know where this teleportation array leads."
"But... Do we have any other choice in the current situation?"
"..."
Cheongmun Ryeong, with a grim expression, eventually speaks.
"Even if we use this teleportation array, you do know that we need to endure the spatial pressure, correct? We don't have teleportation aid or talismans to withstand it."
His words are spot on.
Crossing through space means directly enduring the pressure from the outer limits of space.
This is why only Heavenly Being cultivators dare to challenge the Ascension Gate.
The spatial pressure inside the gate connecting to the higher realms is something only Heavenly Being cultivators can withstand.
Cheongmun Jung-jin responds.
"I, having practiced the Cheongmun Clan's Body-Refining Techniques, can endure the spatial pressure."
Cheongmun Ryeong looks around and speaks.
"But for Qi Building cultivators, resisting the spatial pressure is impossible."
"That may be true. However, I can protect one person at a time using my skills and make use of the teleportation array."
Cheongmun Jung-jin looks around at us and speaks.
"Since it's my mistake that led to this, as the clan head, it's only right for me to take everyone out. I'll use the teleportation array to take one person at a time and then come back for the next.
If I take each person one at a time, we can all escape."
Cheongmun Ryeong's expression darkens at his words.
"But clan head, doing so might injure you..."
"It's alright. Its my fault for entering the barrier out of greed, so I should take responsibility. I'll start by taking you with me, Cheongmun Ryeong."
He then points to me and Buk Hyang-hwa in turn.
"After I've taken Cheongmun Ryeong, I'll come back for you two. Wait here."
"I understand."
"Yes."
Seemingly because of their kinship, Cheongmun Jung-jin decides to take Cheongmun Ryeong out first.
It makes sense and he indicates that he doesn't intend to abandon us, so we readily agree.
"Then, lets see where this leads!"
Cheongmun Jung-jin, protecting Cheongmun Ryeong with his Core Formation power, jumps into the teleportation array below.
Paaaaatt!
The formation lights up, swallowing the two of them.
"It seems they have teleported successfully."
"Hopefully, they didn't end up somewhere dangerous... Ah!"
At that moment.
Pssh...
The teleportation array used by Cheongmun Jung-jin fades and is extinguished.
Buk Hyang-hwa, in a panic, stutters as she looks at the formation.
"What, what just happened?"
"Let me see."
I examine the teleportation array, realizing the issue.
'Damn, it's a rechargeable teleportation array..!'
Normally it's maintained by drawing power from Serving Command Palace, but once used, it needs time to recharge from the palace before it can be used again.
Seemingly, Cheongmun Ryeong had missed this in his haste.
I explain this to Buk Hyang-hwa, who looks anxiously outside the barrier.
"Does it take a lot of time to recharge?"
Red light from outside the barrier is slowly creeping into our area.
I bite my lip and nod.
Buk Hyang-hwa, pale-faced, continues.
"By the looks of it, once the red light fills Serving Command Palace, a more powerful golden order might activate... Such orders usually involve lethal mechanisms."
"..."
"Is there really no way?"
I clench my teeth and look up at the teleportation array on the ceiling.
Clearly, the teleportation array that Cheongmun Ryeong and Cheongmun Jung-jin used leads directly opposite of this one.
But now we have no other choice.
"Miss Buk, there is one way."
"What, what is it?"
"However, you must promise not to disclose this method to the Cheongmun Clan."
"Yes...? Ah, you have a secret. I swear I won't disclose it."
"Then..."
Wooong!
I grab the Formless Sword in my hand.
"Excuse me for a moment."
I pull her closer with one arm and wrap both of us within the Formless Sword.
Ill block the spatial pressure with the Formless Sword!
Red light creeps towards us from outside the barrier.
I glance outside briefly, then look up at the ceiling's teleportation array again.
"Here we go!"
"Wait, hold on, you're too close..!"
Paaaaatt!
Enveloped in the Formless Sword, I jump into the radiance of the transmission array holding the two of us.
Translator Notes: We hit 100 chapters! Extra donated chapter by Sketlord. Thanks for the support!
The ancient inscription seems like a huge foreshadowing and the mystery deepens.
***
Piiiiiiit!
Krughhmm!
An immense pressure compresses the Formless Sword.
Numerous colors and rays of light brush past us.
I clench my teeth and endure, extracting more Pure Spiritual Force to feed into the Formless Sword.
How long did I manage to sustain the Formless Sword, teetering between life and death?
Flash!
Paaaat!
The pressure on the Formless Sword disappears, and I realize that I am above a teleportation array.
The air is different from inside Serving Command Palace.
Pssht...
The teleportation array beneath us extinguishes.
It seems that this teleportation array is also charged by drawing energy from the surrounding dragon veins.
'Where is this place?'
Its when I am surveying the surroundings.
Wriggle, wriggle
"Ah! My apologies, Miss."
I release Buk Hyang-hwa, who is squirming in my arms.
"Phew! Oh, we made it out well."
Either because she was hot from being in my embrace for a while or due to the heat in her head from the pressure of spatial movement,
Her face is flushed red.
"By the way, what was that thing you did just now? Something transparent seemed to cover us..."
"Um, that was..."
Im about to divert the topic when I notice her face is still red.
"By the way, Miss. Your face is still red. Are you feeling unwell? I am also a physician, so I can take your pulse."
"N-Noo! Answer my question first! What was that thing?"
Buk Hyang-hwa, unusually emotional, shouts at me.
'She's probably tired from all these sudden events.'
I decide to divert from explaining the Formless Sword.
"Hem hem, first, we need to figure out the current situation."
We are inside a cave.
Looking at the structure of the cave, there are paths in all directions, like a maze.
"No, don't change the subject. What was that thing? It clearly emitted the power of Core Formation!"
"Miss, let's first get out of this cave, and then I'll explain."
Finally, Buk Hyang-hwa seems to calm down a bit and nods.
I survey the cave with her, looking for a way out.
But due to the maze-like twists, every path we take leads back to where the teleportation array is located.
"Hmm, this cave... seems to be a formation."
"Indeed. But for such a formation, it doesn't seem artificially made, does it?"
I eye the maze, contemplating.
"It seems to be a natural formation, notoriously difficult to dismantle."
Sometimes, the arrangement of trees, the shape of a cave, or even the terrain itself naturally forms a formation.
Human-made formations have rules and principles, making them dismantlable if you can figure them out.
However, for such naturally forming formations, the rules and logic follow nature, not human understanding, making their dismantling extremely difficult.
"I have learned earth attribute methods, so why don't we just dig our way out with earth tunneling?"
"I have also learned earth attribute methods. Let's dig together."
Buk Hyang-hwa and I form hand seals and simultaneously use earth tunneling spells towards the cave wall.
Kuguguguk!
However.
Guk, guguguk...
"Wait a moment..."
Earth tunneling seemed ineffective, and Buk Hyang-hwa, realizing something, looks grim.
"This rock is called Strange Absorbing Rock, which absorbs spiritual energy! After absorbing spiritual energy, it disperses and distorts it, making spells ineffective..."
"..."
I silently sigh deeply.
"Phew..."
Theres no other way.
It seems I have to try that method again.
"...Can't be helped. Miss, please step back for a moment."
"Ah, you're going to use that thing again!"
Her eyes light up and she steps back a few paces, pulling out a notebook and brush.
"...And why are you taking that out?"
"Didn't I tell you? I'm going to create the best magic artifact suited for Cultivator Seo. The more I know about Cultivator Seo, the better I can optimize the magic artifact for you."
"Still not giving up on that?"
"Oh, what's giving up?"
I sigh lightly and say.
"...As I said, please keep this a secret from the Cheongmun Clan."
"Understood. I've already sworn."
"Then..."
Kuguguk!
I seize the air.
Consciousness mingles with Gang Qi, transforming into the Formless Sword.
"The consciousness domain..."
Buk Hyang-hwa observes from a distance and continues to write in her notebook.
Crash Bam! Crash Bam!
Before wielding the Formless Sword, I sent an internal energy blast to the cave's walls to check if internal energy could penetrate the Strange Absorbing Rock.
The Strange Absorbing Rock seems to only absorb and distort spiritual energy, not internal energy which is less pure compared to spiritual energy.
'It works.'
Then, it can be sufficiently penetrated.
Kugugugu!
Raising my momentum, I grip the Formless Sword and slash upwards.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Ascending Vein!
Kwagwagwang!
The Formless Sword soars upwards, shattering the cave's ceiling and creating a hole through which the night sky strewn with stars could be seen.
"Phew, we made it through."
"..."
I turn to Buk Hyang-hwa, who has been watching me.
She is absent-mindedly recording something in her notebook.
"Miss Buk...?"
"...Ah. I see."
She nods with a somewhat defeated expression, realizing something.
"So you are a Core Formation senior. With such power, there's no doubt. Pretending to be at the Qi Building stage while actually being a Core Formation senior, no wonder my magic artifacts didn't impress you.
To a senior of your stature, who should be using a dharma treasure refined with Dan (Core) Fire instead of a mere magic artifact, my offering was too weak."
"Um... There seems to be a misunderstanding, I am not at Core Formation."
"Really...?"
I extend my arm towards her.
"If you can't believe it, feel my spiritual power. I am really not at Core Formation, just think of me as having mastered a unique... Core Formation-level technique."
"Hmm... Seeing how insistently you say so, you must really not be at Core Formation."
She sighs lightly and says,
"Let's talk more once we're outside."
"Let's do that."
Buk Hyang-hwa takes out a leaf-shaped flying artifact from her belongings and throws it on the ground.
Fed with spiritual power, the magic artifact grows large enough for both of us to ride on, and we ascend through the hole on the leaf.
Whooosh!
The sea breeze stings my nose.
"Where are we..."
I look around.
We are surrounded by the sea.
The cave we have emerged from is in a labyrinth on a small island in the middle of the sea.
I confirm our location through the constellations.
'We are west of the Heaven-Treading Desert...'
West of Shengzi, beyond the great mountain range where the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect resided.
It seems we are in the far western waters.
'No, more precisely a bit southwest.'
I estimate our approximate location by the stars.
'Then, if we fly northeast for a few weeks, we should see the great mountain range where the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect was located.'
Fortunately, it doesnt seem we have fallen into a completely unknown place.
'It seems Cheongmun Ryeong and Cheongmun Jung-jin fell in the exact opposite direction, the far east, possibly in the states east of the Heaven-Treading Desert. If I had fallen there, a place I've never been to, it would have been quite troublesome.'
I sigh in relief and look at Buk Hyang-hwa.
"Were fortunate, Miss Buk. If we head northeast, we'll reach a place I know. This seems to be an archipelago in the far west beyond the great mountain range of Shengzi..."
However, Buk Hyang-hwa seems to have something to say, looking at me with a determined expression.
"Miss Buk?"
"I've decided."
She clenches her fists and speaks.
"Even if Cultivator Seo is a Core Formation cultivator, I will create a dharma treasure suitable for a Core Formation cultivator!"
"No, I am not a Core Formation cultivator, and..."
"Then, I will create an ultimate magic artifact that can be used at the Qi Building stage and then can be refined into a dharma treasure with Dan Fire when you reach Core Formation! I see it now.
Creating a magic artifact even a Core Formation cultivator will covet is a challenge for myself. Dont stop me.
"..."
I sigh softly.
'Since it's come to this, I need to show her that I really don't need a magic artifact.'
"Just watch, Miss Buk."
Kugugugu!
I grip the Formless Sword again.
And then, I swing it towards the sea beside us.
Kwaaaaaaa!
The sea splits, causing a storm in the night sea.
Gigantic waves sweep around, and I deflect not only the incoming waves but every single droplet with the Formless Sword.
"I'm genuinely serious. I honestly don't need any magic artifacts. This Formless Sword is an overwhelming alternative over any magic artifacts and dharma treasures.
It can transform freely, its strength endlessly increases as long as my abilities support it, and its sharpness is indescribable. Its power, as you've just seen, is capable of splitting the sea and collapsing mountains.
Moreover, as my consciousness grows, it grows with me, almost like a part of me. External objects like magic artifacts are meaningless to me."
"I see."
She nods and says.
"Thank you for explaining. I'll keep that in mind."
"...Haaahh..."
I heave a deep sigh.
It seems like she really has no intention of giving up.
"If that's the case... then I'll set a few conditions."
"Please, tell me."
I set a few conditions for her, who seem even more fired up by the challenge.
One, the magic artifact should be easy to create even with ordinary materials.
Two, the difficulty of its creation should be manageable enough that I could make it myself in the future.
Three, it should be a magic artifact that can fully embody the limitless transformations of the Formless Sword.
'I wonder if this will make her give up?'
To create a powerful magic artifact with ordinary materials, numerous circuits would have to be engraved into the artifact.
But since I requested a low difficulty in production, it couldn't have too many circuits.
Yet, at the same time, it needs to encapsulate the Formless Sword's incredible versatility.
In fact, these conditions are necessary for me, who undergoes an infinite regression.
The materials need to be common enough for me to find, and the production difficulty has to be manageable enough that, if necessary, another magic artifact artisan can succeed in making it.
And it needs to be beneficial for me, so it has to be able to capture the changes of the Formless Sword.
In reality, these conditions are almost like asking her to give up.
"The production conditions are really demanding."
"Didn't I tell you? I really don't need magic artifacts."
"...I'll give it a try."
Yet, she doesn't give up.
'Really, she's going to attempt that?'
"...Well, suit yourself."
Eventually, I decide to step back in the face of her determination.
"Then, shall we head back?"
"Ah! I just remembered something."
She speaks, pointing westward.
"You said this is the archipelago beyond the Shengzi's great mountain range, right?"
"Yes, but?"
Buk Hyang-hwa looks westward with curiosity-filled eyes.
"Then, if we go further west than the archipelago, there's a place called World's End.' Can we go there?"
"'World's End'?"
"Yes, Cultivator Seo. You must have read fairy tales as a child, right? West, north, east, south. They say if you go to the end of each direction, you'll find World's End. I've always wondered how all this sea water doesn't fall off at World's End. Now that we're here, shouldn't we take a look at World's End?"
"Ah..."
I laugh awkwardly.
Having been immersed in the cultivation world for centuries with spells and techniques surpassing even that of the 21st-century humanity, I have momentarily forgotten.
The level of common knowledge in this world is medieval.
'There's no such thing as World's End... How do I explain that the Earth is spherical?'
After a moment's contemplation, I realize theres no need to explain it.
'If Cheongmun Ryeong and Cheongmun Jung-jin fell to the east, then heading west should bring us closer to them, right?'
It might not be a bad idea to travel around the world to reunite with them.
'I'll keep operating the telepathic communication device while heading west. If Cheongmun Ryeong is within range, the device should work.'
"Alright. Let's head a bit further west then."
"I'm so excited. Seeing the legendary end of the world..."
"Ha ha... I'm looking forward to it too."
Buk Hyang-hwa takes out a white boat-shaped flying artifact from her storage device.
"I made this artifact so I'll handle the controls. Can Cultivator Seo infuse it with Pure Spiritual Force?"
"Understood."
Soon after, the boat-shaped artifact speeds westward.
Three days have passed.
'What on earth is this?'
"Wow, so this is World's End."
'Is this right?'
I feel dizzy in this utterly incomprehensible situation, completely beyond common sense.
"Come and see this, Cultivator Seo!"
"...Ah, sorry, Miss Buk. I feel a bit dizzy."
"Uh, do you have air sickness from flying?"
"...No, just a bit tired, that's all."
"I see, I will continue exploring a bit more!"
Something is strange.
This world is...
"It's like the sky is beneath my feet."
Feeling dizzy, I turn my gaze towards where Buk Hyang-hwa is looking.
World's End.
There, its as if the seawater and the land beneath are cut off, with a completely blue sky extending beyond.
As evening approaches, stars begin to rise from below.
What does this mean!
This!
This world is not spherical.
This world is flat and circular, abruptly ending like this.
"...Is this really World's End? This is my first time seeing it too."
"Indeed, it's your first time as well, Cultivator Seo. Most people spend their lives inside the vast continents, after all."
I slowly approach her as she observes the sky below from the edge of the world.
"It's truly fascinating, isn't it? This..."
Thud, thud...
As I approach and touch the emptiness, a transparent barrier seems to prevent anything from going beyond into the void.
"It's like a barrier preventing the seawater from pouring over. In the fairy tales I heard as a child, it was called the 'World Shield Force.'
It's supposed to protect our world from external worlds and, at the same time, prevent the seawater from leaking downward."
I am not well-versed in the fairy tales or legends of this world.
No. I actually know them but have always dismissed them as medieval superstitions and myths.
Thud, thud, thud!
I tap the so-called 'World Shield Force' a few more times.
"...Miss, this World Shield Force... does it not only cover World's End but also envelop the entire circular world?"
"Yes, haven't you read the fairy tales?"
"...I see."
I feel a sense of bizarreness about this strange and peculiar world.
'A transparent barrier covering the flat world?'
Its almost like an aquarium or a fish farm...
What exactly is this world?
Translator notes: Our MC isn't dull, he's just innocent zzz. Anyway, the plot thickens and the mystery deepens.
***