Is the fairy tale book I saw really non-existent?
I thought it was just a common fairy tale.
But it turns out to be a nonexistent fairy tale?
No, then... why is the book that was definitely here in the previous cycle now gone?
This is strange.
It's too strange.
Why did this happen?
My thoughts, chasing each other's tails, soon lead me to the remnants of fate left by the Golden Deity Yang Su-jin.
Yes. Certainly those remnants had set up an attraction of fate near Shattered Heaven Peak, and to see those remnants, an unbelievable miracle of chance is needed.
Perhaps, that fairy tale is also like that?
It too could be a story that can only be seen by being drawn into the attraction of fate set up by Yang Su-jin, or someone else.
And to see it, does one need to realize some kind of miraculous chance?
Theres definitely a possibility.
If it's something left behind by a True Immortal equivalent like Yang Su-jin.
Perhaps that strange content of the fairy tale can only be seen again after passing through an unbelievable miracle of chance.
I nod my head as I ponder.
"I understand. If you ever find such a book, please be sure to tell me."
I speak to the little girl playing with dolls beside me.
"If you see a book with such fairy tales, or if such fairy tales come to your mind, be sure to tell me. It's very important to me."
"Yes!"
The girl answers brightly, hugging her seven dolls.
"Hmm, but where is your sister?"
"Sister? What sister. My child is an only daughter."
The scholar speaks to me with a slightly uncomfortable expression.
'What?'
I feel something strange again.
'I feel like I've forgotten something...'
An indescribable sense of unease.
'Ah, right. That's right. This little girl said in her past life that she was waiting for her parents...'
Why did I suddenly blurt out the word 'sister'?
"Anyway, thank you."
After expressing my gratitude,
I decide to go ahead and deal with the centipede demon as planned.
With a swift movement, I jump over the peak.
There, I see the centipede demon's lair.
And.
Clang, clang, clang!
I see martial artists swinging their swords in front of the centipedes cave.
'Ah, those must be the ones.'
They seem to be the martial art experts hired by the village chief.
They are vigorously emitting sword energy, swinging their weapons at the centipede demon.
But their sword energy can't even scratch the centipede demon's carapace, and instead, they are vomiting blood from the demon's poison.
"Die, die, you monster!"
One martial artist charges at the centipede demon, coughing blood.
The centipede demon opens its mouth wide to welcome him, ready to tear off his head.
In a flash.
Instantly, I insert myself between them.
Whoosh!
My palm's energy gently wraps around the martial artist and safely ejects him outside the cave, while my Formless Sword strongly pushes back the centipede demon.
Boom!
The centipede demon is knocked back, vomiting blood.
"Oh, what...?"
"What in the world...?"
I extend my hand to the martial artists sitting on the ground, vomiting blood.
Swish!
My Formless Sword touches their acupoints, seeping into their meridians, and forcibly operates their vital energy (Qi).
And then.
Bam!
"Cough, cough!"
"Hurk!"
As my Formless Sword guides their vital energy, the accumulated poison of the centipede demon is expelled through their mouths.
"I've removed the basic poison, but you should seek a doctor for further treatment. I can't help with the poison that has penetrated too deeply..."
After saying this, I slowly approach the centipede demon.
"Kiiiguk, Kiiiiiguk!"
"You.
I speak to it in demon language.
On closer inspection, the centipede demon, while being wary of me, does not flee deeper into the cave.
Beneath it, there are grains like rice, smaller than a fingernail and densely packed its eggs.
The demon does not flee, emitting poison to protect its eggs.
"..."
Seeing this, I momentarily sheathe my Formless Sword.
"...Leave. If you swear never to eat humans again, I'll let you go."
"Kiireuk Kiiireuk."
The centipede demon hesitates for a moment, then speaks.
"My offspring, to... make them like me... how... how..."
It expresses despairing intent, stuttering in its speech.
"How will survive? Lonely... I am. Oh great one, rather, here, now, kill me..."
The centipede demon speaks with a resigned tone.
My flesh and blood, take, remaining offspring, become like me... please... kill..."
"..."
It's a fierce maternal love.
When Im contemplating whether to kill the demon or not,
From behind, the martial artist who had rushed at the centipede demon earlier, now coughing blood, runs and kneels before me.
"Greetings to the revered one! I dare to make a request of you."
"...What is it?"
I turn to him and ask.
"Please! Tear that monster to pieces! Kill it as painfully as possible!"
Since the centipede demon and I converse in demon language, he, unaware of our conversation, cried out with tears in his eyes.
"It ate my lover! Please kill it! I beg of you!"
"..."
Hearing this, I turn back to the centipede demon.
'What am I even hesitating about?'
Maternal love is certainly noble, but this creature has eaten innocent people.
Moreover,
The words of the martial artist, whose lover was eaten, caused a throbbing pain in my heart.
"...Looks like you need to die. Do you have any last words?"
I raise my hand again, looking at the centipede demon.
The centipede demon bows to me, saying,
"My offspring... not like me... but, like you... a great being... please help them..."
The centipede demon kept bowing its head, not caring about its own death.
"Just, offspring, please..."
"...Alright. I'll try."
I approach the centipede demon and place my hand on its head.
Poof!
My Formless Sword passes through its entire body, instantly severing all nerves and turning its brain to mush.
It probably didn't feel any pain.
"...It's done."
"Thank you! Thank you so much...!"
As the centipede demon died, the martial artist, shedding tears of gratitude, bowed to me. I then look at the place where the centipede demon had been lying.
There lay thousands of centipede eggs, tightly packed.
They look like ordinary centipede eggs, rather than those of a demon centipede.
Actually, I can't sense any spiritual aura from them.
They are just normal eggs that haven't inherited any of the centipede demon's powers.
I transfer all the tiny, rice-grain-sized eggs into my storage artifact.
I'm not sure if it'll work, but I'll give it a try.
After looking at the centipede for a moment,
I pass by the martial artists expressing their gratitude and return to the village.
"The centipede has been dealt with."
"Th-thank you! Please, accept this as a token of our gratitude, Immortal!"
I look at what the village chief is offering me.
Its a clean white Daoist robe.
The garment worn during the Twin Immortals Dance in this village.
"...I'll accept it gratefully."
I take the white Daoist robe from him and change into it. Clad in it, I am reminded of my past life.
'...Its nice.'
I savor the memory for a moment.
"Its the best gift. Thank you."
With that, I leap back onto the Nether Crossing Ship.
"Now for the last request, senior."
[Why have you been traveling so much? Alright, wheres the next destination?]
I tell him.
"Serving Command Palace."
The ship roars as it sails towards Serving Command Palace.
I penetrate the golden prohibition of the palace's outer walls and enter within.
'Still the same.'
Inside, I search around and acquire the necessary items.
Various immortal wines, especially the White-Red Wine.
And then...
'Now that I think about it, this is...'
I find the pipe artifact
A long, slender, bamboo pipe.
'Isn't this a magic artifact that imbues ordinary beasts with spiritual enlightenment?'
I carefully read the description of the artifact.
Magic Artifact: Demon Immortal Bamboo.
After lighting and inhaling, if you expose a beast to its spiritual energy, the beast has a one in ten thousand chance of gaining spiritual enlightenment.
If used on one beast, it should not be used again on the same creature for at least five years due to its potent nature, as it may lead to death.
For demon beasts, even those in the Qi Building stage, exposing them more than twice a month can be lethal, and for Core Formation stage demon beasts, once every seven days is the limit, while Nascent Soul stage demon beasts can be exposed daily.
"..."
The thought of using it on the centipede demon's offspring seems foolish.
'It's not even some kind of radioactive waste...'
At this level, it seems less like an artifact for nurturing demon beasts and more like a method of killing them with toxic smoke.
Despite my disbelief, I put the bamboo pipe in my storage device, just in case.
I continue searching and find another useful item.
"Two Heaven-Sealing Talismans."
These talismans are said to provide Heavenly Being stage defense.
'Thanks to this talisman...'
I glance subtly at Yuan Li's Blood Body.
That moment of immense despair caused by this guy came to my mind.
'I should keep it for now.'
I also put the Heaven-Striking Talisman into the storage artifact.
After doing so, theres nothing left to get from Serving Command Palace.
"Then now, shall I try to obtain the Serving Command Seal..."
Koogooogoo!
I take out the red formation flags given by Yuan Li from my storage artifact.
Koowoong!
As the Blood Body forms a seal, the magic artifacts emit light, attracting the power flowing inside the Serving Command Palace.
And then.
Koogooogoo!
The magic artifacts internally collide the powers of Serving Command Palace, starting to break down the floors of the palace one by one.
I deflect all the debris falling from the top of the Longevity Tree.
Koowoowoowoo...
After a while.
All the layers of Serving Command Palace have collapsed, and light begins to flash in the sky.
Paaatt!
'The Serving Command Seal...'
As I look at the seal,
Song Jin and Seo Ran enter the inside of Serving Command Palace.
Song Jin's eyes shine as he looks at the seal.
[The Serving Command Seal, it's been a while.]
He asks me.
[Why do you want to obtain the Serving Command Seal? Are you trying to ascend in the traditional way like that Yuan Li guy?]
"Ah, isn't there a saying that the Serving Command Seal attracts heavenly fate?"
I ask, holding the Serving Command Seal.
[Heavenly fate? Heavenly fate is indeed good. But if you receive the blessing of the Serving Command Seal, don't carry it around in your pocket when ascending. The holder of the Serving Command Seal is drawn by the Serving Command Seal connected to this world and fates attraction, making ascension difficult. Eventually, you'll have to return to this world.]
"Haha..."
I grin.
That is exactly it.
'Investigate the Ascension Gate, keeping the Serving Command Seal with me.'
In that case, even if I get caught in a spatial storm, I would eventually return to this world, right?
My goal is not ascension but to investigate Ascension Gate.
While Im looking at the Serving Command Seal,
Paaatt!
Light bursts from the Serving Command Seal, scattering brilliance around me.
Somehow, I feel lighter.
[The blessing of the Serving Command Seal. Usually, you have to touch it to receive the blessing... Seems you are born with a strong fate.]
"Really...?"
[Didn't you know? Serving Command Seal responds to fate, reacting more strongly to those born with a strong fate. The same goes for its blessings. The fact that the Serving Command Seal bestowed its blessings on you without you touching it means that you are born with an immense fate.]
"Is that so..."
Its a new fact.
'My fate...'
Certainly, it is a bit strong.
As soon as I try to step out of the framework of fate, the heavens would throw lightning like crazy.
Holding the Serving Command Seal, I speak.
"Anyway, I have a favor to ask you, senior."
[What now?]
I hand Song Jin the structural diagram of a formation and the blueprint of the formation's magic artifacts.
"If you install these formations and magic artifacts on the first layer of Serving Command Palace and activate them... After 5 years, the Longevity Fruit will ripen in Serving Command Palace. Please give one to Daoist Seo."
[Huh...!]
Song Jin looks at me with surprised eyes.
[You keep giving things. At this rate, my debts will never disappear.]
"Haha, I just need you to do me one favor."
I request him.
"When the Longevity Fruits ripen, please deliver the fruit to a man named Kim Young-hoon in Yanguo."
[Why don't you deliver it yourself?]
"That's... I have my reasons."
Going to investigate the Ascension Gate, I might die getting caught in a spatial storm.
I could become a lost soul in space.
Or I could be marked by a Great Boundary being, observing this place from outside this world and die.
Therefore, its right to ask beforehand.
"This is my last request. Thank you very much for your help so far."
[Hmmm....]
He looks at me for a while.
[You, are you trying to ascend to the upper realm at your current level?]
"..."
Song Jin seems to realize my intention and asks in surprise.
[...It's too sudden. Why are you moving so hastily? We cultivators have hundreds of years. Of course, the Ascension Path hasn't closed yet, but there will be another opportunity in a thousand years.
With your talent, you can definitely reach the Great Perfection of Heavenly Being and prepare for ascension in about a thousand years...]
"A thousand years..."
I give a bitter smile.
Perhaps, even after a thousand years, I will still remain at this level,
[....?]
Song Jin tilts his head, seemingly puzzled.
But I know my own talent well.
Even after a thousand years, it would be fortunate if I can barely reach the Nascent Soul stage with my cultivation methods.
Even if my martial skills are several steps ahead someone like Kim Young-hoon.
After all, I am not Kim Young-hoon.
'A thousand years is too long.'
Anyway, its something I have to investigate at least once.
Perhaps this life, having not formed many connections, is the most appropriate time to investigate the Ascension Gate.
When I handed the norigae to Buk Hyang-hwa, my decision solidified.
'I won't meet her again in this life, even if I live for a thousand years.'
If I do meet her again, I feel I wouldnt be able to restrain myself.
"Anyway... It's my choice. Please respect it."
[...Well, do as you please. Since my disciple has received much help from you, I will fulfill the tasks you've requested. They're not difficult, anyway.]
Song Jin crosses his arms and nods.
Then, we leave Serving Command Palace and head back towards Ascension Path.
Whooosh!
A dark ghostly ship crosses the sky.
The Nether Crossing Ship, emerging from the void, is floating in the sky.
When I asked why we didn't use spatial travel through the void, it was because frequent use would strain the Nether Crossing Ship.
"By the way, do you know anything about the upper realm, Senior Song Jin?"
[Of course. At least, what that Yuan Li guy mentioned is a well-known fact among the upper echelons of major forces.]
Song Jin, holding the ship's steering wheel, continues his explanation.
[Especially factions with a deep history like Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Black Ghost Valley, Mighty Tiger, Holy Peng, and Sea Dragons. Ancestors who ascended through the Ascension Gate have occasionally contacted us over the long history.]
"...Hmm, may I ask what you know regarding the upper realm?"
[I don't know much in detail. Really, we only get contacted once every few thousand years... But about four thousand years ago, one of the ancestors from the upper realms who contacted Black Ghost Valley said that the spiritual energy in the upper realms is hundreds of times more abundant than in Ascension Path, and there are no mortals in the upper realm.]
"No mortals?"
[Thats right. I also thought it was unbelievable when I first heard it. In the upper realms, due to the immense heaven and earth spiritual energy, babies become Qi Gathering cultivators from the moment of conception. They are born as cultivators. Some with a bit more talent are born already at the 1st or 2nd stage of Qi Refining... Isn't it unbelievable?]
"..."
I have no words for the ridiculousness of what I just heard.
'The entire concept of mortals... doesn't exist there?'
How high must the density of spiritual energy be for such a thing to be possible?
Song Jin chuckles at my expression.
[Also, in the upper realms, people reach the Qi Building stage as early as their early twenties. By their 40s and 50s, everyone reaches that stage. Those over 200 years old are mostly Core Formation cultivators. From the Nascent Soul stage, substantial enlightenment is required, so the numbers drop there... Still, isn't it unfair? Some have to grind people down to reach Qi Building, while others just breathe to reach the same destination. Haha....]
"Really... It's unbelievable."
I smile bitterly.
Such a place would not have clans like the Makli Clan.
[Moreover, although I don't know in detail, the human race seems to be considered somewhat of a ruling class and enjoys quite a high status. The upper realm quite frankly seems like a paradise. Tsk, tsk. This is the extent of the information I can provide. The rest of the more confidential information is subject to restrictions and is classified, so I can't disclose it recklessly.]
"...I see. Thank you."
Koowoowoo!
In the distance, I see the barrier covering Ascension Path.
Standing next to Song Jin, I suddenly think of something else and ask.
"I'm curious. There's a place called the Nether Ghost Realm among the upper realms, and it sounds related to Black Ghost Valley. Is there any connection?"
It seems obviously related to Black Ghost Valley.
Yuan Li said he didn't know about Ancient Force, Nether Ghost, and Purple Gold realms.
But maybe Song Jin does.
Song Jin strokes his chin and replies.
[I do know. Before the Ascension Gate appeared, the main upper realm for ascension for Black Ghost Valley was the Nether Ghost Realm.]
"Just out of pure curiosity. Why then does Black Ghost Valley ascend to the Bright Cold Realm connected to the Ascension Gate instead of the Nether Ghost Realm?"
[Hmm, it's because ascending through the Ascension Gate is much safer and more certain, and also...]
He ponders for a moment and continues.
[The information from here onwards is confidential, and I cannot disclose it directly but...]
He chuckles.
[Why do the devilish sects not ascend to the True Devil Realm but choose the Bright Cold Realm, which is said to be at war with it? Yuan Li spoke of a war, but he only knows outdated information. Perhaps, there's a reason everyone is choosing to ascend to the Bright Cold Realm.]
'Could it be that the war between the True Devil Realm and the Bright Cold Realm is... turning in favor of the Bright Cold?'
I nod in understanding.
Then, I strike the barrier of Ascension Path with my Formless Sword.
Koogooogooang!
The Formless Sword splits the barrier, creating a large entrance for the Nether Crossing Ship.
Koowoowoo!
The Nether Crossing Ship doesn't stop and flies towards the center of Ascension Path.
And then, a familiar scene appears.
Kurung, Kurururung...
Thunderclouds are rolling in.
Below the thunderclouds, a bisected stele absorbs heavenly lightning.
Beyond the stele, a glowing spatial gate the size of a human torso resides.
Its the Ascension Gate.
Koogooogoo!
Before the area riddles with spatial rifts, the Nether Crossing Ship descends.
"Then, I thank you for everything up to now."
[Yeah, do well and take care.]
"...Senior, must you really ascend now?"
"Haha, don't worry about me, Daoist Seo. Just deliver the Longevity Fruit to Kim Young-hoon as I requested."
Song Jin and Seo Ran.
Their expressions differ, but both radiate the intent of concern for me.
After bidding them farewell, I take out the centipede eggs from my storage artifact.
"Well, I may not be able to do much, but if they feed on the dense spiritual energy of the Ascension Path and continue to grow, maybe they'll become demon beasts as their mother wished for."
I light the Immortal Demon Bamboo and fan its smoke over the centipede eggs.
The probability of becoming a demon beast will increase, albeit very slightly, with the dense spiritual energy of Ascension Path.
Just then.
Crack, crasasaack...
Whether its due to the time, the effect of Immortal Demon Bamboo, or the Ascension Path's energy, many baby centipedes hatch from their eggs.
They scatter throughout the Ascension Path.
'Live well, everyone.'
As Im about to put the bamboo pipe back in the storage artifact.
"Hmm?"
A small baby centipede wriggles up onto my foot.
"Hmm..."
I pick it up and place it elsewhere, but it keeps coming back and clinging to me.
'What's this...?'
Just when Im wondering.
[Just let it stay. You have the Serving Command Seal, right? The Seal has granted you a fate that suits you. It's an affinity brought by fate, so it might be more beneficial to keep it with you.]
"...I see."
After looking at the centipede for a moment, I pick it up and place it on my shoulder.
"I'm about to leave this world. Is that alright with you?"
The baby centipede doesnt respond.
After staring at it for a while, I bid farewell to Song Jin and Seo Ran.
Then, I head towards the Ascension Gate.
"Well, then..."
Koogooogoo!
About fifteen days after my return.
I approach the Ascension Gate thats about to close, with Yuan Li's Blood Body in front.
"Shall we investigate the Ascension Gate?"
As I approach the gate, I take out the two Heaven-Sealing Talisman, activate one, and apply it to the Blood Body.
"Alright, now. Let's see..."
Just then.
Fzzz, fizzzz...
Suddenly, the stele above starts to spark intensely with lightning.
'What's this?'
Then, without warning.
Flash!
Kurururung!
A sudden bolt of lightning strikes me.
"!"
Koogooogoo!
Though not a Heavenly Rejection level lightning, it was still immensely powerful.
Had I not enveloped my whole body in the Formless Sword, I would have been roasted on the spot!
As I grit my teeth against the lightning.
Fwaaah!
"!?"
A familiar figure appears before my eyes.
A shadow engulfed in blood-red lightning, weeping blood.
'Yang Su-jin!?'
I tremble, recalling the shadow I had seen at Shattered Heaven Peak.
Then, the remnant of Yang Su-jin speaks.
[Ender, seeing this remnant means that you have heard my true words left at Shattered Heaven Peak.
I wont speak at length. If you are contemplating ascending to the upper realms, do not hesitate and quickly leave this grotesque world. This world is especially threatening to Enders. There's nothing good for you by staying in this world any longer Hurry and depart, from within this hideous head...]
Fwaaah!
The lightning ceases.
And at the same time, my eyes widen in shock.
Creak!
The Ascension Gate created by Yang Su-jin, like a living entity, opens its maw wide and lunges towards me.
Woowoowoo!
The Serving Command Seal inside me howls madly, but then,
Thud!
Its forcefully ejected from my embrace by some strong repulsive force.
What!?
And at that moment.
Kwaaah!
I am swallowed by the Ascension Gate.
What on earth!
Seo Ran yells as he watches, and Song Jins ghostly fire burns with panic.
Fsssh...
The Ascension Gate, having devoured Seo Eun-hyun, immediately closes shut.
[I've never seen such a phenomenon before...]
Normally, the Ascension Gate would open once, gradually shrink over several days, and finally disappear in a state as small as dust.
The kind of phenomenon, where it devours a person like a living entity and closes abruptly, is unheard of.
Thump, thud, thud...
The Serving Command Seal, repelled from Seo Eun-hyun's embrace, rolls towards them.
Swoosh...
The ownerless Serving Command Seal lays in front of them for a moment and then is swept away into another spatial rift nearby.
The Serving Command Seal, with its inherent attraction of fate, is fated to return to the Serving Command Palace.
And in the Liberation Palace, it will wait to be freed, endlessly wandering the void.
Song Jin and Seo Ran, having witnessed Seo Eun-hyuns sudden devouring by the Ascension Gate, stand in silence, lost in their thoughts.
Translator Notes: I got chills.
-x-X-x-
Koogooogoo!
Numerous sounds and rays of light brush past me.
I grit my teeth, focusing on the Formless Sword throughout my body.
My whole body feels like it's about to be crushed!
Had it not been for the Formless Sword enveloping my body due to my attainments in Treading Heaven, my body would have instantly been crushed without a moment's notice.
The Heaven-Sealing Talisman!
Gritting my teeth hard enough for my gums to bleed, I tak out the Heaven-Sealing Talisman
Heaven-Sealing Talisman, activate!
Koogooogoo!
An immense force gathers in the talisman, and the power of the Heaven-Sealing Talisman envelops my body.
Heaven and earth spiritual energy even exists in spatial passageways.
The heaven and earth spiritual energy wraps around my body, creating a dense barrier that prevents even a single strand of energy from leaking out.
Cough! Huk!
I spit blood, barely regaining consciousness.
Damn it, what a mess this is!
Inside the spatial passageway of the Ascension Gate, I am being pulled upwards towards some [Above].
Kiiing!
The blessing of the Serving Command Seal within me is pulling me far away.
Upon entering the Ascension Gate, the Serving Command Seals blessing became a definite force, pulling me along, and I realized that this force is terrifyingly abnormal.
Koogooogoo!
Soon, I'll probably reach the upper realm. But
I grit my teeth, watching the barrier of the Heaven-Sealing Talisman trembling madly all over my body.
The Heaven-Sealing Talisman seems to be losing its effect faster than I thought. There's a possibility it might break before I reach the upper realm!
I clench my teeth, thinking of the Serving Command Seal.
Originally, even if I entered the Ascension Gate, I planned to return to that world with the power of the Serving Command Seal
I didn't expect that the Serving Command Seal itself would be repelled by some strange repulsive force.
Theres no other choice, I have to endure as much as I can!
Koogooogoo!
I frown, watching the Heaven-Sealing Talisman about to collapse any moment.
This wont do. Then
I look at Yuan Lis Blood Body, ascending alongside me.
I recall one method of using the Blood Body, a technique passed down by Yuan Li.
I form a seal together with the Blood Body.
Blood Body Skin Armor! Open!
At the same time, the Blood Body opens wide.
Swooosh!
Its internal organs, muscles, and inner body are all exposed.
And then, from within, all the organs and muscles turn into blood, and a space large enough for one person to squeeze in is seen forming.
As I form a seal, the Blood Body flies towards me and envelops me.
The Blood Body covers my whole body, and soon seeps through every part of it.
Kugugugu!
As the Blood Body seeps through my muscle fibers, my entire body is further strengthened.
The strength and regenerative ability of my physical body increases tremendously, and in an instant, I can feel that Im able to use all the techniques that the Blood Body can use.
But whats most important is...
Wo-woong!
The energy of the Heaven-Sealing Talisman that had been residing in the Blood Body now merges with my Heaven-Sealing Talisman, significantly extending the duration of the talisman's effect.
Pa-aa-aa-at!
The barrier of the Heaven-Sealing Talisman, which seemed about to collapse at any moment, has now become more robust, and I can finally take a breath.
Good, I dont know when I'll reach the upper realm, but at least I can hold out for a while.
Now that I have some leeway for survival, I look around.
Numerous beams of light and sound are brushing past me.
Honestly, its hard to discern what is what.
Inside the Ascension Gate... perhaps there's a reason why we fell into this world here
I look around inside the Ascension Gate.
The spatial passage leading to the upper realm.
Piii-eeeeet!
Among the numerous beams of light, occasionally, stars that look like the universe reveal themselves.
I catch glimpses of what seems to be countless spaces and dimensions, and then, down below.
I faintly make out the form of the world I came from.
That world is...
Like...
...Huh?
I see it, and it sees me. Our eyes meet. Its a gigantic jade...
...Heok!
What was that?
What just happened?
Pii-eeet!
I realize Im still ascending to the upper realm.
Numerous beams of light are still passing by around me.
And from the scenes occasionally visible between the beams of light, I realize I have ascended quite a bit.
Just now, my consciousness cut off for a moment
I hold my throbbing head.
Why did I lose consciousness?
Was it because of the spatial pressure?
Even though theres the Heaven-Sealing Talisman, considerable pressure is still being transmitted through..
Of course, its bearable, but there are times when the pressure intensifies suddenly, so its possible that I lost consciousness due to the severe pressure at that moment.
But right before losing consciousness, it seemed like I saw something
I hold my throbbing temples and try to gather my thoughts.
Damn it, my head isnt working right.
Fortunately, things are stabilizing.
But the throbbing headache doesnt easily subside.
And also...
Kugugugu!
It seems quite some time has passed since I lost consciousness, as the Heaven-Sealing Talisman is already showing signs of collapsing.
Damn, what do I do if the Heaven-Sealing Talisman collapses?
The pressure increased even more than before.
The heaven and earth spiritual energy in the spatial passage becomes denser, but at the same time, the resistance beating against the Heaven-Sealing Talisman becomes stronger.
If this continues, once the effect of the talisman wears off, I will be crushed into a lump of flesh.
I can't let that happen!
While being pulled [Above], I take a stance.
I will. Divert the pressure!
I begin performing a sword dance towards the pressing force bearing down on me.
Kim Young-hoon had certainly performed Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains by himself.
A self-destructive technique that usually requires an opponent.
The fact that he performed Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains towards empty space meant that...
'It means that the world itself can become the subject of martial arts.'
Cutting through the void itself, exchanging and merging with that emptiness, I enter the state of Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains.
Of course, I have no intention of performing Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains to completion.
But if its just Endless Mountains Beyond Mountains
Shoong, shoong, shoong!
I swing my Formless Sword towards the void.
What Nascent Soul cultivators call planes.
I feel my sword brushing against the boundaries of dimensions.
Whoom, Whoom, Whoom!
Beyond the dimension.
I feel my sword colliding with the vital force (Qi) that makes up the world itself.
'Cut it.'
I slice through the vital force, and with that as a starting point, I perform a sword dance towards the immense 'pressure' that is assaulting me.
Whizz!
Crack!
My sword dance cuts through the spatial pressure.
At the same time, the pressure on the Heaven-Sealing Talisman decreases.
'I can't perform Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains. But'
I can still pour out every move from the beginning to the end without getting tired!
Horizontal slash, lower three cuts, upward slash, stab, change moves, offense and defense as one
Countless moves burst out almost simultaneously, forming a single shape.
Severing Mountain!
Whooooosh!
The pressure above is split.
Crack, Crack!
Despite this, an endless amount of pressure continues to squeeze me, and the Heaven-Sealing Talisman is gradually losing its power.
And then, at some moment.
Bang!
Crash!
Finally, the Heaven-Sealing Talisman exhausts its power.
'Faster, stronger!'
I resist the pressure squeezing my whole body and slice through the spatial pressure more quickly with the Formless Sword.
But the pressure continues to gradually increase.
Crack, Crack!
Despite cutting through, the residual pressure alone feels enough to crush my entire body covered in the Formless Sword.
During this.
Wriggle!
I spot something wriggling on the other side of the spatial passage, swimming through space.
'What is that?'
That bizarre creature, seemingly living in the crevices of space, fortunately has no interest in me, but its momentum is not inferior to a Heavenly Being.
Feeling a chill down my spine, I continue to cut through the pressure.
Crack, Crack!
Even after being infused by the Blood Body for enhanced durability and regeneration, my whole body feels like its about to be shattered by the spatial pressure!
And then, when blood finally bursts from my seven orifices!
Bang!
Boom!
I vomit blood as I collide with a 'barrier' that suddenly appeared in front of me.
Whooooosh!
Naturally, the Formless Sword cut through the 'barrier', and thanks to the inertia that had been pulling me along, I am finally able to enter [Above] by piercing through the barrier.
Bang!
"Keughhk! Cough, Gasp!"
I spit out a mouthful of blood.
And then.
"This is"
I feel the [ground] beneath my hands.
That terrible spatial pressure is no longer felt.
A stable, and much denser heaven and earth spiritual energy than what I felt in the previous world.
Tens of times more spiritual energy than Ascension Path.
Compared to typical areas in the previous world, its hundreds of times more.
"Huff Huff?"
I look around.
'This place'
"Upper Realm?"
As I look around.
Boom!
[What's this now.]
A giant in green armor appears before me.
Interestingly, hes not made of flesh and blood like humans or demi-humans, but of wood and earth.
And the pressure emanating from him...
"Kwak! Keeeuuugh!"
'I can't breathe!'
Four-Axis!
His pressure is outrageously beyond that of a Heavenly Being.
Him just standing in my domain of consciousness makes me feel like my head is going to split open.
I quickly abandon the thought of observing him and withdraw my consciousness.
I try to look at him but quickly lower my gaze to his shadow.
Looking directly at him somehow made my eyes sore.
An entity those below Heavenly Being can't even look directly at.
A cultivator of the Four-Axis stage!
[Breaking through the thinned spatial barrier, and yet the aura is only at most the level of Qi Building How suspicious. Has some strange creature from the void masqueraded as a human and infiltrated?]
Kugugu!
The Four-Axis cultivator raises his hand.
'This is!'
The same momentum I felt from [Her] palm!
'I'm going to burst and die!'
My pupils shrink with tension and fear.
I try to speak as I vomit blood.
Just then.
"Wait a minute!"
A familiar voice rings in my ears.
[Hmm?]
The Four-Axis cultivator looks in one direction.
I also look towards where the voice came from.
There stood a familiar figure in blue armor, arms crossed.
'Cheongmun Sunwoo...!?'
"It's a face I know. Hes not a strange life form from the void."
[Hmmm....]
Whooooosh.
The momentum that formed in the hands of the Four-Axis cultivator dissipates.
Only then do I take a look around.
Behind Azure Tiger Saint, there are several Heavenly Being cultivators who exude similar auras and Nascent Soul cultivators.
And behind them, numerous burly figures with unusually powerful auras are positioned.
Further back, Chief Oh Hyun-seok is staring at me, eyes wide open.
On both sides of Azure Tiger Saint, stand a middle-aged man in golden robes and a gender-neutral figure in black devilish robes.
PIjitt Pijijijijit!
The man in golden robes, the Master of Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Jin Byuk-ho.
Behind him are several Heavenly Being cultivators emitting lightning energy, and a significant number of Nascent Soul cultivators.
And many disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are also visible.
Kyaaaaaaa!
Gieyaaa
And the figure in black devilish robes, the Grand Elder of Black Ghost Valley, White Bone Ghost Devil Heo Gwak.
Behind them, two Nether Crossing Ships float in the air, and eerie valley sounds echo around.
Furthermore
"Ho-ho, this is an unexpected visit"
A handsome young man with blue hair, wearing blue robes, and antler-like horns on his forehead.
Seo Hweol smiles gently as he looks at me.
Behind Seo Hweol, several giant sea dragons exuding the energy of Heavenly Beings reveal themselves, with dozens of smaller sea dragons positioned behind them.
Kings of the Mighty Tiger and Holy Peng tribes are also present beside Seo Hweol, along with their tribe members.
And then
[Huhuhu, what an odd situation. How did this kid get here?]
Mad Lord Jo Yeon.
He stands a little apart from the other forces, hands behind his back, watching me and stroking his chin.
Beside him, Team Leader Kim Yeon is inexplicably lying on the ground, foaming at the mouth and unconscious.
It doesnt look like the actions of the Mad Lord. Rather, the shock of withstanding the spatial pressure, even with his protection, seemed too significant.
Everyone I had met on Ascension Path is gathered here.
Then, the Four-Axis entity speaks.
[Explain. You say you know this kid?]
"Yes. That guy is definitely someone I saw before passing through the Ascension Gate when I was in the lower realm. We three met and even tested him, he's definitely a human, not a strange lifeform."
[Hmm, then how could this human of apparently Qi Building stage ascend to the Bright Cold Realm on his own?]
At the wooden man's words, Azure Tiger Saint coughs, seemingly unable to guess.
Then, Seo Hweol steps forward with a kind smile.
Perhaps, he too possesses some unique quality. Before our ascension through the Ascension Gate we encountered a group of humans, and we confirmed that some of them had interesting qualities. So, before ascension, those thought to lack such qualities were abandoned and each force took one of the talented for themselves But it turns out, they all have unique talents. To think that he followed us and ascended on his own, it makes me a bit curious about what kind of talent the remaining human has.
At Seo Hweol's explanation, the wooden man in green armor asks curiously.
[Unique qualities? What kind of unique qualities?]
"Haha"
At that, Seo Hweol grins and exchanges glances with the other three Heavenly Beings, even the Mad Lord.
Mad Lord snorts but crosses his arms, keeping silent.
"Just unique qualities. But no matter how unique, they can't compare to the distinguished bloodlines and methods practiced by those in the Bright Cold Realm, right?"
The three Heavenly Beings also laugh and nod.
"Well, they're a bit unique, but really nothing special."
"Just talents that perfectly fit each sect's methods."
[Hmmm.]
The green-armored wooden man's eyes light up.
[It seems you're hiding something. Speak plainly. You've just ascended to the Bright Cold Realm, why so secretive?]
Rumble!
The wooden man's aura envelops the area.
I struggle to breathe, falling to the ground and clutching my heart.
Actually, it felt like my heart would stop any moment, and I had to forcibly keep it beating with my Formless Sword.
'He-Heavenly Beings, how are they?'
Just then.
Suddenly, the eyes of the Heavenly Being cultivators, initially subdued by the wooden mans aura, shined.
And then, Seo Hweol, hands behind his back, started walking towards us.
[This guy?]
Then.
"!?"
My eyes widened.
Kugugugu!
Seo Hweol's aura is rising.
And the surrounding heaven and earth spiritual energy, hundreds of times denser than before, began to be absorbed by Seo Hweol.
Craaaaack!
Seo Hweol's aura began to push back the green-armored wooden man's aura.
With each step he took, his aura grew stronger.
"...I must say something to the Bright Cold Realm senior, lest there be any misunderstandings."
[What...!?]
Thud, thud, thud...
Not only Seo Hweol, but also Jin Byuk-ho, Heo Gwak, and Cheongmun Sunwoo approached. Absorbing the dense spiritual energy of the Bright Cold Realm, their auras intensified even more.
"We are not like those who fled to the upper realms merely to extend their lives. Rather, we had already reached the peak of Heavenly Being and gained enlightenment towards the Four-Axis but had to ascend due to a lack of resources to elevate our cultivation..."
Rumble!
Buzz, buzz...
Suddenly, it became difficult to even look directly at Seo Hweol.
I felt the same towards the other three Heavenly Beings.
Boom!
The next moment.
A brilliant light burst from Seo Hweol, Jin Byuk-ho, Heo Gwak, and Cheongmun Sunwoo, and their auras changed.
Simultaneously.
Whoosh!
The green-armored wooden man's aura was completely neutralized, and I finally found it easier to breathe.
"Even if you find the juniors from the lower realms somewhat lacking, we have worked hard in our own right and would appreciate a little respect."
With the end of Seo Hweol's words, I once again look at them, or rather, their shadows.
In the blink of an eye, after absorbing the spiritual energy of the upper realm, they have become Four-Axis cultivators.
The green-armored wooden man is suddenly surrounded by four Four-Axis cultivators.
[What, what is this! How can you elevate your cultivation without undergoing Heavenly Tribulation?]
"Haha. Before ascending, Sect Master Jin of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect used the sect's divine treasure to disperse the Four-Axis Heavenly Tribulation in advance. We reached the Four-Axis immediately, having already faced the tribulation beforehand, so it does not strike us now."
Azure Tiger Saint laughs heartily and pats the shoulder of the green-armored wooden man.
As they begin to pressure him.
Rumble!
In the sky, a massive aura stirs, and several more Four-Axis cultivators begin to descend.
[These ascenders are... all quite special.]
[Enduring added spatial pressure and ascending with their sects... They are monsters from the start....]
[To possess such talent to reach Four-Axis immediately upon arrival....]
They look at Jin Byuk-ho, Heo Gwak, Cheongmun Sunwoo, and Seo Hweol in awe.
At the same time.
Kugugugugu
From the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Black Ghost Valley, Azure Heaven Creation Sect, Mighty Tiger, Holy Peng, Sea Dragon, and others.
Many Heavenly Being and Nascent Soul cultivators began to elevate their cultivation by absorbing the dense spiritual energy.
Rumble
They too seemed to have received help from the divine treasure of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
None of them particularly caused Heavenly Tribulation.
Of course, none reached Four-Axis immediately like the first four.
Rumble!
And there, quietly beside them, Mad Lord Jo Yeon seems to have broken through some stagnant bottleneck, but has not reached Four-Axis.
He appears to have reached the peak of Heavenly Being, but likely...
'Given his personality, he probably didn't accept help from the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and didn't face the tribulation in advance, so he couldn't immediately overcome the ascension tribulation and reach Four-Axis.'
As I survey the chaotic surroundings.
[Anyway, lower your auras, juniors. No matter how impressive your generation is, there are Integration stage Grand Cultivators nearby in this Flying Immortal Platform, so be careful. Seeing sects like Black Ghost Valley and Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, it seems you've ascended from the Head Realm. I'll guide your group to the Human Territory. And you, demon beasts...]
Kugugugugu
Before the cultivators could finish speaking.
Far away, thunder and lightning struck, and dark clouds gathered in the sky.
Soon after, the entity bringing the dark clouds descended.
Kuguguugugugu!
Its a gigantic dragon.
Larger even than Seo Hweol's original form, this Four-Axis dragon from the Earth Tribes True Dragon Alliance landed among the Sea Dragon Tribe.
[I am Elder Gyu-ryeon of the Earth Tribes True Dragon Alliance. This generation's Head Realm ascenders are indeed something. To have reached Four-Axis already. You demon beasts, follow me to the Demon Territory.]
"Haha, we've heard of your fame even in the lower realm, Elder Gyu-ryeon. We appreciate your guidance."
Seo Hweol greets Gyu-ryeon with a gentle smile, and Gyu-ryeon, seemingly a bit embarrassed upon seeing Seo Hweol's face, snorts.
[Anyway, let's get going. I don't want to be around these folks for too long.]
Gyu-ryeon declares, glancing briefly at the green-armored wooden man and the other human Four-Axis cultivators.
Then, turning to me, Seo Hweol says,
"Ah, please just wait a moment.There's a matter regarding this junior that needs to be addressed."
With a gentle face, he extends his hand to me as I lay on the ground.
"Haha, this really Getting caught between a dragons fight always hurts the ants back. I apologize for any distress. I don't know what unique talent you have, but it must have been difficult ascending all the way here, wasn't it?"
"...Thank you for your concern."
I reply, getting up on my own without taking his hand.
"By the way, kid. Just what kind of method did you use to follow us?
Azure Tiger Saint asks, passing by the green-armored wooden man to approach me.
"Indeed, we left several days before him, and yet he managed to catch up just as we ascended?"
'That's right, now that I think about it.'
Under normal circumstances, I shouldn't have been able to converse with them here. They had ascended days before me, and its odd that I, who left much later, arrived in the upper realm at the same time.
Mad Lord Jo Yeon, who has been quiet, speaks with a chuckle.
[Seems like he has a special connection or fate with the upper realm. Even just considering the blessing of the Serving Command Seal, those with stronger fates can reach the upper realm much faster, can't they? While it took us several days to barely ascend, this guy, with his extraordinary fate, might have managed it in just half a day. Kekeke]
'Because of the Serving Command Seal'
It seems that while they struggled for days to ascend through spatial pressure, I had ascended instantly thanks to the seal's blessing.
Suddenly...
The ground beneath me lights up and is covered by a strange barrier.
"This is?"
"It's called the Flying Immortal Platform. All cultivators ascending from the lower realms arrive here. Now that there are no more ascendants, the Platform is closing, and the barrier we broke through is being restored,"
Seo Hweol explains while walking.
The Platform, now covered in a barrier, makes the surrounding space feel more stable.
Seo Hweol asks me.
"So, what will you do?"
"...?"
He gestures around with a benevolent expression.
"Your colleagues' talents have already been recognized. By ascending on your own, you've proven your exceptional talent as well... Since everyone has ascended, if you're as talented as they are, I wouldn't mind taking you with me. I'm quite interested in you"
Intrigue sparkled in the eyes of everyone around me, including Seo Hweol.
"Make your choice. We'll soon scatter according to the guidance of the Bright Cold Realm's seniors. Which faction will you join?"
Hearing this, I relax my entire body.
My Formless Sword, which has been surrounding me, disperses into the air.
'Well, let's think about it.'
Just then.
[Hey, you...!]
The green-armored wooden man and other Four-Axis cultivators floating in the air, along with the dragon elder representing the True Dragon Alliance, all show signs of intense anger.
'What's happening?'
In my confusion, they react to my Formless Sword.
[Looking carefully, isnt this a spy from the Heart Tribe trained in the Heart Path Method? I knew something was suspicious!]
"What...?"
[Die, you spy! We'll extract your soul and interrogate you after death!]
"Wait a m-"
Boom!
I explode, not even realizing what hit me, and die instantly.
Thus, I died right after succeeding in ascension.
That is my thirteenth return.
-x-X-x-
Blinking, I open my eyes.
'Damn it, dying right after ascension, what a mess...'
As Im rubbing my throbbing head, I pause.
'Wait.'
Something is off.
"...What?"
I look around. This isn't the familiar forest.
This place...
"Make your choice. We'll soon scatter according to the guidance of the Bright Cold Realm's seniors. Which faction will you join?"
"...What?"
Staring at Seo Hweol in front of me, my eyes widen as I survey my surroundings.
This is atop the Flying Immortal Platform, where I had just died.
"Wait, wait..."
Then it became clear.
My point of return has been fixed to this place.
"...Look here."
"Ah!"
I flinch at Seo Hweol's question.
Cautiously observing the wooden man's reactions, I don't scatter my Formless Sword recklessly, instead concealing my energy within my body as I look around.
Now that my point of return has unexpectedly moved itself,
Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Black Ghost Valley.
Azure Heaven Creation Sect.
The demon tribes heading towards the True Dragon Alliance.
And various others like the Righteous and Devil Path Alliances...
I have to choose among them.
On the first day of my 13th return.
'Choose?'
I press my temples, looking around.
Who should I choose?
'I don't even understand the current situation...'
The sudden fixation of my return point is overwhelming.
This fixation means...
'Everything I did during the short time since I started my return... is all permanent.'
The norigae I gave to Hyang-hwa.
The relationship between Song Jin and Seo Ran.
The Longevity Fruit I prepared for Kim Young-hoon.
The death of Yuan Li and the disappearance of the Makli Clan...
Whether good or bad, my actions are permanent.
This means...
'Everything I've done so far...'
A feeling of indescribable emotion wells up in my chest.
'It wasn't meaningless...'
Even though I may not know when I will die, I have always given my best in everything I've done.
Even if the lives were meaningless, the results of my actions, to which I've given my all, have now become meaningful as time has become fixed.
I reflect on my actions and accomplishments in the lower realm.
'Ah, really...'
What a relief.
That's what I thought when...
"Hmm, seems like you're deep in thought."
Says Seo Hweol, stroking his chin and slowing his pace.
"It looks like we need to leave now. Honestly, I'm quite interested in you..."
It isn't just Seo Hweol.
Other demon tribe leaders, the kings of the Holy Peng and Mighty Tiger tribes, also look interested, implying that I look to be a useful talent.
However, the eyes of the dragon behind them show dissatisfaction.
[What's so important about this left-over trash? It's a long journey from the central lands to the Earth Tribe's territory. We must depart quickly.]
"It seems the elder is in a hurry. We should go now."
"...Yes, take care, Sir Dragon King."
"Ha, Dragon King you say. I appreciate the words, but from now on, don't call me 'king.' The real Middle Boundary demon kings might get angry."
He chuckles, patting my shoulder, and turns to join Gyu-ryeon.
I courteously see off Seo Hweol, having no intention of joining him at the moment.
If I had gathered more information through several lives, maybe...
Of course, if it wasnt the True Dragon Alliance but the Sea Dragon Tribe in the lower realm, I would have refused immediately, now or later.
As Seo Hweol prepares to leave...
[Since you're a human, come with us. Whichever faction you choose, it won't be hard to settle in.]
The green-armored wooden man speaks, watching the situation with arms crossed.
However,
[You don't want to choose anyone, do you?]
Mad Lord Jo Yeon, from a distance, speaks up with his eyes glowing.
Kugugugu!
He absorbs the spiritual energy of the Bright Cold Realm, having already reached the Grand Perfection of Heavenly Being, just a step away from Four-Axis, demonstrating a presence akin to it.
His not immediate advancement to Four-Axis, like the three Heavenly Beings and Seo Hweol, due to not using the Heavenly Lightning Banner, proved his near Four-Axis strength as he spoke to me.
[If you wont choose anyone, come with me. What are you, really? Im so curious I could die. How can a person have such a heart essence? Ah, so interesting. I'll take you as my disciple, so follow me. Follow me. Follow me. Follow me. Let's head to the Light Spirit Pond together.]
His eyes, brimming with madness, stares at me, and I involuntarily step back.
Then, the green-armored wooden man frowns and speaks.
[I recognize your tremendous talent, but first, as you are a human, you must go to the Human Territory to receive your identity plaque. Where are you even saying youre planning to go? Both of you, just follow for now.]
At that moment, Mad Lord Jo Yeon laughs wildly, shaking his head.
[No, I dont want to. I need to gather materials to complete [Her].That's why I ascended to the upper realm. I need nothing else. I will find the Light Spirit Pond in the Bright Cold Realm to circulate blood in [Her] body.]
[How dare you Do you not understand? I don't care why you came to the upper realm. First, you need to go to the Human Territory and]
Suddenly, Mad Lord Jo Yeon begins shaking his head violently.
[Dont want to! DontWantToDontWantToDontWantToDontWantTo! Dont order me. Im heading to the Light Spirit Pond right now! I must go there to complete [Her]! Dont stop me! Dont stop me!]
At Mad Lord Jo Yeon's behavior, Seo Hweol, as well as the three newly ascended Four-Axis cultivators, begin to look tense.
They each protect their factions with a barrier, retreating step by step.
I also feel a chill down my spine at his behavior.
That person, he always acts like that before doing something crazy
-Whyrunningwhyrunningwhyrunningwhyrunningwhyrunning? -I'mofferingtoevolveyouintosomethinggreater? -Youyouyouyouyuyouyouyou
Recalling that horrific memory, I feel a chill enveloping my body.
The green-armored wooden mans face distorts, angered by Mad Lord Jo Yeon's attitude.
[Have you ever seen such a madman? In the lower realm, you may have been indulged as a Heavenly Being, but this is the Bright Cold Realm. How dare this bastard cause a scene here?]
Rumble!
Spiritual energy of heaven and earth gathers in the wooden man's hand.
[I'll properly teach you a lesson. Come, try acting crazy. I'll get rid of you.]
And then...
Snap.
Mad Lord Jo Yeon suddenly stops and stares at the wooden man with glittering eyes.
"Get rid... of me?"
Mad Lord Jo Yeon brings his hands to his mouth.
Crunch, crunch, snap!
[Get rid of me? GetRidGetRidGetRidGetRidGetRidGetRid? Nononononononono. Ahhh. [She] said something! Everyone quiet! Quiet! Ahh, thats right! Did you hear? [She] gave me her opinion!]
Mad Lord Jo Yeon, his eyes filled with insanity, continues talking while chewing his fingers till they bleed.
[As a celebration of my ascension to the Bright Cold Realm, let's see how effective Four-Axis materials are!]
[You... lunatic!]
The wooden man makes his move.
Seo Hweol, along with the elder from the True Dragon Alliance, hurriedly flee.
The three newly ascended Four-Axis cultivators protect their factions with barriers.
Having not chosen any faction, no one particularly helps me.
Then, Mad Lord Jo Yeon clashes with the Four-Axis cultivator.
Flash!
Zzzing!
Their collision causes the spiritual energy to surge, shaking the nearby space.
Kugugugu
"Krghhh!"
'Damn it! If it wasn't for the Blood Body Skin Armor, I would have died!'
Thanks to the regenerative power of the Blood Body Skin Armor, I barely survived.
Pinned down by their pressure, I can barely lift my head to watch their battle in the sky.
And then...
That day, I witnessed the full [power] of Mad Lord Jo Yeon for the first time.
Koooooooogh!
Mad Lord Jo Yeon opens a box.
Whoosh!
From inside the box, a massive fortress emerges.
The fortress resembles three Serving Command Palaces combined.
A cylindrical pillar trio formed a triangle in Mad Lord Jo Yeon's fortress.
From atop the fortress, Mad Lord Jo Yeon's voice thunders.
[Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, open your gates!]
Kugugugugu!
The gates of Mad Lord Jo Yeon's fortress opens, and the sky begins to be enveloped.
'That..that is..?'
I gape in astonishment, and so do the other Four-Axis cultivators of the Bright Cold Realm, their eyes wide with shock as they stare at Mad Lord Jo Yeon.
Whoom!
Bee puppets, spider puppets, mantis puppets... animal puppets human puppets
They all fill the sky.
Mad Lord Jo Yeon's voice resounds from beyond them.
[Qi Building puppets, 190 million. Core Formation puppets, 165,600. Nascent Soul puppets, 4203. Heavenly Being puppets, 63. Four-Axis stage, 2.]
The collective power of two authentic Four-Axis beings.
And the combined strength of all other puppets filling the sky...
The total combined power is...
'Four, Four-Axis...'
The power equivalent to four Four-Axis cultivators!
My mouth falls open in awe, and I look below at the three Heavenly Beings, now Four-Axis cultivators, calmly deploying barriers below.
Kugugugugu!
Mad Lord Jo Yeon skillfully manipulates his puppets, aggressively pushing against the green-armored wooden man.
Other Four-Axis cultivators, who have been stunned, fly up to help the green-armored wooden man.
I look below at the Black Ghost Valley with a stunned expression.
Only today do I realize how astonishing and incredible the Black Ghost Valley is.
To wage war against such a monstrous entity and survive by sacrificing only a third of their forces is truly a testament to their immense power.
Kuguang Kuguang Guang Guang!
For several moments, the Four-Axis cultivators dazzlingly engage in battle amidst numerous Qi Building puppets.
And then.
Kwoooong!
The puppets are suddenly blasted away in a circle, creating a gap among the sea of puppets.
Through that gap, the wooden man in green armor is seen falling, blood-like liquid flowing from its body.
Simultaneously.
Poof!
The Mad Lord's Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress descends from the sky, capturing the green-armored wooden man.
And then, the Mad Lord's puppets are instantly sucked back into his fortress, which in turn is drawn back into his box.
Paaaat!
Behind the Mad Lord, something brilliantly white is embracing him.
'Is that, [Her]!?'
Im astonished while I look at [something].
It seems to resemble a human form, but the radiance emanating from [Her] and the eye-watering difficulty in focusing on [Her] makes it hard to observe.
Just then.
[You brat!]
The Mad Lord, along with [Her], flies towards me.
Paaat!
No, 'flies' isn't the right word.
They simply transcended space and instantly reached in front of me.
Kwaaaak!
[Her] grasp of the void causes the heaven and earth spiritual energy to seize me up.
At the same time, Kim Yeon, who has been foaming at the mouth and unconscious, is also lifted into the air.
[Let's go! We've got a Four-Axis material now!]
'Damn it!'
Vrooooom!
I draw my Formless Sword, frantically resisting, but Im unable to move against the strength of [Her], a Four-Axis level being.
[This is exciting! Hehe! Two worthy disciples and one Four-Axis level material, and a successful ascension into the Bright Cold Realm. The day we dance together isn't far off! Aaaaaah!]
Paaaatt!
The Mad Lord, with [Her], flies away, and I, captured by [Her], am dragged along.
Behind me, the distance quickly grows, and I can hear the Four-Axis cultivators screaming in rage as if they had gone mad.
Kugugugugu!
Their angry roars cause the earth to shake and tremble like an earthquake.
These entities, whose mere existences surpassed natural disasters and became celestial phenomenons.
Such Four-Axis cultivators were toyed with and are now trembling in rage by a single Mad Lord.
[Chase that madman...!]
[Put a bounty on that scum in the entire Bright Cold Realm!]
[You lunatic! The entire Heaven Tribe will hunt you down!]
In this chaotic situation, being captured by the Mad Lord, I clench my teeth.
'Damn it!'
Because I didn't choose a faction in time, I ended up being captured by the Mad Lord!
Paaaatt!
I, along with the Mad Lord, [Her], and Team Leader Kim, swiftly fly to an unknown destination!
Translator Notes: Oh ma gawd. Kim Hyung! Nooo! Ill miss you T.T
In other news, Male Kim exits and Female Kim enters the fray.
-x-X-x-
Bright Cold Realm, on the highest mountain in the White Cloud Continent.
The summit of Celestial Lotus Great Mountain.
There, a white pavilion made of white jade stands.
The inside of the pavilion is obscured by strange rays of light that swirl around, making it impossible to see inside.
Numerous light rays move back and forth around the pavilion.
Wo-woong!
And then, when a ray of light enters within.
Pasusu!
[Hmm, more talents have ascended from the Head Realm? One of them killed a patrolling cultivator of the Flying Immortal Platform, captured his body, and escaped]
Pajik, Pajijijik!
Light rays continuously swirl.
Outside of those rays, something bursts out from inside the pavilion.
Its a pure white tree branch.
That branch is held in a hand, wrinkled and pale as white.
[To think such talents have ascended from that hideous world After 120,000 years, with outstanding talents having emerged again from that ominous place, the whole world will be engulfed in chaos again What will become of fate]
Paaaat!
From the end of the white branch, a light orb similar to the swirling rays of light around the pavilion shoots out rapidly to some unknown location.
[I sent a message, but when will the Star Shattering kids who left for their journey return As the eldest in Bright Cold Realm, I must heal the injury I received from the Golden Deity even a day earlier for the world to stabilize]
The wrinkled hand holding the white branch trembles and returns back inside the pavilion.
Wo-woong!
Once again, the surroundings of the pavilion quieten down with light orbs swirling around as before.
Kugugu!
After being captured by the Mad Lord and breaking through in all directions for a while.
Wo-woong!
Crossing mountains and rivers, seas, and all sorts of strange places and spaces, the Mad Lord finally sets me and Kim Yeon down.
The place he arrived at is a huge valley.
The size of the valley is not that of a moderately sized one in the lower realm. Its incredibly deep, about 30-40 Li (approx 12 to 16 km).
'How can something be so huge...'
I am stunned by the overwhelming size of the terrain in the Bright Cold Realm.
[Finally, those annoying ones have stopped following!]
The Mad Lord smiles broadly and takes out his box again.
And then.
Kugugu!
As he opens the box, a huge fortress bursts out from inside.
'That is, indeed...'
I am certain as I look at the fortress, known as the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
The Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress resembles the Serving Command Palace quite a bit.
Its as if three Serving Command Palaces are attached to form a triangle.
In fact, apart from the color scheme, it looks exactly the same.
Unlike the Serving Command Palace made of jade-colored tiles and white stones, the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress of the Mad Lord is made of brown tiles and black stones.
Im curious, but decided not to speak unnecessarily in front of the Mad Lord.
'I need to find a chance to escape or commit suicide.'
Even contemplating suicide is impossible at the moment, as [She], about 10 Zhang (approximately 30 meters) tall, is emitting light from her whole body and freezing the heaven and earth spiritual energy around, preventing any movement.
And then, at that moment.
[Open, Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress. Clean up the things below.]
The Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress opens its three gates on each palace.
And from there, like I saw previously, countless puppets pour out, heading down the valley.
Kugugugu!
After a while, a loud noise comes from below the valley, and then the puppets return back.
In their arms are the carcasses of demon beasts and insects that look like demon beasts.
[There. Now that the bottom is cleared, it's best to place the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress down there.]
Kuuuuuuu!
The Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, floating in the air, slowly descends into the depths of the valley.
[Hehe. Then dear, you also bring those kids with you. I'll go down first.]
Taatt!
The Mad Lord jumps without hesitation towards the abyss where the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress descended.
Simultaneously, [She] reaches out her hand, and the bodies of me and Kim Yeon are lifted.
'Damn it'
I try to fiddle with the Formless Sword, but quickly realize its of no use.
Wo-woong!
[She] moves her massive body, taking me and her down.
Shuiiiiii
As we descend into the depths of the valley, the Mad Lord has already pulled out numerous puppets, paving the way for the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress to settle.
There are so many puppets that the giant Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress easily finds its place in the depths of the valley, deep below.
Kugugugu!
The Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress fully settles down, and its doors open.
[Now, please come in dear. You guys as well. Ah, Four-Axis level materials. I'm so excited. I feel like I'm going to go crazy with excitement! Haaaa!]
.
Wo-woong!
[She], who is 10 Zhang in size, vibrates and gradually shrinks to the size of a human.
Its only then that I can take in the full appearance of [Her].
[She] is dressed in a pure white robe and carries two spears on her back.
The structure of the spears look like they can be combined into one long spear.
[Her] face is covered with a white veil, so her appearance is indiscernible.
Step, step.
[She] moves towards the gate of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress with a natural motion, but I realize.
'That's not human movement.'
The joint movement is subtly different from that of humans.
Its clearly a puppet.
Zzzzt.
'Damn, it's hard to look at for long.'
Its definitely a Four-Axis stage puppet.
[What are you doing not coming in?]
Wo-woong!
As soon as the Mad Lord's words are heard, Kim Yeon and I are lifted into the air and sucked into the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
'I can't resist!'
Taatt!
Im sucked in by inertia and nearly crash headfirst into the floor of the Fortress.
However, I manage to regain my balance and catch Kim Yeon, who is flying beside me.
'This place is.'
I look around the interior of the Fortress.
The Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress also applied spatial compression, boasting an immense size.
And most of all.
'It's completely different from the interior of the Serving Command Palace.'
Kugugugu!
Numerous puppets are roaming around.
Dozens of pavilions, halls, and factory-like places where puppets are being produced, disposed of, and repaired.
In many compartments, puppets are being created and managed.
'?'
[Daily Life].
Its just as it says.
Two puppets that look like a couple hold the hands of a smaller puppet, walking around inside the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
That isn't all.
In various areas of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, there are puppets running shops.
Puppets dancing.
Small puppets running around and clicking among themselves.
Its like.
A city inhabited by real humans.
But.
Shudder, shudder.
'What in the world is this?'
I feel a chill run down my spine at this bizarre sight.
All these puppets are acting naturally as if theyre human.
But none of them are truly alive.
They are all connected by a strange flow of spiritual energy, a flow so sophisticated it almost resembles real human intent.
But thats all. It only resembles intent.
[These things] that are clearly not alive, are imitating real humans?
Just when Im feeling goosebumps,
[What are you looking at so intently? Come this way.]
Kugugugu!
!?
The space around us warps, and Kim Yeon and I are brought to a certain area in the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
Kugugugu!
A space filled with giant cogwheels and strange puppet arms.
A place crowded with numerous mechanical devices.
Click, click, click.
Flinch!
In this strange space.
Theres a large workbench with numerous moving puppet arms and mechanical devices above it.
And in front of them, the Mad Lord is cackling as he is working on modifying the green-armored wooden man.
[Indeed, a Four-Axis cultivator. Using the body of a real Four-Axis cultivator as a base will stabilize [Her] unstable spiritual energy flow. Huhu, its perfect. Perfect!]
The Mad Lord spends a long time tinkering with his equipment to modify the body.
During that time, I glance at Kim Yeon, who is still unconscious beside me.
'She's been mentally tampered with.'
She isnt just unconscious.
Inside her upper dantian, there is a kind of restraint similar to the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner, suppressing her vast consciousness.
Its when Im examining Kim Yeon,
[Now that the basic work is done Shall we decide what to do with you?]
The Mad Lord turns around and looks at us.
My face stiffens like a rock, and I draw out the Formless Sword.
Thinking he had completely subdued me, the Mad Lord no longer solidified the spiritual power within my body, allowing me to move the Formless Sword again.
'If it comes to it, I'll just commit suicide....'
I glance at Kim Yeon.
Perhaps, I might have to kill her too.
Better than being modified by that madman and living an existence that's neither alive nor dead for thousands of years....
Just as Im about to swing the Formless Sword.
The Mad Lord smirks.
[What are you doing? Didn't I say I would take you as my disciples? Aren't you going to greet your master?]
?
I hesitate to strike with the Formless Sword and flinch.
'Is he serious?'
Its impossible to predict what this madman might do.
I try to discern whether the Mad Lord's words are sincere or just a product of his twisted mind.
Snap!
The Mad Lord flicks his fingers, and I feel the restraint in Kim Yeon's upper dantian dissolve.
And then....
Puuwhack!
Kugugugu!
An enormous consciousness bursts forth in all directions.
Her consciousness, like threads, extend everywhere, transforming into a net that seems to engulf the heavens and the earth.
But.
Thats...?
Im taken aback by the strange aura emanating from her.
Despite revealing such immense consciousness, she no longer appears to be on the verge of having her head explode as before.
I immediately understand why.
The dual-colored aura emanating from her body.
The yellow and blue auras envelop her, stabilizing her physique.
Spiritual Constitution?
[Before entering the Ascension Gate, I fed her a precious elixir I acquired long ago. I gave her the Red Spirit Ginseng, creating a Red Spirit Tree Body for her. I've been quite generous. After all, without the Red Spirit Tree Body, she wouldn't have been able to withstand such an enormous consciousness.]
Red Spirit Tree Body!?
Im taken aback.
If Ghostly Yin Transformation Immortal Root and Heavenly Golden Thunder Body are mythical and legendary, almost fantastical qualities,
The Red Spirit Tree Body, while not as mythical, is a well-known type of spiritual quality.
Its a constitution that develops both Wood and Earth properties in one's spiritual roots.
Characterized by a training speed no worse from a normal Heavenly Spiritual Root, but even with the ability to read minute variations of wood and earth spiritual energy making one stronger than peers of the same cultivation level.
However, this constitution is more about the individual's innate spiritual energy rather than lineage, and Red Spirit Ginseng itself is a herb naturally possessing the spiritual energy of the Red Spirit Tree Body.
Therefore, anyone who consumes the Red Spirit Ginseng, be they mortals or cultivators, will accept its energy and develop the wood and earth attributes of the Red Spirit Tree Body.
The Red Spirit Tree Body also harmonizes and strengthens the physique, fortunately preventing her head from exploding....
I ponder, watching her regain consciousness as the mental restraint disappears.
Soon after, Kim Yeon rises to her feet.
She rubs her eyes as they meet mine.
A dream? I remember parting ways with Deputy Seo
It's not a dream, so please pull yourself together.
As I help her up, shes startled and trembles.
Deputy Seo? It wasnt a dream?
She looks overwhelmed by emotion, but my attention is more on the Mad Lord, who is observing us with glittering eyes.
I must ask Senior, what do you intend to do with us?
Even if the madman goes crazy and modifies us on the spot, I have to ask.
Just what will happen to us?
At that, the Mad Lord grins, showing his teeth.
[Didn't I say? For now, I will take you two as my disciples, no. As temporary disciples. Yes, temporary disciples. First, I'll teach you as temporary disciples, then choose one of you to inherit my true inheritance and complete this Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.]
'Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress....'
What exactly is this place that he wants us to complete?
Isn't his goal related to [Her]?
I have a mountain of questions about [Her].
But the fear of the Mad Lord suddenly going crazy and modifying me for bringing up such matters prevents me from asking.
[Aren't you going to thank me for accepting you as disciples?]
The Mad Lord stares at us, his eyes glowing.
I swallow hard, gently pressing Kim Yeon's shoulder, who still couldn't grasp the situation, and whisper.
Follow my lead, Team Leader Kim.
Y-yes? Yes.
Kim Yeon follows my actions and pays respects to the Mad Lord as a disciple.
[Heh, good. Good A disciple with the highest level of consciousness in the Four-Axis stage as a mere mortal. A disciple who, without learning any cultivation methods, possesses Core Formation level consciousness and has achieved ascension on his ownI will raise both of you welland definitely fulfill my dream!]
The man spoke while stroking his beard.
[Now then, first Ah! That's right. I'm sorry.]
The Mad Lord suddenly looks at [Her] beside him.
[Come to think of it, I haven't properly introduced myself. I almost forgot my disciples' names too. Thank you, indeed I can't do without [You].]
""
"?"
I clench my fists as I watch the Mad Lord, who is suddenly crying and laughing, hanging onto [Her] puppet body.
Kim Yeon still looks confused and very frightened.
[Hmm, well. First of all, as you know, I am the Mad Lord Jo Yeon (). Theres no chance you dont know about me, so let's skip my introduction. What are your names?]
"I am Seo Eun-hyun."
"Kim Yeon is my name."
[Yes, yes. I'll definitely remember. Kim Yeon, you had your talent tested before the Ascension Gate and youve also taken the Red Spirit Ginseng. Theres nothing more to know about you so you can go inside for now.]
Snap!
With a flick of his finger, the Mad Lord summons a bee puppet, which picks up Kim Yeon.
Confused, she is carried away by the bee puppet, jumping through space and disappearing somewhere.
And then, only the Mad Lord and I are left in the room.
[I haven't figured out what your talent is yet. I've been feeling curious since earlier, but what is that consciousness you're wrapping around your body? It's not demon beast methods, so what is it?]
What should I do?
After a moment of contemplation, I reply.
Bo-oong
I wave my hand, and the Formless Sword sweeps around.
[Ha! Crossing planes! What in the world is that?]
"This is a unique method using my consciousness It's through this that I was able to ascend. My will and emotions are crucial in controlling this strength. If you modify me recklessly, I may not be able to use this ability as is."
[Hmm, it seems so. The power is directly connected to the heart essence. Wait, that means you]
Whoosh!
The Mad Lord suddenly leaps in front of me.
Our eyes meet.
[Does that mean you also see this vision? If you have the ability to handle heart essence, you shouldn't be unable to see it, right?]
""
Our gazes lock, my heart essence and his heart essence face each other.
'How should I respond?'
Should I give this person information?
If I carelessly talk about heart essence and it happens to be an area the Mad Lord is familiar with, he might modify me while keeping only my heart essence
"I can't see it."
[Hmm, is that so]
The Mad Lord steps back, looking slightly disappointed.
Just as Im about to breathe a sigh of relief,
[Then, lie down on that operating table for now. First, let's modify one of your arms and see if you can still produce that transparent thing with a puppet arm. Can you do that?]
"Ac-actually, I can see heart essence! Please forgive me for talking nonsense!"
[Oh, is that so? That's really surprising. Truthfully, I suspected as much. Alright, lie down then.]
Whirring!
Next to the operating table where a wooden puppet is being modified,
Another operating table rises, and above it, strange puppet arms and mechanical devices descend.
Translator Notes: The Yeon in Jo Yeon is different from the Yeon in Hyang-hwas mothers name. Jo Yeon can mean early fate or early connection, which might mean that his connection or relationship with [Her] happened prematurely, causing the unfortunate events to occur. Also, Celestial Tribe -> Heaven Tribe
Hehehe. Seo Eun-hyun escaped the fate of having his arm torn off by the fox but now its changed to his arm being turned into a puppet! I bet some of yall still got tricked into thinking the Mad Lord isnt that bad after all for a moment there.
***