'Am I being impulsive?'
Waking up from a state of wandering in her dreams for the first time in decades, Yu Hwa ponders if her decision is the right one.
Even if it is the opportunity to sway more than two members of the Heart Tribe.
Even if she can strike a blow to the filthy territory of the Earth Tribe.
Even if the attack she is unleashing now will aid her when she properly reaches the third stage of Manifestation later on.
Is it really right to consume more than a decade's worth of her already short lifespan as a member of the Heart Tribe for that purpose?
However, the moment her hand touches the zither she had played for years,
Her worries melt away like snow.
It's the zither she has plucked for decades.
And the figure before her, Baek Nyeong, is her disciple whom she had guided over the years.
It is not pointless.
Nor is it impulsive.
Because, as the one who provided guidance, it is only right to take responsibility if one's disciple ends up in this state.
She realizes the nature of the brainwashing that Baek Nyeong is under.
A powerful self-brainwashing!
She doesn't know how that sinister dragon had boiled her disciple alive.
But Baek Nyeong strongly believes in his own brainwashing.
Even if it's false, he 'wants to believe' it is true.
To break such a powerful brainwashing, an even more powerful shock is needed.
'My power alone is insufficient.'
To shock the heart essence of the Heart Tribe, an even more powerful force is necessary.
What is needed now is the third stage of Manifestation!
The Heart Tribe members who have reached the third stage of Manifestation are at best around ten thousand.
But in other words, those who have achieved the third stage of Manifestation are indeed entities that the Heaven and Earth Tribes fear and feel threatened by.
'Here I go.'
And then, she begins to play.
Everything under the heavens turns a crimson red.
Kurung, Kururung!
At Cloud Heart Lake, where the Sea Dragon Race resides,
There, a strange thunderous roar rumbles.
No, it's not the sound of thunder but something else.
Yet, despite not being the sound of thunder, the numerous Nascent Soul stage demon races living near Cloud Heart Lake perceive it as thunder.
Because the 'force' emanating from Cloud Heart Lake is astonishingly similar in nature to the Heavenly Punishment's force that the demon races face numerous times during their cultivation upon reaching the Nascent Soul stage.
In Cloud Heart Lake, a crimson Heavenly Tribulation is raging.
Strangely enough, this Heavenly Tribulation is not coming from the sky but from the bottom of Cloud Heart Lake.
Originating from the performance of an enslaved race.
!
I circulate my spiritual energy, revealing the realm of Treading Heavens and resisting the crimson force striking down at me.
Such a familiar force.
Heavenly Tribulation!
This is a Heavenly Tribulation!
The heavenly wrath I have faced numerous times over several lifetimes!
It's then I realize why.
Why, after seeing Jeon Myeong-hoon's attacks last time, I recalled the strike of the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One.
Jeon Myeong-hoon's lightning reminded me of Heavenly Lightning.
And the third stage of Manifestation of the Heart Tribe.
This power, presumed to be beyond the realm of Treading Heavens, astonishingly resembles Heavenly Tribulation.
!!!
With all my might, I stand against Yu Hwa's Heavenly Tribulation, trying to capture 'how' she unfolded the third Manifestation.
Of course, even merely capturing it with my eyes is overwhelming.
But, reading spiritual energy, reading intent,
Using the Lightning Predicting eye,
I capture the power of the third stage of Manifestation that Yu Hwa uses.
'That is'
Is that so.
The method to step beyond Treading Heavens is.
Kurururung!
Her zither melody is undoubtedly beautiful, but to me, it sounds like thunder.
No, from the perspective of the Earth Tribe, it is clearly the sound of thunder.
However, to me, who possesses both the vision of intent and of the Earth Tribe, it appears as nothing but beautiful art.
'Beautiful.'
Such perfection that spontaneously evokes admiration.
A skill that inspires inspiration just by watching.
And the will of Yu Hwa!
I feel enveloped in a strange ecstasy as I admire the 'beauty' she manifests.
Though it feels like my whole body is burning, I disregard it and endlessly watch her art.
Tssssss.
Huh!
I suddenly came back to my senses.
Wha, what?
It's hard to regain consciousness.
It feels like suddenly my sense of reality has become strange.
'It seems like something from my memory was cut off while facing the Heavenly Tribulation.'
I am in a daze.
It's hard to regain my senses, as if I had dozed off momentarily.
Have you come to your sense?
!
The next moment, thanks to Yu Hwa speaking next to me, I shake my head and stand up.
Where is this
I look around.
Ah!
I can't help but let out a bitter laugh.
The coral village has disappeared.
No, not just the coral village, but the Sea Dragon Palace as well has turned to dust, becoming merely 'what was once the Sea Dragon Palace.'
All around, Sea Dragon Race elders and warriors are collapsed and unconscious.
The same is true for the White Goat Race from the coral village.
And there, Baek Nyeong is kneeling.
Everyone at Cloud Heart Lake, except for her and me, is 'asleep.'
Yu Hwa has a more haggard face than before with her eyes closed.
I put everyone to sleep as part of my musical performance. For the Heavenly Being stage cultivators, it will take a day to wake up on their own, for the Nascent Soul stage, ten days. For those below that needless to say.
Terrifying.
I must have fallen asleep without a chance to resist, my memory cutting off at some point.
Such a terrifying Heart Tribe member, if she travels with other powerful members of the Heart Tribe, no one will survive in their presence.
Even more terrifying is that she had single-handedly put to sleep over 20 Sea Dragon Race elders at the Heavenly Being stage residing in Cloud Heart Lake.
There are sixty-two Heavenly Being stage cultivators among the Sea Dragon Race, but the rest are following Seo Hweol's orders, active in various parts of the Earth Tribe.
The number remaining in the Sea Dragon Palace is only a third, yet she has managed an absurd feat of exchanging one for twenty.
Reaching the third stage of Manifestation of the Heart Tribe can you really suppress even Heavenly Being stage practitioners in such an unbelievable manner?
How can that be possible. The Heavenly Being and Nascent Soul stage members of the Earth Tribe here have all come to the Immortal Demon Tower a few days ago and listened to my music in advance, so it was overwhelmingly easy to infiltrate the heart essence of those who remembered the melody.
.
Indeed, sound techniques are like a poison that's hard to escape once their melody has been heard.
The difference between Yu Hwa's performance and general sound arts is that, typically, the influence of sound techniques ceases once the vibration of the music ends.
However, her musical performance can amplify and put opponents to sleep at any time as long as the influence of the melody remains within their heart essence, not relying on the music's vibration.
And true to her words, some Nascent Soul stage demon races nearby, who had never heard Yu Hwa's performance before, are twitching, trying to get up.
Of course, they pass out again as soon as she plucks the strings a few more times.
So, what are you going to do?
We need to escape. The Sea Dragon Race was caught off guard because they are not familiar with the Heart Tribe, but those of the Earth Tribe nearby who know about the Heart Tribe would have realized that there is a Heart Tribe member here after witnessing that strike.
Right.
I smirk bitterly, looking at the unbelievable strike that mingled with my fate.
Looking up at the sky, my fate has changed due to her strike.
And not for the better.
Now I understand why the Heaven and Earth Tribes despise and fear the Heart Tribe.
.
The third stage of Manifestation of the Heart Tribe is almost identical to Heavenly Tribulation. And.
I look at Yu Hwa incredulously.
"I'm not sure if what I confirmed while looking at the celestial energy is correct, but facing the Heart Tribe's Heavenly Tribulation adds an additional type of tribulation for the Heaven and Earth Tribes in the future, doesn't it?"
That's correct. That's why the two major tribes make such efforts to eradicate us.
Indeed.
An additional type of Heavenly Tribulation has suddenly been added to my fate.
Previously facing only blue and golden Heavenly Tribulations, I now also have to face a crimson Heavenly Tribulation.
According to the seniors of the Heart Tribe, a strike from a third-stage Manifestation Heart Tribe member is almost identical in nature to Heavenly Tribulation, causing the heavens to be confused.
Her explanation continues.
Since a strike from the third stage of Manifestation is also almost identical to Heavenly Tribulation, the heavens do not react if the person who receives the strike overcomes it successfully. However, if they fail to overcome the strike, the heavens perceive it as failing to overcome a Heavenly Tribulation and, upon their next ascension, send down a tribulation of the same nature as the strike from the Heart Tribe, but only once.
.
Fortunately, the number of Heavenly Tribulations I have to face hasn't increased forever.
But even if it is limited to once, the thought of having to face an additional type of Heavenly Tribulation is terrifying and horrifying.
Fighting against a third-stage Manifestation Heart Tribe member means the types of Heavenly Tribulations one has to face increase by one, limited by once.
It's truly a dreadful affair, fitting the reason why the Heaven and Earth Tribes would want to eradicate the Heart Tribe by any means possible.
That's why I was trying to warn you because you also belong to the Heaven and Earth Tribes.
Well, it doesn't matter.
I chuckle and shake my head.
Having one more type of Heavenly Tribulation to face is dizzying, but I am satisfied having glimpsed the next realm.
"Anyway, do you have a plan on how to escape?"
If I use my original power of the second stage of Manifestation to fuse my body with my melody and escape.
That's reckless. Since you showed me a realm beyond, let me return the favor.
I concentrate my consciousness and then execute the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts in front of her, cutting off her perception.
Flash!
The moment I disappear from her view and reappear in front of her, she gasps in realization of the significance of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.
What, what is that?
This is the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts. You might be able to use it as well.
Shocked by the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, her hands visibly tremble as she holds the zither.
Did you create this technique?
No, I also learned it.
Who created this technique?
My master, who led me to this realm.
Please, could you introduce me to them?
They reside in the Lower Realm.
The Lower Realm.
At those words, she wears a meaningful expression.
I should report this to the Esteemed One later. If we can invite such a person, our Heart Tribe can take a step further.
Hmm That might be true.
I can't help but think that Kim Young-hoon might indeed transform the Heart Tribe into an even more unbelievably powerful force, on par with the Heaven and Earth Tribes.
After repeating and trying out the method of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts a few times, Yu Hwa incorporates it into her performance, instantly transforming it into her own style.
Having the talent to awaken as a member of the Heart Tribe, it seems incorporating it isn't too difficult for her.
Tsststsst!
Having hidden herself in the form of her melody between perceptions, she bids me farewell and rises, taking the form of a river.
I see Baek Nyeong's body being carried up along with the river.
Are you only taking your disciple?
[I've forcibly undone the brainwashing. Unless that dragon does it again, no further brainwashing should occur. If, despite all this, Baek Nyeong chooses to stay I will respect his will and send him back. However if Baek Nyeong wishes to take the remaining members of the White Goat Race with him, then he will return to the Sea Dragon Palace with me, and we will take all the remaining members to the Heart Tribe territory.]
I see, understood.
After bidding farewell to her as she disappears using the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts,
Like the other dragons, I lay down and close my eyes.
Kugugugu!
From afar, outside Cloud Heart Lake, a tremendous surge of heaven and earth spiritual energy is approaching.
It's obviously the Earth Tribe's Four-Axis stage cultivators flying over, having seen Yu Hwa's third stage of Manifestation and convinced that the Heart Tribe has invaded.
With my eyes closed, pretending to be unconscious like the other Heavenly Being stage elders, I sink my consciousness to the very bottom using the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon.
Kugugugugu!
The water of Cloud Heart Lake is entirely sucked upwards, and the cold air hits my skin.
The vast consciousness of the Four-Axis stage cultivator sweeps across Cloud Heart Lake, thoroughly searching everywhere.
[Where are you, you damned Heart Tribe scum! Come out this instant!]
'With this'
I smile inwardly.
My objective is achieved.
From the moment Yu Hwa appeared, I intended to cause a disturbance. However, thanks to her causing an even bigger commotion than I expected,
The Sea Dragon Palace is now reduced to dust, and the entire Sea Dragon Race Territory is thrown into chaos, ensuring the Sea Dragon Race elders will no longer have the leisure to assign me tasks.
I have escaped the social constraints left by Seo Hweol.
'Now, what's left is to freely contact some representatives of the demon races who had grievances against Seo Hweol.'
This is the real beginning of the betrayal aimed at the back of Seo Hweol.
***
"Was there no one suspected to be from the Heart Tribe?"
"It all happened so quickly, I'm not sure."
I respond to his question while helping rectify the devastated Sea Dragon Race territory.
Inquiries about the Heart Tribe are happening everywhere.
"A tremendously large member of the Heart Tribe appeared. They resembled a lion... with three large horns, and when the Heart Tribe roared, it seemed like dark fog spewed out. Something crimson burst out from within that fog, and then I lost consciousness."
"...."
Listening to the Nascent Soul Sea Dragon being interrogated by another Four-Axis cultivator, I'm not sure what expression to wear.
'What did they see? Three horns? Resembling a lion?'
It seems Yu Hwa had put them to sleep, inducing them to see strange things at the boundary between dream and reality.
"Did the Heart Tribe member you saw look like that too?"
"Uh... Yes. That's right."
I also go along with the Sea Dragon's narrative, wildly distorting Yu Hwa's appearance in my answer.
"The horns were large and fierce, and the face was purple. The eyes were terrifying as if lightning could strike from them."
"Hmm... What kind of race is that?"
"Well... It's not a characteristic of a race but a feature of the Heart Path Method, isn't it? It's said the Heart Tribe's Heart Path Method is profoundly mysterious."
"That's true."
The Four-Axis cultivator receives various distorted pieces of information about Yu Hwa from me and several Sea Dragons, and helps heal the injured Sea Dragon Race.
Kurung, Kururung!
Meanwhile, a dark cloud carrying golden lightning flies towards us.
Kugugugu!
From within the dark cloud, a dragon with golden scales leaps down and transforms into a woman in a brown robe with golden horns.
It's Gyu-ryeon.
"I heard there was a vicious attack by the Heart Tribe. Are you alright?"
Moved by her concern, the Sea Dragon Race elders respond gratefully.
"Yes, fortunately, thanks to the seniors from other races who came to help, it seems there was no major damage."
"Be careful. All members of the Heart Tribe are vicious. By the way... Seo Eun-hyun, come here for a moment."
Gyu-ryeon, who was talking to a Heavenly Being stage elder, calls me over.
"As far as I know, you've also trained in the Heaven Tribe's methods. Can you read your celestial energy?"
"Yes, I can."
"Is there any change in your celestial energy?"
"...There is."
I wear a somber expression.
"...Everyone has only heard rumors about the Heart Tribe but has never properly faced them. Moreover, since this place is close to Serving Command Ark, the heart of the Earth Tribe, everyone has been complacent and never properly explained about the Heart Tribe..."
She begins to explain to us.
"Listen well, from now on, you must know about the Heart Tribe. For the monsters that have reached a realm corresponding to the Heavenly Being stage in the Heart Tribe, their abilities have the same effect as facing Heavenly Tribulation the moment it hits."
"Really...?"
Gyu-ryeon's explanation about the Heart Tribe continues, and after a while, the Sea Dragon Race elders wear shocked expressions.
The Heart Tribe, beings they only heard rumors about and never properly encountered.
Located near Serving Command Ark, the core of the True Dragon Alliance, Cloud Heart Lake has been a place where the Sea Dragon Race lived without significant external threats until now.
The traits of the Heart Tribe as described by Gyu-ryeon seem shockingly new to them, as they all look to the sky with bewildered expressions.
And soon after,
A look of disgust and fear towards the Heart Tribe is evident in their eyes.
"...So, when we rise in cultivation, we now have to face two types of Heavenly Tribulations. In addition to the original Heavenly Tribulation, an absurd one has appeared because of that Heart Tribe!"
"...Yes."
"Hah, Hahahaha!"
Those who are confident in their strength and consider typical Heavenly Tribulations manageable just go along with it.
However, those weaker ones who barely overcame their Heavenly Tribulations are outraged.
Especially since from the Nascent Soul stage onwards, with each advancement through the early, middle, late, and reaching Grand Perfection, they face a Heavenly Tribulation each time.
In short, they, now at the Heavenly Being stage, must face Heavenly Tribulations at each step of their cultivation advancement.
Thus, the Sea Dragon Race elders close to their next breakthrough are furiously outraged.
They don't hesitate to hurl all kinds of curses at the Heart Tribe, forgetting they are in front of Gyu-ryeon and the Earth Tribe's Four-Axis cultivators.
"Calm down! Those who suffered damage from the Heart Tribe this time will be allowed to use the True Dragon Alliance's Serving Command Ark for future breakthroughs! I, Gyu-ryeon, the Ark Controlling Envoy of the True Dragon Alliance, promise this in my name!"
At her proposal, the enraged dragons' eyes return to reason.
'There is surely a place in the lower levels of the Serving Command Ark that helps when breaking through Heavenly Tribulation.'
Gyu-ryeon is an elder of the True Dragon Alliance and holds the position of Ark Controlling Envoy.
The title of Ark Controlling Envoy involves managing various areas of the Serving Command Ark as needed and allows the use of the facilities within the Serving Command Ark as necessary.
The Sea Dragon Race elders express their gratitude to Gyu-ryeon, and I say to them with a smile,
"Now that the Ark Controlling Envoy has given us the opportunity to use the facilities of the Serving Command Ark, I would like to repay this kindness by applying to assist the Ark Controlling Envoy's work as an attendant."
"The Grand Leader... is..."
"My title is essentially nominal anyway, but isn't it better to be able to work for the Sea Dragon Race through this opportunity? Or do the elders have a problem with me, who is the liaison between the Ark Controlling Envoy and the Grand Prince, entering as an attendant to serve the Ark Controlling Envoy to repay this kindness?"
"No, not at all. That wouldn't be the case"
Faced with my question, the elders reluctantly accept the proposal, despite their grim expressions.
Gyu-ryeon also easily accepts my offer, thinking it isn't a bad idea since I can communicate with Seo Hweol through the blood I received from him last time.
Thus, I successfully freed myself from the social constraints that tied me to the Sea Dragon Race elders and managed to leave the Sea Dragon Race territory.
"I look forward to your communication with Seo Hweol, Seo Eun-hyun."
Gyu-ryeon cheerfully smiles as she takes me to the Serving Command Ark.
"As a liaison for the Grand Prince, is there anything else I can help with your work? It seems a bit pointless to have followed the Ark Controlling Envoy here as an attendant and do nothing..."
"Hmm, then just take care of a few paperwork tasks for now. For starters."
I followed her, checking her work as we descended to the lower levels of the Serving Command Ark.
"...Hah..."
I swallow hard as I look at the familiar darkness before me.
"Haha, are you nervous?"
Indeed, I am.
I look at the pitch-black darkness of the lowest level, the Emptiness Floor of Serving Command Ark, with a tense expression.
Gyu-ryeon, as the Ark Controlling Envoy, primarily manages the Emptiness Floor, the lowest level of the Serving Command Ark.
She also mentioned she serves as the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion's host and performs duties during such events.
"My main job is to manage the spatial rifts in the lowest level of Serving Command Ark."
She continues to explain while pulling out a few documents from her storage scroll for me.
"The Serving Command Ark was originally an immortal treasure for traveling beyond worlds, and the lowest level is full of power for transcending worlds."
'Power for transcending worlds...'
"Of course, it's now sealed and not very meaningful, but such powers occasionally cause spatial rifts in the lowest level. Those spatial rifts often lead to the lower realms."
"The lower realms?"
"Yes. If not careful, those who come to the lowest level of Serving Command Ark can accidentally fly off randomly to the Astral Realm or Decaying Corpse Realm due to a mistake, so I manage the spatial rifts."
"Was everything alright during the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion?"
"Of course! I was monitoring the entire space with eagle eyes during the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion, so there was no threat of spatial rifts."
"..."
I remember meeting [Him] during the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion.
Given her words that the lowest level of the Serving Command Ark is prone to connecting to other worlds, it seems I was drawn into some interdimensional space by [Him] and faced [Him] there.
"By the way, if there are spatial rifts connected to the lower realms... couldn't they be used to create a Void Spirit Pond and be used as a Flying Immortal Platform?"
I ask her after hearing the explanation about the lowest level of the Serving Command Ark.
"Flying Immortal Platforms can't be created from such spatial rifts. A stable entrance to space-time needs to be formed. If a Flying Immortal Platform is made from a spatial rift, it will close too easily. In the long history of the Bright Cold Realm, only the story of the Lightning Immortal from 120,000 years ago has been known to maintain a Flying Immortal Platform created from a spatial rift."
"..."
Feeling like I know who the Lightning Immortal was, I nod.
"Then, do you usually stay here, Senior Gyu?"
"Why would I? Why would I willingly stay in such a gloomy place for long?"
Woong!
She extends her hand towards me.
On the back of her hand shines the character for Serve ().
"This is the mark I received as the Ark Controlling Envoy managing the lowest level of the Serving Command Ark. With this mark, I can teleport to the lowest level of the Serving Command Ark at any time. If a signal of a spatial rift appearing in the lowest level appears, I just need to quickly go there and close the rift. In fact, aside from during the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion, the lowest level is where the Ark Controlling Envoy has the least to do."
"I see"
"Your task will be to record the actions I've taken to close any spatial rifts that may occur in the documents I've given you and submit them to the elders' council of the True Dragon Alliance. It's not difficult but a bit tedious. In fact, since there's hardly ever a need to close spatial rifts, your main role will be as a liaison between the Grand Prince and I."
"I will do my best."
"Thank you, I'm counting on you."
Gyu-ryeon then writes a letter to Seo Hweol on the spot and reads it to me.
Using the bloodline connection I have with Seo Hweol, I transmit her letter to him through my blood.
After a while, I receive a reply from Seo Hweol and relay it to Gyu-ryeon.
Thus, for some time, I became a human postal service, delivering love letters between Seo Hweol and Gyu-ryeon.
After learning about the duties of an attendant to the Ark Controlling Envoy,
Under the guise of repaying Gyu-ryeon's kindness, I became her attendant and dedicated myself to preparing for the wedding between Gyu-ryeon and Seo Hweol.
The duties of her attendant didn't require much work, so I had plenty of time to help with Gyu-ryeon and Seo Hweol's wedding.
'Seo Hweol must be married to Gyu-ryeon without a chance to react when he returns.'
My goal is to have Seo Hweol at the wedding venue without any opportunity to exert political influence the moment he returns.
'Then, first, I need to create a situation where Seo Hweol must marry Gyu-ryeon.'
Of course, from the moment Gyu-ryeon reaches the Integration stage,
There will effectively be no choice for Seo Hweol, but I started working more firmly to ensure she can have him.
'First, I'll gather Seo Hweol's opposition.'
Though Seo Hweol's actions always seem perfect, like any faction, there are significant numbers of opposing factions.
Mainly, those of the Earth Tribe who suffered losses due to Seo Hweol's proposals, or minor races forced to have their names managed by the True Dragon Alliance, are among them.
Of course, Seo Hweol always cleverly redirects the dissatisfaction towards others, so there are almost no direct adversaries among those minor races and Earth Tribe members who suffered losses.
At best, a handful?
'Then, I'll gather that handful.'
After settling in the Serving Command Ark, I secretly contacted Seo Hweol's opposition, uniting them.
Over several days, I spread bad information and rumors about Seo Hweol among them, manipulating them to spread slander within their forces.
'After all, Seo Hweol will be away for a few decades to a century, so they can say whatever they want without him being able to refute.'
However, not being able to refute directly doesn't mean there aren't plenty who would defend him.
The Black Dragon Race, for some reason, seems to share a fate with Seo Hweol, and other Dragon Races also maintain quite good relations with Seo Hweol, with Gyu-ryeon at the forefront.
Moreover, the other 13 major races also maintain friendships with Seo Hweol, so if minor races try to slander Seo Hweol, they will definitely defend him.
'I'll take advantage of that gap.'
I will rally the so-called opposition, the minor force, and increase their size. Through them, I'll continuously highlight the limits of Seo Hweol's social status.
Seo Hweol's official status is that of a Grand Prince, but he is actually the leader of the Sea Dragon Race, a 'collateral' branch of the Black Dragon Race.
Therefore, assigning a major role in the True Dragon Alliance, led by the noble Immortal Beast bloodlines of thirteen major races, to Seo Hweol, who is not of noble birth, is not entirely suitable. However, Seo Hweol managed to dominate the Elders Council of the True Dragon Alliance with his unique charm and charisma.
Strictly speaking, the status of the head of the Sea Dragon Race, a collateral branch of the Black Dragon Race, frankly does not match the dignity of the Elders Council governed by the noble Immortal Beast bloodline races.
Moreover, being of lower realm origin, Seo Hweol's birth itself is not particularly noble.
'Then, the Elders Council of the thirteen races of the True Dragon Alliance will take measures to elevate Seo Hweol's status in defense of him.'
There is honestly no puppet as good as Seo Hweol for the Elders Council of the thirteen races, so Seo Hweol is naturally to be valued.
Seo Hweol would have surely manipulated things to ensure his continued importance before leaving.
'Then, at that time, I will advocate for Seo Hweol's marriage.'
The partner, of course, is Gyu-ryeon.
Gyu-ryeon is a partner who can fill the gaps in Seo Hweol's lacking status, and her becoming the Demon Queen will actually serve as a perfect shield for Seo Hweol.
'Of course, at the same time, it will be a tremendous prison for Seo Hweol.'
Moreover, Gyu-ryeon's title is Ark Controlling Envoy.
As she belongs not to the Golden Dragon Race but is a serving Ark Controlling Envoy of the True Dragon Alliance, the thirteen major races also have less to worry about Seo Hweol becoming a biased puppet.
The title of Ark Controlling Envoy is something she will carry even after reaching the Integration stage, and rather, her dominion within the Serving Command Ark will expand if she becomes the Demon Queen.
The more territories she manages within the Serving Command Ark, the farther she will be from the power struggles of the True Dragon Alliance, so neither I nor the Elder Council of the True Dragon Alliance will have to worry.
'In this way, after becoming an Integration stage Demon Queen, Seo Hweol will have to marry Gyu-ryeon regardless of the outcome, according to Gyu-ryeon's will.'
While assisting with Gyu-ryeon's duties, I spread malicious rumors about Seo Hweol through the opposition that dislikes him, helping them spread their resentment within their forces.
'By gradually tightening the net around Seo Hweol, he will eventually be caught.'
It won't be long now, Seo Hweol.
Look forward to it.
Thus, laying the groundwork for Seo Hweol's marriage, three more years pass.
Entering the 10th year of my return.
"You found a weakness of Seo Hweol?"
"Yes, Cultivator Seo."
I ask Cheon Ryang, the leader of the opposition faction against Seo Hweol, who has come to see me.
It's been three years.
Three years since uniting the opposition and gradually advancing the marriage plan for Seo Hweol.
During that time, Cheon Ryang, the leader of the opposition, claims to have found Seo Hweol weakness and came to me.
Cheon Ryang is a canine demon beast, who, feeling hot in the room, sticks out his tongue to cool down as he continues his explanation.
"Phew, don't be shocked and just listen. A Nascent Soul elder of my Celestial Dog Race brought up a fact that can be a weakness of Seo Hweol."
"Hmm A fact that can be a weakness"
But conversely, it might not turn out to be a weakness.
"What fact is it? Is the source of this information reliable?"
"Absolutely reliable. We've even secured a witness."
Cheon Ryang leans in close to whisper secretly.
"Seo Hweol has connections to the Blood Yin Realm. Whether this fact is proven true or not, it can significantly damage him."
Cheon Ryang says while chuckling bitterly.
'Blood Yin Realm'
Indeed, it wouldn't be strange if Seo Hweol has connections to the Blood Yin Realm.
"Is this witness reliable? If you bring forward uncertain information trying to shake Seo Hweol, you might be the one to face a counterattack."
As I express my concerns, Cheon Ryang grins and claps his hands.
Clap clap!
Following his clapping, a middle-aged figure enters the room where he and I are talking.
The figure is a plump humanoid demon beast with protruding tusks.
With red hair and wearing a garment that bares his belly, he greets Cheon Ryang and I.
Cheon Ryang introduces him.
"This one is Hong Guk! Despite how he looks, he fought against the Heavenly Fiends of the Blood Yin Realm when they invaded the Earth Tribe territory 700 years ago. He was recognized for his achievements and even worked in the territory of Ark Controlling Envoy Gyu-ryeon."
"Ah!"
That's when I realize who he is.
He was the Nascent Soul stage boar demon that Baek Nyeong beat up last time in Gyu-ryeon's territory.
***
-x-X-x-
"Ah, it's been a while, senior. We met briefly before, didn't we?"
It seems Hong Guk recognizes me as well.
'So, that's why Hong Guk didn't tell Gyu-ryeon about Seo Hweol taking Baek Nyeong away!'
"At first, I thought I saw it wrong. But upon further reflection, the projection technique used by the Grand Prince at that time appeared to be very similar, almost identical, to that used by the Heavenly Fiends of the Blood Yin Realm. I know this very well, having fought against them."
"I see."
Cheon Ryang smiles slyly.
"This is our chance to make that Seo Hweol withdraw from that absurd naming project when he returns!"
The Celestial Dog Race, to which Cheon Ryang belongs, is one of the races that disliked having their names managed by the True Dragon Alliance.
Among them, Cheon Ryang particularly despises Seo Hweol, who subtly swayed them to support the naming project, even more than the 13 major clans directly conducting these tasks. He wishes to see Seo Hweol fall from grace and never return to the political arena.
I am well aware of Cheon Ryang's dislike for Seo Hweol, and I also know the situation well as I was there with Hong Guk at the time.
'Hong Guk's testimony is very likely to be true.'
No, it is almost certain that the technique Seo Hweol used to summon his projection by sacrificing his kin was indeed from the Blood Yin Realm.
'The situation is different from when I was the only witness.'
I had no influence for my words to be taken seriously when I alone was the sole witness.
But now, with Cheon Ryang, an elder of the Celestial Dog Race, Hong Guk as a witness, and Seo Hweol's opposition putting all their efforts into proclaiming his connection to the Blood Yin Realm, it can politically damage Seo Hweol significantly.
'Good.'
There's no downside for me, whether it fails or succeeds.
Just shouting that Seo Hweol is a spy is enough.
If it fails, the mere fact that Seo Hweol is tormented by such slander due to his status as a lower realm descendant of the Black Dragon clan's side branch, the Sea Dragon Race, gives me a pretext to push for his marriage.
If it succeeds, pushing him as a spy of the Blood Yin Realm can erase his influence within the Earth Tribe.
'Given Seo Hweol's stature, even if he's proclaimed a spy from the Blood Yin Realm, they'd likely make him swear never to contact the Blood Yin Realm again and then place him under house arrest.'
After all, a Four-Axis stage is a valuable asset.
Either way, it's the outcome I desire.
"Good. However, as much as you dislike Seo Hweol, a single witness's testimony won't have much influence."
"So?"
"Do you have any evidence? Cultivator Hong?"
At my question, Hong Guk nods solemnly.
"The projection technique used by the Heavenly Fiends of the Blood Yin Realm leaves an impact on the earth. It's not certain, but perhaps if we revisit that Long Spirit farm, we might find evidence."
"Good, order someone to collect evidence."
"However"
Just as Cheon Ryang is about to signal someone, Hong Guk cautiously speaks up.
"The reason I haven't deliberately collected evidence from the Long Spirit farm until now is partly because I thought a Dragon Race Grand Prince wouldn't do such a thing, but also because the traces of the Heavenly Fiends' projection technique disappear easily when exposed to spiritual energy fluctuations, so I dared not investigate myself. In other words"
"Bringing evidence will be difficult. We need to go and verify it ourselves; is that what you're saying?"
At Cheon Ryang's words, Hong Guk nods.
"Hmm"
This makes me feel a bit troubled, whereas Cheon Ryang seems thrilled, sticking out his tongue and panting.
"Excellent! Then let's gather all members of the opposition and head to that farm! If we all verify it, that should suffice!"
However, as he energetically shouts this, I sigh softly.
"That seems problematic."
"Hmm?"
"Have you forgotten? The Long Spirit Farm Hong Guk mentioned is a territory bestowed by the True Dragon Alliance to the Ark Controlling Envoy Gyu-ryeon."
"Hmm!"
"Taking a bit of soil as evidence might be fine... but for all members of the opposition, both Nascent Soul and Heavenly Being stage cultivators, to swarm there for evidence? What do you think the Ark Controlling Envoy would say to that? Especially when you know the relationship between the Ark Controlling Envoy and Seo Hweol."
"I see. I was shortsighted."
"Let's make time later, just the two of us, to quietly verify the evidence."
It would obviously be problematic if everyone from the opposition faction were to go, but it should be fine for just Cheon Ryang and I to go and check.
Thus, we decided to find a suitable time when Gyu-ryeon would be occupied with her duties as Ark Controlling Envoy to search for evidence on the farm.
And a month has passed since I told Cheon Ryang to go with me to find evidence of Seo Hweol's involvement with the Blood Yin Realm.
'From today for the next seven nights, Senior Gyu will be organizing spatial rifts at the lowest floor of the Serving Command Ark.'
Tomorrow, she will be immersed in repairing spatial rifts, so it will be the perfect time for Cheon Ryang and me to visit her farm.
Just then, as I am contemplating.
Twang!
A familiar sound of a zither echoes from behind me.
I turn around, startled yet smiling.
"It's been a while, Yu Hwa."
"Have you been well?"
Suddenly appearing behind me is Yu Hwa, the half-human half-spider from the Heart Tribe.
"Your mastery of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts has improved significantly."
"The foundation was so preposterously intricate and detailed that it was easy to learn."
"Your talent must have played a part... So, what brings you here?"
"It's about my disciple."
A bitter expression crosses Yu Hwa's face.
"I've undone all the brainwashing that the Sea Dragon had placed on my disciple. I also succeeded in dispersing the self-hypnosis that arose due to the Sea Dragon's guidance. However... my disciple says that the Sea Dragon promised him many things."
She continues her explanation.
"Great living conditions for the White Goat Race, rights as the ruling class, his treatment, the treatment of his Mountain Repelling Whip, and numerous rights that Baek Nyeong was promised would be granted to not just him but the entire White Goat Tribe. That's why he was self-hypnotized into thinking the Sea Dragon was a great being."
"Did he fall for Seo Hweol because of those privileges?"
"Not just that. What Baek Nyeong wants is"
Yu Hwa's words flow on.
"Do you know of Hong Guk, the boar demon beast?"
"I'm aware."
Somehow, I've been hearing that boar's name quite a lot lately.
"Hong Guk, during his time as the overseer of the Long Spirit farm, had ordered Baek Nyeong to whip his own elderly parents."
""
"Eventually, Baek Nyeong's parents passed away by his own hands, following Hong Guk's orders. Seo Hweol promised Baek Nyeong that he would allow him to kill Hong Guk in the most brutal way possible."
She continues.
"Baek Nyeong said that if I, in place of Seo Hweol, can tear Hong Guk apart, he will completely let go of his feelings for Seo Hweol."
"So you've come because of Hong Guk."
"Yes."
"Seeking my help for revenge?"
"Indeed."
"Then"
I gaze into the void, focusing on the faint flow of consciousness streaming through the air.
"Why didn't you tell me directly with your own mouth?"
Startled by my words, Yu Hwa flinches, and soon after, Baek Nyeong emerges from the void.
"It seems your understanding of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts is much inferior to your master's. Even someone at the Nascent Soul stage would have noticed."
Baek Nyeong is silent for a moment then looks at Yu Hwa, then back at me.
"I intended to tell you myself. But my master prevented me."
"Hmm"
I look at Yu Hwa and ask.
"So you didn't trust me?"
"I do trust you, but the situation is concerning."
She gives a bitter smile.
"I know you've been in contact with Seo Hweol's opposition faction, and they need Hong Guk."
"That's correct."
"So, thinking you might turn against us since you also need Hong Guk, I had prepared my disciple for an escape if necessary... It seems that was unnecessary."
"Just with the time you and I have spent learning the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, there's a difference... Naturally, teaching that guy the Record would obviously make him full of holes in my eyes."
"My oversight."
I look at the master-disciple pair and ponder over what to do about Hong Guk.
"...I acknowledge the grudge between Hong Guk and Baek Nyeong. However, we need him now."
Baek Nyeong clenches his fists in frustration.
"However, after going to the farm to secure evidence of Seo Hweol's involvement with the Blood Yin Realm and submitting it to the True Dragon Alliance Elder Council, Hong Guk's usefulness will end. I'll arrange for Baek Nyeong to meet Hong Guk alone afterwards."
My suggestion brightens Yu Hwa's face.
Baek Nyeong's intent also calms down.
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
Yu Hwa and Baek Nyeong thanks me in turn.
Yu Hwa asks in a bright voice,
"So, Hong Guk's usefulness ends tomorrow, you say?"
"No, not tomorrow. Tomorrow, Cheon Ryang and I will go to the farm to look for the connection between Seo Hweol and the Blood Yin Realm, and once that's confirmed, we will submit it to the True Dragon Alliance Elder Council"
"Yes?"
That's when Yu Hwa interrupts me with a puzzled voice.
"Right now, a Heavenly Being stage demon beast named Cheon Ryang, leading all members of the opposition faction, is flying towards Gyu-ryeon's farm with Hong Guk at the forefront Aren't they trying to secure Seo Hweol's weakness?"
"!"
Startled, I quickly stand up and inject spiritual power into the communication artifact connected to Cheon Ryang.
Wo-woong!
But the artifact vibrates for a moment before the communication is dispersed by the other side.
'Damn it, I told them to be careful!'
Today is the day Gyu-ryeon enters the lowest level of Serving Command Ark.
Given her nature, once she starts her duties as the Ark Controlling Envoy, she tends to get absorbed in her work and forgets about everything else after a day.
However, a day hasn't passed yet, and if something happens in her territory, she could come out of the Serving Command Ark to check.
"These idiots I'm sorry I can't entertain you as guests, but I have to go to Gyu-ryeon's farm for a bit."
I leave the office of the Ark Controlling Envoy's Assistant in the Serving Command Ark and soar into the sky.
Yu Hwa and Baek Nyeong also rise beside me.
Swoosh!
Yu Hwa transforms into a crimson river, engulfing Baek Nyeong, and soars into the air, camouflaging their presence with the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.
[Let us accompany you. Since we're asking for your help, if there's anything we can do in this matter, we'll assist.]
"Well, do as you please. Let's talk while we're on the way!"
Whoosh!
I rapidly rise, utilizing Flying Escape Technique, the Gliding Technique of the demon race, and all sorts of methods to traverse the void.
Whoooosh
Before long, it's night.
In the middle of the night, Gyu-ryeon's territory and the Long Spirit cotton farm began to come into view beyond the mountain range.
Tssssss
The cotton of the Long Spirit Wood Flower is shining white even under the moonlight, as if ablaze.
And far off, at a corner of the cotton farm, a tremendously chaotic scene is unfolding.
Kugugugugu!
"!"
I am shocked by the scene.
The place where Seo Hweol had previously conducted the projection technique through the bodies of Sea Dragon Race warriors.
The ground there, along with the dragon vein running through it, is being pulled up.
A part of the Long Spirit cotton farm is being extracted in its entirety.
An area of about 2 to 3 li of the cotton field is being lifted into the sky, and around it, demon races of Nascent Soul and Heavenly Being stages are circulating heaven and earth spiritual energy, lifting the cotton field.
"What madness is this!"
I scream at Cheon Ryang, who is at the center of it all, my face pale with anger.
"Didn't I say Senior Gyu enters today!? I told you that we should come and investigate tomorrow! Not only did you come without me, but you also brought all these Nascent Soul stage and above demon cultivators. And what are you doing to Senior Gyu's farm!"
To my words, Cheon Ryang crosses his arms and shakes his head calmly.
"I'm sorry, Cultivator Seo. But your method is too cautious!"
"What...?"
"Moreover, I acknowledge that you helped unite our Seo Hweol opposition faction, but there are concerns within our faction about following your plans blindly, given your status as the Ark Controlling Envoy's Assistant..."
"What are you talking about?"
"Every demon beast knows about the relationship between the Ark Controlling Envoy and Seo Hweol. Considering you, Seo Eun-hyun, are the Ship Controlling Envoy's Assistant and closely associated with Seo Hweol, executing your plan directly was deemed risky."
"What in the world... Fine, then what do you intend to do with Gyu-ryeon's farm?"
Not Cheon Ryang but Hong Guk responds to my question.
"There is definitely evidence in the Ark Controlling Envoy's farm of Seo Hweol using the Blood Yin Realm's techniques. But if we just take the evidence to the True Dragon Alliance Elder Council, it will disappear due to the nature of the Blood Yin Realm's projection technique and spiritual energy fluctuations. Therefore, we decided to take this entire area and submit it to the council."
"Ha! Senior Gyu is currently in the lowest level of the Serving Command Ark, and you're planning to take this to the Serving Command Ark?"
Cheon Ryang shakes his head at that.
No, we will not take it to the Serving Command Ark. Senior Gyu's farm will be transported to the Tiger Race Territory. The Supreme Tiger Race will lead the investigation into this matter, and the True Dragon Alliance Elder Council will also convene in the Tiger Race Territory this time."
"!"
Choosing the Tiger Race Territory, of all places, which has the worst relationship with the Dragon Race.
"Was this influenced by the Tiger Race from the start?"
"Not exactly. Knowing that the Seo Hweol opposition faction was forming, the Tiger Race, eager to tarnish the Dragon Race's honor, approached us."
""
So, according to his words, this is no longer just my fight.
It has become a political struggle between the Tiger and Dragon Races.
'This is... not bad?'
Thinking about it, it isn't necessarily bad for this matter to shift towards the Tiger Race.
If the Tiger Race, which are on bad terms with the Dragon Race, wants to strike at the Dragon Race in any way, they will surely concoct the fact that Seo Hweol is related to the Blood Yin Realm.
'It can be an opportunity to more definitively bring down Seo Hweol.'
However
"Alright. But... it's too reckless...! What if Senior Gyu notices!"
"Hahaha! We too have our sources. The Ark Controlling Envoy has already started repairing the spatial rifts in the lowest level of the Serving Command Ark"
"No! Why didn't you trust my information! I work right beside Senior Gyu! We have to wait until tomorrow!"
"That's why it's hard to believe. We needed to act swiftly on our end too. I heard that once the Ark Controlling Envoy starts focusing on repairing spatial rifts, she becomes so engrossed that she doesn't notice anything else outside."
"Damn it, that's not the issue"
I press my throbbing head and sigh.
'Damn, I don't know anymore.'
"Do as you wish. But now that things have come to this, move the farm to the Tiger Race Territory as quickly as possible!"
"We were about to do that. No need to rush us."
I feel a surge of anger looking at Cheon Ryang, who still wears a calm expression after causing such a mess.
"Senior Gyu might have already noticed by now because of you all. We're in a hurry, so we must handle this swiftly!"
""
"What are you doing! Hurry and move the evidence to the Tiger Race!"
""
"Why are you... so silent?"
"Be-behind"
At that moment, I feel a chill run down my spine.
"Seo Eun-hyun."
A familiar voice calls out.
As I slowly turn around, there is a small spatial rift.
No bigger than a palm.
But through that palm-sized crack, familiar golden pupils are starting at us.
"What did you just say...?"
"..."
"And what is this situation now?"
""
"Are these not the ones who have recently formed the Seo Hweol opposition faction and blatantly slander him? Why are you with such people? And my farm, what about it? What do you mean by moving it to the Tiger Race territory?"
""
For a while, silence lingers among us.
Then, through the gap of silence, I clench my teeth and yell.
"What are you doing, you idiots! If you've already messed it up, at least do what you've started properly! Move it!!!"
"Hmm!"
"Huh!"
Only then do the startled Heavenly Being stage demon races of the opposition faction come to their senses and hastily start using their demon abilities to transport Gyu-ryeon's farm towards the Tiger Race Territory.
Kugugugu!
An immense killing intent flows from Gyu-ryeon.
[You lot What in the world is happening here You will have to explain yourselves clearly!]
Zzzt, zzzt zzzt!
Feeling the murderous intent enveloping my entire body, I climb atop the moving cotton field and use all my strength to increase the speed of the cotton field with my spells.
"Inject all your spiritual energy with full force! Senior Gyu will be chasing us soon!"
"No, isn't Senior Gyu a Four-Axis stage cultivator? Even if she's at the Grand Perfection of the Four-Axis stage, considering she tore open a spatial rift from inside the Serving Command Ark to her domain, it will take a considerable amount of time to tear through space and chase us with such distance."
"You idiots! Senior Gyu is no longer just a Four-Axis stage cultivator!"
"What!"
I urgently shout upon seeing the immense energy swelling up behind us.
"She has already begun Heaven and Earth Unity, advancing into the Integration stage!! Do you now understand why I said we should proceed tomorrow!? Senior Gyu mentioned she might go into secluded cultivation in the lowest level starting tomorrow after repairing the spatial rifts!!"
I scream at these demon beasts who foolishly messed up without listening to me.
"What's coming after us isn't just a peak Four-Axis stage! It's a quasi-Integration stage Demon King!"
***
Kugugugu!
On a night illuminated with a bright full moon.
Kugugugugu!
On that particularly bright night, a massive chunk of land is soaring through the sky.
Upon this chunk of land, numerous Long Spirit Wood Flowers are blossoming in the moonlight, emitting spiritual energy as they glow white.
And above this field of cotton,
We are infusing the chunk of land with spiritual energy, keeping it afloat in the void as we fly.
Among us, there is shouting and arguing.
"No! Why didn't you say from the start that Senior Gyu is in the midst of entering the Integration stage!?"
"She said she would inform us tomorrow whether she would fully enter seclusion or not, and it wasn't confirmed! If you hadn't distrusted me and made this foolish mistake, none of this would have been an issue!"
But tearing each other down wasn't going to solve anything.
Flash!
A flash of light bursts behind us.
A golden ray grazes over us, narrowly missing.
Chills!
Feeling the hairs on my back stand up, I pour even more spiritual energy into the farm, hastening our flight.
From afar,
From behind, Gyu-ryeon is exhaling her breath towards us.
The thickness and precision of the beam she exhales seems to grow thicker and sharper as time passes.
The reason is simple.
'The spatial rift is nearly open.'
Once the spatial rift fully opens, a quasi-Integration stage Golden Dragon beyond the Four-Axis stage will come flying.
There are no Four-Axis stage cultivators here. The majority are at the Heavenly Being stage, with Cheon Ryang, the highest in cultivation, only being at Grand Perfection of the Heavenly Being stage, not even at the Four-Axis stage.
"Damn it, what do we do now! This is all your fault, you halfwit Dragon Race scum!"
"Just shut up for a moment."
Clutching my throbbing head, I push Cheon Ryang aside and plunge my hands into the ground.
Avoiding the area where Seo Hweol's involvement with the Blood Yin Realm is evident, I start infusing the entire landmass with spiritual energy.
Kugugugu!
Following the formulas of Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea, the roots of the Long Spirit Wood Flowers dig deep into the earth.
Beneath the surface, the roots of the flowers form circuits reminiscent of the Mad Lord, embedding deeply into the soil.
"In half a moment, I can transform this landmass into a flying artifact capable of high speed."
"What!"
"Buy me half a moment. Senior Gyu will descend upon us soon."
"Damn, understood!"
Cheon Ryang, biting his lip as if realizing there is no way out, commands the opposition faction to gather heaven and earth spiritual energy towards where Gyu-ryeon is firing her beams.
Sweating profusely, I hurry to convert the clumps of earth into a flying artifact.
Kugugugu!
Simultaneously, a terrifying wave of spiritual energy roars from behind.
A golden light flickers in the distance as if ablaze.
Gyu-ryeon has finally succeeded in crossing the spatial rift from the lowest layer of the Serving Command Ark to reach us.
[Stop right there!]
Ziiiing!
At her command, from thousands of li away, the entire heaven and earth spiritual energy ripples and halts the chunk of land flying through the void.
However, as Cheon Ryang and the other Heavenly Being demons attack in all directions, manipulating the heaven and earth spiritual energy, the chunk of land begins to move again.
Flash!
Far away, the golden light flickers again.
As I am transforming the entire landmass, I glance back momentarily.
Wo-woong!
Within golden twilight, a gold-colored silkworm-like creature raises its body from a place that must be about three thousand li (approximately 1,242 km) away.
'I've already distanced myself several thousand li from Senior Gyu and I'm still seeing something like a caterpillar?'
No, it's not a caterpillar.
'That is.'
Cheonryang urgently shouts.
"Quick, the Ark Controlling Envoy is chasing after us in her true form! Everyone, muster all your strength!"
It's Gyu-ryeon's true form!
Flash!
Once again, a golden beam shoots towards us.
This time, it neither brushes past us nor is its thickness ambiguous.
A beam thick enough to encompass the entire cotton plantation of about 3 li in diameter is shot precisely at our location.
Cheon Ryang and Heavenly Being stage demon beasts hastily create barriers with all their might, infusing the ground with spiritual energy to increase their speed.
The golden light arrives right behind us, spewing brightness as if to engulf us all.
And the next moment.
'Modification complete.'
The cotton plantation moves, and the land beneath it transforms.
The chunks of land move at my will, and through the roots of the flowers, taking on a shape.
It's the face of General Seo.
Soon after, the landmass holding the cotton field transforms into the giant head of General Seo and begins to fly through the sky.
"General Seo, evade!"
Flash!
The landmass, transformed into the head of General Seo, nimbly evades Gyu-ryeon's breath, allowing us to avoid being obliterated by her ray in one strike.
"Everyone! Move to the positions I designate!"
Having transformed the entire chunk of land into a flying form of General Seo in a short time, I point out where to infuse spiritual energy, urging the Nascent Soul stage cultivators.
The Nascent Soul stage demons follow my command, infusing energy into their respective areas, and the head of General Seo blazes through the night sky with its gaze alight.
Simultaneously, the glowing worm-like entity moves from thousands of li away.
Gyu-ryeon is in pursuit.
"Cheon Ryang! When the beam flies towards us, tell me the direction to evade!"
I yell frantically at Cheon Ryang, who then responds.
"Evade to the northwest! Heavenly Being demons, raise the barrier!"
Following Cheon Ryang's commands, I turn the 'head' northwest, and the Heavenly Being stage demons gather Heaven and Earth spiritual energy to erect barriers again.
Once again, the golden beam barely misses the barriers set up by the demon beasts.
Since it merely grazes by, the only burden on the Heavenly Being stage demons is the aftermath.
However, even the aftermath of the beam emitted by Gyu-ryeon is enough to completely collapse the formation and barriers of the Heavenly Being stage demons.
'The Supreme Tiger Race is located to the north of the True Dragon Alliance!'
The remaining distance is about six thousand li!
'If only we can reach there in time.'
Light bursts from the back of General Seo's head, and we gradually speed up.
But gradually, the size of that caterpillar is growing larger.
"To the true north! Heavenly Beings, set up barriers!"
Again, I turn the 'head' to the true north and repel Gyu-ryeon's attack.
On that moonlit night,
I exert all my strength to flee from Gyu-ryeon, managing to deflect her assault.
However, as expected the difference in our realms ends everything.
Kugugugu!
The gap between us, previously spanning thousands of li, closes in an instant.
Her massive dragon body, the size of a small mountain range, suddenly blocks our path.
"Ha"
I let out a hollow laugh, and Cheon Ryang too wears a look of resignation.
Kugugugu!
Gyu-ryeon, having scrutinized us solemnly in her true form for a moment, transforms back into her human form and appears at the center of the cotton farm.
"Seo Eun-hyun, and all of you."
Her stern golden pupils scan everyone.
"What exactly are you doing?"
""
She is tremendously furious.
Her vertically slit pupils tremble with rage, and the heaven and earth spiritual energy vibrating around her signals imminent danger.
'Damn it'
It's over.
Tell Gyu-ryeon that Seo Hweol was associated with the Blood Yin Realm?
She will never believe it.
Cheon Ryang asks me with a trembling voice.
"Cu-Cultivator Seo, what should we do? If we tell the truth that we initiated this to eliminate a threat for the Earth Tribe, perhaps we might receive some consideration"
What nonsense is this?
It's unbelievable.
'No, there is a possibility she might believe it.'
If Cheon Ryang and I had carefully secured the evidence and then gone through the proper procedures to have Gyu-ryeon verify it, she couldn't have ignored it.
Gyu-ryeon loves Seo Hweol, but the fact that Seo Hweol is colluding with the Blood Yin Realm makes him a public enemy of the Bright Cold Realm, forcing her to acknowledge it with tears in her eyes.
But what is this?
This foolish Cheon Ryang had trespassed on Gyu-ryeon's private property without permission, attempting to steal her property and take it to the Tiger Race, which is not on good terms with the Dragon Race, and got caught in the act.
'To say in this situation that Seo Hweol is related to the Blood Yin Ream and that's why we were extracting evidence from Gyu-ryeon's private property to bring it to the Tiger Race? As if Gyu-ryeon would believe that.'
Tsk, tsk.
Currently, Gyu-ryeon has transformed into her human form, but her entire body is covered with golden scales, making her look more like a snake person than a human.
Her teeth are also protruding, and her pupils are slit vertically, showing her murderous intent.
The antlers sprouting from her forehead shine more brilliantly than ever, emitting golden light.
She is extremely enraged.
And when Cheon Ryang asks me, her gaze turns towards me.
'Damned dog'
Even if the Cheon Ryang right now will be different from the Cheon Ryang in the next cycle,
I still feel the urge to split his head in two if I can go back.
"Seo Eun-hyun."
"Yes."
"I trusted you. I used you as the liaison between the Grand Prince and me, entrusted you with the duties of my Assistant as the Ark Controlling Envoy, and even supported your cultivation I trusted you."
"."
To that extent, there seems to be a profound sense of betrayal in her eyes.
The greatest betrayals come from the most trusted individuals.
Seeing the look in her eyes, I realize I can't make any excuses.
'Let's admit it.'
No excuses.
Gyu-ryeon had shown considerable favor towards me until now.
In front of her, I have no desire to wag my tongue.
"I."
And what follows is beyond my imagination.
"Explain the situation."
Her vertical pupils focus on me.
"I have trusted you until now, so I will trust you once more. Explain the situation properly. If it is a plausible explanation, I will believe you. Even if this is the last time we see each other, I will trust you once, so speak."
"."
Truly, she is a shining being in a different sense from Azure Tiger Saint.
Despite her terrifying appearance, covered in scales and emitting a fierce murderous aura, I see in her a thread of trust towards me that she hasn't yet let go of.
'I'm sorry.'
I apologize to her inwardly.
Until now, I had been plotting against Seo Hweol using her.
But maybe she wasn't someone to be used in such struggles.
I suddenly feel ashamed of myself for manipulating and deceiving her.
'Yeah, let's confess.'
About Seo Hweol, from the beginning to the end.
Despite showing such an unbelievable side of myself, her willingness to trust me one last time makes me rather disclose the truth openly.
"We undertook this action to investigate Grand Prince Seo."
"Grand Prince Seo?"
"Grand Prince Seo is in fact."
And just as I am about to reveal the truth about Seo Hweol.
"In fact what?"
Tap, tap.
A chilly grip, friendly yet firm, pats my shoulder from behind.
"Eh?"
Chills!
Why, so soon?
Wearing a blue long robe and sporting jade-colored horns, a beautiful young man emerges from behind me, stroking my head.
'What!'
Why?
Why is it that this moment feels more terrifying and chilling than when I was being pursued by the Mad Lord in a previous cycle?
Seo Hweol has returned.
"Ah, ah..."
And Gyu-ryeon hastily begins to touch her face.
The scales that had fully emerged on her face recedes, transforming her back into her complete human form.
She, with a flushed face, asks Seo Hweol.
"You, you came back quickly. Last time you sent a letter to Seo Eun-hyun, it said it will take a couple decades more..."
"Ah, there seems to be a misunderstanding."
"Could it be that Seo Eun-hyun somehow tampered with the letter..."
"No, that's not it."
Seo Hweol smiles gently and embraces Gyu-ryeon.
"From the beginning, I never left for another Middle Realm."
Plop!
"...Ah?"
In the next moment.
Seo Hweol's hand pierces through Gyu-ryeon's heart.
"It's a sad truth, senior, But."
Seo Hweol continues to speak while tenderly stroking Gyu-ryeon with his other hand.
"If I were to honestly tell you one thing, I have never once spoken the truth in front of senior."
"...What...?"
"From the beginning... I never left the True Dragon Alliance's territory. I stayed at the Black Dragon King's residence and completed my cultivation."
Gyu-ryeon trembles in incomprehension, and Seo Hweol turns to me and smiles faintly.
"And in fact, secretly, without senior's knowledge, I sent a clone to the lower realm through the Serving Command Ark's lowest level because I was worried about you."
Puff!
Seo Hweol withdraws his hand from Gyu-ryeon's heart and approaches me.
"It was truly surprising. From the traps left in the Sea Dragon Palace, to my dear Seo Ran, and the Serving Command Palace, and the black castle, everything was smashed to pieces? Even the watchdog I had painstakingly raised to find out it was all destroyed by your hands. Now then"
As Seo Hweol slowly approaches me.
[Seo Hweol, you...!]
From behind Seo Hweol, exerting a pressure akin to the Integration stage, Gyu-ryeon gets up while regenerating her heart.
[Why to me?]
And in the next moment.
Crack!
Seo Hweol grabs her and slams her to the ground.
Crash!
A rain of blood showers on the cotton field.
Blood spurts from Gyu-ryeon's body, dyeing everything around.
The once white cotton field turns red.
Crunch
Seo Hweol, with a sinister smile, stomps on Gyu-ryeon's neck with his foot.
Gyu-ryeon seems to attempt resistance, but somehow she fails to push Seo Hweol away.
"Do you, Senior Gyu who has accumulated power through the Heterodox Axis Foundation and has not even reached the Integration stage, really hope to resist me, who built up the Orthodox Axis Foundation?"
"You, you...! How...!"
"I've already gone through all the Axis Foundation Rituals in the lower realm, just like I faced the Heavenly Tribulation in advance. Although I couldn't properly accumulate the Axis due to the lack of spiritual energy, it was easy to do so under the Black Dragon King with the help of Miss Hye-seo.
From Seo Hweol, the aura of the Four-Axis stage Grand Perfection is felt.
However, the oppressive aura he emits is more than that of ordinary Integration stage Grand Cultivators.
Seo Hweol was definitely not merely at the Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage even after a thousand years.
He was merely hiding his true skills after reclaiming the title Sea Dragon 'King', a thousand years later.
He was, at the very least, an entity at the Integration stage.
Seo Hweol gives me a cold smile.
"In the Sea Dragon Palace, the Serving Command Palace, the black castle, and the Ascension Path, I had already performed all the rituals in advance. There was no need to foolishly gather the Five Elements. The reason why Heterodox Methods flourish is due to a lack of understanding in building the Axes with the Four Divine Beasts and Four Directions as the Four Axes."
Seo Hweol walks towards me again after stepping on Gyu-ryeon's neck for a while.
"Just as the five Middle Realms symbolize the Five Blessings and not the Five Elements, the Axes to be built in the Four-Axis stage also correspond to them."
Crack!
Seo Hweol's grip lifts me by the neck.
I try to resist, but Seo Hweol in front of me emits an aura akin to that of an Integration stage cultivator.
"Nether Ghost signifies Longevity. Purple Gold is Wealth. Ancient Force is Health. True Devil is Love of Virtue. There's no need to gather the energy that becomes the Axis power from the Five Elements. If you properly understand the symbols of the four Middle Realms and build the 'proper' Orthodox Axis with the approach of Understanding before Breakthrough, it doesn't take that long."
His tone seems probing, as if asking if I knew it too.
"Of course, this method too can only be attempted by someone who has walked that path once before."
Crunch!
Seo Hweol, with his sharp vertical pupils, presses closer and asks me,
"Reaching the Nascent Soul stage in just 7 years, it never made sense to me no matter how much I thought about it. After visiting the lower realm, it became clear. You're not a genius. You must have fallen from that realm, or perhaps from an even higher one"
Seo Hweol, still with his kind smile, asks me.
"Who exactly are you, Daoist Seo?"
***