Whoosh!
Without any time to react, a bright light burst from between her eyebrows.
Simultaneously, the light emitting from her brows transforms into a green radiance, condensing a green podao in the air.
The Esteemed One's strike embedded in Yu Hwa's heart essence!
That strike of the Esteemed One flickers in the air before gradually changing its form.
I watch the process intently, repeatedly expressing my astonishment.
'What incredible mysteries are mixed into each and every change...?'
The enlightenment connected to the Sea of Righteousness and Mountain of Grace is felt through the heart essence.
The enlightenment connected to Treading Heavens is shown in the process of the podao transforming into a body.
And then, countless other mysteries that can not be fully comprehended intertwine in the air as the podao takes on a familiar form.
"I pay my respects to the Esteemed One."
Yu Hwa bends her legs in respect to him.
Despite her discomfort with the Heart Tribe, Gyu-baek also bows to Jang Ik.
"I pay my respects to the Esteemed One."
I follow their lead and pay my respects as well.
"I pay my respects to the Esteemed One."
Wo-woong!
The cluster of light coalesces, taking the complete form of a small greenish figure.
'This is the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One.'
This is the second time I've seen him, counting my past life.
I hadn't looked closely before, but now, I can clearly see his appearance.
The Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One manifested from Yu Hwa's strike wears tattered clothes and has green skin.
His ears are as large as fans, and his nose is as big as a fist.
His teeth are also jagged, and his fingernails are sharp.
If not for one thing, he might have seemed somewhat feeble.
And that one thing is his muscles!
Despite his small stature, upon closer inspection, his entire body is packed with compact muscles.
He seems capable of fighting against any Core Formation stage demon beast with his sheer physical strength alone.
As I am observing him, suddenly Jang Ik's gaze meets mine.
"...!"
It feels piercing.
Standing before his gaze, it feels as if he could decapitate me at any moment with a strike.
I break out in a cold sweat under his gaze for a moment.
After looking at me for a while, he strokes his chin as if intrigued.
[Impressive, how did someone of the Human Race manage to step into the second phase of Manifestation? Moreover, looking at the energy, Core Formation, no, Nascent Soul stage? And despite being of the Heaven Tribe, I sense Earth Tribe methods. Huh...]
He chuckles heartily.
[Heaven, Earth, Heart have you integrated all three? Since you seem to have a righteous heart no need to kill you, then.]
His casual remark makes me sweat profusely.
Jang Ik recognized my potential, and had there been even a hint of malice in my heart essence, he would have been ready to cut me down instantly.
[So, you called me?]
"Heart Tribe agent number 1798, Yu Hwa, greets the Esteemed One of the Heart Tribe."
[What exactly happened that an intelligence agent who should be operating in the Bright Cold Realm's mainland ended up falling into the Astral Realm?]
Jang Ik looks at us with a somewhat incredulous gaze.
[And that is... a 'fragment'?]
His gaze shifts to Gyu-baek.
['Fragments' are born only from cultivators of at least the Four-Axis stage... Yes, I seem to have glimpsed the corpse of a Golden Dragon while sending my consciousness to this star, are you a fragment of that Golden Dragon?]
Gyu-baek nods with a somber expression.
"Yes. A remnant left by Gyu-ryeon, the Ark Controlling Envoy of the Earth Tribe True Dragon Alliance Gyu-baek, greets the Supreme Leader of the Heart Tribe."
[The envoy of the True Dragon Alliance... That deck cleaner, right?]
Jang Ik may have demeaned the envoy to the level of a cleaner, but no one present dares to object to his words.
Gyu-baek slowly nods her head.
[Let's hear some explanations first. What's up with this complete Heaven, Earth, and Heart Tribe guy, why has a Heart Tribe agent fallen here, and why is a fragment of the envoy here?]
With that, I, being the most knowledgeable about our situation, slowly explain everything to Jang Ik.
My story went on until the morning sun turned into evening twilight.
I started with how I knew of Seo Hweol's wickedness and did everything to control him, how Gyu-ryeon was used by Seo Hweol, and how Yu Hwa got involved.
Since Gyu-baek had also come to know the true nature of Seo Hweol, there was no reason to hide anything in front of her anymore.
After listening to my story until the end and hearing everything from Yu Hwa's perspective, Jang Ik finally asked Gyu-baek.
[What about you, the fragment of Gyu-ryeon, Gyu-baek, was it? Do you have anything to say from your perspective?]
"...Please do not honor me with such a lofty title as 'fragment.' I am merely the remains left by Gyu-ryeon, so please refer to me as such, Esteemed One."
[If that's what you wish, I'll do so.]
Jang Ik chuckles and crosses his arms.
After staring blankly into space for a while, Gyu-baek began her story.
Her narrative was mostly disjointed.
Most of it revolved around how Gyu-ryeon felt towards Seo Hweol and the pain of being betrayed.
And how she was born out of that resentment and pain.
Yet, Jang Ik listened to Gyu-baek's disjointed story to the end.
Gyu-baek's story dragged on, lasting until two moons rose high into the night sky.
"...and so, Seo Hweol abandoned me, and finally, I ended up here."
Overwhelmed by her emotions, Gyu-baek wipes away her tears as she finishes her story.
After hearing all our stories, Jang Ik nods.
[So, the madman Seo Hweol is currently stirring trouble in the Bright Cold Realm's mainland.]
"...Well, to sum it up, yes."
Jang Ik speaks as he sits down on a rock.
[Do you know why I listened to all your stories?]
We shake our heads.
[It's because as one tells their stories, the depths of their heart essence are revealed. I listened to your stories to decide whether or not I should help you.]
Jang Ik looks at Yu Hwa.
[Yu Hwa, you pass. Your determination to accept the new recruit, Baek Nyeong, is strong. With a little help, you will be able to carry through with your will.]
"Thank you."
Jang Ik then looks at me.
[Monster, you also pass.]
"Why am I a monster?"
[You're not asking because you don't know, right? Anyway, I felt an endless indomitable will deep within your heart essence. Your heart essence itself is quite marvelous, beautiful enough to be felt, and you seem like someone who would make it worth my while to help a little.]
Jang Ik then finally looks at Gyu-baek.
[You, the remnant, fail.]
"...!"
He looks at Gyu-baek and clicks his tongue.
[You don't even know what you're seeking. Well, that's the identity of fragments, I suppose.]
""
Gyu-baek does not argue against Jang Ik's words and just listens quietly with a gloomy look in her eyes.
Or perhaps she is just letting it pass by.
[Until you solidify your identity, I won't offer you any help.]
"...Do as you please. I wasn't hoping for the Heart Tribe Esteemed One's help anyway."
[Impudent. Is it because I'm just an avatar that you're underestimating me?]
"What does it matter when I could die at any moment anyway."
[Well, fine. It's a loss for me to deal with a dead soul who can't die.]
Jang Ik looks around at us and says,
[I can offer you three types of help. First, I use my strike here to create a spatial rift connected to the Bright Cold Realm. Second, I stay here to train you, drawing out your potential so you can ascend on your own. Third, I contact the Highest Council of the Heart Tribe and send a rescue signal so they can come for you.]
He asks us as if leaving the choice to us.
[Choose one of the three. Whatever you wish, I'll grant it. But!]
Jang Ik looks at Gyu-baek.
[If you choose the first, I'll create a spatial rift that only the two of you can enter. If you choose the second, I'll teach only the two of you. And if you choose the third, I'll make sure they only come to rescue the two of you. I don't want to help someone who can't even find their own identity.]
Hearing this, I don't hesitate to choose the second option.
'Choosing the second means there's still time to slowly persuade her. Plus, if we can change her mind, the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One might also be willing to teach Gyu-baek a bit...'
Jang Ik chuckles at my choice.
[A kind-hearted one, aren't you?]
""
He seems to have read my heart essence directly, knowing why I chose the second option.
[What about you?]
Yu Hwa looks to ponder for a moment before speaking with determination.
"I also choose the second. I'd like to rush to save my disciple right now... but being in the clutches of that monster at the Integration stage, there's nothing I can do even if I do go now. Instead, I'd rather receive teachings from the Esteemed One here to gain the strength to save my disciple later!"
Pleased with the response, Jang Ik nods approvingly.
[Good. Since you're on the verge of achieving the third step of Manifestation, it will be enjoyable to teach.]
Thus, we were granted the opportunity to receive teachings from the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One, Jang Ik.
Wo-woong!
I connect the formation I created for gathering dragon veins that were intended for recovering my cultivation to Jang Ik's avatar.
His avatar, which looked a bit faint, became fully solid once connected to the formation.
[Hm. Is this where you've been staying?]
"Yes, that's right."
[Then let's move a bit further away to start training. It would be problematic if your dwelling gets completely destroyed.]
"Understood."
[Follow me.]
With a flash, Jang Ik's avatar steps through the air and flies off somewhere. Yu Hwa follows him, turning into a crimson river and disappearing.
I look at Gyu-baek and ask,
"Aren't you going to watch, Miss Gyu-baek?"
"...Forget it. What's the use of watching the Heart Tribe train?"
She chuckles emptily and turns her head with a vacant look in her eyes.
However, I cautiously speak to her, reading her heart essence.
"...Regardless, it's an opportunity to see the power of the Esteemed One. Aren't you curious?"
"Hmph! The Dragon Race also has an Esteemed One. Though he's on an expedition, I've seen the power held by an avatar of the Dragon Race Esteemed One when I was very young, so it doesn't matter."
'When she was young...'
Is she truly Gyu-baek?
Or is she Gyu-ryeon, mistaking herself for being dead.
I'm not sure.
However...
"Still, come and see just once. Who knows, it might be useful for studying the Heart Tribe's weaknesses later?"
"...Fine, if you insist that much..."
Gyu-baek sighs and gets up as if bothered.
I smile slightly.
'Did you think I wouldn't realize you were somewhat hoping to be persuaded to come along?'
She seems inwardly curious about the power of the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One, a Heart Tribe Esteemed One.
I, too, am in favor of her taking an interest in something other than her murderous intent towards Seo Hweol, as it would somewhat ventilate her heart essence.
I take out a flying magic artifact from my storage bag, have her board it, and follow Jang Ik and Yu Hwa.
"Do the clothes fit well?"
I ask Gyu-ryeon, who is wearing thick clothes I had taken out from my storage bag.
As her spiritual energy reduced to that of a mortal, flying at high altitudes made her feel quite cold.
"Yes, it's... it's fine. I was much warmer when I had scales..."
"It's not about the scales. It's because your Pure Spiritual Force isn't flowing properly now."
"Being in a dragon's body was really convenient..."
"Since it's impossible to get back the body of a dragon given the current situation, how about considering learning the Heart Path Method?"
"...Didn't I say I would think about it?"
"Understood."
As we chat and fly through the sky for a while, we arrive at a vast wasteland far beyond Gyu-ryeon's corpse, where Jang Ik had reached.
The wasteland, filled with stones, seems quite suitable for a training ground.
Whizzing
I descend from the paper boat-shaped flying magic artifact and stand before Jang Ik.
Worrying that Gyu-baek might get caught in the aftermath, I send the paper boat far away.
Jang Ik, seeing me and Yu Hwa, crosses his arms.
[First, let's properly gauge your capabilities.]
Swoosh
Thump, thump, thump, thump!
Four green podaos materialize around Jang Ik, embedding themselves in the ground.
He enters the center of the podaos, crossing his arms as he speaks.
[Before we start training... if you have any questions, ask them now. Once the training begins, both of you will be crawling on the ground, beaten to a pulp.]
""
Such confidence!
It feels almost maniacally so.
Yu Hwa seems to be organizing her questions and I ask what I am most curious about.
"As the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One knows, I am not officially a member of the Heart Tribe. Officially, I belong to the Earth Tribe. Why then do you offer me your assistance?"
[Because you're also part of the Heart Tribe.]
A straightforward and concise answer.
But I glance back and stealthily observe Gyu-baek.
"Then, if Miss Gyu-baek, who is not of the Heart Tribe finds her identity, do you also intend to teach her?"
[Of course.]
"May I ask why?"
[Because that fragment has the potential to achieve Manifestation.]
"...!"
Gyu-baek has the talent to reach the Beyond the Heavens?
I quickly ask in surprise.
"Do you mean Miss Gyu-baek has such potential?"
[Yes. Well... from what I see in your heart essence, it seems you might be misunderstanding something. Let me tell you, the 'potential' you're thinking of and the 'potential' I'm thinking of are quite different.]
"What kind of potential are you thinking of, Esteemed One?"
What follows from Jang Ik is beyond my imagination.
[None.]
"...?"
[I believe that every being in this world has the potential to achieve Manifestation. Therefore, the 'potential' I'm talking about is practically non-existent for you.]
His eyes shine.
[Manifestation to you from your Heart, Earth Tribe's perspective, what do you think the Heart Path Method is?]
""
That's a difficult question.
I have always pursued the martial path, but I had never thought about what the martial path itself was.
[For starters... I don't like terms like Heart Path Method, so let me tell you the term I use. I call it Fighting Spirit.]
"Fighting Spirit..."
[What do you call your Fighting Spirit?]
There is a tremor in Jang Ik's question.
Feeling that tremor, I realize that simply answering with 'Beyond the Path to Heavens and Treading Heavens' would not suffice.
'Fighting Spirit... What is my Fighting Spirit? What should I call it?'
A culmination of all the techniques I've learned, my combat experience, my enlightenment.
It is...
After a moment of contemplation, I realize the answer. An answer almost absurdly simple.
'Ah... So it was that simple.'
"Martial Arts."
I respond to Jang Ik with the name of what I have learned.
"What I have learned is, Martial Arts."
"Martial Arts... That's a good name."
Somehow, Jang Ik seems satisfied with my answer.
[Then let me ask again. What does Martial Arts mean to you?]
"It's a part of my life."
[Then, do you think there's something special about those who have learned Martial Arts? Born with a certain quality, a certain lineage, or a certain spiritual root?]
"No. There might be differences in talent, but Martial Arts can be learned by anyone."
[Exactly, that's it.]
Jang Ik smiles, seemingly pleased.
[My Fighting Spirit, Yu Hwa's music, it's all the same. Anyone can learn it. That's why I believe every being in this world can achieve Manifestation through Fighting Spirit. That's one of the reasons I want to help you.]
"If that's one of the reasons, are there others?"
[Of course, there is.]
"What is that reason?"
Jang Ik's expression turns serious as he speaks.
[To you, is Martial Arts only a part of your life?]
"...? Yes, but..."
[My Fighting Spirit isn't just that.]
"...?"
[If you come to understand the meaning of the Martial Arts you've learned for yourself, you'll properly understand why I'm helping you. Now, is that all you're curious about?]
Yu Hwa and I nod for the moment.
Jang Ik assumes his stance.
Chills!
'I'm going to be cut!'
For a moment, I feel as if my entire body is being sliced by Jang Ik's podao.
Sharp.
The tension makes every hair on my body stand on end. This experience is similar to the feeling I had when fighting Kim Young-hoon, who was of a higher realm than me.
Jang Ik moves his hand towards his podaos, smiling.
[Now, come at me, kids. Let's see what you've got.]
Yu Hwa readies her instrument, and I grip my Formless Sword at the same time.
In the next instant.
My Martial Arts and Jang Ik's Fighting Spirit clash, baring their teeth.
***
Twang!
The start of the battle is signaled by Yu Hwa's zither.
As her zither plays, crimson rivers overflow in all directions.
The sunset envelops the surroundings, summoning demonic mists.
I dodge the hues of her sunset, careful not to touch it, as I search for an opening in Jang Ik's defense.
'There's no opening.'
He truly does not allow even a single gap.
'If I go in now, I'll be beheaded.'
My intuition warns me of this.
Swoosh!
Yu Hwa's music sweeps over Jang Ik, who leaps into the air to avoid it and reaches for the four podaos.
The next moment.
Bo-oong!
Suddenly, one of the podaos in his grasp flies towards me.
Whizz!
The podao whirls through the air, aiming straight for my neck. I barely manage to dodge it by kicking off the ground.
'Sword control?'
Jang Ik's podao pursues me freely through the air. After deflecting his podao with my Formless Sword, I observe it.
'No, it's not that.'
It isn't sword control. Jang Ik and his podao's handle are connected by thin strands of Qi, and he is manipulating the podao in the air by moving the connected Qi.
It's a completely different method from sword control, where one detaches their consciousness to imbue a weapon with action.
Bo-oong, woong, woong, woong!
As I observe Jang Ik's podao,
Jang Ik rotates the two podaos in his hands and the two connected by Qi strands around him, maintaining his position.
'He's preparing some technique.'
Then, it will be wise to see what technique unfolds.
As I brace for his move.
Wo-woong
The air seems to be sucked in.
Around Jang Ik, not just the surrounding air but also the spiritual energy itself is slowly being absorbed.
Zap, zap...
I feel a tingling sensation throughout my body.
Simultaneously, a chill runs down my spine.
'No, I thought wrong.'
If that technique is completed, Yu Hwa and I will die.
Yu Hwa, sensing the impending danger, begins to play her zither even faster.
I swiftly circle around Jang Ik, looking for an opening.
At one moment, I find what looks like a gap in Jang Ik's posture.
Zap, zap...
My intuition warns me.
That gap is definitely a trap.
Entering that trap will surely lead to disaster.
However, I clench my teeth and dive into the trap like an arrow.
'I may face disaster, but without doing this, there's no chance at all.'
Jang Ik is a giant cliff.
Not just a high cliff, but one with a waterfall crashing down, making it impossible to climb.
To overcome this cliff, even if it is a trap, I have to boldly enter!
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Transcending Peaks!
Flash!
Entering the gap shown by Jang Ik, I grip my Formless Sword and execute a horizontal slash towards the gap.
But in an instant, Jang Ik maneuvers his small frame into the air, evading my Formless Sword, and plunges the two rotating podaos towards me.
I hurriedly try to dodge backward, but I feel something catch me from behind.
These are, Qi strands!?'
The Qi strands that Jang Ik has been using to rotate the podaos are preventing me from moving back.
'He wasn't just rotating the podaos!'
Through the podaos, he scattered his Qi strands all around.
Soon, the area is densely covered with Qi strands, making them hard to detect.
[Got you.]
Jang Ik smirks and throws the podao in his hand.
I transform my Formless Sword, cutting through the Qi strands and retreating backward.
The podao barely grazes the tip of my nose as it passes by, but I manage to dodge it just in time.
However, the next instant.
Bo-oong!!
Following the Qi strands spread around, the podao rotates in the air and shoots back towards me.
The Qi strands I had cut somehow reconnected.
'At this rate, it's impossible to even get close to Jang Ik.'
It might seem like just four podaos rotating around him, but those four podaos are constantly scattering Qi strands. Jang Ik is controlling these Qi strands to manipulate the four podaos like puppets.
These Qi strands can either obstruct the opponent's movement by applying physical force or enclose and slice the opponent by applying sharp energy.
'This requires an insanely precise level of control...'
Jang Ik is pushing me back, freely manipulating these precise Qi strands.
'First, I need to deflect or dodge the incoming podaos and then charge at Jang Ik.'
The scattered Qi strands are annoying, but if I cut them at the plane level using the abilities of Treading Heavens, I should be able to sever them.
Then, the right approach would be to block or deflect the podaos once and then look for an opportunity to attack Jang Ik.
Just as I organize my thoughts and extend my Formless Sword towards Jang Ik's podao.
"...!"
Boom!
A tremendous explosion rings out, and I spit out blood.
Gush!
The shock makes me feel as if my insides are about to burst and clenching my teeth to stop myself from spitting out blood is the best I can do.
'In an instant, the power scattered in the Qi strands concentrated to a single point!'
At any time, the dispersed power can be concentrated back to a single point to strike the opponent.
What a terrifying skill.
As I am regaining my composure from the shock, the area around Jang Ik and me is filled with Yu Hwa's sunset-hued river.
She engulfs even me in her attempt to lay Jang Ik to rest, attacking us from all directions with her river.
But the next moment.
Whiz, whiz, whiz, whiz!
The scattered Qi strands begin to shine.
Along with it, Jang Ik's podaos crazily rotate around following the trajectories of the Qi strands.
Whizzing!
It's akin to a storm.
The greenish podaos are creating a violent storm.
"Cough...!"
In the instant Jang Ik creates the storm for 'defense,' I put all my strength to escape his Qi strand's domain. Soon after, the greenish storm sweeps away the crimson river.
[Try a bit harder. The energy contained in this avatar isn't even at the Qi Refining stage. Even with that, I'm conserving energy, yet you can't even attack me properly?]
Shh...
After Jang Ik's storm passes, I watch the path cleared by his podaos and laugh bitterly.
"This is crazy..."
A diameter of 30 zhang (100 metres) is completely swept away.
Of course, a Qi Building cultivator can sweep that much just by indiscriminately casting spells.
But my astonishment is for a different reason.
'The amount of energy used in Jang Ik's Qi strands, and the energy infused into the podaos, was clearly just enough to maintain Sword Energy for about an hour.'
That is, the total amount of power Jang Ik used was less than a single swing of Sword Gang.
Swinging Sword Gang can cut through a rock, yet such a wide range of destruction is impossible.
'How did he do it?'
Yu Hwa also seems to realize this, her expression darkening.
'Yu Hwa's music, in terms of total energy, is comparable to a full-force strike from a Nascent Soul stage cultivator.'
Yet Jang Ik repelled a strike from a Nascent Soul cultivator with merely the power weaker than a martial artist's Sword Gang.
Truly a feat of "using four taels to lift a thousand catties"!
'Even for a Star Shattering stage being, does this make sense?'
It couldn't have been just the power of Sword Gang that repelled a strike at the Nascent Soul level.
There had to be something more.
Exchanging glances with Yu Hwa, I charge at Jang Ik with all my might.
Her Illusory Play Under the Rosy Afterglow supports me from behind as we both attack Jang Ik together.
But the next moment.
Bo-oong!
Jang Ik again scatters Qi strands and hurls his podaos through them at us. I dodge on the spot, attacking Jang Ik alongside the river created by Illusory Play Under the Rosy Afterglow
The next instant.
Zzzeng!
The podao I dodge causes an even more enormous explosion than the previous storm, tearing through the nearby ground.
'What in the world...!'
It doesn't make sense!
Even if all the dispersed Qi Strands were combined together, the power contained in the podao just now was weaker than Sword Energy!
But how did such destructive power emerge?
'It's not just a simple case of using four taels to lift a thousand catties.'
There is something. Something Jang Ik is hiding from us.
I heighten my senses and observe his Qi strands while rotating around Jang Ik.
Suddenly, I notice something familiar about his Qi strands.
'That's...'
Somehow, it reminds me of the moment when Kim Young-hoon used his external Inner Core to grasp the clues of Treading Heavens Beyond the Path.
Kim Young-hoon connected meridians and blood vessels externally, creating an external Inner Core to amplify the attack's power.
"...! That's not just Qi strands."
I ask Jang Ik with a trembling voice.
[Oh, you've noticed already? How did you know?]
"...I've seen something similar before."
[Something similar? Oh....]
"This entire area is essentially 'you'."
That is it.
The Qi strands created by Jang Ik swinging his podao are not just simple Qi strands.
They were meridians and blood vessels made of energy, spiritual veins.
While Kim Young-hoon aimed to enhance his power by connecting external spiritual veins with internal life force, Jang Ik is different.
He breathes life into the external meridians, sucking in the heaven and earth spiritual energy from the outside, drawing in more energy into those Qi strands than his body can absorb.
'I thought it was being sucked in by the rotation, but it wasn't.'
With the rotation, the Qi strands Jang Ik laid down became spiritual veins, breathing and inhaling the surrounding spiritual energy.
I am astounded not just by Jang Ik's technique but by its control.
'To suck in external spiritual energy to strengthen one's attack?'
If it were that easy, everyone would fight that way. Who would bother learning conventional martial arts?
It requires control akin to one's own body.
If the control isn't on par with one's own body, the spiritual energy Jang Ik sucked in from the outside would just scatter again, becoming useless.
Swoosh, swoosh....
While Jang Ik seems to praise me for catching on quickly, he continues to rotate his podaos, expanding the domain of his Qi strands.
Simultaneously, I realize the malevolence emanating from the podaos is intensifying.
'The wider the domain of Qi strands, the stronger Jang Ik's attacks become with infinite potential.'
In a way, it resonates with my Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains.
Stepping into the domain of Qi strands to counter it means facing Jang Ik's freely moving podaos and being constantly harassed by the Qi strands.
'...I'll decide it in one go.'
If we keep dragging on, Jang Ik will become infinitely stronger.
Of course, since Jang Ik is in his avatar form, his body might fail to withstand and explode. However winning that way would be meaningless.
I exchange heart language with Yu Hwa.
We synchronize our intentions, position ourselves on both sides of Jang Ik, and unleash the greatest attacks we can muster.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, ultimate technique, Severing Mountain.
Illusory Player Under the Rosy Afterglow's ultimate technique, Illusory Heaven.
Kugugugu!
Twenty-one techniques unfold at once, striking at the widest gap among Jang Ik's Qi strands. Eight streams of crimson river converge into one, rushing in like a torrent through Jang Ik's Qi strands.
The next moment, Jang Ik smiles and lifts the podaos in his hands.
[Impressive. Should I exert a bit of effort too?]
The name of his profound technique resonates in the world of intent.
Fighting Spirit, First Step.
I can feel it.
The strike Jang Ik is about to use corresponds to the enlightenment of Beyond the Path to Heavens.
In other words, Jang Ik had been fighting us with pure techniques that didn't even reach Beyond the Path to Heavens up to now.
Jang Ik dances on the spot with his rotating podaos, scattering attacks in all directions.
Four Treasures Annihilating Heavens Blade ().
Executing Immortals Annihilating Heavens ().
Slaughtering Immortals Annihilating Heavens ().
"Ah..."
Beautiful.
In my previous life.
The strike that split the Mad Lord's Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress in half.
Now, even closer, Jang Ik is unfolding in detail as if to show and teach me, making its beauty even more palpable.
'Intent is...'
Essentially Qi.
Just as Jang Ik's Qi strands concentrate to show tremendous power, Jang Ik's intent concentrates, descending to the plane of Qi.
His consciousness, having descended to the plane of Qi, becomes one with countless Qi strands, manipulating the energy drawn from the surroundings.
The energy of the podaos, honed to such extreme sharpness, fly towards Yu Hwa and me who are each unfolding our ultimate techniques.
Wizzz!
It's clean.
That is the end.
The ultimate technique of my Severing Mountain Swordsmanship is directly cut through by Jang Ik's Executing Immortals Annihilating Heavens.
Zing!
The ultimate technique unleashed by Yu Hwa is torn to shreds by Jang Ik's Slaughtering Immortals Annihilating Heavens, scattering it apart.
The technique of sheer violent destruction disperses her ultimate technique.
Fwsh!
Before I know it, I realize my body has been cleanly split in half vertically.
'...Tremendous.'
Thanks to Jang Ik's consideration, my Golden Core is not split, allowing me to survive.
However, I feel chills all over my body realizing that in a real battle, not just my Golden Core but even my Nascent Soul would have been split in one strike if I faced Jang Ik's technique.
Kwoooong!
Yu Hwa, having been hit by Jang Ik's technique, is bruised all over and sent flying far away.
I let out a hollow laugh.
It's a perfect defeat.
Jang Ik disperses the energy condensed podaos and crosses his arms.
[So, did you all understand what I'm trying to say?]
"...Yes. It was a valuable lesson."
Only after sparring with Jang Ik do I understand what he is trying to convey.
I also roughly understand why he asked such questions before the spar.
[The method of the Heart Tribe, the Fighting Spirit, is about standing against the strong from the position of the weak!]
Exactly.
From the perspective of the strong, they wouldn't need to bother with such complex manipulations such as the impossible precision and control demonstrated by Jang Ik. A simple punch would suffice.
However, Jang Ik displayed attacks of power several times greater than a Nascent Soul stage with just the energy equivalent of a single Sword Gang.
It's not just about using four taels to lift a thousand catties but using that power to multiply strength, subduing the opponent with lesser force.
Jang Ik, himself, is not strong.
Because he was born into a weaker race, he had to amplify the power of his techniques by complexly manipulating energy to face terrifying races like dragons, humans, and giants.
The supreme technique he created to face those formidable races!
That is precisely his Fighting Spirit.
[As the weak, as slaves, as insignificant beings! To resist against the strong, the masters, the rulers. The intent of striving to prevent the unjust oppression of the weak is precisely my Fighting Spirit!]
Jang Ik's statement that 'everyone has the potential for Manifestation' meant that all beings living in this world could someday find themselves in the position of the weak.
Thus, he wants to teach the weak.
[I'll ask you again.]
I deeply contemplate Jang Ik's question.
[To you, what is Martial Arts?]
***
What is Martial Arts to me?
When I reached Beyond the Path to Heavens, I thought that to me, martial arts meant freedom.
My current Formless Sword is what I believed to be the manifestation of my heart's desire to escape the fate of regression, struggling against the shackles of fate.
But do I live only to escape regression?
'No.'
My life itself is filled with countless graces and gratitude.
Therefore, my life is not just about escaping regression, but also about living each moment fully.
Every single moment.
Every moment a person experiences is irreplaceable and will never return.
This is a truth I realized because I can travel through time.
Time never returns.
Thus, let's live a faithful life.
Then, what is a faithful life?
What is faithful Martial Arts () to me?
What is my faithful life, and what is true Martial Arts?
I realize that with this meager brain of mine, it is impossible to come up with an answer right now.
Pondering here won't help.
'This is a question I must continue to ponder in the future.'
As I regenerate my body that had been sliced vertically, I gradually close my eyes.
Perhaps because I haven't fully recovered to the Nascent Soul stage, just being cut in half makes me lose consciousness and faint.
'I need to regain my cultivation as soon as possible.'
With that, I fall into sleep.
When I open my eyes, familiar faces are in sight.
Yu Hwa, and Gyu-baek.
"You're awake."
"Where is this"
"It's the cave."
She indifferently turns her head, but I can tell from my neatly arranged clothes and wiped sweat that Gyu-baek had taken care of me while I was unconscious.
Even though she's a fragment of Gyu-ryeon, she inherited Gyu-ryeon's good nature.
As I contemplate her character, she says,
"He showed it openly. The Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One."
"...?"
"I saw your duel as well. The enlightenment that the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One gave you, I could understand it from a distance as well. Even with a small force, one can overcome a great force. To learn to face the strong as the weak. Wasn't that the overall message?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"The Esteemed One wanted to say the same to me, it seems."
She is silent for a moment in the cave, then continues.
"...Receiving the Esteemed One's enlightenment made me realize. I was still deluding myself into thinking I was the strong Gyu-ryeon."
Her words continue.
"No, even when I was Gyu-ryeon. More specifically, since the moment I met Seo Hweol, I was no longer the strong one."
Wo-woong!
She extends her hand into the void.
A pale line connected from her pinky finger stretches somewhere into the void.
"I've just been clinging to Seo Hweol all along. Yes, from the day I met Seo Hweol, I was a weakling caught in love. I sat there, deluding myself into thinking I was strong, which is probably why the Esteemed One was reluctant to teach me. Yes"
Drip, drip
Gyu-baek sheds tears.
"I am just a fragment of Gyu-ryeon's broken heart. Merely her remnants. But at the same time... I've deeply inherited her love for Seo Hweol. At the same time, I've inherited her Vast Cold Beautiful Agreement. All this time, I've been shouting with my mouth that I wanted to take revenge on Seo Hweol. But...!"
She covers her face with her hands and cries out.
"At the same time, because I've inherited Gyu-ryeon's heart, I also find myself in love with Seo Hweol! It scares me so much! How I can hate Seo Hweol so much, yet at the same time be in love with him. It's terrifying! What should I do with my heart? Tell me, do you know the answer?"
Gyu-baek asks, grabbing my hand in her outcry.
Yu Hwa exits towards the entrance of the cave, diverting her gaze from us. I hold Gyu-baek's hand while listening to her outcry and ask,
"Isn't there something more important than whether you love or hate Seo Hweol?"
"?"
"What does Seo Hweol think of Senior Gyu-ryeon? Isn't this more important?"
The relationship between people cannot be one-sided.
A relationship forms only when one person's action is reciprocated by the other.
Gyu-baek might think she can throw all kinds of actions towards Seo Hweol, but what really matters is whether Seo Hweol will reciprocate her actions.
"Thinking that Seo Hweol will surely respond to Miss Gyu-baek's actions is the thought of the strong. But as Senior Gyu-ryeon herself confirmed, Seo Hweol has no interest in Senior Gyu-ryeon."
""
"Miss Gyu-baek, you need to accept the fact that you are the weaker party in the relationship with Seo Hweol. Seo Hweol has no interest in you, and Miss Gyu-baek should not worry about how to react to Seo Hweol but whether Seo Hweol will even consider you."
At my words, Gyu-baek's pupils dilate.
"What do you want me to do?"
"Miss Gyu-baek, right now it seems like you're screaming in front of me because you're too afraid to confirm the answer you've already come up with."
I look into Gyu-baek's eyes and speak.
"Please, tell me the answer you've thought of. What answer have you come up with?"
"You're right."
Gyu-baek bites her lip hard.
"I am... Yes. Right now, it's not important whether I love or hate Seo Hweol, but whether Seo Hweol will even consider me. You're right."
Her words continue.
"I have decided. As you said, I'll learn the Heart Path Method. By learning the Heart Path Method, I'll meet Seo Hweol again somehow...! And I will properly confirm Seo Hweol's feelings!"
"That's commendable."
I nod, affirming Gyu-baek's resolve.
From that day on, I began teaching martial arts to Gyu-baek.
"Extend your hand like this."
It's impossible to teach Gyu-baek internal energy methods.
Though she took on a human form, she is a byproduct of Gyu-ryeon, a being born from the life force of the Four-Axis stage Earth Tribe demon.
Her meridians and energy channels are completely different from those of humans.
She only looks human on the outside.
But resembling a human in appearance means that she can learn martial arts that require an outward form.
Under my guidance, Gyu-baek moves her limbs to gather Qi and practices the martial arts I taught her.
The martial art I taught Gyu-baek was named Dragon Form Soaring Claw ().
It's a claw technique modeled on the movement of dragons.
Wo-woong, Bo-oong, Wo-woong!
Under my guidance, Gyu-baek made significant progress in learning the Dragon Form Soaring Claw at a remarkable speed.
"Hmm, it's easy to learn. Isn't the Heart Path Method nothing special?"
"It's thanks to your talent, Miss Gyu-baek."
"Well, that must be it."
Driven by the sole desire to meet Seo Hweol again, she trained in the Dragon Form Soaring Claw like a madwoman.
Of course, there is an obvious reason why she could learn the Dragon Form Soaring Claw so quickly.
'After all, the martial art I created was based on the movements of Gyu-ryeon's true body.'
It isn't just a metaphor. It is a martial art literally created by observing the movements of Gyu-ryeon, who belonged to the Golden Dragon Race.
As such, there can't have been a martial art more suitable for Gyu-baek, a fragment of Gyu-ryeon.
It isn't about teaching her a new martial art but about reproducing her original movements through martial arts.
Besides training her in the most suitable martial art for her,
She truly trained day and night, tirelessly practicing the Dragon Form Soaring Claw.
All for the sole purpose of meeting Seo Hweol again!
Thus, 10 years passed in the lower realm.
Kugugugu!
"Krrrrr!"
"Keeeeeek!"
"Kiiiik!"
In the tranquil forest.
A loud explosion resounds, and a tree falls, scattering the animals nearby as they scream and disperse in all directions.
At the base of that tree.
There stood a woman in a robe is dusting off her hands.
"Congratulations. You've already mastered the Dragon Form Soaring Claw to the point where you can use Claw Gang ()."
She is Gyu-baek.
Gyu-baek, hearing my praise, snorts and flexes her fingers.
Boo-woong!
Golden energy sharply gathers on her fingertips, revealing Claw Gang.
But she shows no sign of happiness.
"It's only now, through rehabilitation training, that I've been able to manifest Pure Spiritual Force again. Even then, I'm far from being able to manifest it without the need for specific techniques."
"Pure Spiritual Force isn't what's important, Miss Gyu-baek."
I exclaim in admiration as I observe the dozens of intents she emits.
"What's important is that you've already reached Three Flowers Gather at the Summit."
Gyu-baek's determination is astonishing.
Even with her optimal affinity for Dragon Form Soaring Claw and my direct teaching, it is unbelievable that she reached Three Flowers Gather at the Summit in such a short period.
'As expected from a fragment of Gyu-ryeon who almost reached the Integration stage.'
Talent, as varied as it appears, ultimately finds a way to connect.
Moreover, Gyu-ryeon is a Yellow Dragon who completed the Four-Axis stage through Heterodox Axis Foundation not by slaughtering lower-level cultivators, but by defeating four cultivators of the same realm to reach Grand Perfection in the Four-Axis stage.
Thus, her experience in actual combat is enormous, and Gyu-baek, inheriting that experience, is adapting to martial arts at a significant pace.
"With this momentum, you might reach Five Energies Converging to the Origin and even Ultimate Pinnacle within a few decades."
"Hmph, flattery is unnecessary. Nothing is more nonsensical than only managing to succeed in rehabilitation training over decades."
Of course, she seems to think of martial arts as just 'rehabilitation training'.
'Anyway, with this rate, maybe we can ascend within the time originally planned.'
Despite being dropped into the lower realm by Seo Hweol,
My objectives for this life still hold.
'Before the True Immortal descends to the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, ascend and steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner.'
Especially since the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect has a time limit, it is crucial to ascend as soon as possible to steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
'I can ascend now if I want to.'
I am wearing Yuan Yu as usual, and I have fully recovered my Nascent Soul stage cultivation.
Additionally, with the power of Taiyin contained in the Black Dragon's True Blood, I am also cultivating the Yin Spirit. I will likely finish the early Nascent Soul stage soon and challenge the middle stage.
'With the strength of my body now, I can withstand the spatial pressure even if my cultivation is below the Heavenly Being stage.'
I already know the orthodox method of ascension.
Just ride a spatial rift in the Astral Realm and fly towards the coordinates of the Bright Cold Realm.
I already know the coordinates of the Bright Cold Realm, so there is no problem.
However...
'I can't simply waste the precious opportunity to receive guidance from the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One.'
I've recently come to understand the deficiencies in martial arts that I hadn't noticed before while receiving guidance from Jang Ik.
Yu Hwa briefly reached the third stage of Manifestation previously.
According to her, she is in the process of maturing her understanding of Last Quarter, and I am rushing towards the edge of Treading Heavens, gradually getting a feel for the realm beyond Treading Heavens.
'If I leisurely cultivate for about 600 years, I think I can reach beyond Treading Heavens.'
But there are tasks to be accomplished in this life, so I can't afford to waste time on such matters.
'It's already the 20th year of regression.'
The True Immortal of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect appears around the 70th to 80th year of regression.
So, I have about 50 years left to cultivate with ease.
'Within 50 years, I will ascend again with Yu Hwa and Gyu-baek.'
This time upon ascending, I intended to give Seo Hweol a proper hit in the face.
'Wait for me, Seo Hweol...!'
And so, time flowed like water, and finally the 70th year of regression arrived.
Chirp chirp chirp!
Gyu-baek, Yu Hwa, Jang Ik, and I arrive at a swamp teeming with monkeys.
This planet doesn't have any particularly civilized intelligent beings.
There are a few demon beasts, but since the planet itself is sparse in spiritual energy, they aren't abundant.
However, not being abundant doesn't mean they are non-existent.
The demon beast we encountered today is of such kind.
"Who dares to disturb the territory of this elder!"
A booming voice in demon beast language resounds as a giant monkey, at the Grand Perfection Qi Building stage, bursts out from within the swamp.
I look at the monkey and signal to Gyu-baek.
Gyu-baek nods and takes a deep breath.
Hooooo
Behind her, nine spheres rise up.
Whiiiiing
Simultaneously, the nine spheres begin to rotate behind her. In an instant, they melt into Gyu-baek's domain of consciousness.
Paaaaat!
Gyu-baek's domain of consciousness begins to transform.
***
For 50 years,
Gyu-baek underwent hellish training ad nauseum.
At first, I guided her by myself. But as time passed, Jang Ik also began to guide her, and her skills started to improve dramatically.
Somehow, she managed to reach the extreme of Ultimate Pinnacle with guidance from both me and Jang Ik.
In the meantime, there was a minor incident where Jang Ik took the secret of Ultimate Pinnacle from me, but anyway, she reached Ultimate Pinnacle and was now on the verge of Beyond the Path to Heavens.
However, she ultimately failed to properly enter Beyond the Path to Heavens.
Boom!
Gyu-baek's Gang Spheres overlap with her consciousness domain, causing it to change.
Gurgling, gurgling...
Gyu-baek's unstable consciousness domain suddenly transforms into something resembling ropes or chains before collapsing.
"What is this? Are you joking?"
The owner of the territory, the monkey demon, frustratedly beats its chest watching Gyu-baek's actions.
Gyu-baek sighs for a moment before bending her fingers.
Crack!
Bright yellow Gang Qi forms at the tip of her fingers.
Shortly after, Gang Qi resembling a yellow dragon surges from Gyu-baek's entire body.
"What, what is this, Pure Spiritual Force? Were you a Qi Building stage demon? But to this body that has reached Core Formation..."
The next moment,
Gyu-baek, accelerating her consciousness with Gang Spheres, charges at the monkey demon like a bolt of lightning and attacks.
She resembles a wild beast.
The Dragon Form Soaring Claw is originally based on the movements of the Dragon Race, a divine lineage among the demon races.
Since the Dragon Form Soaring Claw was created based on Gyu-ryeon's combat style, it naturally includes her inherently wild fighting style when she fought in her true form.
Kugugugu!
Gyu-baek's Dragon Form Soaring Claw grazes the monkey demon.
It attacks like a fierce dragon, but since it is also a martial art, it applies pressure while adjusting its intensity, revealing the subtlety of martial arts and achieving great effects with little effort.
After 50 years, the Dragon Form Soaring Claw performed by her hands has significantly evolved from the original version I had created.
Gyu-baek adapted it to her style and several adjustments were made based on Jang Ik's advice.
Anyway, befitting a fragment of a quasi-Integration stage dragon, Gyu-baek quickly subdues the monkey demon.
"Kuh, keuhuk! Sp, spare me..."
The monkey demon, losing its initial ferocity, begs Gyu-baek for its life.
Gyu-baek finally retracts her Gang Qi and descends from above the monkey demon.
"How about that?"
"You've greatly improved."
To my compliment, Gyu-baek crosses her arms and snorts.
"I've told you many times, it's just rehabilitation."
"Yes, yes."
While watching her, Jang Ik approaches.
[When you charge at an opponent, widen the gap between your feet a bit more. And pay more attention to the synchronization of your intent while using Pure Spiritual Force.]
"Yes."
While Gyu-baek is receiving a lecture from Jang Ik, I approach the monkey demon and hand it a formation flag I had created.
"Look here, fellow Daoist. I heard you're the chief of the monkeys around here."
"That's... true, but?"
"Could you ask the monkeys to plant this formation flag right in the center of the swamp, where the spiritual energy is most abundant?"
The monkey demon, glancing cautiously at Gyu-baek who had beaten it, nods.
"I understand...yes."
"Good, then I'm counting on you. And, just so you know, don't try any funny business."
Kugugugu!
After exerting the pressure of my Nascent Soul spiritual energy on the monkey demon, its complexion turns pale and it nods frantically.
"Yes, how could there be any issues, senior. I will follow your orders without question!"
After entrusting the friendly monkeys with the installation of the formation, I approach Gyu-baek, who is listening to Jang Ik's nagging, and Yu Hwa.
"With today's setup, the last formation is in place. It's really time to prepare."
"Alright, I understand."
"Good."
Together with Jang Ik, we arrive at the wasteland where we first landed.
We reach the location of Gyu-ryeon's corpse.
Wo-woong!
Gyu-ryeon's corpse is as large as a mountain range, still covering the entire wasteland with its enormous size.
Gyu-baek looks at Gyu-ryeon's corpse with a complicated expression.
Even 50 years later, Gyu-ryeon's corpse still boasts its former dignity despite being dried up from being drained of blood.
The golden scales that Gyu-ryeon was proud of have not faded at all, and her claws are still as sharp as if she were alive.
However, her two horns are missing, having been torn off by Seo Hweol.
After staring at Gyu-ryeon's corpse for a while, Gyu-baek bites her lip.
"...So, when will we ascend?"
"The formations will activate simultaneously this evening. That's when we should make our move."
"...Got it."
Gyu-baek seems troubled as she looks at Gyu-ryeon's corpse.
With a complicated look, she disappears somewhere.
[It's time to say goodbye.]
"Yes, I have been greatly indebted to the Esteemed One during this time."
[It's nothing. I actually found it quite entertaining to teach you two amidst my uninteresting tasks.]
Before long, I have reached the extreme of Treading Heavens under Jang Ik's guidance and am starting to grasp the enlightenment beyond.
Yu Hwa, under Jang Ik, successfully reached the Final Moon of Last Quarter that she so desired. Gyu-baek is also gradually looking towards Beyond the Path to Heavens.
[Perhaps, Gyu-baek won't be able to reach the first step of Fighting Spirit.]
Jang Ik clicks his tongue as he looks at the spot where Gyu-baek vanished.
[Her heart essence is still too chaotic, and although she has a strong desire, it has not been integrated into any single concept.]
"...But, didn't the Esteemed One see it? The momentary change in Miss Gyu-baek's consciousness domain."
At my question, Jang Ik shakes his head as if it is absurd.
[That's not Fighting Spirit. It would be more appropriate to call it a consciousness method. No, not a consciousness method, but perhaps a ritual of the Heaven Tribe? Or should it be called a supernatural ability through ancient secret arts?]
Jang Ik continues.
[What Gyu-baek has formed is an obsession with the Vast Cold Beautiful Agreement that is still connected to her. She has not properly refined her heart essence to step into the first step of Fighting Spirit, only showing something similar to the first step of Fighting Spirit because her mind and body have merged into the ancient secret art known as the Vast Cold Beautiful Agreement.]
"...Then, does that mean she can exert Beyond the Path to Heavens in the presence of a target related to the Vast Cold Beautiful Agreement?"
[Ha, a first step of Fighting Spirit that only exerts its effect on a specific target... Such Manifestation isn't nonexistent, but she relies too much on her Vast Cold Beautiful Agreement. The Vast Cold Beautiful Agreement is an ancient secret art that was discarded because its activation condition could not be found, so if she can't activate the Vast Cold Beautiful Agreement, she can't properly activate Manifestation either. It's a useless half-baked Manifestation.]
Jang Ik clicks his tongue, seeming displeased with Gyu-baek.
Gyu-baek found the clue to Beyond the Path to Heavens.
However, the Beyond the Path to Heavens she reached is a peculiar one that heavily depends on her remaining obsession and Vast Cold Beautiful Agreement with Seo Hweol for activation.
If Seo Hweol is not present, it doesn't activate properly,
And even if it does activate, it's incomplete as the activation conditions for the Vast Cold Beautiful Agreement were lost in ancient times.
It's unusable in normal times.
In short, it is something born from Gyu-baek's bizarre obsession with Seo Hweol, difficult even to call Beyond the Path to Heavens.
'But... if Gyu-baek faces Seo Hweol alone and satisfies the conditions for Beyond the Path to Heavens...'
Limited to Seo Hweol, perhaps Gyu-baek's Beyond the Path to Heavens can become a terrifying one that Seo Hweol can never escape.
The unique Beyond the Path to Heavens Gyu-baek obtained, longing for a meeting with Seo Hweol, only affecting Seo Hweol.
That is Gyu-baek's Beyond the Path to Heavens.
'How unique...'
I think it's quite interesting, approaching Gyu-ryeon's corpse to stroke its scales.
"Now that the day of departure is approaching, may I ask the Esteemed One a few questions?"
[Ask away.]
I ask the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One the questions I have been curious about.
"How are the Heart Tribe's realms divided? To what extent can the Heart Tribe grow?"
[There are the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Manifestations corresponding to Core Formation, Nascent Soul, and Heavenly Being respectively. Or as I say, Fighting Spirit 1st, 2nd, and 3rd steps. There are 3 steps beyond this too.]
"3 steps, you say..."
[Yes, the 1st step corresponds to the Four-Axis and Integration stages. The 2nd step to the Star Shattering and Sacred Vessel stages. Finally, the 3rd step corresponds to the Entering Nirvana stage.]
"Are these 3 steps simply the names for the stages beyond the 3rd Manifestation stage?"
[It varies. For someone like Yu Hwa, it's termed as the First, Middle, and Final Moons beyond the current realm. For me, I refer to it as Three Steps Before The Throne ().]
"...You mentioned the 3rd step corresponds to the Entering Nirvana stage. Then, do you not know the stage corresponding to the True Immortal realm?"
[Unfortunately, I do not. I was the one who conceived the concept of these 3 steps. Since it was not a concept I received through teachings from someone else, I am unaware of higher stages.]
"I see... Understood."
He looks at me with his arms crossed.
[Is there anything else you wish to ask?]
"Yes, may I inquire about one more thing?"
[Proceed.]
I take a moment of silence before carefully asking Jang Ik.
"I've heard that except for the Blood Yin Realm, all high-ranking Esteemed Ones in the Middle Realms are currently on an expedition. They are said to be searching for something in the Astral Realm, something to do with the Decaying Corpse Realm."
[That's not incorrect.]
"If it's not too presumptuous, may I ask what it is you are searching for?"
[Well, it's not a big secret, so I'll tell you.]
He speaks lightly as if it's not a significant secret. However, the continuation of Jang Ik's words surprises me.
[Currently, all the Esteemed Ones from across the realms are gathering to enter the place where the remains of the notorious Lightning Immortal, Yang Su-jin, from 120,000 years ago are located.]
"Lightning Immortal... Yang Su-jin's remains?"
[Yes. Some of Yang Su-jin's remains are scattered across the Astral Realm, and some of those drifting in the Astral Realm have transformed into the Decaying Corpse Realm.]
"Decaying Corpse Realm..."
Apparently, the Decaying Corpse Realm is like a Lower Realm created from the fragments of a True Immortal's corpse.
[40,000 years ago... Many cultivators went down to the Head Realm where he was said to have died, trying to find Yang Su-jin's remains. But upon realizing that his remains were not there, numerous high-level cultivators scoured all of the heavens and earth and finally located traces of Yang Su-jin.]
"...Why such obsession with Yang Su-jin's traces?"
[...Yang Su-jin, during his lifetime, took items of enormous value from each Middle Realm... no, borrowed them and did not return them. Those items are of immense importance to each Middle Realm, so they are trying to retrieve them from him.]
It seems he is deliberately not mentioning what those items are.
[Yang Su-jin had inserted the core treasures of the Middle Realms into his immortal treasure, and finding his remains would pave the way to reaching that immortal treasure.]
"Yang Su-jin's immortal treasure... are you referring to that?"
I suddenly think of the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
"Could it be the Heavenly Lightning Banner?"
But Jang Ik just chuckles and shakes his head.
[The Heavenly Lightning Banner is not Yang Su-jin's immortal treasure. While it's true he used it, legend has it that he forcefully took it from a distinguished entity in the True Immortal Realm.]
"..."
[I'm just thinking out loud here, but the being from whom Yang Su-jin stole the immortal treasure must be waiting with tears for the day they can reclaim it. Hahaha...]
It's a story that can't be ignored.
If what he said is true, then the True Immortal that will descend upon the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect soon might be the distinguished entity from the True Immortal Realm with a deep grudge against Yang Su-jin.
'I thought just taking the Heavenly Lightning Banner and plugging it into Hyeon Eum's mouth would solve the problem...'
Perhaps, the moment the True Immortal descends, all factions inheriting Yang Su-jin's legacy might be doomed.
I ask Jang Ik several more questions I am curious about.
Finally, time passes, and a day goes by.
Next to Gyu-ryeon's corpse, I feel the formation I had set up all over the planet begin to activate.
Wo-woong!
Gyu-baek and Yu Hwa gather towards me as well.
The sparse spiritual energy of the entire planet, flowing through the planet's dragon veins, are drawn towards us.
Though originally sparse, the concentration of spiritual energy momentarily becomes even denser than in the mainlands of the Bright Cold Realm once gathered in one place.
Kiiiiing!
I form a seal at the center of the spiritual veins and begin to open a spatial rift.
Kugugugugu!
For 50 years, a formation was created for the sole purpose of ascending to the Bright Cold Realm.
The Return to Bright Cold Realm Formation.
I control the Return to Bright Cold Realm Formation and greet Jang Ik's avatar, who is watching us from the side.
"Thank you for everything during this time."
[Yes, everyone has worked hard. Seo Eun-hyun, there's nothing particular I need to say to you. If you continue to cultivate diligently, you will reach the third step of Fighting Spirit, the third stage of Manifestation.]
Jang Ik looks over at us one by one.
[Yu Hwa, you've reached the last stage of Last Quarter, but your realm is still not stable. Right after ascending, you will be under the control of the Heaven and Earth Tribes at the Flying Immortal Platform, so be on your guard. Even if you're capable in many against one, and Seo Eun-hyun has taught you the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, be cautious in a place bustling with Four-Axis stage cultivators. There will also be an Integration stage Grand Cultivator at the Heaven-Earth Palace Anyway, if you use the method I taught you, even the Grand Cultivator of the Heaven-Earth Palace can't easily mess with you.]
After giving advice to Yu Hwa, he turns his gaze to Gyu-baek.
[Gyu-baek, to be honest, you were the worst of those I've taught. It's not a problem of talent, but rather your state of mind.]
"."
[You always think of yourself as trash, but in some sense, you are indeed Honored Master Gyu-ryeon herself.]
"That can't be."
[Hmph. Contemplating the essence of existence to reach the realm is what the Heart Tribe does. Are you saying you can't believe the words of a Star Shattering Esteemed One from the Heart Tribe?]
"."
[You've always thought of yourself as trash, entangled in love and hatred for that guy Seo Hweol, and your mind is a mess. But]
Jang Ik places his hand on her shoulder and smiles.
[Leaving the Heaven, Earth, and Heart Tribes aside. As a senior, I hope you find happiness.]
Wo-woong!
Jang Ik infuses something into her heart essence.
[Now, off you all go! It was a short but enjoyable meeting!]
Wo-woong!
After activating the Return to Bright Cold Realm Formation, I bow to Jang Ik.
Yu Hwa and Gyu-baek also pay their respects in their own ways.
After paying respects to Jang Ik, I look at Gyu-ryeon's corpse.
Gyu-baek also looks at Gyu-ryeon's corpse.
Gyu-baek claimed herself to be a piece, a shattered fragment of Gyu-ryeon.
Therefore, according to her, the real Gyu-ryeon is dead. The corpse of Gyu-ryeon we see today will be the last image of Gyu-ryeon I will remember in this life.
'Rest in peace, Senior Gyu.'
Thank you for everything.
I also bow in my heart towards Gyu-ryeon.
At the same time, the Return to Bright Cold Realm Formation shines brightly, propelling us beyond space.
Paaat!
Yu Hwa, having reached the stage corresponding to Heavenly Being, begins to ascend. Gyu-baek and I stick close to her, starting to resist the spatial pressure.
Thus, 60 years after being betrayed by Seo Hweol, we begin our ascension to return.
***
Paaat!
With a bright light, we are released into the void under the spatial pressure.
Simultaneously, the Return to Bright Cold Realm Formation shines, syncing with the coordinates of the Bright Cold Realm I had entered into the formation.
We are forcefully launched towards the Bright Cold Realm, with Yu Hwa protecting us from the tremendous spatial pressure.
Kugugugu!
Among the Heavenly Being stage cultivators, those more skilled take on the spatial pressure for others, bringing them along in their ascension.
Such Heavenly Being stage cultivators face even greater pressure than what they are supposed to bear, often causing their faces to distort due to the effort.
This is also true for Yu Hwa, who is ascending with me, a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, and Gyu-baek, who is practically no different from a mortal.
While I support her with life force from behind to prevent her from collapsing during our ascension, Yu Hwa's face is still terribly contorted from the pain and spatial pressure.
Kururung!
Each time her melody, now akin to a Heavenly Tribulation, resonates, a crimson river surges upwards and shakes off the spatial pressure.
[Whenever your energy wanes, let me know. I will take over.]
[I'm still fine.]
Being a Nascent Soul stage cultivator of both the Heaven and Earth Tribes and having achieved Treading Heavens, I am robust enough to withstand more than the average Heavenly Being cultivator, allowing us to take turns.
Clinging to her back, I observe the surrounding scenery.
The beautiful stars of the Astral Realm scatter beneath us, passing by below.
Swallowing my saliva, I wonder, 'If we ascend this time, perhaps the point of regression might become fixed again.'
The criteria for fixing the regression point is inscrutable, no matter how much I think about it.
Crossing dimensions, for instance, did not change the return point when I went to the True Devil Realm.
Then, would ascending fix the point?
'...Let's just go and see.'
Whether the point is fixed or not,
I have done my best in everything I could.
'In my life so far, there's nothing I'm ashamed of....'
Even if it becomes fixed, let's just be grateful and move forward!
After a while, Yu Hwa asks to switch, and we take turns enduring the spatial pressure head-on.
Three days might have passed when, suddenly,
Paaat!
Far away, I feel a familiar flow of spiritual energy.
I breathe vitality into Yu Hwa.
[It's just the beginning. Be alert.]
[Yes.]
Paaat!
Squinting at the rays of light visible from afar, I brace myself for the impact of the dimensional barrier soon to envelop us.
'Formless Sword!'
I raise my Formless Sword upright and plunge into the dimensional barrier. Shortly after,
Flash!
We finally succeed in our ascension, returning to the Bright Cold Realm.
Paaat!
Sssht!
Familiar spiritual energy.
The scarce spiritual energy of the lower realms felt so sparse in comparison to the ocean-like heaven and earth spiritual energy that now envelops my body.
As I look around, a Four-Axis stage cultivator dressed in familiar clothes approaches.
"Welcome, this place is the Flying Immortal Platform of the Heaven-Earth Palace in the Bright Cold Realm. You are... Hm?"
Then, after scanning my cultivation, he looks over Gyu-baek and Yu Hwa behind me.
"...No, one Nascent Soul and one... Qi Building stage... And that one... a slave race?"
His casual mention of Gyu-baek as a slave race momentarily sparks rage in Gyu-baek's eyes.
"What are you? How did you ascend? Are you monsters that live in the void?"
The next moment.
Yu Hwa smiles softly and begins to play her instrument.
Tuwoong
Her performance, though profoundly beautiful to those who listen properly, sounds merely like thunder to those who only sense the phenomenon.
The nearby Four-Axis stage cultivators' faces twist in horror at the sight of the crimson river and the sound of thunder around her.
[A Heart Tribe spy!!!]
[Just kill her first!]
[It's the 3rd stage Manifestation Heart Path Method! Everyone, avoid it!]
The next moment, crimson lightning scatters in all directions.
Screams can be heard not only from the Heavenly Being cultivators but also from the Four-Axis cultivators.
While the attack of Illusory Player Under the Rosy Afterglow is equivalent to a Heavenly Being's power, it doesn't threaten Four-Axis cultivators. However, for those who have to face Heavenly Tribulation with each advancement, facing Yu Hwa now means giving up on their future cultivation unless they are exceedingly confident.
A commanding voice rallies the Four-Axis stage cultivators.
[Everyone, regain your senses! All of you, form a wheel battle formation around that Heart Tribe spy and approach! It doesn't matter if you get hit a few times. Heaven-Earth Palace will provide talismans and elixirs that aid in surviving Heavenly Tribulation!]
Hearing this, the Four-Axis cultivators who have been clumsily avoiding Yu Hwa's attacks regroup and begin preparing their spells.
Not even a Heart Tribe member at the third stage of Manifestation can safely face multiple Four-Axis cultivators.
However.
"Now then."
I grab Yu Hwa's shoulder from behind and swing my arm towards the void.
The Formless Sword, unified with Treading Heavens, severs consciousness in the air.
Not just consciousness but energy, and not just energy but our very life force is momentarily cut in an instant, making us disappear from the Four-Axis stage cultivators' sight as we swiftly ascend to the sky.
"Be careful. The entire Heaven-Earth Palace is surrounded by barriers. That over there is the exit from the Heaven-Earth Palace to the skyway."
Gyu-baek points to a spot where clouds are split into the shape of a pair of wings.
It's the path previously taken by Gyu-ryeon when she carried the newly ascended demon race on her body.
Hearing her words, Yu Hwa and I change direction and safely escape from the barrier of the Heaven-Earth Palace.
With that, we successfully ascended and escaped the Flying Immortal Platform.
"Now, where will you go?"
Yu Hwa transforms into the familiar shape of a crimson river, landing on a nearby mountain range and asks us.
"I will return to the True Dragon Alliance first to check on the movements of Seo Hweol and the situation of my disciple, Baek Nyeong."
"Then, I'll follow and help check on Seo Hweol's movements as well."
Upon hearing Yu Hwa's words, Gyu-baek decides to follow her. I respond.
"As for me, I have some business in the Human Territory side, so I'll be there for a while."
"Go ahead, then."
"Let's meet again later."
After saying goodbye to Gyu-baek and Yu Hwa, I quickly part ways with them.
This is just the beginning.'
Before the True Immortal who intends to take the Heavenly Lightning Banner descends,
I will head to the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect to steal the immortal treasure and head to the Earth Tribe Territory.
Of course, if the True Immortal has a grudge against Yang Su-jin and still decides to curse the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, there's not much I can do. Nonetheless, I decide to do what I can for now.
'It can't be too early or too late.'
If I steal the immortal treasure too early before the True Immortal arrives, it would be inefficient as I'd have to run away with the treasure for too long. If I steal it just before the True Immortal arrives, I might be the only one struck by lightning before I can insert the treasure into the jaws of Seo Hweol or Hyeon Eum.
'I'll steal the treasure just in time to place it in the Earth Tribe Territory, or in the territory of Seo Hweol or the Black Dragon King.'
The reason I didn't immediately steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner while under Seo Hweol was not only because my spirit was becoming exhausted under his scrutiny, but also because of the timing.
Stealing the immortal treasure decades earlier would have meant being chased by the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect for those same decades.
I plan as I fly towards the Human Territory.
'First, I need to go to Thunder Spirit Island to find out everything about the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.'
The location, characteristics, and appearance of the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
Who is guarding it and so on.
'If I know where it is, what it looks like, and how to transport it, the Heavenly Lightning Banner will be fall to my hands.'
It's funny, but my abilities are somewhat focused on thievery.
The Formless Sword can unlock locks without anyone noticing, and the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts allows me to stroll distances unnoticed.
Additionally, by creating a cursed doll with the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation, I can manipulate the cursed doll to confuse those investigating, and the power of Taiyin possessed by the Black Dragon's True Blood makes my presence significantly fainter at night.
'Moreover, the majority of the methods I've mastered are of the Earth attribute.'
Since it's an attribute that's in stark opposition to lightning, there probably won't be anyone from the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect who can stop me.
'Alright, let's go steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner.'
I steel my heart and head towards the Human Territory, to Thunder Spirit Island.
Kurung, Kururung...
Near Thunder Spirit Island, dark clouds constantly flash, and thunder roars from all around.
I use the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts to hide my presence and approach the vicinity of Thunder Spirit Island.
Wo-woong!
Thunder Spirit Island, like other Human Sky Islands, is surrounded by a large barrier to prevent outsiders from entering.
If a human not registered at Temporal Fate Island carelessly crosses the barrier, they will face trouble.
But I, without worry, touch the barrier.
Wo-woong!
It seems as though the barrier wants to resist, but I begin laying down the circuits of the Mad Lord on the barrier.
A very small part of the barrier transforms into one of the Mad Lord's puppets.
"Open."
Click!
I easily open the barrier's door and enter, surveying my surroundings.
'This is Thunder Spirit Island'
Woong, Woong
It isn't a dark feeling.
However, clouds float everywhere with blue or yellow lightning flashing within.
'Let's gather some information first.'
I infiltrate the market on Thunder Spirit Island to gather information about the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
A few days later.
My investigation of the Heavenly Lightning Banner and Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect proves quite fruitful.
The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect established its position by pushing out the previously dominant Supreme Thunder Spirit Sect.
Rumors were widespread throughout Thunder Spirit Island that Jin Byuk-ho of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect killed an elder of the Supreme Thunder Spirit Sect who was at the Four-Axis stage in one strike.
'That elder was probably Yeon Wei. And Yuan Wei, inhabiting the body of her descendant Yeon Jin, should be in the True Devil Realm.'
The Heavenly Lightning Banner, the sacred artifact of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, is kept in a shrine on the highest peak of Thunder Cloud Peak where the sect was established. Normally, only the sect leader can retrieve it.
Of course, the Council of Elders can also retrieve the Heavenly Lightning Banner, but in principle, the Heavenly Lightning Banner is managed by the sect leader.
'The Heavenly Lightning Banner is mainly taken out during sect rituals. Normally, the security around the Heavenly Lightning Banner is tight, but it actually becomes a bit lax after the rituals.''
The shrine where the Heavenly Lightning Banner is sealed is guarded by the highest-ranking disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, taking turns on watch. Their cultivation realms are filled with Nascent Soul stage cultivators, much like the disciples of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect.
'The security won't be a problem.'
If necessary, I can push through and take it by force.
The problem is that the place where the Heavenly Lightning Banner is sealed, Thunder Cloud Peak, is the central peak of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
'If I take the Heavenly Lightning Banner, the Heavenly Being stage elders practicing nearby will be furious and charge at me.'
In fact, that doesn't matter.
After all, I plan to steal it while revealing my horns and scales by activating the Black Dragon's True Blood.
'It's a dragon's doing, after all. If I get caught stealing, the Dragon Race will take the blame, not me.'
My biggest concern right now is Jin Byuk-ho, the current Sect Leader of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and the only Four-Axis stage cultivator.
'Was killing Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage Yeon Wei due to Jin Byuk-ho's individual capability, or was it a stroke of luck because of the Heavenly Lightning Banner?'
If it's the latter, then I can just beat Jin Byuk-ho up and steal it.
However, if it's the former, it complicates matters significantly.
'The best method is to disguise myself as a disciple of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, get close to the shrine, steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner, and then disappear quickly with the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.'
That is the cleanest way.
So, what will be the most efficient way to disguise myself as a disciple?
I begin to investigate the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect as well.
Roaming the territories near the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, I observe the disciples, learning about their behavior, characteristics, and backgrounds.
While I'm digging into the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect for several weeks.
"Hmm!"
During that time, I stiffen upon seeing a familiar face of a man walking affectionately with a woman.
'It's been a while, Jeon Myeong-hoon.'
Since the day we fell to this world and he was kidnapped by the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect,
I see Jeon Myeong-hoon looking the happiest I have ever seen him.
He is walking down the street chatting amicably with a woman, seemingly his lover.
'...So he was like this before meeting the True Immortal.'
The discrepancy is too great.
He looks far too different from himself after the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect fell, with disheveled hair, wearing bright red clothes, and the clear bloodstains on his face.
'...If I can't handle the Heavenly Lightning Banner properly, Jeon Myeong-hoon will eventually become like that.'
Although I don't particularly like Jeon Myeong-hoon myself,
The number of people who will suffer from the descent of the True Immortal isn't small.
That's why I resolved to save not only Jeon Myeong-hoon but the entirety of Thunder Spirit Island.
Let's bring the abomination that is the Heavenly Lightning Banner to someone who can use it better, creating a story where everyone is happy.
And to do that, I begin to observe Jeon Myeong-hoon.
'You seem to be the most suitable.'
I plan to kidnap Jeon Myeong-hoon within the next few days.
'I'll borrow your identity for just a few days, Jeon Myeong-hoon.'