Author's Q&A (4)
Seo Eun-hyun
Q: Could Seo Eun-hyun have awakened as a Heart Tribe member by making soap if he did not have Young-Hoon?
A: By the 67th cycle, he would be making Formless Soap.
Q: Between Seo Eun-hyun now and Yang Su-jin 300 years after transmigration, who is stronger?
A: Yang Su-jins cultivation was higher by his 300th year.
Q: Who holds the most importance in Seo Eun-hyuns heart? Young-Hoon?
A: Hard to answer for sure
The biggest influence is Young-Hoon.
The most special is Hyang-hwa.
The one associated with the warmest memory is Kim Yeon.
The most reliable is Cheongmun Ryeong.
The hardest to forget is the Mad Lord..
A lot of people hold a part in Seo Eun-hyuns heart.
Q: Youve said that Seo Eun-hyun would be a genius if he went to Black Ghost Valley. Is this at the level of surpassing Kang Min-hee?
A: He can surpass her in some ways, but not in some other ways.
Q: Why is Seo Eun-hyun so obsessed with General Seo? I snorted at the part where he talked about cutting Jeon Myeong-hoons arm and attaching the head of General Seo.
A: He himself kinda likes it.
Q: If Eun-hyun answered Bong Myeongs first question about his fate, would he be crying tears of blood later like Yang Su-jins remnant?
A: If he says that at this point, A Regressors Tale of Cultivation would end.
Q: Will we see General Seo combination robot form?
A: Of course.
Kim Young-Hoon
Q: Youve previously stated that Young-Hoon would have a hard time reaching Core Formation and above at cultivation, but does this include demon beast methods using the Inner Core? I thought the second stage of manifestation was based on understanding of the planes?
A: Yes, it is the same with the demon beast methods. The reason is unrelated to the planes, but that is a spoiler.
Q: Young-Hoon misses his family, but does this include his wife? He seemed to have negative opinions about marriage, so I thought he had a bad relationship with his wife
A: It includes his wife. Their relationship is good when its good and bad when its bad, like they are comrades-in-arms.
Q: I thought that since Surpassing Radiant Saber is a martial art that dominates the moment and demon beast methods are about momentary explosion, Young-Hoon would have great compatibility with demon beast methods.
A: Unexpectedly, his compatibility is not that great.
Q: Does Young-Hoon have the greatest talent in the lower world?
A: Yes, at least in terms of martial arts.
Q: Back when Kim Young-Hoon cut off cultivators hands and ran away, did he just go pick fights with them?
A: He challenged them in a duel. Usually, the cultivator gets mad at the bug and attacks to kill. Young-Hoon considers this their first strike, and the fight begins.
Q: Did Kim Young-Hoon create the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts in the 0th cycle as well?
A: He almost made it.
Oh Hye-seo
Q: What does Oh Hye-seos heart essence look like?
A: Right now, it looks like the very very very very very very inferior version of Seo Hweols.
Q: Oh Hye-seo is consistently shown to be a b*tch, is this because the readers kept calling her a heroine, or was that what you planned all along?
A: Thats the fate assigned to her.
Q: Didnt Se Hweol ask Oh Hye-seo about Seo Eun-hyuns past or about Earth?
A: Seo Hweol did, but Oh Hye-seo didnt tell him.
Jeon Myeong-hoon
Q: How did Jeon Myeong-hoon surpass the Seven Stars Ritual in the previous cycles? Watching the recent chapters, I was wondering how he managed to complete it.
A: Jin Byuk-ho and the entire council of elders struggled desperately to somehow get him through it.
Kang Min-hee
Q: Kang Min-hee went on a rampage and metamorphosed into something, is that at Star Shattering Stage?
A: It is at Star Shattering. However, she is a Star Shattering Stage too mad to use her powers properly.
Azure Tiger Saint, Heo Gwak, Jin Byuk-ho
Q: Did Azure Tiger Saint create his cultivation method? Or did he pick it up somewhere?
A: He found it in a cave inside a cliff and improved it.
Q: Does the Cheongmun Clan in the Head Realm have the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method? If not, why didnt Azure Tiger Saint leave it for them?
A: He thought his descendants would not be able to learn it, so did not leave it behind to make sure they did not chase the pie in the sky.
Q: Have the Four-Axis Trio been friends for a long time? Or is their relationship purely professional?
A: They have been friends since they were at the Qi Building Stage. But ever since they became leaders of their sects, their professional and private relationships have been separated, so its nearly completely professional now.
Q: Who is the strongest of the trio?
A: Without items - Azure > Heo >= Jin. With items Jin >= Heo > Azure. Full power of their sect Ghost > Azure > Golden
Mad Lord
Q: Why does the Mad Lord look like an old man?
A: The specifics will be shown at the Mad Lord episode but.. its because his original dream was to age to death with [Her].
Q: When did the Mad Lord destroy the Nether Crossing Ships and blow up Sea Dragon farm?
Q: The Nether Crossing Ship stuff happened before the Sea Dragon farm explosion.
Q: Did Yeons Play activate even when Seo Eun-hyun did not ascend?
A: Yes.
Q: Azure Tiger Saint and the other two of the trio are said to have used Qi Building level attacks during Qi Refining Stage. What was the Mad Lord like during Qi Refining?
A: The Mad Lord at Qi Refining was a hunchback loser who was beaten up by his peers in the family.
Q: Didnt the Mad Lord teach Kim Yeon how to build puppets when she was under his tutelage?
A: He did. But she isnt an engineer, so she isnt as good at it.
Q: Cant Mad Lord be beaten by the ascendants ganging up on him?
A: It might be possible to win if they gang up.
Hong Fan
Q: Hong Fan is best girl. Are you sure hes male?
A: You will see when he gains his human form.
Other Characters.
Q: From looking at Gyu-baek and Yu Hwa, I think you got better at making female characters. Can I look forward to Buk Hyang-hwa and Kim Yeon coming back?
A: Sure.
Q: How far did Hong Su-Ryeong??? and Seo Eun-hyun progress in their relationship?
A: I will leave it to your imagination.
Q: Is Jin So-hae ??? fated to fall in love with Jeon Myeong-hoon?
A: I think there will be an explanation when we get to the second Seo Hweol episode?
Q: Do you have plans for Yuan Li to show up again?
A: You will see him later.
Q: Lustrous Glaze Peacock is a sex obsessed bird, did they make any items for adults?
A: Lustrous Glaze Peacock has a habit of eating items for adults when they see them, so while they look for such items to eat them, they do not make any.
Q: How far can the fox go with its talent?
A: The fox has higher potential than Seo Ran.
Q: The fox called itself the master of the forest. Is this a self assigned title?
A: It is a self assigned title.
Q: The snake at the forest had two heads, are they both the snakes true self? Is it like multiple personalities?
A: Both heads are the true self. Its like Yeon Wei with her Taiji Quaking Lighting Body.
Q: When Buk Hyang-hwa changed from Four-Pattern to Three-Pattern, she saw Mad Lords crazy plan. Was that referring to Yeons Play?
A: Yes.
Enders.
Q: Which Ender can reach the highest if they were given regression?
A: Seo Eun-hyun
Q: Are the final potential of the Enders at a similar level?
A: Other than Seo Eun-hyun, they are mostly similar.
Q: It seems that Enders gift? gets stronger when they realize their fate, but Young-Hoon does not seem very different after realizing his fate. Is this foreshadowing something?
A: There is a surprisingly big difference. However, what Young-hoon got is outwardly not very noticeable.
Q: How many Enders were there? Have they been arriving regularly, or are there only a few? Also, among the Enders so far, has Yang Su-Jin reached the highest? Or are there more?
A: Enders have been arriving regularly. While Yang Su-Jin caused a lot of trouble in a large scope, the strongest Ender so far is a different person. This excludes current and future Enders that may surpass that strongest Ender.
Q: Do we only have information about Kim Yeon and Jeon Myeon-hoons fates?
A: Actually, foreshadowing about the Enders fates have been revealed a very long time ago. You will probably get it when their fates are revealed.
Q: Do you have plans for other Enders to learn martial arts?
A: Yes.
Q: Can other Enders see the message if they get struck by lightning at Shattered Heaven Peak and say Shattered Heaven?
A: Yes. However, they must not be aware of their own fate.
True Immortals
Q: Can True Immortals defy or escape fate?
A: It depends on their level, what kind of fate it is, and who bestowed that fate.
Q: When can we see the proper appearance of a True Immortal?
A: In the later parts of the Middle Realm arc? Probably somewhere there.
Q: What is the minimum stage one can withstand looking at the true body of a True Immortal directly? I think there were Integration Stage cultivators that went to see a True Immortal, so Integration Stage?
A: Integration Stage is the most suitable. Integration Stage cultivators can come back to life from seeing the true body of a True Immortal and barely survive. On the contrary, Star Shattering and above can access even more truth and understanding from looking at the true body of a True Immortal, so from Star Shattering onwards, cultivators are in even more danger of looking at True Immortals.
Q: Master of the Heavenly Lightning Banner did not kill every Integration Stage cultivator that went to question him, so he seems to be somewhat? merciful for a Xianxia cultivator? Is that correct?
A: Master of the Heavenly Lightning Banner did not particularly do anything to the buglike Integration Stage Cultivators. Their survival was just dependent on how much they looked at the master of the Heavenly Lightning Banner?
Q: If Decaying Corpse Realms are made from the corpse of True Immortals, are there dick shaped Decaying Corpse Realms?
A: Um Thinking about it, I think? It is possible?
Stages
Q: Can Yang Spirit and Yin Spirit be progressed just by training Yang energy and Yin energy?
A: Yes. But the reason it took so long for Taiyin (Greater Yin) was because of Seo Eun-hyuns talent.
Q: The Heaven-Earth-Heart Triple Nascent Soul is at Four-Axis level in power, so can Triple Star Shattering beat up a True Immortal??? Is it different for every stage???
A: Triple Star Shattering is not enough to beat up a True Immortal. Perhaps Triple Entering Nirvana could
Q: If you reach the zenith of martial arts, can you fight the Final Boss with just martial arts?
A: Martial arts is the path to somewhere in my world, so it is possible to fight the Final Boss if you reach the extremity of that somewhere.
Q: There are so few Star Shattering stage cultivators given the number of Integration stage cultivators, and given their number, the ratio is weird for there to be Sacred Vessel cultivators at all. Is it hard to reach Star Shattering, but easier to go beyond, or is there a special reason for this?
A: That ratio comes because becoming Star Shattering is so damn hard. There must be a Sacred Vessel cultivator for every Middle Realm, so Entering Nirvana cultivators make sure there is one no matter what. Specifics are spoilers.
Worldbuilding
Q: Cultivators seem to look like they are at different ages and appearances. Can old looking cultivators choose to look younger?
A: Cultivators can freely set their appearance. Everyone looks like what they look like according to their preference.
Q: Was the Heavenly Lightning Banner used often in the lower realm?? Is Zhengli trying to seek revenge because it was used too much?
A: I mean, even if you use it once a year over a 120,000 year period
Q: How effective are human pills?
A: Human pills are not used for their effects, but because it is cost effective to grind up civilians and eat them. There are many pills with better effects, but for cost efficiency, you choose human pills.
Q: Does the Heart Method vary in combat ability based on the Manifestation??? Yu Hwa seemed like she was beyond Nascent Soul, is this because she reached the peak of Treading Heavens?
A: Yes, the power of Heart Tribe varies depending on the user and the condition of the user.
Q: How does the Longevity Fruit extend the lifespan?
A: The Longevity Fruit is technically a type of Earth Tribe Cultivator. It collects spiritual energy over a long time and when its spirituality is maximized over thousands or tens of thousands of years, it gains intelligence and becomes a tree clan cultivator that trains Earth Tribe methods. Like how human pills extend the lifespan, Longevity fruit, which is a not yet an intelligent Earth Tribe cultivator, also extends the lifespan when you eat one.
Q: Does the Earth Tribe have the concept of Understanding before Breakthrough and Understanding after Breakthrough as well?
A: They do. However, Earth Tribe style Understanding before Breakthrough is much more primal than that of Heaven Tribe. Almost the opposite of Heaven Tribe..
Q: Are there no humans that learned demon beast methods designed for humans?
A: There are, but not a lot. Most people would rather import and learn the cool dino methods rather than the human demon beast methods.
Q: Who made the etiquette of the forest? We havent seen demon beasts other than the fox and the snake, are they the top two of the forest?
A: Its just something the demon beasts decided upon a long time ago, and humans were also told to respect the demon beasts when they enter their territory. The fox is the top dog of the area, and the snake is the second place.
Q: I dont know if its influenced by Reincarnated Swordsman, but the limitations of martial arts are too clear. Is there no such thing as a quantitative rather than qualitative improvement in martial arts? Like massively increasing internal energy with a breathing method, increasing the physical ability like Earth Tribe, making Gang Qi flow through the body like Qi Building stage, or other quantitative improvements like modern fantasy martial arts is impossible in this world?
A: I have to admit I am influenced by Reincarnated Swordsman in that matter. Such improvements are not impossible, but martial arts of this world is a bridge that leads to somewhere and to reach that somewhere, qualitative increase must be the focus, so you will not see much quantitative increase in this work.
Q: Also, Decaying Corpse Realms are the corpses of True Immortals, but why is the heaven and earth spiritual energy so weak in them? I was one minute late, but please excuse me.
Q: You were 2 minutes late.. Because they are literally Decaying Corpses. The specifics are spoilers related to the Netherworld.
Q: Most of the depiction is Asian themed, is there a European part of the world?
A: I dont think there will be any European elements in RToC? Maybe a bit if I depict Earth?
Q: Does cultivation take motif from Taoism while martial arts take motif from Buddhism?
A: I have been influenced by Taoism, Buddhism, and Reincarnated Swordsmaster.
Items
Q: Why is Blue Sky Armor part of the Three Great Treasures of the Head Realm?
A: It will be shown later, but it is inferior compared to the Heavenly Lightning Banner and the Nether Crossing Ship. The Blue Sky Armor is very useful, but it is only part of the Three Great Treasures due to its user.
Q: The Nether Crossing Ship is a sacred treasure, but is it not possible to empower it by putting it inside the golden core? Is it physically too big?
A: Its physically too big, yes.
Etc
Q: You should ignore the gender bender fetishists.
A: LMAO To tell the truth, Ive been fascinated by Hells Paradise recently, so you will see a lot of gender bender cultivation methods.
Q: Sex when?
A: Secret.
Q: Reptiles have two dicks. Does Seo Hweol also have two dicks?
A: Uh Ive never thought about that. But Seo Hweol would cut one off even if he had two because its not necessary.
-x-X-x-
"Be cautious of the light."
Surely, it was a story I had also heard from [Him] whose name escapes me.
"[The Light]... what exactly is it?"
"One of the Governing Immortals."
"Governing Immortals?"
"Those who have transcended the limits and boundaries of True Immortals are called Governing Immortals. They are the Supreme Deities and the Heavenly Venerables, and across all Three Thousand Worlds, there are only ten such beings. The Six Supreme Deities and the Four Heavenly Venerables are among them."
Gulguk
I swallow hard.
Just hearing about the six Supreme Deities and the four Heavenly Venerables, my strength drains away.
At the same time, my head begins to feel foggy.
Drip, dripping
Somehow, I feel as if I am floating.
For some reason, I think my body is melting away.
'No, no.'
It isn't.
It isn't a delusion or thought.
My body is, in fact, melting like candle wax in front of Yang Su-jin!
"Snap out of it."
"Heugh, Heuk!"
'What, what's happening to me!?'
I'm on the verge of screaming in terror.
But then,
Ddak!
Yang Su-jin snaps his finger in the darkness.
At the same time, my body returns to its original form.
"It seems even knowing of their existence is too overwhelming for you."
"???"
I can't help but feel baffled, unable to understand.
"Wh, what was that just now?"
"Having accepted the knowledge of beings at the peak of the world, your body at the genetic level tried to disintegrate out of fear. But it's strange.... Even considering they are Governing Immortals, merely knowing of their existence usually doesn't trigger such a severe reaction unless one of the Governing Immortals is observing you..."
Yang Su-jin mutters to himself for a moment, then snaps his fingers again.
Jijik, jijijijik!
Simultaneously, sparks of static electricity begins to erupt all around.
"Aha, I see. The Master of the Netherworld has noticed an Ender has entered their domain. They are descending here."
"Excuse me?"
"Don't worry too much. Because of the pact I made during my lifetime, even the Master of the Netherworld will take some time to enter our place of conversation, despite it being land provided by him.... So, we have plenty of time to talk."
I am speechless, overwhelmed by the sudden flood of information.
'The Master of the Netherworld? Supreme Deity? Heavenly Venerable?'
I am utterly confused.
But, even in the midst of this, I cling to a shred of sanity.
"Is the Master of the Netherworld, whom you mentioned, also a Governing Immortal?"
"Yes. One of the Heavenly Venerables. The 'Owner of Light,' obsessed with monitoring the Enders, is also one of the Supreme Deities. Ah, if you met me through the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, you'd know already, but the original owner of the Heavenly Lightning Banner is also one of the Supreme Deities, the 'Owner of Heavenly Punishment'."
"!"
I'm startled by the information I have suddenly come to know.
'So much information in such a short time...'
I take a breath.
"Then you said that the entity known as the [Owner of Light] searches for Enders under the decree of [The Emperor]. The remnant thoughts of you I saw at Shattered Heaven Peak also mentioned someone is pursuing Enders. Are these entities the same person?"
Even as I speak, I am careful and slow with my words, worrying I might say something wrong.
For a wrong word could make me the target of their observation.
However, Yang Su-jin doesn't stop me, seemingly finding no issue with it.
"They are the same entity. Although I give due respect to the Governing Immortals by referring to them as Supreme Deities and Heavenly Venerables, in reality, that entity is the true Emperor. The rest are merely pretenders..."
"Who is this entity? Who is it that targets Enders?"
I swallow.
Now, the clear truth about the entity targeting us...
"I don't know."
"Excuse me?"
But Yang Su-jin merely clicks his tongue in the darkness.
"It's because I am a divided consciousness, split from the main body before I confronted [that entity] to make a negotiation. The main body perished after meeting that entity, and most of our Ender predecessors faced the same fate upon encountering that entity. I can only guess that it's a being who doesn't particularly welcome us"
""
"However, there is someone who would likely know much about that entity. When you've grown stronger, seek them out."
"Who is that being?"
"The one furiously knocking from outside this space. The Master of the Netherworld the Heavenly Venerable who overseers the afterlife and reincarnation. They are the oldest among all Supreme Deities, Heavenly Venerables, Governing Immortals, and True Immortals, so ask them later."
I ask, not understanding.
"Why must I ask later? Can't I ask now?"
"The Master of the Netherworld is a peculiar being. They eagerly capture Enders when they are weak, intending to lock them away at the bottom of the Netherworld. However, once Enders become as strong as them, they kindly offer cooperation."
""
"If you, in your current state, are caught by them, you'd be sealed at the bottom of the Netherworld for eternity."
I swallow hard.
If that's the case
'Me, my companions, and the Enders all need to be wary not only of [The Light] but also of the 'Master of the Netherworld'?'
"So, the Master of the Netherworld is"
"Let's end this topic for now. While the bottom of the Netherworld might not require worry about the gaze of other Governing Immortals or [that entity], the power and gaze of the Netherworld's Heavenly Venerable becomes even clearer. Just by recalling and mentioning them, you're creating a connection between you and them."
"!"
As soon as I hear that, chills run down my spine and I find myself covering my mouth without realizing it.
"I can guess what you're curious about. However, the Master of the Netherworld does not usually interfere before the Enders enter the realm of the dead. Hence, as long as you're alive and avoid going to the Netherworld, there's no need to worry too much. Of course, the fact that they don't leave the Netherworld is not due to any restrictions but his personal issues, so don't be too relieved."
"Yes. I understand for now."
'The Heavenly Venerable can leave the Netherworld?'
I feel a shiver run through me.
The fear that an unimaginably distant being can do whatever it wants, and I can do nothing about it overwhelms me.
'Let's not be consumed by fear and use the remaining time to learn what must be learned.'
"First, aside from things about Governing Immortals, why did you call me here?"
"Good. It's impressive how quickly you're moving past the fear of Governing Immortals. You have strong mental fortitude."
Yang Su-jin commends me for shifting the question.
"The reason I called you here is firstly to determine whether you are a later generation who inherited my fate or just another Ender."
"Your fate?"
"Yes. The fates bestowed upon Enders are fixed and immutable. When all the Enders of a previous generation disappear because of [that entity], new Enders are born into this world with new fates. Of course, the abilities obtained with the fates differ each time, as the world provides the optimal power to fulfill the fates..."
"Do I have the same fate as you?"
"Hmm"
Yang Su-jin seems to look at me for a moment from within the darkness in response to my question.
"It seems not. You have a completely different fate. But"
'But?'
I wait for Yang Su-jin's next words.
"Judging by the significant pain and despair in your history, your fate is as vile as mine. Kukuk"
"Excuse me?"
My fate is vile?
I'm puzzled when I hear this.
"First I should explain why I established the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect."
Yang Su-jin began his explanation.
"My core method is the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method (), a technique that can only be learned by those who possess the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body or someone with the same fate as me. This technique allows one to draw out the utmost power of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body. Even if one does not possess the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, an Ender who is bestowed with the same fate as me can master this technique and obtain the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body."
"!"
"And you have mastered all the techniques of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, found the hidden formula among them, and came here after mentioning the last of what is famous in our homeland, right?"
"That's correct."
"The method that emerges from combining all methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique (). As you've probably realized from practicing it, it's not really a method. It's a kind of blessing prayer, a sacrificial ritual."
"Why did you create something like this?"
I ask Yang Su-jin.
I remember Hong Su-ryeong's reaction when I told her about the method Yang Su-jin calls Extinguishing Divine Tribulation Heaven Technique.
A kind of ritual that loses the attributes of the Lightning Path Method?
What are you saying... The ultimate form of the techniques created by the founder of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is a ritual that loses the identity of the sect?
Exactly what was the 120,000 years of history for To rush endlessly just to lose its identity
"To reach the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Decree ()."
"The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Decree?"
"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a declaration that guarantees the rights of beings. Though it, I spent my life trying to change my fate, to gain the rights and freedom of 'humans.' Changing my fate was my lifelong wish and deepest desire..."
I can't see through the darkness, but I feel Yang Su-jin clenching his fist.
"Most of us Enders are miserable. However, while there are Enders who are bestowed with 'good fates,' there are also those like you and me who are bestowed with 'vile fates.' Kukuk I wished to exchange my vile fate with the fate of another Ender. The Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method symbolizes 'my current fate.' The Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique symbolizes 'the will to twist my fate.' And finally 'my future after successfully changing my fate' would have been the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Decree. If I had truly succeeded in changing my fate and achieving happiness, then the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Decree would have been born. However"
Yang Su-jin's voice loses its strength.
"As you see, I failed. I tried until right before I confronted [that entity], but in the end, changing fate was nothing but an illusion."
"Then, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect was"
I tremble, vaguely catching on to the existence and meaning of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect from Yang Su-jin's words.
"Was it an 'object of ritual' to change your fate?"
"Yes. Specifically, it was the preparatory material for a ritual to change fate. Ultimately, it was a failed creation."
I can't help but retort at Yang Su-jin's tone.
"To call your descendants a failure Isn't that a bit too harsh? How can you say such things when you've incorporated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into your methods?"
"Hmm?"
However, Yang Su-jin seems puzzled by my words.
"You're speaking strangely."
"Excuse me?"
"What's the problem with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? It's a declaration that guarantees human rights and freedoms."
"Yes, but why"
"Let me ask you. What is a [Human]?"
"Excuse me?"
I ask back, incredulous.
"Dignified and free, endowed with reason"
"Right. You know well. The essence is 'freedom'. Only beings that possess 'freedom' or have the potential to acquire 'freedom' are [Human], and thus have the right to enjoy the privileges of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."
Yang Su-jin shouts, clenching his fist in the darkness.
"Therefore, only we Enders are [Humans], and all other beings in this world, including True Immortals, are [Non-Humans]!"
"Excuse me?"
Stunned by his radical and absurd claim, I'm left speechless, my mouth agape.
***
"What on earth are you talking about?"
I ask, astounded.
'Is this really the thought process of an ordinary person? No, it's not. He is a being who had reached the pinnacle of True Immortals.'
Just reaching the Heavenly Being stage would drive one's corner of the mind to madness.
If it's Yang Su-jin, who had reached the ultimate pinnacle of True Immortals, perhaps his logic and common sense have already become so far removed from that of ordinary humans that the gap can not be bridged.
I quickly gather my thoughts and ask again.
"...Only the Enders are free, are you suggesting that other beings cannot be free?"
"Yes. Everything in this world moves according to the guidance of fate."
Yang Su-jin laughs in the darkness.
"Do you know why the civilization of this world remains stuck in the Middle Ages? Despite having a history of hundreds of thousands of years, why do they always maintain the same way of life, the same civilization?"
Somehow, Yang Su-jin's laughter seems like a sneer.
"Entirely! Entirely because they are slaves to fate. Bound by the curvature of fate and human effort, all beings in this world fail to evolve through eternity, foolishly repeating the same civilization. All beings living in this world seem to think, speak, and feel, but in reality, they do not. Every single one of their actions, words, and emotions are determined by fate. No one has free will!"
"...Then."
I ask, feeling a strong repulsion to Yang Su-jin's extreme ideology.
"What about the Heart Tribe?"
"Heart Tribe?"
"Yes, they are the ones who have refined their minds and heart essences to resist fate. According to your words, beings such as the Heart Tribe shouldn't even exist."
"Heart Tribe, Heart Tribe. Haha, Ahahahaha!"
Just as I mention 'Heart Tribe', Yang Su-jin suddenly bursts into laughter.
"Hehe, Hahahahaha! Hahahahahaha!"
Kugugugu!
The darkness resounds with his laughter.
A laugh filled with madness.
Somehow, this laughter feels very unpleasant and eerie to me.
At the same time, I have a premonition that Yang Su-jin is about to reveal a very unpleasant truth.
"The Heart Tribe are free beings resisting fate? Wrong"
In the darkness, Yang Su-jin stops laughing and continues.
For some reason, Yang Su-jin's voice is very gloomy and grating.
"Rather, the Heart Tribe is the most direct evidence that they are merely slaves and playthings of fate."
For some reason, there is a hint of anger in Yang Su-jin's voice.
Though I can't see his emotions or intent in the darkness, I can immediately tell that he had experienced something related to the Heart Tribe long ago from his voice.
"Do you think the Heart Tribe occurred naturally?"
"The Heaven Tribe and Earth Tribe oppress the weaker races, so they naturally came into being, didn't they?"
"Then why didn't the Heart Tribe arise in the Head Realm?"
"Well, the cultivators of the Head Realm didn't directly enslave a race or"
"That's not true. Even the demon beasts and humans of the Head Realm frequently capture each other to create ranches and breed them."
""
I remember the case of the Sea Dragon Race and close my mouth.
He is right.
In the Head Realm, perhaps there should have been beings from other origins who entered Beyond the Path and resisted, but there weren't.
Why is that?
Yang Su-jin moves his arm in the darkness.
His faint outline can be seen raising a finger.
"Then why didn't the Heart Tribe arise in the Head Realm? Why are there Heavenly Fiends (Heaven Devils) and True Devils (Demon Devils) in the True Devil Realm corresponding to the Heaven and Earth Tribes, but no Devil Race corresponding to the Heart Tribe? Why does the Heart Tribe exist only in the Bright Cold Realm? Why, despite possessing the insane ability to add Heavenly Tribulation when reaching a stage corresponding to the Heavenly Being stage, are they so weak? Why do the Heaven and Earth Tribes despise the Heart Tribe to the point of madness? Why is there not a single dharma treasure or magic artifact made from preserving Heart Tribe members? Why is there no information about the True Immortals that appear when the Heart Tribe reaches its zenith, and why does nobody know?"
"."
Literally, there are too many questions.
Yang Su-jin's explanation continues.
"It's simple. The Heart Tribe, originally, does not exist."
"!"
"Before the Enders appear, they suddenly emerge in large numbers, and once all the Enders are annihilated, they too will perish and decline, disappearing into history."
"!!!"
Yang Su-jin folds his extended finger as he speaks.
I can't help but be astonished by the information Yang Su-jin shares.
'What on earth!'
"Do you understand? The Heart Tribe is nothing more than another form of slaves to fate, fatefully emerging as the Enders set foot into this world. The Heart Tribe indeed proves that the beings of this world do not possess free will."
I remain silent for a while.
The truth is too shocking to accept.
'What in the world'
Then what about Jang Ik, Yu Hwa, and the countless members of the Heart Tribe?
I ask with a trembling voice.
"Then, why do we have free will? Aren't we the ones with a predetermined fate, the ones who follow it?"
"We come from a world where fate does not exist."
Yang Su-jin says as if it is obvious.
"We are beings from a world where neither fate, gods, nor miracles exist. Any fate imposed on us is ultimately something forced by others We will one day surely become beings who are truly free."
""
I can't sympathize with Yang Su-jin's extreme ideology.
However, somehow, Yang Su-jin's voice carries a sense that he too wishes to be free from fate.
'If we are beings who can become free, doesn't that mean Yang Su-jin hasn't achieved freedom yet?'
Yet, I do not voice this thought out loud.
"Well, have you asked everything you're curious about? It's almost time for the Master of the Netherworld to shatter the barriers here, so I should pass on what I need to pass on to you."
"There's still a mountain of questions I have"
"Well, you'll come to know what you're curious about in time. What I'm about to pass on now is more important."
"What do you intend to pass on?"
"Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens."
In the darkness, he extends his hand toward me.
"Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens is the 'will to defy fate' itself. It is ultimately a ritual to defy fate. Although I could not change my fate as an Ender..."
His tone seems somewhat bitter.
"There's a way to overcome the fates imposed by other True Immortals through the ritual. Of course, it's not perfectly effective"
Crack!
Yang Su-jin's hand grips my head.
Simultaneously, I feel a tremendous torrent of knowledge swirling in my mind.
"!!!"
The rites for conducting the ritual of the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens flows into my mind.
"Even if you have questions at this moment, even if I can't give you answers at this moment through the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique, I have bestowed upon you the power to seek answers. Someday, you will come to know everything you are curious about. The Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique will guide you to that end."
Through the power of attribute-less lightning, the ritual slightly twists fate, improving the odds of winning, even if by a little, in overwhelmingly unfair battles against powerful beings.
That is the ritual of the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique.
The formulas for the 9,500 methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are all converted into 'ritual rites' by Yang Su-jin and flow into my mind.
Countless rites and phrases anchored in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are engraved in my spirit.
I clench my teeth and hold my sanity intact as I receive the ritual rites.
"Our time is nearly up."
Kugugugugu!
In the space of darkness.
A somewhat eerie aura swirls about.
Cold.
No, it is beyond just being cold.
This is
'Socoldsocoldsocoldsocoldsocolddyingdyingdyingdeathdeathdeathdeathdeathdeathdeath.'
A deep and vast being is watching me from across the darkness, but Yang Su-jin pats my shoulder.
"Since you've kindly provided this space, why not let me and my junior have a comfortable conversation instead of being so hasty?"
Yang Su-jin speaks toward the darkness on the other side, his tone laced with a hint of mockery.
"Kuhuhu Do you so desire to possess an Ender? Even you cannot obtain an Ender by following the flow of fate. Fate oppresses us, but at the same time, it protects us. You should know this better than anyone."
Wo-woong-wo-woong
A strange wailing comes from the darkness.
Mixed in this wailing are bizarre knowledge and truths, giving the intuition that one can gain endless knowledge and wisdom if one listens closely.
'I want to listen more.'
If I focus on the wisdom within that sound, perhaps I can obtain something comparable to the Ghostly Yin Transformation Immortal Root.
"Use the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique.
Crackle!
"!"
As Yang Su-jin's hand touches my back, suddenly, the attribute-less spiritual power within me moves.
At the same time, I feel the desire to concentrate on that wailing sound completely disappear.
"Even if this space is provided by the Master of the Netherworld, this place is where my main body, in its prime, directly negotiated and formed a pact with the Netherworld's Heavenly Venerable. Even for the Netherworld's Heavenly Venerable, entering here takes time."
Kugugugugu!
However, contrary to Yang Su-jin's bold statement, the wailing sound from afar seems to grow louder.
"Now, in about 30 seconds, that being will arrive. Let's start sending you back."
In the darkness, I see Yang Su-jin's form gradually dissipating.
"The body is dispersing!"
"Yes, I was merely sealing my thoughts in this space under the courtesy of the Master of the Netherworld Now that the seal is undone, I am simply dispersing."
Yang Su-jin continues speaking as he disperses like soap bubbles.
"My role is complete. Enders cannot leave leftovers, but I have managed to leave behind fragments after death by borrowing the power of the Netherworld. What a grand feat this is. Later generation do not succumb to fate. Proclaim to the heavens that we Enders are the true [humans]!"
Watching Yang Su-jin disperse, I feel a complex mix of emotions.
His ideology is too extreme, uncomfortable for listeners.
Yet, seeing him from my hometown succumb and vanish before an unidentified entity makes my heart heavy.
"Well I am now leaving. Later generation, the messages left behind by Enders for later generations are not only from me, so continue to search. The most universally accessible message for an Ender is"
Swoosh!
He extends his hand, and I feel myself pushed backwards.
Falling toward a warm, light-filled place, I focus on Yang Su-jin's words.
"Seek lovers whose names involve cause and connection. Blessing their union, you may encounter the remnant of the strongest Ender"
"!!"
"Love of Virtue's leftovers have taken a keen interest in them after gaining strength, meet with Blood Yin"
Tsssssss!
Enveloped in bright light, I exit the space of darkness.
The last thing I see is Yang Su-jin's thoughts dispersing in the darkness, and a vast, deep entity quietly observing me.
Ziiing
Yang Su-jin's words echo in my mind.
We all eventually have to go to the Netherworld. If you find yourself there, never look back and enter the straight, narrow path as quickly as possible. That will be the only way you can move on.
With that, I open my eyes.
"Heok!"
Far off, Thunder Cloud Peak buzzes with a festive atmosphere.
It must be because Jeon Myeong-hoon has reached the 7th Star of Qi Refining.
I can feel that my cultivation has reached the mid stage of Nascent Soul
The cool night air and the familiar moon of the Bright Cold Realm hangs high above my head.
"Huff, hah."
Cold sweat flows spontaneously.
'I've returned'
"I'm alive."
The last entity I saw, vast and profound.
Having seen that entity made me profoundly grateful for being 'alive.'
First, I should go back to my cave residence?"
Thump!
I try to rise but fall forward, collapsing.
"Uh?"
I momentarily panic, but I soon realize.
'My body is drained of strength. And it's drenched.'
My body is soaked in cold sweat.
My skin is pale, my heart racing unnaturally.
'Is it because I went to the Netherworld? No it's because I saw that vast, profound entity.'
Realizing this, I understand what Yang Su-jin has done for me.
'He kept protecting me'
Just having directly faced the Owner of Heavenly Punishment, a curse followed me beyond regression. It's anticipated that the Heavenly Venerable of the Netherworld, presumably of a higher rank, has directly observed me.
Yet, the worst that happened is just my inability to move, surely because Yang Su-jin had protected me from that being's gaze for a while.
'Still, I can't just lie here'
I struggle with all my strength, wriggling my whole body. After a lot of effort, I am barely able to move.
I move my weary body to my cave residence and collapse onto the bed I made there, passing out.
After reaching Qi Building, I hardly needed sleep. But the exhaustion from my time in the Netherworld, even under Yang Su-jin's protection, brought me overwhelming tiredness.
The next day.
Blink
"Ah."
What I see upon waking is Jin Byuk-ho.
With a stern face, Jin Byuk-ho speaks to me.
"Show me your wrist."
"..."
Translator Notes: I like how the words Heaven and Tribulation are switched between the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method and Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique. It adds a bit more of a symbolic meaning of reversing ones fate by reversing the tribulation given by the heavens.
***
'You want my wrist?'
I immediately understand what Jin Byuk-ho wants from me.
'After reaching the Heavenly Being stage, he should be able to see right through me. Asking for my hand must be because'
Even for him, it's something unbelievable.
I obediently extend my wrist.
He slowly grabs my wrist then, like a doctor, he reads my pulse.
Woong!
Jin Byuk-ho's consciousness starts from my blood vessels and quickly sweeps through my entire body once.
"You."
Jin Byuk-ho calls out to me with a somewhat heavy voice.
There's a troubled look in his eyes.
"...I've heard from the Grand Elders. That you began to learn all the methods of the sect.... Yes. So, I thought, maybe after studying the methods for about a thousand years, you would discover the hidden formula and the concealed technique. But."
There's a mix of disbelief in Jin Byuk-ho's troubled look.
"To master all the methods in just 10 years and to reproduce a technique that has only been passed down as legend... I don't know whether to praise you for it or to scold you for carelessly discarding the overall Lightning Path Method and the Lightning Sacred Body you had developed."
"."
I remain outwardly calm.
But the words Jin Byuk-ho spits out stirs a significant turmoil in my heart.
And then, Jin Byuk-ho continues speaking with a sigh.
"I don't know if Jin Hwi told you, but the real name of the technique that appears when you learn all the methods is the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique. It is said to be the greatest enlightenment the founder wanted to leave in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, passed down through generations of sect leaders."
"Is that so?"
"There are two main characteristics of the technique. First, once you start learning it, all the Lightning Path Methods you have been practicing turn transparent and change into attribute-less spiritual power, losing all the benefits you've been enjoying from the Lightning Path Method. Second"
With a slightly stunned expression, Jin Byuk-ho says.
"The original spiritual roots disappear, and the body becomes that of a mortal, losing the ability to cultivate further. In other words, the innate talent you were born with vanishes. Simply put you are no longer capable of cultivation and can no longer pursue the path of immortality."
"."
"If you had reached the Heavenly Being stage there might have been a way."
Indeed, upon introspection, I can't feel the Five Elements Spiritual Roots I had formed through the Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
There is spiritual power in my body, but it feels like my flesh has lost the ability to absorb it.
Since I can no longer refine spiritual energy into spiritual power, I won't be able to recover spiritual power if I use any spells in the future.
However, Jin Byuk-ho does not seem too concerned about the loss of spiritual roots.
"Don't worry about the spiritual root itself. If we can find you a Red Spirit Ginseng that grants you the Red Spirit Tree Body or other special elixirs that can grant you a new spiritual root, it's not too big of a problem. But what truly matters is... you've lost your Lightning Sacred Body."
I observe Jin Byuk-ho's intent.
Externally he seems calm, but internally, he feels like he is about to explode.
'No wonder. Just when the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body had barely overcome its crisis, another one suddenly almost became a mortal, losing his talent.'
It wouldn't have been surprising if he suddenly grabbed me by the collar, wondering what had happened.
Considering his explosive temperament, he must be holding back with all his might.
"With the loss of the Lightning Sacred Body... can you remain in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect?"
He asks me.
Instead of answering his question, I ask another.
"Before that, the Supreme Sect Master mentioned he knew the formula for 'Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens.' Do you know how to use this Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique, what it is used for, and so on?"
"I have a rough idea. Extinguishing Divine Heaven Tribulation is not meant for cultivation but as a ritual rite, used in conjunction with various 'rituals.' I know it's a technique that maximizes the effect of said 'rituals.' Of course, the founder's intention behind leaving such a technique has not been transmitted"
It seems Jin Byuk-ho only heard about the existence of Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique and roughly what kind of technique it is.
It might have been transmitted that way originally, or perhaps it was well transmitted at first, but over time, what was passed down faded away.
"Is there any sect regulation related to Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens?"
"Hmm, I heard there used to be some, but by my generation, most of those regulations were no longer passed down."
"Is that so."
I slightly furrow my brow.
In the case of a technique like Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens, which was directly left by Yang Su-jin, even a slight misstep can lead to great danger.
Regulations for such methods are crucial.
After all, merely by continuing to practice this technique, I might attract the attention of some powerful beings.
'I need to find out about these regulations.'
Since Jin Byuk-ho is unaware, I have no other choice.
He asks me about my current physical condition and my plans for the future.
"If you have practiced the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique, there's nothing you can do with the original Lightning Path Methods of the sect anymore. Since it has transformed into an attribute-less method, trying to use the original intricacies of the Lightning Path Method as before will be futile since the intricacies operated through attribute-less spiritual power will not function properly... Even if you try to learn a new Lightning Path Method, it will be absorbed by the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique
"Could it be... that I can no longer learn the Lightning Path Method, and hence I'll be expelled from the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect?"
"What?"
At my question, Jin Byuk-ho clicks his tongue and says.
"That's nonsense! Even if all your talent and Five Elements Spiritual Roots have vanished, you are still a mid Nascent Soul stage elder. Having condensed a Nascent Soul, you are one of the respected seniors even in the Bright Cold Realm. We can not afford to abandon such strength... Moreover, Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens is also a legacy left by our founder. You still have a duty to remain to steadily practice it and research what significance its intricacies hold."
'Is that so.'
I smile slightly.
After all, Jin Byuk-ho's words are quite true.
"You asked if it matters if I lose the Lightning Sacred Body, right? Yes, it does not matter."
"!"
"As long as the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect continues to accept me, I will remain a disciple here."
"That's good... Thank you."
He pats my shoulder.
'Anyway, even if I can't learn the Lightning Path Methods anymore, there are things I must do.'
After all, I need to steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
That is also one of the goals of this life.
But whether Jin Byuk-ho knows of my malicious intent,
He pats my shoulder with a proud expression.
Startled, I flinch and wonder if he is scheming something, but fortunately, that does not seem to be the case.
"Though you've lost your spiritual root and Lightning Path Methods, you are still a talent of the sect. I will send you special elixirs later to supplement the spiritual root. Furthermore Though it is regrettable, you are still a great disciple who has mastered all the methods of the sect. I look forward to your future."
"Yes."
After encouraging me for a while, he leaves my cave residence.
After he leaves, I close my eyes and introspect my body.
The attribute-less transparent spiritual power flows within me.
At the same time...
"...Finally."
I smile, realizing that the curse of lightning transformation, which had been gradually consuming my body, has finally disappeared.
"I've been liberated."
The curse that followed me for 500 years, even after dying twice, is finally lifted as the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens transforms the lightning in my body into an attribute-less state.
Despite the significant events that have occurred, the fact that the curse is lifted means that I have achieved one of the major goals of this life.
'Of course, I haven't yet achieved the goals of reaching the Heavenly Being stage and stealing the Heavenly Lightning Banner.'
I take a deep breath.
Wo-woong!
With my breath, heaven and earth spiritual energy enters me.
I operate the Dragon Vein Qi Method, quickly beginning the complete transformation of the Five Energies Converging to the Origin once again.
Crackling...
There is hardly any change with the transformation.
Just loosening up the body?
However, I can feel the Five Elements Spiritual Roots being regenerated in my body as the spiritual energy of the Five Energies Converging to the Origin enters.
"Huuuuh."
Feeling the restored Five Elements Spiritual Roots, I absorb the heaven and earth spiritual energy with the newly formed roots.
The depleted spiritual power rapidly replenishes, and I quickly recover to my peak condition.
'I have reached the mid Nascent Soul stage.'
Having succeeded in creating a Yang Spirit, all I need to do is gather Yang energy to lead the Yang Spirit to the peak and gain the momentum to advance to the late Nascent Soul stage.
From then on, it will be much easier.
'Well, then, let's reorganize everything I need to do and what I've gained.'
What I have gained is precious information and a technique to resist fate, Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens.
What I have to do is rise to the Heavenly Being stage and steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
But with the acquisition of Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens, another task has arisen.
'The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect has not properly passed down the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens technique.'
It doesn't feel like they properly understand it.
So, what should be done?
'I should find someone knowledgeable about the inheritance.'
I rise from my bed.
Perhaps due to the effects of visiting the bottom of the Netherworld, my body lacks vitality, and my whole body creaks like that of an old man about to die.
But after sleeping, it seems I can still move.
I head to the entrance of my cave residence and shout in demon beast language.
"Hong... Fan...!"
Wo-woong!
The vibration of spiritual energy echoes in all directions.
After a while.
Kugugugu!
A giant centipede, each segment now larger than a house, flies through the air towards me.
Hong Fan, boasting a black carapace, pushes its face towards me.
"What brings you to summon me, Master?"
"Bring me the list of new disciples from the Bright Cold Realm who have recently joined the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect in the last 10 years."
"Yes."
Swoosh!
Hong Fan flies away without a word and returns to me after a while.
In Hong Fan's forelegs are a few scrolls, small compared to its size, held tightly.
"Here is the list of new disciples."
"Right, thank you. Now, let's see..."
I spread out the scroll and quickly read through the names on the list.
After a while, I am able to find the name I am looking for.
'Here it is. A disciple who joined eight years ago recently became a Green Lightning disciple due to their rapid cultivation speed attracting the elders' attention....'
I point to a name on the list and instruct.
"Hong Fan, bring this person to my cave residence."
"Yes, Master."
Hong Fan immediately flies off again at my command.
'I should ask her.'
Shortly after, Hong Fan flies back from afar, carrying an early Qi Building stage disciple in its mouth.
Whish, bang!
"Aaaack! Throw me gently!"
Thrown by Hong Fan, the disciple rolls on the ground. Clutching their head, they glare at Hong Fan with a sullen look.
Of course, since Hong Fan is at the early Core Formation Stage and silently stares back, the disciple ends up shutting their mouth.
The person glances at Hong Fan for a moment. Upon seeing me, they appear surprised and quickly show respect.
"Ah, ah... Green Lightning disciple of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Yeon Jin (Abyssal Quake). I greet the Purple Lightning Elder."
A familiar appearance with mixed black and white hair.
A cultivator looking somewhat young, dressed in a golden robe.
It's my old friend, Yeon Jin.
"Sit down."
I call him inside my cave residence and have him sit down, then slowly move to prepare spiritual tea.
After brewing the tea leaves infused with spiritual energy and pouring him a cup, Yeon Jin has an expression of gratitude.
"Don't feel burdened."
"Thank you, Elder!"
"Ah, don't taste it just yet."
I warn Yeon Jin, in case he drinks it first.
"This Thunder Leaf Tea is very popular among the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. It's a tea also enjoyed by the elders... just one sip can enhance the Lightning Path Method's spiritual power. It's a precious spiritual tea that can give even mid Nascent Soul stage cultivators the equivalent of spiritual power to one or two months of cultivation. For a Qi Building cultivator like you, it will probably increase your spiritual power a couple times more."
"To offer me such a precious thing..."
"If I am to treat a precious guest, I must prepare something valuable."
"I am unworthy, just a mere Green Lightning disciple..."
Woong!
I activate a strand of spiritual power, triggering the formations I have pre-arranged around my cave residence.
Tsstsstsst!
A barrier forms inside the cave residence, completely isolating us from the outside.
"Now, please come out, senior."
"Eh...?"
"As a junior, I wasn't sure what you'd like. Hence, I prepared a modest Thunder Leaf Tea, hoping it suits your taste."
Yeon Jin, seeing me suddenly using honorifics, wears a puzzled expression. However, his every intent is transparent to me.
The overwhelming majority of 'How could this be?' dominates his mind!
And then.
Wo-woong!
Something seems to rise from within Yeon Jin and his hair changes.
Creak, creak...
Yeon Jin, who is a boy.
His Yin and Yang reverses, and Yeon Jin transforms into a girl, giving off a completely different aura than just moments ago.
"Hmm..."
Yeon Jin crosses her arms and looks at me.
'No, it's not Yeon Jin.'
She scrutinizes me.
"How did you know?"
I am now facing Yeon Jin's ancestor.
'Yeon Wei.'
"A junior should have some skills, shouldn't they?"
***
For a moment, our gazes clash.
The next moment.
Zzzzzap!
It seems as if lightning sparks in the air, and our consciousness clashes between us.
"Suddenly attacking a junior with your consciousness... That's frightening."
"Hmph... A youngster daring to directly block a consciousness attack of a peak Four-Axis stage and still pretending to be so delicate..."
I resist the sudden consciousness attack from Yeon Wei with a faint smile.
To put it coldly, her being only left with her consciousness means she is something I can now easily suppress at my level.
Thanks to Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens, the attributes of the Lightning Path Method have all disappeared. However, it only became attribute-less, and the other powers are unaffected.
She seems to have noticed this through the surprise attack just now and does not act recklessly anymore, sitting down demurely and sipping her tea.
"So. Why and how did such a fragile junior like you find and summon me, a traitor of the sect, without even informing your Supreme Sect Master Jin Byuk-ho?"
Until now, I haven't properly conversed with her or asked her anything due to focusing on finding a way to lift the curse of lightning transformation and observing Jeon Myeong-hoon.
But now that the primary task has been resolved, I feel at liberty to ask.
"I have some questions and sought to inquire. Rest assured, I shall keep absolute silence to the Supreme Sect Master."
"Can you guarantee the safety of Yeon Jin and myself?"
"Indeed. I swear upon my Nascent Soul that I will keep your identities secret."
Yeon Wei seems slightly skeptical at my earnest response, but she has no choice in her current situation.
I slowly start asking my questions.
"Firstly, I heard that while you held the position of a sect leader of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, you never rose above that rank. However, you were said to have had deep connections with those who had. Might you know anything about the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique?"
Her reaction comes immediately.
"...What?"
Yeon Wei's pupils constrict.
"What are you talking about? Why are you asking about that ridiculous legend?"
'She knows.'
With a triumphant smile, I continue.
"You are aware, then. To share my achievements with you, Senior... I have successfully acquired the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique. As a result..."
I release colorless spiritual power while speaking.
"Like this, I have lost all the powers of the Lightning Path Method."
"!"
Yeon Wei's pupils shake wildly.
"You, you've actually mastered it?"
"Yes. What I am curious about is whether in your generation, there were legends regarding or a proper transmission of the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique. How was it passed down 40,000 years ago?"
For a moment, she looks at me dumbfounded.
Her intent seems to be filled with the question, 'Could it really be possible?'
"...To think mastering it was possible... Well, assuming it is... Hmm..."
She seems flustered and unable to continue for a moment.
After regaining her composure, she nods.
"Well, fine. In my generation, there was indeed an inheritance regarding the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique. There were also internal regulations regarding it within the sect."
"...! Please, enlighten this junior about the inheritance and internal regulations."
Yeon Wei looks at me with an incomprehensible gaze for a moment and then begin to explain
"...Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens is fundamentally a technique that defies the heavens. In other words, it's a miraculous ability that threatens the heavens."
'So that's why it's called Tribulating Heaven'
"According to what was passed down, Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens is said to possess the power to overcome crises when the sect is in dire straits. I don't know the details, but the method to fully master Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens is quite unique and still vivid in my memory."
"How does one fully master it?"
The words that follow give me a feeling of great irony.
"In the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, there's something called the Ancestral Command. To put it frankly, the sect master executes the orders on behalf of the founding ancestor through the Ancestral Command. Anything ordained by the Ancestral Command must be absolutely obeyed, and the Ancestral Command itself is transmitted as something very sacred and is thus rarely used. It's mainly used when the sect is in a state of emergency or when expelling a traitor who has committed a capital crime against the sect."
A bitter smile forms on Yeon Wei's lips.
"I was expelled through the Ancestral Command. A disciple expelled through the Ancestral Command cannot be reinstated, and this is absolute. From what I know, achieving greatness in Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens requires being expelled by such an Ancestral Command."
"...??"
"Being expelled by the Ancestral Command as a disciple of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect completes a certain ritual of the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens, allowing one who has mastered it to use its powers freely.
"...I see."
Listening to her explanation and recalling the truths Yang Su-jin had told me, I can uncover the bitter truth about the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
From the beginning, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect was nothing but a long-term plan for Yang Su-jin.
'First, master the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method. Then, nullify one's own power through the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique. Create a sect, become the founder, and finally expel oneself, thereby nullifying one's fate and obtaining the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Decree to acquire a different fate.'
A sect that exists solely for the secret art of a single Ender.
That is the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
"That's roughly the information I received about Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens. In addition, there are four internal rules regarding the technique within the sect."
The internal regulations regarding Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens she mentions are as follows:
First, one who has mastered Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens must never disclose the technique to the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
Second, one must not hold the Heavenly Lightning Banner when using Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens
Third, be cautious about openly using Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens in front of high-ranking entities, as it may provoke their wrath.
Fourth, Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens is not an auspicious ritual but one that invites calamity, so be mindful.
These are the internal rules regarding Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens as transmitted within the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
'The matter regarding the Heavenly Lightning Banner I can understand.'
If the Owner of Heavenly Punishment learns about the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique through the Heavenly Lightning Banner, it could be troublesome.
The third rule makes sense as well.
From Yang Su-jin's perspective, 'high-ranking entities' would mean those at the True Immortal level and above. Using such a technique in front of a True Immortal could indeed provoke them.
However, the last rule.
The idea that Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens invites calamity is confusing.
'What does it mean by a ritual that invites calamity? Is it meant to be taken literally?'
I ponder over the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique.
It seems that using Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens inherently comes with backlash. Perhaps that is what it means.
'It's likely a warning about the repercussions of using Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens.'
I organize the information in my head.
"...Thank you for the information."
"Well, I have to answer if a sect junior asks."
"Haha. There are a few more things I'd like to ask, if I may."
"What is it?"
"It's about the Heavenly Lightning Banner."
When I mention the Heavenly Lightning Banner, Yeon Wei's expression darkens.
"The Heavenly Lightning Banner, by all means, is not some sacred object."
"Yes, I am aware."
"It should be called a malicious object, an inauspicious thing, and continuing to worship it will surely... Huh?"
She blinks in surprise when I readily acknowledge the ominous nature of the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
"I am well aware of the malevolence of the Heavenly Lightning Banner. Therefore... I plan to steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner unnoticed and seal it back in the Head Realm."
"!"
At my words, Yeon Wei's expression brightens.
"Good! That's exactly it! Hahaha, a malicious object of the sect rightfully belongs where it should be sealed! She rightly deserves to be sealed!"
"Hmm?"
I ask, noticing she seems to be very familiar with the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
"It seems you know quite a bit about the Heavenly Lightning Banner?"
"Of course, I know. Back in my days, there was a ritual held every year to summon the spirit within the Heavenly Lightning Banner and transmit its voice to the sect."
She smirks as she speaks.
"Such a pretty talker it was. Really, the moment she was summoned, she would incessantly spew vile curses and slander about the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and the founding ancestor without taking a breath.... If that's what the Heavenly Lightning Banner is, how could it not be called a malicious object? And how could anyone dare to worship such a thing as a sacred artifact?"
"...So, there was an incident like that"
I nod.
"Anyway, that's why one of my goals is to steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner someday and seal it in the Head Realm. Would you be able to help me with that in the future?"
"Well... even if I wanted to help, I'm currently clinging to Yeon Jin's body, barely keeping alive. So it seems difficult."
"There's no need for you to help directly."
After all, what I need is something else.
"Since it must be sealed in the Head Realm, please tell me how to descend to the Head Realm."
It's about how exactly we can return to that place we had ascended from.
She speaks as if it is nothing.
"It's easy to go to that world we ascended from. You just need to reach the Heavenly Being stage."
"Excuse me?"
"When you reach the Heavenly Being stage, you'll naturally know how to get there. How exactly you need to go. Well, if you want to go before reaching the Heavenly Being stage, you'll need another method.... If there's a being in the Head Realm acting the same way as you, or a being with the same will as you trying the same thing, the homogeneity between you can draw you together."
"So, if there's an attraction of fate, I can descend to the Head Realm again?"
"Right. If there's such an attraction of fate, you don't necessarily need to be at the Heavenly Being stage. Entering any Void Spirit Pond or Flying Immortal Platform can take you down to the Head Realm."
"...Hmm, I'll keep that in mind."
'I must reach the Heavenly Being stage as soon as possible.'
I steel my heart and finally ask what I am most curious about.
"Could you tell me what happened to the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect 40,000 years ago?"
"No."
"...?"
I'm taken aback by her firm rejection, not expecting such a resolute refusal.
However, seeing her intent tumultuously stirring, I nod.
'This must be a taboo topic for her.'
Let's slowly find out about that matter.
"Well, if that's the case, I guess I've learned roughly what I wanted to know for today. Thank you for your cooperation."
"Hmm... You really won't hand me and Yeon Jin over to Jin Byuk-ho?"
"Didn't I swear upon my Nascent Soul?"
A cultivator swearing upon their Nascent Soul carries significant enforceability, a method sometimes used when cultivators make promises to each other.
"I've seen too many extraordinary fellows breaking their oaths sworn upon their Nascent Souls in my lifetime."
"How could I, a junior, break a promise made to my senior?"
"Keke... Strictly speaking, I'm not your senior. I'm a disciple who was abolished by the Ancestral Command. Honestly, even if you capture me and hand me over to Jin Byuk-ho right now, it wouldn't be a problem according the internal rules."
"I see..."
However, I shake my head.
"But then, wouldn't Yeon Jin, your descendant, be unfairly implicated by association? It's not just for you, senior, but also for the sake of the new disciple, Yeon Jin."
"...Thanks."
Yeon Wei bows her head to me in gratitude.
After that, she seems to think our conversation is over and disappears into Yeon Jin's consciousness.
A little while later, Yeon Jin comes to his senses and regains control of his body.
"Ah! Elder, did you have a conversation with my ancestor?"
"Yes. Don't worry about being discovered by Supreme Sect Master Jin Byuk-ho; I'll ensure your safety."
"...! Thank you, Elder!"
I watch Yeon Jin express his gratitude and then dismiss him.
Yeon Jin bows to me and slowly leaves my cave residence.
'Heavenly Being stage. I must reach the Heavenly Being stage.'
If I reach the Heavenly Being stage, even if Jin Byuk-ho holds the Heavenly Lightning Banner, I might stand a chance.
Then, I can confidently descend to the Head Realm with the Heavenly Lightning Banner and seal it.
'The condition for fully mastering the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens is being expelled by the sect?'
My gaze inadvertently shifts to the skull containing the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Spirit given to me by Heo Gwak.
'...Black Ghost Valley.'
***