Beneath the Punishment Lightning Cave of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect where the early stage disciples of the sect who committed crimes are sent,
Jin Byuk-ho flies with sparks of thunder trailing behind him towards the area.
Boom!
At the deepest bottom of the Punishment Lightning Cave.
There, a woman is tied with dozens of chains.
"...Hong Su-ryeong."
Jin Byuk-ho asks the woman, Hong Su-ryeong.
"Information has come in. You supported Jin Eun-hyun's act of stealing the Heavenly Lightning Banner and his proclamation of a new Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect."
"..."
"Because of that incident, Penglai Palace suddenly issued a bounty in anger. You were not listed in the bounty as you defended yourself by saying that you are being punished in the Punishment Lightning Cave of the sect, but still, public opinion about you is not good. There are not just a few who say that your grand elder position should be immediately revoked..."
"Is that so."
"Just tell me one thing. Why did you support Jin Eun-hyun? Merely because you are dual cultivation partners?"
At that question, Hong Su-ryeong smiles faintly.
"Beyond being simple dual cultivation partners... That person wouldn't do anything that would harm the sect."
"Umm..."
Jin Byuk-ho lets out a sigh.
"What he is doing is essentially dragging the reputation of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect to the ground"
"I believe in him."
"Soon, the expulsion of Jin Eun-hyun... no, Seo Eun-hyun, will be finalized with the Ancestral Command, and he will be completely excommunicated from the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. If you continue to side with him even after he is completely expelled, I have no choice but to keep you in solitary confinement in the Punishment Lightning Cave."
"Is that so? Then it's not bad to face the wall until I reach the Four-Axis stage."
"...I'll be going."
Whoosh!
Jin Byuk-ho soon leaves, and at the bottom of the Punishment Lightning Cave, Hong Su-ryeong looks up at the sky.
'What are you doing, you...'
She absentmindedly looks at the sky, thinking of Seo Eun-hyun.
Because she was chained, she was able to survive, albeit forcefully, even when the entire sect was momentarily distracted by the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
The chains that bound her were made and bound by herself.
Hong Su-ryeong had sworn that she would not unbind these chains until she sees 'the next stage.'
'He wouldn't do anything harmful... but, Seo Eun-hyun. Even so, I resent these chains now.'
She is the one who wants to go and ask him what had happened immediately.
Even when she accepted Seo Eun-hyun's proposal, she only decided after seeing his intent, but still, she hadn't thought that what Seo Eun-hyun talked about would actually happen.
However, it has already passed.
'What should I do...'
There's nothing she can do right away.
Since these chains were made by her own special technique, they won't be released until she lifts the restrictions she had set.
'There's only one thing I can do.'
Elevate my realm.
Increase my power.
That is the best Hong Su-ryeong can do.
'I will definitely increase my power and elevate my realm, then come to ask you. Seo Eun-hyun, was there a meaning to what you did?'
She doesn't intend to reprimand or interrogate him.
Instead, she intends to confirm her belief that Seo Eun-hyun would never have done something wrong.
'So wait for me. I will follow the path you have shown me and surely'
Wo-woong!
She slightly opens her eyes and separates her consciousness.
The separated consciousness seems to move around her for a while and then returns to her consciousness.
'I will break free from the limits of the martial arts I've known so far...!'
Ultimate Pinnacle.
She vows to leap towards the state beyond Five Energies Converging to the Origin that Seo Eun-hyun had shown her.
Determined to vindicate Seo Eun-hyun's innocence, she continues her cultivation at the bottom of the Punishment Lightning Cave.
Jin Byuk-ho is troubled.
He, carrying the title of the Supreme Sect Master, is ironically running around the sect trying to manage the situation.
"...For that reason, Elder Seo Eun-hyun will be expelled. We prohibit the formation of any factions that follow Seo Eun-hyun from now on."
Seo Eun-hyun was a genius among geniuses within the sect, possessed a considerable status, and thus had more than a few followers.
Jin Byuk-ho is notifying these 'followers' to officially stop following Seo Eun-hyun anymore.
In the midst of this, he arrives at Thunder Cloud Peak.
He looks at a figure standing dazedly where the remnants of the Thunder Tribue Hall stand.
It's Jin Hwi, the vice sect leader of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
"...Elder Jin."
Jin Byuk-ho approaches Jin Hwi with a troubled expression.
Jin Hwi has an indescribable expression on his face.
To him, Seo Eun-hyun was his greatest pride and joy.
Although he had taught him little as a master, Seo Eun-hyun was Jin Hwi's disciple, and had always revered Jin Hwi.
Jin Hwi, too, had been smiling for decades thanks to Seo Eun-hyun.
But now, Jin Hwi looks like an old man who has come to a funeral.
"...Jin Eun-hyun... no, Seo Eun-hyun was... the sect's greatest genius."
Seo Eun-hyun was a genius and the pride of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
But not anymore.
That 'pride of the sect' is now betraying the sect, stealing the Heavenly Lightning Banner, and attempting to establish a new Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
At the same time, according to information from Penglai Palace, Seo Eun-hyun is a traitor to the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and has been in collusion with Jin Wei, whom Jin Byuk-ho had been searching for.
"...Perhaps, we should not have been concerned about Jeon Myeong-hoon's etiquette but should have paid attention to Seo Eun-hyun's intentions. It's all... my fault for not looking after my disciple as a master."
Jin Hwi, tormented, sits down and sighs.
Jin Byuk-ho watches Jin Hwi's back for a while before heavily saying,
"...With the Ancestral Command, we plan to excommunicate Seo Eun-hyun."
"...Yes."
Jin Hwi answers heavily.
"Stealing the divine artifact, denying the current sect to claim a new Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, and joining hands with the sect's traitor... is a grave crime. Moreover, he was confirmed to be the next sect leader, so it's right to impose such a punishment."
"..."
"However... senior brother."
Jin Hwi turns to Jin Byuk-ho and speaks.
Though Jin Byuk-ho is far superior in terms of talent, Jin Hwi and Jin Byuk-ho were disciples of the previous Supreme Sect Master, making them senior and junior brothers.
"Can we... delay his excommunication a little longer?"
Jin Hwi asks with a trembling voice, touching the ruins of the Thunder Tribute Hall, which had rotted away due to Seo Eun-hyun's curse.
"...Penglai Palace is pressuring us to quickly formally expel him and pursue him. Also, the disciples of our sect are disturbed, so we need to expel him quickly."
"...Is that so. I understand. If that is the will of my senior brother... no, the Supreme Sect Master, I will follow it..."
He answers powerlessly, hanging his head, and Jin Byuk-ho leaves Jin Hwi's side with a bitter feeling.
"...What do the two of you think?"
Jin Byuk-ho called the current sect leader, Jin Lin, and the next sect leader, Jin Jin-chan, to ask.
Jin Lin, Jin Byuk-ho's cousin, and his son, Jin Jin-chan, unanimously say,
"We believe that it is correct to excommunicate Seo Eun-hyun as soon as possible to quell the voices of those in the sect who are agitated, and to receive support from Penglai Palace to pursue Seo Eun-hyun and retrieve the Heavenly Lightning Banner."
Jin Lin gives his opinion coldly, and Jin Jin-chan sighs.
"...Jin Eun-hyun, no, Seo Eun-hyun... was a symbol of hope for the sect. Announcing his expulsion under the Ancestral Command will inevitably lead to discord throughout the sect."
"Is that your opinion, Chan?"
"...I don't know. Logically, excommunicating Seo Eun-hyun is correct. However... those influenced by Seo Eun-hyun are still very shaken. Notably... Myeong-hoon is having the hardest time."
"Jeon Myeong-hoon? Didn't he dislike Seo Eun-hyun?"
"I thought so too, but..."
Kurung...!
As they speak, several red lightning bolts shoot up towards the sky from Jeon Myeong-hoon's cave residence.
"...Understood. I'll go see Jeon Myeong-hoon as well."
Jin Byuk-ho sighs and flies towards Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Jin Byuk-ho lands in front of Jeon Myeong-hoon's cave residence.
"...So-hae."
"Ah, Grandfather."
He catches the worried gaze of Jin So-hae outside Jeon Myeong-hoon's cave residence.
"How is Jeon Myeong-hoon?"
"...He's having a hard time right now."
"Weren't he and Seo Eun-hyun not on good terms?"
"Yes, for Myeong-hoon, Elder Seo Eun-hyun was a wall and a mountain to overcome. But... at the same time, it seems he was also a strong pillar of support for him."
"I see..."
Boom!
Once again, red lightning furiously swirls inside Jeon Myeong-hoon's cave residence.
Jin Byuk-ho looks at the lightning for a moment before walking into the interior of Jeon Myeong-hoon's cave residence.
Boom!
He pushes aside the red lightning and enters, startled by its powerful force.
'He's strong...'
He guesses at Jeon Myeong-hoon's rage.
It was already known among the higher ranks of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect that Jeon Myeong-hoon becomes stronger with anger.
Even the records of their founding ancestor, Yang Su-jin, mentioned growth alongside anger, so it was accepted that Jeon Myeong-hoon would be the same based on that precedent.
"Hm?"
However, Jin Byuk-ho is a bit surprised by the unexpected sight he encounters upon reaching Jeon Myeong-hoon.
'I thought he would be rampaging...'
Contrary to his expectations, Jeon Myeong-hoon is calmly sitting in a meditative posture, practicing his methods.
But Jin Byuk-ho felt even more eerie upon seeing the calm Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Not an erupting anger, but a suppressed, compacted, and refined anger is faintly felt.
"...You've arrived, Supreme Sect Master. Forgive me for not standing up as I am overcoming a critical moment."
"You..."
Jin Byuk-ho widens his eyes.
If he isn't mistaken, Jeon Myeong-hoon is on the verge of attaining the Yang Spirit.
He is trying to reach the mid Nascent Soul stage in just a short time after reaching the Nascent Soul stage.
"...Understood. Continue what you were doing."
"Thank you."
More than gratitude, Jin Byuk-ho feels a repressed anger in his gaze and sighs.
Then, he speaks to Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"We've decided to expel Seo Eun-hyun using the Ancestral Command."
"..."
"What are your thoughts?"
"...Does my opinion matter? According to the sect's rules, isn't it natural to expel him?"
"Your opinion matters."
"Why? Because I am the possessor of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body?"
Jin Byuk-ho shakes his head at Jeon Myeong-hoon's question.
"Because you, who was influenced by Seo Eun-hyun..."
Jin Byuk-ho, looking at Jeon Myeong-hoon, carefully chooses his words and continues.
"...are his close friend."
"...Close friend. Ha, haha..."
And then, Jeon Myeong-hoon begins to laugh.
"Hahahahaha!"
"..."
"You're mistaken. He's nothing like a friend to me. Before we entered the sect, our relationship was that of a superior and subordinate. Upon entering the sect, our roles reversed, and I've spent decades grinding my teeth, trying to revert our relationship back to what it was."
"..."
"I've always harbored feelings of inferiority and resentment towards him. Expulsion? It's truly a good thing. Please do so. He was the cause of my anger, the culprit who prevented me from spending time with So-hae, a lowlife who beat me up over past incidents before we joined the sect.
"He always provoked me with his words, beat me up under the pretense of helping me improve my skills and teaching me unnecessary things arrogantly. He would remind me of my hometown with occasional miserable memories, meddled in my relationship with So-hae unnecessarily, and sometimes, despite being poor at drinking, would have a drink or two, and he even helped me accept the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect as family!"
Crack, crackle!
Jin Byuk-ho involuntarily takes a step back as he sees the blood-red lightning boiling violently from Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"Why! Why did that damned man make me part of this family only to betray the sect himself!? Why!? Really! I don't understand the reason!"
Crackle!
The face of Jeon Myeong-hoon, which appeared calm, gradually distorts with feelings of betrayal as he speaks, and the thickness and red glow of the lightning grows stronger.
[Why!]
Boom!
Once again, a wave of red lightning sweeps through the residence, and Jin Byuk-ho raises one arm, pulling up his spiritual power to block the wave of lightning.
'...I see.'
Jin Byuk-ho realizes.
Jeon Myeong-hoon is practically already at the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul.
He will be able to reach the mid Nascent Soul stage just by facing a Heavenly Tribulation.
'This is the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body.'
Although he had been significantly behind Seo Eun-hyun in terms of growth rate, Jin Byuk-ho instinctively feels at this moment,
From now on, Jeon Myeong-hoon's growth rate will catch up to Seo Eun-hyun's in a single breath.
"I want to know why he did such nonsense and betrayed the sect."
After venting his rage, Jeon Myeong-hoon speaks with a slightly exhausted face.
Jin Byuk-ho sighs as he looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon.
In the Golden Thunder Hall.
Jin Byuk-ho sits in the seat of the Supreme Sect Master, thinking about Seo Eun-hyun.
After meeting with the disciples of the sect and conveying the news of Seo Eun-hyun's expulsion, he asked for their opinions.
Logically, expelling him immediately with the Ancestral Command is the correct decision.
However, emotionally, that is not possible.
The reason is something Jin Byuk-ho knows best.
"...Why, why did he betray the sect..."
He sighs deeply, stroking his face.
Seo Eun-hyun is the genius who could have changed the history of the sect.
And now, he is also the person to be listed as 'the worst traitor' alongside Jin Wei, known as the worst traitor in the history of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Jin Byuk-ho believed in Seo Eun-hyun.
He, too, had regarded Seo Eun-hyun as the pride of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, just as much as Jin Hwi did.
But in the end, due to Seo Eun-hyun's hidden schemes, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect was betrayed by Seo Eun-hyun.
Even he himself finds it hard to believe that he has to expel Seo Eun-hyun.
But it is inevitable.
Seo Eun-hyun had already betrayed the sect, and drastic measures are needed.
Seo Eun-hyun's goal is clear.
'As he said before, it must be to place the Heavenly Lightning Banner in the Head Realm.'
If that happens, more than 70 to 80 percent of the current Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's power will instantly disappear.
Without the Heavenly Lightning Banner, the position of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is uncertain.
In the worst case, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect might vanish into the annals of history.
The option of following Seo Eun-hyun into the Head Realm to retrieve the Heavenly Lightning Banner is practically impossible.
Descending to the lower realm is possible for those who have reached the Heavenly Being stage or higher, but absolutely none of the cultivators who ascended to the Bright Cold Realm returned to the lower realm.
At best, they transmitted information to their descendants left in the lower realm, and most did not interfere with the affairs of the lower realm.
The reason is simple.
Descending to the lower realm means they have to 'ascend' again.
Ascending isn't child's play that can be done easily once reaching the Grand Perfection of the Heavenly Being stage.
The risk of death from spatial storms is high, and there's the risk of encountering bizarre creatures living in the gaps between dimensions. Sometimes one might even see the 'terrifying beings' between dimensions, making ascending a gamble that risks everything.
Especially the Head Realm they ascended from is even more threatened by such dangers.
Descending from above is no problem.
However, if one wants to ascend again from within the Head Realm, even those at the Four-Axis stage have to wait until the opening period of the Ascension Gate.
The Head Realm is especially known for its strong World Shield Force compared to other Decaying Corpse Realms, making it difficult for even Four-Axis cultivators to freely come and go.
'If it's Seo Eun-hyun, even though he's at the Nascent Soul stage, he lacks nothing to reach the Heavenly Being stage. Soon, he will be able to descend to the Head Realm by his own power. If not, he'll somehow find a way back to the Head Realm through the assistance of someone above the Heavenly Being stage.'
Time is of the essence.
They have to capture Seo Eun-hyun before he returns to the Head Realm.
"...Seo Eun-hyun."
Jin Byuk-ho grits his teeth.
"I've decided. You..."
And finally, he successfully concludes his decision regarding Seo Eun-hyun, embracing his complex emotions.
At Thunder Cloud Peak, where the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's divine artifact was sealed.
The elders and higher ups of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect gathered at its peak.
They were summoned by the Supreme Sect Master's order.
And from above them, Jin Byuk-ho shouts.
"Listen, everyone!"
Jin Byuk-ho speaks with a grave voice.
"We have recently suffered a tragic event. We were betrayed by the disciple we believed to be the sect's greatest genius. This is an act that should have never happened. It is an atrocious crime that denies the sect's hierarchy, relations, and master-disciple bonds. However, this Supreme Sect Leader knows. The disciple who has betrayed us had a significant influence on the sect and had many followers. But listen. That disciple has fled with the sect's divine artifact, the Heavenly Lightning Banner, declared a new Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, and is conspiring with Jin Wei, the sect's traitor. Therefore, After discussing with council of elders, this Supreme Sect Master has decided on the disciplinary action for that disciple!"
Jin Byuk-ho takes out the Ancestral Command from his pocket.
"I declare the expulsion of Seo Eun-hyun from the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect! However! The expulsion by the Ancestral Command is not permanent. Going forward, a pursuit team by the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect will be formed to track down the traitor Seo Eun-hyun. The decision whether to permanently expel the traitor Seo Eun-hyun with the Ancestral Command will be made when the pursuit team captures him and retrieves the sect's divine artifact!"
He looks around the elders and locks eyes with one person.
"Pursuit team leader, Jeon Myeong-hoon, come forward!"
At those words, Jeon Myeong-hoon steps forward.
"From now on, Jeon Myeong-hoon, pillar of the sect and peer of Seo Eun-hyun, will lead the pursuit team tracking the traitor. The Ancestral Command is entrusted to him, and when Seo Eun-hyun is captured and the Heavenly Lightning Banner is retrieved, the decision on his permanent expulsion will be made based on the pursuit team leader's decision!"
Jin Byuk-ho hands the plaque identified as the Ancestral Command to Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"Grand Cultivator Hon Won, for personal reasons, has also issued a bounty to track down Jin Wei, the sect traitor and collaborator with Seo Eun-hyun! If the sect's traitors are captured by Hon Won's forces of Penglai Palace, they will be punished according to their methods! They may be 'the sect's' traitors, but they are still 'our sect's' traitors! Therefore, before they are captured by the other forces, let us capture them with our own hands and restore our sect's honor!"
Jin Byuk-ho, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Jin Hwi, and all those related to Seo Eun-hyun feel an indescribable bitterness at Jin Byuk-ho's words.
"Volunteer for the pursuit team. Please with our own hands, end the one who was the future of our sect."
Thus, for the traitor of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect,
The Seo Eun-hyun pursuit team is formed.
***
Woong, woong...
The weather was foul.
Dark clouds gathered all around, obstructing the view of the sky.
Glimpsing through the gaps in the clouds, I read the celestial energy and could tell that many were tracking me through my celestial energy.
'This will be troublesome.'
Of course, that was all there was to it, and I felt no particular thrill otherwise.
The Integration stage Grand Cultivators weren't specifically chasing me.
At most, they considered me to be at the Grand Perfection of the Nascent Soul stage, and at best, the Heavenly Being stage, only sending pursuers at the early stages of the Four-Axis stage after me, so escaping was no issue.
Rather, the problem at the moment was something else.
'It's slowly coming into view....'
I frowned, gazing at the 'entrance to the Devil Realm' ahead.
The war with the True Devil Realm was about to start.
Due to the minor butterfly effects caused by my regression, the timing of the war with the True Devil Realm had changed slightly from my previous life, but the war itself definitely happened.
At this point, the Human Race had begun to invade and occupy the True Devil Realm by breaking through its entrance.
I observed the two Four-Axis cultivators guarding the entrance to the True Devil Realm.
Under the orders of Penglai Palace's Lord Hon Won, I had been declared wanted by the entire Human Race, and it was certain that if I tried to pass there, I would be stopped by the two Four-Axis cultivators.
Nevertheless, I had to break through those two.
'Because Yeon Wei is beyond there....'
The moment to show Yeon Jin to Hon Won through contact.
At that time, Yeon Jin and Yeon Wei were just before entering the True Devil Realm, and right after Hun Won recognized Yeon Wei, the invasion of the True Devil Realm began, and they fled into it.
I heard on my way here that Yeon Jin had already become elusive in the True Devil Realm after crossing over.
'Once I get to the True Devil Realm, I should be able to find out her location through the linked communication artifact.'
After Yeon Jin crossed over to the True Devil Realm, the communication artifact couldn't bridge the interdimensional distance, but once I also cross over, I should be able to locate her through the artifact.
'The problem is breaking through those two to get to the entrance of the True Devil Realm...'
In fact, two Four-Axis cultivators weren't an issue.
I was confident enough to handle one each with General Seo, allowing us to break through.
The issue was exposing my power.
'If it becomes known that I have the power equivalent to at least two mid-Four-Axis cultivators, the bounty on me will skyrocket, and from a situation where Heavenly Being stage cultivators were already following me, Four-Axis cultivators might swarm me....'
Of course, as my rampages in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and my confrontations with Hon Wei spread, Four-Axis cultivators will gradually flock to me, but that is supposed to happen 'gradually.' I have to avoid such an annoying situation from happening so soon.
'Information that Yeon Wei had gone to the True Devil Realm has likely already been relayed to the Penglai Palace through the Human Race Grand Alliance, and the Penglai Palace, sharing information with the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, will start chasing after me. There's a high chance they will come after me into the True Devil Realm.'
I need to hurry before Penglai Palace and the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect begin their pursuit.
'How do I get past those two to the entrance of the Devil Realm?'
Using the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts is problematic because the two Four-Axis cultivators are covering the dimensional gate with something similar to an Axis Foundation Barrier by linking their Axes.
Simply using the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts wouldn't be enough to deceive them inside the barrier.
'What should I do?'
It's then.
[Master, do you intend to pass through those Four-Axis cultivators?]
"Ah, Hong Fan."
I hear Hong Fan speaking to me inside my Peach Garden Painting, a type of storage scroll for living beings.
"Yes, do you have any methods?"
[Hmm... It seems you wish to pass through that barrier without revealing yourself... Is that correct?]
"That's right."
[Then, I might be able to help.]
"Oh? How so?"
Swoosh!
Hong Fan emerges from the Peach Garden Painting.
"Previously, while examining the human experimentation records of Grand Elder Hong, I discovered that the Axis Foundation barrier of Four-Axis cultivators is greatly influenced by the consciousness domain."
"Hmm, that makes sense."
"And according to Grand Elder Hong's human experimentation findings... The part of the human that has the greatest influence on the consciousness domain is the human brain, especially the frontal lobe."
"...Yes, that's true, but..."
"If I use a poison I've formulated, it can severely damage the frontal lobe of humans momentarily. For Four-Axis cultivators, it's a poison they can recover from after a few breaths, but without immunity, it will certainly work once."
"Ho..."
I stroke my chin, pondering.
"Then, the process of administering the poison is crucial."
"Indeed. Since the opponents are Four-Axis seniors, if they notice the poisoning process and block the poison itself, there's no solution."
"Alright, I'll administer the poison."
"Do you have a plan?"
"Yes, first..."
I discuss with Hong Fan, devise a plan to administer the poison, and soon, we proceed with the execution.
Swoosh!
"Good day, seniors."
I brazenly approach the Four-Axis cultivators first.
"Are you heading to the True Devil Realm? Have you received a pass from the Human Race Grand Alliance... Wait a moment, you, aren't you the one wanted by Penglai Palace?"
"Yes, that's correct."
Confidently admitting, I smile brightly.
The first stage of the plan.
First, I openly reveal my face, which is wanted by Penglai Palace, to attract their attention.
'Second.'
I mix Hong Fan's poison with the White Orchid Blessing Incantation, conceal it with the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, and scatter it towards the Four-Axis cultivators whose attention is focused on me.
"What, what have you done to us!"
The Four-Axis stage cultivators were focused on me, but as soon as they realized my spell wrapped in the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts had entered inside their barrier, they immediately noticed and became wary.
'Third.'
However, they notice my White Orchid Blessing Incantation but can't immediately expel it.
Essentially, the vast majority of living beings instinctively reject 'curses' but accept 'blessings' without resistance.
This is a natural instinct of the living.
Just like when Hon Wei used the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique against me, I found it difficult to resist because her Yin and Yang Five Elements binding spell took the form of a 'blessing.'
As the saying goes, one cannot spit on a smiling face.
A blessing is one of the hardest techniques to shake off.
"This is, a blessing...?"
"I'm getting stronger and... urk!"
And that is precisely the most terrifying poison.
Taking advantage of the gap, Hong Fan's poison flows into the two cultivators.
As Hong Fan said, for Four-Axis cultivators brimming with vitality, it's a poison they can detoxify in a few breaths.
But that is enough.
Woong!
A shock is delivered to their frontal lobes, their consciousness domain wavers, and soon the Axis Foundation Barrier they had jointly erected begins to shake.
An instant.
A truly fleeting moment that a typical Nascent Soul cultivator could never catch, but that is enough for me.
Woosh!
I accelerate my thoughts to the extreme, use the Flying Escape Technique and the demon beast's Gliding Technique, and rush through the gap in the barrier.
While the two Four-Axis cultivators are still disoriented, I manage to pass through the dimensional gate, successfully crossing over.
'It's done!'
Without using force, with only the power at the Nascent Soul or, at best, the Heavenly Being stage, I succeeded in breaking through the barrier of the Four-Axis stage.
This greatly reduces the chance of my power being exposed and Four-Axis cultivators swarming after me.
"It worked..."
I smile contentedly, looking back at the dimensional gate behind me.
I see signs of the Four-Axis cultivators trying to follow through the dimensional gate, but before they can cross into the Devil Realm, I use the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts to erase my presence and leave the Human Race's occupied territory in the Devil Realm.
"Well done, Hong Fan."
I smile, pleased with our collaboration.
Even though I had eluded the two Four-Axis seniors, they will likely perceive it as a 'trivial trick' like poison, not as my actual skill, so my true power will not be exposed just yet.
"I'm glad I could be of help to you in this way, Master."
"Haha, you've always been a help to me."
I praise Hong Fan and take out the communication artifact.
Now, it's time to meet Yeon Wei again.
Devil Realm.
Polluted Yin Valley.
The place is sticky with impure devilish energy gathering to form a swamp, making it a notorious gathering place for the filthier races of the Devil Realm.
Because of this, not only the True Devil Realm itself but also invaders from other dimensions tend to leave the Polluted Yin Valley alone.
In short, Polluted Yin Valley is a kind of landfill in the Devil Realm that goes unnoticed.
Whoosh!
Using the Flying Escape Technique, I arrive above Polluted Yin Valley and survey the surroundings.
After waiting for a while, a signal comes from afar.
It's Yeon Wei's signal.
Whoosh!
I immediately follow her signal using the Flying Escape Technique.
Soon,
Among the countless valleys in Polluted Yin Valley, at the top of one that is inconspicuous and filled with yin energy, I arrive and find a crevice leading inside.
Upon entering the crevice, the surrounding environment begins to change drastically.
It's a formation.
Sssssss!
As I step in, the formation seems to morph, and then a path opens up right before me.
I follow the path and soon arrive at a Peach Garden that is refreshingly clean and emitting pure spiritual energy, completely out of place with Polluted Yin Valley just moments before.
"You've come."
I see a pavilion in one part of the Peach Garden.
There, Yeon Wei, using Yeon Jin's body, is sitting in meditation, waiting for me.
Yeon Wei shudders as she sees me holding the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
"What madness... Why is the seal of the Heavenly Lightning Banner undone except for one layer!?"
"I'm not sure myself, but it seems like the Heavenly Lightning Banner somehow managed to undo its own seals."
Yeon Wei's face twists in frustration.
She mutters quietly.
"Is it going to happen again, like 40,000 years ago...?"
"...? What do you mean?"
"...Never mind. Originally, only Yeon Jin and my well-being mattered... but now that I've seen the state of the Heavenly Lightning Banner, it can't be helped. Initially, I was planning to abandon you and live leisurely in the depths of the Devil Realm... but I'll make an exception and help you."
"Excuse me...?"
Swoosh
With a wave of her hand, some kind of formation that had enveloped the entire Peach Garden is lifted.
Realizing what she had plotted, I'm dumbfounded and with my mouth agape in astonishment.
The formation she just dismantled is of the sealing type.
Meaning, she originally planned to lure me here, seal me, and escape with Yeon Jin's body.
"What the... I already thought it was strange when you boldly claimed to be able to handle the Grand Cultivator... Are you playing with me?"
"Sorry about that. But in the end, I've decided to cooperate with you, so isn't that all that matters?"
I frown at her nonchalant attitude.
"Truly non-caring... Anyway, I trusted your bold claim and presented Yeon Jin, but didn't we end up being noticed by the Grand Cultivator?"
Indeed.
Even though I have my naive moments, I'm not foolish enough to reveal Yeon Jin in front of Hon Won after hearing that Yeon Wei had consumed Hon Won's true love.
It all happened because Yeon Wei confidently assured me that she would be hiding deep within Yeon Jin's soul, and if they only communicated through a transforming image talisman, the Grand Cultivator would never notice.
I trusted Yeon Wei's assertion that she knew more about the Grand Cultivator Hon Won than I did, so I facilitated the meeting between Yeon Jin and Hon Won through the talisman based on her confident promise.
But this is the result.
Yeon Wei clicks her tongue and says,
"Sorry. But I swear on my Nascent Soul, I didn't deceive you regarding Hon Won. I had no idea that guy would develop such a skill. I never expected him to have opened such a powerful spiritual eye that he didn't have before..."
"A spiritual eye?"
I press my throbbing head and ask.
"You didn't anticipate at all he would develop such a mystical ability?"
"That's right. The last time I met him was 500 years ago at the Human Race Grand Alliance meeting. I participated as a quasi-Integration stage Grand Cultivator, and back then, he definitely didn't have such an ability."
"How do you know that? Did you check?"
"Yes. When we met 500 years ago, he tried to tear off my limbs, so I gouged out his eyeballs in return. When I checked them, there was nothing special about his eyes."
"..."
"Do you think it makes sense that he acquired an unbelievable spiritual eye ability that could recognize me hiding in Yeon Jin's soul from thousands of Li away through a projection, within 500 years? Naturally, I thought it would be fine because it's beyond common sense."
I feel a headache coming on from their relationship.
"If your relationship with him is that bad, how have you not been killed by him by now? And, isn't there a chance he'll leave Heaven-Earth Palace to chase after you personally?"
"Heh, that'll never happen. I guarantee it."
Yeon Wei speaks with a mischievous smile.
"When facing Hon Won 40,000 years ago, I sacrificed my cultivation to curse him. I completely twisted and knotted the Taiji energy within his body with my Taiji Quaking Lightning Body, driving him to the brink of death. Thanks to that, I successfully reduced him from the mid Integration stage to the Four-Axis stage. The reason he sits as the Palace Lord of Heaven-Earth Palace is that only the special energy of the Heaven-Earth Palace can solve his problem. Until he fully recovers from that fatal injury and restores the twisted Taiji power, he will never leave the central region of the Heaven-Earth Palace."
"...That's a relief."
Fortunately, it seems there will be no direct pursuit from Hon Won.
I sigh.
"Anyway, with the situation tangled up like this, we can't return to the Head Realm through the Flying Immortal Platform as originally planned. I was going to seek Hon Wei's help, but that's no longer an option."
"Hmm, should we look for a Void Spirit Pond in the Devil Realm then?"
"I know the location of a Void Spirit Pond."
"Oh?"
Hearing my words, Yeon Wei looks pleasantly surprised.
"Well, then, that's very fortunate. We just have to go to the Void Spirit Pond and then descend to the Head Realm. As long as the location of the Void Spirit Pond isn't something like the master bedroom of a True Devil Realm Grand Cultivator..."
"Fortunately, it's a place we can go to... but there's a problem."
"What's the problem?"
"We don't have a Heavenly Being stage cultivator."
Hearing my words, Yeon Wei asks in confusion.
"Why don't you just ascend to the Heavenly Being stage? If you lack the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy, can't you sneak into a nearby Human Race occupied area and ascend to the Heavenly Being stage there?"
"...I have something to say about that."
I sigh and continue.
"I believe I've met all the conditions to rise to the Heavenly Being stage. I've heard and understood all the enlightenment of the Heavenly Being stage from the grand elders of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, and I've trained the 'heart' one must hold when entering."
"Then what's the problem?"
"I can't ascend to the Heavenly Being stage."
Yeon Wei looks perplexed, not understanding what I mean.
"That is... even though I've met all the conditions to breakthrough, I just can't make the breakthrough to the Heavenly Being stage."
I have digested all the enlightenment connecting the microcosm within me to nature outside.
I was also taught the formulas for how to breakthrough, and thoroughly coated my spirit with madness to protect my mind from the wild currents of nature.
But when I actually tried to ascend to the Heavenly Being stage, there was no response at all.
No matter how much Heaven and Earth spiritual energy I gathered, the spiritual energy inside and outside my body did not mix.
It wasn't like the Seven Stars Ritual where the heavens were obstructing me. I just 'couldn't' transition to the Heavenly Being stage.
Even when I tried to connect my inner microcosm to the outer nature with the gathered spiritual energy, there was no response.
"Do you know anything about this situation?"
I ask Yeon Wei, wondering if she might know something about such a case.
After pondering for a while, Yeon Wei suddenly trembles and looks at me.
"...I have a guess. It's something I've only heard about in ancient stories..."
"...!"
I eagerly listen to her words.
In the current situation, rising to the Heavenly Being stage will be the most definite solution.
However, her following words are beyond my imagination.
"You are... already a Heavenly Being. At the Grand Perfection of the Heavenly Being stage, no less."
"...What?"
***
What on earth does that mean?
Me, at the Heavenly Being stage?
At the Grand Perfection of the Heavenly Being stage no less?
"...I don't quite understand..."
"First, think about the essence of cultivation you undertake at the Heavenly Being stage. The essence of the Heavenly Being stage is to gradually grow the seed of madness you created upon reaching the Heavenly Being stage, turning your Nascent Soul itself into a seed of madness. You know this much, right?"
"Yes, that's right."
The Heavenly Being stage is the realm where mental cultivation is considered most important among all the realms I have traversed so far.
"And when you reach the Grand Perfection of the Heavenly Being stage, the ultimate point of the madness you've pursued fills the inside of your Nascent Soul. There are cases, however, where this has happened even before reaching the Heavenly Being stage. Where one's Nascent Soul is already filled with madness in the Nascent Soul stage due to being too deeply insane."
"..."
"The Heavenly Being stage, if thought of symbolically, can be easily understood by thinking of the Taiji of the Four Symbols (i.e. the Yin-Yang symbol). Taiyin, Taiyang, Lesser Yin, and Lesser Yang compose the Taiji of the Four Symbols, right?"
"That's correct."
Her explanation continues.
"In other words, the process of rising to the Heavenly Being stage can be easily understood as having the center of Taiyang with Lesser Yin within it. Or, conversely, the center of Taiyin with Lesser Yang within."
Wo-woong!
She floats the Taiji of the Four Symbols in the air with both hands.
Inside the diagram of the Taiji, there is a smaller Taiji with energy of colors opposite to each of the Taiji's colors.
"If the larger part is considered the nature of Heaven and Earth, the smaller part is the seed of madness that is gathered when ascending to the Heavenly Being stage. You have to connect the microcosm inside your body with the nature of Heaven and Earth and accept the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy into the microcosm to ascend to the Heavenly Being stage. You have to fill yourself, the vessel, with the water called Heaven and Earth spiritual energy. But at the center of the vessel is the seed of madness. This is the cause of the situation you are currently in."
Wo-woong!
She is at the center of the Taiji, where the Taiyang and Taiyin are located.
She begins to expand the areas of Lesser Yin and Lesser Yang.
The small circle that is at the center of the Taiji grows and grows until it becomes larger than the Taiji itself.
"The vessel that is you is already so full of madness that there's no room for the spiritual power of Heaven and Earth to enter."
"..."
"Only in such cases, when madness is already too full, is it said that you cannot 'simply' ascend to the Heavenly Being stage from the Grand Perfection Nascent Soul stage."
"...Then, the meaning of the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage is..."
"After properly aligning the ratio of Heaven and Earth spiritual energy to madness to achieve Heaven and Man Unity."
Wo-woong!
Yeon Wei again manipulates the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy inside her hands to create the Taiji of the Four Symbols.
The Taiji of the Four Symbols rotates, gradually increasing in size.
The spinning enlarged Taiji soon has a Lesser Yin and Lesser Yang larger than the original Taiji itself.
"The size of the madness you grow by matching the ratio of the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy to madness, and the current size of the madness you possess are similar, or perhaps even larger."
"..."
"Having a mind that is already equivalent or superior to the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage while at the Grand Perfection Nascent Soul stage, it seems you've really lived a tumultuous life... Tsk, tsk."
She clicks her tongue, looking at me as if I'm pitiable.
"...Then, what should I do?"
Ignoring her gaze, I ask how I can reach the Heavenly Being stage.
"It's simple, is it not? The problem arises because you're trying to elevate your realm to the early Heavenly Being stage while being at the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being level. Just gather significantly more Heaven and Earth spiritual energy than you think."
"...Ha."
I let out a hollow laugh.
"So, you mean to say that I have to gather Heaven and Earth spiritual energy in a ratio that matches the amount of madness I already possess in order to ascend to the Heavenly Being stage?"
"That's right. It's such a unique case that I've only heard of it in legends. Yours is the first time I'm seeing it firsthand."
"..."
At her words, I can't help but inwardly click my tongue.
People say it's hard to be objective about oneself, but I have a rough idea of how mad I am.
'I need to gather enough Heaven and Earth spiritual energy to match my madness in order to breakthrough?''
Until now, I thought madness wouldn't be an issue when rising to the Heavenly Being stage since I know very well how mad I am.
But now, that madness is instead holding me back.
'If I have to gather Heaven and Earth spiritual energy to match my madness...'
Just how much will that entail?
Days pass.
Eventually, I calculated that to gather the insane amount of Heaven and Earth spiritual energy that is required, I will have to kill at least two or three cultivators at the Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage and extract their cultivation to even come close to managing the insane amount.
How could my madness be measured so accurately?
It's simple.
My madness is my life.
And the traces of my life are endlessly recorded through the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
In other words, the number of characters that appear in the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections is the size of my madness.
'It's impossible.'
A being at the Four-Axis stage is already akin to a small nature of Heaven and Earth.
I'm in a situation where reaching the Heavenly Being stage is impossible without swallowing that nature of Heaven and Earth whole. However, even if I use formations to draw in the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy, it will easily take at least 600 years.
Therefore, since I can't breakthrough to the Heavenly Being stage right now, the plan has to change.
'I'll find a cultivator at the Heavenly Being stage and descend to the Head Realm.'
Then, where can I find a friendly cultivator at the Heavenly Being stage to help me?
The answer is really simple.
"In the end, it seems you, senior, will have to use your power."
"Hmm. How?"
I look at Yeon Wei and throw a piece of flesh from my pocket into the air.
Plop!
The piece of flesh bursts in mid-air, transforming into Yuan Yu.
Yeon Wei frowns at the sight of Yuan Yu.
"Did you make a puppet learn the Taiji Quaking Lighting Body...?"
"That's right."
"Hmm, so you're telling me to go in there and take you down to the Head Realm.
I nod.
But Yeon Wei shakes her head.
"It's impossible in a short period. Why else would I, instead of being in someone else's body, cling to the body of my descendant Yeon Jin?"
"I've never switched bodies, so I wouldn't know."
"It's because the wavelengths don't match. Why do you think devilish cultivators who switch bodies use puppets made of their own bloodline or their descendants? It's because their descendants have a soul wavelength similar to their own, making it easier for their soul to enter."
Her explanation continues.
"That puppet was originally made based on someone else's bloodline, so the wavelength doesn't match, and it's even less compatible with me since it practiced devilish arts beforehand. It might be possible to enter it temporarily and exert some power, but to properly wield Heavenly Being-level abilities inside, the wavelength has to match even closer with mine."
As I listen to her explanation, I realize something.
"You said it's impossible 'in a short period.' Does that mean there's a way to match the wavelengths 'in the long term'?"
"Yeah, well... If I go inside and continuously synchronize my soul and wavelength with it, it might eventually be possible."
I ask, my eyes sparkling.
"Is there a way to shorten that process of synchronization?"
"There is. But it requires an enormous amount of life force. To force the wavelengths to match instantly with my Four-Axis level consciousness, the body I inhabit might instantly lose its vitality and die."
"If that's the case..."
"By the way, don't even say that the puppet is strong in life force because it learned devilish arts. Even the puppet's life force is insufficient, and one of the reasons the wavelengths don't match is precisely because of those devilish arts. Further increasing the devilish arts to replenish the puppet's vitality would only cause more repulsion in our wavelengths."
"No, that's not what I mean."
"Hmm?"
"There's a way to amplify this Blood Body's vitality purely, without resorting to devilish arts."
"Oh? Are you planning to share your own life force?"
"There's a better way."
I explain the method I know, and after listening to my explanation, she seems to consider it for a moment before nodding.
"Not bad. But even if we don't match the wavelengths through orthodox methods according to your way, it will still take a considerable amount of time. Moreover, it's a conspicuous method, so it's highly likely to be discovered by the Human Race, and it will attract all sorts of riffraff trying to capture you."
"How long do you estimate it will take?"
"At least 10 years. We will need 10 years. Are you confident you can last that long?"
"If I reveal my full abilities, it's entirely possible."
"What kind of confidence is that?"
Doubtful of my confidence, I show her the ace I have been hiding.
Sssshh
As I clearly reveal the energy of the Formless Sword, Yeon Wei looks at me with a disgusted expression.
"Heart Tribe...!? Damn it. So that's how it is. I wondered how a mere Grand Perfection Nascent Soul stage youth could possess such madness... It's because you're from the Heart Tribe. No, more importantly, if it's discovered that you're from the Heart Tribe, it's certain that Four-Axis stage cultivators will come after you in droves!"
"It's okay. I'm confident I won't be caught."
Swoosh!
I cut through the air, disappearing in front of Yeon Wei.
Even she, with the consciousness of a Four-Axis cultivator, seems to have trouble finding me.
"...Well, fine. Heart Tribe or whatever, since it's hard to sense your existence at all, let's assume you won't be discovered as a member of the Heart Tribe. But still, you're saying you can last for as long as 10 years? When cultivators at the Four-Axis stage might come after you?"
I smirk.
"It's entirely possible."
"How?"
Without saying a word, I show her General Seo.
After seeing the power of General Seo, Yeon Wei is silent for a moment before nodding.
"Alright. Let's give it a try."
She stands up with a determined expression.
"To prevent a repeat of what happened 40,000 years ago, I'll return the Heavenly Lightning Banner. No matter what."
Thus begins the plan between Yeon Wei and me.
Kugugugung!
I use earth-burrowing spells to dig through the ground, descending underground.
Finally, I arrive at a crystal cave where a transparent lake is located.
Above the pristine crystal cave.
There, Yeon Wei and I arrive and float in the air, looking down below.
"Is this the Void Spirit Pond of the Devil Realm?"
"Yes, you can start from this vicinity."
"Alright. Anyway, I feel sorry for Jin-ah."
After she felt the seriousness of the current state of the Heavenly Lightning Banner and decided to properly help me, she chose to inhabit Yeon Jin's body for a while.
Ideally, I wanted to implant the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner or the Mysterious Bizarre Gu into Yeon Wei, who had tried to stab me in the back. But, since she swore on her Nascent Soul to help me until we properly resolve the Heavenly Lightning Banner, I decided to trust her one last time, considering my past life's friendship with Yeon Jin.
"Then, let's get started."
I take out the Vast Cold Jade I had stolen from the Human Race-occupied territory.
Then, I begin to insert the Vast Cold Jade into the location where the devil vein is situated.
Kugugugugu!
The Vast Cold Jade erodes the land of the Devil Realm, contaminating the land filled with devilish energy with spiritual energy.
In an instant, the devilish energy of the area is transformed into spiritual energy.
Yeon Wei sits near the Void Spirit Pond, near where the dragon vein converges, and begins to learn the Silica Earth Great Wall Practice I had taught her.
Then, I place Yuan Yu right in front of Yeon Wei and have Yuan Yu also learn the Silica Earth Great Wall Practice.
Gradually, as she masters the intricacies of the Silica Earth Great Wall Practice and seizes control of the nearby dragon vein, she starts to alter it using the formations she knows of.
She begins to deploy multiple layers of formations, including the one used to conceal the base of Polluted Yin Valley, to hide her presence.
The area that was once under the occupation of the Human Race in a previous life begins to be obscured by Yeon Wei's formations.
"Now, explain again the structure of the formation you mentioned."
"Yes, I will inform you about the Longevity Formation ()."
Longevity Formation.
Together with Cheongmun Ryeong, this formation was created to cultivate and grow the Longevity Tree, drawing nearby dragon veins to accumulate and convert into vitality.
I modified part of the formation, adapting the part that applies to trees to apply to both 'Yeon Wei' and 'Yuan Yu.'
"It's done."
In this way, if we accumulate Heaven and Earth spiritual energy for just 10 years, Yeon Wei will be able to forcibly synchronize the wavelengths when she takes over Yuan Yu's body, providing enough vitality for Yuan Yu's body to withstand it.
Thus, the plan is for Yeon Wei to enter Yuan Yu's body and exhibit the powers of the Heavenly Being stage to take me to the Head Realm where we will seal the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
'Given the current pace of the Human Race invasion force, it should take three years for them to bring their troops to this Void Spirit Pond.'
But three years is too short.
Regrettably for the Human Race, it is only right that it should take them longer to break through to this place.
'I will hold back the Human Race as much as possible.'
I will mobilize everything I can do to ensure they come much slower.
Click, click, click.
I spend my time making wooden figurines, modifying them into puppets on the spot.
'At least 3 years.'
During that period, I will create a legion of Nascent Soul stage puppets.
Creating too many mass-produced General Seos with the Mad Lord's circuits will cause a mental erosion similar to the effect of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress's circuit.
Therefore, even though I initially didn't create more than a certain number of mass-produced General Seos, now is not the time to worry about such limitations.
'For at least a period of three years, I must prepare for war.'
Along with the war, I contemplate ways to extend that three-year period.
With that firm resolution, I continue my preparations.
And so, five and a half years pass.
Creeeak...
Inside a hidden dark room.
The door to the secret room opens, and a woman dressed in golden robes enters the secret room.
"Jeon Myeong-hoon, I've finally found you."
Jin So-hae, with a face showing delight, speaks towards the darkness.
"It was difficult because of the recent incident involving the Mad Lord's Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress waging war with the Earth Tribe's True Dragon Alliance, but in the end, we succeeded in catching the tail of Seo Eun-hyun!"
The next moment.
Step, step...
A man in golden robes walks out from the darkness.
"Is that true, So-hae?"
"Yes. Contrary to the intelligence department's prediction that he was involved with the Mad Lord's rampage to hunt down all the Dragon Races, he is actually in the True Devil Realm. There is much more solid evidence compared to the ambiguous traces of Seo Eun-hyun found on the Mad Lord's side."
"The True Devil Realm...!"
The man in golden robes, Jeon Myeong-hoon, receives the letters handed by Jin So-hae and skims through them.
"...I see. He clashed with the advancing Human Race Army?"
"Yes."
"...It's time, So-hae."
Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes sparkle.
"It's time to catch that traitor."
Crackle!
Jeon Myeong-hoon clenches his fist tightly.
Red lightning bursts forth from him.
Jin So-hae looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon with awe.
In the past five years.
Jeon Myeong-hoon had successfully risen to the Grand Perfection of the Nascent Soul stage.
Translator Notes: If you're confused about the explanation regarding the Heavenly Being stage, cuz hell I know I was, looking at a Taichi diagram might help.
***
Entrance to the Devil Realm.
A dull red glow flies towards that place.
Within the glow, Jeon Myeong-hoon, clad in golden robes, appears.
Shortly after, following Jeon Myeong-hoon, cultivators in golden robes at the Nascent Soul stage or the Heavenly Being stage successively appear.
The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's Seo Eun-hyun pursuit team, comprising of 22 Heavenly Being stage grand elders, 40 Nascent Soul stage elders, and including Jeon Myeong-hoon, a total of 63 individuals, reach the entrance to the dimensional gate of the True Devil Realm.
A moment later, 672 cultivators wearing dark blue long robes land one after another behind them.
Two Four-Axis stage cultivators, 203 Heavenly Being stage cultivators, 467 Nascent Soul stage cultivators.
All are members equivalent to envoys of Penglai Palace, and all 17 children of Penglai Palace Lord, Hon Won, are in attendance.
Following them, another group of cultivators appear.
They are each dressed in different-colored robes.
Thirteen Nascent Soul stage cultivators, 23 Heavenly Being stage cultivators, and one Four-Axis stage cultivator. A total of 37 cultivators.
Jeon Myeong-hoon, looking at the gathered cultivators, speaks.
"It seems everyone has gathered. The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Penglai Palace, and..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon's gaze moves to the group of 37 cultivators.
"...mercenaries as well. This is the entirety of the Seo Eun-hyun Punitive Force."
Jeon Myeong-hoon steps forward and continues,
"First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone for taking the time to catch the traitor of our sect."
He goes on,
"Of course, I understand some of you are here for the huge bounty offered by Penglai Palace, not out of pure goodwill... Nonetheless, the fact that you are here to capture the villain of our sect remains unchanged. I especially want to express my gratitude to the Penglai Palace Lord for not sparing any support in capturing this villain."
Jeon Myeong-hoon bows his head to Hon Ryang, the 1st Law Enforcer of Penglai Palace, Hon Won's firstborn, and an early Four-Axis stage cultivator.
"I will convey your sentiments to the Palace Lord."
"Yes. Before we subdue Seo Eun-hyun, our sect's traitor, I will distribute information regarding Seo Eun-hyun to you all."
Jeon Myeong-hoon takes out a storage scroll, from which he extracts dozens of jade slips.
Whoosh!
The jade slips fly from his hand into the grasp of the cultivators gathered here.
"Over the past 5 years, our Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's pursuit team has been investigating Seo Eun-hyun and his abilities."
Jeon Myeong-hoon recalls the past 5 years.
His former fellow disciple, Seo Eun-hyun, had openly shown signs of being around the 'Mad Lord' during the last five years.
Especially, there were numerous accounts of seeing Seo Eun-hyun in the Mad Lord's Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, and tales of Seo Eun-hyun using his unique curse spells there prompted the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect to investigate the Mad Lord's movements.
In the process, they were able to learn about the power Seo Eun-hyun had hidden from the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
One of the mercenary cultivators who received the jade slip chuckles.
"Are we supposed to believe this? He practices Lightning Path Methods, puppetry, curse spells, Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation, can use devilish arts, is proficient in poison, and even has a demon beast with him?"
"Yes. According to our investigation, he is such a person, and there's even a possibility he's hiding something more."
"His power is... Four-Axis level? Wasn't he said to be at the Nascent Soul stage? Is this credible?"
As doubts about Seo Eun-hyun's power arise, Hon Wei from Penglai Palace steps forward.
"I, Hon Wei, the 7th Law Enforcer of Penglai Palace, have personally experienced it. He is a sword cultivator who has mastered the methods of Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation and he managed to subdue me even after taking a direct hit from the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique, without even using the other powers listed in this jade slip. We must assume his power is at least at the Four-Axis stage. Moreover, as the greatest genius of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect who reached the Nascent Soul stage in less than a hundred years, we cannot rule out the possibility that he has risen to the Heavenly Being stage by now."
"Hmm, a monster indeed. Putting everything else aside, he was at the Nascent Soul stage and managed to subdue a cultivator of the Heavenly Being stage who executed the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique directly? Insane."
The highest-ranking cultivator among the mercenaries, the Four-Axis stage cultivator, Wei Li, clicked his tongue.
"Yes, and his knowledge of formations and basic techniques is profound enough that it's clear he has reached his realm through Understanding before Breakthrough, yet he can also fight in a manner that suggests Understanding after Breakthrough."
"Heh, this is going to be an interesting hunt."
Hon Cheon, the 2nd Law Enforcer of Penglai Palace and a Four-Axis stage cultivator, licks his lips.
Jeon Myeong-hoon, watching them, says,
"Initially, we planned to collaborate with the Human Race Army to confront Seo Eun-hyun, who is currently holding off the forces of the human race in the Devil Realm..."
He slightly furrows his brows.
"However, for some reason, the Human Race Army is only willing to support us with a single 1000-man team, which practically leaves us to take down that guy on our own."
"Ha, a 1000-man team means one Heavenly Being stage cultivator and ten Nascent Soul stage cultivators? Almost a negligible force."
"That's right. Essentially, the real power of this Seo Eun-hyun Punitive Force lies in everyone gathered here.
And, as I explained earlier, the sect traitor Seo Eun-hyun is such a formidable opponent. Therefore, before we proceed to subdue Seo Eun-hyun, I suggest we appoint a commander to lead the punitive force, if that's alright?"
Upon Jeon Myeong-hoon's words, Wei Li, the Four-Axis stage cultivator from the mercenary group, and Hon Ryang and Hon Cheon, the 1st and 2nd Law Enforcers of Penglai Palace, step forward.
"Then we let's decide on a commander among us."
"You speak the truth, brother. Well, truthfully, we just need to decide among ourselves, the 1st and 2nd Law Enforcers of Penglai Palace, right?"
Hon Cheon glanced at Wei Li, snickers, and crosses his arms.
Wei Li sneers back and says,
"Young masters who know nothing of the world's terrors leading the punitive force? That won't do. How could young masters, who have never faced a real life-or-death situation, lead us?"
"Haha, to dare to stand equal with the Law Enforcers of the great Penglai Palace without having even formed an Axis, don't you think that's absurd?"
Hon Ryang dismisses Wei Li with a bold smile, and sparks seem to fly between Wei Li, Hon Ryang, and Hon Cheon.
After stepping back a bit, Wei Li speaks.
"Well, then. If the two Law Enforcers take command, which of you will lead?"
At that, Hon Ryang smiles benignly and says,
"Hon Cheon, I think such a heavy responsibility should be placed on this older brother. I fear you're too young and might mess things up."
"What are you saying, brother? It would be too cruel to burden you, my aged and ailing brother, with such a heavy burden. As the younger brother, I feel terribly guilty."
Sparks seem to fly again between the two brothers, and Wei Li, with a smirk, tries to insert himself between them.
That's when Jeon Myeong-hoon steps forward and speaks.
"Ah, my point was simply to let the strongest person here take the role of the punitive force leader."
At his words, smiles appear on the faces of the three Four-Axis stage cultivators.
"That's a good idea. Then, let's have a simple spar right here."
Suddenly, Wei Li's hand holds three daggers.
An ominous yin energy flows from the daggers, and both Hon Ryang and Hon Cheon manifest rings of energy around their fists and legs.
Shortly after, the three Four-Axis stage cultivators clash in the air.
Kuguaguaguaguang!
Above the True Devil Realm's dimensional gate.
10 Li above the entrance, a gigantic sphere of light appears due to the aftermath of the cultivators' spar, obliterating everything inside.
Soon after, Wei Li is flung out of the sphere.
Spitting out blood as he is flung out, Wei Li chuckles.
"Damn Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique... I didn't expect it to be so powerful."
Kugugugu!
After the light subsides, only Hon Ryang and Hon Cheon remain in the air.
The two Law Enforcers glare at each other for a moment before, without deciding who is first, raise their hands.
Black and white Immortal-Devil energy flow from each of their hands.
"Mount Tai!"
"Splitting Emperor!"
In an instant, energies of the Yin and Yang Five Elements seem to rise above their bodies, and they unleash tearing strikes at each other.
Once again, the heavens are dyed with light, and Hon Ryang is the one to fall below.
"Keugh, hehe... So, the pure power of the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique isn't enough to match you."
Spitting out blood as he falls, Hon Ryang wears a bitter smile. Hon Cheon, also bleeding from his mouth, bursts into wild laughter within the light.
"Hahaha! Brother, you should rest well. I will take charge of this punitive force and deliver the best outcome to our Lord."
"Tch, do as you wish..."
Just then.
"Now then, since it's been proven that the 2nd Law Enforcer is the strongest among the three, I will offer the 2nd Law Enforcer an opportunity to spar with me."
"...What?"
At Jeon Myeong-hoon's statement, a look of incomprehension crosses Hon Cheon's face.
"Did I hear that wrong? You, spar with me?"
"It seems you heard correctly."
"...Are you mad? A mere Nascent Soul stage against me, who has already formed one of the Five Axes, a true Four-Axis cultivator? It seems you're unaware of the power of the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique..."
"I'm sorry, but I believe my method is not far behind the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique."
Jeon Myeong-hoon smirks as he takes a step forward. Seeing his expression, Hon Cheon bursts into roaring laughter.
"Hahaha! Well, that's the spirit a man should have. Come at me, then."
Hon Cheon gestures with his fingers, inviting Jeon Myeong-hoon to attack.
"You really think you can beat me..."
The next moment.
Crack!
Before Hon Cheon can react, Jeon Myeong-hoon is already striking his face.
"What...!"
Crunch!
Jeon Myeong-hoon had thrust a spear made of golden heavenly lightning into Hon Cheon's jaw.
"Kuk, so fast...!"
Whoosh!
Using the Flying Escape Technique to counter Jeon Myeong-hoon's speed, Hon Cheon quickly regenerates his jaw and reaches out his hand.
Yin and Yang Five Elements energy gathers around Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"But if you're hit even once by the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique..."
However, before the Yin and Yang Five Elements energy can fully encase Jeon Myeong-hoon, he swiftly breaks free from the elemental shackles and rushes at Hon Cheon, thrusting the spear into his abdomen.
"Kuk, you...!"
Hon Cheon grimaces.
'Too fast. I need to use my Flying Escape Technique constantly just to keep up.'
Whoosh!
Hon Cheon's body is enveloped in the dull glow of the Flying Escape Technique, turning into a blur of light and barely keeping up with Jeon Myeong-hoon's pace.
Laughing boldly, Hon Cheon says,
[Well, I admit the Lightning Path Method is a bit fast, but at this pace, I can catch up!]
Crackle!
Jeon Myeong-hoon, without saying a word, emits red lightning and six flags spring up behind him.
Soon, transforming into the Six Flags Thunder Giant, Jeon Myeong-hoon begins to furiously wave them.
[Ha, as you grow bigger, it actually becomes easier to execute the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique...]
But the next moment.
Rumble!
Seven-colored lightning burrows into Hon Cheon's defenses, and for a moment, Hon Cheon's entire body is paralyzed and unable to move.
Seizing the opportunity, Jeon Myeong-hoon's lightning surges from all directions, targeting Hon Cheon.
'Damn, paralysis... Damn it!'
He grits his teeth internally, his eyes bloodshot.
'I'll be defeated like this! This can't be! No matter how much of a genius he is, how can I be bested by a brat who hasn't even lived a hundred years...To think his mere Lightning Path Method could surpass the sect's Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique!? I won't accept it!'
[Arrrrgh!]
Kugugugu!
With white and black energy swirling in his hands, Hon Cheon grits his teeth.
[The Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique is a divine skill directly taught by the Mountain God to the first Penglai Palace Lord! It won't lose to something like the Lightning Path Method!!!]
Jeon Myeong-hoon, transformed into the Thunder Giant, dodges Hon Cheon's attacks here and there, observing him.
'Strange. I wasn't planning to play around like this, but seeing that Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique made my competitive spirit surge..'
It felt as if the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method he had learned was crying out to trample the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique.
Feeling fresh from this unprecedented sensation while practicing his methods, Jeon Myeong-hoon dodges all of Hon Cheon's attacks and prepares for the next attack.
[Here I go...]
Jeon Myeong-hoon, transformed into the very embodiment of the Lightning Spirit, unleashes the full power of the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation.
The next moment, Jeon Myeong-hoon transforms into a spear of red lightning, pierces through Hon Cheon who was gathering energy in his hands, and soars into the sky.
Crackle!
Red lightning fills the sky.
Thus, by proving himself as the strongest among the group, Jeon Myeong-hoon takes on the role of the leader of the Seo Eun-hyun Punitive Force.
Rumble!
Under the dark sky of the Devil Realm, hundreds of cultivators are flying.
Leading them with a dull red glow is Jeon Myeong-hoon, followed by the three Four-Axis stage cultivators with slightly discontent expressions.
After a while, as they soar through the sky of the Devil Realm, they spot a group of figures flying from afar.
It's the 1000-Man team, consisting of one Heavenly Being stage cultivator and ten Nascent Soul stage cultivators.
"We come as support from the Human Race Army. Are you heading to confront that monster, Seo Eun-hyun, in that basin ahead?"
"That's right."
"Let us share the information we've gathered on Seo Eun-hyun as we go."
Jeon Myeong-hoon receives a jade slip with information from the 1000-Man General and reads it.
It contains slightly more detailed information than what Jeon Myeong-hoon had investigated over the last 5 years.
"Thank you."
Jeon Myeong-hoon passes the jade slip back and furrows his brows.
The power of Seo Eun-hyun described in the jade slip exceeds his imagination.
'Above all, Hong Fan's mastery of poison is the most troublesome. With a low cultivation, inhaling the wrong poison can be fatal'
He asks the Heavenly Being stage cultivator who had come to support.
"By the way, if Seo Eun-hyun is considered a traitor for hindering the occupation of the Devil Realm by the Human Race Grand Alliance, why hasn't he been dealt with until now?"
"Ah, actually, that's because the strategy department, the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect, issued an order not to touch that monster."
"Hm? What does that mean?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon frowns upon the unexpected mention of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect, one of the Human Race's six major sects.
'The Penglai Palace openly declared they would hunt him down, but the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect directly opposes it? Are they planning to start a war between the six major sects?'
Sensing Jeon Myeong-hoon's dissatisfaction, the captain explains further,
"To be precise, we were ordered to leave the monster Seo Eun-hyun alone for five years, even if he hinders our advancement."
"Five years? I was under the impression that the Human Race Army only recently encountered Seo Eun-hyun..."
"Yes, that's correct. Until then, the poison presumed to be spread by Seo Eun-hyun's demon beast had slowed our advance, requiring time to reach him. Hence, the other 1000-man Generals and 10,000-man Commanders are waiting for the time specified in the strategy department's order to pass."
'In five years... it will be exactly 10 years since he betrayed the sect. What's with the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect all of a sudden? This doesn't directly oppose Penglai Palace, but why suddenly...'
Feeling uneasy, Jeon Myeong-hoon follows the 1000-man General's lead and moves forward.
Shortly after, a vast mountain range appears before the punitive force.
The mountain range, atypical for the Devil Realm, is enveloped in dense spiritual energy, taking the form of a basin and encompassing the entire surrounding area.
"That area is where the monster Seo Eun-hyun has settled. We don't know what he's doing, but he's eroding the entire region with the Vast Cold Jade and making it impossible for anyone to enter, causing headaches for the expeditionary force."
"Thanks for the information. Then first..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon raises his hand.
A lightning spear materialized in his grasp.
Whoosh!
He throws the lightning spear with all his might, and it rushes towards the mountain range.
That's when.
Click, click, click!
From beneath the land of the mountain range, dozens of puppets suddenly appear and open their mouths.
Flash!
The puppets, eerily resembling Seo Eun-hyun, simultaneously unleash beams, and Jeon Myeong-hoon's lightning spear is directly annihilated.
"...As you can see, such puppets are swarming throughout the entire mountain range. Each one's strike is equivalent to that of a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, making it very difficult to penetrate inside."
Hearing the general's words, Jeon Myeong-hoon briefly looks at the mountain range and then smirks bitterly.
Crack, crackle!
Red lightning bursts from his entire body.
"Well, good. I didn't expect it to be easy to break through."
'It has to be at least this much to be Seo Eun-hyun.'
He smiles, recalling the once insurmountable wall that was Seo Eun-hyun.
"From now on, we begin the punitive expedition against the traitor of the sect, Seo Eun-hyun!"
Crack, crackle!
Six flags sprout from behind Jeon Myeong-hoon, and the punitive force begins to raise their own innate techniques.
Thus the battle to subdue Seo Eun-hyun begins.
Translator Note: Seo Eun-hyun is a raid boss.
***