Kugugugugu!
As Jeon Myeong-hoon and the punitive force begin to gather their energy, the entire mountain starts to vibrate.
"What, what is that!?"
"This is insane..."
From various places all over the mountain, an uncountable number of puppets begin to emerge.
Like a swarm of insects, the numerous puppets make everyone's faces turn pale.
"But they're all just Nascent Soul level. Let the Heavenly Being stage cultivators break through."
At that command, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and Penglai Palace's Heavenly Being stage cultivators step forward.
As the Heavenly Being stage cultivators form their hand signs, the surrounding Heaven and Earth spiritual energy vibrates and moves according to their will, forming waves.
Gooooo
As the wave of spiritual energy surges towards the insect-like puppet swam, the Nascent Soul stage puppets fail to resist and are crushed to death.
"The mountain range is forming some kind of formation. We need to bring down the mountain itself."
Three Heavenly Being stage Law Enforcers from Penglai Palace step forward, each beginning to exert their techniques.
The three Law Enforcers, positioned in three directions, form a Three Disasters Formation and begin to amplify their energy within it.
Despite the mountain range being immensely larger than a regular mountain and emitting an unusual energy, gradually, the energy from the Heavenly Being stage Law Enforcers begin to overpower the mountain's energy.
"Depart ()!"
When the Heavenly Being stage Law Enforcers complete their hand signs, the energy transforms into a giant dragon-shaped mass of light and flies towards the mountain range.
Kugugugugu!
As the dragon-shaped energy touches the mountain range and the formation manifested through it, it shakes violently, flickering as if it will collapse at any moment.
However, just then.
Crack!
A dark figure appears, grabs the dragon-shaped light mass with both arms, and crushes it.
Boom!
The light mass dissipates, and Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at the dark figure.
"It's you again."
The figure, resembling the puppets that had crawled out from all over the mountain like insects but made of much finer materials and with a much more complex process, as evidenced by the complex circuits faintly glowing all over its body, resembles Seo Eun-hyun quite closely.
True Origin General Seo opens its mouth.
Kwaaaang!
A burst of light erupts from General Seo's mouth, aiming at the punitive force.
"Hmm!"
Hon Cheon steps forward and stretches out his hand, blocking General Seo's beam.
The light splits in all directions upon hitting Hon Cheon's hand but Hon Cheon frowns.
"Quite painful. A puppet at the Four-Axis stage, is it?"
Before he can react further,
General Seo stomps fiercely.
Boom!
A massive vibration spreads in all directions, and once again, countless puppets begin to emerge from the mountain.
Seeing this, Hon Ryang lets out a dry laugh.
"How many Nascent Soul puppets did he create? What a monster. Of course, to cultivators, there's nothing more foolish than relying on numbers."
At Hon Ryang's signal, the Heavenly Being stage cultivators from Penglai Palace step forward again to form hand signs.
That's when.
Bo-oong!
Flash!
General Seo's mouth fires another beam cannon, disrupting the Heavenly Being stage cultivators attempting to cast their spells on the Nascent Soul stage puppets.
However, Hon Ryang scoffs.
"Spread out and target the Nascent Soul puppets. Anyway, that puppet cannon can't fire more than one at a time..."
And at that very moment.
General Seo's shoulders, chest, abdomen, knees, and palms open, and heads similar to General Seo's begin to emerge.
Click, click, click!
The heads that sprouted all over General Seo's body each open their mouths and begin firing beams in all directions simultaneously.
"Damn it! Evade!"
Hon Ryang's previously relaxed face contorts, and he steps forward in front of the Heavenly Being stage cultivators, gathering his strength.
Three Four-Axis stage cultivators, including Jeon Myeong-hoon, step forward to block General Seo's beams.
"Let's push through in one go, everyone advance!"
"Understood!"
Under Jeon Myeong-hoon's command, the three Four-Axis stage cultivators begin flying towards General Seo, facing the beams head-on.
Suddenly, above General Seo, a sphere of Yin and Yang Five Elements emerges.
Hon Ryang and Hon Cheon simultaneously extend their hands, starting to gather energy.
But the next moment.
Whoosh!
Eight blue wings sprout from General Seo's back.
"What!?"
A storm of light far more massive than the previous beams fly towards Hon Ryang and Hon Cheon.
The Yin and Yang Five Elements restraint around General Seo is instantly shattered and torn apart, and Hon Ryang and Hon Cheon curse as they are forced to retreat.
Jeon Myeong-hoon also retreats from the aftermath of General Seo's Azure Wing Heavenly Shatter,
Meanwhile, Wei Li, cloaked in Yin energy for stealth, manages to position himself behind General Seo.
Just as Wei Li, wielding a dagger dharma treasure, attempts to stab at General Seo's back,
Click!
General Seo's back opens, revealing a Taiji symbol inside.
"What...!"
Kwajijijik!
A massive pillar of lightning erupts from behind General Seo.
Simultaneously, General Seo's form changes once again.
The head on top split into two, each imbued with Yin energy and Yang energy.
Jeon Myeong-hoon frowns at the sight.
"Taiji Quaking Lighting Body..."
Hearing this, the other Four-Axis stage cultivators let out a dry chuckle.
"A puppet employing such a diversity of methods. It's practically at the mid Four-Axis stage. in addition..."
Tsutsutsutsu...
Not only True Origin General Seo but also the mass-produced General Seos scattered around begin to emit dark curse spells.
Hon Ryang looks at the curse and says,
"Each of those puppets is a cursed doll laden with curses. If we allow even a speck of injury while fighting them, they will transform into a cursed doll that is linked with us, making it so if we attack them, we end up attacking each other."
"What a damn piece of work."
Wei Li spits out a suppressed swear.
"Dragging it out like this will drain our strength, but the real issue is Seo Eun-hyun himself hasn't wasted any energy and is conserving his strength. If we expend all our energy here, it'll be just like handing over our information to him and losing our chance to fight Seo Eun-hyun."
At Wei Li's words, Hon Ryang looks at him and asks,
"So what do you suggest?"
"That General Seo, although at the mid Four-Axis stage, operates on a set of rules like a puppet. I'll study its patterns and keep it at bay. In the meantime, quickly hurry into the mountain range and defeat Seo Eun-hyun!"
"Understood."
Jeon Myeong-hoon nods firmly, leaving behind a few Heavenly Being and Nascent Soul stage cultivators, including Wei Li, and they quickly move beyond the mountain range.
Kwoong!
General Seo charges at them with its mouth wide open.
However, Wei Li spits out a chain-shaped dharma treasure from his mouth, and the dark chains wrap around General Seo.
"Your opponent is me."
Boo-woong!
General Seo charges at Wei Li, and the two Four-Axis stage beings begin their fast-paced exchange.
Boo-woooong!
Crossing the mountain range, Jeon Myeong-hoon frowns.
Within the mountain range,
The area is filled with dark miasma.
"It's poison. Everyone, stop all forms of breathing, including skin respiration."
At Hon Cheon's word, all the cultivators begin to hold their breaths, casting protective spells.
As they enter the miasma in this state,
"Krrrrgh...!"
In an instant, the Nascent Soul elders start staggering, showing signs of poisoning.
"What the...!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon and the Heavenly Being stage grand elders all jump in surprise, turning to look at the elders.
And the next moment, Jeon Myeong-hoon feels dizzy.
'Damn, I see. The Heaven and Earth spiritual energy itself is imbued with poison! Even if we hold our breath, those at the Nascent Soul stage and below structurally have to inhale the surrounding spiritual energy, so they get poisoned without even breathing the air...'
He guesses who the creator of the poison is.
'Hong Fan...!'
Remembering the centipede demon beast that had given him strength and support in his most desperate times, with whom he had been close, Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes blaze with fury.
Crackle, crackling!
Jeon Myeong-hoon's entire body erupts with red lightning, transforming him into a form resembling a Lightning Spirit.
[Krgh...I'll have to stay in this state for now. Everyone, those who are poisoned, gather in one place and quietly perform your cultivation methods!]
"Are you sure? What if we are attacked in the fog...."
Jeon Myeong-hoon shakes his head.
[This poison is formidable, but given the maker's character, he wouldn't disturb those who are cultivating to recover from the poison.]
Seo Eun-hyun might be unreliable, but Hong Fan, who had consistently shown a certain demeanor, is trustworthy.
Trusting in Hong Fan's character, Jeon Myeong-hoon gathers those immobilized by the poison to a less toxic area to expel the poison.
"Bite on a detoxifying pill. And..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon surveys his surroundings.
Due to Hong Fan's poison, all forces at the Nascent Soul stage and below are rendered incapable of combat in an instant.
'Damn it...'
[...Only five Heavenly Being stage cultivators stay here to take care of the poisoned cultivators. Those who are fine, continue to advance forward.]
Jeon Myeong-hoon gris his teeth and advances.
Hon Ryang read the flow of the formations and points the way.
"The energy of the formation is gathering over there. Let's head in that direction."
[Understood.]
Hon Ryang, Hon Cheon, and Jeon Myeong-hoon leads the Heavenly Being stage cultivators and fly forward,
"Wait, this is...!! Stop!"
Hon Ryang suddenly scrunches his face and shouts.
However, the next moment, the energy of the formation twists and Hon Ryang feels himself being thrown to an isolated area. The same happens to Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hon Cheon.
Hon Ryang frowns.
"The layout of the formation is incredibly complicated. I've heard that the formation skills of Jin Wei, whom Father asked us to capture, are significant. Could it be true?"
He tries to explore his surroundings with his consciousness, but the energy of the formation crushes Hon Ryang's attempt, preventing him from fully extending his consciousness domain.
It's when he looks around.
Far off, through the poison, two figures appear.
"Daoist Jeon, Hon Cheon!"
His face lights up, ready to rush over but then stops to raise his guard.
"Who are you...?"
But those who appeared from beyond the poisonous fog are not Heon Ryang's companions but a white-haired hunched old man in black clothes, biting a bamboo pipe, and a beauty clad in a bright red robe with looks so enchanting that they are almost bewitching.
"Greetings. Sorry for the suddenness, but according to my master's command, I must bind you for a while."
The old man in black, Hong Fan, speaks and Hon Ryang chuckles in response.
"Do you really think you two, who appear to be merely at the Nascent Soul stage, can challenge me? What an amusing joke."
He smirks and points his finger at Hong Fan.
"Explode and die."
Boom!
However, it isn't Hong Fan who explodes, but the beauty in the bright red robe beside him, Yuan Yu.
'A cursed doll? All impacts directed at that old demon in disguise are absorbed by that cursed doll.'
Tsuk, tsuk-tsuk-tsuk!
He snorts at the sight of Yuan Yu writhing and regenerating its body.
"Interesting trick. Except for unique cases like Daoist Jeon, you Nascent Soul stage beings are nothing but insects that can be stomped to death. Just die..."
Snap!
In the next moment, Hong Fan snaps his fingers.
Kugugugugu!
Simultaneously, Hon Ryang feels an enormous weight descend upon him.
"I've learned a bit about formations from Jin Wei-nim over the past few years...formations are truly fascinating. With little strength, one can overpower a strong enemy, which seems to have quite a bit in common with poison."
"What...?"
Snap!
As Hong Fan snaps his fingers again, the formation's energy constricts around Hon Ryang to the point it's even difficult to breathe.
'This is insane, aside from the power of the formation, that guy...he's handling this vast and complex formation like it's part of his body...!'
As Hong Fan moves his right hand, the surrounding energy shifts, amplifying the power of the formation.
Moving his left, the poison on the ground changes properties, mixing into a completely different kind of poison.
[You insect...!]
Hon Ryang tries to reach out to Hong Fan, but in the next moment, his senses flip upside down.
'Damn it, the formation's confusing my senses!'
Thud!
Hon Ryang falls to one knee.
[What...why can't I exert any strength...am I affected by poison?]
He looks at his skin turning black with a troubled expression.
Hong Fan strokes his beard and chuckles heartily.
"How could someone as lowly as me create a poison that affects a Four-Axis senior? It's just...what's laid out here is not only my poison."
[What...! This, this is!]
Chi-ii-ii
Hon Ryang sees tiny curses climbing his arm and clenches his teeth.
He hadn't noticed due to the formation's energy and poison concealing them.
But beneath the dark poison, curse spells are densely laid out.
While Hong Fan distracted Hon Ryang with the formation and poison, curse spells from the ground had already been absorbed into him.
"You...!"
Kwarururung!
As Hon Ryang punches the ground, the energy of the formation shifts, constricting him even more violently in return.
Hon Ryang feels as if he is being swallowed alive by a snake, kneeling before Hong Fan.
'How could I, even if within the enemy's maw, and with it being difficult to handle someone skilled in poison arts, be overpowered by a Nascent Soul stage demon beast...'
He wants to resist, but his energy starts to wane.
"...My brother has been defeated."
Hon Cheon frowns, looking into the dark poisonous fog.
He can feel, coursing through his veins, that his brother had been overpowered.
'This is no time to hesitate. I must quickly regroup with Jeon Myeong-hoon. We're being defeated in detail.'
Recalling the energy he had secretly attached to Jeon Myeong-hoon during their initial encounter at the entrance to the Devil Realm, he senses Jeon Myeong-hoon's location.
Although unable to fully extend his consciousness due to the influence of the formation, his unique cultivation method allows him to approximate Jeon Myeong-hoon's whereabouts.
Soon, Hon Cheon and Jeon Myeong-hoon reunite.
"Finally found you. My brother has been captured. He's not dead but he's in a critical situation."
"...I couldn't find the Heavenly Being stage grand elders. It seems impossible to break the formation rashly. Attacking it from the inside only tightens its grip."
Jeon Myeong-hoon scowls at the poison-filled formation.
Hearing this, Hon Cheon squints and asks,
"Is there any way?"
"...There is."
"What is it?"
"Defeat Seo Eun-hyun."
At that, Hon Cheon responds irritably.
"Even a three-year-old could give that answer. Stop joking and..."
"It's no joke."
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at Hon Cheon and says,
"Just stand guard for a moment. We're close to him. If I concentrate a little, I think I can find his location."
"How?"
"The cultivation method I've learned and the one he has learned are... almost like siblings."
The Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique, which only becomes revealed upon learning all the methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, and the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method, which can be attained by mastering the basic method of the sect and showcasing all its features when fully mastered.
Jeon Myeong-hoon feels a kinship between the two methods.
'It seems the founder of the sect, the Golden Deity, designed these two techniques to be similar. I get the feeling that the two methods are interconnected.'
He closes his eyes, listening to 'the voice of lightning.'
Previously, the lightning had spoken to him in a sticky, bewitching voice, revealing the intricacies of the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method.
But ever since Seo Eun-hyun ran away with the Heavenly Lightning Banner,
Jeon Myeong-hoon started hearing a 'different' voice of lightning.
It still speaks to him as lightning always had.
Yet, the voice he hears recently is much softer, weaker, and more comforting than the one before.
Murmuring...
He follows the voice of lightning.
'Find Seo Eun-hyun...'
Jeon Myeong-hoon silently asks the voice with guidance.
Zzzt, zzzt, zzzt...
Though his consciousness is blocked, the lightning bestows knowledge upon him.
Scenes of places where electricity flows begin to clearly emerge in Jeon Myeong-hoon's mind.
Hon Cheon standing next to him, emitting bioelectricity.
Hong Fan, who is dealing with Heon Ryang, and Yuan Yu, the Blood Body, standing beside him.
The scattered Heavenly Being cultivators.
And...
'Seo Eun-hyun!'
The unmistakably alien presence of Seo Eun-hyun, who emits a transparent voice of lightning, enters Jeon Myeong-hoon's mind.
Jeon Myeong-hoon glares at the figure of Seo Eun-hyun that entered his mind.
'There you are.'
Just then.
Swoosh
Seo Eun-hyun, who had been quietly standing afar, locks eyes with Jeon Myeong-hoon's gaze.
Startled!
Jeon Myeong-hoon is taken aback and opens his eyes.
"...I've found him."
"Found him? Where should we go?"
"Head north. He's waiting for us."
Hon Cheon and Jeon Myeong-hoon use their Flying Escape Technique to fly.
Jeon Myeong-hoon bites his lip as he forces his way through the poison.
He remembers when Seo Eun-hyun sensed him through the voice of lightning.
The moment their eyes met.
'It's always been like that.'
For some reason, Seo Eun-hyun always seems to know everything.
Seeing what cannot be seen, hearing what cannot be heard, perceiving what does not existas if he is always gazing at another world.
'What are you really looking at, Seo Eun-hyun? Why did you betray the sect?'
Jeon Myeong-hoon bites his lip hard enough to draw blood as he flies toward Seo Eun-hyun.
Boom!
The place where Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hon Cheon arrive is a clearing unaffected by the poison.
"Seo Eun-hyun!"
Kwajijijijik!
Jeon Myeong-hoon shouts at Seo Eun-hyun, who was waiting for him with a calm expression, holding the Colorless Glass Sword.
"I've come!"
Seo Eun-hyun smiles softly.
"You've come too early."
No more words are needed.
Flash!
Jeon Myeong-hoon and Seo Eun-hyun almost simultaneously become light.
Hon Cheon also gathers his energy and shouts to Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"Just hold him off for a moment! I'll feed him the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique!"
In an instant, Jeon Myeong-hoon and Seo Eun-hyun clash weapons.
Jeon Myeong-hoon unleashes the Heavenly Tribulation he had accumulated over time.
Lightning bolts turn into lightning spears in Jeon Myeong-hoon's hands.
He becomes the lightning itself, storming Seo Eun-hyun with relentless attacks.
Seo Eun-hyun does not become lightning.
He doesn't even use the Flying Escape Technique.
He simply moves earnestly
Yet, with that alone, he matches the lightning-transformed Jeon Myeong-hoon, wielding the glass sword to deflect all of Jeon Myeong-hoon's lightning spears.
'I still...can't win.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon instinctively knows.
He still can't defeat Seo Eun-hyun.
Despite rushing in with all his power from the start, he can feel that Seo Eun-hyun is still holding back his strength.
'Even if Wei Li and Hon Ryang had joined the assault, it's likely we wouldn't have been able to defeat him.'
Seo Eun-hyun still appears to have numerous techniques hidden, still full of composure.
That leisurely gaze!
Jeon Myeong-hoon grits his teeth as he looks into those eyes.
[Use...your technique!]
Kurururung!
Jeon Myeong-hoon's body swells.
Six arms sprout from his body, each holding a flag of six different colors.
Jeon Myeong-hoon's head splits into two, one male and one female, with a Taiji symbol rotating behind him.
Kwarururung!
Around the dantian of the giant Thunder Giant, 64 hexagrams rotate, forming a Thunder Palace.
Jeon Myeong-hoon's six arms move frantically.
Both halves of his split head emit black and white lightning and the speed of the Thunder Giant begins to increase.
[Reveal more power! Seo Eun-hyun!!!]
Gradually, Seo Eun-hyun fails to keep up with Jeon Myeong-hoon's movements.
And, at a certain point.
Jeon Myeong-hoon sees a pale, misty aura emanating from around Seo Eun-hyun.
'He's using his power for real now!'
Boo-woong!
Whaang!
With a slash from Seo Eun-hyun, Jeon Myeong-hoon tenses up even more.
The power of the sword strike increased.
'That pale mist is maximizing his physical abilities.'
He feels an instinctive warning and momentarily retreats before becoming a streak of red meteor rushing toward Seo Eun-hyun.
Flash!
For a moment, Jeon Myeong-hoon becomes a red lightning spear.
At that moment, he becomes incomparably fast, and Seo Eun-hyun, startled, hastily defends.
Boom!
A loud noise erupts.
But Jeon Myeong-hoon smiles bitterly.
"...That was the strongest attack I could muster."
Chiiing
Suddenly, the lightning emanating from Jeon Myeong-hoon seems to have been completely discharged, and his form returns back to human form from the Thunder Giant.
Seo Eun-hyun looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon calmly and says,.
"You need to train more. You're still far off."
"...Yeah, I guess so. Haha, I probably can't beat you. But you know..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks up at Seo Eun-hyun and smirks.
"Still, you were distracted by me for a moment, weren't you?"
"...!?"
Kiiing!
Above Seo Eun-hyun, the Taiji symbol of Yin and Yang Five Elements appears.
"Speed is my advantage over that guy's technique, allowing me to win outside but..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon steps back.
Hon Cheon, with black and white energy swirling around his hands, rushes towards Seo Eun-hyun..
"In terms of raw power itself, his Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique is far more overwhelming."
Hon Cheon shouts.
"Mount Tai!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon sports a venomous smile, and for a moment, tension swirls in Seo Eun-hyun's eyes.
"Splitting Emperor!"
As if pouring all his spiritual power into this attack, Hon Cheon's face turns pale as he executes the attack.
Zzzeeeng!
The next moment, light explodes.
Shiiii
"Haah...hah..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hon Cheon gasp for breath on the spot.
Jeon Myeong-hoon had used up all his stamina in the fight against Seo Eun-hyun, and Hon Cheon had poured all his strength into that last strike.
With anticipation in his voice, Hon Cheon speaks.
"We, we did it..."
"Shut up!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon cuts off Hon Cheon's words with an irritable voice.
"You're sure you finished him off for good?"
"How dare you underestimate the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique! The Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique distinguishes the essence of Qi, then divides Qi into seven parts based on Yin and Yang and the Five Elements to disintegrate the opponent. It is said that if one reaches the plane of Fate and becomes a True Immortal through the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique, even fate can be split into seven pieces! To underestimate the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique is...."
"Yeah, I get it. Your technique is great."
Jeon Myeong-hoon ignores Hon Cheon's rambling, not letting go of his vigilance, and unfolds his storage scroll to reach inside.
Kugugugu!
The spiritual energy from the spirit stones inside the storage scroll flows into Jeon Myeong-hoon, restoring his spiritual power.
"Hey, how about sharing some spirit stones with me?"
"You're from the wealthy Penglai Palace. Use your own. And..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks back at Hon Cheon and sneers.
"Your Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique, it seems like it didn't work?"
"What?"
Step, step...
A naked Seo Eun-hyun emerges through the dust cloud.
"That just now..."
His flesh is charred and torn in places.
It appears he had taken significant damage from the recent strike.
"I almost died for real. The Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique is indeed formidable...even more malicious than Cultivator Hon Wei's attack."
"...!"
Hon Cheon's pupils shrink.
"How did you survive that...?"
"Sorry to say, but I triple reinforced my body."
Kiing
Circuit-like patterns glow faintly all over Seo Eun-hyun's body.
Faint devilish energy shines, healing his body, and though it is subtle, a power reminiscent of a sword envelops his entire body.
"Having to pass the attack's power to my curse dolls because I couldn't handle it all even after reinforcing my body shows it is indeed quite impressive. But that's all it is. Especially you, Jeon Myeong-hoon. Had you reached the Heavenly Being stage, you might have been worth a go, but you're still too inexperienced."
"..."
"Go back. I've made a promise with Hong Su-ryeong not to kill you, and I intend to keep it. What I'm doing is not...betraying the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect."
At that moment, Jeon Myeong-hoon stands up.
"What do you mean it's not betrayal?"
He glares at Seo Eun-hyun with bloodshot eyes.
"Do you even realize how many people were hurt and shocked by your actions!?"
"..."
"Without even offering an explanation, you've wasted the efforts and cultivation that others have built up over all this time in the sect, and how many people have been deeply hurt, deeply shocked by your reckless actions, claiming it's all because of some artifact... What do you think you know!"
"...I can't explain. I'm sorry."
"Everyone feels a deep sense of betrayal from your actions, having been a cherished genius of the sect! You are, you are...!"
Crack, crackle!
Red thunder surrounds Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Seo Eun-hyun, slightly raising his vigilance, points the Colorless Glass Sword at him.
"I don't know what you're trying to do, but don't. I'll cut you."
"Hehe, those eyes that always seem to know what I'm about to do, really get on my nerves...!"
"..."
"Are you reading my mind too, huh?"
Seo Eun-hyun narrows his eyes.
In his gaze, Jeon Myeong-hoon's overly confident inner thoughts are exposed.
Something is dangerous.
"Don't move your hand. I'll cut it right away."
Seo Eun-hyun focuses on Jeon Myeong-hoon's storage scroll.
"Think you can cut me?"
"You think I can't?"
"..."
"..."
The next moment.
Flash!
Lightning-transformed Jeon Myeong-hoon's hand reaches for the storage scroll, and Seo Eun-hyun, becoming light for an instant, swings his sword.
Schlick!
Jeon Myeong-hoon's arm is severed.
But Jeon Myeong-hoon smiles.
"I've been waiting for you to come closer!"
Kugugugu!
Heaven and Earth spiritual energy surges around Jeon Myeong-hoon.
A look of realization flashes across Seo Eun-hyun's face.
Simultaneously, Jeon Myeong-hoon's microcosm begins to communicate with the nature of Heaven and Earth.
"I've practiced countless times with only one goal in mind...to punish the traitor!"
Thunder rumbles ominously.
"I've come this far, turning that anger into madness, just to punish you!"
Golden and blue lights roar in the sky.
Jeon Myeong-hoon begins his breakthrough to the Heavenly Being stage.
Boom!
Seo Eun-hyun hastily retreats to avoid the Heavenly Tribulation striking down on Jeon Myeong-hoon.
However, in that moment, he sees Jeon Myeong-hoon regenerating his arm and reaching for the storage scroll.
"Damn...!"
Seo Eun-hyun cuts off Jeon Myeong-hoon's arm again as he glares at him.
However, he was unable to completely block Jeon Myeong-hoon's technique in the process of severing his arm.
When Jeon Myeong-hoon completes his hand sign, the Heavenly Tribulation twists and strikes down on Seo Eun-hyun.
"Our ancestral founder often used this method, didn't he? It has been passed down as a technique exclusive to those of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body."
Kwajijijik!
Seo Eun-hyun takes the brunt of Jeon Myeong-hoon's Heavenly Tribulation.
The more Seo Eun-hyun resists, the more fiercely the heavens lash out, furious at the attempt to overcome the tribulation through trickery.
Kwaijijijik!
The range of the tribulation expands, eventually engulfing both Jeon Myeong-hoon and Seo Eun-hyun.
Despite also being hit by the tribulation, the tribulation only seems to intensify following Jeon Myeong-hoon's hand sign.
Charururuk!
Seo Eun-hyun sees Jeon Myeong-hoon regenerate his arm and reach for the storage scroll again.
'Damn, the Heavenly Tribulation is getting stronger!'
If this continues, his body will be torn apart by the lightning!
Retreating from Jeon Myeong-hoon would have ended it.
However, Seo Eun-hyun can't retreat.
A foreboding feeling warns him.
Retreating now will be a regret he'd gnash his teeth over!
[You...!]
Seo Eun-hyun finally begins to use his techniques against the tribulation.
Dark curses appear, weakening the Heavenly Tribulation, while wood attribute techniques fire at it, neutralizing it.
Seo Eun-hyun reveals his Formless Sword, slicing through the Heavenly Tribulation and advancing towards Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Yet, the tribulation only grows stronger.
'Damn!'
The heavens are enraged, pouring down endless heavenly lightning.
[Tricking the heavens only makes it angrier. No matter how powerful you are, Seo Eun-hyun, you cannot overcome the heavens!]
[You...!]
Within the massive column of Heavenly Tribulation, the two men glare at each other.
Seo Eun-hyun grits his teeth.
Despite exerting his full power, the tribulation is becoming too overwhelming to bear.
At this rate, he will be reduced to ashes.
Seo Eun-hyun's judgment is swift.
Boo-woong!
Chiiiiing!
As Seo Eun-hyun forms a hand sign, the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner he had previously implanted in Jeon Myeong-hoon activates.
"...!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon clutches his head in agony.
Seo Eun-hyun finally retreats from the column of lightning.
However, at that moment.
Despite his pain, Jen Myeong-hoon shakily reaches for the storage scroll.
"You!"
Seo Eun-hyun frowns, intensifying his hand sign.
The Five Elements Blood Curse Banner exerts its maximum power!
A scarlet light envelopes Jeon Myeong-hoon's head within the tribulation.
'It's now a battle against time. The moment the Heavenly Tribulation stops, I'll immediately suppress him and snatch the storage scroll!'
Yet, Seo Eun-hyun observes Jeon Myeong-hoon with a wary gaze.
If Jeon Myeong-hoon overcomes the pain of the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner and reaches for the storage scroll before the tribulation ends, it will be Jeon Myeong-hoon's victory.
"Just give up, Jeon Myeong-hoon! Please trust me. I never intended to harm the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect!"
The red light enveloping Jeon Myeong-hoon's head intensifies even more.
Bleeding from his forehead, he screams within the Heavenly Tribulation.
"What I'm trying to do is to save our fellow disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect! Please, stop now, Jeon Myeong-hoon!"
"...!"
Seo Eun-hyun vibrates the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner even more intensely.
But at some point.
Jeon Myeong-hoon, with a devilish smile, gradually begins to move his hand towards the storage scroll.
"Jeon Myeong-hoon!"
"...Seo...Eun...hyun...!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon shouts as if screaming.
Although hard to hear over the rumbling thunder, Seo Eun-hyun can tell what Jeon Myeong-hoon is trying to say.
"Your...master...trusted you...!!!"
With that Jeon Myeong-hoon's hand enters the storage scroll!
Flash!
Simultaneously, the Heavenly Tribulation ceases.
Seo Eun-hyun rushes towards Jeon Myeong-hoon in the blink of an eye.
In that fleeting moment, he sees what Jeon Myeong-hoon pulls from the storage scroll.
It's a white belt inscribed with the characters for Heavenly Lightning.
The next moment.
Seo Eun-hyun feels an unimaginably swift Heavenly Tribulation strike his body.
"...!?"
Kwarurung!
Instantly, Seo Eun-hyun is flung backwards.
And then, Jeon Myeong-hoon stands up.
"The Heavenly Lightning Belt, given to the highest Grand Elders of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, is made by extracting the power of the Heavenly Lightning Banner."
With a fierce gleam in his eye, Jeon Myeong-hoon says to Seo Eun-hyun.
"You didn't bring out the Heavenly Lightning Banner. Were you afraid I'd steal it?"
Fzzt, fizz!
Seo Eun-hyun's pupils shrink.
The white belt in Jeon Myeong-hoon's hand disperses.
In its place, the Heavenly Lightning Banner appears in his grasp.
"I did my best to draw out your full power. Even if I summoned the Heavenly Lightning Banner using the Heavenly Lightning Belt, if you were stronger than me wielding the Heavenly Lightning Banner, it'd be useless. However..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon laughs wildly as he wields the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
"Fortunately, your strength isn't quite at that level."
The next moment, the Heavenly Lightning Banner lends Jeon Myeong-hoon the greatest power it could offer in his current state.
-x-X-x-
Wo-woong, Wo-woong.
Where is this?
I grab my dizzy head and stand up.
"Uwaek...uwaeeek..."
Suddenly, I feel nauseous and vomit blood and pieces of my intestines.
"Keugh...guugh.."
I look at my body.
My body is golden brown and emitting smoke.
'Ah, I see.'
I remember.
I had been fighting with Jeon Myeong-hoon, and after he came close to me, he used the Heavenly Lightning Belt to summon the Heavenly Lightning Banner nearby.
The last thing I remember was him swinging the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
"Hu, heugh...kugh."
I look around, gasping for breath.
The formations that Hong Fan and Jin Wei had put all their effort into creating are all gone.
Hong Fan's poison had evaporated and disappeared, and in various places, disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are gaining strength, emitting overwhelming lightning power.
Countless cultivators at the Heavenly Being and Nascent Soul stage are surrounding me.
And, there in front, Jeon Myeong-hoon is looking down at me while holding the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
"Jeon...Myeong...Hoon...!"
I try to stand up, but my legs give out, and I collapse back down.
Looking closely, my leg muscles are completely burnt, making it a miracle I could even move at all.
"The Heavenly Lightning...Banner..."
I clench my teeth.
Where did it all go wrong?
Should I have not listened to Hong Su-ryeong from the start, killed a few, or taken some as a hostage to drive them away.
Or should I have torn Jeon Myeong-hoon to shreds so he couldn't even approach me?
Or should I have just crippled his cultivation and spared his life?
I don't know.
But the outcome has already come to this.
The Heavenly Lightning Banner is in his hands.
"Jeon...Myeong, Hoon..."
I manage to regenerate my burnt vocal cords and squeeze out my words.
"Heavenly Lightning Banner...must be sealed...in the Lower Realm..."
"...Explain why."
"If I...explain...all of you...will go mad..."
"That's not convincing."
"Please...trust...me..."
"...We did trust you. Until you betrayed us and stole the Heavenly Lightning Banner."
Jeon Myeong-hoon retorts back with a cold face.
"You betrayed our trust. Asking to be trusted? We did trust you. The Supreme Sect Master, the sect leader, the next sect leader, your master, your followers, my lover, all the disciples of the sect...And me."
With a face twisted in emotion, he shouts.
"We did trust you. But you...betrayed all of that and ran away."
"No...That's not it..."
"You can't explain? No, you just don't trust us. I don't know what world you're seeing. But, you're not sharing the world you see with us, believing only you can judge it. It's not that you can't explain, you just choose not to!"
"..."
"This is your last chance. Explain."
I bite my lip.
About the Governing Immortals, about the Owner of Heavenly Punishment.
About Zhengli, about Yang Su-jin, the Enders, and countless other unfathomable beings.
How on earth am I supposed to open my mouth!?
I clench my teeth.
But in the end, I can't open my mouth.
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at me with cold eyes.
"...You mean you can't explain."
"..."
"I see."
He rummages through his belongings and takes something out.
It's the command token engraved with the words 'Ancestral Command.'
"I, Jeon Myeong-hoon, disciple of Jin Jin-chan, owner of the same Heavenly Golden Thunder Body as the founding ancestor, and the commander of the Seo Eun-hyun Punitive Force, declare by the Ancestral Command!"
Clang!
The sound of my heart sinking can be heard.
"From this moment forth, I will permanently excommunicate Seo Eun-hyun from the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect! Seo Eun-hyun, you are hereby permanently expelled!"
Wo-woong!
At the same time, a familiar will is felt from the Ancestral Command.
It's the will of Yang Su-jin.
Expel!
A giant character for expel () is carved into the air and slowly descends towards me.
Flash!
The character seems to be engraved onto my body and then disappears.
Chi-iiii
At the same time, I feel something.
Clang, clang, clang!
The celestial energy changes.
Beyond the celestial energy.
Beyond fate, I feel the connection with the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect that was tied to me completely severing.
"...Ah..."
At the same time, I feel the transparent energy flowing within me changing.
As befitting a ritual method, it's a technique directly linked to the changes in fate.
Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens.
I can feel the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique completely subjugating to me.
At the same time, I understand the true intention of the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique.
'...So that was it.'
The one who cultivates the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method leads the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and becomes their family.
And by being abandoned by the family, denying themselves and severing the fate that bound 'me' and 'the family' together, 'I' and 'those who were family' become separated.
Those separated are now non-humans with no relation to me.
Therefore, sacrifice these non-humans, who were once a part of me, my constituents, to twist fate.
Twist fate to reach a new future.
That is it.
Yang Su-jin, who regarded everything as non-human, wanted to be happy even if it meant grinding up the entire world.
Sacrificing everything to complete oneself and approach happiness through devilish arts.
That is the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens.
Whisper, whisper, whisper...
Somehow, it feels like I can hear Yang Su-jin's voice in my ears.
Sacrifice them as offerings.
Become the priest of oneself, construct the non-humans who abandoned me as sacrificial offerings to block the disaster of fate, and twist fate to seize a new future in my hands.
First, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Next, even more people.
Next, grind even more, more, more people.
Finally, grind up even this world to complete yourself.
No, it isn't the voice of Yang Su-jin.
It's the demon within my heart.
"From now on, we will seal the criminal Seo Eun-hyun!"
Cheok, cheok, cheok, cheok,
The elders and grand elders of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect form seals with their hands, positioning themselves around me and spreading out a formation.
The Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique whispers to me continuously.
The heart demon within my heart tempts me.
To use the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique.
To use it to transfer the calamity to them and change fate.
However, I remain still.
Just quietly, indifferently listening to the voice of the heart demon.
Looking up at the sky, I shed a tear.
'If they were all non-humans, I wouldn't have needed to try so damn hard up until now.'
The Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique, my heart demon, whispers to me.
To offer sacrifices now and change fate.
But, the future I originally wanted to change to was one where I wanted to save the 'sacrifices.'
"...I am..."
I muster all my strength to try and stand up.
The Heavenly Being stage Grand Elders flinch at my movement, but do not stop the sealing technique.
"I am..."
Feeling so wronged and so deeply aggrieved, I stretch my hand towards the heavens with tears flowing.
"An Earthling...from a civilized society..."
I am a human from a world without fate.
Then, are the beings from a world with fate slaves to it and therefore non-human?
And their fate cannot be changed no matter what?
"Heavens..."
I reach out my hand towards the sky and close my eyes.
The sealing technique wraps around me, and darkness covers the surroundings.
'Is fate...really...'
Swoosh
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at the small jade orb in front of him.
"The sealing is complete."
The Heavenly Being stage Grand Elders speak, wiping the sweat from their foreheads.
The small orb where Seo Eun-hyun is sealed.
Jeon Myeong-hoon clenches his teeth looking at it.
He thought capturing Seo Eun-hyun would be relieving.
But strangely, he feels uneasy.
Wondering if there might be some misfortune or great calamity he can't avoid, he looks up at the sky, but the celestial energy is normal.
Suddenly, Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
'Why did Seo Eun-hyun tell me not to call the name of the Heavenly Lightning Banner?'
For some reason.
Really, suddenly out of the blue, Jeon Myeong-hoon feels the urge to call out the name of the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
"Zh..."
And then.
Ziiing!
The Five Elements Blood Curse Banner still embedded in Jeon Myeong-hoon's head buzzes, interrupting his words.
"Damn it...I need to find a way to remove this thing."
He decides to postpone calling the name of the Heavenly Lightning Banner and picks up the small orb in which Seo Eun-hyun is sealed.
"Is there no sign of Jin Wei around?"
"There's a Void Spirit Pond underground, and there are traces of someone below it, but no one is there now. It seems they have escaped."
"I see..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon tidies up the surroundings.
Jin Wei.
So, Yeon Jin managed to escape quickly and was uncatchable, but the traitor Seo Eun-hyun was captured.
"Take this puppet to Penglai Palace."
Penglai Palace, having sent many people, wanted to take General Seo as a trophy. The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect had no choice but to agree.
"You too as well, Hong Fan. Surrender."
"Yes."
Hong Fan does not resist fiercely and is captured quite willingly, as if submitting to his fate.
Hong Fan is also sealed by the Nascent Soul stage elders and trapped in a smaller orb than Seo Eun-hyun.
"...Now."
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks up at the sky and says,
"It's all over."
He looks at the sky, somewhat relieved and somewhat regretful.
"It's really all over..."
Now, it's time to 'go home.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon and his group return to the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Hearing the news of Jeon Myeong-hoon's return, all the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect come out to look at him.
In front of the main gate of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Jeon Myeong-hoon silently takes out the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
"...!"
"...!!"
"...!!!"
Tremendous cheers erupt everywhere, so loud that the ground vibrates.
Jeon Myeong-hoon, receiving everyone's cheers, proudly approaches Jin Byuk-ho and returns the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
Jin Byuk-ho pats Jeon Myeong-hoon on the shoulder, looking proud.
"There was a time when I thought teaching you was a waste of time."
"..."
"I was wrong. It was my greed. You are the true successor and disciple of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect."
Jin Byuk-ho looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon for a moment, then grabs his hand and shouts.
"Listen, everyone! The disciple who was originally to be the next-next Sect Leader betrayed our trust and was expelled for stealing the Heavenly Lightning Banner! Because of that, the position of the next-next Sect Leader is vacant!"
At Jin Byuk-ho's words, Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at him with a surprised expression.
"I ask you all! Who, who should remain as the next-next sect leader!"
"Senior brother Jeon Myeong-hoon!!!"
"Senior brother Jeon Myeong-hoon!"
"Jeon Myeong-hoon, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Jeon Myeong-hoon!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon's name is called out from everywhere, and Jin Byuk-ho laughs loudly and proclaims,
"From today, Jeon Myeong-hoon is granted the Jin surname and is appointed as the next-next sect leader of the sect!"
"Waaaaah!"
"Jin Myeong-hoon! Jin Myeong-hoon! Jin Myeong-hoon!"
Thus, Jin Myeong-hoon feels the relief of finally 'coming home' amidst the cheers of his fellow disciples.
For the first time in a long while, he smiles broadly.
Jin Myeong-hoon smiles, Jin So-hae smiles, Jin Byuk-ho smiles.
Everyone in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect smiles.
And Zhengli smiles too.
[Ahaha, ahahahahaha! Ahahahahaha!]
***
After Seo Eun-hyun was sealed, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, which had been in turmoil due to the absence of the Heavenly Lightning Banner, quickly found stability over the next few years.
Jeon Myeong-hoon stabilized his realm after reaching the Heavenly Being stage and found a way to eliminate the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner. Jin Byuk-ho once again built the Thunder Tribute Hall and sealed the Heavenly Lightning Banner there.
Moreover, the current sect leader, Jin Rin, began preparing to pass on the sect leader position to his son, Jin Jin-chan, and Jin Hwi personally took on the responsibility of managing the seal of the 'criminal Seo Eun-hyun.'
The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is at peace.
And in the now peaceful Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, the love between Jin So-hae and Jeon Myeong-hoon, symbolizing the peace and prosperity of the sect, finally reached its climax.
"Do, do you want to hold a wedding ceremony again?"
Jin So-hae, her face flushed red, asks Jeon Myeong-hoon with a puzzled look.
Jeon Myeong-hoon takes her hand and says,
"Yes. When we first became Dao Companions, it was very modest. Now that I have also received the Jin surname and have been confirmed as the next sect leader...I somewhat regret not having a proper Dao Companion ceremony back then."
"Uh, um..."
"This time, I want to marry you not as the partner arranged by the sect, but by my own will, So-hae."
Hearing this, Jin So-hae's face turns even redder.
"It may take a few years to stabilize my realm fully since I ascended to the Heavenly Being stage too hastily fighting Seo Eun-hyun, but I'd like to have a proper wedding ceremony with you once everything is stable."
"...Promise me."
"Hm?"
With her face flushed, she locks eyes with Jeon Myeong-hoon and says,
"Nobody expected Seo Eun-hyun to suddenly betray the sect, right? So...Jeon Myeong-hoon. No, Jin Myeong-hoon. Promise me, you will never betray the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect."
Jeon Myeong-hoon listens to her words and nods seriously.
"I will never betray my family."
"...Okay."
"I will promise. Here..."
He extends his hand to Jin So-hae.
Jeon Myeong-hoon whispers to her,
"This is the pledging sign used in my hometown to make promises. It's a sign formed by two people together..."
The two intertwine their pinkies and touch their thumbs together at one of the peaks of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
"I promise, So-hae. I will never betray the sect."
After finishing his words, Jeon Myeong-hoon slowly brings his face closer to Jin So-hae's.
Moments later, the two separate.
Jin So-hae, seeming to be in a much better mood, hold hands with Jeon Myeong-hoon and looks down at the panoramic view of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, asking,
"So, why did you just come back from the True Devil Realm?"
"Huh?"
"After sealing Seo Eun-hyun in the True Devil Realm, you could have divided the territory he had occupied into the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's jurisdiction, right?"
"Well, Penglai Palace made quite a fuss about it."
"Penglai Palace?"
"Yes, they said that since they had offered the highest bounty and dispatched the most people to subdue Seo Eun-hyun, they should have the majority of the rights to the territories acquired from capturing him."
"Aha... They even took the Four-Axis puppet, so greedy, really."
"Well, that too..."
He recalls Penglai Palace's 1st Law Enforcer, Hon Ryang, who said,
"Penglai Palace's 1st Law Enforcer Hon Ryang got severely beaten by the formation Jin Wei had set up. So, they made a huge fuss, insisting they needed to take over that territory to study the formations deployed in that area."
"Formation?"
"Yes. It's a formation that utilizes the dragon vein, said to have been deployed by Seo Eun-hyun and his group. The purpose of laying out the formation is unknown, but Penglai Palace said they would share their findings after analyzing the formation later."
"So, the formation hasn't been dismantled yet?"
At Jin So-hae's question, Jeon Myeong-hoon nods.
"Yes. Apparently, it's not a dangerous formation like the Realm Annihilation Heavenly Void Formation or the Bright Flame Formation, so there's no need to dismantle it."
"Hmm...that should be fine then."
Jin So-hae nods and looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"By the way, how's the restraint on your mind?"
"We are currently looking for an experienced restraint lifter from all directions. Since it's a restraint that's deeply ingrained in the mind, it seems it needs to be handled very carefully."
"Well, now that Seo Eun-hyun is sealed, there's no one to activate the restraint so it's okay to take your time."
She smiles lightly, and Jeon Myeong-hoon nods.
"Yeah, we can take our time. There's no rush anymore..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks up at the sky with a leisurely heart.
Lately, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect has been dominated by an atmosphere of leisure, peace, and optimism.
Everyone's tension had eased.
The relationship with Penglai Palace had significantly improved after the joint operation to subdue Seo Eun-hyun, and they had recovered the Heavenly Lightning Banner and sealed the traitor of the sect.
The control over Thunder Spirit Island is becoming more solid, and the scale of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is gradually increasing.
Thus, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect prospers in peace and leisure.
...And so, 8 years pass.
Wo-woong!
Inside a cave residence, a figure clad in a golden robe sitting in a meditative posture stands up.
Around him, the consciousness domain that had been fluctuating compresses and then, at one moment, completely settles down.
Jeon Myeong-hoon clad in a golden robe, half-opens his eyes and stands up.
"Finally, I have completely stabilized my cultivation in the Heavenly Being realm."
With his mind now fully tempered, he is no longer swept away by the nature of Heaven and Earth.
Jeon Myeong-hoon's madness is to the "Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect" itself.
Protecting and guarding the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, like his family, is the heart he had chosen.
Step, step...
Jeon Myeong-hoon, stepping out of his cave residence, looks down at the still-thriving Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and smiles.
"Now, let's go see So-hae."
Having fully risen to the Heavenly Being stage, it's time to report his cultivation to the elders of the sect and receive the position of Grand Elder.
Jeon Myeong-hoon is likely to be given the Heavenly Lightning Command Belt, made with the power of the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
Using the power of the Heavenly Being stage, he floats in the air and looks down as he heads towards the Golden Thunder Hall.
Below, Qi Refining disciples are lined up holding flag magic artifacts, practicing the Lightning Path Method.
Nearby, Qi Building disciples hold orange flags, and Core Formation disciples are also carrying flag dharma treasures.
Disciples met along the way greet Jeon Myeong-hoon.
A peaceful and leisurely atmosphere is swirling around the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Some disciples with a bit of free time are preparing ink and paper everywhere to draw flags.
Finally arriving at Jin So-hae's cave residence, Jeon Myeong-hoon calls out to her.
"So-hae!"
"Ah, Myeong-hoon?"
Jin So-hae, surprised, pops out from within the cave residence.
She looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon with joy, smiling brightly, and runs into his embrace.
"Come in! Have you finally stabilized in the Heavenly Being realm?"
"Yes. Now, I'm about to formally receive the position of Grand Elder."
"Congratulations, you're now going to be a Grand Elder of the Golden Lightning."
"Haha, I'm going to see the Supreme Sect Master first to receive the Golden Lightning Belt."
"Ah, the belt. Right."
Jin So-hae shakes her head and says,
"While you were in seclusion, there was a discussion about the belt regulations, and it seems they will change within a month...You came out at a somewhat awkward time?"
"What's changing?"
"From now on, instead of belts, those at the elder level and above will be given flag dharma treasures. Even the elders who received belts last time will be replaced with flag dharma treasures."
"Flags?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon thinks of the scenes he had passed by upon hearing her words.
"Now that I think about it, on my way here, I saw a lot of flags all over the place. Is there a connection?"
"Well, it seems that after you recovered the Heavenly Lightning Banner, your popularity rose, and the desire for flag magic artifacts and flag dharma treasures increased significantly within the sect as they reminisced about you returning with the Heavenly Lightning Banner."
"Ah..."
'No wonder, I thought the sect had developed a flag fetish over the past 8 years.'
He enters the cave residence with Jin So-hae while having such frivolous thoughts.
And as Jeon Myeong-hoon enters Jin So-hae's cave residence, he looks around.
For some reason, the interior of Jin So-hae's cave residence is also filled with countless flags.
Jeon Myeong-hoon stares blankly at those flags for a while.
At the Golden Thunder Hall.
Jin Byuk-ho's laughter can be heard.
"Have you finally properly reached the Heavenly Being stage! Haha, congratulations! But first..."
Jin Byuk-ho, looking at Jeon Myeong-hoon who had completely stabilized his Heavenly Being stage cultivation, laughs heartily. Then, as if remembering something, pulls out a golden belt from his storage bag.
"Starting from a month later, just for your information, a new flag called the Golden Banner will be awarded to those at the elder level and above."
"Yes, I heard from So-hae. Recently, the desire for flags has increased within the sect, hasn't it?"
He looks around.
The Golden Thunder Hall, too, is filled with an excessive number of flags everywhere.
"Yes, that's right. Well, originally, among the sect's methods, aren't there many that form Thunder Banners."
"That's true. However, for me..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon frowns and rubs his head.
Seeing him, Jin Byuk-ho laughs heartily.
"It seems you're bothered by the restraint Seo Eun-hyun placed on you. Don't worry. Recently, the esteemed Sea Dragon King, known throughout the Head Realm for his benevolence and righteous justice, heard about the restraint placed on you and decided to visit to dissolve it. He will visit in about half a year, so just hang in there a little longer."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, and...a month later, when you receive the Thunder Banner, we will formally appoint you as a Grand Elder."
"I have something to say about that."
"What is it?"
"After being recognized as a Grand Elder...I want to hold a wedding ceremony with So-hae once again."
"Oh..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon explains the reason to Jin Byuk-ho, who laughs heartily and permits the remarriage of Jeon Myeong-hoon and Jin So-hae, who will be responsible for the future of the sect.
Thus, a month passes again.
The ceremony for Jeon Myeong-hoon's appointment as a Grand Elder and the award ceremony for the new Thunder Banner to the Elders and Grand Elders was scheduled to be held on a grand scale.
Jeon Myeong-hoon is at the top of Thunder Cloud Peak.
He stands in front of the Thunder Tribute Hall, watching Jin Byuk-ho come out of the hall with the Heavenly Lightning Banner.
"This award ceremony will begin with me, and then all the Grand Elders of the sect will swing the Heavenly Lightning Banner once as an offering to the heavens. You will also swing the Heavenly Lightning Banner at the last turn before receiving your Thunder Banner. Be prepared for that."
"Understood."
All the Elders and Grand Elders had gathered on Thunder Cloud Peak, along with those receiving the Thunder Banner.
Their Dao Companions freely chose the best spots to sit at the open area of Thunder Cloud Peak.
Jeon Myeong-hoon and Jin So-hae also approach a flat rock that appears nice to sit on.
"Let's sit here."
Jin So-hae, fiddling with a flag dharma treasure she had recently made, chooses the spot.
Jeon Myeong-hoon nods and sits down.
The two hold hands, looking forward to the wedding ceremony that will follow the award ceremony.
Soon after all the Grand Elders had taken their seats, Jin Byuk-ho's speech begins.
During Jin Byuk-ho's speech, Jin So-hae suddenly looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"...Myeong-hoon."
"Hm?"
She gazes at Jeon Myeong-hoon for a long while before breaking into a broad smile.
"Today, of all days, you look especially handsome."
"What's with that all of a sudden?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon chuckles.
Jin So-hae, with a look full of affection, tightly grasps Jeon Myeong-hoon's hand and says,
"I love you."
"I feel the same way."
Jeon Myeong-hoon smiles warmly as he holds Jin So-hae's hand in return.
And then, finally, Jin Byuk-ho's speech concludes.
"Now, we will proceed with the awarding of the Thunder Banners to all the Grand Elders and Elders! We shall start with the Grand Elders!"
Vice-Sect Leader Jin Hwi flies beside Jin Byuk-ho and takes out a storage scroll.
As he unfolds the scroll, countless golden Thunder Banners pour out from inside, floating up above the heads of each Grand Elder.
"Now, after all Grand Elders have wielded the Heavenly Lightning Banner once, they will be awarded their Thunder Banners! With that, let's begin the Thunder Banner awarding ceremony!"
Bo-oong!
Jin Byuk-ho swings the Heavenly Lightning Banner, invoking the Heavenly Lightning.
Kurung!
Simultaneously, the golden Thunder Banners floating above the Grand Elders' heads vibrate, drawing the lightning.
Kwajijijik!
The Thunder Banner above the head of a Grand Elder sitting directly below Jin Byuk-ho catches the lightning and spreads it around.
Pajijijik!
The lightning from the first Thunder Banner connects to the closest one.
The lightning from the second Thunder Banner links to the next.
Thus, according to the seating arrangement of the Grand Elders, the lightning moves, connecting Thunder Banner to Thunder Banner.
From above, Jin Byuk-ho, suddenly with a curious face, looks at this scene and ponders,
'That looks almost like...some kind of character.'
"Do you see it, Vice-Sect Leader?"
"Yes, I see it. It's fascinating. Despite the Grand Elders choosing their seats freely, it's as if...they are forming characters."
"Haha, truly a curious occurrence. Perhaps the heavens are giving some kind of revelation to the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. Let's see what character it is."
Jin Byuk-ho laughed heartily as he read the 'accidentally' formed characters below.
"Zheng (Govern)...Li (Encourage)."
Sect Leader Jin Rin looks proudly at the Thunder Banner.
His son, Jin Jin-chan, is also looking forward to his upcoming appointment as sect leader.
Jeon Myeong-hoon and Jin So-hae lean on each other's shoulders, holding hands.
The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, harboring dreams of hope and prosperity, thus looks up.
At the sky.
The sky...splits open.
Blink.
In the darkness.
I continuously wield the Colorless Glass Sword in the deep, profound darkness.
Supposedly, to reach beyond Treading Heavens, I had given myself this reason.
But in reality, it's a means to suppress the heart demon incessantly sprouting within me.
How many times, over and over, have I swung my sword?
At some point, while swinging my sword enough to forget the flow of time,
Pa-aaaat!
Suddenly, the darkness is lifted.
"...!"
'The seal is...'
"Being released?"
Pa-aaaat!
Immediately upon my release, what I see is Hong Su-ryeong, covered in blood from head to toe.
And from [above], I feel the 'gaze' of an unfathomable presence!!!
"...I see."
I ask Hong Su-ryeong,
"Has the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect been annihilated?"
She smirks at my question.
"No, the annihilation is underway. If you go outside...you must not look at the sky."
I ask her,
"Have you come to take me and escape?"
"No. Follow me."
I follow her out.
The place I had been sealed is inside a place called the Sealing Spirit Hall next to vice-sect leader Jin Hwi's cave residence.
As soon as we step outside, the gaze of the tremendous being...
Pukwak!
Wo-woong!
I utilize the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique and see Hong Su-ryeong harming herself to maintain her sanity in front of me.
"Krgh, hehe...I guess I'll go mad after all. Do you understand, Seo Eun-hyun? Our Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect will soon perish."
"..."
"Before the annihilation, I came out from Punishment Lightning Cave to see you."
I realize she wants something.
"We are about to die. So..."
Bo-oong, bo-oong, bo-oong, bo-oong!
Sixteen flying sword dharma treasures float around her.
Simultaneously, as she spreads her hand, nine round orbs float above it.
"That is...!"
"I want to have one final duel with you."
"..."
"Will you accept?"
Feeling an indescribable emotion, I draw out the Colorless Glass Sword without saying a word.
Words are unnecessary.
Both of us, holding our swords, prepare the starting form of our martial arts, decorating our final duel with the brink of annihilation.
***