Rustle—
I open my eyes and gather my thoughts.
"Seo Eun-hyun."
'Did I die again this time…?'
"Seo Eun-hyun."
It was a good life.
"Seo Eun-hyun!"
Although it was painful...
"Hey, Seo Eun-hyun!!!"
And then.
I.
Feel.
Something.
Strange.
'…Huh?'
"...Jeon Myeong-hoon?"
I look at Jeon Myeong-hoon who is beside me.
Hong Fan.
Yeon Jin.
"...Where is this?"
My eyes waver.
The place is under a strange night sky filled with constellations I had never seen before.
At the center of that night sea, there is a small island floating, and the sky is gradually filling with Heavenly Tribulation and starting to collapse.
"…Huh???"
My eyes widen in panic.
"What?????"
"Eh? What are you saying, Seo Eun-hyun?"
"Master, are you feeling unwell? Please, tell us."
Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hong Fan look at me with worried eyes.
In my confusion, I clutch my head.
'Has the regression point... been fixed... again???'
It's an utterly baffling situation.
Traveling between dimensions.
Ascending from a lower realm to the upper realm had all been done before.
But even then, there had never been an instance of regression fixing itself.
But this time, it was fixed.
'Why???'
My head feels like it is going to burst from confusion.
And this place is….
'The stomach of that bizarre life form?'
Why on earth had it fixed here of all places?
'No, maybe that's actually better.'
I quickly cool my head.
Everything is too confusing, and I want to contemplate my feelings.
However, there is the imminent danger of Hon Won right before us.
Kugugugu!
The world is collapsing rapidly.
And we are about to enter the Bright Cold Realm, riding the flow of attraction.
This path will lead us to confront Hon Won once again.
It isn't bad that the regression had been fixed right before Hon Won.
I ponder as we are about to enter the Bright Cold Realm
There are three attractions pulling me. The attraction of the Flying Immortal Platform. The attraction of the Nether Crossing Ship. The attraction of the immortal beast blood.'
At the Flying Immortal Platform, Hon Won resides.
However, I know nothing about the Nether Crossing Ship and the immortal beast blood.
'First, I won't follow the immortal beast blood.'
Since it involves immortal beasts, I decide to be cautious because I don't know what could happen.
The memory of being overwhelmed by the Lustrous Glaze Peacock's light belonging to Oh Hye-seo makes me extra wary.
I look towards the pull led by the Nether Crossing Ship.
'Is this related to the Nether Ghost Realm or Black Ghost Valley?'
Either way, I'm wary.
After a moment of contemplation, I decide to follow the attraction of the Flying Immortal Platform.
'It's fine. I know too little about the other two places. According to Jin Wei's words, if we can just escape the Heaven-Earth central territory, Hon Won won't follow. So, let's try the Flying Immortal Platform with a high chance of escaping first.'
I take a piece of flesh from my pocket and throw it towards the place led by the attraction of the Nether Crossing Ship.
Wo-woong!
It's Yuan Yu.
I insert a Mysterious Bizarre Gu into Yuan Yu's flesh, and later, when it enters another place through that attraction, I plan to find out its location.
'Well, that's all the preparation I can do for now.'
I look at Jeon Myeong-hoon, Hong Fan, and Yeon Jin and say,
"When we enter the Bright Cold Realm, we'll escape the Heaven-Earth central territory with all our might. Got it?"
"Huh? Why?"
"Just do as I say. There's a high chance that Hon Won will flip out and chase after us."
"Hmm, is it because of your bounty?"
"It's not about my bounty… It's because of his mental illness. Anyway, if Jin Wei's words are true, he won't follow beyond the Heaven-Earth central territory, so we must escape quickly."
"Hmm, maybe it would be better if we enter your Peach Garden Painting and you escape alone."
I had already unfolded the Peach Garden Painting, capable of containing spiritual beings and people, and prepared for the impact of the dimensional barrier.
Kwaaaang!
We leap through the dimensional barrier, and as soon as Jeon Myeong-hoon lands on the Flying Immortal Platform, he grabs Hong Fan and Yeon Jin and plunges into the Peach Garden Painting I had spread out.
After folding the Peach Garden Painting, before the Four-Axis stage inspectors can even spot us,
I quickly activate the Three Great Ultimates and entered a paused world.
In that very state, I roll my foot.
Paaaang!
Frantically, I break away from the Heaven-Earth Palace like mad.
Gyu-baek had once shown me a sky route that allows me to successfully escape the boundary of the Heaven-Earth Palace.
'Just 50,000 more li and I'll be out of the Heaven-Earth central territory.'
I quickly passed the 10,000 li mark, then the 20,000 li, and the 30,000 li mark.
And finally, when I am just 10,000 li away from surpassing 40,000 li,
Kugugugu!
'No, Hon Won is coming!'
I feel a chilling killing intent from behind and speed up even more.
That's when it happens.
Wo-woong!
"...!?"
Suddenly, the distance in front of me,
That is, the [distance] between the end of the Heaven-Earth territory and me begins 'stretching.'
At the same time, I see Hon Won chasing after me from behind.
Step, step, step
Hon Won is not using the Flying Escape Technique.
With every step he takes, space itself is folding.
He is using the shrinking earth technique to chase after me.
'That's Integration stage…'
I only possess the combat power of the Integration stage.
But I don't possess the 'abilities' of an Integration stage cultivator.
It's said that one can freely twist space starting from the Integration stage, and it seems he is trying to bind me in this way.
Bo-woong!
I raise the Colorless Glass Sword towards the twisting space in front of me.
And with that stance, I slash down!
Bo-woong, Kwaaaang!
The distorted space tears open entirely, revealing the void.
I enter the void and madly dash towards the end of the Heaven-Earth territory.
Kugugugu!
From behind, a giant palm-shaped energy wave bearing the form of Yin and Yang is flying towards me.
I don't confront it head-on but use all my strength to dodge his strike and almost reach the very end of the Heaven-Earth territory!
'Now!!!'
That's when it happens.
Bo-woong!
An ominous sensation licks my back.
I can't ignore that sinister aura and turn back.
And I'm startled.
Woo-woong!
Centered on Hon Won, a spherical dimensional barrier formed and is engulfing the area, chasing after me.
'Damn it!'
Hon Won is deploying his domain.
I intuitively realize that if I am caught in that domain, escaping the Heaven-Earth territory will be meaningless, further intensifying my consciousness acceleration.
My head feels like it's about to burst!
My overheated upper dantian might explode at any moment!
But I don't stop. Instead, I ignite all the energy in my body and increase my speed even further.
Kugugugu!
But his domain, eerily similar to the dimensional barrier, almost reaches my toes.
'Faster!'
And at that moment!
Paaaaat!
I finally feel that I have escaped the Heaven-Earth territory.
'The nature of the dragon vein has changed!'
Mortals divide their territories by land.
However, cultivators divide their territories based on the qualities of the dragon veins and separate the areas accordingly.
And finally, I have left the dragon vein zone flowing with the unique energy of the Heaven-Earth central territory!
'Now, I've escaped Hon Won's grasp!'
I turn around with a victorious smile.
As expected, according to the Golden Guard, Hon Won's territory did not extend beyond the Heaven-Earth Boundary but was trembling within it.
Just as Jin Wei had said, Hon Won's domain does not cross over the Heaven-Earth territory and is wavering inside
'Now that I have escaped from Hon Won…'
That's when I feel it.
Wo-woong!
I see Hon Won's domain shrinking.
"...!"
His domain shrinks smaller and smaller, reducing to the size of Hon Won's body.
And the shrunken domain of Hon Won perfectly fits his body shape, as if clothed upon him.
Feeling an ominous dread, I don't stop but maintain my speed.
And, Hon Won, 'wearing' his domain on his body, steps out of the Heaven-Earth territory with a stern expression!
'Jin Wei, that useless human!'
Not coming out, what do you mean not coming out!
He's perfectly coming out!!!
Paaatt!
Hon Won begins chasing me using the Flying Escape Technique.
Being the Flying Escape Technique of an Integration stage Grand Cultivator, his speed is rapidly catching up to me, who activated the Three Great Ultimates.
Moreover, the Flying Escape Technique is inherently meant for long-distance travel, so the gap between us as I flee in a straight line is closing fast.
'Just a bit more, hold on just a bit!'
I squeeze out every bit of energy from my body to escape from him.
I cross countless mountains and rivers, pass through bizarre swamps, and overcome snowy mountains and lava regions.
Hon Won relentlessly chases me like a madman for about half a day, and soon, the distance between him and me had shrunk to within 10 li.
'Damn, damn, damn!!!'
And at that moment, when I feel threatened for my life.
Paaaatt!
Suddenly, Hon Won stops right there.
'Is, is he not chasing any more!?'
However, I clench my teeth when I see the black and white Demon-Immortal energy swirling in his hands.
'He's going to attack!'
Kugugugu!
The Yin and Yang energy of Heaven and Earth swirl all around.
And the energy of the Five Elements block the Five Directions.
[Mount Tai!]
"Huaaaaaaaa!!!"
With all my might, I swing the Colorless Glass Sword towards the Yin Yang Five Elements binding.
[Splitting Emperor!]
Kwooooooong!
Heaven and Earth brightly light up.
And just by a hair's breadth, I manage to puncture a hole through the Yin Yang Five Elements prison and narrowly escape the attack range of the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique.
The attack rage was significantly reduced due to being outside the Heaven-Earth territory, and the durability of the Yin Yang Five Elements barrier considerably weakened, making it possible.
Paaaatt!
I continue to flee madly, and I notice that Hon Won no longer pursues me after launching that attack.
'Th-thank goodness…'
It seems the attack he had launched was one out of desperation, thinking he could no longer catch me.
Cough, cough cough!
Drip, drip drip….
Integration stage Grand Cultivator Hon Won frowns as he sees the blood flowing from his mouth.
"Jin Wei… If it weren't for that monster…"
Chiiii―
The Yin and Yang energies within the blood he spilled are widely entangled and twisting.
"It seems I need to return to the Heaven-Earth territory. My energies are starting to tangle again. And…
Hon Won's eyes follow the direction Seo Eun-hyun had escaped to.
"I need to issue the bounty again."
Crunch!
Hon Won grasps the void, pulling it towards him.
At the same time, the coordinates he had planted in the Heaven-Earth Palace resonate with him, beginning to warp space.
Kuguguguk!
Boom!
Space crumples, creating a spatial gate between where Hon Won stands and the Heaven-Earth Palace.
Hon Won returns to the Heaven-Earth Palace and absorbs the energies of the central territory, shouting out loud.
His voice vibrates the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth, echoing throughout the Heaven-Earth Palace..
"Inspectors of the Four-Axis stage in the Heaven-Earth Palace, hear me. Cease all your current tasks, enter the spatial gate I created, and capture the fugitive who refused to register their identity and fled from the Heaven-Earth Palace. He is extremely dangerous. If he resists, it's permissible to take his life!"
Upon his command, 15 of the 36 Four-Axis stage inspectors at the Heaven-Earth Palace begin to move to capture Seo Eun-hyun.
Hon Won ponders to himself.
'Even if he escaped from me, an Integration stage Grand Cultivator, the cultivation I felt from him was that of the Heavenly Being stage. Having drained so much energy, surely he won't be able to defeat this many Four-Axis stage cultivators. He might have been able to escape from me who has limited mobility by risking his life, but unless a cultivator of the same caliber appears, he won't be able to block a force of this level…'
Even fleeing will not be easy.
Since fleeing from him would have already drained a lot of his energy.
Hon Won settles into a meditative pose and begins circulating his energy, expecting Seo Eun-hyun to be dragged before him soon.
Paaaatt!
How long have I been fleeing?
By now, I have gotten so far that not even a trace of Hon Won, let alone Hon Won himself, can be seen.
Only now can I finally breathe a sigh of relief.
'Huuu… finally…'
I stop and take a deep breath.
'I've successfully escaped.'
But now that I escaped the crisis, the confusion I have been suppressing spreads like wildfire in my chest.
'Why… why did the regression point fix itself?'
I ponder, recalling the commonalities between the previous and current fixed points of regression.
'Head Realm.'
That is it.
The fixation of the regression point occurred right after ascending from the Head Realm both times.
If such events had occurred twice, I can't help but think there must be some connection between the fixation of the regression point and the Head Realm.
Thinking about the fixed regression point brings all sorts of emotions boiling up in my chest again.
'...Ah, I see.'
Trickle…
Jin Hwi, Hong Su-ryeong, and other precious ones,
Jin Byuk-ho, Jin Jin-chan, Jin So-hae, and others who could have been saved.
Now, I can never meet them again.
No matter if they are different from those in my past lives.
No matter if I perceive them as different people.
Perhaps I unconsciously identified them as the same.
I shed tears over the fact that I can never see them again.
'Thank you.'
Still, I have no regrets.
I have indeed done everything I could.
And the fact that time has been fixed means that all my actions so far aren't just passing into the void of time.
Deep in my heart, I convey my mourning, sorrow, and apologies to those who had already died, and at the same time, I express deep gratitude to those I had saved.
As I contemplate with my eyes closed, it happens.
Kugugugu!
With the sound of air tearing apart, about a dozen cultivators fly to my surroundings and encircle me.
"You, scoundrel! In the world you lived in, you might have strutted around as a Heavenly Being stage cultivator and everyone stepped back, but how dare you create such chaos in the Bright Cold Realm!"
"Come along quietly tied up. If you resist, we will subdue you by force!"
"It seems you somehow wriggled forth everything and fled from Lord Grand Cultivator, but the Heaven-Earth Palace Lord deliberately didn't chase after you because leaving the Heaven-Earth territory would severely worsen his condition"
I chuckle at their noisy ranting.
"…I've set my goal."
"Huh?"
"What did he say?"
I cross my arms thoughtfully, sort out my emotions, and clarify my goals.
'My goal in this life is... to obtain the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique. And... Now that I have stabilized Jeon Myeong-hoon, it's time to save Hyun-seok Hyung-nim by protecting Azure Tiger Saint.'
Azure Tiger Saint will ultimately die at the hands of the Blood Yin Realm's Esteemed One.
So, what should I do to prevent Azure Tiger Saint from dying?
Just ensure Azure Tiger Saint does not encounter the Blood Yin Esteemed One.
'The war between the True Devil Realm and the Human Race will soon end.'
The Grand Cultivators of the True Devil Realm will start counterattacking, and the Human Race will be disastrously defeated.
Oh Hyun-seok is currently in the True Devil Realm, so it should be feasible to call him back to the Bright Cold Realm.
'Moreover, in this life, let's try to survive for a long time and watch over Kang Min-hee's condition, Kim Yeon's mental health, and Seo Hweol's schemes as much as possible.'
Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique,
Preventing the mental collapse of Oh Hyun-seok through the survival of Azure Tiger Saint,
And long-term survival are the goals of this life.
I look up at the 15 Four-Axis stage inspectors pressing around me and smirk.
"And... to summon Oh Hyun-seok, I'll need the power of the Human Race Grand Alliance... To exercise power within the Human Race Grand Alliance, first..."
I pull out the Colorless Glass Sword from my mouth while grinning.
"I'll need some fame, right?"
Currently, with the Grand Cultivators of the Heaven Tribe laying low due to the aftermath of the Owner of Heavenly Punishment.
Showing Grand Cultivator-level power now, the Grand Alliance will surely want to enlist me, regardless of my past enmities with Hon Won.
"This arrogant fool. Lord Grand Cultivator said it's okay to kill if he resists…"
Kwaang!
A Four-Axis stage cultivator fires a light bullet from his fingertip towards me.
Though it appears weak, it's a forceful blow that would fatally tire and kill a typical Heavenly Being stage cultivator!
And towards him, I swing the Colorless Glass Sword.
Kwaaang!
Space splits, and along with the light bullet, the Four-Axis stage cultivator who fired it,
Is cleaved in half without even a chance to react.
***
The bisected Four-Axis cultivator is utterly bewildered, not comprehending what had just befallen him.
However, a second later,
"Aaaaah!"
He screams as he claws at his bisected torso.
Kududuguk!
At the Four-Axis stage, one's vitality is so tremendous that even if they are split in half, they will fuse back together.
There is only one way to fatally wound a Four-Axis stage cultivator.
Within the Golden Core sleeps a Nascent Soul.
And inside that Nascent Soul is either the Heavenly Circle (天圓) or Earthly Bearings (地方) that one has to tamper with.
"This, this bastard!"
Feeling that my abilities are not ordinary, seven Four-Axis stage cultivators form seals and press towards me.
Yet, I grin coldly and raise the Colorless Glass Sword once again.
"Until now, I always had to hide that I am of the Heart Tribe."
In the Bright Cold Realm, the Heart Tribe is persecuted.
But at this moment,
"But now that I think about it, is there any need to hide that I am from the Heart Tribe from the likes of you?"
Kuagwagwagwagwang!
I swing my sword down.
A colorless Heavenly Tribulation spreads in all directions.
The ground itself splits in half.
A canyon stretching 5,000 li forms, and red-hot lava flows down the walls.
The Four-Axis stage cultivators struck by this attack are sliced apart.
"This is crazy! He's from the Heart Tribe!"
"He's a fourth-stage Heart Tribe member!"
"Everyone, attack together!!!"
However, I smrik at them as they rush towards me in horror.
"You're mistaken."
Kugugugugugu!
Pure spiritual force surges tumultuously throughout my body.
Demonic power flutters wildly, empowering me.
I begin to dance.
"You should have attacked together from the start. Not now, when some of you have already been decisively defeated."
Kwagwang, Kwagwagwagwang!
The first through twelfth moves of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship unfold wildly.
The first twelve moves are the 'basics' of swordsmanship.
The thirteenth to twenty-fourth moves concern 'Sword Energy', 'Intent', and 'Control of Power'.
And the moves I started creating from the twenty-fifth to the thirty-sixth forms,
I hadn't yet set a standard for those techniques.
But today, facing the Four-Axis stage cultivators at full strength, I am finally able to grasp a feel for the latter half of the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.
'Moves integrating Heaven, Earth, and Heart—the Three Powers.'
That will be the essence for the latter part of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.
Thirteen Four-Axis stage cultivators each use their Flying Escape Technique to charge at me.
But they are slow.
Bo-oong, boong, boong, boong boong boong boong!
I dance bearing the Three Great Ultimates, facing them head on.
A pagoda dharma treasure strikes down at me from the sky.
A stamp dharma treasure assaults me from both sides.
A ring dharma treasure expands enormously and constricts around me.
One cultivator, holding a mirror dharma treasure, reflects himself upon it.
Instantly, a clone looking exactly like him emerges from the mirror and attacks me in a formation.
When another cultivator shakes a bell dharma treasure, immense heat bursts forth, engulfing the surroundings.
Next to him, a cultivator fans a fan, creating whirlwinds that mingle with the flames, engulfing me in a vortex of fire.
Kuagwagwagwang!
Centered around Seo Eun-hyun and the Four-Axis stage cultivators, a radius of 3,000 li is swept by a shockwave that triggers earthquakes and a tsunamis.
Those who came to capture Seo Eun-hyun are inspector cultivators from the Heaven-Earth Palace, tasked with apprehending those who cause disturbances within Heaven-Earth Palace.
Sometimes, when exceptionally skilled individuals from the Lower Realms ascend, or monsters from the Interdimensional Void invade the Bright Cold Realm and escape from Heaven-Earth Palace, these cultivators are tasked with chasing and capturing them.
However, for the first time in their lives, they face a monster that even 15 inspectors combined cannot capture.
Kwaang, Kwaang!
Their spell techniques are shattered.
Their dharma treasures, made from precious materials, are torn apart like paper.
"Aaaargh!"
One by one, Four-Axis stage cultivators who have lived for thousands of years are split in half by a single sword strike.
"Block him!"
"Block that monster, even for a moment!"
But they can't stop him.
No defensive spell or dharma treasure.
All their attempts to 'block' are passed through like a ghost, sliced apart.
Escape is also impossible.
When they think they dodged the sword, something colorless, traceless, and formless would unpredictably change shape and chase them down, splitting them apart.
"We can't stop him!"
"Aaaaah!"
Before long, the 15 Inspectors who had come are reduced to nine.
"Form the third formation! Regroup!"
Kwadeuk, Kwadeuk, Kwadeuk!
The nine remaining inspectors simultaneously cut their fingers.
From their severed fingers, their essence blood spurts forth and gathers in the air.
"Bind!"
Han Jo, the leader of the inspectors and a Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage cultivator, commands the remaining eight cultivators.
"Deploy the Soul Binding Seal Formation!"
Chrrrrrrrk!
The essence blood connects to the life force of the Four-Axis stage cultivators, forming chains in the air.
Cling, Cling, Cling!
Simultaneously, nine chains pierce through space and embed themselves into Seo Eun-hyun's body.
Kwadududuk!
Han Jo, sweating profusely, shouts.
"We've caught him for a moment! Unleash all attacks now!!!"
At the same time, all the inspector reform their hand seals, and each of their natal innate techniques pour down on Seo Eun-hyun simultaneously.
A loud roar erupts as light scatters in all directions.
Where they attacked, a massive spatial rift has formed.
Kugugugugu―
How intensely had they bombarded Seo Eun-hyun? A moment of lull follows.
Han Jo swallows his saliva.
'Everyone has reached their limit on how many spells they can continuously deploy. Even a typical Four-Axis stage cultivator would hardly leave any remnants in this situation.'
He looks hopefully into the dark smoke billowing from within.
"Did, did we get him?"
Then, from within the smoke, a pale arm suddenly bursts forth.
[You're mistaken.]
Wo-woong, Wo-woong!
"This is madness! Everyone, attack again!"
And then, a fleeting sense of foreboding passes through Han Jo's mind as he gives the order.
'He survived that? Even a fellow Four-Axis stage cultivator would struggle. Unless it's someone extraordinary among the Grand Perfection ranks of Four-Axis cultivators, it's tough! And what was that, that clear voice just now?'
Surviving a bombardment that even a Grand Perfection Four-Axis cultivator would find hard to withstand.
What does this imply?
It's quite simple.
That monster out there might be at the level of an Integration stage Grand Cultivator.
[It's not me who got caught…]
Cling, cling, clang
Bound by the Soul Binding Seal Formation, Seo Eun-hyun speaks from within the smoke, revealing his teeth.
[It's you who are caught.]
Then, his arm cuts through the smoke as he swings his sword.
"Evade!!!!!"
Han Jo's urgent voice spreads in all directions.
Kwaang!
The bodies of the Four-Axis cultivators are cleaved apart.
"Ahhhhhh!"
Around Han Jo, four axes emerge, and a Four-Axis Canopy unfolds.
However, his barrier is easily shattered.
From within the dark smoke, Han Jo catches sight of Seo Eun-hyun wielding a colorless sword and utters one name.
"Sword… Ghost…."
And that name quickly spreads from mouth to mouth among the inspector cultivators.
" Sword, Sword Ghost!"
"It's the Sword Ghost! The Sword Ghost!"
Kwaang!
Finally, Han Jo, who is essentially the leader of the inspectors, is severed in half by the merciless sword of Seo Eun-hyun, now known as the Sword Ghost. The remaining cultivators completely lose their will to fight.
"Ru, run away!"
"It's a monster!"
"Huaaaah!"
"Senior, spare me, please spare me!"
The four surviving cultivators run in different directions, and only then does Seo Eun-hyun's ruthless sword dance stop.
Chiieeeee―
I extinguish the smoke flowing from my body with a smile.
"Hoo…."
It had been a confrontation initiated while being exhausted from being pursued by Hon Won.
Because of that, I had inevitably needed to use Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains to deal with them.
"Hmm, good…."
Now, the fatality of the self-destructive techniques used through Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains is outweighed by the undying aspect of my physical body, meaning a brief use of Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains doesn't kill me anymore.
Of course, since Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains can theoretically become infinitely stronger with continuous use, long-term use will still indeed result in inevitable destruction.
However, unlike before when it was a certain-death technique, now it can be used for short-term battles.
'It was a bit risky though.'
Even though they could revive after dying, they still hesitated to risk their lives. Or perhaps, it was precisely because the Four-Axis stage investigators valued their lives so much that they dared to fight to the death.
Having expended much energy while fleeing from Hon Won, it might have been slightly risky had it been a prolonged battle.
If everyone had collaborated with the intent to risk their lives from the beginning, I would have certainly been defeated and forced to start the 19th cycle.
'But they all value their lives a lot.'
They value their lives despite being able to resurrect after dying.
No, perhaps it's precisely because they cherish their lives so much that they struggled desperately to reach the Four-Axis stage.
By the time one reaches the Four-Axis stage, the obsession with one's own life seems to surpass imagination, and because of that, everyone crucially backs off, allowing for 1-on-1 battles.
They thought they were attacking me together, but in fact, apart from one or two, hardly anyone was properly coordinating their attacks, resulting in my victory.
However, despite that…
"…Fifteen Four-Axis cultivators…"
I grin.
"I won…!"
They were individuals who hesitated at critical moments due to an unimaginable fixation on life, but they were still fifteen Four-Axis cultivators.
Among them, there was even a Grand Perfection Four-Axis cultivator.
And it was after being drained while escaping from Hon Won that I managed to defeat them.
That is, if I hadn't been drained and had fought with full power from the beginning, they wouldn't have stood a chance against me, even if they risked their lives.
Considering Hon Won practiced Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation and is a monster of late Integration stage strength despite being in the early stage...
Kududuk―
I finally grasp the extent of the realm I have reached as I gather the power of the Three Great Ultimates in my fist.
"Grand Cultivator…!"
I have reached a stage where I can challenge the domain of an actual Integration cultivator!
'Now, not only the Four-Axis stages who fled, but also the remaining Four-Axis cultivators who will revive will surely inform the Heaven Tribe about me.'
Based on my predictions, even if they are Grand Cultivators at the Integration stage, the damage they sustained from witnessing the Owner of Heavenly Punishment wouldn't have been much different.
They too must have suffered immense damage, and probably they had been nearly wiped out and hidden up till now to heal those injuries.
If news reaches them that a new Integration stage human has emerged, regardless of what Hon Won thinks of me, it wouldn't matter anymore.
I will be seen as a precious force to be protected by the Heaven Tribe.
"Alright then. Now, come out."
I dust off my hands and unfold the Peach Garden Painting.
From within, Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hong Fan emerge.
Jeon Myeong-hoon whistles and laughs.
"I saw a bit from inside the Peach Garden Painting. It was brutally spectacular. Now then…"
"I said come out."
At my words, Jeon Myeong-hoon furrows his brow.
"We all came out already…"
Ignoring Jeon Myeong-hoon, I speak with a fierce glare to the owner of the sticky and unpleasant intent that has been spying on us.
"This is your last warning. Come out, or I will kill you."
Then, as if the space itself is warping, a [Small Domain] created by the Four-Axis Canopy reveals itself.
Rather than a domain, it should be called a subspace, floating like a droplet above space.
As the droplet-shaped Four-Axis Canopy recedes, a rather unpleasant face appears.
"Haha, long time no see, Daoist Seo."
It's Seo Hweol.
***
I give Hong Fan and Jeon Myeong-hoon a cold look and signal them with my eyes.
Recognizing my gesture, the two nod and quickly move to block Seo Hweol's retreat.
Seeing us surrounding him from three directions, Seo Hweol laughs.
"Relax, fellow daoists. In fact, I've come after investigating everything about you all."
Seo Hweol's gaze then shifts to Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"The Daoist who, having inherited the True Inheritance Method of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, reached the Heavenly Being stage after just about 70 years."
He then turns his gaze from Jeon Myeong-hoon to Hong Fan.
"And Daoist Hong, who reached the Nascent Soul stage even quicker. Though not yet at the Heavenly Being stage, rumors of his genius are widespread."
His gaze shifts to me.
"And finally, Daoist Seo, who reached Qi Refining 6th star within a day of learning cultivation methods, rose to the Nascent Soul stage at an unbelievable speed, and then took the remnants of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect down to the Head Realm."
He smiles faintly and continues.
"All three of you... are certainly not ordinary, it seems. Am I right?"
I keep my lips tightly sealed with a frosty expression.
'I can't read it.'
It seems that by this point, he has already developed a magic artifact that could counteract the Heart Tribe's vision.
'Though it appears blurry…'
But beyond that, it's hard to see clearly.
As it at least appears blurry after reaching Tribulating Heavens, I think perhaps Kim Young-hoon can see through Seo Hweol's magic artifact.
"...So, what do you want to say?"
Seo Hweol spreads his arms with a welcoming smile at my question.
"You might find it insignificant, but I would like to inquire if I could join your plans."
"Hmm?"
"The true forms (真體) of Daoist Hong and Daoist Jeon... I can roughly guess. Haha, they must be those individuals. Of course… there's none like Daoist Seo that I know of."
He amusingly notes.
"If you're not among those I know, then you must belong to one of [two places]. Either affiliated with the Netherworld or... from that side. Given the reaction of White Bone Ghost Devil of Black Ghost Valley last time, you are likely a distinguished person from the Netherworld, I presume?"
Seo Hweol continues with a warm smile.
"A person of the Netherworld... and the true forms of Daoist Jeon and Daoist Hong. I can guess your goal. There's only one singular purpose you all would come to this Heavenly Domain."
'What is this guy rambling about?'
I decide to just listen since there's no harm in hearing him out.
"You're probably here to head to the Lightning Sacred Sea to retrieve the relic of the Golden Deity. Isn't that right?"
He looks around at us with a gentle yet confident expression, seeming certain of his guess.
Realizing that Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hong Fan's expressions are giving us away, I quickly divert Seo Hweol's attention to myself.
"...You're not wrong, but I see no need to explain myself to you."
As I speak, I also send a heart message to Hong Fan and Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Since heart language leaves no traces, Seo Hweol doesn't notice it.
Upon receiving my will, the two quickly seal their senses.
I then kick Yeon Jin, whose mouth is opening and closing besides me, back into the depths of the Peach Garden Painting before turning to Seo Hweol.
"You want to cooperate with us? Then tell me, who are you exactly, and what are you doing here? Recite your purpose."
Might as well let him continue with his misunderstanding.
I throw the question with the intention of completely exposing him.
However, Seo Hweol's answer is succinct.
"I am Blood Yin (血陰). Does that answer your question?"
"..."
'What in the world does that mean?'
Furthermore, I sense impurity in Seo Hweol's 'intention'.
Although it's hard to know his inner thoughts and intent through the Heart Tribe's vision, it's clear to me that he harbors impure 'intention' towards me.
'He's lying.'
I don't even know what Blood Yin is, but clearly, he isn't Blood Yin.
'Blood Yin, huh…'
Remembering what Yang Su-jin had said, I decide to test whether he really is this 'Blood Yin.'
"If you are Blood Yin, then you must have already found In (cause) and Yeon (connection), correct?"
"..."
For the first time, Seo Hweol's usually composed mouth shuts tight at my question.
Although his expression does not change, I manage to discern that his intent and heart essence are unusually trembling. Though I can only read them in a blurry manner, it's enough to tell that his heart essence is significantly disturbed.
"Vast Cold is indeed vast, how could they be so easily found?"
He neither ignores nor denies my words, simply passing them off as if he hasn't found them yet.
I smirk.
'I've got the upper hand.'
For the first time in our verbal exchanges, I have gained the upper hand due to the disparity in information.
'He definitely isn't Blood Yin. He's just impersonating as such.'
"Honestly, I can't believe you. You don't even know the whereabouts of In and Yeon, and you claim to be Blood Yin?"
"Haha, well… It doesn't matter what you think. What's clear is that I am deeply related to Blood Yin. Regardless, I can provide what the three of you are looking for."
"And you know what we want?"
"I can provide whatever it is."
At that, I pause for a moment then smirk again.
"I am... indeed interested in Yang Su-jin's immortal treasure you've spoken of.. but apart from that, I am also searching for traces left by the Owner of Salt Mountain."
"The Owner of Salt Mountain?"
Seo Hweol seems momentarily flustered by my words, then laughs as if he finally understands.
"Ah, I see. That's why Hon Won has been chasing you like a madman... Are you perhaps aiming for the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique?"
"Well, something like that."
'He knows about the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique and the Owner of Salt Mountain...'
He really doesn't seem like an ordinary guy.
"What will you do by finding the traces of the Governing Immortal? Is searching for that ancient deity a command from a Heavenly Venerable?"
"…!"
I'm shocked by Seo Hweol suddenly mentioning 'Governing Immortal'.
However, strangely enough, it isn't as painful as the time my body had melted away instantaneously.
It feels as though I developed a resistance.
I manage to endure the shock contained in the word 'Governing Immortal' without showing it and smile back.
'This bastard… is trying to test me.'
It must have been the same for Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hong Fan.
Fortunately, they seem unaffected, probably because they had blocked their senses as I had asked.
Although Jeon Myeong-hoon might have developed a resistance by directly facing a Governing Immortal, it was better to be cautious with Hong Fan.
"The oldest one desires the traces of the Mountain Deity."
I casually mention the Master of the Netherworld metaphorically to Seo Hweol.
Then, Seo Hweol nods.
"I see. I understand the situation."
It seems he recognizes my ability to endure the shock of the word 'Governing Immortal' and my capability to bring up other knowledge.
"If you aim for the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique, I will assist you with that as well."
"How can you?"
"Hon Won has many children, after all."
He grins nonchalantly, bringing up the topic as if it's nothing out of the ordinary.
"Just kidnap one or two and brainwash them."
"..."
His tone, as if he's talking about going on a picnic, leaves me somewhat dumbfounded.
"But anyway..."
"Hmm?"
I frown as I notice Seo Hweol slowly approaching me with a sly look.
He closes in quite familiarly and seems about to say something.
"With this level of sincerity, perhaps I could join fellow daoists for a bit?"
"I haven't said anything about kidnapping yet?"
"Oh, if you dislike kidnapping and brainwashing, then I'll just become 'friends' with Hon Won's children and find out that way."
His response clearly means he intends to manipulate people's hearts and spit out their secrets, just as he had done with Gyu-ryeon.
"Would that be... alright with you?"
He reaches out affectionately towards my shoulder as he asks.
And then.
Crack!
I grab his arm.
"Shoulder."
"...?"
"Don't touch... my shoulder."
I grit my teeth and glare at him fiercely.
"I'll kill you."
"..."
Seo Hweol laughs nervously and withdraws his hand, a bit flustered.
"I apologize. It seems I have indeed annoyed Daoist Seo."
"You know well. Now then... I'll think about your offer to help us. We'll decide later and contact you when needed, so get lost."
I've been holding up well so far, but I fear that continuing to talk with him might give him a chance to find a gap, so I decide to rid Seo Hweol immediately.
"Understood. We shall meet again later. And regarding the technique left by the Owner of Salt Mountain and his successor, I will also endeavor to help."
"Do as you like."
"Additionally, regarding the Lightning Sacred Sea, studying the ruins of the Golden Deity's shrine that was destroyed 40,000 years ago may accelerate the strategy for entering the Lightning Sacred Sea. I'll provide this information freely as compensation for having possibly upset you."
"Hmm..."
It's valuable information.
The region he refers to as the Lightning Sacred Sea is likely deeply related to Yang Su-jin's Decaying Corpse Realm that the Star Shattering Esteemed Ones are currently searching for.
However, the problem is that Seo Hweol is the source of the information.
Only Seo Hweol knows to what extent and how he might be lying to anyone.
It's uncertain starting from where this information is reliable.
'The 'intention' behind this information doesn't seem impure. Is it just trying to curry favor with me? And on top of that, there seems to be a bit of an 'intention' to test me.'
"By the way, 40,000 years ago. What was the most memorable event for you back then? For me, it was amusing when Hon Won received attention from the Mountain Deity."
"Haha, that's quite unique of you."
Seo Hweol laughs as if amused.
"The biggest event 40,000 years ago was the enthronement, wasn't it? The event when that person seized the Imperial Throne shook all Three Thousand Worlds and the Heavenly Domain, and even the Heavenly Venerables celebrated it. That incident practically influenced all events across the Three Thousand Worlds. The persecution of the descendants of the Golden Deity was merely one of the repercussions... To mention such a trivial event related to Hon Won..."
I catch Seo Hweol's eyes as he spills information I am unaware of.
"...Perhaps, if it involved the Owner of Mount Tai, there must have been some intricacies that even I am unaware of. Thank you for the information."
Seo Hweol, momentarily making eye contact with me, smiles with his eyes curving like crescent moons.
"Since you seem to be searching for traces related to the Owner of Mount Tai... You may already know this, but let me tell you one more thing."
"Go ahead."
Seo Hweol grins and turns his back to me.
"Hon Won acquired the Supervisory Eyes right after our ascension. It was said that he stayed put during the time when the Mad Lord was rampaging because he suddenly gained new supernatural abilities."
"…!"
"And… Hon Won has never trained in such supernatural abilities before. But suddenly, right when we ascended, he obtained them… You know what this means, right?"
His words send a chill down my spine.
"[Someone] is… lending him their eyes right now. Huhuhu…"
Thump, thump, thump…
I feel cold sweat run down my back.
I immediately understand the implication of Seo Hweol's words.
Hon Won didn't capture the Mad Lord at that time because at that moment, he had 'borrowed' spiritual eye powers from 'some being'.
The being that granted him that spirit eye had deliberately chosen to do so right after our ascension.
And that being is likely related to the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique, and by Seo Hweol's indication, associated with the 'Owner of Mount Tai.'
All these facts imply one possibility.
'The Owner of Mount Tai might have been monitoring us through Hon Won's eyes immediately after the Enders ascended.
Shiver!
I realize why the character for 'supervise' (監) in Hon Won's eyes had particularly stuck in my mind.
Perhaps that gaze might have been Hon Won's, but it was not solely his.
"…Thank you for the valuable information, Seo Hweol."
"It's nothing. Well then, I will see you again in the future."
Seo Hweol smiles and is about to leave.
And I too smile slyly as I draw the Colorless Glass Sword once again from my mouth.
"Then farewell."
Bo-woong, Puk-kuak!
With my single strike, Seo Hweol is cleaved in half and killed.
I see Seo Hweol's Nascent Soul scatter and split apart.
His Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings scatter.
Like so, Seo Hweol died.
***
Woosh!
The sword is rampant.
No, the Colorless Glass Sword is more akin to a ray of light.
Thousands of rays pour towards Seo Hweol.
I move my sword with even more focus than when I eliminated those 15 Four-Axis stage cultivators.
'I will kill him right here.'
Originally, I had considered listening to Seo Hweol a bit and even using him to possibly collaborate to some extent.
However, I realized my heart essence was involuntarily changing while talking to him.
Seo Hweol was brainwashing me without me noticing.
'This guy, it's impossible to even associate with him.'
Kugugugu!
The aftermath of my sword strikes makes the earth tremble.
'I will erase him without leaving a even speck of dust!'
Paaaatt!
Tens of thousands of rays burst forth from a single sword, desintergrating Seo Hweol's cells one by one!
[Da-Daoist Seo, why are you…]
To kill a Four-Axis stage cultivator, you must split the Heavenly Circle inside them.
[Daoist Seo, wait…]
My consciousness becomes even more precise.
Seo Hweol's Golden Core shatters.
His Nascent Soul collapses.
The round Heavenly Circle inside him and the Axis Foundation accumulated in the region becomes visible.
Shu Shu Shu Shuk!
Four sword strikes in total.
The four strikes primarily tear the Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings.
Then, I begin to disintegrate his Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings completely.
Paaatt!
[No, wait, listen to my…]
It seems like he's trying to say something, but I ignore it.
There's no trust for someone who tries to brainwash another upon meeting.
It's better to completely annihilate them upon meeting to avoid future troubles.
Paaaatt!
He tries to reveal his Four-Axis Canopy, but even that is shredded by my Colorless Glass Sword.
His Four-Axis Canopy vanishes in an instant, and all that remains in front of me is his body turned to dust.
'Now, all of the flesh (肉) is dead.'
However, Four-Axis cultivators can resurrect.
They can resurrect from their own bodies, but many Four-Axis cultivators resurrect at a place they have designated.
I can't stand to see that happen.
So, how should one kill a Four-Axis cultivator attempting to resurrect?
It's simple.
Wo-woong!
The Formless Sword cries.
At the same time, the plane of the Formless Sword rises, beginning to leap into the plane of Soul.
[Wa-wait...]
"You cannot resurrect."
The Formless Sword, moving freely between planes, salivates towards Seo Hweol's soul.
—Cut!
The sensation of the Formless Sword connects with me, and I begin to see.
The pathway of the soul that cultivators of the Four-Axis stage pass through to resurrect!
Normally, despite knowing an opponent might resurrect, a Four-Axis cultivator cannot touch this soul passage.
Not even those at the Integration stage can do so, unless they are at the late Integration stage or beyond.
The plane is simply too high up.
But I am different.
Bo-oong!
The Formless Sword already ascends to the plane where the soul passage is located, and cuts off Seo Hweol's connection to that passage.
Paatt!
[Ah, no…]
"Die, Seo Hweol."
Papapapapat
An enormous current of light sweeps through and completely disintegrates Seo Hweol's soul.
He perishes within the storm of light, along with a final breath of death throes.
That is the end of Seo Hweol.
"Hoo…"
As soon as I confirm that Seo Hweol's soul scattered, I stop my sword.
And I look at him.
His body started regenerating his face despite being turned to dust due to his unbelievable vitality. However, once his soul scattered, the regeneration ceased.
Only Seo Hweol's face remains on the corpse.
That corpse of Seo Hweol is still smiling.
Smiling kindly, as if he had never felt the terror of death.
"…"
I killed Seo Hweol.
I split the Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings thoroughly so that he can't even resurrect.
Even his soul essence was scattered.
But just what is it?
Looking at Seo Hweol's smiling face even in death, I can't shake the feeling that he isn't truly dead.
'It's incredibly unsettling…'
Could it possibly be a clone?
However, I shake my head.
'This guy definitely used the Four-Axis Canopy, and he had Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings inside him.'
If what I killed was a clone, that would mean Seo Hweol's clone was a Four-Axis cultivator.
He is not the Mad Lord, and there's no reason for him to waste a Four-Axis clone in such a place
'Moreover, although it was faint, his heart essence... and the intent he showed when he died… those were real.'
Meaning, this was indeed Seo Hweol himself.
"…Is he dead?"
Thuk-Thuk―
I poke at Seo Hweol's facial remains.
It doesn't suddenly come back to life.
Just in case, I pick up Seo Hweol's facial remains, empty one of my storage scrolls, and seal his face inside it.
Although I sealed it because it felt odd, if he really is dead... I can use it as material for an identity plaque later, so it won't be a loss.
"Hmm… it seems like he's truly dead."
No need for words like 'Did I kill him?'
He is certainly dead.
Thinking so, I feel incredibly refreshed, and the heavy emotion that seemed to weigh on my heart dissipates.
I realize that Seo Hweol's mere existence had been a significant pressure on me.
'From now on, I should kill them as soon as I see him'
I decided how I will deal with Seo Hweol in the future.
Then, I send a heart message to Hong Fan and Jeon Myeong-hoon to unblock their senses.
After entering Tribulating Heavens, my ability to send heart language, not only to the Heart Tribe but to others, has significantly strengthened.
Originally, those not from the Heart Tribe wouldn't even perceive the heart language.
But now, I have sharpened the intent within the heart language itself, making it easier to send and convey my will.
"Right, so what was that all about? That dragon guy… seemed like someone I saw at Ascension Path before?"
"Yes. He was a very sly and cunning fellow. He dared to try and brainwash me, so I killed him."
I answer Jeon Myeong-hoon's question, and Hong Fan laughs heartily.
"Haha, well done, Master. Those who covet Master all deserve to die."
"Seo Hweol was certainly that kind of guy."
Regarding Seo Hweol, I won't feel any guilt no matter how many times I kill him.
"So what will you do now, Seo Eun-hyun?"
"It's obvious. I'll enter the Human Race Grand Alliance and be recognized as a Grand Cultivator. If not a Grand Cultivator, at least I will be recognized as having equivalent strategic value."
"Hmm, will they accept you? You're a wanted man, and from what I've heard, isn't that Heart Tribe technique something that the Heaven Tribe shuns?"
"That's correct. However... the being that descended Heavenly Punishment. That entity wasn't just being watched by us that day."
"What?"
"That day, all the Integration stage Grand Cultivators of the Heaven Tribe were observing Thunder Spirit Island."
I explain the whole situation.
"So… you mean to say that among the Heaven Tribe right now, aside from a few like Hon Won, everyone who was watching Thunder Spirit Island that day saw the Owner of Heavenly Punishment and received critical injuries?"
"That's right."
"So they'll accept you to fill the void in the Heaven Tribe's strength?"
"Exactly."
"Hmm... well, that's not bad."
Jeon Myeong-hoon nods as he speaks.
"Then I should prepare again for a place in the Bright Cold Realm, so that the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect can settle there after they ascend."
"That's a good idea. Then first... shall we head to Heavenly Human Island in the Human Race Grand Alliance?"
Paaatt!
That's when it happens.
Ziiiing!
I suddenly twitch at a 'signal' I feel from somewhere.
Using the Flying Escape Technique with Jeon Myeong-hoon, we fly towards the direction of the Human Race Grand Alliance, and I focus my mind on the signal.
Eventually, I can discern where the signal is coming from.
'Yuan Yu!'
Yuan Yu has entered the Bright Cold Realm.
Wo-woong, woo-woong!
I connect to Yuan Yu's mind.
The Mysterious Bizarre Gu I had implanted in him activates, operating inside his Nascent Soul and connecting his and my vision and senses one by one.
'This is…'
It's when I barely open my eyes in Yuan Yu's body and look around.
"Hmm, impressive. It's good to have gained an ascender as soon as the Flying Immortal Platform was set up... but that the ascender is only at the mid Nascent Soul stage is disappointing."
"...!"
I quickly look up at the man in the black robe who has approached and spoken.
He looks down at me.
A dense devilish energy emanates from him.
"It seems you're a cultivator trained in devilish arts? You have learned a rather decent devilish art in regeneration that allows you to withstand dimensional pressure. It's actually not a bad choice since the frequency of encountering Vestiges (尸) decrease when you ascend during the Nascent Soul stage."
"Where… is this place?"
I already know, but I confirm again through Yuan Yu's mouth.
"This is the Flying Immortal Platform within Black Ghost Valley in the Bright Cold Realm."
"This isn't… the Nether Ghost Realm?"
"Oh, were you aiming for the Nether Ghost Realm when you ascended?"
"Yes."
I nod.
I assumed it would lead to the Nether Ghost Realm based on the attractive force of the Nether Crossing Ship, but it turns out to be merely inside Black Ghost Valley.
Meanwhile,
I feel something was off.
'Wait, a Flying Immortal Platform? Inside Black Ghost Valley?'
I look at the ground I am standing on.
It's the same type of Flying Immortal Platform that exists in the Heaven-Earth Palace.
Inside the Flying Immortal Platform, I can feel the power of the Void Spirit Pond.
'Ha, these... Black Ghost Valley guys... Even though there is a Void Spirit Pond within their sect, they didn't report it to the Human Race and created their own Flying Immortal Platform to monopolize it? Are they trying to absorb all the talents coming from the Lower Realms into their sect?'
I look at the black robed cultivator.
Facing 'Heo Gwak', I ask.
"Might I know why I, who ascended targeting the Nether Ghost Realm, ended up in the Bright Cold Realm?"
"It's simple. This Flying Immortal Platform was fed with a vast amount of ghostly energy to make it very similar to the one in the Nether Ghost Realm."
"…!"
"The Nether Ghost Realm is good, but our Black Ghost Valley in the Bright Cold Realm is not bad either. In fact, in some ways, it's even better than the one in the Nether Ghost Realm. Although it differs slightly from the main lineage of the Black Ghost Valley in the Nether Ghost Realm, here too, we enjoy the honor of being among the Human Race's Five Great Sects and receive considerable respect. We also share the majority of cultivation methods, only slightly inferior to those of the original sect."
He grins as he speaks.
"If you train with our Black Ghost Valley, I can guarantee you'll see effects no different from training in the Nether Ghost Realm. We really like talented individuals like you who have advanced on their own. Moreover, we treat the talents we accept very well. How about it, won't you join our main sect?"
"…."
I awkwardly smile through Yuan Yu's body.
Heo Gwak's intent comes right into my sight.
Since he hasn't employed any magic artifact to defend against the Heart Tribe's vision like Seo Hweol, I can somewhat guess his intention.
'If I refuse, he plans to kill me.'
The very existence of a Flying Immortal Platform within their sect implies exactly that.
A Void Spirit Pond should not be owned by any specific group, by principle.
But what happens if someone ascends using a Flying Immortal Platform made from a clandestinely obtained Void Spirit Pond and then chooses not to join their sect?
Naturally.
They will have no choice but to silence them through murder.
Since Black Ghost Valley primarily deals with Ghost Path Methods involving ghost souls, perhaps those who refuse their offer are simply killed and refined into ghost souls.
From their perspective, it's either a source for acquiring quality disciples or for obtaining quality materials for Ghost Path Methods, so having a Flying Immortal Platform is not a bad thing for them.
I pretend to ponder for a moment before speaking.
"It is an honor. I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Great Black Ghost Valley."
Heo Gwak, whose face is neither that of a man nor a woman, brightly smiles and warmly pats my back.
"Congratulations on becoming a disciple of Black Ghost Valley. What's your name?"
After a moment of contemplation, I awkwardly smile and say,
"My name is Seo Li."
Translator Notes: Seo Li is Seo Rip in the raws. It's a reference to Yuan Li. As everyone knows by now, our MC's naming sense is quite questionable. Also, extra chapter cuz of the spontaneous poll I did a while back if some of you remember.
***