'Damn it, what's Seo Li?'
After Heo Gwak asked for my name, I blurted out in a panic.
But after thinking about it for a moment, it seems like there could not be a worse name.
Worried that Heo Gwak might know Yuan Li, I avoided using the surname Yuan.
So I said the first thing that came to mind, and the worst name possible came out.
'Damn it. It's too late to change it now.'
Whether Heo Gwak knows what I am thinking or not, he laughs heartily and says,
"Seo Li! The Seo family has always been full of talented individuals. I once tried to recruit a member of the Seo family to the sect, but failed. Truly... that person was the incarnation of talent."
"Haha... Is that so?"
I awkwardly laugh, thinking I know who he is talking about.
"Well, anyway, thanks to the newly installed Flying Immortal Platform, we will continue to expand our recruitment of talents. For now... you follow this child."
Wo-woong-wo-woong-wo-woong―
As Heo Gwak waves his sleeve, a pitch-black ghost flies out from within.
"Take this one to the Entrance Hall."
Wo-woong―
The ghost nods as if it understands and starts flying off somewhere.
"Then I'll see you later. Follow him."
"Yes, senior."
After seeing off Heo Gwak, I follow the ghost he released.
'Is this the interior of Black Ghost Valley…?'
It's my first time at Black Ghost Valley, and it feels intriguing.
A vast valley.
Inside, through narrow paths that number by the dozens, hundreds, even thousands, the ghost manages to find the right path to guide me.
After following the ghost for a while,
"Hmm?"
I arrive in front of a small pavilion marked 'Entrance Hall.'
The ghost growls lightly as if telling me to follow, and I enter the building ahead.
"Hah."
Inside, I'm startled by a bizarre sight.
In front of a black wooden desk within the Entrance Hall, sits a pristine white skeleton busy at work.
Grand Perfection Nascent Soul stage.
No, the skeleton seems a bit beyond the Nascent Soul stage, almost stepping into the Heavenly Being stage.
Although slightly shocked, I speak to the skeleton remembering the first time I met Song Jin.
"I'm..."
However, before I can start talking, the ghost that guided me flies next to the skeleton's skull and seems to whisper something to it.
The language they use is neither the language of the Demon Race nor the common language of the Bright Cold Realm's Heaven Tribe.
They don't even use vocal cords to begin with, so I can't understand their language.
After they exchange a few words among themselves, they both look at me.
The skeleton gestures towards me.
Soon, it speaks familiar words in the common language of the Heaven Tribe.
"So, you came up through the 13th Flying Immortal Platform?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"The 13th Flying Immortal Platform is newly created, so it's not fully developed yet. Normally, when an ascender comes up through a Flying Immortal Platform, we immediately trace the attraction to find out where the ascender came from, but the 13th Flying Immortal Platform doesn't have that feature yet. That's why I have to ask you directly."
The skeleton's eye sockets light up with ghost fire as he questions me.
"Which Lower Realm are you from?"
Seeing his ghost fire, I realize that this is some sort of consciousness method.
'It's similar to the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon.'
It's a method that can see the color of intent.
'There really are all sorts of methods.'
Thinking it's fascinating, I control my intent and answer.
"They call it the Astral Realm... a small star within it."
"What's the name of the star?"
"It's called Earth."
"You're also from Earth?"
It nods as it writes something on a paper, and I, thinking of Kang Min-hee, ask it.
"Are there others from Earth besides me?"
However, at my question, the skeleton chuckles and says,
"If you ask the ascenders from the Astral Realm where they're from, seven out of ten will say they're from Earth. Those who name their star 'round land (地球/Earth)' aren't just one or two. Do you think there are only one or two Earths in the Astral Realm?"
"Ah...."
It's an issue I hadn't even considered, so I'm momentarily dumbfounded.
"Anyway, it seems true enough, so let's move on. Once again, what is your name?"
"Seo Li… is my name."
"Right, Seo Li. And your gender?"
"I am…."
Fwoosh!
I, along with Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hong Fan, fly for several days and finally arrive in the Human Race territory.
"Are we going directly to Heavenly Human Island?"
To Jeon Myeong-hoon's question, I shake my head.
"I'm going, but you can't. You should first head to Thunder Spirit Island with Hong Fan and Yeon Jin... If there's anything to salvage from the remains of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, take care of it."
"You're going alone?"
"Yes. It's easier to escape alone if needed."
Jeon Myeong-hoon nods.
"Okay, then let's meet later. If you escape, where should we meet?"
"Come to the Light Spirit Pond in the Cold Spirit Race territory. We'll see each other there."
After setting our plan, we part ways.
I fly quickly and reach Heavenly Human Island.
Because it's the main headquarters of the Human Race Grand Alliance, it has a stronger barrier than any other Sky Island, and because the Integration Stage Grand Cultivators are seriously injured, the barrier is even more fortified than usual.
There are even checkpoints that weren't usually there.
"Passing Heavenly Being Daoist! To enter Heavenly Human Island, you need a pass and a reason for entry…."
I glance at the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being cultivator at the checkpoint and, without responding, hold the Colorless Glass Sword and conjure the Three Great Ultimates behind me.
Bo-oong!
Kwaang!
Instantly, I blow a hole right through the barrier.
I bypass the stuttering Heavenly Being cultivator and head to a place on Heavenly Human Island.
Heavenly Human Island's Heavenly Cauldron Mountain.
Usually, seven Grand Cultivators of the Human Race reside there.
'There are nine Grand Cultivators of the Human Race.'
Grand Perfection Integration stage Black Dragon King from the allied Black Dragon Race, Hyeon Eum.
Early Integration stage Palace Lord of Penglai Palace and Heaven-Earth Palace, Hon Won.
Grand Perfection Integration stage leader of the Human Race Grand Alliance, Jun Je.
Early Integration stage responsible for overseeing the entire Human Race, Wi Ryeong-seon.
Mid Integration stage and master of the Entering Truth Gate, Gae Jin.
Mid Integration stage and master of the Heavenly Lotus Sect, Eung Yeon.
Early Integration stage and Chief Military Strategist of the Human Race Grand Alliance, Wi Su.
Late Integration stage hermit cultivator, Gol Maek.
Integration stage cultivator shrouded in secrecy, Tae Yeol-jeon
These nine are the pillars holding up the Human Race Grand Alliance.
However, Tae Yeol-jeon, known only as an Integration stage cultivator, hardly attends the council of Grand Cultivators, and the Black Dragon King doesn't participate in actual Human Race meetings since he is only treated as an ally.
Therefore, it's accurate to say that the Human Race Grand Alliance is practically run by the seven, centered around the leader Jun Je, military strategist Wi Su, and overseer Wi Ryeong-seon, along with Hon Won, Gol Maek, Eung Yeon, and Gae Jin.
I increase my speed as I fly towards Heavenly Cauldron Mountain to meet them.
Far off, the Heavenly Cauldron Mountain where spiritual energy gathers shining with pure-white catches my eye.
The residence of Integration stage cultivators.
But as I try to enter Heavenly Cauldron Mountain, something is off.
'…?'
No matter how much I fly, the distance to Heavenly Cauldron Mountain doesn't seem to get any closer.
'This…'
I realize I am passing the same place again.
'Am I going in circles?'
It isn't that my sense of direction is off.
My senses are fine.
That leads to only one explanation.
'The space is warped.'
The space, warped like a barrier, is preventing undesirables from entering.
The way to cross such a space is simple.
Those at the Four-Axis stage or above can use Axis techniques to fold space and move through it.
However, though my power is at the Integration stage, the capabilities I can use are limited to the Heavenly Being stage
My current abilities are insufficient to straighten the warped space.
What should be done then?
'If all I have is strength, then using strength is the way to go.'
It's simple logic.
Kugugugu…
I put strength into my hand holding the Colorless Glass Sword.
Lifting the Colorless Glass Sword with all my might, I bring it crashing down.
The bent space is caught in my senses.
The plane is terribly distorted.
Kududuguk!
Just like that, the space rips open, and the twisted space carves a path.
Calmly, I enter the interior following the flow of the dragon vein that reaches deep inside Heavenly Cauldron Mountain.
And when I arrive in front of Heavenly Cauldron Mountain,
Pabababat!
Faint projections block my path.
A total of six projections.
All the Grand Cultivators except Hon Won, who resides in Heaven-Earth Palace, and the enigmatic Grand Cultivator Tae Yeol-jeon, send their projections
A familiar face speaks to me.
It's Wi Ryeong-seon.
"How dare you step foot into Heavenly Cauldron Mountain, the sacred site of the Human Race Grand Alliance, so carelessly."
I smirk and reply,
"I wish to receive a cave residence on Heavenly Cauldron Mountain and came to ask for permission from the Grand Cultivators of Heavenly Cauldron Mountain."
Their eyebrows twitch at my words.
"You know the conditions for receiving a cave residence on Heavenly Cauldron Mountain, correct?"
"Yes. Either you are a Grand Cultivator at the Integration stage, or you represent a super-large force equivalent to the Six Great Sects of the Human Race. I am aware it's one of the two."
"You know well. You are not a Grand Cultivator, just a Heavenly Being stage cultivator."
"Hmm…"
I grin.
"I do not seek a cave residence as a Grand Cultivator."
"Then what is it exactly?"
"Can't a super-large force take a cave residence on its own?"
"...You mean to say you have the backing of a force equivalent to the Five Great Sects of the Human Race?"
"No."
"Then?"
"I, as an individual, am equivalent to the Five Great Sects."
Stunned by my audacious statement, the Grand Cultivators are momentarily speechless.
Wi Ryeong-seon speaks again.
"You are arrogant."
"Is that so?"
"Do you know that Hon Won has reissued a bounty on you? A substantial bounty has been placed by Penglai Palace, and your crimes are clearly listed. One of the charges is your unauthorized escape from the Flying Immortal Platform."
"Well. I had already registered my name under the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect at Temporal Fate Island before. Why should I be bound by the Flying Immortal Platform then?"
"That's the procedure. Even if you ascend again after descending to the Lower Realm, the procedure is necessary. And you descended to the Lower Realm without even notifying the Grand Alliance, acting on your own initiative. That alone is a crime, and you even went so far as to hide the Void Spirit Pond in the True Devil Realm for years, obstructing the conquest of the True Devil Realm. This is a grave offense."
"Is that so?"
"The fact that you entered Heavenly Mountain today, where there is a Grand Cultivator meeting, without permission... You have too many charges. Even speaking with you like this is a mercy."
I smile slightly at Wi Ryeong-seon's threatening words.
After entering Tribulating Heavens.
Even though it's just a projection, I can somewhat see his intent.
Reading the intents of the other Grand Cultivators besides Wi Ryeong-seon, I can understand why they are treating me this way.
'That's how it is.'
Feeling even more confident about their intents, I speak to Wi Ryeong-seon,
"Then, no need for further mercy, let's see about my punishment."
"What...?"
"Punishment, let's see you impose it."
At my words, Wi Ryeong-seon stares at me quietly.
And our standoff continues for a while.
None of them dare to attack me first.
'It seems they all suffered quite a bit from the Owner of Heavenly Punishment.'
Normally, it should have been their real bodies coming down, not just threatening me with projections.
Just then.
The leader of the Human Race Grand Alliance and head of the Grand Cultivator meeting.
The Grand Perfection Integration stage Grand Cultivator known as Jun Je steps forward.
"Inspector Wi Ryeong-seon, you are to arrest Seo Eun-hyun. Once Seo Eun-hyun is captured, a trial will be held immediately to determine the punishment."
Upon hearing this, Wi Ryeong-seon's expression hardens, and he vanishes from the spot abruptly.
'Hoo…'
Shortly after Wi Ryeong-seon's projection disappears, the space split, and a man wearing a featureless white mask appears from beyond the space.
'Wi Ryeong-seon, the true body!'
Kugugugu!
An immense pressure bears down on me.
Simultaneously, the projections of the other five Grand Cultivators soar into the air and each stretch out their hands somewhere.
The space around suddenly 'expands'.
The stage is set for a showdown between me and Wi Ryeong-seon.
I can feel his gaze from behind the faceless mask.
I provoke Wi Ryeong-seon.
"The energy I feel from you seems to be at the Four-Axis stage. Are you in a lot of pain? Do your joints ache?"
Wi Ryeong-seon, who had been staring at me, grins.
"Indeed, I sustained critical injuries after directly facing the entity that descended upon Thunder Spirit Island last time. My condition is still far from good."
'Admitting it so readily?'
As I express surprise, Wi Ryeong-seon continues speaking.
"Despite that, do you know why I had to step forward among us?"
"Please enlighten me."
At my words, Wi Ryeong-seon reaches towards the sky.
Simultaneously, I feel a surge of energy from beyond the sky and instinctively step back.
Kugugugu!
From afar.
From a very distant place, enormous energy is being emitted and transmitted in this direction.
Paaaaatt!
Hundreds of beams of light strike down from the sky.
I trace back the closest beam that falls to determine its origin.
'Wi Ryeong-seon's avatar!'
Grand Cultivator Wi Ryeong-seon dispatched his avatars across various areas of the Human Race to monitor the overall situation.
Moreover, since Heavenly Human Island is incredibly large, about three of his avatars besides his main body were dispatched there.
Those three avatars are currently merging into the dragon veins of Heavenly Human Island, transferring the power of the island's dragon veins to the main body of Wi Ryeong-seon.
The identities of the other beams are likely the same.
The avatars of Wi Ryeong-seon dispatched to other Sky Islands are melting their respective dragon veins and transferring that power to him.
Kugugugu!
I marvel in astonishment as I watch Wi Ryeong-seon receiving the power of all the Human Race's Sky Islands' dragon veins.
His aura, which was merely at the Four-Axis level, is rapidly increasing.
[If it's this much… In a short-term battle, I can reach my peak condition.]
The next moment.
Bo-oong!
Enveloped in the Flying Escape Technique, he charges at me with a seven-colored fan in one hand.
[I'll straighten out your crooked head.]
Ruarururururu!
Flames engulf everything.
The seven-colored flames spread in all directions, instantly turning the expanded space into a sea of seven-colored fire.
And I summon the Three Great Ultimates.
[A worthy opponent indeed.]
The next moment.
Kwaang!
My Colorless Glass Sword has already pierced through Wi Ryeong-seon's throat.
[...!]
As if not understanding what just happened, he looks shockingly surprised.
I observe him continually recharging his energy, my eyes shining with anticipation.
[Give it your all.]
[Ah, agh... Ahgeuk...!]
Kuaaaang!
Flinging him aside as if swatting a fly, I bare my teeth in a grin.
[I might accidentally kill you.]
[You, you…! That power…!]
Kwaang!
Kicking off the void, I charge at Wi Ryeong-seon like a predator in a frozen world.
I wonder if he had gambled his way up to the position of an Integration stage Grand Cultivator.
Using the Flying Escape Technique, he begins to move nimbly in the frozen world.
But he is too slow.
Bo-oong!
Flash!
With my Colorless Glass Sword overlaid with the Formless Sword, I slice through his upper body. I then steady my stance and thrust one hundred and six penetrating sword strikes towards him again.
Yet, he can't even react.
[Th-this... Your power, the power of the Heart Tribe...!]
Heaven, Earth, Heart, Mad Lord (괴).
These four pillars of power supply me with a volcanic force.
I amplify this power through General Seo's circuits, relentlessly pushing him back.
[Argh...!]
Soon losing even the leisure to speak, Wi Ryeong-seon focuses solely on following my attacks with his eyes as we exchange blows.
At that moment,
Whoosh!
Wi Ryeong-seon, having gathered his energy, casts the Flying Escape Technique even faster and suddenly moves from in front of me to a distance far away.
I instantly extend the Formless Sword towards him, now 2,000 li away.
The Formless Sword rushes like lightning, but the transfer of power is somewhat diminished by the distance.
And Wi Ryeong-seon, having withstood my strike, begins to form hand seals.
'The real battle begins now.'
[You damned Heart Tribe spy! Die!!!]
Simultaneously, countless clones spring from Wi Ryeong-seon's shadow.
Each one is at the level of a Heavenly Being stage, densely surrounding him.
'Ho, even if it's a kind of spell technique and meant for short-term use..."
These unstable clones won't last long.
However, the moment the number of Heavenly Being stage clones surpass 300 million,
I can't help but burst into hollow laughter.
Kugugugu!
The clones disperse in all directions, forming hand seals.
'He's trying to set up a formation.'
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.
Layered Mountains.
Kugugugu!
The Formless Sword spreads across Heaven and Earth, turning into a massive thorn bush that could envelop the world.
Each thorn and bush possess the force to split mountain ranges, literally capable of grinding through layers of mountains.
The clones of Wi Ryeong-seon begin to burst one by one under the onslaught of the Formless Sword.
But that is not the end.
I draw all 3,000 Colorless Glass Swords and spread them out in the air.
The Formless Sword is imbued within the Colorless Glass Swords.
Wi Ryeong-seon's clones begin to form more clones.
And those clones again begin to produce more clones.
And the clones gather to form their own formations.
In the formations, their power is amplified.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.
Three Thousand Lights Emerging Peak.
Kugugugu!
3,000 Colorless Glass Swords.
From those Colorless Glass Swords, 3,000 strands of Formless Sword Energy spread.
9 million streaks of Sword Energy sweep forward.
The clones struck by the Sword Energy burst all at once.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.
Bouldered Cliff.
The 9 million strands of Sword Energy, converging and clumped together, shake and thrash wildly in all directions.
Storms of Sword Energy erupt here and there, sweeping away Wi Ryeong-seon's clones.
Whoosh!
One of his clones fly towards me and reaches out its hand.
I simply burst the avatar with a slash of Sword Energy.
That's when it happens.
Pabat!
[…!]
The clone and Wi Ryeong-seon's true body swaps places.
Wi Ryeong-seon's true body swing the seven-colored fan at me.
Ruarurururu!
Flames hotter than lava melt the earth as they rush towards me.
I quickly dash towards him, swinging my hand.
But once again, Wi Ryeong-seon switches places with a clone.
'Annoying.'
If this continues, it'll be an endless game of tag.
'I'll sweep them all away.'
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.
Severing Mountain!
Kugugugu!
3,000 Colorless Glass Swords, guided by my will, each begin to unfold the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship imbued with the Formless Sword.
3,000 Severing Mountains fill the heavens and the earth, crashing in every direction.
As light flickers, Wi Ryeong-seon's clones are obliterated in an instant.
That is when.
Kuuuuuu!
I notice the energies amplified by the formation created from Wi Ryeong-seon's clones converging into one point.
[There!]
That's where the main body is!
Just as I'm about to unleash my attack in that direction.
Kuuuuuu!
Wi Ryeong-seon begins to expand his domain from there.
[...!]
His domain quickly envelops me, and I suddenly find myself in a world filled with colorful masks.
Flash!
Suddenly, a mask next to me transforms into Wi Ryeong-seon and charges at me.
Kugugugu!
The seven-colored fan he holds seems to sear red, then swiftly turns yellow, white, and blue.
A bright blue flame engulfs me.
This flame is incomparably more powerful than the previous flames.
Baring my teeth, I reach out my hand.
Crack!
I break through the flames and approach Wi Ryeong-seon, grabbing him as he shows a startled expression.
[I was wondering... when you'd deploy your domain.]
[What...?]
[For Four-Axis cultivators, the Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings need to be split in order to die… but you Grand Cultivators die only when the 'domain' born from the united Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings is destroyed. So...]
I fling my sword towards the flustered Wi Ryeong-seon.
He switches places with a clone, but my sword bursts through the clone and digs into his domain.
Kwaaaaang!
Just as the Head Realm's dimensional barrier crumbled under my sword, Wi Ryeong-seon's domain crumbles under my strike.
'The Four-Axis stage's Four-Axis Canopy felt soft like cutting through water...'
But the domain of the Integration stage is definitely different.
A dimensional barrier in itself!
[Impressive.]
I tear through Wi Ryeong-seon's dimensional barrier while laughing.
Intent floats around inside his domain, revealing his emotions.
The domain is filled with the intent of pain.
[You!!!]
Wi Ryeong-seon's clones all charge at me simultaneously.
Outside the domain, they are of the Heavenly Being stage, but inside, each is of the early Four-Axis stage. Moreover, each is using the Flying Escape Technique at the Integration level as they rush towards me.
But...!
[Too slow.]
Kwaang, Kwaang!
Wi Ryeong-seon's domain crumbles under one strike of my sword.
[Compared to Kim Young-hoon...]
Kwaang!
The domain is torn apart by a second strike.
[Compared to Hon Won...]
Jjeong!
With the third strike, countless clones explode, and a hole is blown through the domain as if it's a dimensional barrier itself.
Continuously, repeatedly delivering strikes to the domain itself.
I cleave away the countless clones and gradually head towards Wi Ryeong-seon's main body.
He continues to switch places with his clones while fleeing far within the domain.
And from afar, he shoots blue flames at me, but I am gradually closing in on him.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.
Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains!
Kwaang!
The slash explodes massively, shattering Wi Ryeong-seon's rushing clones all at once, and his domain is tattered everywhere.
I reach an extreme speed in an instant and charge towards Wi Ryeong-seon.
He switches places with a clone again.
It's confusing to read intent within the domain.
With the vision of the Heart Tribe alone, it would be impossible to recognize where he is.
However, through the perception I acquired from Kim Young-hoon, I determine where he is 'trying to switch.'
Paaat!
As soon as he starts to switch with another clone, I change direction and arrive in front of Wi Ryeong-seon.
I strike down with my sword.
Kwaang!
An explosion scatters, and the Wi Ryeong-seon's entire domain trembles.
Behind his half-destroyed mask, he meets my eyes with a pale, shocked expression.
Kuuk, Kukukuku!
He is barely holding off my Colorless Glass Sword with his seven-colored fan.
However, my sword is gradually digging into his dharma treasure.
[Well then.]
I extend seven pairs of wings from behind.
[Take care.]
As the energy of Azure Wing Heavenly Shatter is being loaded into my Colorless Glass Sword, ready to split his dharma treasure and Wi Ryeong-seon himself in two,
Whoosh!
"Stop right there."
Someone places a hand on my shoulder.
Grand Perfection Integration stage.
It's Jun Je, the Head of the Human Race Grand Alliance.
"…!"
I'm startled by the touch on my flesh.
The Grand Alliance Leader brought his true body.
'I didn't notice.'
As I break out in a cold sweat, he claps his hands.
Clap, clap!
At the sound of his clapping, Wi Ryeong-seon immediately retracts his domain and takes back his dharma treasure into his mouth.
"Right. Congratulations. You have proven your qualifications."
I too reabsorb the Colorless Glass Swords back into my mouth and step back.
"...Next time, please be careful with the shoulder."
"Haha, understood. Anyway, does anyone doubt Seo Eun-hyun's capabilities now?"
Suddenly, the Integration stage Grand Cultivators, not just projections but their main bodies, are watching from around.
"None here."
"I am satisfied."
"The future of the Human Race looks bright."
"Mastering the Heart Tribe's techniques to this extent, it will be very beneficial for the study of the Heart Path Method."
Everyone gives me positive evaluations.
I smile, realizing the intent I had read earlier was correct.
They had been testing me from the start.
Jun Je looks at Wi Ryeong-seon and asks.
"Grand Cultivator Wi Ryeong-seon, what do you think?"
Wi Ryeong-seon, dusting off his body, replies..
"Exceptional. This child will be the new future of the Human Race."
Jun Je laughs heartily.
"Congratulations. Except for Hon Won and Tae Yeol-jeon who are not present, more than half of the Grand Cultivators of the Human Race Grand Alliance have recognized you."
His words confirm that I have finally been acknowledged by them.
"Congratulations on passing the test safely. You've worked hard up until now. Only good things will await you in the future."
I respectfully bow.
"From now on, we look forward to your support, Grand Cultivator Seo."
***
Wo-woong!
'Hmm, so my main body has become a Grand Cultivator.'
I'm currently sitting next to the entrance of Black Ghost Valley, in a place called the Grand Ghost Cave, meditating and receiving signals from my main body.
It's strange to even say "main body."
Since my main body and I are currently sharing all senses, thoughts, and emotions, there really is no distinction between us.
'No, the name is different.'
Seo Li, what a terribly dreadful name I've come up with spontaneously. No matter how many times I think about it, it's a name that brings a sense of dread and self-loathing.
"Should I just wait here?"
"Yes. Just wait a bit in the Grand Ghost Cave."
"Understood!"
The White Skeleton Nascent Soul stage cultivator guarding the entrance, Baek Jin, leads another man into the Grand Ghost Cave, who looks around and sits next to me.
The energy he emits is at the early Nascent Soul stage.
"Ah, senior. Are you also here to enter Black Ghost Valley?"
I had heard from Baek Jin that typically, if someone at the Heavenly Being stage is an ascender, they are given the position of Elder of the Black Ghost Valley after they swear loyalty.
Trust built at the Elder position leads to becoming a Grand Elder.
However, 'Seo Li' is still at the mid Nascent Soul stage, so he can't be directly given the elder position. So instead, they offered to let him take a test to become a disciple of the Black Ghost Valley's Yin Soul (陰魂).
The hierarchy in Black Ghost Valley is divided into five stages.
Qi Refining disciples are called Gate Spirits (門靈).
Qi Building disciples are called Corpse Spirits (屍靈).
Those showing talent in Qi Building are called Corpse Souls (屍魂).
Core Formation disciples are called Ghost Souls (鬼魂).
Nascent Soul disciples are called Yin Souls (陰魂).
This is the disciple hierarchy of Black Ghost Valley.
And the Nascent Soul disciples who are likely to reach the Heavenly Being stage and who demonstrate high potential are called Law Protectors (護法).
Heavenly Being cultivators are called Elders (長老).
Those in the Heavenly Being stage who show high trust or loyalty, or have made significant contributions to the sect.
And those likely to reach the Four-Axis stage are given the position of Grand Elder (元老).
From the Middle Boundary upwards, the hierarchy is determined by color.
Four-Axis stage are called Black Grand Elders (黑色).
Integration stage are called Blue Grand Elders (藍色).
Star Shattering stage are called Azure Grand Elders (靑色).
According to what I heard, Azure Grand Elders do not exist in the Bright Cold Realm, but rather in the Nether Ghost Realm, where the main sect of Black Ghost Valley is located.
And if what Jang Ik said in my past life is true, there should currently be no Azure Grand Elders even in the Nether Ghost Realm.
They must have been dispatched on an expedition to find Yang Su-jin's Decaying Corpse Realm.
'Black Ghost Valley also has a deep history and foundation.'
In sects like Azure Heaven Creation Sect or Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, the hierarchy only goes up to the Four-Axis stage at best, but Black Ghost Valley has a hierarchy up to the Star Shattering stage.
And, currently, I was told that if I pass the entrance test of Black Ghost Valley, I would be directly accepted as a Yin Soul disciple.
Normally, outsiders, even if they are at the Grand Perfection Nascent Soul stage, must prove their abilities by taking the Ghost Soul disciple test to enter, unless proven otherwise.
However, since I had ascended at the mid Nascent Soul stage, they are allowing me to take the test appropriate for the Yin Soul level.
However, there is one annoying aspect of this examination.
"Haha, Cultivator Seo. So, when this Heo Nam-kwon was fighting that monster..."
To take the Yin Soul test, at least five participants are required, and so far, aside from the talkative Heo Nam-kwon and me, no one else is ready to take the test.
Thanks to this, while my main body was thriving and receiving the title of Grand Cultivator, I had to keep waiting in this damp and rotten-smelling Grand Ghost Cave, listening to Heo Nam-kwon's nonsense.
'He's said to be a descendant of the Black Grand Elder Heo Ryeong's side branch.'
It was said that, similar to the Head Realm's Cheongmun Clan, the main family pays no attention to this side branch.
However, this side branch family member somehow stood out and successfully reached the early Nascent Soul stage, being specially admitted to take the Yin Soul test.
"Haha, in fact, I was really debating whether to join Black Ghost Valley or the Yin Soul Ghost Sect among the Six Great Sects."
I glance at Heo Nam-kwon, who is chattering annoyingly , and sigh inwardly.
His intent is a light pink color.
'What does this guy think my gender is?'
It seems like he's trying something because of Yuan Yu's beauty.
"Even though one of our distant ancestors was a Ghost Devil, they were from over thirty generations ago.... In fact, recently, the Yin Soul Ghost Sect has been beating Black Ghost Valley in the competition.
"I wasn't even considering Black Ghost Valley, but, haha, suddenly Black Ghost Valley overwhelmed and merged with the Yin Soul Ghost Sect, turning the Six Great Sects into the Five Great Sects."
'Five Great Sects of the Human Race, huh...'
Indeed.
Around the time we were facing the Heavenly Tribulation on Thunder Spirit Island, Black Ghost Valley used the Nether Crossing Ship brought up from the Lower Realm to successfully merge the Yin Soul Ghost Sect into Black Ghost Valley.
I had only known them as the Six Great Human Sects, but in reality, they had become the Five Great Human Sects.
'Well, I heard that the Yin Soul Ghost Sect was originally a devilish sect lineage that split from Black Ghost Valley...'
Since they were originally one, there wasn't a big problem with merging.
"Hem hem. Anyway, Miss..?"
I get annoyed by Heo Nam-kwon's advances and glare at him as I speak
"We're not even close, what 'Miss'? And I never said I was a woman."
"Ah, no...!"
Heo Nam-kwon seems greatly shocked by my response and staggers backward from me.
"That face, you're saying it's not that of a woman...?"
"..."
'I've never really cared about Yuan Yu's face, but this is incredibly uncomfortable.'
I ponder what to do for a moment, then touch my face.
Wo-woong!
The devilish energy of the Blood Demon Suppressing Sea Light covers my face, and a black fog-like mask, similar to the one Yuan Li wore, covers my face.
Damn, now I really feel like I've become Yuan Li.'
In fact, it's no different from when I had switched to Yuan Yu's body during the tenth cycle.
I feel particularly disgusted by that fact.
'I hate using this disgusting Black Devil Mask spell. I should just buy a mask to wear.'
As soon as I put on the black mask, Heo Nam-kwon feels as if there's no chance for conversation with me and shrinks into a corner of the Grand Ghost Cave.
How long have I waited in the Grand Devil Cave?
After three days.
Step, step....
Baek Jin leads three people into the Grand Ghost Cave.
"Now, it seems we have enough people. Shall we proceed with the entrance test with you five, or shall we wait for more to join? Five is the minimum number required, so you can wait, or proceed now. However, if you fail this time, you'll only be able to enter as Ghost Soul disciples, not Yin Soul."
A bald man with tattoos and muscles, a man in black robes resembling a corpse, and a woman in white mourning clothes resembling a ghost maiden.
The bald tattooed man is at the late Nascent Soul stage, and the corpse-like man and the ghostly maiden are at the Grand Perfection Nascent Soul stage.
The bald tattooed man looks back and forth between me and Heo Nam-kwon, then clicks his tongue and says,
"Mid Nascent Soul stage? Look at that, the other is at the early stage. Rather than taking the test with these weak ones, it might be better to wait for two more."
The corpse-like man says nothing, and the ghostly maiden just giggles like a madwoman.
'Fake madness.'
Knowing the madness of the Mad Lord, the weak craziness exhibited by the ghostly maiden seems very clumsy.
"What, what's this? Why is everyone so quiet?"
It's Heo Nam-kwon who responds to the bald man's words.
"Hey, I don't know how great you think you are...."
Kwaang!
And then, the bald man charges at Heo Nam-kwon in an instant and blows his head off.
"...!"
Heo Nam-kwon regenerates his head while writhing in pain, and the bald man laughs while looking at me.
"Can't even endure this much pain. How about you? You also have no objections to waiting for two more, right?"
As he raises his fist towards me, I let out a chuckle.
"Sorry, but I was the first to arrive at the Grand Ghost Cave, and I've waited quite a long time. I don't feel like waiting anymore..."
"I'll help you learn some patience."
Bo-oong!
He kicks off the ground and charges towards me.
'He practiced body refining techniques.'
His physique is visibly robust.
However, I remain calm and extend my arm, effortlessly deflecting his punch using a force-diverting technique.
"Wh-what?"
While he's confused, I use the grasping hand technique and twist his arms behind him to subdue him.
Bududuk!
"Aaaaargh!"
"For someone who complained about not being able to endure the pain of having one's head smashed, you sure are melodramatic. The people I know would have either pulled out their arm or cut it off to escape. Do you not even have the guts?"
Typically, cultivators from the Head Realm would have cut off the trapped part of their body immediately to escape, like a lizard shedding a part of its body, unless they were seized by the testicles.
But it seems he isn't from the Head Realm, as he didn't display such resilience.
"You... bastard...!"
Krrrrk!
A powerful corpse energy erupts from his body, trying to push me away, but I inject the devilish energy of Blood Demon Suppressing Sea Light into his body, blocking his spiritual veins instead.
As the sticky, blood-colored devilish energy clogs his spiritual vein, the bald tattooed man fails to muster his energy and is subdued by me.
"Stay put."
"You...!"
I bend down to meet his eyes.
Behind the Black Devil Mask, my eyes glint menacingly.
He's probably seeing Yuan Yu's eyes flickering red from behind the black mask.
"Before I kill you."
"…!"
He freezes up, facing my killing intent, far beyond what a typical cultivator at the Heavenly Being stage could even muster.
I've been through many, many battles.
Though Seo Li is my avatar, the murderous intent displayed just now is far more than what any Nascent Soul stage cultivator can handle.
"…."
He sweats coldly, avoiding my gaze, and I turn to look at the other Grand Perfection Nascent Soul cultivators who are watching the scene with interest.
My undisguised killing intent meets the eyes of the corpse-like man, and the woman in mourning clothes.
"Do either of you have any objections to taking the test with the current number of people?"
The corpse-like man awkwardly smiles as he faces my glinting eyes, forcing his corpse-like expression away, and the woman in mourning clothes straightens up and smiles politely, as if cured of her madness.
"No objections."
"Me neither…."
I look at Heo Nam-kwon.
He too seems to feel my killing intent, turning as pale as a corpse.
"I, I too… am very satisfied."
I collect the unanimous opinions and relay them to Baek Jin.
"It seems everyone is eager to proceed with the test."
Baek Jin nods as he observes us and says,
"Then, let's begin the Black Ghost Valley entrance test. Follow me."
He leads us somewhere with his hands behind his back, and following him through the inner part of the valley, we soon arrive at a place filled with thorny vines.
I recognize the true nature of the thorny vines and my eyes shine with understanding.
Suddenly, Baek Jin, who had been guiding us, disappears from in front of us.
It seems we have entered a formation.
[The test is simple.]
Baek Jin's voice fills the space crowded with brambles.
[The thorny vines in front of you are a specially crafted kind of curse. If the five of you combine your strengths to escape this cursed space, the test will be passed…]
Kwaak!
Before Baek Jin can finish speaking, I grab a stem of the vines.
"Curse reversal."
***
Dudududududu!
The entire space trembles.
I realize that the curse of the vine I am holding is connected to the formation spread throughout the space.
As the curse is reversed, the formation that had been perfectly aligned with the curse begins to be thoroughly shaken.
Fwoooosh!
The withered, twisted vines writhe wildly, and new shoots begin to sprout from various thorns.
After a while, dazzling white flowers blossom from within the buds.
And then, suddenly,
Booooom!
A brilliant burst of light sweeps in all directions, scattering white petals everywhere, and the thorny vines disappear without a trace.
Along with them, the formation that had been established in space appears to gradually dismantle, and before we know it, we are inside a small pupil about 3 zhang in diameter.
In front of us, Baek Jin is kneeling and staggering.
"Khek! Khugh, damn it... An Extreme Righteous (極正) method with the attribute of suppressing devils (降魔)...!? You, how do you have such a method while also practicing devilish arts!? No, even if you had learned a devil-suppressing technique, without understanding the curse, you should never have broken it...?"
It seems that he is directly connected to the formation.
Baek Jin staggers while spewing out white energy from his mouth.
I grin and say,
"If you attain Extreme Devilry (極魔), you might also see the path to liberation from it."
"Heh, hehehe...So that was not an Extreme Righteousness method? Well...I understand. Just remember one thing."
He glares at me, his eyes blazing with fury.
"In the Black Ghost Valley, those who practice devilish arts are the vast majority, so using such demon-suppressing techniques is forbidden. This was your first time, and since you weren't warned...I'll let it pass...but be careful."
"Understood. So, are we disqualified because I used that method just now?"
"Hehehe, of course not. You all...have passed with the highest scores..."
Busususus!
"...!"
I'm startled.
Baek Jin's body begins to crumble into white powder.
Gradually, his voice turns into a spiritual echo and resonates through the space.
[Since you have succeeded in killing the examiner...you are all now Yin Soul disciples. Since the death happened so senselessly...the next procedures will be guided by...this guy...]
Crack!
With those words, Baek Jin flicks his sleeve, summons a ghost, and then crumbles to death.
I stand there dumbfounded, confused.
'He's dead?'
He was so calm I thought he was just tired and going to sleep.
However, unlike my confusion, the other cultivators look at me with eyes of admiration.
"It's remarkable, fellow cultivator. To kill an examiner..."
"The examiners of Black Ghost Valley are all famously stronger than those of the same realm, and to kill an examiner who had reached the threshold of the Heavenly Being stage in one go..."
"I was rude earlier. I apologize."
Surrounded by these completely different tones, I feel bewildered.
Just then.
[All five of you, please follow me. I will distribute the Yin Soul disciple plaques.]
The ghost that came from Baek Jin's sleeve speaks to us, emitting a dark ghostly energy.
"...Let's all receive our identity plaques for now."
I follow the ghost, hiding my confusion.
The ghost leads us back the way we had come.
'Are we going back to the entrance...?'
I cautiously ask the ghost while following.
"By any chance, am I going to be punished for killing a law enforcer of Black Ghost Valley?"
[No. Sir Baek Jin simply died because his training was insufficient. You need not worry.]
"Isn't that a loss of strength for the sect?"
[Ah right...Sir Seo Li, you did say you ascended. You must be unaware about the situation in Black Ghost Valley.]
The expressions of the other four turn into shock.
"He's an ascender?"
"How could a body at the Nascent Soul stage withstand the spatial pressure..."
"I heard that there are terrifying monsters in the Interdimensional Void...?"
"Yes, you are truly remarkable. How did you ascend? May I ask about your experience at the time of ascension?"
In the sects I had joined so far, there was not much direct interaction with disciples native from the Bright Cold Realm, and since the sect itself was a group that had ascended collectively, there was little concern for individual ascenders.
However, it appears that individual ascendors are highly valued in the Bright Cold Realm.
Especially in cases like Yuan Yu, who ascended while still in the Nascent Soul stage.
Wondering what to tell them, I decided to keep it brief due to the length of the explanation.
"We shall discuss it later."
After saying so, I wait for the ghost's response.
Why are they so nonchalant about me killing Baek Jin?
Then, I can only be astonished by the ghost's next words.
"Starting from Ghost Soul disciples, we offer two resurrection opportunities within Black Ghost Valley itself. Using the Nether Crossing Ship or Black Ghost Valley's special grand formation, resurrection isn't difficult. Of course, the higher the cultivation, the more resources resurrection consumes, so for Black Grand Elders and above, one must handle their own resurrection..."
"...!!!"
'They provide resurrection opportunities?'
The ghost speaks as if it's nothing serious, leaving me dumbfounded.
'Moreover, if the Nether Crossing Ship has the ability to resurrect...'
Only now do I understand why the Mad Lord was so obsessed with stealing the power source of the Nether Crossing Ship.
A Nether Crossing Ship with a power source is, in itself, a divine artifact with resurrection capabilities.
'But, seeing [Her] state, there seems to be a limit.'
As I'm startled, the bald tattooed man smiles amicably and says,
"Did you not know, fellow cultivator? It makes sense not to know if you ascended. Apart from Black Ghost Valley, all the major Human Race Great Sects are backed by Grand Cultivators at the Integration stage or by the Dragon King themself. One of the reasons Black Ghost Valley is part of the major sects without having an Integration stage Grand Cultivator is its undying aspect."
"Undying... Don't most who practice devilish arts possess that?"
"It doesn't just mean strong regenerative abilities. The devilish cultivators of Black Ghost Valley are famous for their incredibly tough lifelines. In Black Ghost Valley, Minor Boundary cultivators are offered one resurrection through the Valley's grand formation and one through the Nether Crossing Ship. After that, if you learn a few special methods of the Valley, you can be resurrected in the form of a corpse, and if you die in that form, you can be resurrected again using a method that allows you to take over someone else's body. When you can no longer be resurrected, you can be sealed inside the shrine within the Nether Crossing Ship in the form of a Ghost King, continuing your life in this world. In the form of a Ghost King, it's even harder to be killed, and even if you do manage to be killed, there's a technique that allows you to remain in this world in the form of a lingering soul (盞魂), making it even harder to truly die."
"..."
I'm astounded by his explanation.
'This puts Yuan Li to shame.'
The bald tattooed man is clearly someone trying to enter the Black Ghost Valley from the outside.
In short, the number of resurrections known by outsiders are comparable to Yuan Li. This means that the Elders and Grand Elders likely have even more than seven lives, perhaps even up to fourteen resurrections.
And while I am thinking this, I discover one terrifying truth.
'Then, the talk about the Mad Lord destroying a third of the Black Ghost Valley...'
That means he had exhausted all those insane amounts of resurrections and ultimately smashed the Nether Crossing Ships.
'This is utter madness...'
Shivering, I recall Song Jin, who remained in the form of a lingering soul, and I can't even begin to estimate how many times he had been killed by the Mad Lord.
[Yes. Our Black Ghost Valley is known to have a history older than the Bright Cold Realm. Considering the Bright Cold Realm's history is just shy of 490,000 years, the power and history we've accumulated over such a long time is truly something great.]
"...It seems so."
I follow the ghost to the entrance of the valley, where I engrave my name on a dark blue jade plaque distributed by the ghost.
Holding the dark blue jade plaque inscribed with 'Seo Li,' I feel a mix of emotions.
[Then, please follow me. I will assign each of you a cave residence, and introduce you to the sect.]
The ghost leads us deeper into Black Ghost Valley.
As we move closer to the center of Black Ghost Valley, the ghostly energy becomes denser, and the form of the ghost guiding us becomes clearer.
He's a little boy wearing a dark robe.
Feeling our gaze, he speaks.
[Oh, I haven't introduced myself. I am Eub Yeon. In my lifetime, I was one of the Qi Refining initiates of Black Ghost Valley. However, a hundred years ago, I lost my life due to an attack by the Yin Soul Ghost Sect, and my master, Baek Jin, took me in. Now, I serve as a guide in the form of a ghost soul here at the entrance.]
"...I see. Doesn't being dead...bother you?"
[Death was painful and terrifying when I died, but I have grown quite accustomed to it now. My master also treats me well, so there are no issues.]
I feel strange about the Black Ghost Valley's unusual attitude towards 'death.'
'How peculiar. They do not fear death, but rather become familiar with it...'
I follow Eub Yeon to a cliff deep in the valley.
"This is..."
[The pride of Black Ghost Valley, the location where the divine artifacts, the Nether Crossing Ships are anchored!]
Looking below the cliff, there is a massive source of ghostly energy.
Two Nether Crossing Ships are emitting tremendous ghostly energy, floating on pitch black water.
Upon closer inspection, the black water is not real water but a congregation of a vast number of lingering souls.
I frown at the sight of this congregation.
Unlike Eub Yeon's peaceful state, these are tormented lingering souls.
As I grimace, Eub Yeon points downwards.
[Down there are the cave residences. Please follow.]
We follow Eub Yeon down and are assigned cave residences carved into the cliff.
"Hehe, the ghostly energy is sinister, the best environment for practicing devilish arts."
"Truly, this is the Great Black Ghost Valley!"
"Hehehe..."
The corpse-like man and the bald tattooed man admire their cave residences, while the woman in mourning dress begins to laugh ominously as if her madness is returning.
Heo Nam-kwon also seems to be pleased, absorbing the surrounding ghostly energy and starting to hum a tune.
[Sir Seo's cave residence is here.]
I, too, am assigned a cave residence close to the Nether Crossing Ship, where the ghostly energy is dense.
[Please follow me. Now that you have been assigned a cave residence, we should first go and greet the seniors of the sect.]
We followed Eub Yeon into the Nether Crossing Ship.
Entering the familiar interior, I am reminded of the past.
Kugugugu!
The Nether Crossing Ship seems alive, with ghostly energy flowing throughout.
'It's almost like a dragon vein itself.'
An intact Nether Crossing Ship appears no different from a moving Ascension Path.
After following Eub Yeon for a while, we enter a deep shrine within the Nether Crossing Ship.
[Disciple Eub Yeon greets the elders.]
Kiiyaaaaaaa―
Simultaneously, an incomprehensible ghostly wail blasts from deep within the shrine.
Overwhelmed by the immense ghostly shrieking and energy, the corpse-like man is completely frozen, the bald, tattooed man adjusts his posture with proper decorum, and the woman in mourning clothes, seemingly cured of her madness, shrinks back in shock.
Heo Nam-kwon hides behind me, shivering.
Yet, I just stand there smiling wryly.
'Everyone is getting excited, what a debacle this is.'
The intent flowing from deep within the shrine is filled with joy at welcoming new disciples.
Sure enough, Eub Yeon explains that the elders inside the shrine, the Ghost Kings of the Black Ghost Valley, are welcoming us.
We stand in front of the shrine where the ghostly wail resounds, bow according to Eub Yeon's guidance, and quickly complete the entrance ceremony of Black Ghost Valley.
[The entrance ceremony is now concluded. You are now honorable Yin Soul disciples of the Black Ghost Valley.]
Eub Yeon claps his hands and congratulates us. The bald tattooed man wipes the cold sweat from his head and replies.
"Is that so? Thank you."
It seems he wants to leave the inner shrine as soon as possible.
However, contrary to his expectation, Eub Yeon smiles and appears about to say something else.
That is when–
"Has the entrance ceremony concluded?"
Wo-woong!
As the space splits, Heo Gwak, the White Bone Ghost Devil, enters the shrine.
With an ambiguous appearance that makes it unclear whether he is male or female, he smiles faintly as he surveys us, then slightly squints his eyes when he sees Heo Nam-kwon.
Then, when his gaze reaches me, it immediately brightens.
"Well, it seems you all have entered properly. You know about me, right? I am the Highest Grand Elder of the Bright Cold Realm's Black Ghost Valley branch, Black Grand Elder White Bone Ghost Devil, Heo Gwak."
We bow, showing respect and proper etiquette.
"Normally, it's customary to assign a master to disciples below Ghost Soul, but for Nascent Soul stage Yin Soul disciples, we use a slightly different approach. You will now choose the Ghost King you will serve and pay homage to from this point forward."
"Pardon...?"
Already pale from the ghostly energy of the Ghost Kings, the bald tattooed man turns even whiter as he asks again.
Heo Gwak grins and continues.
"Traditionally in Black Ghost Valley, each person chooses a companion, known as a ghost path companion. Unlike typical dao companions, the purpose here is not Yin-Yang Dual Cultivation but to practice Ghost Path methods. Therefore, regardless of gender, everyone carries at least one ghost soul with them. However, you, having just entered as Nascent Soul stage Yin Soul disciples, are not suitable for ordinary ghost souls as your souls won't properly adapt to the Ghost Path."
The bald tattooed man looks like he might faint at Heo Gwak's explanation.
"Thus, until you choose a ghost path companion, you will house one of the Ghost Kings within your Nascent Soul to help your soul get accustomed to the ghostly energy."
The bald tattooed man's appearance looks like one half of his soul flew away.
However, the corpse-like man and the woman in mourning clothes seem rather pleased with this, while Heo Nam-kwon looks slightly annoyed.
"Uh, elder. Do I also have to...?"
Interrupting Heo Nam-kwon, Heo Gwak waves his hand dismissively.
"It's procedure. You're no exception."
"Yes..."
"Then, everyone, walk towards the spirit tablets in the shrine."
We all walk towards the endlessly lined spirit tablets.
That's when it happens..
Paaaatt!
The scene suddenly changes.
I find myself separated from the group, surrounded by a countless number of graveyards under a pitch-black night sky.
Each grave is neatly marked with a tombstone.
Soon after, under the dark sky.
Heo Gwak's voice echoes from the void.
[The place you have entered is Black Ghost Valley's Grand Tomb Domain, accessible only through the Nether Crossing Ship's inner shrine or by special means. The souls of countless ancestors have become Ghost Kings and reside there. Wander around, and if a Ghost King takes a liking to you, entrust your body to them. The type of Ghost Path Method you learn will depend on the Ghost King who chooses you, so be sure to present yourselves well.]
With that, Heo Gwak's voice cuts off, and I wait momentarily before looking around.
"Hmm..."
However much I look around, I see no signs of Ghost Kings.
"Is anyone there?"
I wander through the Grand Tomb Domain, searching among the tombstones.
But I see neither Ghost Kings nor even a mere minor ghost.
"...Where are the Ghost Kings supposed to be?"
In a different space within the Black Ghost Valley's Grand Tomb Domain.
Heo Nam-kwon, the bald tattooed man, the corpse-like man, and the woman in mourning dress.
Except for Seo Li, all of them are experiencing the same scene.
Surrounded by the wildly shrieking ghostly wails of Ghost Kings, they collapsed to the ground, vomiting blood.
[Kiiyaaaaaaa!]
[Kiiiaaaaa!]
[Kuaaaaaaa!]
"What in the world..."
As a descendant of the Heo Clan, Heo Nam-kwon, who naturally has a high affinity for ghost souls, looks up at the sky vomiting a handful of blood.
The ghost souls that usually approached him with friendly gestures are now all radiating with madness.
[It's a great ghost!!!!]
[A great ghost has entered the Grand Tomb Domain!!!]
[Run! We have to run! We'll be eaten!!!]
The woman in white mourning dress is running around crying, trying to escape the Ghost Kings, and the corpse-like man screams and runs around so much that his face regains some color.
The bald tattooed man, clutching his heart, collapses from the ghostly wails, vomiting blood.
Meanwhile Heo Gwak, standing with his hands behind his back outside the shrine, strokes his chin.
Clunk, clunk, clunk...
"Hmm, the spirit tablets are shaking..."
The spirit tablets connected to the Grand Tomb Domain, as it turns out, are physically impossible for Middle Boundary cultivators to enter with their bodies.
Heo Gwak just laughs heartily, assuming the 'elders' inside are just playing with the new disciples.
"Seeing such a strong reaction from the ancestors, it seems this batch of disciples are exceptionally talented. Eub Yeon! I'm going to leave now, but once the Yin Soul disciples have made their choices in the Grand Tomb Domain, guide them to the Method Repository"
[Yes, Grand Elder.]
Heo Gwak chuckles again at the rattling spirit tablets as he leaves the shrine.
***
I wandered around the Great Tomb Domain for quite a while.
The tombstones in the Great Tomb Domain seem endless. No matter how much I walk or even fly around, the end is nowhere in sight.
'Well, that's not really a problem.'
The real issue is that the 'Ghost Kings' Heo Gwak had mentioned are nowhere to be seen, not even the slightest hint of them.
'Where do I have to go to find these Ghost Kings?'
Whether I leave this place or not, the first step should be to meet these Ghost Kings.
'What a mysterious space.'
I think to myself as I look across the never-ending plains of tombstones.
There can't possibly be no end to this.
Even if there are plains this large in the Bright Cold Realm, there should have been some changes as I kept moving.
At the very least, there should've been changes in the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy, but this mysterious space stretched on endlessly without any such variations.
'And, I feel a sense of déjà vu...'
Looking at this Great Tomb Domain, I feel a strange familiarity.
At first, I didn't realize it, but as I continued to look around, it started to feel like I had been here before.
'Hmm...'
I pause my walk and concentrate on my Nascent Soul.
That's when it happens.
"Huh?"
I realize something is off.
"Wait, this is..."
Wo-woong!
I spread my fingers and move the devilish energy within me.
As the energy flows from my fingertips, it forms a mirror-like shape in front of me.
And looking at the mirror, I can't help but be startled.
'My face...!'
At some point, my face had changed from Yuan Yu's to my original, Seo Eun-hyun's.
And it isn't just that.
Even my clothing had changed from Yuan Yu's blood-colored robe to the usual clothes I wear.
If there is a difference, it's the color of the robe.
The robe turned completely black.
'When did my appearance change? No, more importantly, if I change like this, could my identity be revealed? No, that's not it...'
I observe myself and realize why I had suddenly reverted to my original appearance.
'Yes. This Great Tomb Domain reflects the soul's form unknowingly. Even if I use the name Seo Li, I am ultimately Seo Eun-hyun, so it changed back to my original appearance at some point.'
I assume that once I leave the Great Tomb Domain, I will return back to the form of Seo Li.
'But there's something strange...'
I look at my black robe.
'Why has the robe turned black?'
And somehow. I know the answer myself.
'Death...My appearance changing in this Great Tomb Domain is related to death. Perhaps those who came wearing colors other than white also had their clothing transformed into black..'
Suddenly, the word 'death' seems to give me a clue as to why I can't see the Ghost Kings.
'Back when I found the Nether Crossing Ship with Seo Ran...the minor ghosts living near the Nether Crossing Ship called me a great ghost...'
Perhaps, the 'death' accumulated around me has become even stronger than before, causing something to happen.
'For instance, it's not that I can't see the Ghost Kings. They might have sensed my energy and all fled somewhere...'
That seems quite plausible.
"Hmm..."
Then, there is only one thing to do.
I sit cross-legged and take a deep breath.
If the Ghost Kings are fleeing from me, making them invisible to me...
'I just need to chase them faster than they can flee.'
Up until now, considering this Great Tomb Domain as a sort of sacred place for Black Ghost Valley, I had been walking slowly or flying without using the Flying Escape Technique.
But it seems I've been too polite.
'These damned creatures, they don't even greet their guests properly...'
Using the pure spiritual force within me, I begin to generate Gang Spheres around me.
'They dare ignore me and run away?'
One, two, three, four...
Seven, eight, nine...
And then.
Ten, eleven, twelve...
The Gang Spheres around me continue to increase.
In the world of intent, the number of my avatars gradually increases.
At the Ultimate Pinnacle, the maximum limit is nine Gang Spheres.
At Entering Heavens, they melt into the Formless Sword, and the Gang Spheres disappear. At Treading Heavens, I become one with my Inner Core and accelerate with up to ten Gang Spheres.
Of course, during Treading Heavens, just accelerating with the Formless Sword alone exceeds the efficiency of tenfold acceleration, so I felt no need to create more Gang Spheres.
Now, at Tribulating Heavens,
I feel that the number of Gang Spheres I can create has been 'squared.'
As the 'heart' within the Formless Sword awoke,
Ten from the Formless Sword,
Ten from myself.
And as the Formless Sword and I intertwine, the spirit amplifies, and ten is multiplied by ten.
That is, I can create one hundred Gang Spheres.
One hundred avatars of intent appear around me.
"Combine."
Pababababatt!
As the 100 avatars of intent fly toward me, the world begins to slow down.
Yuan Yu's body is not seasoned enough to wield the full power of the Formless Sword.
But simply accelerating with Gang Spheres poses no problem.
Flash!
Accelerated by a factor of 100, I use the Flying Escape Technique and begin to fly madly towards a certain location.
Kugugugu!
The speed surpasses the Heavenly Being stage and reaches the early level of the Four-Axis stage!
How long have I flown like this?
I smile as I spot the rippling waves of intent in the distance.
'As expected, I found them!'
Indeed, it wasn't that the Ghost Kings were invisible. They just sensed my energy and were fleeing.
The intents that are increasingly growing in terror are getting closer.
And then, I feel the terrible screaming of the ghost valley.
[Aaaaaaaaaah!]
[The great ghost has come!!!]
[Run away! Run awaaaaay!]
"Hmm..."
Flash!
I quickly rush towards one of them.
As I charge at one who appears about mid Heavenly Being stage, I increase the plane of my hand to be able to grasp the soul. After seizing the creature, the mid Heavenly Being Ghost King begins to scream terribly.
[Hiyaaaaaaah! Huuuuaaaah! Kaaaaah! Hi, Hiyaaaaah!]
"..."
Looking at this trembling creature in fear, I ponder what to do.
'White Orchid Blessing Incantation is the best for calming the mind...'
The White Orchid Blessing Incantation is ideal for restoring the spirit of this terrified creature.
However, I can't shake the ominous feeling that using the White Orchid Blessing Incantation would dissolve this Ghost King entirely.
'Maybe just a little...'
Wo-woong!
I conjure a tiny White Orchid Blessing Incantation and blow it into him.
Then, I'm forced to hear an even more terrible wailing than before.
[I'm dying!!! Aaaaaaah! Hiyaaaaah!]
"..."
Apparently, the White Orchid Blessing Incantation, having anti-devilish properties, is fatal when infused into a Ghost King filled with ghostly energy.
'What should I do with this damned thing?'
Thinking for a while, I activate the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation.
Kugugugu!
A dense aura of curses rises around me.
'If I infuse him with this, he'll writhe in pain...'
Simply injecting the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation, which has the opposite nature of anti-devilish energy, is not an option.
The essence of Yin Soul Ghost Incantation is 'pain,' and regardless of whether it suits the ghost or not, this creature would be overwhelmed by agony.
After pondering for a moment, I transform the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation into spiritual power and infuse the Ghost King with the Yin spiritual power.
At the same time, I begin to cultivate the Ghost King's mind by manipulating the Yin spiritual power in the manner of the White Orchid Blessing Incantation.
Tstststst!
After a while, the Ghost King, who had been screaming terribly, gradually reduces his wails and smacks his lips.
[Uh...ah...]
"Are you alright?"
[Uh...]
"...You seem off."
It seems that because cultivating the mind with the power of Yin is new to me, it resulted in some strange effects.
'Rather than cultivating the mind, it feels like I've hypnotized him...'
"Can you please say something?"
[Something.]
"...Damn."
As I mutter a curse under my breath, the Ghost King suddenly begins to cry profusely.
[I'm, I'm sorry, so sorry. I've been rude, so rude to the noble one, so sorry...]
"Stop, stop crying. What's going on?"
I ask, trying to get some coherent speech from the Ghost King whose eyes have regained some clarity.
The Ghost King replies to my question.
[Noble, noble one...what, what do you, ask of, me?]
"Why does everyone run away when they see me?"
[Be-because you are, the, the noble one. Please, do not, not take us, us to the Netherworld.]
"...Did you also stutter like this in life?"
Frustrated by the Ghost King's trembling and stuttering speech, I ask him directly.
The Ghost King shakes his head with tears in his eyes.
[N-no, it wasn't like this. When lesser ghosts like us, meet a great ghost such as yourself, we mostly lose our reason.]
"You lose your reason?"
[Yes, it is true.]
As I inject more Yin spiritual power and surround his soul, he begins to speak more clearly.
[It's the essence of the Ghost Path Method. The more ghostly energy one accumulates and the clearer one perceives the Netherworld, the stronger a ghost one becomes. And the stronger the ghost, the easier it is to command lesser ghosts. When a strong ghost is near, weaker ghosts lose their intellect, their reason blurs, and only their instincts remain, forcing them to either submit or flee.]
"Hmm..."
Finally, I understand why even the Ghost Kings, all at least of Nascent Soul stage, failed to keep their composure upon seeing me and fled in a complete panic.
"...Wait a minute. I once met a lingering soul of a Grand Elder from Black Ghost Valley named Song Jin. However, he did not have any mental issues upon seeing me...
As I speak, I realize that when I met Song Jin, I was not as marked by death as I am now.
[If the lingering soul of the Black Ghost Valley's Grand Elder was fine upon seeing the noble one, it could be one of two things...]
Now the Ghost King seems completely hypnotized, speaking in a dazed voice as if intoxicated by the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation I had melted into spiritual power.
[Though called a lingering soul, it was either a living being's split soul or...connected to the Nether Crossing Ship.]
"Was it because of the Nether Crossing Ship…?"
The Nether Crossing Ship seems to have quite a few functions beyond just spatial transmission.
I ask the Ghost King while looking at him.
"So, everyone runs away because they see me as a 'great ghost'?"
[Correct. Is the noble one not perhaps a Rakshasa or a Yaksha, maybe even an Asura or a Yama from the Netherworld? Has a Death God from the Netherworld themself descended upon Black Ghost Valley?]
"No...I'm not one of those."
[What do you mean...? Please do not regard us Ghost Kings as mere lowly spirits... While we may not understand the essence of death as the Immortal Seats (仙座) do, we are still souls who have walked the path of cultivation and have perceived the Netherworld.]
It seems that 'Ghost King' is a term indicating a ghost soul that can perceive the Netherworld, regardless of their level.
"You misunderstand. I have just entered Black Ghost Valley as a disciple, and I am a living being, not a great ghost."
[If you are not someone who has attracted the gaze of the God of the Netherworld from the deepest depths of the afterlife, you could not possibly possess such a great death around you. You jest that you can do this in a living body. The noble one must be one of the high-ranking Death Gods who served the God of the Netherworld...]
"Um..."
[Please do not chastise us too harshly for not following our prescribed fates to the Netherworld and are still pathetically remaining in this earthly realm... We are merely building great mausoleums and arks (方舟) for our descendants and waiting for the natural cycle of the heavens.]
Even under the influence of the Yin spiritual power, he seems overwhelmed by my presence and begins to reveal things he hadn't been asked about.
[Even though that madman destroyed all 12 Nether Crossing Ships of the Bright Cold Realm division 120,000 years ago, we have brought the Nether Crossing Ships from the Head Realm, so collecting souls from the Middle Realm at the end of times will not be a problem... The great immortals of the Netherworld must also find it convenient to just leave us be... Please do not destroy Black Ghost Valley...]
The Ghost King, mistaking me for a Death God that came to punish Black Ghost Valley for defying death, begins sobbing and begging for forgiveness for Black Ghost Valley.
Not knowing what else to do, I release the crying Ghost King.
It seems true that ghosts lose their reasoning when meeting a higher level ghost.
As soon as he is freed from my Yin spiritual power, he seems to forget the conversation we just had and begins to rave.
[Hayaaaaaa! It's a great ghost! A great ghost!!! Hayaaaak!]
Just like that, the one who spoke as such quickly flees to somewhere in the Great Tomb Domain and I grab my throbbing head.
'Damn, it's chaos everywhere.'
I furrow my brows at the sudden developments on my main body's side.
"...What is this?"
'I' had just secured a cave residence in Heavenly Human Island and sent a message to Jeon Myeong-hoon to come here, when I received a letter that made me furrow my brows.
Wi Ryeong-seon, who delivered the letter to me, clicks his tongue and says,
"First...it's a letter sent by someone called the Ark Controlling Envoy of the True Dragon Alliance from the Earth Tribe."
"...Why would that person...send this to me..."
"Well, I wouldn't know. Think hard about any grudges you might have incited."
I sigh as I receive the death threat letter in front of me.
The letter is filled with a grudge as thick as the dragon's blood it was written in. The handwriting alone is enough to give one chills.
'That damned Seo Hweol.'
It seems he had somehow communicated who had killed him to Gyu-ryeon.
―I will kill you as soon as possible. Wait for it.
"...This is driving me insane."
I grab my head as I read the letter from Gyu-ryeon.
***