I look at Seo Hweol.
Seo Hweol is still smiling faintly.
Zzziiiiing―
Inside my head, the discussion among the Seo Hweols is coming to an end.
―One of 'me' needs to take responsibility.
―The Grade-2 dangerous entity has ultimately taken control of me.
―Then let's have the 'Me's that face the Grade-2 dangerous entity be the ones to make the sacrifice.
―Agreed. The decision is made.
―Retrieve the Axis.
Bo-oong!
At the same time, the axes of Health, Wealth, Longevity, and Love of Virtue are drawn out of my body, crossing the plane and disappearing somewhere.
I could have grasped them, but a sense of alertness made me feel that grabbing the axes would be more dangerous, so I let them go and look at the 'Seo Hweol's before me.
Puff, puff, puff...!
In an instant, three Seo Hweols turn completely into salt and dissolve away.
"So that's how you avoided the influence of the True Immortals."
It wasn't that Seo Hweol hadn't dissolved after hearing the word 'Governing Immortal'.
He had merely pretended to be unaffected in front of me, transferring the influence to avoid harm, just like how I almost vomited in front of Tae Yeol-jeon and passed it on to Seo Li.
After fully digesting Seo Hweol and making him mine, the voices of the Seo Hweols' discussion cease.
But I can understand more than enough.
By turning those three Seo Hweols into salt, the remaining Seo Hweols will not turn into salt anymore.
However, there are still about ten Seo Hweols left before me.
Of course, they are all at the Heavenly Being stage.
The Seo Hweol possessing the body of a Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect member is slightly better, but is still at the Four-Axis stage.
Sururuk―
I move my regained body.
Wududuk―
As I brush my face, it returns to its original form, and my hair turns black.
Wo-woong!
Using a clothing spell, my blue robe turns into a white martial arts uniform.
"Finally, I feel a bit..."
A body that feels stable.
The flesh at the Four-Axis stage that Seo Hweol has made.
And the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections that has settled within.
This is my body.
Kuguguguk―
I try moving the Four-Axis stage body Seo Hweol has left me.
Every movement is imbued with attraction force.
Wo-woong―
'It seems Seo Hweol left something behind.'
Inside my upper dantian.
I realize that before Seo Hweol had been completely digested by me, he left something in my consciousness.
However, I don't feel any malice from it. Instead, it feels like something he had to leave behind unwillingly.
I slowly interpret what is in my upper dantian while drawing the Colorless Glass Sword.
'This familiar and heavy sensation...'
It's definitely the Colorless Glass Sword.
"Good."
I brush the Colorless Glass Sword with one hand.
The Colorless Glass Sword hums as if alive.
Tststststst―
A sword containing all of Heaven's colors envelops the Colorless Glass Sword.
Woo-woong!
The familiar Three Great Ultimates return behind my head.
However, the Taiji representing the Heart Tribe and the Taiji representing the Earth Tribe form a normal Taiji, while the Taiji representing the Heaven Tribe spins separately, smaller and at the outer edge of the other two Taiji.
It seems to be a phenomenon caused by the disparity in realms.
Of course, it doesn't matter much.
"There's no problem in killing you, Seo Hweol."
The remaining ten Seo Hweols only smile faintly.
"Hoho, I hope you haven't forgotten that it was thanks to my method that Daoist Seo achieved the Four-Axis stage."
Wuduk, dududuk!
My body starts to go out of control again.
But I activate the circuit laid in my body.
Ziiiing―
The circuit begins to glow brightly and hum.
Wuduk, wududududuk!
I begin to move my body, ignoring Seo Hweol's control.
"You don't seem to understand the extent of my power..."
Seo Li stands beside me.
He nods, then transforms his body into a Ghost King with eighteen heads.
He is back in his ghostly form.
In the case of a ghostly form from the Black Ghost Valley, it isn't a physical body like a jiangshi or a corpse, but a body situated in the plane of Qi.
In other words, Seo Li as a Ghost King can possess others.
Sururuk―
Seo Li possesses my body.
At the same time, his power harmonizes with Heaven, Earth, and Heart.
Kuguguguk―
The Three Great Ultimates, which had been out of sync, fully align, and a volcanic power begins to surge throughout my body.
The power at the early Integration stage rises to the mid then late Integration stage.
Kududuguk!
However, it seems that even within the Integration stage, there are significant differences in stages, and it doesn't reach Grand Perfection.
But...
"Even if it's only up to here, it should be enough to match Hon Won."
Kuguguguk―
I take one step forward.
Then, I swing the Colorless Glass Sword imbued with the Formless Sword towards Seo Hweol.
Kwaaaang―
"Hooh..."
Surprisingly, Seo Hweol has not turned into a minced meat.
"Hoho, Daoist Seo. How about taking a moment to talk?"
"No."
I firmly refuse and raise my sword again.
At that moment.
Flinch!
I feel an inexplicable sense of foreboding from Seo Hweol's gaze and step back.
"Hmm..."
Seo Hweol smiles faintly and reaches out to the other 'Seo Hweol's around.
"If your strength is that considerable, I must take special measures as well."
He reveals eyes like a reptile and extends his arm through the body of a disciple from the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect.
"Originally, I didn't want to use this because I feared it would provoke the Karmic Fire (業火), but given the circumstances, I have no choice."
Woo-woong!
A red aura emanates from his hands.
Scarlet blood-colored devilish energy begins to boil from his hands.
"Blood Sacrifice Ritual (血祭費式), Blood Yin Returning Home (血陰歸鄕)."
At the same time, the ten 'Seo Hweol's around him are pulled towards the Seo Hweol who possesses the body of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect's Grand Perfection Heavenly Being disciple, turning into chunks of flesh that are absorbed into his hands.
Kuduk, kudududuk!
Kududuk!
His body begins to mutate.
A blood mist envelops him.
'Yuan Li?'
Within that blood mist, within that blood sacrifice ritual, I feel something similar to Yuan Li.
After a moment, the blood mist clears, revealing Seo Hweol transformed into a figure wearing a dark red robe.
Although the face is the same as Seo Hweol's, the hair has turned black, and in the hands which had absorbed the other 'Seo Hweol's, ten or so 'eyeballs' have sprouted.
A rather grotesque appearance.
However, I simultaneously sense a formidable threat.
Kugugugugu!
I feel the aura of the Integration stage emanating from him.
"For the next two hours, I am no different from an Integration stage cultivator."
"Did you burn the life and soul of the other Heavenly Being stage cultivators?"
"That's correct."
"It wasn't yours to begin with, and yet you act so viciously."
"Hoho, in battle..."
"Enough, be quiet."
Bo-oong―
I approach Seo Hweol without listening further and raise the Colorless Glass Sword again.
'The foreboding I felt earlier is gone.'
The reason I initially couldn't turn Seo Hweol into minced meat was simply because he had manipulated the Earth Tribe method that made me reach the Four-Axis stage.
But now, even that manipulation has been shattered by my power and is meaningless.
I can now exert my full strength.
Kwaaaang!
The entire storage scroll domain of Lofty Dragon True Person trembles with a single strike.
Kugugugugu―
Seo Hweol breaks through the floor of the Care Layer, falling and crashing into the floor of the first Water Flow Layer.
"Huu..."
I look at the hole-pierced floors of the Care Layer and the Dao Departure Layer, then jump down to completely crush Seo Hweol.
"Die."
Seo Hweol can't even react as his upper body explodes under my foot.
Kwaaaang!
An earthquake shakes the entire Water Flow Layer.
The blazing Water Flow Layer turns into a vacuum state for an instant due to the air pressure caused by my attack on Seo Hweol, extinguishing all the flames at once.
I press Seo Hweol further in the vacuum state.
―――――!
No sound echoes.
Only the space itself trembles, causing the entire storage scroll of the Lofty Dragon True Person to reverberate.
After a while, when the air returns, I grab Seo Hweol's head and start running while slamming him into the ground.
Dududududu―
The Earth tribe body that Seo Hweol enhanced to the Four-Axis stage rapidly traverses dozens of li in the Water Flow Layer.
I run around wildly with the intention of grinding Seo Hweol's body to dust.
"Integration stage, how impressive. So what? What are you going to do?"
Even if Hon Won himself came, I wouldn't be afraid.
There is no longer any reason to fear Seo Hweol.
Though it would be difficult to kill the hundred of millions of 'Seo Hweol's, I can at least stop this one's schemes.
His upper body is shredded in pieces, and soon he will be reduced to a charred state, scattered everywhere.
At that moment.
Flash!
Seo Hweol, whose upper body is being torn apart, extends an arm with an eye towards me.
The eye on the arm.
The pupil contracts sharply, meeting my gaze.
'This is...!'
This is it.
'This' is what I sensed as ominous earlier!
Ziiiiiing―
"Kugh...!"
Simultaneously, I stop in place and focus all my mental strength.
It's immense.
Seo Hweol's very personality is pouring into 'me', attempting to brainwash me.
This is on a different level from when Seo Hweol tried to brainwash me slowly.
"Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh...!"
I grit my teeth, stand in place, and grab my head.
Focus on the heart essence!
'The heart essence!'
"Hoho, you are indeed terrifying, Daoist Seo."
Wriggle, wriggle...
He begins regenerating his upper body as he stands up.
At the same time, he seems ready to attack me with the Blood Yin Realm's unique spell.
But Seo Li, who is possessing me, moves my body instead and shouts.
"Clear Scale Armor!"
Chuarururuk!
The pure tears of Xiezhi fall and cover my body.
Chiiii―
As the Xiezhi's tears fall onto the Water Flow Layer, the flames are extinguished in an instant, and water erupts from everywhere with rivers gushing forth.
Kwaaaaang!
Seo Hweol's spell strikes the Clear Scale Armor, but the armor nullifies all its power, protecting me.
"You..."
I barely manage to keep my mind from becoming dazed as I glare at Seo Hweol.
"That..."
One of the eyes on Seo Hweol's outstretched arm closes.
Seo Hweol doesn't explain, but I instinctively know.
It's the devilish art of the Blood Yin Realm, which involves sacrificing others.
Through his devilish art, Seo Hweol had sacrificed one of the 'Seo Hweol' personalities he absorbed to attempt the recent brainwashing.
'Sacrificing his own personality allows him to brainwash with much greater power?'
But I don't understand.
"Why?"
"What do you mean, Daoist Seo?"
"When I was within you...I sensed hundreds of millions of 'you'."
"..."
"If you sacrificed only about a hundred of those hundreds of millions to overwhelm me...I wouldn't have been able to resist no matter what I do and would have been completely brainwashed by you. In fact, if it's you, you could probably brainwash any Integration stage cultivator in the Bright Cold Realm immediately. Wouldn't it be possible if you sacrifice tens of thousands of personalities? But why don't you do it?"
In response to my question, Seo Hweol gives a gentle smile.
For some reason, I feel as if Seo Hweol is showing his true feelings.
"...Those 'resources'...are not meant to be used on the likes of you. The one I truly want to assimilate is someone else."
"...I see. So that's your goal?"
"Hoho, what do you think?"
If the Mad Lord's true goal is to recall his most beautiful moments and die, then Seo Hweol's true goal is to brainwash 'someone'.
"That wasn't a lie just now, was it?"
"I always speak the truth."
"You're confusing."
I laugh, barely shaking off Seo Hweol's influence.
Seo Hweol also laughs and says,
"Well, if I were to give the answer that Daoist Seo wishes to hear, then what I just said is not a lie."
"Hoh..."
"Think of it as sacrificing the flesh to take the bones."
At the same time, Seo Hweol extends both his arms toward me.
"...!"
"Now, then. Shall we see if by burning everything for the last time I can brainwash Daoist Seo?"
"This, this is...!"
My body doesn't move at all.
'I see, so you've sacrificed your personality as well?'
It's brainwashing through burning his own personality and embedding it in me.
I had certainly broken free of the brainwashing.
But I became defenseless when trying to escape from the mental waves he scattered, and in that gap, Seo Li covered my body with the Clear Scale Armor to protect me.
Seo Hweol pretended to throw information at me, and just like what he had done earlier, he sacrificed another personality to brainwash [Clear Scale Armor].
The Clear Scale Armor wraps around my body.
[Hoho...indeed, the tears...of an...Immortal Beast...]
Because it's the tears of Xiezhi, Seo Hweol's personality is dissolving inside the Clear Scale Armor, but it's enough to bind me for a moment.
My body will not move.
At this rate, I will have no choice but to endure his brainwashing waves again.
In this moment of life and death.
Seo Li laughs.
[Don't worry, Seo Eun-hyun.]
'What?'
[A dagger (匕首) is meant to be hidden until the very end.]
Wuduk—
Seo Hweol's body suddenly freezes just like mine.
Then, an old man in black appears behind Seo Hweol, smoking a long pipe.
"As commanded, I secretly followed and hid at the entrance, Master."
Seo Li shouts with delight from within me.
[Well done, Hong Fan. Use the poison you brought!]
"Yes, Master."
Hong Fan scatters the poison powder from his sleeve.
The poison powder seeps into Seo Hweol and me, starting to disperse our spiritual power.
'Ah, I see.'
Hong Fan had created this cultivation-scattering poison when he went to the Earth Tribe territory last time.
"The effect doesn't last long. At most...about 2 hours."
I smile brightly.
"Then that's enough."
Kuadududuk!
I realize that Seo Hweol's will embedded in the Clear Scale Armor has completely dissolved.
After moving the Clear Scale Armor aside, I approach behind Seo Hweol, who is immobilized due to Hong Fan's poison.
Clench!
I grab Seo Hweol's shoulder with a rough hand and bring my mouth close to his ear.
"How does it feel to have your shoulder grabbed from behind, Seo Hweol?"
"..."
He just keeps smiling.
"Now it's my turn. Shall we have a good time for about 2 hours."
Bududuk!
My hand completely crushes his shoulder.
"Hong Fan, cover your ears."
"Yes."
Now begins the fun interrogation time.
"Seo Hweol. Do you know about the being called the Seat Holder of Health, Deputy Judge, and Ancient Force True Lord, Hae Nyeong?"
Splurt!
Blood spouts out like a fountain from Seo Hweol's seven orifices.
***
Splurt!
At the same time, blood gushes out of my own seven orifices like a fountain as well.
'Damn...'
As expected, the Immortal Name (仙名) has a severe impact on me too.
My legs are trembling and it's painful enough that I want to collapse right away.
But I don't die.
Hong Fan approaches and gives me an antidote for the cultivation-scattering poison and some medicine to restore my strength.
'Seo Li is quite something.'
I didn't always have a glimpse into Seo Li's heart essence, so I don't know everything about him.
However, I often peeked at him, and in those brief moments when I wasn't watching, he had commanded Hong Fan to stand by with antidotes. His judgment is excellent.
I take the antidote and medicine to recover my body, then look at Seo Hweol.
I can't use it during battle because it's dangerous for me as well.
And even if it isn't during battle, it isn't something I can easily use on others.
'Only within Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll, and because I possess Hae Nyeong's tears, the Clear Scale Armor, is it possible.'
The name of a True Immortal is not a convenient tool.
If I'm careless, it can be a poison that devours me.
Even if it belongs to a being that has been completely annihilated and can never resurrect again.
The reason I could speak 'Hae Nyeong's' name is simply because I have a part of his body, the Clear Scale Armor, and because I am inside his subordinate Lofty Dragon True Person's Otherworld, which grants me some privileges.
If I had mentioned Yu Hao Te or Yu Soo Ryeon instead of Hae Nyeong, it wouldn't have ended this easily, and it would have been much more dangerous.
As I began to step across the boundary beyond Tribulating Heavens, I could glimpse Seo Li's heart essence, allowing me to gather information through him.
At first, I thought I would die the moment I saw that [Name], but fortunately, I could focus my heart essence and avoid going insane.
I wipe the sweat off.
Perhaps it's because I recklessly spoke the name of a True Immortal, but it feels very hot.
Of course, in Seo Hweol's case, it seems to be quite lethal. His face is smiling, but it has already turned pale.
'I see.'
Observing him, I am able to glean some information.
Seo Hweol can't transfer his influence to another 'Seo Hweol' at this moment.
That means all the pain and torture happening here has to be endured by his own will alone.
'That means the connection with the other Seo Hweols is severed.'
This guy is an abandoned pawn.
A discarded Seo Hweol, abandoned by Seo Hweol himself.
"Answer my questions."
"I will speak only the truth."
Thunk!
I drive the Black Ghost Curse Banner into Seo Hweol's body.
"Every time you lie, I will thrust the Black Ghost Curse Banner into you."
"Hoho, what should I do if you drive it in even when I tell the truth?"
Thunk!
"Impressive, in a way...to show such stubbornness even after being abandoned."
"Abandoned? What do you mean?"
"You're disconnected from the other Seo Hweols."
"Hoho, you misunderstand."
Seo Hweol smiles faintly.
"I wasn't abandoned. I was 'left behind'."
"..."
"Isn't it quite the gain if we can grasp Daoist Seo by sacrificing just me? Even if I fail, I can relay some interesting information to Daoist Seo..."
Thunk!
"Fine, let's say you weren't abandoned. But you better state the real reason you were 'left behind.'"
"Hoho, would you like to hear an interesting fact?"
"Cut the nonsense and tell me the purpose of you being left behind."
Thump!
"First things first, Daoist Seo. Do you know what I saw when I looked inside your Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections?"
"If words like 'salt' come out of your mouth, I'll blow your head off."
"Oh, it's not that. Daoist Seo...did you know that there is 'someone' inside your Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections?"
"What?"
Flinch!
His words send a chill down my spine.
Though the surroundings are getting warmer, it feels like an eerie cold is licking the back of my neck.
'There's 'someone' inside the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections?'
I glare at him.
"Hong Fan."
I signal to Hong Fan, who approaches and grabs Seo Hweol's head, blowing something transparent into him.
"I've infused the Formless Poison. I can adjust the stimulus this person receives through the poison."
"Can it also function as a truth serum?"
"Absolutely. Since it directly manipulates the brain, it's at least a hundred times more effective than a regular truth serum."
"Is a hundred times enough for a Four-Axis stage cultivator?"
"Since it directly affects consciousness, it is more than sufficient."
Chiiiii—
White steam seeps into Seo Hweol's seven orifices.
His eyes appear slightly dazed.
"Is it true that there is 'someone' inside the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections?"
I ask while hyperactivating my sight of intent.
Although I can't force a confession out of him, the effects of the truth serum can make his intent more apparent.
This will make it easier to discern truth from lies.
With a faint smile, Seo Hweol speaks in a slightly dazed voice.
"There is a [woman] inside."
Shiver!
I feel goosebumps rise at his words.
'It's not a lie.'
Then, what kind of existence could so easily intrude my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections?
Nine times out of ten, it must be a transcendent being.
And among the transcendent beings I know of, there is only one female.
'Zhengli!'
The white-haired heavenly maiden (天女) whose face I couldn't see.
The Immortal Treasure possessed by the Owner of Heavenly Punishment.
The sacred artifact of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, the Heavenly Lightning Banner!
'Does that mean that being is still watching me?'
It seems I had left a deep impression on Zhengli.
'I did make quite an impression in various ways.'
But to still be under her watch to this extent!
Moreover, to secretly enter my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections to monitor me.
I can't help but get shivers down my spine...
'...No, wait.'
Then why did we turn into salt instead of lightning?
'This bastard must have lied to me again.'
Somehow, I feel a surge of anger.
Perhaps it's because the surroundings are gradually heating up, giving me the illusion that my head is turning red.
For now, I drive the Black Ghost Curse Banner in once more.
Thunk!
"I said I'd thrust the banner if you lied."
"I was telling the truth..."
"Speak properly. What kind of existence is that [woman]?"
Seo Hweol smiles meaningfully.
"What kind of existence? Hoho...Daoist Seo's Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections...She's an existence that I mistook for your [Pillar]."
Thunk!
Even though he seems to be telling the truth, his drawn-out speech annoys me, so I thrust the Black Ghost Curse Banner in again.
Seo Hweol doesn't flinch and continues.
"Your Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections, it was encircling and protecting that [woman]."
"What?"
'How is that possible?'
How could another be protected by my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections?
He smiles with his eyes.
"In other words, that [woman] is a precious existence within your Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections. Is that correct?"
"I asked what kind of existence she is."
"Hoho, I've already implanted myself in that [woman]. Since she's a real entity, in a few thousand years, she'll slowly be devoured by me."
"So, according to your way of speech, you haven't implanted anything yet and are just trying to gauge me with such questions."
Thunk, thunk, thunk!
I solidify the flow of my intent and expression as I ask him.
"I'll ask one last time. Who is that [woman]?"
Kkiiiiing!
Seo Hweol's purpose is clear.
This guy was left here to see if he could brainwash me.
And, along with causing confusion through flattery and deceit, he aims to figure out what is important to me.
But that is impossible.
Paatt!
My heart essence is forged into a sword.
At the same time, my sword pours into Seo Hweol, piercing deep within him.
A strike fully encompassing the plane of Soul.
As my sword embeds into his heart essence, it seals his connection to the other Seo Hweols of the Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens.
'With this, he can never relay information to the other Seo Hweols in front of me.'
This means that whatever information he gathers about me will be meaningless.
Seo Hweol's eyes twitch, realizing that I have done something to his consciousness.
"Hoho, this has become bothersome."
"It seems you truly wish to taste [Hae Nyeong] again."
"Kugh!"
Splat!
Seo Hweol once again splurts a fountain of blood.
However, he smiles faintly as he speaks.
"Is that the true name of the Immortal Beast Xiezhi? Hoho..."
"That's right."
"Come to think of it, do you know the common points between the Blood Yin Realm's spell techniques and the Nether Ghost Realm's spell techniques, Daoist Seo?"
Kuaduduk!
I summon a bunch of Black Ghost Curse Banners and embed them into Seo Hweol's back.
The pain is filled with the agony of castration, pain that was amplified by 60 thousand times, and the torment of hearing the name of a True Immortal.
Seo Hweol groans, clearly struggling to endure.
"Stop changing the subject. Didn't I ask who [the woman] is?"
"The spell techniques of the Blood Yin Realm and the Nether Ghost Realm are both powerful. Their common point is...they both 'borrow power.' The Ghost Path Method of the Nether Ghost Realm borrows the power of the [Netherworld], and the spell techniques of the Blood Yin Realm borrow the power of [Blood Yin]."
He smiles faintly.
"This bastard keeps..."
"The higher the level of the technique, the more power it borrows. And in the case of my Blood Sacrifice Ritual, it's a devilish spell directly derived from Blood Yin."
"..."
I glare at him, assuming a Starting Form in case of any unexpected situations.
What he's saying feels ominous.
"I originally didn't intend to use the Blood Yin Realm's devilish spells while fighting Daoist Seo. Because Blood Yin is the original owner of Karmic Fire, and if I use a devilish spell that borrows power from Blood Yin here, it might stimulate the Karmic Fire and cause it to rampage uncontrollably."
He smiles at me.
"Do you not know what the Clear Scale Armor you're wearing was sealing?"
"What...!"
At the same time, I feel my entire body heat up.
'This, this is...!'
Chiiiiii―
When the Clear Scale Armor fell, the flames extinguished, and the temperature of the Water Flow Layer where river streams were surging, started to rise.
No, that's not right.
Come to think of it, the temperature of the Water Flow Layer, where all the flames had been supposedly extinguished, has been steadily rising 'from earlier.'
Kuarurururu!
And I see up above.
From the above Care Layer, bright red flames are erupting madly.
'Damn it!'
I grab Seo Hweol by the hair and leap back up to the Care Layer.
Haururururuk!
"Kuuuuughh!"
An overwhelming flame engulfs me.
It's hot!
And...
"KUAAAAAGH!"
It hurts!
It's unbelievably painful!
It's as if the true fire of hell has descended upon the mortal world!
"Kgh, ughhhh. Ho, ho...to judge sinners in the afterlife... It's the fire...created for...that purpose."
Even Seo Hweol barely manages to speak with a strained smile.
"Judging by this, it seems you've accumulated quite a bit of sin?"
"GUUAAAAAGH!"
"Until all your sins are burned away and judged, that fire will cling to your soul and never extinguish. You can't control it as you wish, nor will it completely burn your soul to give you peace."
Seo Hweol's lips tremble as he speaks.
"Even the Clear Scale Armor can only defend against the flames; it cannot extinguish it once it's ignited, as Karmic Fire is the result of a rightful judgment. If anything, the power of the Immortal Beast Xiezhi that governs the law will support the Karmic Fire, not extinguish it..."
"Shut up. Stop pretending it doesn't hurt..."
I lay on the ground, drooling, and barely manage to stand.
'It's insanely painful...'
But despite the flames surrounding me, the pain does not increase. It remains constant.
Judging only 'the sins I've committed.'
The Karmic Fire is burning my soul.
The burning of the flames become screams in my ears.
Those screams are familiar.
It's the people I've killed.
Bandits killed during my time in the martial world, unorthodox martial artists, Qi Building devilish cultivators of the Makli Clan, Yuan Li...
I reflect on my life amidst those screams.
'Surprisingly, I've only directly killed or tortured those from the Devilish Path.'
But even those count as sins, and the Karmic Fire sizzles as it burns me.
I hold the Clear Scale Armor and look towards the direction of the Melia tree.
Perhaps because of the Clear Scale Armor, the source of the immense heat is emanating from beneath the Melia tree near the lake.
'I must...reseal it...with the Clear Scale Armor...'
Even as my body trembles with pain, I move step by step towards the Melia tree.
If left unchecked, the Karmic Fire could spread outside and engulf the entire Bright Cold Realm.
At that moment.
Suddenly, the screams turn into completely different sounds.
Not screams, but wails and groans filled with resentment.
The grudges of those who were indirectly harmed by my actions, the sins accumulated from them, begin to overwhelm me.
The families of the unorthodox martial artists I killed, their dependents, those who worked for the Makli Clan, etc...
The sins of those indirectly harmed by my actions are now bearing down on me.
And at that moment.
Whispers I never want to remember again echo in my ears.
―Return to thee...
"...!"
It was a moment of folly and lack of restraint that led me to make the entire Heavenly Human Island return themselves.
And consequently, the indirect sins from the pain and resentment of all the Humans Race who suffered because of it!
"AAAAARGH!"
I am in so much pain that I can no longer move, collapsing to my knees on the spot.
It's heavy.
It's hot.
It's painful!
Seo Hweol is just smiling, though he seems to be in more pain; but I am not much better.
We have both stopped trying to keep each other in check and have collapsed to the ground, screaming together before we knew it.
It hurts!
It hurts so much!!!
I see.
This is...
'This is the weight of my sins.'
I grit my teeth.
I won't scream.
It isn't just out of stubbornness.
I have something to say about the pain from the other sins.
They were all people who deserved to die, those who harmed others or took pleasure in their evil deeds.
For such people, dying was perhaps a better outcome for the world.
I am neither chivalrous nor righteous.
I only show kindness to things happening before my eyes, or to things affecting my acquaintances.
I might even be considered a hypocrite.
But even so, I try to resolve the evil deeds happening before me as much as I can, and killing those people was part of that.
But 'this' is different.
This is clearly a sin caused by my mistake.
This is my sin.
My vice, and the punishment I rightly deserve.
How dare I deny the traces of my life?
Silently, I accept my punishment and endure the pain.
The pain is so severe it makes my mind foggy, but I just accept it.
Is it because it's a power handled by the Chief Judge of the Netherworld?
It feels more tormenting than hearing the name of a True Immortal or facing the Owner of Heavenly Punishment.
It's the direct power of a True Immortal.
It would be strange if it didn't hurt.
As I am crouched down like that, stuck in place.
Step, step...
My body begins to move.
It's Seo Li.
'Seo Li, you...you're not in pain?'
"Strange, Seo Eun-hyun. For some reason...I am not in pain."
'I see.'
I think I understand why.
This is my sin, not Seo Li's.
Seo Li has not committed any significant sins.
Though his appearance is a bit bizarre, he has never killed a single bug without reason since he was born.
"Anyway, just hold on for a moment, Seo Eun-hyun. I seem to be fine, so I'll handle the sealing."
Seo Li moves my body and walks towards the Melia tree with the Clear Scale Armor.
Step, step...
The Melia tree draws nearer.
Then, Seo Li throws the Clear Scale Armor towards the Melia tree.
Chuaaaaaa!
As soon as the Clear Scale Armor is thrown under the Melia tree, it quickly expands, turning back into a lake and filling the basin.
Chuaaaaa―
Through the power of the Deputy Judge Ancient Force True Lord, the power of the Chief Judge Nether Ghost True Lord subsides.
The Karmic Fire extinguishes again, and the surrounding flames die down.
However, I am still in pain.
"...!"
'The pain still doesn't subside!'
I know the reason why.
It's an obvious fact.
'The Karmic Fire attached to my soul is still burning.'
Rather, it's a Karmic Fire clinging solely to burn me.
It will never extinguish until it burns away my sins.
And my sin.
The sin of evaporating the entire Heavenly Human Island with its population of hundreds of millions is by no means a light one.
Even if it is an indirect sin, its weight cannot be taken lightly.
Bududuk...
I endure the pain and stand up.
'If so, let's accept it.'
I feel it.
Until this Karmic Fire burns away my sins, it will follow me even through regression.
I will have to endure this pain that makes my mind hazy across several lifetimes.
'This is my life, my history.'
It is the retribution and resentment I must remember.
Thus, it is right for me to remember and engrave it.
'I will accept it willingly.'
In my heart, I acknowledge my sins completely and accept the pain.
Life is pain anyway.
What does it matter if one more pain is added to it?
Just as I make that resolution.
Paaaatt!
My vision blurs, and I feel an illusion forming before me.
'This is...'
The Melia tree.
It's the Melia tree that stood before me.
However, the surrounding scenery is different.
The Melia tree is not at the center of the lake but atop a hill.
It's a beautiful garden filled with numerous vibrant flowers.
As I lose myself in the beauty of that scenery.
Kugugugu!
"...!"
I see an enormous shadow behind the Melia tree.
"Huk, heok...!"
A great being.
That figure is a great being.
'Re, return to...'
I almost lose myself and get absorbed by the presence before me without even realizing it.
But I manage to pull myself together and avoid returning.
"Huh...!"
The gigantic shadow behind the Melia tree shrinks to a human-like size.
'Ah...'
I can feel it.
The presence before me is showing consideration towards me.
At the same time, I feel an immense sense of goodness and nobility emanating from the shadow.
From their perspective, I am no different from a bug, yet they lower themselves to match my level.
When I ponder this,
[You are not a bug.]
The human-like shadow speaks to me.
"Pa-pardon?"
I'm startled and ask back.
[Anyone who can repent their sins holds nobility within them. If one possesses nobility, whether they are a Heavenly Venerable or a bug, they deserve respect.]
"..."
I feel a subtle nobility and goodness emanating from the shadow's words.
"Who is your excellency the great one, and where is this place? Why have I been called here?"
[I did not call you. You came here yourself.]
The shadow replies.
[This place is a scene from my memory, left within the power of my Karmic Fire. Only those who sincerely repent their sins upon facing the Karmic Fire can enter here. You have entered this place on your own.]
'The power of my Karmic Fire!?'
Hearing those words, I feel my body shrink.
If so, then this being is...
"Perhaps the great one is..."
[My name is Yu Hao Te (Love of Virtue).]
Why is that?
It's clearly the true name of a True Immortal. Yet, even hearing it directly, I feel fine.
I realize that the shadow before me is lowering themself, adjusting their 'level' to show me consideration.
[I was once known as the Seat Holder of Good and Evil (善惡座主), Chief Judge of the Netherworld, and the Nether Devil True Lord.]
***
...!"
As soon as I hear that name, I feel my body freeze.
Yu Hao Te!
The True Immortal likely connected directly to the True Devil Realm or the Blood Yin Realm!
A colossal presence that might even be related to Hyeon Eum reveals themself before my eyes.
I ask with a trembling voice,
"Why have you called me...?"
However, Yu Hao Te's answer is unexpected.
[I have no particular intentions.]
"Pardon?"
[We Tribunal members are not only judges who judge the dead but also record keepers. I simply enjoy meeting noble beings and recording their stories. You are one of those noble beings, so I wanted to meet you.]
The shadow sits under the Melia tree and gestures.
[Come, sit here. Let's have a chat.]
I have a feeling that the shadow is smiling.
It isn't the sinister smile of Hyeon Eum, the madness-filled grin of the Mad Lord, or the masked smile of Seo Hweol.
It's a truly clear smile.
From that smile, I get that feeling.
I kneel before him.
Although I could have sat cross-legged or comfortably, I feel I have to show respect to the being in front of me.
It isn't because he is a great being, but rather out of a sense of propriety.
I can't help but feel compelled to kneel before the character emanating from him.
"What kind of story would you like to hear?"
[Just about you. Although I can no longer record since I'm already annihilated, listening to stories is one of my hobbies.]
I don't understand and ask,
"I understand you are a being beyond a True Immortal. You seem to have consciousness too...why don't you revive?"
[Haha, I only realized after death. Eternal rest is quite a blessing. The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld created the Wheel of Reincarnation to give everyone another chance and to achieve their purpose, but perhaps the words of the Heavenly Venerable of the Void, who opposed him, were right. Eternal annihilation is, in itself, an infinite blessing.]
"...?"
It's hard to understand.
But at the same time, it seems understandable.
Drip—
Tears start to flow without me realizing it.
Why?
I feel immense envy seeing Yu Hao Te rejoice in annihilation.
[Besides, from your perspective, it might seem like I could resurrect, but that's not the case. I have already died to 'them'. There is no way I can resurrect. The me you are meeting now is just a part of my memory, a lingering image that will dissipate over time.]
"...Who is 'them'?"
[I can't say. Mentioning them will make them notice this place. The Light will immediately break in. I wish to enjoy my last memory in peace without disturbance from the Light.]
"...I won't ask anymore."
I feel fear and erase my question about them from my mind.
"...This is a beautiful place. Where are we?"
I look down at the flower field spread out under the Melia tree and ask.
[This is the edge of the domain of the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable. I came here before with my sister Soo Ryeon. The Melia tree, which my friend Hae Nyeong likes, was brought from here. It's the tree that sealed my Karmic Fire.]
"If it's the domain of a Heavenly Venerable..."
[Well, no need to be too uneasy. After all, this is just a scene from my memory, and the Sal Tree Great King is fundamentally a kind and generous person. Since they are also a friend of my sister, they won't have any issues with you being here through my power.]
"...Thank you."
Yu Hao Te relieves my anxiety about getting involved with a great being and shares a conversation with me.
I share my entire life with him.
Except for the regression part, I share the various events that happened in my life.
After listening to my story from beginning to end, Yu Hao Te leans against the Melia tree and laughs.
[You've lived a good life.]
"It's a life with many shortcomings. I haven't achieved anything, changed anything, or accomplished any great deeds."
[That's what life is. You've done well enough.]
"..."
For some reason.
That single statement almost makes me burst into tears.
In front of Yu Hao Te, I somehow feel like a child.
It feels like my life has been acknowledged.
However, I do not cry.
[You can cry in front of me.]
"...My life still remains, so I'll save the tears for later."
[When will you cry?]
"When I'm certain that I can end my life."
[Is that so? Then you'll cry soon.]
"I'm not sure."
I smile bitterly.
"My life...still has a long way to go."
[Is that so.]
Yu Hao Te nods.
[That's good too.]
"Then I'll be off."
Although he said he wanted to have a conversation, in truth, apart from a few initial questions, he mostly listened to my life story.
I didn't reveal the regression or that I'm an Ender, but just talking about general things made me feel relieved.
Perhaps this is the mercy given to me for repenting my sins.
Yu Hao Te watches me stand up and reaches out his hand.
[Since we met like this, I'll give you some gifts.]
"Are you dispelling the Karmic Fire?"
[Of course not. The Karmic Fire attached to you is your responsibility to bear. What I will give you are two things that seem to suit someone who craves life like you. Thank you for keeping an old man company.]
Wo-woong!
He reaches out his hand into the void.
At the same time, the entire flower field ripples.
Paaaatt!
Then, the shadow of Yu Hao Te, who has reached into the void, begins to shake and soon develops cracks all over his body as if he will shatter.
"Are you alright?"
[Why worry about someone already annihilated? The living should live with a smile.]
Swoosh—
As he pulls his hand out from the void, he holds a cluster of light in his hand.
'No, this is...a flower?'
Looking closely, it isn't light but a 'flower.'
It's just so bright that I mistook it for a cluster of light.
[It's a flower called the Soul-Bearing Flower (魂生花). Using this, you can come back to life once after death. Keep it with you.]
"This, this is..."
[I just stole it from the real domain of the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable, so using it in the living world might get you caught. Since an elder might run wild, be sure to use it only after you've died.]
"...Thank you."
I express my deep gratitude to Yu Hao Te.
Yu Hao Te waves at me with a clear smile.
[Farewell.]
I bow to him and turn around.
Surururu—
Then, the surrounding flower field disappears, and I find myself once again by the lakeside of the Melia tree in the Care Layer.
'...Wait, didn't he say he would give me two gifts?'
At that moment.
I see a bucketful of lake water rising in front of my eyes.
Chuaruruk!
The rising lake water pours over me and then wraps around me, transforming into a solid barrier that protects my entire body.
'Ah, I see.'
Yu Hao Te had used his power to give me a piece of Clear Scale Armor.
As soon as the cold water of the Clear Scale Armor touches my body, I feel a sense of reality returning.
Paaaatt!
Chijichijichijik!
"...!"
Once again, I feel the flames of Karmic Fire burning my soul.
But I ignore it and turn around.
Seo Hweol is still writhing in pain.
Even for Seo Hweol, the pain of the Karmic Fire appears unbearable.
No, perhaps it's even more painful precisely because it's Seo Hweol.
"Does it hurt, Seo Hweol?"
"...It seems you are not in pain?"
He asks back, forcing a smile by manipulating his facial muscles.
I sneer at him and say,
"It feels like I'm going to die."
"As expected, the Karmic Fire is painful for even you."
"I suppose so. Now then, shall we continue what we were doing earlier?"
"Sounds great."
With a forced grin and enduring his groans, Seo Hweol speaks.
"The [woman] I saw...was wearing white and holding a jade norigae."
"...What?"
Is it because of the pain from the Karmic Fire?
Or because the person he mentioned is so unexpected?
I am momentarily taken aback.
Seo Hweol's description points to someone I know very well.
Buk Hyang-hwa.
It's definitely her.
'Why is she in my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections...?'
But then, I flinch.
Seo Hweol's reptilian eyes are staring directly straight into mine.
A bright smile spreads across Seo Hweol's face, a smile unlike anything I have ever seen before.
"As expected..."
"...!"
"She seems to be someone precious to you, Daoist Seo."
Chieok!
Seo Hweol's arm moves, pointing the eyeball on his arm at me.
"You, this bastard...!"
Ziiiiiing—
But before I can continue speaking, Seo Hweol's brainwashing wave strikes me.
Empowered by the pain of the Karmic Fire, I collapse to my knees under the force of his brainwashing.
Seo Hweol grins with satisfaction.
'I have discovered the weakness of the Grade-2 dangerous entity Seo Eun-hyun.'
Just as Seo Eun-hyun had injected a truth serum into Seo Hweol's brain to make it easier to read his intent, Seo Hweol had used the pain of the Karmic Fire to induce a reaction from Seo Eun-hyun.
Facing this pain, even someone with strong mental fortitude will inevitably show a gap.
Seo Eun-hyun believed Seo Hweol was poisoned, but he underestimated the devilish arts of the Blood Yin Realm.
Moving regardless of the poison by burning his life force.
For Seo Hweol, it's an easy task.
But now, there is a problem with his situation.
'I can't connect with Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens.'
Currently, Seo Hweol can only converse with the remaining ten versions of himself that he absorbed through Blood Yin Returning Home, who were separated by the Immortal Art Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens to confront Seo Eun-hyun.
Even those few Seo Hweols are now reduced to about seven after using the brainwashing waves.
Seo Hweol quickly exchanges opinions.
― We cannot connect to the Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens.
― The Grade-2 dangerous entity has infused the Heart Tribe's power, making the connection impossible.
― If I consume a few more 'me's, is overcoming it still impossible?
― It's possible. But as a secondary issue, what will we do about the Karmic Fire?
―Indeed, if I, contaminated with Karmic Fire, connect to Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens...
―I might be annihilated by the Karmic Fire. It is desirable to let only the 'me' here be extinguished. There's even a risk of causing □□ to be annihilated.
―It's not just a risk; there's a high probability that □□ will be affected.
The discussion of Seo Hweols finally reach a conclusion.
―For now, let's escape from here and transmit the information to the nearest 'me' using a signal or voice rather than Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens. That's the best solution at the moment.
Kududuguk―
Seo Hweol, poisoned by Hong Fan's venom, moves his body using devilish arts and leaps through the hole Seo Eun-hyun had created with a smile.
[Stop right there!]
From behind, the Ghost King Seo Li with his eighteen heads roaring chases after Seo Hweol.
"Quite grotesque indeed, Daoist Seo."
Seo Hweol smiles faintly with a grin and extends his hand.
Demon ability.
Grand Ocean Thousand Li Pearl.
Three Hundred Million Jin Sweet Water Peach.
Chuarururu!
A massive prison of water engulfs Seo Li, and the weight of the water becomes overwhelmingly heavy.
However, curses soon blacken the water, and Seo Hweol's demon ability explodes in the void, turning into ink droplets.
Chwarurururu!
It appears as though it's raining black ink.
Seo Hweol, almost reaching the Water Flow Layer, forms another hand seal.
Demon ability.
Dragon Sea Exceeding Ascension.
A massive sea dragon-shaped water column coils around him.
Chwaaaak!
Hong Fan, approaching Seo Hweol, swings his claws.
As the dark poison energy touches the seawater, the seawater turns into a mist, scattering the mirage.
As the curse and poison spreads everywhere, Seo Hweol's body begins to rot.
Tadatt!
Despite his condition, Seo Hweol forces his body to move and runs towards the entrance of the Water Flow Layer.
'Almost there. Just a little more.'
Demon ability.
Dragon Flowing River (龍流河).
Chwararararak!
A dragon-shaped stream is summoned beneath Seo Hweol's feet.
He rides the stream, crossing the Water Flow Layer.
'It's right ahead!'
Then, Seo Hweol feels an overwhelming sense of foreboding engulf his entire body.
'What is this?'
It's ominous (凶).
The body Seo Hweol is currently possessing belonged to a cultivator from the Heaven Tribe, a disciple of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect.
Thus, he can see celestial energy, and in his foresight, he sees immense misfortune along with Seo Eun-hyun chasing him from behind.
'Has the Grade-2 dangerous entity already regained his mind?'
Throb, throb...
I shake off the remnants of Seo Hweol's brainwashing wave.
My head is throbbing.
But despite Seo Hweol's attack, a smile doesn't leave my lips.
"Seo Hweol, you are truly...a tree that doesn't stop giving."
The informational construct Seo Hweol left behind before leaving my body.
I had struggled to interpret this construct, but thanks to Seo Hweol's brainwashing wave, the construct was completely interpreted.
The informational construct is something Seo Hweol had left in my head after seeing 'something' in my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections that caused his head to turn into salt, inflicting a fatal injury.
Unable to handle the toxicity from what he saw, Seo Hweol left it in my head.
However, I was able to interpret and accept the informational construct.
This is because the toxicity of the information was weakened through the filter of Seo Hweol.
Of course, I can feel that it's a degraded version compared to the original.
It's a kind of deteriorated version through Seo Hweol.
However, as a degraded version, it no longer has the side effect of turning me into salt upon recognition, making it a perfect formula for me.
The name of this formula, which I have longed for endlessly, is the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique.
Seo Hweol had thrown this formula into my head and left without acquiring the knowledge himself!
Wo-woong―
I move the Qi (氣) according to the formula's operation.
Attraction force envelops my hands.
Paatt!
Kugwagwang!
I become a streak of light, piercing through the Care Layer and the Dao Departure Layer, landing in the Water Flow Layer.
I can see Seo Hweol fleeing in the distance.
For some reason, I feel a salty taste inside my mouth.
No, salt is actually sprouting from my arms.
It isn't as severe as when I saw [it] in the Head Realm, or when Seo Hweol saw [something] in the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections, but the degraded Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique also turns parts of my body into salt.
Of course, this isn't enough to be fatal; it's to a degree that I can regenerate from sufficiently.
"Seo Li!"
Even before I speak, Seo Li senses my intention and is already by my side.
Seo Li possesses my body.
With my left hand, Seo Li casts the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation.
With my right hand, I activate the White Orchid Blessing Incantation.
Chwararararak!
In his true form, Hong Fan quickly crawls under me, lifts me up, and starts chasing Seo Hweol.
Wiiiiiing―
Drawing on the power of black and white in both hands, I recite an invocation.
[Great Mountain (太山)!]
"Hoho...Hohohoho...!"
A house (屋) of Yin-Yang and Five Elements beings to form around Seo Hweol.
[Splitting Emperor (裂帝)!]
Simultaneously, Seo Hweol extends his arm towards me.
I can feel it.
Ziiiiiing!
Seo Hweol seems to be trying to neutralize the 'Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique' by emitting brainwashing waves, consuming his own personas in the process.
And for some unknown reason, the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique feels 'neutralized' when it touches his brainwashing wave.
Countless questions cross Seo Hweol's mind.
'Just how? Why? The Mountain God's power all of a sudden...?'
'I must neutralize it. If I don't neutralize it, I will die.'
'If I can somehow convey the Class-2 dangerous entity's weakness to Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens, I win.'
'The Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique inherently affects the consciousness and the soul. If I sacrifice my persona as an offering, it will disintegrate my persona instead of disintegrating me.'
'I will emit my persona to neutralize it.'
Wo-woong!
Seo Hweol emits the remaining six brainwashing waves.
All six personas scatter, neutralizing the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique.
However, Seo Hweol clicks his tongue.
'This is not enough.'
He can feel the madness and determination of the Class-2 dangerous entity, Seo Eun-hyun.
He is concentrating his power.
The will to catch Seo Hweol no matter what!
However, Seo Hweol laughs.
"This is quite frightening. But, Daoist Seo,"
He sees Seo Eun-hyun chasing him from behind.
Seo Eun-hyun, who hasn't fully retracted all eighteen of his heads due to hastily possessing, chases after Seo Hweol while riding a house-sized centipede, creating a bizarre sight.
However, instead of trembling with fear, Seo Hweol smiles faintly and says,
"Shouldn't you pay a little more attention to your own subordinates?"
Freeze!
Simultaneously, Hong Fan, who is carrying Seo Eun-hyun, comes to a sudden halt.
'Although not much time has passed since we met, and the configuration hasn't fully controlled the mind...'
According to his calculations, he should have bought around half a tea time (7 minutes)!
Kuaduduk!
Taking advantage of Hong Fan's halt, Seo Hweol breaks through the house of Yin-Yang and Five Elements and escapes from the attack range of the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique.
However, a menacing voice is heard from behind.
[You trash. How dare you commit such a treacherous act against not only me but also my master...!]
'Huh?'
Seo Hweol's eyes twitch.
'What? The brainwashing didn't work?'
Hong Fan only paused for about a second before he resumed chasing Seo Hweol while carrying Seo Eun-hyun, unaffected.
Seo Hweol has no choice but to be a bit flustered.
'No, the brainwashing that affected the mind has moved 'somewhere else'.'
It feels like pouring water into a bottomless jar.
Seo Hweol tries to communicate with his mental configuration within Hong Fan's mind.
But he feels an unfathomable abyss and immediately cuts off the connection.
'It doesn't matter. I'm getting out now!'
Taatt!
Seo Hweol sprints with all his might and finally reaches the outside of the storage scroll.
He arrives at the illusion formation.
Paatt!
Using the Flying Escape Technique, Seo Hweol soars into the sky.
He tries to jump outside the illusion formation.
And at that moment,
Clench!
Seo Eun-hyun, now with nineteen heads, grabs Seo Hweol's leg.
"Where do you think you're going, Seo Hweol? Don't we have some scores to settle?"
"You're quite persistent, Daoist Seo."
Seo Hweol smiles faintly and, without hesitation, severs his lower body.
Chwaaak!
Wriggle, wriggle!
The heads of Ghost King Seo Li crawl out, opening their mouths to catch Seo Hweol.
But Seo Hweol is faster by a split second.
Paaatt!
Finally, Seo Hweol succeeds in completely escaping from the storage scroll.
Chwaaak!
Seo Hweol, who has emerged from the celestial pond, pants heavily as he hastily begins drawing a spell formation on the ground with his own blood.
'I can't connect directly to Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens. It's impossible because of the Class-2 dangerous entity's Heart Tribe method and the Karmic Fire. Before Seo Eun-hyun catches up, I need to send a signal at least vocally...'
Wuduk.
Seo Hweol stops his hand while drawing the spell formation.
The Dead Earth Domain is an endless desert.
At night, darkness fills the sky, but during the day, light scorches the entire land.
There couldn't be any shadows anywhere.
However, for some reason, Seo Hweol feels that it's dark around him.
Seo Hweol, sensing an overwhelming feeling of ominousness from the Heaven Tribe body's senses, looks up at the sky with a blank expression.
A Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress is floating there.
An all-too-familiar voice echoes from the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
[Oh~ Who do we have here? Isn't it our little cutie Snake-Scorpion King?]
"...Ha, haha. Mad Old Man."
With a face as stiff as wood, Seo Hweol forces a smile.
"May I contact someone for just a moment?"
[Nononononowhoareyoutryingtocontactwithmerighthereinfrontofyou!!!!!!]
Gritting his teeth, vSeo Hweol frantically tries to complete the spell formation.
'To the Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens, to the Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens! I must register Seo Eun-hyun's weakness!'
Then, a clicking sound is heard from the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, and one of the massive cannons attached to it aims at Seo Hweol.
[Finally, our ill-fated connection comes to an end! To my lifelong rival, this Mad Lord Jo Yeon pays his respect. [She] says the same. Now, then...]
"Wait, Old Man. Wait...!"
A colossal light fills between Heaven and Earth.
"Ah..."
Seo Hweol lets out a hollow laugh.
"I must...inform the weakness..."
He is engulfed by the light.
Having realized Seo Eun-hyun's weakness, Seo Hweol closes his eyes for the last time, hearing the voice of the Mad Lord.
[Farewell.]
***
Kugugugu―
Dead Earth Domain.
In front of the celestial pond leading to Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll.
An earthquake is occurring at the center of that place.
It's thanks to a small beam of light shot from the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
Chiiiii―
The Mad Lord strokes his chin as he looks down.
"Hmm, that snake-scorpion bastard. Did I finally get rid of him?"
The Mad Lord mumbles as he observes the situation below through the crystal screen inside the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
Only ashes remain where Seo Hweol had stood.
The Mad Lord squints.
"Hmm..."
He wipes his face with his hand as he sits in the control chair of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
"I killed...him..."
One way or another, the Mad Lord and Seo Hweol considered each other as arch-enemies.
For the Mad Lord, Seo Hweol was the only one who could rival him, and for Seo Hweol, the match-up was exceedingly unfavorable.
Perhaps because of this.
Having killed Seo Hweol, the Mad Lord feels such a huge surge of emotions that he momentarily regains his senses.
"...Are you watching from the Underworld, Darling? I killed the real wicked monster behind the incident back then."
At that moment.
Chwaaaaak!
A hand emerges from the celestial pond.
Seo Eun-hyun, with 19 heads, including his own and the 18 skulls, appears from within.
Seo Eun-hyun appears to be looking for Seo Hweol, but freezes upon seeing the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
Jo Yeon smirks at the sight.
"Why is that one coming out from there...I'm going to be reverting to the Mad Lord soon...ah, I see. Did that guy drive Seo Hweol to the brink of death? That King of Schemes? Impressive indeed."
Jo Yeon sends a grateful look at the frozen Seo Eun-hyun.
"Since it's come to this and I'll be going berserk soon, I might as well scare him away. When I go into a frenzied state, I'll definitely try to catch him..."
I look up at the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress with great tension.
'Damn it.'
Seo Hweol is definitely dead.
I can tell just by looking at the ashes beside me.
The Mad Lord must have incinerated him with a beam blast, not even wanting to turn the snake-scorpion Seo Hweol into a puppet.
'It's about 500 years after my ascension...'
At this point, the Mad Lord's power is equivalent to over 70 Integration stage cultivators.
Even if I'm at the Grand Perfection instead of the late Integration stage, I can't stop that.
Of course, if I infiltrate as General Seo, I might be able to subvert things from within, but even that is impossible without Kim Yeon.
However...
'Escaping is possible.'
Below, towards the celestial pond.
I signal Hong Fan, who hasn't yet emerged from the storage scroll, to come out once the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress disappears.
While leaving from the inside is fine, as the entrance only opens once a month, the Mad Lord cannot enter.
'The puppet controlling Mad Lord and Hong Fan...'
The Mad Lord and Hong Fan have the worst compatibility.
Puppets are immune to poison.
If the Mad Lord's main body could somehow be poisoned, there might be a chance of victory. But since the Mad Lord installed purification devices and other mechanisms to completely block out poison inside the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress under the pretense of 'providing a better quality of life to the puppets', it's meaningless.
I roll my eyes, looking for a way out.
At that moment.
Clank!
One of the cannons of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress aimed at me.
'Damn it. Think later.'
The priority is to escape.
Paaaatt!
Using the ground-shrinking technique, Flying Escape Technique, Gliding Technique, and the Formless Sword Flight, I begin to flee from the domain of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
'I need to get away quickly!'
My current condition isn't very good to begin with.
How fast can I cross the Dead Earth Domain?
I suddenly have a strange feeling.
'What is it? Why isn't the Mad Lord chasing me?'
Considering the Mad Lord's personality, he should be crazily chasing me, even sending [Her] and others after me.
'Could it be...'
Come to think of it, he only threatened me with the cannon, without shouting his usual insane words in his characteristic mad manner.
Recalling him, one possibility crosses my mind.
'Perhaps, the Mad Lord...'
He might have temporarily regained his sanity.
After some deliberation, I take out my storage scroll and create a mass-produced General Seo, sending it flying towards the Mad Lord.
'If the Mad Lord is sane, I need to inform him about Seo Hweol.'
Since only Mad Lord can be considered Seo Hweol's arch-enemy, it will be most efficient for him to have the information to deal with Seo Hweol.
Booooooong―
After flying for some time.
My mass-produced General Seo finally reaches the front of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
[Elder Mad Lord, I have something to tell you.]
Then, the gate of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress opens.
Sharing my vision with the puppet, I enter the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
After some time.
I am guided by the puppets into Mad Lord's reception room.
And I am startled.
The Mad Lord Jo Yeon is sipping tea poured by [Her] in a rather rational state in the reception room.
"Is this the puppet made by that guy earlier? Seems like you have something to say."
Though glimpses of madness are apparent, the Mad Lord is certainly in a state of sanity.
I nod at him and convey the information about Seo Hweol.
"...So, the one known as Seo Hweol is a kind of hive mind that survives by spreading its cluster?"
[Yes.]
"...I see. So, he hasn't been completely killed yet."
The Mad Lord sighs briefly and speaks.
"I got it. Thanks. I'll find a way to deal with him eventually."
[...]
I feel a strange sensation watching the Mad Lord.
'From start to finish during our conversation...he didn't have any seizures...?'
It's an impossible occurrence.
How could that Mad Lord manage such a thing?
Seeing my puzzled expression, the Mad Lord also seems puzzled, sipping his tea with a bitter smile.
"You must find it strange as well. That I'm not having outbursts..."
[Have you regained your sanity?]
"No. Seeing you also handle puppets, you must have some knowledge in puppet arts...but you wouldn't know about this Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress. Regaining sanity while controlling it is impossible. The reason I'm so clear-minded is..."
A serious light appears in Jo Yeon's eyes.
"Just now, the Integration stage puppets of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress reacted. Shortly after you came out from the celestial pond, a strange wave spread throughout the entire Bright Cold Realm."
[A strange...wave?]
"Yes. It seems only those at the Integration stage can sense it with their unique senses. I couldn't feel the wave itself, but I barely realized it through the reactions of the Integration stage puppets...at any rate, because of that wave, I regained my sanity. Of course...I'll eventually be swallowed by madness again, but it feels like that 'time' has been greatly extended."
[Hoh...]
If so, the Mad Lord before me can be maintained for a significantly long period.
'But, what kind of wave was it that made Mad Lord regain his sanity?'
I wonder, puzzled.
Bright Cold Realm.
Summit of Heavenly Lotus Mountain.
Above a pavilion made of white jade.
A gigantic dimensional gate has been opened, and a being shrouded in pure white light holding a white branch walks towards it.
The being of pure white light is Sacred Master Baek Woon.
Sacred Master Baek Woon speaks to the immense, black-red entity in the boundless space beyond the dimensional gate.
[Why does the Great Blood Yin continue to covet the Bright Cold Realm? Please return. Although that rogue Golden Divine caused trouble, did he not set up a barrier that prevents your approach?]
As she said, when the black-red being attempts to approach the Bright Cold Realm, a massive Heavenly Tribulation strikes directly at it.
Kwarurururr!
A colossal Heavenly Tribulation that seems capable of burning the world.
As the Heavenly Lightning descends upon the black-red being, it creates a canopy of Heavenly Tribulation to prevent its advance.
Kwajijijijik!
However, the black-red something pierces through the Heavenly Tribulation canopy, advancing toward Sacred Master Baek Woon.
The Sacred Master Baek Woon shrouded in light raises the white branch in her hand.
[Do you truly intend to come in despite the damage you will suffer?]
Then, a 'response' comes from the black-red.
[TheBaekseedWoonofTruemyPersonKarmicletFiremehasinrevealedwithitsthetracespowerasofIKarmicseekFiretoIreclaimwillmyhealauthoritythedoinjurynotinflictedtrybytothestopGoldenmeDivine.]
Ziiiiiing―
A message transmits from the black-red entity.
Sacred Master Baek Woon seems to interpret the message briefly before giving a bitter smile.
[Impossible. It absolutely cannot happen. If you reclaim your power, the Bright Cold Realm will burn, and your proposal is essentially no different from telling me to become your thrall or immortal treasure.]
The black-red entity once again attempts to establish communication at her words.
[IOnceamItheFindJudgetheofKarmictheFireNetherworldIDoshallyoubedarerestoredtoandrefusereclaimmymyproposalpositionByasdoingthesoRightyouHandareofkickingtheawayHeavenlyallVenerableyourofownthegloryNetherworld!!!!!!!]
Interpreting the message, Sacred Master Baek Woon clicks her tongue in pity.
[Oh, pitiful one, is your name not Blood Yin (血陰)? You are not the grand and noble Nether Devil True Lord. If you were truly the reincarnation of Nether Devil True Lord, wouldn't other Judges have descended to take you away?]
At these words, the red-black entity's form trembles.
Sacred Master Baek Woon squints through the light.
[HowIamdareYuyouHaoimpudentTeone!!!!!!]
Anger.
The entity before her is visibly enraged by Sacred Master Baek Woon's words.
Sacred Master Baek Woon's eyes shine as she swings the branch.
Shuaaaaaa—
Numerous white trees begin to grow around Sacred Master Baek Woon, creating a massive white forest in the Interdimensional Void beyond the dimensional barrier.
[If I had faced you before my realm fell at the hands of the Golden Divine, I would have been powerless. However, as the Sacred Master (星使) of the Bright Cold Realm, I am confident in defending it.]
Woo-woong!
The dimensional surface of the Bright Cold Realm is covered with white trees made of immaterial substance.
[I have placed mental stabilization over the entire Bright Cold Realm. You will not be able to incite madness across the entire realm as you did 40,000 years ago.]
Paaaatt!
White light and red-black light clash outside the dimension.
Wo-oong, wo-oong, wo-ooong...
I frown as I observe the peculiar movement of the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy.
'It seems something is happening...'
I feel strange.
For some reason, I have a sense that someone is targeting me.
'By the way, why has the Mad Lord's mind stabilized?'
I can't figure out the reason.
Although he is gradually slipping back into madness, it appears he will remain in a stable state for a few more days.
'Well, I suppose I should stick with the Mad Lord for the time being.'
For now, I have Seo Li possess me, and listen to the stories of the time I was absent from him.
I hadn't always been watching him, so it's necessary to learn about his experiences and realizations.
Zzzziiiiing—
It's then.
I suddenly feel a chilling sensation sweep past me from behind.
'This, this is...?'
I can sense it.
A sensation only I, who learned the Ghost Past Method, passed through the side path of the Netherworld, and have met the Nether Devil True Lord Yu Hao Te, could perceive.
Just now, the power of the Netherworld swiftly swept across the Bright Cold Realm.
'What in the world is this? What's going on?'
At the same time, I feel an unusually strong wood (木) attribute energy among the Five Elements of Heaven and Earth spiritual energy.
It's to the point that it's perhaps an opportunity for those who practice wood attribute methods to advance their realms.
Just then.
Kugugugugu!
In a distant place.
Swiftwind Domain.
I feel a chill from the energy emanating from there.
And the Mad Lord, who has been exchanging puppet techniques with General Seo, also sharply turns his head towards the direction of the Swiftwind Domain.
Jjjeojeojeojeok!
'J-just what is this...'
It's cold.
Even though it isn't the Swiftwind Domain but the Dead Earth Domain, the cold emanating from the Swiftwind Domain is enough to make me lose my composure.
Zzzt, zzzt...
Seo Li screams in my head.
[Kang Min-hee! Seo Eun-hyun! Kang Min-hee is...!]
I clench my teeth.
Seo Li screams that the Mysterious Bizarre Gu he had given to Kang Min-hee has disappeared.
I grab the Colorless Glass Sword while gritting my teeth.
"...You probably don't remember because you don't have access to the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections."
Thinking back, now that 500 years have passed,
This is the point in time when Kang Min-hee would metamorphosize into the Ghost Guiding Holy Mother at the Swiftwind Domain.
Kugugugugu!
Is it because of the power of the Netherworld that had suddenly swept through the Bright Cold Realm?
Or is it because of something else?
Perhaps it's the attraction of fate forcefully pulling Kang Min-hee into becoming the Ghost Guiding Holy Mother.
Kang Min-hee has awakened as the Ghost Mother (鬼母).
Translator Notes:
Decoded 1:
[The seed of my Karmic Fire has revealed its traces. As I seek to reclaim my authority, do not try to stop me.
Baek Woon True Person, let me in. With the power of Karmic Fire, I will heal the injury inflicted by the Golden Divine.]
Decoded 2:
[I am the Judge of the Netherworld. Do you dare to refuse my proposal? By doing so, you are kicking away all your own glory.
Once I find the Karmic Fire, I shall be restored and reclaim my position as the Right Hand of the Heavenly Venerable of the Netherworld!!!!!]
Decoded 3:
[How dare you, impudent one!
I am Yu Hao Te!!!!!!!]
***