I'm momentarily frozen, unsure of what to say, and my mouth just opens and closes silently.
Seeing me like that, Kim Yeon gives a bitter smile.
"I finally...thought you were accepting my feelings. I've always...liked you. And when we met in the dreams, you were giving me intents of affection so...that's what I believed."
Suruk―
She stands up from her seat.
"But...it was my misunderstanding. I don't know why, but Eun-hyun Oppa, you're seeing someone else in me, aren't you?"
"..."
I can't say anything, my face hardening.
Seeing someone else.
Yes, that's true.
In a way, it isn't the current Kim Yeon that I saved and liked, but rather, it's the Kim Yeon from my time with the Mad Lord whose heart I was given that I was trying to love through the current Kim Yeon.
But in the end, it seems I was deceiving myself as well.
"...I'm sorry."
I apologize to Kim Yeon.
And I make up my mind.
'Let's tell her.'
Even though it's difficult to explain things related to the regression, I decide to tell her everything I can tell her.
"There was someone before...other than Kang Min-hee, who liked me."
I tell her about the past cycle's Kim Yeon.
I refer to the name Kim Yeon simply as 'her.'
The thousand years are generalized as 'a very long time,' but it doesn't hinder conveying the meaning.
We sit on a hill in front of the entrance to the True Devil Realm, talking.
And I finally tell her everything about the past cycle's Kim Yeon.
"That's the end of it. She...died. She met me at the end...and conveyed her heart to me. And I...might be projecting her onto you."
"...So that's why."
Kim Yeon nods her head.
"Now I understand why you felt the emotion of 'longing' towards me."
A brief silence lingers between us after that.
After a while, Kim Yeon asks.
"Um, Eun-hyun Oppa."
"Hmm?"
She hesitates for a while, as if struggling with her words. But despite that, she closes her eyes tightly and asks.
"...You know, right? That I...like you..."
With her face flushed red, she buries her face in her knees as she speaks.
I give a bitter smile.
"...Yeah."
"..."
For a while, an intent that's hard to put into words flows between us.
"...You don't have any intention of accepting me, do you?"
I'm silent for a long time.
I hadn't expected her to delve in so quickly.
Through her question, I discover feelings within myself that I hadn't known before.
I loved the Kim Yeon of that cycle, but the current Kim Yeon...
'I don't love her.'
She is still just a cute junior to me.
"...I see. Haha...I'm glad I asked."
Kim Yeon seems to fall silent for a moment, then speaks.
"To be honest, I thought we were dating. When you spoke to me in the dreams, it was difficult to distinguish intent, and you radiated an intent of longing for me, always talking to me, comforting me, laughing with me, and keeping me company. You even stormed in to save me from the Mad Lord..."
Kim Yeon smiles.
She smiles brightly.
"If you hadn't told me, I might have ended up with a really strange misunderstanding. Hehe..."
Suruk―
Kim Yeon stands up from her seat.
"Thank you for being honest with your feelings. If you had lied to comfort me, I might have ended up in a weirder state..."
She turns her back to me.
And while facing away, she speaks.
"I have a goal now, Deputy Seo Eun-hyun."
I try to say something, but no words come out.
I can't think of what to say.
"I'm going to keep confessing to you. I'll keep confessing my love again and again, until you truly, truly fall for me."
She rubs her face and then turns back to look at me.
"I like you, Deputy Seo Eun-hyun."
Kim Yeon is crying.
There are no tears, but she's crying with a dark blue intent.
I hesitate for a moment, but seeing that intent, I make up my mind.
I will no longer waver.
"Okay."
I don't have feelings for this life's Kim Yeon as a lover or a romantic partner.
Let's acknowledge that.
And let's also acknowledge that Kim Yeon will endlessly keep sending her heart to me.
If her heart doesn't break, my heart might eventually fall.
No, in fact, it has already fallen several times.
To Buk Hyang-hwa.
To the Kim Yeon of the past cycle.
To Hong Su-ryeong...
"I can't accept your heart today."
"Then I'll offer it again tomorrow."
She hardens her gaze.
"Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the day after that. No matter how long it takes. Over and over again!"
I lock eyes with Kim Yeon for a while.
Whatever it is.
The eyes of someone with determination shines.
She is shining.
"Do your best."
People's hearts change.
But sometimes, there are hearts that do not change.
And those who maintain and refine such unwavering hearts,
Sometimes, they are reborn as a new kind of being with a new vision.
Will she be able to push through with her heart?
All I can do is cheer for Kim Yeon.
I can't love her right now.
That would be deceiving my own heart.
But if time passes and she keeps sending her heart to me...
'Then, I don't know.'
The relationship between Kim Yeon and I will change from now on.
Until now, I've been deceiving myself into thinking I liked her.
And she, too, had been under the strange illusion that we were dating.
But at this moment.
I revealed my genuine heart, and even though she heard my true feelings, she didn't give up and decided to start anew and push her heart towards me.
I suddenly feel afraid of Kim Yeon.
If that unyielding heart changes or fades away halfway through, it wouldn't be a big matter.
But what if it doesn't change?
If so, perhaps at some point, Kim Yeon would come to hold a very significant place within me
For me, cherishing someone is natural, but loving them is frightening.
I have lost that love so many times right before my eyes and know how painful and heart-wrenching it is when love disappears.
Yes, Kim Yeon would become my heart's greatest burden in the future.
After sorting out our relationship in that way, time passes.
Kugugugugu!
Gigantic warships cross over from the entrance of the True Devil Realm.
They are the remnants of the Human Race.
Strangely, the Black Dragon King never appeared, allowing the Human Race army to come through unimpeded.
And leading those remnants, Jeon Myeong-hoon catches my eye.
Jeon Myeong-hoon returns with a calm face and speaks to me.
"I heard they were doing something as stupid as the Realm Annihilation Heavenly Void Formation, so I flipped the table. I killed a few of the top brass, but since they were all at the Four-Axis stage, they'll resurrect on their own."
"...You killed the top brass?"
"Got a problem with that?"
"Hmm..."
"They wouldn't listen even though I said we had to leave quickly, insisting that they had to activate the formation till the end. The Grand Cultivator Association might make a fuss...but since you're also a Grand Cultivator now, support me appropriately."
I'm a bit taken aback by Jeon Myeong-hoon's seemingly reckless approach, but at the same time, it feels like something he would do.
"Well, you did well."
Since those at the Four-Axis stage can resurrect, I'm not concerned about their deaths.
Killing a few of them to swiftly bringing out the Human Race was rather well done.
And then,
I am able to meet Oh Hyun-seok shortly after.
"It's been a while, Seo Eun-hyun."
"It has been a while, Hyung-nim."
He speaks with a thoroughly exhausted face.
"...A lot has happened. And...I heard you became a Grand Cultivator?"
"Yes."
"Haha. Jeon Myeong-hoon has grown unexpectedly, and you've become this strong already. Haha, I'm the only one lagging behind."
For some reason, Oh Hyun-seok is currently at the Core Formation stage.
Jeon Myeong-hoon crosses his arms and explains.
"He was originally at the Grand Perfection Nascent Soul stage, reaching towards the Heavenly Being stage, but he suffered a critical injury while stopping the Devil Race's advance and his cultivation fell."
Oh Hyun-seok sighs.
"...I've realized a lot. When I return to the Azure Heaven Creation Sect, I plan to focus on improving my cultivation. This world truly...is a place where you must have strength to live like a person."
"Indeed."
I agree with Oh Hyun-seok's words.
However, I smile at his mention of returning to the Azure Heaven Creation Sect.
"Instead of just going back to raise your realm, why not travel with us?"
I make a suggestion to Oh Hyun-seok.
In my past life, I failed to gather my colleagues.
In this life, I have brought together Jeon Myeong-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok, and Kim Yeon.
Now, if I just call Kang Min-hee here, everyone who can be gathered in the current situation will be together.
The primary goal in this life is to develop the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
Thus, it's best to stay alongside talented colleagues and operate the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
'I also have the regret of not seeing my colleagues all together in my previous life...'
However, Oh Hyun-seok shakes his head with a regretful expression.
"Hmm. I'm sorry but...the training method of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect is actually more efficient and powerful than any other sect. If I train there, I'll inevitably become much stronger. For now, I plan to get even stronger there using the most efficient methods first."
"..."
'The Azure Heaven Creation Sect is indeed efficient.'
"If you want to be with me, how about you join the Azure Heaven Creation Sect instead? You don't have to become a disciple, you can stay as a guest."
"..."
The Azure Heaven Creation Sect does not have guests.
No, there are those who want to become guests of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect, but they all flee within three days.
'The longest-lasting guest probably stayed for seven days and nights, I believe?'
Moreover, since guests are not inner disciples, no one bothers to chase after them if they run away.
Inner disciples, however, are pursued by their seniors with fire in their eyes for 'discipline' if they run away. But if a guest decides to leave, what can you do?
Anyway, the important thing is that the Azure Heaven Creation Sect is not a place that leaves even guests alone. It's a place where even guests flee.
If Kim Yeon or Jeon Myeong-hoon were to go, I guarantee they'd run away within five days.
Of course, saying this outright would hurt feelings, so I soften my words.
"I apologize for saying this but, training with us would be more efficient than training at the Azure Heaven Creation Sect."
"Huh? What do you mean by that?"
"Well...isn't Azure Heaven Creation Sect's Azure Tiger Saint at the Four-Axis stage?"
"That's right."
"At this point, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Kim Yeon, and I all possess power beyond the Four-Axis stage. Also, I already have the qualifications of a Grand Cultivator of the Human Race Grand Alliance."
I extend my hand to him.
"Honestly, it would be better for Hyun-seok Hyung-nim to train with us rather than at the Azure Heaven Creation Sect. Moreover, I can obtain several methods that are perfect for Hyung-nim."
"Hmm..."
"Please give it a thought. Well, if you really prefer the Azure Heaven Creation Sect, there's nothing I can do."
Oh Hyun-seok says he will consider it, and after some idle chatter with everyone, I stand up.
"Then, since we're all gathered, shall we go look for Kang Min-hee as well?"
"Ah, she's at the Black Ghost Valley, right?"
"Yes. Let's head there."
Kuuung―
After connecting my colleagues to me through attraction force, I take a step towards Black Ghost Valley.
Paaatt!
Using the ground-shrinking technique, I arrive at Black Ghost Valley in an instant and am taken aback.
In front of Black Ghost Valley, Oh Hye-seo, dressed in pure white, is sitting on a nearby rock looking at me.
***
'Hmm, what's that?'
It's definitely Oh Hye-seo.
But there's an odd sense of incongruity about her.
I walk towards the entrance, keeping my face expressionless.
It's definitely Oh Hye-seo.
However, there are no basic signs of life one would expect from a human such as heartbeats or life waves.
And there's no sensation of consciousness waves either.
'I see. It's a projection.'
I focus my consciousness on my surrounding colleagues.
Strangely, none of my colleagues react to seeing Oh Hye-seo.
Considering how popular she was at the company, they should all be greeting her with delight for meeting after a long time.
But this lack of reaction means...
'Only I can see her. Ah, I get it.'
I finally realize the source of the strange incongruity.
The same sense as Kim Young-hoon!
I can see her because I possess that perception.
While Oh Hye-seo originally has no intention of revealing herself to us, that very 'intention' to do something is making her projection visible.
'How creepy...'
If I didn't have this sense, I too would have passed by without seeing her.
For now, I control my entire body's reaction and walk towards the Black Ghost Valley, pretending not to notice her.
Wo-woong—
Clap—
Oh Hye-seo claps her hands with a smile.
[Immortal Beast. Lustrous Glaze Peacock.]
Flash!
A clear radiance bursts forth, causing a momentary dazed look in my colleagues' eyes.
I draw upon the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections from within.
Perhaps because I faced the Governing Immortals and recognized the [vanished] entities in this cycle, by slightly operating the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections, I am able to resist the light of the Lustrous Glaze Peacock.
However, I pretend to be dazed to see what Oh Hye-seo is trying to do.
[Immortal Beast, Yin Ghost Black Turtle.]
Simultaneously, with the Nether Perception I acquired through the Great Desert to Dead Sea, I see the outskirts of the Netherworld.
The outskirts of the Netherworld begin to ripple and 'transform' in various places.
'Oh Hye-seo...'
I sense what she is trying to do and consider whether to strike with the All-Heavens Sword.
She is currently distorting the outskirts of the Netherworld with the power of the Yin Ghost Black Turtle.
The outskirts of the Netherworld are located in a special plane that overlaps with this world.
While they overlap, they are not completely the same, and they mutually influence each other.
As the outskirts of the Netherworld twist, reality distorts along with it.
Through the senses of the Great Desert to Dead Sea, I can feel numerous ghosts screaming at the sudden calamity.
Most ghosts have their main bodies in the outskirts of the Netherworld, and what appears in reality is just a kind of projection.
Of course, foolish ghosts below the level of Ghost Kings are mostly unaware that their main bodies are in the outskirts of the Netherworld. In any case, the principle behind ghosts displaying supernatural phenomena like passing through objects is all due to their main bodies existing in another plane.
Therefore, unless it's a power that can dispel the outskirts of the Netherworld itself, like the force of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness, or a power that can transcend planes, it's originally difficult to harm ghosts.
But Oh Hye-seo is laying down some kind of formation across the entire Black Ghost Valley by manipulating the outskirts of the Netherworld itself.
At the same time, the light from the Lustrous Glaze Peacock emitted by her is making a fool of not just us, but all the ghosts in the Black Ghost Valley. The terrified ghostly wails gradually subside, and only the stupid 'woo-woo' sounds of ghosts echo.
'Probably all the humans in the Black Ghost Valley have become fools too.'
But I inwardly sneer.
'How crude.'
It's merely a supernatural power borrowed from an immortal beast, not deriving from the true Ghost Path Method.
In my eyes, it's just crude.
Numerous thoughts arise on how to dismantle the formation she is laying, how to restore the outskirts of the Netherworld she has twisted back to their original state, and how to use this to capture Oh Hye-seo instead.
My mind is bursting like fireworks.
'It would be very easy to twist the outskirts of the Netherworld by using the attraction force of Great Desert to Dead Sea.'
A feeling I never had while learning martial arts or orthodox cultivation methods.
It feels as if a bright path is visible before my eyes.
Could it be because the root of Seo Li's talent in devilish arts came from me?
'It's ridiculous. It seems so easy...'
I suppress a wry smile internally and maintain my neutral expression.
Oh Hye-seo lets us enter the Black Ghost Valley, and I decide to leave her alone for now.
She appears to be plotting something, but I'm confident I can reverse her scheme and punish her properly when she takes action.
"Hmm, what's this? Something feels strange..."
The first to sense the incongruity is the one with the vast consciousness, Kim Yeon.
She tilts her head, seemingly aware that her mind had momentarily become dazed.
However, Jeon Myeong-hoon and Oh Hyun-seok look puzzled, not noticing at all, and I deliberately don't inform them.
After a while.
We encounter a gatekeeper on our way to the dock of the Nether Crossing Ship.
"Grand Cultivator Seo Eun-hyun is here to meet Kang Min-hee, a disciple of Black Ghost Valley."
The gatekeeper jiangshi is startled by my words, and they summon a ghost from their sleeve to send towards the Nether Crossing Ship.
Oh Hyun-seok and Jeon Myeong-hoon slightly frown at the sight of the jiangshi, but Kim Yeon, who has seen countless puppets, appears unfazed.
"Yes, elder. I have sent a messenger ghost to the inner valley so a response will arrive shortly!"
Shortly after, two figures fly over from the direction of the Nether Crossing Ship.
It's the familiar Heo Gwak and Heo Ryeong.
Heo Ryeong greets me with a slightly tense face, while Heo Gwak stares at me with an expression of incomprehension.
"Is there something on my face?"
"Oh, no! My apologies."
While he still has the look of incomprehension, he bites his lip and lowers his head.
"Now that I think about it, Senior must have been hiding your true cultivation back then. I was inexperienced and dared to be rude to you, Senior."
Heo Gwak, seemingly thinking that I'm a monster who had hidden their cultivation, bows his head and apologizes for what happened at the Flying Immortal Platform.
'He wouldn't believe me if I said I was really just at the Nascent Soul stage back then, would he?'
Rather, he would probably think I'm mocking him, so I just nod slightly.
"Alright, that's that. As you know, I've come to meet Kang Min-hee, the disciple of the Black Ghost Valley."
Heo Ryeong awkwardly smiles and speaks.
"Ahaha, Senior. I greatly apologize, but disciple Kang Min-hee is currently in secluded cultivation at the Black Ghost Valley's secret grounds. May I ask the reason you wish to meet her...?"
"It's nothing special. I just want to meet her because she's from my hometown. By the way, what's her current realm?"
"Currently, that child has entered the Heavenly Being stage."
"Hmm..."
I look at Heo Ryeong and Heo Gwak.
'They're lying.'
Are they worried that I might take her away if I know her current cultivation realm?
"For now, just bring her here. If she's at the Heavenly Being stage, she should at least be able to send a clone, no? Even if she can't move due to her seclusion, she should be able to send a clone."
"Yes, of course! I will bring her in person, not just her clone!"
Heo Ryeong signals to Heo Gwak with his eyes, who then quickly runs off to fetch Kang Min-hee.
In the meantime, Heo Ryeong leads us outside of the Nether Crossing Ship to a flower garden at the highest peak of the Black Ghost Valley.
Chechecheche—
When we arrive, various beautiful flowers and plants are in full bloom, and there are no traces of ghostly energy or yin energy to be found.
'This is the perfect place to entertain guests.'
Following Heo Ryeong's lead, we enter and sit in the pavilion at the center of the garden.
Clap clap—
At Heo Ryeong's clap, beautifully adorned jiangshi served us tea.
"First of all, welcome to the Black Ghost Valley, Sir Grand Cultivator Seo. I heard you recently became a Grand Cultivator."
"That's right."
"That's very impressive. The future of our Human Race has become even brighter."
Heo Ryeong flatters me, engaging in small talk for a while.
Then, after a while, he subtly shifts the conversation to the main topic.
"By any chance...has sir Grand Cultivator come to the Black Ghost Valley with regards to the matter acquiring your subordinate force?"
It really isn't for such a reason. I just came to meet Kang Min-hee, but it somehow seems like my actions are being explained that way.
"Let's talk more in detail after seeing Kang Min-hee."
"Ah, yes, yes. Of course!"
A little while later.
Heo Gwak is flying over with a disciple at the Heavenly Being stage from afar.
It's Kang Min-hee.
I slightly frown at the sight.
'A clone.'
It appears they brought over the clone at the Heavenly Being stage instead of the main body as promised.
'Well, showing a disciple who reached the Four-Axis stage in a hundred years to a suspicious Grand Cultivator has no benefits.'
Soon, Kang Min-hee enters the pavilion.
She seems to slightly bite her lips at the sight of me, then formally greets me from the opposite side.
"Greetings, sir Grand Cultivator Seo Eun-hyun. It's been a long time since we last met."
I feel a slight bitterness at her formality and shake my head.
"Drop the formalities. And..."
I look at her and ask,
"If it's you, you must have noticed, right? It seems a loach has entered your sect. What are you going to do about it?"
Flinch!
Kang Min-hee gives a sly smirk at my words.
"Rather than a loach...it's best a fly. And when it comes to flies, it's best to swat them down..."
As expected, she has also noticed Oh Hye-seo's disruptions, her eyes gleaming.
Even if Oh Hye-seo spread the light of the Lustrous Glaze Peacock, the Kang Min-hee in front of me is just a clone controlled by the main body and hence wouldn't be affected.
Heo Gwak and Heo Ryeong look puzzled as if they can't follow our conversation, and I ask Kang Min-hee another question.
"The fly is quite big...how do you plan to catch it at the Heavenly Being stage? You'd need at least the qualifications to handle attraction force."
Kang Min-hee's eyes glint at my words.
And Heo Gwak and Heo Ryeong, catching the hidden thorn in my words, flinch and shudder.
"...I apologize, Senior!"
"...We were too presumptuous. Please punish us!"
As expected of old monsters who have lived for at least thousands of years, they immediately kneel before me.
But at the same time, they cleverly avoid mentioning Kang Min-hee's main body being hidden, showing their cunning by seeking forgiveness first.
'Truly old monsters that can't be underestimated.'
Clicking my tongue, I ask,
"It seems something is wrong with your sect...and it appears only Cultivator Kang and I have noticed. As an outsider, I might cause reluctance if I interfere, so I will give you a chance. What will you do?"
At my words, the two exchange glances before looking at Kang Min-hee.
Kang Min-hee seems to transmit a message, and after a while, their faces turn to shock.
"Th-that happened?"
"Why didn't we notice anything..."
Sweat starts dripping from their faces as they speak.
"...If only you and sir Grand Cultivator can sense it, we have no choice...We will open the gate for a moment so come out, Min-hee."
Kang Min-hee nods, and the two bow deeply to me in apology.
"We have overstepped. We confess our sin of daring to hide our disciple's realm from you, Senior."
"Did I not say she was from the same hometown? I am well aware of Cultivator Kang's talent. She has always been someone exceptional."
"..."
Kang Min-hee seems to want to say something at my words, but glances at Heo Gwak and Heo Ryeong before clamping her mouth shut again.
"Then I will open the gate!"
Kuguguguk!
Heo Ryeong and Heo Gwak draw something like a formation on the spot, and attraction force begins to emanate.
Kuguguguguk!
'I thought she could only come out on days with strong yin energy, but it seems she can come out regardless with the combined strengths of two Four-Axis Grand Elders.
Soon, a rift in space opens in the middle of the pavilion, and an overwhelming chill spills out.
Chuaaa—
The cold spreads out in a circle, and from the pitch-black darkness, a woman appears.
Suruk—
Clad in a black robe formed from the surrounding darkness, she turns her eyes burning faintly with blue ghost fire towards me.
It's Kang Min-hee.
Chechechechecheche—
Her clone at the Heavenly Being stage is absorbed by her main body as soon as she enters the Bright Cold Realm, and I feel the outskirts of the Netherworld quiver nearby.
I smile slightly as I look at Kang Min-hee's main body.
"It's been a while, Colleague Kang."
"Ah...it really has been a while, sir Grand Cultivator Seo. But since this is an official setting, I'd appreciate it if you could separate public and private matters."
Kang Min-hee openly shows her discomfort with a forced smile, while Jeon Myeong-hoon and Oh Hyun-seok have expressions that say, 'As expected.'
Kim Yeon appears slightly restless.
"Well, for now, would it be fine if we start by swatting the fly?"
I smile and raise my attraction force.
"That is our first priority."
Kang Min-hee looks down towards the vicinity of the Nether Crossing Ship, exuding ghostly energy.
"Then, since we need to untangle the distorted outskirts first, the two Grand Elders should..."
It's when Kang Min-hee reaches towards the twisted outskirts of the Netherworld,
[Oh my, is our Sales Development Department having a fun party without me?]
A clear and resonant voice suddenly springs out from somewhere.
The voice startles Kim Yeon, Kang Min-hee, Jeon Myeong-hoon, and Oh Hyun-seok, turning their faces into shock.
Even I am so caught off guard that I flinch in surprise.
[Ahaha, let me join in too~]
Wriggle, wriggle!
"...!"
My 'shadow' suddenly squirms, and a woman dressed in white appears from within, smiling brightly with her arms outstretched.
'How!? I didn't sense anything!'
Something is wrong.
This feeling isn't coming from Oh Hye-seo.
I immediately realize something.
'This isn't Oh Hye-seo's power. This is...Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens!?'
Instantly, I piece together past experiences and truths to weave together a certain inference.
'Seo Hweol! That bastard must have placed Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens on my shadow, and Oh Hye-seo used her power through Seo Hweol's Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens to appear here.'
Chills run down my spine!
The fact that Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens can affect such an abstract concept like a shadow is absurd, but combined with Oh Hye-seo's power, it makes my neck tingle.
Doesn't that mean Seo Hweol can snipe me from a remote distance whenever he desires?
Oh Hye-seo's projection that appeared through the power of Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens smiles brightly and recites.
[Immortal beasts Lustrous Glaze Peacock, Yin Ghost Black Turtle, Mountain-Destroying Demon Ape, Black Dragon, Supreme Tiger, Azure Peng, White-Winged Heavenly Pegasus.]
Wiiiing―
A Taiji pattern forms beneath her feet, and from below it, the figures of divine immortal beasts emerge.
"Wait, you...!"
Kang Min-hee, enraged, reaches out to Oh Hye-seo, and I too brandish my All-Heavens Sword towards the sudden intruder.
But the next moment,
"Hoho, hohoho..."
"Hohohoho..."
Heo Ryeong and Heo Gwak start laughing eerily like something straight out of a nightmare, forming hand seals simultaneously.
Oh Hye-seo and Seo Hweol exert their powers at the same time.
"Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth (血陰鬼谷迷宮)."
[Myriad Spirits Earth Immortal Apparition (萬靈地仙狀).]
Space distorts.
In an instant, our surroundings turn into a pure white space.
When I look around, my colleagues are nowhere to be seen.
We have fallen into the trap set by the collaboration of Oh Hye-seo and Seo Hweol.
"Hohoho, thank you, Miss Hye-seo. Thanks to you, we were able to capture that anomaly."
The pure white space.
Inside, the projection of Seo Hweol dressed in blue robes, and the projection of Oh Hye-seo dressed in white, are conversing.
"By the way, was it necessary to reveal the technique I had hidden? It was a secret that I could hide it in shadows."
"Oh my, was it necessary? It's fun, isn't it?"
"Fun...hoho."
Seo Hweol looks at Oh Hye-seo with a bright smile.
A look that seems to say he understands whatever Oh Hye-seo is thinking.
As expected, Oh Hye-seo is also smiling. However, she is fiercely thinking as she looks at Seo Hweol.
'What is this guy thinking?'
'Does he know my plan?'
'That can't be. But Seo Hweol's techniques might be able to read thoughts, so I have to be careful.'
'I should keep trivial thoughts on the surface while contemplating important ones deeper inside.'
'Well, fine. Regardless, Seo Hweol will be leaving this otherworld created by distorting the outskirts of the Netherworld, so I'll use that gap to secretly contact Seo Eun-hyun.'
Oh Hye-seo's mind races furiously.
Then, Seo Hweol stands up from his seat.
"I can't stay in this space for too long, so I'll step outside and prepare to capture them completely. Miss Hye-seo, please maintain this space for a while."
"Leave it to me."
Oh Hye-seo stands up to see Seo Hweol off, and he turns his back to leave the white space.
At that moment,
Kuuuung―
A heavy rumbling roar is heard from somewhere.
Seo Hweol turns around and laughs softly.
"Oh dear. Well, I expected as much."
"What?"
Oh Hye-seo looks towards the origin of the sound, momentarily unable to grasp the situation.
"What in the...?"
And then,
Kwajangchang!
Cracks spread across the white space, and a hand reaches out from within, grabbing Oh Hye-seo's ankle.
"No, what is this!!!"
Oh Hye-seo's eyes widen in shock, and Seo Hweol hurriedly uses attraction force to open the door of the white space.
"No, wait! Grand Prince, Seo Hweol! Take me with you!"
Oh Hye-seo hastily calls out to Seo Hweol, but he simply laughs with a 'hoho,' stepping through the door and closing it without hesitation.
Kwaaang!
Tststst―
The white door shines brightly before dissipating into the white space.
Oh Hye-seo gasps for breath, her lips pressed tightly together as she feels the 38 eyes staring at her from behind and hears Seo Hweol's voice from ahead.
[Hoho, Miss Hye-seo. I wish you a safe return to reality. I will take good care of your body.]
"Seo Hweol...! You...!"
Kiyaaaaaaaaaa―
Kyaaaaayaa―
Huaaaaaaaaa―
The white space becomes contaminated, transforming into a garden of filthy flowers.
Clench!
A terrifying arm straight from a nightmare grasps Oh Hye-seo's shoulder.
[It's been a while, Colleague Oh.]
***
Oh Hye-seo's mind spins quickly as she looks at the monster, Seo Eun-hyun, behind her.
And at this moment, she calculates the optimal 'act' she needs to perform.
"Kugh, Seo Eun-hyun!"
First, she makes a sad expression on her face.
Then she speaks in a voice full of reluctance.
"Kill me...!"
Drip, drip drip....
Tears flow from Oh Hye-seo's eyes.
With awkward movements, she attempts to attack Seo Eun-hyun.
Flash!
The shape of an immortal beast emerging from her hand charges towards Seo Eun-hyun.
'He will think something is strange.'
If that happens, it will be Oh Hye-seo's victory.
She knows Seo Eun-hyun very well.
In fact, like many male employees in the company, Seo Eun-hyun also had a subtle fondness for her.
Oh Hye-seo knows this fact all too well.
'Now, Seo Eun-hyun. Notice that something is strange. Hesitate to attack me.'
The story she wants to show through her acting is that of a 'pitiful colleague being controlled by the evil Seo Hweol.'
After Seo Eun-hyun asks what's going on, she would answer that she's being controlled by Seo Hweol.
Then she would tell Seo Eun-hyun how to break Seo Hweol's control, and lead him to release it.
'After that, I'll inform him that I'm trapped by Seo Hweol. Then Seo Eun-hyun and the other colleagues will come to rescue me, and I can join them naturally.'
Oh Hye-seo smiles inwardly, satisfied with her perfect plan.
She cries again with tears streaming down her face.
"Kill me, Seo Eun-hyun…!"
[Understood.]
"…?"
And without hesitation, Seo Eun-hyun tears apart the shape of the immortal beast sent by Oh Hye-seo and swings a pitch-black ghost claw towards her.
Oh Hye-seo dodges the ghost claw with all her might.
This other dimension, created with the twisting of the Netherworld's outer bondary.
To control the center of this space, one has to be in a soul state.
Regular physical force doesn't work.
However, being in a soul state, Oh Hye-seo understands that it will be a disaster if she touches Seo Eun-hyun's ghost claw.
'That ghostly energy, that curse! If I touch it, my soul will rot away....'
She breaks into a cold sweat inwardly, thinking frantically.
'What is this? Why is he so unhesitant? No, wait. Does he really think I've betrayed him...? No, that can't be!'
Oh Hye-seo cries out tearfully.
"Free me, Seo Eun-hyun! Seo Hweol is controlling me, forcing me to attack you…!"
Kwakwakwakwang!
As she says this, she releases a Taiji from her hands towards Seo Eun-hyun and uses the recoil to fly backward.
Chiiii―
However, Seo Eun-hyun, not having suffered even a scratch, walks through the white space with 38 lights shining from his eyes.
[Alright. I'll help you. Rest in peace.]
Booong!
Without the slightest hesitation, Seo Eun-hyun scatters a curse spell towards her.
Pitch-black curses fall towards her in streams.
Oh Hye-seo grits her teeth inwardly.
'That stupid bastard! When Yeon suggested to have lunch together at work, he told her to eat alone, and now he takes my plea literally?! What a useless bitch!'
Having revealed that she's being controlled,there's no more reason to attack her unless he truly is an idiot.
Oh Hye-seo racks her brain.
'Yes, maybe because he fought Seo Hweol once, he knows how terrifying Seo Hweol is and believes there's no chance of saving me!'
With this conclusion, she bites her lip and acts again.
"Thank you, Eun-hyun. To break Seo Hweol's spell, you need to unravel the 108 threads of Yin-Yang Five Elements and a malicious restraint called the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner within me. Then you have to sequentially break the four curses in my consciousness, but that might be too difficult, right? Just let me rest!"
[Yes. It does seem really difficult. I have no confidence. Goodbye, Oh Hye-seo.]
'If you can't do it, at least ask Kang Min-hee or some other smart person!!! I even gave you the clues!'
Booong!
Oh Hye-seo barely dodges Seo Eun-hyun's curse again, sweating coldly.
'That useless bastard, he's really trying to kill me. Has he gone mad after learning some devilish arts? Just what happened during those 100 years to make him this broken? Even his past is shrouded by a hazy mist and unreadable….'
Biting her lip, Oh Hye-seo decides to change her plan.
'That crazy madman bastard. Wandering around with those strange things stuck on his shoulders, he's definitely gone mad.'
Oh Hye-seo rolls her eyes.
'Let's give up on Seo Eun-hyun for now. Since this madman is acting like this, there's no chance of joining him as a colleague. For now, it's better to look for an opportunity to join through Jeon Myeong-hoon or the sharp-witted Kang Min-hee later.'
Deciding to modify her plan, Oh Hye-seo spreads her hands.
Wiiing―
A Taiji symbol spins between her hands.
"Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth, activate."
Paaaatt!
In an instant, the white space twists, creating a distance of 100 li between Oh Hye-seo and Seo Eun-hyun.
The Taiji rotates once.
The distance widens by another 100 li.
Seo Hweol's Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth.
This spell twists the outskirts of the Netherworld to create a special-purpose alternate space.
Originally, Seo Hweol could only create the Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth but not control it.
What he could do was open and close the Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth and grant administrator privileges.
However, even those granted administrator privileges could not freely manage the space.
To control this space, certain 'special conditions' had to be met even if one has received the administrator privileges.
And through her own powers, Oh Hye-seo can control this space as if it's hers.
'I need to get far away from Seo Eun-hyun and isolate him in another space. If I don't get out quickly, who knows what Seo Hweol will do to my body again.'
Kuguguguk!
Far away, the space begins to warp due to an immense attraction force.
Oh Hye-seo grits her teeth and extends her hands.
The space shifts, nullifying Seo Eun-hyun's attraction force.
"Hah, hah…."
She sweats coldly.
'Is it because he's at the Integration level? It's tough to negate his attraction force. Anyway, since I've sealed his attraction force, he won't be able to chase me with the ground-shrinking technique….'
At that moment.
"…What?"
Oh Hye-seo blinks her two eyes.
Seo Eun-hyun has appeared right in front of her.
[Don't worry.I'll set you free.]
Bo-oong!
Seo Eun-hyun raises his arm.
Kwaaaang!
His arm, filled with pitch-black curses, smashes into the white space.
"What, what is this…!"
Oh Hye-seo gnashes her teeth in frustration, her expression one of disbelief.
'He got here without using the ground-shrinking technique and only with the Flying Escape Technique?'
Wiiing!
She spreads her hands and summons the Taiji again.
The Taiji spins rapidly, increasing the [distance] between her and Seo Eun-hyun once more.
100 li, 200 li….
3,000 li!
'If, if it's this much, without the ground-shrinking technique….'
"…Is it an illusion spell?"
But contrary to her hopes, when she closes and opens her eyes, Seo Eun-hyun has reappeared right in front of her again.
"How, how did you get here without the ground-shrinking technique…!"
[I'm just that fast.]
Seo Eun-hyun reaches out his hand towards Oh Hye-seo calmly.
Oh Hye-seo's face turns pale.
Even though she's emotionless, she still has 'desires.'
From basic desires like hunger, lust, and sleep to the fundamental 'desire to survive.'
And as a living being, the fundamental 'desire to live' and the 'fear' that stems from it are naturally present.
Oh Hye-seo, overcome with the fear stemming from her desire to survive, gasps for breath and extends her arms.
[Immortal Beast, Lustrous Glaze Peacock!]
Flash!
A pure white light shoots towards Seo Eun-hyun.
But Seo Eun-hyun seems to wrap himself in a hazy mist, and the light of the Lustrous Glaze Peacock scatters uselessly.
Oh Hye-seo retreats, continuously summoning the power of the immortal beasts.
[Immortal Beast, Yin Ghost Black Turtle!]
The yin energy of the Black Turtle, said to command ten thousand ghosts, appears to spread around, but as Seo Eun-hyun's 38 orbs of light shine, the yin energy of the Black Turtle seems startled and tries to move away from him.
[Immortal Beast, Mountain-Destroying Demon Ape, White-Winged Heavenly Pegasus!]
The power of the White-Winged Heavenly Pegasus, symbolizing order, and the Mountain-Destroying Demon Ape, symbolizing chaos, gathers in Oh Hye-seo's hands.
Oh Hye-seo clashes the black and white energies in both hands.
Kugwagwagwagwa!
The energy of great chaos seems to fill the white space completely.
But in the next moment.
[Great Mountain.]
Flash
[Splitting Emperor!]
The energy of great chaos disperses and scatters entirely.
[Immortal Beast, Azure Peng.]
Wiiiiing―
Blue wings appear to burst forth from her shoulder blades, twisting the space around her.
At the same time, the Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth twists, trapping Seo Eun-hyun in the distorted maze of space.
'This is the power of the famous Immortal Beast Azure Peng, renowned for its spatial labyrinth abilities. Combined with the power of the Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth, the space is twisted once more, making it impossible to escape in a short time….'
Kwa-ching!
Then, breaking through the white space, Seo Eun-hyun's hand emerges.
[Oh… Hye… Seo….]
"Heh, heh…."
Oh Hye-seo once again sets up the spatial labyrinth to reseal Seo Eun-hyun, then uses the power of the Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth to put more distance between herself and him.
Borrowing the power of the Immortal Beast Supreme Tiger, she strengthens her physical body and tries to break through the space to escape outside with the power of the Azure Peng.
However, she turns back at a chilling sound.
Dududududu―
A giant with 19 dangling heads and 38 eyes weeping bloody tears, with a body of starlight and black, grotesque flowers blooming all over it, is running towards her.
Oooooooh―
Kiiyaaaaaah―
Huaaaaah―
The eerie wails decorate the surroundings of the giant.
"Go, go away…!"
Finally, Oh Hye-seo's composure crumbles.
"Go away, you monster…!"
Dududududu―
She summons the images of numerous Immortal Beasts and throws them at the monster.
But it's useless.
The yin energy of the Yin Ghost Black Turtle is just chewed up, the chaos of the Mountain-Destroying Demon Ape is contaminated into a curse, the Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness of the White-Winged Heavenly Pegasus are devoured by summoned pure white flowers, and the power of the Lustrous Glaze Peacock is blocked by a hazy mist.
The Azure Peng's spatial labyrinth is simply broken through, and the power of Supreme Tiger is ineffective.
Dududududu―
Oh Hye-seo, towards the Seo Eun-hyun who has suddenly caught up and is reaching towards her, throws the form of the Black Dragon.
But Seo Eun-hyun grabs the jaws of the black dragon, tears it apart, and resumes his mad chase after her.
Wooong―
'Something' is caught in Seo Eun-hyun's grasp.
'Dangerous…! Dangerous! He's about to throw something at me, it'll be dangerous if it hits…!'
Sensing the flow of heaven and earth spiritual energy, she realizes Seo Eun-hyun is about to throw something 'ominous' at her.
'It's really dangerous! No!'
[All-Heavens!]
"Kyaaaak!"
Seo Eun-hyun throws 'something' at her, and Oh Hye-seo screams in agony as if her entire body is being shredded apart.
Clench!
Finally, Oh Hye-seo is caught in the giant's grasp.
'I finally caught her.'
I sigh as I glare at Oh Hye-seo.
She looks as if she's about to faint.
It seems that the pain from the All-Heavens Sword cutting through her soul is considerable.
'Alright. Now then….'
I begin to infuse ghostly energy into her body, distorting the space using Oh Hye-seo, who is the center of this area.
Kugugugu―
'This is a space made from borrowing the outskirts of the Netherworld. So….'
It should be fully maneuverable with my abilities.
Kugugugu!
The white space moves.
It twists.
Sensing my scattered colleagues, I begin to call them one by one.
Paaat!
Jeon Myeong-hoon is the first to arrive by my side.
Next, Kim Yeon and Oh Hyun-seok appear in order.
Paaat!
The last to appear is Kang Min-hee.
'Well, it seems everyone has gathered except Kim Young-hoon.'
[…As you all know, Oh Hye-seo brought us to this space. She is also the one who tampered with the Black Ghost Valley.]
"De-Deputy Oh?"
"Really?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon and Oh Hyun-seok are surprised, and Kim Yeon also looks slightly taken aback.
Kang Min-hee, however, crosses her arms and clicks her tongue.
"Let's hear the reason. Since she's been a smooth talker since Earth."
I look at Oh Hye-seo and ask.
[Yes. I'm curious as well. Just what is the reason for betraying us?]
"…."
Oh Hye-seo is an intriguing person.
She's always in a calm state, with her intent always being stable.
Though her intent, symbolizing emotions, are faint, she doesn't possess a horrifying heart essence like Seo Hweol.
To put it bluntly, Oh Hye-seo's heart essence is like a desolate desert, different from the filthy wasteland of Seo Hweol or the Mad Lord.
That's why, until I was directly attacked by Oh Hye-seo, I didn't know her true nature.
'Though I still don't understand, even now.'
What exactly is the motive behind her actions, and why did she betray us and join sides with Seo Hweol?
In response to my question, Oh Hye-seo smiles faintly.
Shudder!
"Hoho, as expected. You have been in contact with Miss Hye-seo for a long time."
Then, a bloody light emits from her soul.
Chuaaaak!
I try to seal Oh Hye-seo using ghostly energy, but I realize it's impossible.
I am pushed back by the blood light and end up losing her.
'This space. It's resonating with this light?!'
As the red light erupts, Oh Hye-seo's shadow squirms and becomes 'Seo Hweol'.
Seo Hweol gently wraps his arms around Oh Hye-seo's shoulders and pulls her into his embrace.
"Miss Hye-seo will be taken back. When I briefly took over her body outside, it turned out her ability itself originates from her soul. She herself is needed."
[You…!]
Then, Seo Hweol moves his hand.
[Open, Tainted Soul Deadly Gaze.]
Paaaatt!
Blood light looks to spread around, and Seo Hweol's horrifying heart essence spreads through the white space.
[Everyone, close your eyes and shut off your consciousness!]
I urgently shout to the surroundings.
It's Seo Hweol's heart essence.
Staring at it for too long will make you instantly brainwashed by his Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens.
That's when it happens.
Shudder!
"The Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth is a kind of 'side path' using the outskirts of the Netherworld. The only difference is that the destination is not the Nether Ghost Realm…. but the Blood Yin Realm."
Kugugugugu!
In the distance.
A blood-red [World] can be seen.
"While I retrieve my Axes… you can enjoy a tour of the Blood Yin Realm. Hoho…. It should only take three, four thousand years."
I try to resist that blood-red [World], but the powerful attraction force continues.
'There's no other choice. I must jump.'
I exerted all my strength to break free from the attraction force.
Then, it happens.
Wiiiiing―
From the hand that had grabbed Oh Hye-seo, a peculiar 'Taiji' shape begins to rise, enveloping my entire body like a tumor.
'This is…!'
[Seo Hweol…!]
I grit my teeth.
'Was this all planned from the start?!'
Me going to the Black Ghost Valley, where the power of the Netherworld's outskirts is strong.
Oh Hye-seo revealing herself and inviting us to this space.
The fact that I caught and made contact with her.
It seems it was all within Seo Hweol's expectations.
Seo Hweol holds Oh Hye-seo in his arms, looking down at Seo Eun-hyun and his colleagues being dragged into the blood-red pit below.
"Originally, I intended for Miss Hye-seo to face that monster alone, and only send that monster in, but… It seems I'll have to send more people than I expected. To think you'd fail to achieve your goal and end up being captured in front of everyone. You're quite incompetent, aren't you, Miss Hye-seo."
At Seo Hweol's words, Oh Hye-seo, nestled in his arms, rubs her head and gives a sardonic smile.
"…You're quite remarkable too, Grand Prince. Pretending to use me as bait, ready to pop out at any moment to send my colleagues to another realm."
"Hoho, it's thanks to you, Miss Hye-seo, for following my thoughts so well. Because of you, I could send that old monster who had long contact with you below without resistance."
"By the way, how did you do that?"
"Doesn't Miss Hye-seo's soul contain the power of Immortal Beasts fused together? It's a spell that draws out the power of Taiji from that fusion to bind the opponent. Would you like me to teach you?"
"You're going to teach it in a strange way again, aren't you?"
"Hoho…."
It's then.
Kwagwagwagwa!
An immense giant of starlight reaches out from below, thrusting its hand into the space.
It's Oh Hyun-seok.
[Oh… Hye… Seo…! What is this… that you've done!!!]
"Oh my, Hyun-seok Orabeoni. Why are you struggling so much? Just go down."
[What… what would your father think! Stop this at once!]
"Ahaha, my father?"
Kwadududuk!
And then, another giant crawls up next to Oh Hyun-seok.
It's a giant of lightning with six arms.
It's Jeon Myeong-hoon.
[Deputy Oh… is this betrayal…!?]
Red lightning flashes continuously from his eyes, and his shadow splits into six, fluttering around him.
But that's not all.
Kiiyaaaaaaaaaa―
Aaaaaaaah―
Oooooooooh―
A horde of ghosts numbering in thousands arise, and within their midsts is an eight-foot ghost.
It's Kang Min-hee.
[You brazen bitch…. I knew it ever since you secretly followed your colleague to their houses. That you're a crazy bitch…]
"Hahaha, Miss Min-hee. Don't you look crazier right now?"
Oh Hye-seo bursts into laughter as she looks at the three monsters.
But then, she suddenly looks below and flinches.
Threads!
Pure white threads of consciousness stretch everywhere, tightly binding the three monsters and Seo Eun-hyun, who is about to fall into the Blood Yin Realm.
Kim Yeon is preventing Seo Eun-hyun's fall by restraining his body.
[Just wait… let's see when I get up there….]
Jeon Myeong-hoon mutters, red lightning crackling from his eyes.
To make matters worse, a large centipede springs out of Seo Eun-hyun's Peach Garden Painting, spewing venom.
It's a scene of pandemonium as if monsters are crawling up from the Abode of Demons (복마전).
Seo Hweol and Oh Hye-seo, the two beautiful individuals, wear mask-like smiles.
"Hoho, Miss Hye-seo. Then, shall we exert some effort to prevent those monsters from coming up?"
"You won't stab me in the back, right?"
"That will never happen."
"...For now, stay away."
Oh Hye-seo slips out of Seo Hweol's arms and begins to prepare a spell.
Seo Hweol also emits a crimson light.
Oh Hye-seo creates the form of the Black Dragon among the Immortal Beasts, and Seo Hweol creates the form of a giant Sea Dragon.
A majestic scene unfolds as if two divine dragons are blocking monsters from the depths of hell from crossing into the mortal world.
"Let's go!"
Seo Hweol and Oh Hye-seo unleash their power upon the monsters climbing up from the Abode of Demons.
A divine light strikes upon the bizarre monsters.
***
Kwa kwa kwa kwa!
The dragon's form becomes a streak of light and emits divine energy into the pit below.
The form of the Sea Dragon scatters like a spray of water and covers Seo Eun-hyun and his party.
[Blood Sacrifice Ritual - Blood Yin Returning Home.]
As Seo Hweol forms hand seals, the attraction force from the Blood Yin Realm pulling Seo Eun-hyun's group intensifies overwhelmingly.
Seo Hweol also seems to be affected by the force, but when Oh Hye-seo reaches out and shrouds Seo Hweol's body with the form of the Black Dragon, the effect disappears.
Afterward, she unleashes the form of the Black Dragon again, opening its mouth to spew a black breath downward.
Kwa kwa kwa kwa!
[Oh Hye-seo...! How could you...!?]
Oh Hyun-seok, the giant of stars, feels particularly betrayed and tries to rise upward frantically.
Kugugugugu!
Purple primordial chaos boils from Oh Hyun-seok's entire body.
The giant of stars Oh Hyun-seok transforms into a colossal figure covered in purple steam.
Within the purple steam, Oh Hyun-seok's fierce eyes glimmer ominously.
[How can you betray your own family!?]
Oh Hye-seo covers her mouth with her hand.
Suppressing her laughter with all her might, she retorts.
"Oh my, family? We're not even related by blood, so what family? Ah, that expression is so funny. As expected of such a sentimental clan. The Oh Clan...kuku."
[Your father raised you with genuine affection! How can you say such things...!?]
"Ahaha, that couldn't possibly be true, Hyun-seok Orabeoni. 'Father' was just satisfying his own ego. I observed 'Father' more closely, so why are you acting like you know better? Or do you want to play family? Shall I call you by your proper title, Youngest Uncle (季父)?"
Oh Hye-seo laughs out loud and extends her palm towards Oh Hyun-seok.
Kugugugugu!
The massive form of the Black Dragon pours down towards Oh Hyun-seok, who ultimately fails to withstand it and falls into the pit below.
Kim Yeon extends her consciousness again to bind Oh Hyun-seok, preventing him from falling into the Blood Yin Realm.
"Well then, who shall we drop ne—"
As Oh Hye-seo looks down, selecting her next target,
Flash!
Kwarururung!
"Kyaaa!"
Six flags made of lightning fly, piercing Oh Hye-seo's arms, legs, the back of her head, and her waist.
Kwajijik!
Black clouds form in the white space, and the flags embedded in Oh Hye-seo act as lightning rods, calling forth bolts of lightning.
Kwajijijik!
Lightning furiously rains down.
Oh Hye-seo screams and tries to escape, but the flags embedded in her body flickers and press her down.
Jeon Myeong-hoon, wielding six arms, climbs up from below with a fierce gleam in his eyes.
[You're quite careless, Deputy Oh.]
Thud, thud, thud, thud!
Jeon Myeong-hoon uses his six arms to swiftly rise up as he murmurs.
[I think I always lost when playing poker with Deputy Oh during work hours...it's my first win.]
Kuang!
Jeon Myeong-hoon finally overcomes the attraction force and emerges from the pit.
He then locks eyes with Seo Hweol standing above him.
[I'll tear you apart when I get up there. Wait for it.]
However, Seo Hweol smiles faintly and strokes his chin.
"Hmmm, at first I thought you were Daoist Yang's resurrection, but it seems not. If you were Daoist Yang, instead of stabbing Miss Hye-seo with spells and frying her with lightning, you would have immediately sacrificed Miss Hye-seo's soul to borrow the power of Blood Yin and counterattack me directly."
[What?]
Jeon Myeong-hoon is momentarily stunned by such a vile method and wears a bewildered expression.
Seo Hweol smiles gently.
"Thus, it's more accurate to consider you not Daoist Yang's resurrection, but merely Daoist Seo's pet."
[What bullshit is this bastard spouting...?]
At that moment, five blood-red flags rise above Seo Hweol's head.
"Go, Five Elements Blood Curse Banner."
[...!]
Jeon Myeong-hoon instinctively feels fear at the sight of the blood-red flags.
He had experienced this torturous spell several times from Seo Eun-hyun!
But he grins wickedly and opens his mouth.
Kwarurung!
Lightning bursts forth and turns Seo Hweol's Five Elements Blood Curse Banner to dust.
[Ha, with just this paltry technique...]
However, while Seo Hweol had distracted him with the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner, he approached Oh Hye-seo and pulled out all the lightning flags embedded in her body.
"Ha...I thought I was going to die. You've grown a lot, Section Chief Jeon. You used to be a useless burden who did nothing but slack off at work, and now you can do this?"
[You...!]
"I won't fall for the same trick twice."
Oh Hye-seo forms a Taiji between her hands.
The white space quivers as Jeon Myeong-hoon's hand, which had emerged from the pit, appears to warp, causing the space itself to split and Jeon Myeong-hoon to fall downwards.
Kugugugu!
Immediately, the light of the Lustrous Glaze Peacock strikes Jeon Myeong-hoon's head directly.
Jeon Myeong-hoon, with a dazed expression, falls downward, and Kim Yeon desperately holds him as well.
After dropping Jeon Myeong-hoon, Oh Hye-seo looks down at those still holding on.
Kim Yeon, Hong Fan, Kang Min-hee.
Among them, Kim Yeon is holding onto Seo Eun-hyun, Oh Hyun-seok, and Jeon Myeong-hoon to prevent them from falling, and Hong Fan is supporting the struggling Kim Yeon.
Thus, the only one capable of counterattacking is Kang Min-hee.
And Oh Hye-seo, looking at the black sphere bubbling up from below, breaks out in a cold sweat.
"...I expected this, but that damn thing is the trickiest."
"Hoho...that person is quite an interesting Daoist. Is that the Ghostly Yin Transformation Immortal Root...? No, even without it, she's a Daoist who possesses absurdly high talent."
Seo Hweol reveals his reptilian eyes as he observes Kang Min-hee's ominously surging aura from below.
"If I had known this, I would have brought that cultivator instead of Miss Hye-seo. I slightly regret it. Hoho..."
"I guarantee it. If it were Miss Min-hee, you might have been devoured instead."
"Hoho, impossible. She's not even the Mad Lord or the Heart Tribe. Anyway…"
Both Seo Hweol and Oh Hye-seo raise their tension, glaring at the crazily intensifying aura of Kang Min-hee in the pit.
Kang Min-hee's aura is growing.
Her strength, initially at the early Four-Axis stage, grows to the mid, late, and reaches the Grand Perfection!
Kang Min-hee is absorbing Nascent Soul stage Ghost Kings in real-time, building an Axis made of Ghost Kings.
Kugugugu!
Above the white space.
The black clouds Jeon Myeong-hoon had summoned do not dissipate but condense further, gathering Heaven and Earth spiritual energy within.
Heavenly Tribulation stirs.
However, before the Heavenly Tribulation can properly strike,
Kwarururu!
A torrent of black ghostly energy surges out of the pit.
Kwarururu!
The ghostly energy pierces the sky.
Before the Heavenly Tribulation can strike, it shatters and scatters in the sky.
Seo Hweol's expression twitches, and Oh Hye-seo's face turns serious.
"What kind of insane...?"
"...I see. The Blood Yin Ghost Labyrinth is supporting that cultivator. Even with the power of Blood Yin, this is the outer edge of the Netherworld..."
Seo Hweol's vertical pupils glow red.
"Such indescribable talent. The possibility of reaching the Star Shattering stage..."
Seo Hweol strokes his chin and then smiles brightly.
"That cultivator...it seems it would be best to capture her. It's too wasteful to throw her as food to Blood Yin."
Chwaaa―
A dense darkness spreads out from Seo Hweol.
[Consume ten of 'myself.']
Kiiiiing―
At the same time, ten 'eyes' appear in the darkness, staring directly at Kang Min-hee. She screams.
[Aaaaah!]
Seo Hweol laughs with eyes swirling in blood-colored light.
[Just accept it peacefully. Unless you're a mythical being or someone already broken, you cannot resist me.]
Seo Hweol dives into Kang Min-hee's heart essence.
He smiles faintly.
'Her heart essence is no different from a small Netherworld. How many ghosts are stored here...yet the ghosts are not going berserk and remain calm. It's unbelievable.'
Seo Hweol gradually peers deeper into Kang Min-hee's inner self and laughs.
'I've captured a being with talent of the ages within my grasp. While the power to stabilize ghosts is terrifying, unlike Miss Hye-seo, it's not an annoying ability...'
As Seo Hweol examines Kang Min-hee's heart essence, he suddenly notices something at the center of the ghosts.
'Hmm?'
The ghosts are worshipping it.
The overwhelming pressure emanating from that something is what keeps the ghosts calmly obedient to Kang Min-hee.
'Could it be...?'
Chills.
Seo Hweol has a guess on what that 'something' is.
And, although he merely 'guesses' without confirming its true form, he hastily tries to escape from her mind.
As if he doesn't want to get entangled with that 'something.'
However, it's already too late.
The entity beyond the 'something' has noticed Seo Hweol.
The 'something' is a [hole].
Within Kang Min-hee's heart essence, there exists a 'hole' connecting to 'somewhere.'
: : How dare you peek at the Imperial Venerable (帝尊)? : :
A gigantic will fills Kang Min-hee's heart essence.
Her heart essence, previously filled with the colors of sunset, is instantly engulfed in darkness.
Seo Hweol's face grows serious as he frantically struggles to escape from Kang Min-hee's mind.
The oldest and darkest one.
The deepest and greatest one.
That entity itself shows no reaction.
But the one seated at its right hand bares its rage across the hole to punish Seo Hweol.
Boom!
"...Huh?"
Oh Hye-seo dumbfoundedly looks beside her.
It happened in an instant.
The head of Seo Hweol, who had tried to cast a spell on Kang Min-hee, exploded.
Seo Hweol's soul staggers momentarily before dissolving into a handful of darkness and flowing down.
Tingling.
Oh Hye-seo tries to react but suddenly feels her head stiffen and collapses on the spot.
It isn't just Oh Hye-seo.
None of those present have a good complexion.
Kim Yeon looks as if she is about to vomit, and Hong Fan looks up at Kang Min-hee with bloodshot eyes.
Seo Eun-hyun, Jeon Myeong-hoon, and Oh Hyun-seok, freed from Oh Hye-seo's tricks, are also paralyzed with fear, unable to react properly.
No, Jeon Myeong-hoon clenches his teeth despite his horror.
It's a familiar feeling.
'Heavenly Punishment...it's similar...to that time...!'
[AAAAAAAAAAAAGH!]
Kang Min-hee screams, clutching her head.
A massive entity is trying to emerge from within her and exert their power onto this world.
The ghosts beside Kang Min-hee wail and merge into one.
The unified gigantic Ghost King exudes the aura of the Grand Perfection Integration stage.
However, instead of showing arrogance, the Ghost King slits its own belly in a state of terror.
Chwaaaak!
From the Ghost King's slit belly, a pitch-black banner emerges.
With its belly split open, the Ghost King, trembling and shedding tears of fear, shouts in a shaking voice.
[The Chief Judge has arrived!]
As the Ghost King waves the banner and shouts, the group of ghosts under its command also tremble in fear and bellow in unison.
[The Chief Judge has arrived!]
Kugugugu!
Kang Min-hee's form begins to change.
Surpassing her human form, blue ghost fire erupts from her eyes.
Kang Min-hee's hair flares out in all directions, undulating.
Behind her,
A massive shadow envelops Kang Min-hee.
The colossal entity, from below the pit, gazes at the entrance of the Blood Yin Realm, still exerting attraction force on Kang Min-hee and Seo Eun-hyun's group.
: : Leftover of the predecessor. Live as befits your name and stop mimicking the noble one. If your actions continue to disgrace the noble predecessor, even if I must endure the Imperial Venerable's reproach, I will annihilate you. If you understand, hold your breath and shut your filthy mouth. : :
The entrance to the Blood Yin Realm abruptly contracts and closes at the will of the colossal entity.
The gigantic existence then looks up at the sky and mutters.
Beyond the Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth created by Seo Hweol, the entity seems to gaze into a distant dimension far beyond.
: : Is the Mountain about to be defeated? Once again, an Imperial Throne is being confined. As the gods begin to move, it heralds the return of the era of myths. : :
The pitch-black entity looks down at Kang Min-hee and mutters.
: Since the insect has already noticed, it's best to hasten the awakening. O Imperial Venerable, if we delay, the Light will notice. Let us proceed immediately. : :
Finishing its words, the shadow bows and seeps back within Kang Min-hee.
[AAAAAAAAH!]
Kang Min-hee wails.
The colossal entity which is about to return through Kang Min-hee's heart essence, suddenly shifts its gaze to two suspicious beings.
Behind the Oh Hye-seo who is half out of her mind is Seo Hweol, pulling her away.
And below Kang Min-hee, regaining his composure and honing a sword at the Plane of Soul, is Seo Eun-hyun.
Seo Eun-hyun is soaring at a fierce speed.
Holding the sword of all of the heavens' natural colors, he approaches Kang Min-hee, slicing through the darkness.
He cleaves the presence of the gigantic existence.
At the same time, he blooms a flower of curses while attempting to elevate the curse to the Plane of Fate.
Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens!
After extracting Oh Hye-seo, Seo Hweol then casts thousands of eyes into the Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth.
Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens!
Gigigigigik―
Driven by Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens, the Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth attempts to confine Kang Min-hee.
Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens becomes the blade to sever the remnants of the enormous entity within Kang Min-hee.
The enormous entity returns to where it had descended and glares sternly at Seo Hweol's Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens.
: : Sinner, for the crime of daring to behold the sacred visage (聖顔), I seal the eyes of your mask for a thousand years. For a thousand years, you shall chase nothing but darkness with those eyes. : :
Tens of thousands, no, hundreds of millions of eyeballs behind them are simultaneously obscured by darkness.
Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
Within the entire domain, everyone who had ever met Seo Hweol suddenly feel an odd sensation and touch their heads.
They all feel something rampaging inside their heads but soon feel as if a parasite in their brains have fallen asleep.
They all find it peculiar for a moment but, since it is ultimately a good thing, they move on.
Inside the Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth.
The colossal entity looks at Seo Eun-hyun.
: : You, who knows righteousness. Though I wish to bless you, the Imperial Venerable deems it to be pointless, so I shall only take the calamity you brought upon yourself. Do not forget the heart that thinks of friends and the resolve to repent for your sins. : :
Kwadududuk!
The Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens spread by Seo Eun-hyun shatters all at once as the entity exerts their power, leaving Seo Eun-hyun covered in blood.
Having completed their task, the gigantic existence fully returns through Kang Min-hee's heart essence.
And Kang Min-hee, now awakened as a completely new being, roars.
But Seo Eun-hyun does not stop.
Despite the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens being shattered, and his entire body being crushed.
He relentlessly flies toward Kang Min-hee.
Flash!
As if light is swirling, Seo Eun-hyun finally plunges the All-Heavens Sword into Kang Min-hee's chest.
'Please, please...!'
I clench my teeth and look at Kang Min-hee.
I don't want this life to end this way.
But more than that, I hate seeing my precious people getting destroyed by the whims of such colossal existences.
"Kang Min-hee, please...! Get a hold of yourself...!"
And then.
It seems as though rationality is returning to Kang Min-hee's eyes.
[Seo, Eun, Hyun...]
Paaaatt!
In an instant, Kang Min-hee's message flows into my mind.
"What? What do you...no! Don't allow it! Fate is something you can resist!"
Kang Min-hee's lips twitch.
She seems to smile sadly for a moment.
Kuuuuung—
As the attraction force distorts, the 'pit' leading to the Blood Yin Realm reopens.
Kang Min-hee pushes me away.
[...Thank you.]
With a smile, she moves towards the center of the Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth.
She is to be sealed.
Ironically, due to the collaboration between Seo Hweol and me, she is willingly sealing herself in the center of the Blood Yin Ghost Valley Labyrinth for hundreds of years, calming herself alone.
And, as she had conveyed to me, she will follow the fate given to her by the Death God.
"Kang Min-hee!!!"
I scream, trying to reach her, but I am helplessly sucked in by another 'attraction force' she created.
Not just me, but Kim Yeon, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok, and Hong Fan are all drawn into the new entrance Kang Min-hee has created.
I am dragged into the darkness, watching Kang Min-hee gradually lose her sanity again.
"..."
When I open my eyes, I realize I am floating on a pitch-black river.
'This is...'
Staggering, I stand up.
Strangely, this river doesn't cause my body to sink, and I can stand on it as if it is flat ground.
Though my feet sink a little, it's very slight.
As I look around with puzzled eyes, I suddenly notice Jeon Myeong-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok, and Kim Yeon submerged below the river.
"Master, you're awake!"
"...! Hong Fan...!?"
I'm startled as I see Hong Fan by the riverside.
Hong Fan's body is being devoured by a giant carnivorous plant-like creature on the riverside.
"Master, first rescue your companions. I will get out quickly! You can pull them up using attraction force!"
"...Got it."
I hurriedly pull up my colleagues who are submerged at the riverbed.
Then, dragging them to the riverside, I check their condition.
Fortunately or unfortunately, none of them have any serious issues.
"...But, where exactly is this...?"
I slice through the carnivorous plant that's trying to consume Hong Fan and split it apart while looking around.
The air is filled not with Heaven and Earth spiritual energy but with pitch-black thick ghostly energy.
It's different from the True Devil Realm.
The eerie silence makes it feel like the 'side path.'
Hong Fan reverts to his human form and shakes off the mucus covering his body.
"Master, let's bring Yeon Jin out first."
"Yeon Jin?"
"Yes, it would be good to ask Yeon Wei-nim where we are. Yeon Wei-nim has a lot of experience and a lot of age, so there's a lot she knows."
"Good idea."
I take out the Peach Garden Painting and bring out Yeon Jin.
As soon as Yeon Jin emerges, he shouts.
"Seriously! Senior, everything's good, but why did you take so long to bring me out? Honestly, you forgot about me, didn't you!?"
"Um...sorry."
Thinking back, I realize I had forgotten to take Yeon Jin out of the Peach Garden Painting since crossing into the Bright Cold Realm.
Feeling immensely guilty, I apologize to Yeon Jin.
"Ugh, really. If it weren't for the ancestor's words, I would have been playing around at the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect...geogh! Kueegh"
Yeon Jin, who was grumbling, suddenly begins vomiting blood.
"...! Yeon Jin!?"
Startled, I hurriedly approach him.
At that moment, Yeon Jin's eyes roll back, and he quickly sits cross-legged, expelling the ghostly energy around him.
Seeing Yeon Jin's life in danger, I realize that 'she' inside him has opened her eyes.
"You reckless fools, didn't you say you were ascending to the Bright Cold Realm!? Why have you come here!?"
"Yeon Wei..."
Looking at Yeon Wei losing her temper, I briefly explain the situation.
"So, you got caught up in a complicated incident in the Bright Cold Realm and ended up here?"
"That's right. Do you know where we are?"
Yeon Wei rubs her forehead as if she has a headache.
"...Didn't you already guess from the abundance of ghostly energy? This is...the Nether Ghost Realm."
Realizing my suspicions are correct to some extent, I let out a sigh.
We have fallen into the Nether Ghost Realm.
***