I grit my teeth and sigh.
'The Nether Ghost Realm all of a sudden...Seo Hweol, that bastard...'
Since everything is ultimately Seo Hweol's fault, I grit my teeth and blame him.
But despite the anger, I can't just stay angry forever.
I calm my emotions and start thinking about future plans.
'Now that I'm in the Nether Ghost Realm, there's no helping it. Let's aim to return to the Bright Cold Realm as quickly as possible, find the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, and establish the axis of Longevity.'
Since I can't change what has already happened, it's best to do what I can from now on.
Before establishing a plan, I first look up at the sky to read the celestial signs.
I intend to gather information by reading the celestial energy and then move based on that.
'The Nether Ghost Realm's sky is dark blue...'
Although it seems to be daytime according to the celestial energy, the sky is a dark navy blue, and dozens of bright stars are visible.
At that moment, Yeon Wei suddenly panics and slaps my cheek.
Smack!
"You crazy bastard! Why are you reading the celestial energy in the Nether Ghost Realm? Close your eyes! Close your eyes and lower your head!"
"Wh-what?"
Though I'm bewildered, I follow her instructions and close my eyes, lowering my head.
"What's going on?"
"Damn it, I forgot that you wouldn't know about the Nether Ghost Realm and might act recklessly."
Yeon Wei, exuding an intent of fear, slowly explains.
"First of all, in the Nether Ghost Realm, you must not look at the sky and try to read the celestial energy. No, more precisely, you can only do such things at 'night.'"
"...? Is there a reason we shouldn't read celestial energy during the day in the Nether Ghost Realm?"
I open my eyes in confusion and ask.
Yeon Wei, with a pale face, uses sound transmission to speak, fearing someone might overhear.
[The stars in the sky during the day are not stars.]
[These things are not stars, you say?]
[Yes. The things shining in the sky right now are 'eyes'.]
Chills.
I understand what Yeon Wei is saying.
Information I had previously heard from Seo Hweol.
[...Are those eyes perhaps...]
[Yes. It seems you know. For some reason, the 'ones above' are observing the entire Nether Ghost Realm from outside.]
Chills run down my spine.
Seo Hweol had mentioned that the Entering Nirvana True Persons are observing the Nether Ghost Realm to find a side path to the True Immortal Realm.
'The things floating in the sky right now are not stars...'
They are the 'gazes' of dozens of Entering Nirvana True Persons observing this world from beyond the sky of the Nether Ghost Realm.
'If I had fallen into the Nether Ghost Realm without knowing anything and kept staring at the sky to read celestial energy...'
I might have unknowingly become a puppet of an Entering Nirvana True Person.
"...Thank you, Senior Yeon."
I sincerely thank Yeon Wei for her advice.
[Well, it's common knowledge among the inhabitants of the Nether Ghost Realm anyway. Besides, during the 'night,' the real constellations appear in the Nether Ghost Realm, and their attraction force hides those gazes, so you can read the celestial energy then. At night, the yin energy of the Nether Ghost Realm also thickens, making it harder for them to observe...]
[So, I should read celestial energy at night.]
[That's right. As long as you avoid reading the celestial energy during the day, there's nothing too dangerous for someone at your level. With your monstrous skills at the Integration level, there's nothing to fear below the Esteemed Ones. Moreover, all the Esteemed Ones across the realms are currently on expeditions...]
I nod and share this information with Hong Fan as well.
'What a terrifying place.'
"...By the way, why aren't my colleagues waking up?"
I look at my still unconscious colleagues.
Although the shock of crossing dimensions is strong, my colleagues with strong vitality should have woken up by now.
"Could it be there's something in that river?"
"Hmm, no. Even if the river is lethally poisonous, those at the Core Formation stage or higher should be able to detoxify it with their life force. The reason your companions aren't waking up is because of the ghostly energy of the Nether Ghost Realm."
"Hmm..."
Thinking back, Yeon Jin would have died vomiting blood if Yeon Wei hadn't expelled the ghostly energy.
"If you don't learn the Ghost Path Method, you'll be engulfed by the energy of the Nether Ghost Realm and fall into a comatose state. The longer that state lasts, the higher the chance of death."
"What...!? Then shouldn't we wake them up?"
"Indeed. However, since your companions haven't learned the Ghost Path Method, you'll need to forcefully teach them the basics of the Ghost Path Method through external stimulation."
"Hmm...if they can't handle ghostly energy, they'll fall into a comatose state..."
I glance down at Jeon Myeong-hoon.
'...Then why is this bastard still sleeping?'
Following my gaze, Yeon Wei looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon and then grabs him by the collar, slapping him furiously.
Smack, smack, smack!
"Kugh, aagh!"
A while later, Jeon Myeong-hoon spits out blood and his eyes snap open.
"Wh-where is this...?!"
"So this one was just sleeping."
"..."
"To wake the others, you need to instill them with ghostly energy to implant even the basic ghost path power in their bodies."
"Yes, I will do so. But first..."
I briefly explain the situation to Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"...The Nether Ghost Realm..."
"Yes. And for now, we need to find the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and figure out a way to return to the Bright Cold Realm."
"...! What!? The disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes widen in surprise upon hearing that the disciples are alive.
He wipes his face.
"...They're alive."
"Yes, they are alive."
"...Thank goodness."
Jeon Myeong-hoon wipes his face and gives a faint smile.
After conveying the plan to Jeon Myeong-hoon, I approach the other two to wake them up.
Yeon Wei uses the Ghost Path Method she knows to accumulate ghostly energy in Yeon Jin's body. I prop up Oh Hyun-seok and Kim Yeon to a sitting position and place my hands on their backs, infusing them with ghostly energy.
Wo-woong―
I consider imprinting the basic Ghost Path Method of the Black Ghost Valley I had learned through Seo Li.
But somehow, I feel it wouldn't suit the two of them.
'Hmm, in that case...'
After a moment of contemplation, I decide to create a Ghost Path Method on the spot.
For Oh Hyun-seok, I think of a Ghost Path Method that will strengthen his body with ghostly energy. For Kim Yeon, I create one that will train her consciousness with ghostly energy.
I infuse ghostly energy into them according to my intended operations.
After a while, the ghostly energy perfectly aligns with both of them, forming a basic Ghost Path Method.
It matches well with Oh Hyun-seok's Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method and flows smoothly without any conflict with Kim Yeon's Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon.
Soon, as ghostly energy forms within them, they open their eyes.
"This is..."
"Hmm, where are we, Eun-hyun?"
I explain the current situation to the two individuals, detailing the precautions in the Nether Ghost Realm, such as not reading celestial energy during the day.
Myself, Yeon Jin, Hong Fan, Kim Yeon, Jeon Myeong-hoon, and Oh Hyun-seok.
The six of us discuss our future plans and decide on our goals.
Our primary objective in the Nether Ghost Realm is to return to the Bright Cold Realm.
Next, Jeon Myeong-hoon and I aim to find the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
"And since we're already in the Nether Ghost Realm, it might be good to establish the Five Blessings Axes as well."
Yeon Wei, with her arms crossed, explains the true Orthodox Axis Foundation, also known as the Five Blessings Axes.
"...As you can see, the Five Blessings Axes are the proper foundation to establish. They are much stronger than the Five Elements Axes. Therefore, why not establish the Axis of Longevity which can be formed in the Nether Ghost Realm?"
Yeon Wei looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon and me as she speaks.
Currently, I am at the Four-Axis stage.
Jeon Myeong-hoon is half a step into the Four-Axis stage.
Kim Yeon and Oh Hyun-seok are at the Nascent Soul stage and the Core Formation stage respectively.
Hong Fan is about to enter the Four-Axis stage, so there's no need to worry about him.
According to Yeon Wei, one must be at least at the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage to perform the Axis Foundation Ceremony. Hence, it will be difficult for Oh Hyun-seok and Kim Yeon to establish their Axis in the Nether Ghost Realm even if they want to.
"Hmm, is it really necessary to establish these Five Blessings Axes?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon asks, seemingly uninterested.
Yeon Wei replies as if stating the obvious.
"Of course. The Five Blessings Axes are overwhelmingly stronger than the Five Elements Axes and are the true Orthodox Axis Foundation handed down from ancient times. Moreover, establishing the Five Blessings Axes makes it easier to advance to the Integration stage, and once you reach the Integration stage, the stability of the domain you form will be on a completely different level."
After listening to her, Jeon Myeong-hoon thinks for a moment before his eyes sparkle.
"But ancestor, didn't you say that establishing the Five Blessings Axes takes much longer than the Five Elements Axes? And without a thorough understanding of the Five Blessings, it's far more difficult to establish them, practically forcing one to undergo Understanding before Breakthrough?"
"Hmm, that's true."
"On the other hand, if one uses the Heterodox Axis Foundation for the Five Elements Axes, it can be established in less than a week."
"Well...it's not impossible if you have the skills, but are you planning to conduct the Axis Foundation Ceremony with the Five Elements Axes?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon nods.
"If I can establish the Five Blessings Axes, I will. But if not, I plan to establish the Five Elements Axes and quickly raise my cultivation."
"Hmm, why is that?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon takes out a wooden box from his bosom and strokes it with gleaming eyes.
"Because I need to quickly become stronger."
Crackle, crackle...
Subtle red lightning sparks around him, pushing away the surrounding ghostly energy.
"I need to become stronger as soon as possible, to elevate my cultivation as quickly as possible...to quell this anger."
Pajijijijik...!
"You said it's easier to reach the Integration stage? Even if I roughly establish the Axes with the Five Elements Axes, I am confident I can reach the Integration stage. Stability of the domain? Any instability can be fixed by filling it with Heavenly Tribulation...!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes spark with red lightning as he steels his resolve.
Yeon Wei, understanding yet slightly troubled, speaks.
"Hm, I understand what you mean. However, the quickest way to return to the Bright Cold Realm is to open a 'side path' like the Black Ghost Valley did. And...the easiest way to open a 'side path' is to establish at least three of the Five Blessings Axes and reach the late Four-Axis stage."
I'm puzzled by her words and ask.
"Can't we just ask the Black Ghost Valley to help us return to the Bright Cold Realm?"
"If you had come to the Nether Ghost Realm through the Black Ghost Valley's side path, that might be possible. But didn't you say you fell here by accident, not via the Black Ghost Valley? If you had come through the Black Ghost Valley, you would have the 'Dream Body' provided by the Nether Crossing Ship..."
She clicks her tongue and continues.
"There are four major forces in the Nether Ghost Realm. They are collectively known as the Three Palaces and One Island (三宮一島).
"The first is the Black Ghost Palace (黑色鬼骨宮). It's the main sect of the Black Ghost Valley. It's a sinister and secretive group with a reputation for being extremely closed-off. While the branch in the Bright Cold Realm is somewhat lenient in order to quickly expand its influence, the main sect is different. It's said to be extremely closed off due to many hidden secrets.
"The second is the Underworld Ghost Palace (幽冥鬼宮).
"It's the most widespread force. The Underworld Ghost Palace is the most famous in the Nether Ghost Realm, and its power and influence are immense. Research on Ghost Path Methods and devilish arts are actively conducted there, so the methods that spread from there influence the entire Nether Ghost Realm. More than 80% of the methods in circulation in the Nether Ghost Realm come from the Underworld Ghost Palace.
"The third is the Flower Painting Western Heaven Palace (花圖西天宮).
"In the ghostly energy-filled Nether Ghost Realm, they are lunatics who practice the Righteous Path Method of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness. Antagonistically in the Nether Ghost Realm, they gather life force and the power of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness, which is extremely effective against the creatures of the Nether Ghost Realm, making them a very powerful group. Rumors abound that they are connected to the 'ones above,' so it's best to avoid getting entangled with them.
"And lastly, the Penglai Island (蓬萊島)."
"Hm?"
I'm puzzled by the familiar name.
"That name is...similar to Penglai Palace?"
"...From what I've heard, Penglai Island also follows the same Mountain God as Penglai Palace. The Penglai Island in the Nether Ghost Realm knows about the Penglai Palace in the Bright Cold Realm, but they have no interest in each other. They share the same name and founder but do not care about each other, making them an unusual group. However, it's known that the Penglai Island here practices a devilish art rather than the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique..."
"Hmm..."
Hearing the name Penglai reminds me of the 'name' I saw within Hon Won's heart essence.
Cheon Ra (天羅).
A being with a name that means the Net of Heaven.
The name 'Penglai,' which exists everywhere in the Middle Realms, feels like a net to me.
'If Penglai is a net...'
What is it trying to catch?
I ponder for a moment.
Then it happens.
"...?"
I almost look up at the sky but remember Yeon Wei's warning and stop.
'What's this? It seems to have gotten darker...'
Apparently, it isn't just me who feels something strange as Jeon Myeong-hoon, Kim Yeon, Oh Hyun-seok, and Hong Fan also tilt their heads in confusion.
Hong Fan asks me.
"Master, doesn't it seem like everything around us has gotten darker?"
"...Yes, I feel it too."
I extend my consciousness to check if there are dark clouds, but there's nothing above us.
Kim Yeon and Jeon Myeong-hoon also feel uneasy and tilt their heads in confusion.
"It feels like this whole world has gotten a bit darker..."
"Right. Is it just our imagination...?"
Yeon Wei also tilts her head.
"Hmm...what phenomenon is this? Even the Head Realm seems a bit darker..."
Bright Cold Realm.
At the summit of Heavenly Lotus Mountain.
Above the white jade pavilion, Sacred Master Baek Woon groans with a trembling voice.
Kugugugugu—
The entire Heavenly Lotus Mountain shakes.
Simultaneously, the spiritual energy of the entire mountain starts to flow erratically.
No, it isn't just the Heavenly Lotus Mountain.
All the 'mountains' in the Bright Cold Realm that Sacred Master Baek Woon is aware of have their energy disrupted.
Sacred Master Baek Woon looks up at the sky with trembling eyes and speaks.
"Has that tyrannical one finally been confined? But the sky has darkened slightly. Does this mean that even They have sustained a critical injury...? How could this be...Did that tyrant hide such power? This is a sign similar to when They were cornered by Vast Cold 500,000 years ago..."
With a worried expression, Sacred Master Baek Woon bites her lip and adjusts the attraction force of the entire Bright Cold Realm, her eyes gleaming.
"If They have sustained a fatal injury and gone into seclusion, the protection of the Bright Cold Realm blessed by Them will also weaken. We must be even more vigilant."
Having said this, Sacred Master Baek Woon re-enters the white jade pavilion.
Wiiiiing—
The light emanating from the pavilion sweeps across the entire Bright Cold Realm.
"...Is it just a celestial phenomenon?"
After being on high alert with nothing happening, I finally relax.
Yeon Wei also loosens her expression.
"Well, if it's a celestial phenomenon happening on a universal scale, there's nothing we can do about it even if we understand it. Let's not worry and continue our conversation. Anyway, this Nether Ghost Realm is filled with such forces. Each force is extremely wary of each other, and outsiders are always suspected of being spies for the opposing forces."
"In other words...it's like how everyone in the Bright Cold Realm thinks everyone else is a spy from the Heart Tribe?"
"Exactly!"
"..."
"So, abandon the thought of using a side path from the other forces. The best way is for one of us to accumulate the Five Blessings Axes and open a side path ourselves."
Upon hearing this, Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at me and speaks.
"Then, it's best for you to accumulate the Longevity Axis or whatever it is."
"What...?"
"You're the most talented among us."
Yeon Wei nods in agreement.
"That's right. You are the only monster here with power comparable to the Integration stage, so it's best if you build the Longevity Axis. Even Hon Won took thousands of years to reach the Integration stage, but it took you less than 100 years to get there, didn't it? And the attraction force I sense from you...I don't know when you built it, but you've already established the Axis of Wealth as well. If it's you, you should be able to accumulate the Axes and open the side path in no time."
With a hopeful expression, Yeon Wei pats my shoulder.
"We have high hopes for you! You are our only hope, Seo Eun-hyun!"
On the first day of arriving in the Nether Ghost Realm, under the hopeful gazes of Yeon Wei, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok, Kim Yeon, and Hong Fan, I become everyone's hope for returning to the Bright Cold Realm.
***
"I believe in you, Seo Eun-hyun."
"Yeah. Honestly, if it's you, it wouldn't be surprising if you reached the Integration stage in just 10 years and broke through dimensions with your bare body to return to the Bright Cold Realm."
"As expected of Eun-hyun! I've believed in you since the company days!"
"I believe in you too, Oppa!"
"As expected of Master."
Yeon Wei, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok, Kim Yeon, and Hong Fan each shower me with their expectations.
I feel a cold sweat running down the back of my neck.
"..."
I need to clear up this misunderstanding.
"First, I think everyone is misunderstanding something...I...can wield power beyond my realm, but it's not as easy for me to rapidly rise through cultivation as you think."
"Haha, why say that, Master? Your talent is unparalleled. Please show us your eye-blinding talent!"
Hong Fan clenches his fist and looks at me with shining eyes, as if cheering me on.
"..."
For the first time in my life, I feel the urge to shut Hong Fan's mouth.
Seeing me slightly stiff, Yeon Wei laughs heartily.
"Ahaha, it's fine. Saying you'll reach the Integration stage in 10 years was a joke. Just do it in 100 years."
"...There seems to be a huge misunderstanding between us."
I press my temples firmly as my head starts to hurt.
However, Yeon Wei shakes her head instead.
"No, it's not a misunderstanding. Achieving the Five Blessings Axes is difficult if you don't know how, but if you do, it's actually quite easy. The concept of Understanding before Breakthrough is impossible if you don't grasp it, but once you do, it becomes very straightforward. I have wandered through the Nether Ghost, Ancient Force, and Purple Gold Realms, stacking three of the Five Blessings Axes. I can teach you anytime."
Yeon Wei continues speaking.
"And while you might think building the Five Blessings Axes is daunting now because you know nothing about it, your perspective will change once you give it a try."
"...?"
"Alright then. For now, everyone listen up about the Five Blessings Axes. Jeon Myeong-hoon, even if you're not planning to build it, you should at least hear about it!"
She gathers us and begins explaining the Five Blessings Axes.
The power and performance of the Five Blessings Axes, and 'how' to build such axes.
As I listen to her, I understand why those who know about the Five Blessings Axes, like those in the Black Ghost Valley, are so eager to expand their influence by any means.
And simultaneously, I am horrified.
"That's...that's...completely the Devilish Path!"
I exclaim to Yeon Wei with a stunned expression.
However, Yeon Wei tilts her head as if puzzled.
"Hmm, what do you mean? This isn't the Devilish Path, it's a survival competition. And also just a common barter."
"...Isn't that just deceiving the other party through a difference in cultivation realm rather than a fair exchange? Isn't the only difference between forcibly taking from them and this a matter of packaging it nicely?"
"Heh, you really haven't met any truly vile cultivators, have you? No, maybe it's because you possess such overwhelming talent that you don't understand desperation?"
Yeon Wei's words make my facial muscles twitch uncontrollably, but I hold back.
"Listen well. Even though my talent falls short compared to yours, as a senior who has lived desperately, I will give you some advice. Immortal Cultivation is about 'taking.' Take from the Devilish Path, take from the Righteous Path, take from the spirit demons (yokai), and take from your enemies to elevate yourself. That is Immortal Cultivation! Take away anything that stands in the way of your will, no matter who or what it is. Even if it's an evil ghost, an enemy, or even a comrade. Even if it's a betrothed with whom a thousand-year union has been promised, taking it to complete yourself is the true meaning of Immortal Cultivation!"
Thud!
Yeon Wei approaches me with cold eyes and jabs her finger into my chest.
"Stop speaking the words of someone full. If you've chosen the path of a cultivator, show more poison. Even if the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is in decline, weren't you once part of it? If you've inherited the will of Ancestor Golden Divine, then be even more ruthless!"
Flinch!
Somehow, I feel that the presence before me isn't just Yeon Wei.
'I see...'
She is a descendant of Yang Su-jin.
Perhaps Yang Su-jin didn't just leave his will in the form of a lingering thought on Shattered Heaven Peak.
All his descendants, including those of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
They all carry on the will of the Golden Divine, inheriting the heart of a cultivator filled with poison.
Once again, I am facing Yang Su-jin.
"..."
But I can't simply deny this will.
There is too much at stake on my shoulders to deny this will.
"...I'm sorry."
"It's good if you understand. So, you understand that you need the necessary materials to build the Five Blessings Axes, right?"
"Yes."
To acquire the Five Blessings Axes, one needs the Middle Realms equivalent to the Bright Cold Realm such as the Ancient Force, Nether Ghost, Purple Gold, and Blood Yin.
However, these Middle Realms are merely 'intermediaries.'
What is truly needed is 'influence.'
"First, as you said, we need to gather influence."
"How do you plan to gather influence?"
"At the Black Ghost Valley, I previously heard about the characteristics of ghosts. I'd like to hear a bit more from Senior about these characteristics and the Nether Ghost Realm..."
"Like what?"
"...For example..."
I ask Yeon Wei about the ghosts and spirit creatures of the Nether Ghost Realm, and she answers my questions.
It's just as I had thought, and I explain my plan to her.
Hearing my plan, she gives a wry smile with a dumbfounded expression.
"...Is that...possible?"
"Yes."
"...Ha, what a pity. How about instead of returning to the Bright Cold Realm, you stake your claim in the Nether Ghost Realm? If you grow your influence here for about 60,000 years, as you said, you could restructure the Nether Ghost Realm into not the current Four Forces of Three Palaces and One Island but Five Forces!"
She speaks with a slightly excited expression, but seeing that neither I nor Jeon Myeong-hoon, nor the others share her enthusiasm, she deflates a bit.
"Hm hm. Well, if everyone wants to return, there's no helping it. It's just a shame. Anyway! Let's gather information about this area, find a suitable place, and establish our influence!"
"Yes, let's do that."
We stand up and decide to first gather information about the surrounding area and then find a place to settle.
Step, step...
I temporarily part from my colleagues and follow the river upstream from where we had landed.
The others, centered around Jeon Myeong-hoon who has mastered the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body, decided to head downstream, while I, on the contrary, head upstream.
The others can't use their full strength due to the ghostly energy of the Nether Ghost Realm, so they stick together. On the other hand, thanks to the Great Desert to Dead Sea, I am actually stronger here than in the Bright Cold Realm, making information gathering more efficient if I'm alone.
'It feels a bit lonely.'
I sway my 19 heads in my Ghost King form.
Perhaps because the Ghost Path Method suited his nature, Seo Li liked this form, but I think General Seo's form is more imposing, so I don't particularly like it.
Step, step...
Sometimes walking, sometimes using the Flying Escape Technique, how long do I move upstream?
"Hmm...is this a city of the Nether Ghost Realm?"
I smile with ghost fire glowing from my 38 eyes.
Far ahead, at the basin above a large mountain peak where the river begins.
There, I feel the presence of numerous ghosts.
"Hmm..."
As I climb higher, a colossal city wall similar to the one I had seen in the Head Realm comes into view.
There doesn't seem to be a gatekeeper in front of the gate, but I soon realize why.
"You there, do you wish to enter Black River City?"
Kugugugugu!
The upper part of the main gate's city wall wriggles, and a huge eyeball pops out.
At the same time, the gate transforms into something like a 'mouth'.
'Hoh, did they attach a ghost to the wall itself?'
The wall itself is the gatekeeper and the gate.
Flying over the wall is not an option due to the dense barrier laid over it, making it so that one must obtain permission from this gatekeeper ghost to enter.
"This ghost. I don't know where you came from, but do you have an identity...heok!"
The wall ghost, writhing and fully revealing its face, seems to want to say something to me but freezes for a moment upon seeing me.
"...Do you have something to say?"
When I ask curiously, the wall ghost stammers for a moment before smiling.
"Ah, it's nothing, elder. At a glance, you seem to be a noble elder of the Ghost Lineage (鬼脈). I apologize for my daring rudeness."
"Hmm, no need. It's only natural for a gatekeeper."
"Thank you! In fact, to enter Black River City, there's a need to restrict one's consciousness a bit..."
The wall ghost cautiously asks me.
"However, if elder does not wish to, there is no need."
"It's fine. If that's the rule of this city, I'll follow it."
Suppressing my consciousness, I ask.
"Is this much enough?"
"Th-thank you! Please enjoy your visit to the Black River City, elder!"
Awkwardly smiling as it looks at my faces, it opens its mouth wide to let me enter the city easily.
"Hmm..."
It seems that the death deeply ingrained in my soul is quite effective even in the Nether Ghost Realm.
'Unlike the fussy Human Race, in the Nether Ghost Realm, being acknowledged as a great ghost means no need for an identity plaque.'
Indeed, thinking about it, just having the form of death implies having died multiple times, making one truly a ghost among ghosts.
In the world of ghosts, nothing could be stranger than demanding identification from a ghost among ghosts.
Slowly walking into Black River City, I let out a small sigh.
"Ho..."
'This is even more diverse than what I saw in the True Dragon Alliance.'
Various races are wandering the streets, from normal-looking ghosts to utterly grotesque ones. There are even those who are not ghosts but walking undead creatures like jiangshi or animated monsters of white bones.
Even among the jiangshi and white bone monsters, there are countless types, and the same goes for the ghosts and ghost kings.
Even just within 5 zhang:
An old man holding a flower basket.
A three-headed jiangshi dog, a lizard made entirely of bones, a transparent ghost that appears to be just a floating hat and robe.
A shadow-like ghostly creature, a ghost king with a pitch-black body and no face like an egg ghost, a tree ghost moving around completely soaked in blood.
A maiden ghost in a white funeral dress who looks no different from a human, except for her pale complexion.
All sorts of beings roam around.
"This is the Nether Ghost Realm..."
As I look around with interest.
Sshaaaaaa—
The surrounding ghosts emanate an intent of fear, clearing the path wherever I walk.
As a result, a wide path forms wherever I go.
"..."
Their pale complexions and gloomy color of intent made me think it was due to them cultivating Ghost Path Methods.
But it seems it's not the Ghost Path Methods, but me.
"...Ahem."
When I awkwardly clear my throat, the ghosts distance themselves even more from me.
'...It's quite quiet here. Do ghostly creatures not shout to attract customers or haggle like humans do?'
While I look around, I hear a noisy commotion from another street in Black River City and head that way.
'Just what could be causing such a ruckus among these quiet ghosts?'
Soon.
I enter the bustling market street of Black River Castle.
"..."
And as I enter, the market street falls silent.
Then, from the direction of the street I have just left, sounds begin to grow, eventually turning into a cacophony of a bustling market.
The ghosts were neither pale nor gloomy just because they are ghosts, nor were ghostly creatures quiet by nature.
'Damn it...was it because of me that everyone kept their mouths shut?'
In this regard, the ghosts in the Bright Cold Realm and the Head Realm who screamed and ran away at the sight of me are far better.
'Why is there such a difference between the ghosts of the Nether Ghost Realm and those of other realms?'
I turn my gaze to the will-o'-the-wisp that had been energetically soliciting other ghosts before I arrived.
'It was definitely the loudest and most vigorous ghost...'
"Hey there."
"Hic!"
The will-o'-the-wisp, seemingly female in its past life, trembles with a frail voice.
"I have a question."
"Y-Yes!!! Elder!!! I'm not tasty! I'm at most just at the Qi Building stage, so even if elder eats me, you won't feel a thing..."
"No, no. I'm not here to eat you...I'm just curious. Come here."
When I beckon with my hand, the will-o'-the-wisp emits an intent of almost fainting, its originally blue body turning white with fear.
However, the egg ghost that had been using the will-o'-the-wisp to advertise its shop pushes it towards me in terror and panic.
Thud!
The will-o'-the-wisp, shoved by its master, falls in front of me and trembles in fear, flickering as if about to go out.
I use voice transmission so others can't hear and ask.
[Do you know the difference between the ghosts who scream and run away at the sight of me and you?]
It doesn't seem to be a difference in cultivation, so why are these beings trembling in fear and silence rather than going wild?
"I-I don't know. Actually, if you permit me, I'd like to scream too...may I, please...?"
The will-o'-the-wisp babbles nonsense in a voice that sounds on the brink of insanity.
"Hmm, it seems you're in no state to answer."
I realize I have asked a ghost with too low a cultivation.
I hand the will-o'-the-wisp back to the egg ghost and look around.
"Let's see...is there no ghost of Nascent Soul stage or higher..."
And just as I mutter that.
Kuaaaaang!
Suddenly, there's an explosion in the market street, and a jiangshi and a tree ghost are frantically running in opposite directions like mad.
Both are clearly Nascent Soul stage ghosts.
"Hey, wait...!"
'Damn it. They must have misunderstood something I said!'
Concluding that all of this is due to the appearance caused by the Great Desert to Dead Sea, I decide to turn my body back into my human form.
'It seems that even in the Nether Ghost Realm, I'm seen as a crazy madman who carries around the heads of cultivators of the same level. This won't do. No matter how unimportant appearances are, communication is still necessary. Seo Li, why did you have to complete the Great Desert to Dead Sea like this...?'
The current Great Desert to Dead Sea is a quite well-structured and highly completed method, so even for me, it will take quite a while to modify it to give a normal appearance.
Cursing Seo Li's taste inwardly, I resolve to deal with this Great Desert to Dead Sea somehow in the future.
For now, I use the ground-shrinking technique to chase the slightly slower tree ghost while slowly undoing the Ghost King Transformation of the Great Desert to Dead Sea.
Gradually, I revert to my ordinary appearance, clad in white robes.
"Hey, I've changed to a form that won't cause you repulsion! I don't intend to harm you, I just want to share a short conversation so please answer my questions."
At that moment.
The tree ghost turns its head to look at me and instead shrieks even more crazily.
"Kyaaaaaaaaaa! Please forgive me, elder! Please! Please! Kyaaaaaa!"
Kugugugugu!
As I chase the tree ghost until I reach its back, it wears a face as if it's about to faint, and uses the Flying Escape Technique to flee entirely beyond Black River City, even at the cost of harming its cultivation.
Dumbfounded at the scene, I touch my face.
'No, just why in the world is it screaming at me?'
As I'm flustered, I suddenly feel a sense of incongruity and look around. The street, which had been bustling with ghostly creatures, is now completely empty.
All the ghostly creatures had fled upon seeing my human face.
"...This won't do."
Feeling annoyed, I fly towards the center of Black River City.
To the ghost king exuding the aura of the Heavenly Being stage.
"Hey, are you the lord of this city?"
In the palace at the center of Black River City, a skull-faced ghostly creature clad in rags sits cross-legged on top of the palace eaves.
I sense several presences inside the palace, but they all seem connected to the skull-faced ghost, appearing to be its puppets.
I also realize that this skull-faced ghost, seemingly the lord of Black River City, is incredibly fearful of me.
"Y-Yes, elder. I am the lord of this city."
"Alright. That's good. Just why is everyone so afraid of me?"
The lord of Black River City, Mang Gol, trembles as he glances up at the madman before him.
'Heavens above, why do you give me such trials?'
-x-X-x-
The ghosts of the Nether Ghost Realm all have one thing in common: they crave the 'body of the living.'
Even if it isn't the body of the living, they yearn desperately for any vessel that can house their soul, such as the body of a jiangshi or a structure like that of the wall ghost.
The reason is simple.
They are all ghostly creatures, constantly suffering from the attraction force of the Netherworld.
There are generally three methods to withstand the attraction force of the Netherworld.
The first is the simplest: using one's own cultivation to resist. This is only feasible for Ghost Kings of at least the Four-Axis stage.
The second is to capture other ghostly creatures and offer them as substitute sacrifices to temporarily reduce one's own attraction force. This is typically done among vengeful spirits who hold grudges against each other, or by particularly cruel evil spirits performing devilish rituals. However, this ritual is often avoided even by those of the Devilish Path as each time the ritual is performed, it actually strengthens the death aura of the initiator, increasing the attraction force of the Netherworld even further.
The third method is to obtain a 'body'. Whether it's the city wall of the wall ghost, or the decaying flesh of a jiangshi, as long as it's a 'vessel' that somewhat suits them, it will allow considerable freedom from the Netherworld's attraction force.
Among these, the 'body of the living' is of the highest value. Even a Ghost King with a significant amount of death will gain tremendous freedom from the Netherworld's attraction force if they possess the body of the living. Although the body will lose its vitality, the ghost can still move quite freely as if they are alive.
Of course, as time passes, the body will become more like that of the deceased, but in the Nether Ghost Realm, the body of the living is the ultimate tool for prolonging life.
Furthermore, a Ghost King who obtains the body of the living can conceal the 'death' surrounding their body within the living flesh, making it less noticeable.
However, this old monster before him is carrying an enormous amount of 'death' processed through 19 heads.
This much is understandable.
After long cultivation in the depths of the Nether Ghost Realm, it's possible to reach such a state. Moreover, if one gazes too long at the sky and is eroded by an Entering Nirvana True Person who mastered devilish arts, it isn't entirely impossible.
Though a puppet of such an Entering Nirvana True Person might go berserk at any time, it is still within the bounds of common sense.
But, a being with such insane levels of death actually possesses the body of a living.
'W-What's more, only the appearance has changed. The death aura hasn't diminished at all...!'
This means that he wasn't intentionally revealing the appearance of that Ghost King due to the power of his Ghost Path Method, but rather that 'the aura of death he emits normally' is just at that level.
This suggests two possibilities.
First, this madman had deliberately obtained the body of the living and repeated suicide 19 times to obtain such insane levels of death.
Second, he had offered tens of millions of other ghost souls as sacrifices to the Netherworld, continually strengthening his own death to reach his current state.
Either way, he is quite the madman and malevolent spirit.
'No, if it's the first case, then the fact that the form of death is so distinct means that the 'suicide ritual' that the old monster underwent isn't some kind of method or ceremony, but actual suicide. Such a thing is impossible unless one is a True Immortal or a Reaper...meaning he obtained hundreds of bodies of the living and performed 'suicide rituals' with them.'
Mang Gol, facing a mad old monster for the first time since becoming the City Lord of Black River City, has no idea how to respond.
"Answer me, Black River City Lord. Why does everyone flee upon seeing my face? Is it that the body of the living is repulsed in the Nether Ghost Realm? Or is my face somehow frightening?"
As the old monster with a serious expression approaches while questioning them, Mang Gol, trembling, notices something.
'Just why is he asking me such a question? Wait a minute, this old monster...does he really not know?'
A sudden possibility flashes through Mang Gol's mind.
'I see! This lunatic must have lost his memory after repeatedly performing dangerous rituals like the 'suicide ritual'! I've heard that one can lose their sense of self while cultivating ghost methods, and this old monster must be a prime example of that.'
Cautiously, Mang Gol asks the old monster.
"E-Elder. You wouldn't be thinking of offering me as a sacrifice, would you...?"
"I have no such intention."
'That means he's not an evil spirit who offered millions as sacrifices! My assumption is correct!'
He slightly pats his chest in relief and explains to the crazy, senile, demented old monster before it.
He explains the situation to Seo Eun-hyun.
________________________________________
"...So..."
I understand the situation.
Ultimately, revealing the body of the living was the bigger problem.
An old monster with 19 heads is an uncommon but comprehensible creature owing to the peculiarity of cultivation methods and the inherent danger posed by True Persons.
However, possessing a living body while emitting such a level of death is either the mark of a madman or an evil spirit who delights in offering numerous sacrifices.
'It seems that getting entangled with the ghost path makes me seem like a mad old monster every time.'
I also realize why the reactions of ghosts from the Nether Ghost Realm differ from those of ghosts from other realms.
"In the Nether Ghost Realm, death energy is always suppressed due to the gazes of the 'ones above' This allows the ghostly creatures in the Nether Ghost Realm to engage in relatively normal activities even in the presence of stronger ghosts.... However, it also means that they must judge others based on the form, size, and general aura of death, rather than intuitively sensing death. And to be honest, elder, the 'general aura of death' around you alone feels significantly dangerous..."
"..."
In short, my very existence is lethal to the ghosts of the Nether Ghost Realm.
'...Damn it. Is it better to live with the appearance of having 19 heads dangling?'
I sigh softly and turn to the City Lord of Black River City in front of me to express my gratitude.
"Alright, thank you for the valuable information."
While I was in the Bright Cold Realm, this problem never crossed my mind as everyone possesses the body of the living.
Even Yeon Wei, as a living being herself, doesn't know about this issue and hadn't taught me about it.
"No, elder. A person of your stature is undoubtedly a member of the distinguished Ghost Lineage. It is I who is honored to be of assistance."
Mang Gol bows deeply, smiling.
The initial fear he had shown towards me has diminished somewhat, and there is now a faint hope of gaining some benefit by serving me well starting to spark in his eyes.
'This works out well. This guy seems useful. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have him as a subordinate when forming my force.'
Feeling a change in the celestial energy, I turn my gaze to the horizon instead of directly looking at the sky.
'Oh, it's 'night' now.'
Not the eyes of Entering Nirvana True Persons, but as the 'true stars' emerge in the sky, the yin energy becomes stronger.
"The night in the Nether Ghost Realm...is beautiful."
I marvel quietly at the sky filled with yin energy, and the endless starlight that pierces through the yin energy to shine down on the earth.
The Nether Ghost Realm is brighter at night than during the day.
As the gazes of the Entering Nirvana True Persons are obscured by the attraction force of the stars, there is no longer any need to worry, and I look up at the sky.
Then, a sudden thought crosses my mind.
'Wait, they said that 'death' is usually suppressed by the gazes of the True Persons in the Nether Ghost Realm...but what happens when their gazes are obscured by the attraction force of the stars...?'
And that question is soon answered.
[Huuuaaaaaah! It's a great ghost!!!]
Mang Gol, who had been answering my questions with a hint of subtle expectation just moments ago, suddenly loses his rationality, screams madly, abandons his skeletal body and flees somewhere, even leaving behind Black River City.
"..."
Wooooong―
I suddenly feel the wall ghost residing in the city walls abandoning its vessel and fleeing away, sensing my death.
Sweeping my consciousness across the entire Black River City, I sense nothing.
The once bustling Black River City, which hosted a large gathering of a variety of ghosts, has become a desolate ruin, all due to my presence.
On my first day in the Nether Ghost Realm,
I succeeded in annihilating Black River City.
"..."
________________________________________
"So, you didn't get any information?"
"That is correct."
"Hmmm...well, it can't be helped. It doesn't matter much, since we have information I gathered."
Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of Yeon Wei and Hong Fan, Jeon Myeong-hoon and Kim Yeon, a significant amount of information has been gathered downstream.
"First, the place we've fallen to is the White Yin Domain. It is an area situated between the territories of the Underworld Ghost Palace and Penglai Island, making it one of the non-aggression zones between the two factions.
Her explanation continues.
"And there's some good news...it turns out that White Yin Domain contains a crucial element required for establishing the Five Blessings Axes."
I recall her earlier explanation.
There are several essential requirements needed to build the Five Blessings Axes.
First, a True Immortal, or a Middle Realm that governs the concept of the respective axis.
Second, an 'influence' to gather the materials needed to build the axis.
And lastly, the 'Void Spirit Pond.'
Naturally, the first and second requirements are either impossible to obtain on our own or too easy to acquire, so Yeon Wei wouldn't be making a fuss about them. What she is referring to has to be the last one.
"So, this White Yin Domain...contains a Void Spirit Pond?"
"Huhu, that's right. I've heard that one of the reasons this place became a non-aggression zone is that both Penglai Island and the Underworld Ghost Palace had too many useless skirmishes over the Void Spirit Pond in the White Yin Domain, so they mutually decided to abandon it."
The Void Spirit Pond is an incredibly important resource.
For forces knowledgeable about the Five Blessings Axes, it's an indispensable site. Even to those unaware of the Five Blessings Axes, it's a valuable resource for easily recruiting genius-level talents from the lower realms, making it an excellent talent acquisition site.
However, according to Yeon Wei, using the Void Spirit Pond merely as a 'talent acquisition site' is an enormous waste.
"Of course, I did say it is a waste, but as it functions to sweep up a significant number of geniuses, it is still important. However, the Void Spirit Pond in White Yin Domain is quite small, so it hardly serves as a talent acquisition site. Even when it does, it's very rare...ultimately, both factions declared the White Yin Domain as a non-aggression zone due to the unprofitable Void Spirit Pond."
'Hmm, if that's the case, it could be useful for escaping the Nether Ghost Realm in case of emergency.'
The reason we fell into the White Yin Domain was likely heavily influenced by the Void Spirit Pond.
As such, there might be a higher possibility of opening a side path more easily in the Void Spirit Pond than in other places.
"By the way, if it's not the Underworld Ghost Palace or Penglai Island, then who is currently managing the Void Spirit Pond in the White Yin Domain?"
"I was about to tell you that too. It's jointly managed by the three major Ghost Path Forces of White Yin Domain: White Vein Gate, Shadow Yin Gate, and Death Corpse Sect. From what I've heard, they are only using it as a talent acquisition site rather than for establishing the Five Blessings Axes, which is akin to putting pearls before swine."
Yeon Wei grins at me and Jeon Myeong-hoon alternately.
"Understand? We need to rip the pearls from the swine and carry out Seo Eun-hyun's plan to expand our forces and build the Longevity Axis!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon and I glance at each other, smiling slightly, and nod.
"Let's do it."
All the information has been gathered, and the plan set.
All that is left is to take action.
Thus, Jeon Myeong-hoon and I move.
________________________________________
White Vein Gate, a sect that practices white bone-related spirit methods.
Shadow Yin Gate, a sect that practices shadow and ghost king-related methods.
Death Corpse Sect, a sect that practices jiangshi methods.
White Yin Domain was a peaceful area managed harmoniously by these three sects.
The three sects also took turns using the Void Spirit Pond, and their sect leaders were on friendly terms, so things ran quite smoothly.
But peace doesn't last forever.
One day, a disturbance occurred in White Yin Domain.
A mad old monster with 19 heads and his subordinate dragging six shadows appeared and occupied the Void Spirit Pond, the secret site of the three major sects of White Yin Domain.
And those vicious ghost cultivators did not stop there; they spread out across White Yin Domain, kidnapping ghost souls and jiangshi who were living peacefully, forcing them into labor in the area they occupied.
The sudden outrageous acts of the old monsters led the three major forces of White Yin Domain to convene an emergency meeting.
The sect leaders of the three major forces of White Yin Domain, all cultivators at the Four-Axis stage, gathered at the White Vein Gate with serious expressions.
The convener of this emergency meeting, White Vein Sect Leader Baek Rin, began speaking in a grave tone.
"You all know why I've called you here. Today...we need to discuss the mad old monster who suddenly appeared in White Yin Domain, occupied the Void Spirit Pond, and is causing havoc. We will also discuss the heretical cult he established that is indiscriminately kidnapping the ghost spirits of White Yin Domain to convert as followers, the Wuji Religious Order (無極敎團)."
Translator Notes: The Wuji (무극) in this context is in direct contrast to the Six Extremes (육극). It basically means non-suffering.
***
The atmosphere in the conference room is tense.
"The Wuji Religious Order...the damage caused by that cult is enormous."
"I've heard that their malicious cult has already captured countless ghosts, jiangshi, and white bone yokai, turning them into followers. Just what kind of spell are they using...?"
"It's obvious from a glance! They must have used some sinister sorcery to brainwash the innocent jiangshi!"
Wei Shi-hon, the sect leader of the Death Corpse Sect, slams the round table, exuding corpse energy furiously.
"What use is there in discussing this here!? We must immediately capture and punish all the lackeys of that devilish cult who are capturing and brainwashing the innocent yokai right now!"
The enraged Wei Shi-hon's attraction force begins to distort the surrounding space.
Seeing this, Eum Wa, the sect leader of the Shadow Yin Gate, speaks in a calm voice.
Dressed in a pitch-black veil, Eum Wa reveals a pale white hand from within the shadowy veil, dispersing Wei Shi-hon's attraction force.
"Calm yourself, Sect Leader Wei. Even if we attack right now, it's not certain we can defeat that old monster. What if we lose? That mad old monster might seek revenge on our subordinates. Or worse, the devilish cult might brainwash us with their sinister sorcery, turning us into fanatical followers."
"So, you're suggesting we just sit here and debate like cowards?"
"I'm saying we need to prepare for the possibility of defeat."
Watching the two with conflicting opinions, Baek Rin clears his throat.
"Both of your points are valid. First, we need to figure out how to deal with the followers of the devilish cult, and we also need to consider the possibility of defeat by the unexpectedly powerful old monster. What we need right now is information. It's already been around a month since that old monster occupied our Void Spirit Pond. It may be a short time, but it's not insignificant. This Baek has gathered some information myself, and I intend to share it here. If the leaders of the Shadow Yin Gate and Death Corpse Sect have any information, please share as well."
Having said that, Baek Rin begins to reveal the information he has gathered.
"First, the information collected by the White Vein Gate. Our sect was in charge of the Void Spirit Gate when that old monster occupied it. According to the testimonies of our disciples who witnessed the scene, the old monster and his subordinate's devilish arts have these characteristics."
Chwaruruk!
Baek Rin takes out a hanging scroll from his storage scroll and spreads it on the table.
The scroll depicts a scene of a monster with nineteen heads rampaging in the Void Spirit Pond, recorded in the form of a video.
The three leaders watch the scene with gleaming eyes.
"That method..."
"I think I've seen it somewhere before."
Baek Rin claps his hands.
"There was a previous encounter of collaborating with the Yin Ghosts affiliated with the Black Ghost Palace. Among the methods they used was one called 'Ghost Immortal Kui Devilish Secrets.' The method that monster uses appears very similar to that Ghost Immortal Kui Devilish Secrets. Of course, there are also other peculiar abilities, unique forms, and unknown flows mixed in, making it hard to confirm, but there is a high likelihood that this old monster is connected to the Black Ghost Palace."
"What, connected to the Black Ghost Palace!?"
"Damn it, does this mean the Black Ghost Palace is targeting the non-aggression zone between the Underworld Ghost Palace and Penglai Island?"
"There's reason to think so."
A murmur of discontent arises from the three leaders.
"Especially there. Look at the subordinate of that old monster, spraying black lightning!"
Their eyes fix on a monstrous figure spewing black lightning from all over its body.
The monster has six shadows at its feet.
The six shadows dance and sing around the monster, continuously spitting out pitch-black lightning.
The black lightning emitted by the monster causes the defensive formation deployed by the White Vein Gate, Shadow Yin Gate, and Death Corpse Sect to melt like snow touched by fire.
"Kugh, of all things, it's lightning energy, which is highly incompatible for ghostly creatures. I don't know how they did it, but refining the lightning of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness into a curse and using it...it's impressive."
Wei Shi-hon frowns, seemingly in pain from a headache.
However, Eum Wa seems to realize something and gasps in surprise.
"That's the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body!?"
"Hmm? A devilish art you recognize?"
"Of course, I've faced it in my youth. It's not something created by the main branch of the Black Ghost Palace, but by a branch in another dimension. They interpreted the techniques of a rival sect in that dimension to create it. It was so effective that it spread to the main branch. By refining the lightning of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness into a curse, it can counter the righteous methods of the Flower Painting Western Heaven Palace, and just brushing against it can cause fatal injuries to other ghostly creatures. It's a terrifying technique."
"Kughmm...so, they are indeed under the influence of Black Ghost Palace?"
Baek Rin shakes his head at Wei Shi-hon's concern.
"I don't think so. Look at that old monster. Having 19 forms of death in one body—such a thing cannot occur naturally unless he's an insane madman who deliberately obtains bodies and repeatedly commits suicide. So 'why' have such things appeared on that old monster's body? It's simple."
He speaks in a voice full of conviction.
"Although that person might have previously belonged to the Black Ghost Palace, he must have gone insane under the erosion of some Entering Nirvana True Person!"
"Hmm...!"
"A monster eroded by a True Person...?"
Eum Wa speaks with a worried expression.
"If that's the case, then what that evil cult worships might be..."
"Most likely a True Person. They might be trying to descend the avatar of the True Person into this land."
"Such wickedness! Sacred Master Yu Oh won't allow it!"
"We can only hope so."
The three of them wear serious expressions for a while.
After some time, the video showing the old monster's battle disappears, and Baek Rin begins to explain the old monster's combat power, techniques, and characteristics that he has analyzed to the others.
"This is the information we've gathered and analyzed from the White Vein Gate. Please share your information as well."
With those words, Eum Wa takes out a hanging scroll from her storage scroll.
"I investigated the Wuji Religious Order through the shadow ghosts of the Shadow Yin Gate. There wasn't much time, so I couldn't uncover everything, but I did gather information on the current leadership of the Wuji Religious Order, their appearances, backgrounds, and roles."
She begins her explanation.
"First, there is the Black-White Devil Ghost Yeon Jin, who is presumed to be the military strategist of the Wuji Religious Order and the concubine of the old monster. Despite being only at the Core Formation stage, she is often seen by the side of the old monster or his subordinate Jeon Myeong-hoon, constantly engaging in conversation. Although her cultivation is low, she must be a person of great strategic talent. If we can't assassinate the old monster, our next target should be her."
Baek Rin and Wei Shi-hon imprint Eum Wa's words in their minds, their eyes shining.
"Next are the Four Great Law Protectors of the Wuji Religious Order. The Chief Law Protector, Six Extremes Ghost King, Jeon Myeong-hoon. As you saw in the recent records from the White Vein Gate, he uses the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body, and additionally employs blood-crimson red lightning. The red lightning, in particular, possesses tremendous power and is extremely dangerous to us, making it imperative that we avoid being hit by it at all costs. Even a graze could be fatal, so if we ever engage in battle, he is not someone to face head-on. In particular, it is said that at night, he always sits atop the cult's building, constantly stroking 'someone's hand'."
"Hmm...peculiar indeed."
"As expected of the Chief Law Protector of the devilish cult. It's a position that cannot be reached by normal individuals."
They read through the information, murmuring softly.
Dragging six shadows, wielding black and red lightning, and caressing the hand of a deceased at night, that is the Chief Law Protector of the devilish cult!
Thinking of such a terrifying existence, they inwardly hope never to encounter Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"Next are the Left Law Protector, the Mysterious Bizarre Ghost King, Kim Yeon, and the Right Law Protector, the Soul Extinguishing Ghost King, Oh Hyun-seok. We have no information on the Right Law Protector Oh Hyun-seok as he is dedicated to his training. However, Kim Yeon is known for her vile role in brainwashing the captured into followers. Any virtuous ghostly creatures who pass through her hands all turn into fanatical devotees of the Wuji Religious Order. She is undoubtedly an evil spirit skilled in sinister consciousness methods."
"Such wickedness...!"
"She must be eliminated at all costs!"
"Lastly, there is the Guardian Law Protector named Hong Fan. There is no information about him at all. We only just barely managed to learn his name. It is suspected that he is always by the side of the old monster, protecting him, presumably in the position of the Cult Guardian. Here is the general information about the methods and techniques they use. "
Eum Wa takes out another hanging scroll and unfolds it.
"With only a short month worth of time, we couldn't uncover much."
"No, this is more than enough."
"Excellent work, Shadow Yin Gate Leader!"
The eyes of those who read the information finally turn to the Sect Leader of the Death Corpse Sect, Wei Shi-hon.
"Both the White Vein Gate and the Shadow Yin Gate have done excellently. Although I wasn't able to obtain such detailed and high-quality information, I did discover one important thing."
Wi Shi-hon grins slyly as he speaks.
"That is, there is something suspicious about the cultivation method of the Wuji Religious Order's leader."
With a sinister expression, he raises his finger.
"First, I had our informants monitor the religious order's movements, and one peculiar pattern emerged. The cult leader, that old monster, seems to normally roam the cult grounds during the 'day', engaging in some sinister activities with the followers. However, at 'night,' he retreats and locks himself in his quarters, never coming out. Moreover, he surrounds his quarters in thick, black curses to prevent anyone from entering."
Wi Shi-hon looks at Baek Rin.
"Isn't that strange? For us ghostly creatures, the night of the Nether Ghost Realm is a much more favorable time for activity than the day. Considering Sect Leader Baek's earlier speculation that the old monster might be eroded by an Entering Nirvana True Person, doesn't this lead to an interesting hypothesis?"
"Could it be...!?"
"Exactly that 'could it be'! That old monster is an old ghost being eroded by a True Person, and the source of his terrifying power comes from those True Persons above! Therefore, at night, when the gazes of those above are obscured, he shuts himself in his quarters, sealing it tightly with curses to prevent anyone from entering!"
"Indeed...!"
Baek Rin and Eum Wa's faces brighten.
"In other words, the night is highly likely the old monster's weakness! Therefore, I propose that we all join forces and launch a full-scale attack at night!"
________________________________________
The depths of the Wuji Religious Order.
In the basement where the Void Spirit Pond is located.
I sit on the cult leader's seat and sigh.
'How did it come to this?'
Creak, creak, creak!
With the sound of something creaking echoing, two ghostly creatures appear from inside the basement along with Yeon Wei.
With a broad smile, Yeon Wei excessively bows towards me and shouts.
"Strategist Yeon Wei greets the Cult Leader!"
"Fo-Follower Gwak Seung greets the Cult Leader."
"Follower Wei Reum greets the Cult Leader."
Following Yeon Wei, the two ghostly creatures prostrate themselves before me.
I shake my nineteen heads with gleaming eyes.
Then, putting on a majestic facade, I speak.
[Are you the new recruits?]
"Y-Yes! We have already undergone the 'procedure' by the Left Law Protector Mysterious Bizarre Ghost King."
[Come closer.]
Originally jiangshi, their bodies have been modified into living puppets by Kim Yeon.
My initial plan was this:
I intended to create a sect that would provide 'bodies' to the ghostly creatures of the Nether Ghost Realm who suffer from attraction force due to the lack of a vessel by using the Mad Lord's puppets.
The puppets of the Mad Lord were originally designed to cultivate artificial souls, so with some modifications, they could also be used as bodies for ordinary souls.
Of course, this plan is possible because it's me, who has studied his puppets for a thousand years, and the Mad Lord's disciple, Kim Yeon.
With the puppets of the Mad Lord that seem to be from a completely different era in expertise compared to ordinary puppet masters, the idea was to provide significant comfort to the ghostly creatures.
However, Yeon Wei's response was more intense than I had expected, and just as she anticipated, the promise of puppet bodies caused every ghostly creature to flock to the Wuji Religious Order.
'But originally, I just intended to form a moderate sect or establish a new branch...'
I had no intention of becoming the leader of such a cult.
It was only because Yeon Wei insisted that founding a cult would be more effective for building the Longevity Axis that the Wuji Religious Order was established.
'Just what is all this? The Palace of Heavenly Demons was one thing, but a religious order? It's not even a pseudoreligious cult.'
I complain inwardly as I reach out to the followers kneeling before me.
[I shall bestow my [Grace] upon you, do not refuse it.]
"Yes, Cult Leader."
"We believe in thee."
Kiiiiing—
Circuits emerge on the bodies of the jiangshi that have undergone the puppet procedure by Kim Yeon.
At the same time, their bodies are completely modified into puppets.
"Huh, huaaaah! What is this power...!?"
"This comfort...! Ahh...! The attraction force of the Netherworld has weakened!"
In addition, I pour the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation into the circuits of the puppets.
The areas that induce 'pain' within the puppet structure and circuits operated on by Kim Yeon and I are all dismantled, allowing them to only feel the comfort provided by the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation.
"It feels like a body of the living...! Moreover, unlike a living body, the process of becoming a deceased is much slower..."
"Ah...! Cult Leader, we shall carry out our duties with utmost loyalty!"
[...]
Having bestowed my 'Grace' upon the two fanatics, I nod.
Originally at the Nascent Soul stage, the two jiangshi's cultivation surged upon receiving the puppet procedure, bringing them to the strength of the Heavenly Being stage.
Since this isn't merely a simple circuit installation but a puppet meticulously crafted by Kim Yeon, the resulting amplification rate of power is extraordinary.
They will likely possess power comparable to the Four-Axis stage when they reach the Heavenly Being stage.
[Your precious comrades will be taken care of by the main order. Perform your duties well and ascend once more.]
"Loyalty (忠)!"
The two jiangshi followers shout their loyalty and leap into the Void Spirit Pond without hesitation.
Yeon Wei crosses her arms with a satisfied expression.
"Good, the cult is expanding steadily. I heard that the Wuji Religious Order has already established a foothold in one of the Lower Realms. Huhu, and it hasn't even been a month...it's truly an insane speed."
I sigh and revert to my human form.
"Even so, don't you think this is too much like a pseudoreligion?"
"Nonsense. You are already a splendid devilish cult leader. Fulfill your role."
"But..."
"This is all necessary to build the Longevity Axis. Stop complaining and follow."
Just as I'm about to voice my discontent.
Wo-woong!
Suddenly, the chair I am sitting on begins to glow.
The chair, connected to the Void Spirit Pond, is emitting countless spell characters.
Seeing this, Yeon Wei flinches in surprise, her face lighting up with excitement.
"Good! We're already getting a bite! Activate it!"
Wo-woong!
At Yeon Wei's words, I sigh lightly and activated the formation in the basement.
Paaatt!
Spell characters hum and float up from the entire basement wall.
Sitting on the chair, I focus my mind on the Void Spirit Pond.
In the case of the Five Elements Axes, all one needs to do is gather materials and perform a ritual at the Plane of Qi.
And those materials are simply ordinary 'attributes.'
For instance, for the water attribute, one can extract the inner core of a water-dwelling demon beast or the Nascent Soul of a human who has mastered a water attribute method.
Then, how does one gather the Five Blessings Axes?
The method of gathering the Five Blessings Axes is quite troublesome.
First, it's advantageous to have a large force that extends even to the Lower Realms.
Then, through that force, you spread a 'ritual' that borrows the power of a Four-Axis stage cultivator across the lower realms or other various regions and areas.
When this 'ritual' is activated in those other regions or areas, or the Lower Realms, the Four-Axis cultivator building the Five Blessings Axes connects to that 'ritual' using the power of the Middle Realm.
Wiiiiing―
With my eyes closed, I extend my consciousness into the Void Spirit Pond.
Paaaatt!
Using the world known as the Nether Ghost Realm as an intermediary, my consciousness stretches to places it normally can't reach.
Wo-woong—
Passing through countless stars, spaces, and dimensions, my consciousness extends to a planet in the Astral Realm.
Wo-woong—
Regaining my senses, I find myself facing the spirit of a human from that certain planet.
He is a blood-soaked young man who suddenly screams as if he would faint upon seeing me.
"H-Huaaaaah! Hukuaaaah!!!"
'A cultivator at the Qi Building stage, it seems...'
It appears that my Wuji Religious Order has successfully taken root on this planet where this cultivator resides, spreading the ritual that connects to me well.
Thanks to only dispatching followers at the Heavenly Being stage, the ritual is spreading quickly.
"Kuaaaaah!"
Heart essence world.
I sigh as I watch this cultivator screaming wildly while staring at me.
Thinking about it, it's hard to even be looked at directly upon reaching the Four-Axis stage by those who have not reached the Nascent Soul stage.
Moreover, upon closer inspection in this cultivator's heart essence, 'I' am only represented as a shadow of immense power.
'Well, if I reveal my true form, it wouldn't end with just screaming.'
If a Qi Building cultivator were to directly see my true form, it wouldn't just be a matter of facing a great ghost; they might indeed suffer considerable injuries.
Adjusting my presence, I ask the cultivator.
[Did you call for me?]
"Hu, heok...hueook..."
Inside the heart essence world.
The Qi Building stage cultivator, drenched in cold sweat, speaks to me.
"O Great One, I performed the ritual to summon you. Can you grant my wish?"
I look at him and ask.
[Do you desire power?]
"Yes! Please grant me power! The power to avenge my family!"
I extend my consciousness beyond the heart essence world of the Qi Building cultivator before me and survey the surroundings.
He is in a pitch-black cave, performing the ritual and connecting with me while unconscious.
Beside him lay a ritual book titled 'Wuji Ghost King Ritual Scripture,' containing the rites to offer the ritual to me.
Throughout the cave, strange spell characters, symbols of the Nether Ghost Realm, and symbols representing me are scattered.
Extending my consciousness outside the cave, I hear shouts and cries of, "Catch the escaped rat!"
'His clan must have been destroyed by another force, and he's asking for the power to escape here and take revenge.'
Refocusing my consciousness back to the heart essence world, I ask the man before me.
[Power comes at a price.]
"Anything...! I am ready to offer anything!"
'Truly, gathering the Five Blessings Axes is...unpleasant.'
Although it's necessary for our circumstances, I ponder whether this method is truly right and ask.
[Even something precious to you?]
"Yes, yes! I will give anything! Just grant me the power!"
Reaching out my hand to the man before me, I speak.
Using the Nether Ghost Realm as an intermediary, I form a contract.
[The contract will be established.]
'Is this method truly right?'
This is the way to gather the Five Blessings Axes.
Taking [something precious] from the other party, processing it with the power symbolizing the corresponding blessing from the Middle Realm, and thereby obtaining the concept.
After making the contract with the Qi Building cultivator, I occupy his body and head outside to resolve his immediate issue.
Kugugugu!
Outside, everything is ablaze, and dozens of Qi Building cultivators are burning the entire area while searching for something.
"There, it's the escaped bastard!"
"Catch him!"
"Catch and kill him!"
And a few Qi Building cultivators spot me and fly toward me.
"Haha, this clumsy guy, did you somehow manage to escape and succeed in reaching Qi Building?"
"Even so, it's only the first constellation of Qi Building! Here, we have a renowned elder who is one of the Twelve Great Qi Building Masters of the Mengyun Continent! Feel the power of a Qi Building Master!"
"..."
Translator Notes: Mysterious Bizarre is the same word in the raws as Wondefully Mysterious. I thought Mysterious Bizarre fit the meaning better in this case.
***