Tststsst!
Upon opening my eyes, I see the 'remains' glaring at me with eyes wide open right in front of me.
Tsst...
I transform into my human form and look at the remains.
'Did they call it a devotee?'
The True Persons seem to refer to beings that have been eroded by them as 'devotees (信者).'
'Who decided they are devotees?'
They are just pitiful victims who accidentally glanced at the sky and met the wrong gaze.
Who would willingly choose to become like this?
Woooong—
I grasp the All-Heavens Sword.
Just moments ago, I had hesitated to cut it down, but I will no longer.
—Cut.
'Cut.'
The will of the All-Heavens Sword and my own are united.
I raise the sword high and elevate the All-Heavens Sword to a higher plane.
A pure downward slash.
From a higher plane to a lower plane.
From a high position to a low position!
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.
Deep Mountain, Emerging Dao!
Booong!
Shukwak!
I cut down the True Person's devotee glaring at me from their plane.
The devotee, reaching about 30 zhang in height, is cleaved cleanly by the Deep Mountain, Emerging Dao and begins to scatter.
The ominous feeling I had earlier was merely the dread towards the True Person behind the devotee.
But due to the chaos caused from seeing the [Inverted Cone], there is no longer any reason to be afraid.
Chuaaaang—
Dozens of heads attached to the devotee's body melt all at once.
The pitch-black body scatters into pieces, flying in all directions.
Suddenly, amidst the spectacle, I notice an old woman in a neat black dress bowing slightly towards me.
—Thank you.
Her will is conveyed to me.
I simply nod my head in response.
Chalalalala—
As she disappears, all of the hyphae covering this desert area turn to ashes and vanish.
In the distance, I see Jeon Myeong-hoon and Oh Hyun-seok walking towards me, levitating the four disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
"We rescued all the disciples, but...was that you who destroyed it?"
I nod, looking at the rescued Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect disciples.u0026nbsp;
Skull-shaped mushrooms are growing all over their bodies, but they soon turn to ash and scatter.
"Are these the ones who went all the way to the Nether Ghost Realm?"
"Yeah. They were affected by the cultivator eroded by a True Person and collapsed like this. I seared their insides with Heavenly Tribulation to burn away all the toxins that had taken root inside. But they lack vital energy, so they won't wake up for a few days."
"We should probably leave them to Hong Fan."
I gently stroke the heads of the sleeping disciples.
'Finally...'
All the survivors of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect have been successfully saved.
It's been a long and arduous journey.
I close my eyes.
Hong Su-ryeong comes to mind.
"...For now..."
I open my eyes again.
Kugugugu!
Gathering ghostly energy, I transform once more into a Ghost King.
"Summon all the Four Great Law Protectors and all the Guardian Ghost Kings."
Kwarurung!
Jeon Myeong-hoon turns into lightning and flies towards the distant Twilight Domain. Shortly after, he returns with the Four Great Law Protectors and the thirteen Guardian Ghost Kings, now including Baek Rin.
[Everyone, listen.]
I speak, radiating ghostly energy.
[From now on, our order will establish itself on this land where a True Person's traces were found. There's no need to worry about the True Person's erosion. I have just erased all traces of the True Person, so there will be no problems.]
I look around at everyone gathered here.
Jeon Myeong-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok, Kim Yeon, Hong Fan.
And the thirteen Guardian Ghost Kings.
They are all my precious connections.
[However, during the encounter with the traces of the True Person, I faced the will of many True Persons. The True Persons have decided to oppose our order from now on.]
At my words, the intent of everyone present stirs violently.
To prevent their fear and worry from spreading, I quickly continue.
[But their will is directed only at our order and myself. If you leave the order, there will be no problem. Anyone who wishes to leave from here can do so freely at any time. As you confirmed when you fled to this place, our order does not treat those who leave as traitors or enemies. Feel free to take your loved ones and leave.]
However, no one shows any signs of moving.
Wei Shi-hon cackles and speaks.
"Haha. Last time, the Cult Leader told those who did not trust the order to flee from the White Yin Domain, but in the end, we overcame all adversities and escaped, didn't we? Those who left the Wuji Religious Order must be regretting it by now."
He continues.
"If the Cult Leader says something like that, it must be because he has something to believe in, right?"
I smile bitterly at his words.
[That's right. There is something to believe in. But...it's not something impressive this time either.]
Wooong—
I display my cultivation realm through attraction force.
And I explain about the 'side path.'
[After successfully building the complete Longevity Axis, I will flee again. This time, it will not just be a change of region...but to an entirely different world. Even so, will you follow?]
At my words, they look at each other.
Wei Shi-hon strokes his chin and speaks.
"Certainly, us ghostly creatures cultivate best in the Nether Ghost Realm."
[Yes. As expected, you all are...]
"But what ghostly creatures fear the most is...the attraction force of the Netherworld."
He grins.
"And to us, having a 'physical body' that can escape the attraction force is extremely precious, something not easily traded even among family. Yet, the Cult Leader has provided us with such 'physical bodies' for free. We've even grown stronger through the 'procedure' and 'grace', so honestly, this gratitude is indescribable."
[...]
"Until we repay this gratitude, who would dare leave the order?"
[...It wasn't anything difficult for me, and it isn't anything that valuable. I just arbitrarily gave you puppet bodies.]
"If the recipient is pleased, isn't that enough? Haha. We, too, have accepted it arbitrarily and intend to remain in the order arbitrarily..."
Thump, thump, thump, thump!
All the Guardian Ghost Kings.
Even the newly joined Baek Rin who has recently undergone the procedure and grace, kneel down.
"Please accept us!"
Looking upon them, I tremble slightly.
[...Alright]
I smile faintly.
[Then let's embark on a slightly long journey together.]
At my words, they all respond in unison, loudly and powerfully.
"Yes!"
I put away my smile and shout with a serious face.
[Guardian Law Protector Hong Fan, Left Law Protector Kim Yeon, listen up! Bring the Twilight Domain here and have it land! From now on, we will reside on this land! The two Law Protectors will manage the Twilight Domain henceforth!]
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
[Right Law Protector Oh Hyun-seok, Chief Law Protector Jeon Myeong-hoon, listen up! From now on, this cult leader will enter a long, secluded cultivation to complete the Longevity Axis! Until now, I've been building it idly and slowly, but from now on, I will extend my consciousness properly to build the axis! I won't be able to move during this period, so guard this seat well!]
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
Kugugugugu!
The Law Protectors and Ghost Kings begin dragging the Twilight Domain and landing it on the land, and I watch the magnificent scene below with gleaming eyes.
'From now on, all the forces of the Nether Ghost Realm will come here. I intended to get along with the Black Ghost Palace, but if the True Persons influence even the Black Ghost Palace, it's meaningless. I'm sorry for Yu Hye, but I can't let her go for now.'
We have truly become the public enemies of the Nether Ghost Realm.
Not just the three major factions, but even the Flower Painting Western Heaven Palace will join the fray.
Previously, they might have sent a few Integration stage Grand Cultivators to suppress the order, but from now on, they will designate the entire Wuji Religious Order as 'public enemy' and attack us with that intent.
If the True Persons, who have taken root in the Nether Ghost Realm for countless years, move their forces, the outcome is clear.
'They will truly come at us with all their might!'
Before they arrive, I must complete the Longevity Axis as quickly as possible, open the side path, and return to the Bright Cold Realm.
'This time, for sure...!'
I won't let my comrades die easily.
Ham Jin sits down and takes a deep breath, reminiscing about the past.
He was just an ordinary beggar born in the distant corner of Yuhwa Country on the Peaceful Clouds Continent.
Born in the outskirts of Yuhwa, he had no grand dreams, only wishing to grow adequately big enough to work someday.
However, that dream shattered when a band of robbers attacked his village.
And so, Ham Jin slightly altered his goal.
It was a worthless life anyway, so changing the goal wouldn't kill him.
As he was sold to a slave trader, Ham Jin thought.
It would be nice to meet an adequately good master and live while working.
Then, Ham Jin was sold to a cultivator.
A ruthless cultivator practicing devilish arts.
Ham Jin's goal was shattered again.
But he didn't tire and revised his goal once more.
As he was experimented on by his self-proclaimed master, he thought.
It would be nice if after being adequately experimented on, he could return to his hometown, even as an experimental subject.
Then, Ham Jin's goal was shattered again.
Because he discovered his master's research books and experiment journals that he had been studying when the master was away for a while.
His master intended to remodel his disciples, create the most suitable body for practicing devilish arts, and 'switch' to that body.
At that point, there were 40 surviving disciples.
Among them, Ham Jin was considered one of the 'top-tier' bodies by his master.
His cultivation was only at Qi Refining 1st or 2nd star, but that didn't matter.
He found out he possessed a unique constitution called the Ghost Furnace Body (鬼爐體).
The Ghost Furnace Body is said to be highly compatible with contacting the great beings of the Upper Realms, easily gaining their favor and borrowing their power.
His master intended to borrow power from a great being in the Upper Realm and someday ascend.
That was why he was targeting Ham Jin's body.
Upon realizing this, Ham Jin's goal changed once again.
'I want to live!'
This time, it wasn't just 'adequately.'
He 'truly' wanted to live.
Although it was a worthless life, dying without achieving anything was too...
Too unfair.
'I will survive! I will definitely live!'
From that day on, Ham Jin secretly stole and read his master's books.
And he learned how to communicate with the great beings of the Upper Realms.
'My body is suitable for borrowing the power of great beings through rituals?'
Then, I will just use it.
Ham Jin took advantage of his master's absence to select a book from his master's library called the 'Wuji Ghost King Ritual Scripture' and performed a ritual.
And so, he faced a 'great being.'
This being demanded something peculiar from Ham Jin, took over his body, ascended to the sky to survey something, and then attempted to uproot the entire valley where Ham Jin lived. Realizing Ham Jin couldn't withstand it, the being retreated.
In return for borrowing his body, the being granted Ham Jin a unique 'sense.'
Woooong—
Ham Jin opens his eyes.
All around him, countless Yin and Yang are swirling.
The great being said to meet him again in three months.
Ham Jin is terrified of that being!
A Ghost King with 19 faces, weeping bloody tears and cultivating a cursed flower garden!
A being with a form so terrifying it occasionally appears in his nightmares.
Ham Jin grits his teeth.
Even so, that being is better than his master who seeks to steal his life away entirely.
"O Great One..."
Taking advantage of his master's absence, Ham Jin prays to the being.
"Please descend upon me."
Kugugugugu!
He finds himself in a pure white space.
It's a familiar place.
Deep within his mental world.
There, he kneels down trembling with fear upon seeing a shadow with 19 heads entering the corner of the white space.
"O Great One, what do you desire from me?"
Ham Jin felt it from their last encounter; this being wants something through him.
'Normally, such beings only grant wishes in exchange for something precious or one's lifespan. But if the being has something they want...'
He might not have to offer his lifespan!
Whether the being knows his thoughts or not, they stare at Ham Jin with their 19 heads and ask,
[Are you using well the sense I gave you last time?]
"Pardon? Ah, yes! I am using it very well."
It's the truth.
Though it's a sense granted by a malicious being, Ham Jin finds it extremely useful.
The reason Ham Jin could read the Wuji Ghost King Ritual Scripture from his master's library was simple.
While his master was experimenting in the adjacent research hall, one of the test subjects exploded, shattering not only the research hall but also the barrier set up in the library.
Taking advantage of the broken barrier, Ham Jin had secretly taken out the ritual scripture.
But upon gaining this sense, he no longer needs to wait for such coincidences.
He can vividly sense the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy!
He can sense how the barrier is set up and predict which parts to touch to avoid triggering it.
He navigated his master's library almost daily by reading the spiritual energy and avoiding the barriers.
There's no worry about being watched or his master suddenly appearing in the library.
The spiritual energy warns him of any impending danger!
He only needs to maintain his sense of spiritual energy!
He even dared to raid his master's spiritual elixir storage a few times.
Thanks to that, Ham Jin's cultivation rapidly soared, reaching the 3rd star of Qi Refining.
"Truly, it has been of great help. I am immensely grateful for your precious assistance."
[To hear it has been helpful...I am pleased.]
Chills!
Ham Jin feels his entire body shiver at the voice of the terrifying being.
He fears the being might suddenly say, 'You've ripened well!' and devour him at any moment.
However, Ham Jin swallows his saliva and waits for the being to continue.
[Well, anyway, you seem to have grown excellently. Very good. To think you've reached the 3rd star of Qi Refining...through your body, I can now manifest about 1 or 2 hundredth more of my power...]
The shadow laughs for a while before speaking.
[But it's not enough. After surveying this valley through your body, I realized the valley is quite heavy...]
They speak, revealing 38 eyes.
[I desire...the power that lies...beneath this valley.]
Kugugugugu!
The shadow clenches their hand.
Immediately, Ham Jin's mental world begins to shake violently.
No, that isn't all.
Ham Jin realizes that the 'outside' is also shaking.
Just by clenching their hand, the being is causing an earthquake throughout the entire valley!
[Child...For me to grasp that power...I need your help.]
"What...must I do to help?"
[Hmm...]
The giant being slightly tilts their head toward Ham Jin.
Kugugugu!
Even that seems to cause Ham Jin's mental world to darken.
[You are still...too weak. For a regular cultivator to properly accept even a tenth of my power, they will need to be at least at the Nascent Soul stage.]
"...!"
Ham Jin's jaw drops in shock at those words.
'Na-Nascent Soul stage...'
Even his master is only at the mid-Core Formation stage!
Let alone Nascent Soul, his master grits his teeth, hoping to reach Grand Perfection Core Formation in his lifetime.
Hence, hearing the term Nascent Soul makes Ham Jin's mind go blank.
[However, thanks to your special constitution, you seem to accept my power a bit better. With your constitution, you can accept my power more easily. Even if you only reach the Core Formation stage, you will be able to accept a tenth of my power. Then, borrowing your body, I can completely overturn this cumbersome valley and obtain what lies beneath it...]
Fortunately, reaching the Core Formation stage is within the realm of reason for Ham Jin.
However, it's equally daunting and distant.
"Forgive me, O Great One. To reach the Core Formation stage, I will need to cultivate tirelessly for the next 200 years. Moreover, my master plans to steal my body in a few years...!"
His eyes tremble with fear.
Suddenly, the worst outcome crosses his mind.
His master, already being at the Core Formation stage, can steal Ham Jin's body and implant his own Golden Core to immediately reach the Core Formation stage.
If that happens, both the being and his master would be satisfied—the being would draw power from the master, and the master would borrow the being's power!
Ultimately, the only one suffering unjustly would be the Qi Refining 3rd star Ham Jin!
As he breaks into a cold sweat, the great being speaks in a gentle voice.
[Do not worry. I am here to help you, and I will not betray you. But indeed, 200 years is too long. Not just for you, but I do not have that much time to wait either.]
"Then..."
The shadow, with their 38 eyes burning with ghost fire, rests one of their heads on their hand and stares at Ham Jin for a moment.
[Then, we must resort to a shortcut.]
The shadow chuckles.
[One year. I will elevate you to the Qi Building stage within one year.]
"Pardon...!?"
The proposal is so absurd that Ham Jin's eyes widen in astonishment.
The Qi Building stage is no child's play!
Yet, the being speaks casually as if they're saying 'I will make you breakfast.'
[In exchange for that power, you will retrieve the 'power' guarded beneath by the dragon vein of this valley, of the entire country, and offer it to me.]
"D-Didn't the Great one say that to obtain it, the entire valley must be overturned?"
[If you were to simply obtain it by brute force, yes. Of course, I know you don't have that kind of strength. But instead of strength, you are a resident of this world. Through the spell I will teach you, weave the dragon veins of this valley. Gather all the nearby power in this area into your grasp. Like spinning threads to make clothes and weaving nets, interlace the dragon veins and create the formation I will teach you.]
The shadow laughs.
[When the time comes, I will activate the formation. The dragon vein will move, drawing me to the 'power'. What do you say? Will you accept my proposal?]
Ham Jin ponders the shadow's proposal.
And he realizes.
No matter how much he contemplates it, there is no better offer.
And in any case, without borrowing this being's power, he will inevitably be stripped of his body and die.
There is no better proposal!
He is in a position where he has to grab onto any lifeline, no matter how rotten.
'I can't be picky.'
Finally, having made his decision, Ham Jin speaks with a determined expression.
"Yes, I will follow the Great One's words!"
[Huhu, very good. Now that you have decided, listen carefully to the knowledge I will impart to you.]
Whisperwhisperwhisperwhisper...
As Ham Jin communes with the Great Being, he receives the knowledge the being bestows upon him.
Pukwak!
"Tst, this experimental subject died too."
In Yuhwa, there exists beings known as the 'Three Great Sage Gods.'
They are the legendary Core Formation stage cultivators of the Yuhwa Country, and among them, the strongest in devilish arts, known as the 'Devil God.'
Black Tomb Old Monster Yeom Gok!
He briefly frowns with an unpleasant expression at the dead experimental subject before suddenly smashing the altar where the subject lay with his fist.
"Damn it! Another failure! Why are my disciples so weak!? How can they ever become a suitable body for me at this rate!?"
His enraged shout echoes throughout Split Turtle Valley.
The numerous Qi Refining stage disciples within the valley tremble at his thunderous roar.
"Damn it, damn it, damn it! There are only 39 left now! Why is there no one showing any results!?"
Yeom Gok bites his lips and tears at his hair.
Unable to contain his rage, he burns the corpse of the dead experimental subject and shouts.
"Gather here immediately! You useless things!"
At his command, his disciples quickly gather in front of Yeom Gok's cave residence.
Yeom Gok looks over his disciples.
Apart from two who have reached the 6th star of Qi Refining, the rest are at the 1st or 2nd star, with even some failing to properly achieve the Qi Gathering stage.
"You useless things! Why were you born without any useful qualities!? Why!? Your worthless lives only have value when they are used to extend the life of a Sage God like me!!!"
Kuang, Kuang!
He shouts, throwing objects from his laboratory at the disciples below the Qi Gathering stage.
Still unsatisfied, he begins beating the Qi Refining 1st and 2nd star disciples.
After a while, only three intact disciples remain in his laboratory.
Qi Refining 6th star disciple Wi Je.
Another of the same stage, Yu Eun.
And Qi Refining 3rd star Ham Jin.
Looking at the Qi Refining 6th star disciples, Wi Je and Yu Eun, Yeom Gok speaks with bloodshot eyes.
"You bastards should be ready to perform the Seven Star Ritual by now, right? If you're not ready today, I'll grind you into pills!"
The two disciples tremble and nod their heads.
"Yes, yes, Master! I have fully reached great completion in the 6th star. I only need to perform the Seven Star Ritual!"
"Me too!"
"Hmph! Foolish things..."
He looks at them with dissatisfaction before finally turning to Ham Jin.
"Hmm..."
He slowly approaches Ham Jin, feeling his body and checking his teeth.
"Good...very healthy. Have you been brushing your teeth well lately?"
"Yes, yes. Thanks to the high-quality salt Master provided last time, I clean them thoroughly every day and use perfume oil to make them smell good."
"Good, you must be used to bathing by now, and you're exercising diligently?"
"Yes, I think I'm starting to build muscle recently."
"Haha, very good. Excellent. And let's see...oh, surprising. You've already reached the mid stage for the 3rd star of Qi Refining?"
"Yes..."
"Hahaha! Wonderful. But as I've told you many times, don't focus solely on training. Go outside, get some sunlight, and put your best effort into building a healthy and robust body."
"...Understood."
Yeom Gok pats Ham Jin's head with a kind expression.
A demeanor that anyone would think is that of a master doting on his favorite disciple.
However, none of those present envy or look at Ham Jin with jealousy.
On the contrary, every time Yeom Gok pats Ham Jin as if handling a precious item, everyone looks at Ham Jin with pity.
There isn't a single disciple who doesn't know that Yeom Gok has half-decided to use Ham Jin as the target for his body-swapping technique.
"Now then. I'm going out to gather some materials, so clean the entire research hall thoroughly while I'm gone."
After patting Ham Jin, Yeom Gok doesn't even glance at the other disciples as he grabs his storage stroll and leaves the cave residence.
He uses the Flying Escape Technique to exit the valley.
'...Since the earthquake, Ham Jin has been acting strangely.'
Yeom Gok furrows his brow.
A few months ago, a large earthquake struck the Split Turtle Valley.
As a result, some of the materials Yeom Gok had painstakingly acquired were destroyed, driving him into a rage.
But the real issue is that after the earthquake, Ham Jin has changed subtly in a strange way.
Previously, Ham Jin would often sneak into Yeom Gok's library to steal glances at the books.
Of course, Yeom Gok let it slide, knowing that Ham Jin's body would become his in a few years anyway.
However, Ham Jin has not once snuck into the library since the earthquake.
The multiple layers of barriers Yeom Gok has cunningly set up around the library are all functioning without any issues.
And today.
Today, once again, an unexpected earthquake caused his experiment to fail, resulting in the experimental subject dying without yielding any results.
And once again, Ham Jin had acted strangely.
Normally, Ham Jin would flinch despite trying to hide it whenever Yeom Gok touches him.
But today was different.
'There was no reaction at all.'
No, beyond having no reaction, Yeom Gok felt as if Ham Jin was looking down on him.
'Why has that little brat suddenly changed? Hmm...That kid must be hiding something from me. He's up to something.'
Yeom Gok ponders for a moment before smirking.
"As expected...is it that? The secret at the bottom of the valley. That mysterious power must have caused the earthquake and affected Ham Jin, who is susceptible to external forces."
Yeom Gok clenches his fist, his face showing a greedy expression.
"If I can obtain that power, reaching Grand Perfection Core Formation might not be a dream! With that power and Ham Jin's body, I might even reach Nascent Soul in this lifetime! Hahaha! If I reach the Nascent Soul stage and offer Ham Jin's body to an otherworldly entity for their power, even the Heavenly Being stage won't be out of reach!"
Black Tomb Old Monster Yeom Gok.
Laughing maniacally, he leaves Split Turtle Valley.
"Upon reaching the Heavenly Being stage, I won't just be a 'so-called' Sage God but a 'true' Sage God!"
Tiiiiing—
A clear wave emanates from somewhere.
A thread of my consciousness descends into a Decaying Corpse Realm.
From that realm, someone's lifespan is being drawn towards me.
I receive the lifespan and convert it into Longevity Axis, building it.
Recently, I have nearly synchronized my mind with the Void Spirit Pond, extending my consciousness to numerous Lower Realms to accept even more offerings at a faster pace.
Today alone, I have been given offerings three times.
Of course, two of them were from vile devil path cultivators, so I didn't accept any compensation and instead crushed the heads of the devilish cultivators that conducted the ritual.
One-third of the countless offerings are like this.
Sacrificial offerings from devil path cultivators.
I always ignore such offerings, so the completion of the Longevity Axis was not particularly fast.
Nevertheless, with my mind synchronized with the Void Spirit Pond and extending my consciousness to the Lower Realms in earnest, the completion of the Longevity Axis became quite rapid.
'...How peculiar.'
However, recently, I began to ponder something as I observe the rapidly completing Longevity Axis.
To be precise, it was after facing the Entering Nirvana True Persons.
'The Entering Nirvana True Persons pulled my spirit out of the dimension through attraction force.'
Their method is strikingly similar to how I extend my consciousness to the Lower Realms to draw in my contractors' minds into the world of consciousness.
The contractors who have offered tributes are 'connected' to me, allowing me to reconnect and pull them in anytime.
And this fact allows for a certain hypothesis.
'To draw someone in with attractive force, is 'providing' required?'
'Providing' my power.
Benefiting them.
Such acts seem necessary to establish a connection with my mind through attraction force, allowing me to pull them in at any time without the need of an offering.
As evidence, no connection was formed with those devilish cultivators whom I only crushed, caused earthquakes and tsunamis, cursed, or inflicted irreversible fatal injuries upon right after being summoned.
'If I could connect with such vile beings, I'd visit them for fun and shove calamities upon them, but alas.'
In short, those who are given the 'act of providing' by me are connected through attraction force, while those who aren't are not.
And 'acts of providing' signify blessings.
The fact that acts of providing establish a connection through attraction force means that blessings are the true force of attraction.
Why do cultivators handle attraction force starting from the Four-Axis stage?
This hypothesis allows me to understand this a little.
It's because cultivators at the Four-Axis stage are qualified to oversee blessings, and sharing blessings means connecting people.
And the connection between people means attraction force.
'But when I think about it this way, it's strange that the Entering Nirvana True Persons pulled me in with attraction force.'
They never bestowed any blessings upon me. On the contrary, they only scattered calamities.
Even so, I was drawn to them.
'In that case, there are two possibilities.'
Either they bestowed blessings upon me without my consent at some point.
Or, their summoning of me was due to misfortune (厄) rather than a blessing.
'Misfortune has no substance.'
It merely refers to the absence of blessings.
'Giving misfortune' is just an expression. In reality, it's closer to the concept of 'taking away existing blessings.'
But I cannot form connections with those who have taken away my blessings.
If they never bestowed blessings upon me, how are they connected to me?
'...Did they summon me [intending to give] blessings?'
Only now do I understand the principle by which the Entering Nirvana True Persons drew my spirit above the dimension in an instant.
My contractors and I give each other what we need.
In this way, attraction force is generated between us.
Just as the living beings of the Lower Realms call upon me with the Wuji Ghost King Ritual Scripture with offerings to summon my mind, the Entering Nirvana True Persons also performed a summoning ritual from outside the dimension.
The calls of the Lower Realm beings are so small that I can choose not to respond to their summons.
However, the voices of the True Persons are so immense, and the attraction force of their existence is so powerful that I have no choice but to be drawn to their summoning ritual.
'The way the beings of the Lower Realms call upon me is based on the concept of [offering] something. The act of offering is merely stated as such due to the difference in realms. In reality, it's just a matter of giving and receiving. In short, the Entering Nirvana True Persons summoned me by performing a ritual [to give] blessings to me. In doing so, they hoped to connect with [the being they mistakenly perceive to be behind me] through attraction force...'
"..."
When my thoughts reach this point.
I touch upon [something].
'Wait.'
If the essence of attraction force is the exchange of blessings.
Wealth, Longevity, Health, and Love of Virtue entail exchanging what is needed with beings of the Lower Realms, connecting with [them] to acquire these concepts.
But think about it.
"...From the beginning...if I just [give] my lifespan to the Nether Ghost Realm, and the Nether Ghost Realm [gives] me the Longevity Axis..."
Wouldn't an attraction force be formed between [the Nether Ghost Realm and myself]?
Since the Nether Ghost Realm symbolizes Longevity, wouldn't the direct attraction force with the Nether Ghost Realm be the true Longevity Axis?
'The lifespan needed to build one axis is 10,000 years.'
Each time an axis is built, a lifespan of 10,000 years is granted.
"Ah...haha...hahahahaha!"
A cultivator at the Four-Axis stage receives a total of 50,000 years of lifespan.
10,000 years when first reaching the Four-Axis stage.
And 10,000 years for each axis built thereafter.
'I understand now.'
My simple reflection, which evolved from the realization of the true nature of attraction force and the methods of the Entering Nirvana True Persons,
Finally reaches a conclusion that cultivators who practice Immortal Cultivation solely for longevity and immortality would 'never' arrive at.
"The 'true' name of the Four-Axis stage...isn't the Four-Axis stage."
I now realize the 'true' name of the Four-Axis stage.
***
Kugugugugug!
Under the dark sky of the Nether Ghost Realm.
At the northern end of the Stable Realm, bordering the Chaos Realm.
In that vicinity, a colossal cloud of dust rises.
"Chief Law Protector, another Grand Cultivator level Ghost King has arrived."
"Yeah, I see."
Jeon Myeong-hoon, standing at the edge of the Twilight Domain with his arms crossed, receives reports from the ghostly creatures, gazing at the distant dust cloud rising.
"They're releasing an incredible killing intent."
He speaks calmly, sitting down and caressing the hand of Jin So-hae.
Her hand, fried and devoid of moisture, is still preserved exactly as it had been, thanks to Jeon Myeong-hoon's special preservation treatment.
Watching the nonchalant Jeon Myeong-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok and Kim Yeon approach from behind.
"By the way, Myeong-hoon, is this okay? Including the Grand Cultivator-level Ghost King who just arrived, there are now 30 Integration stage ghost cultivators."
It's true.
Six months have passed since they established themselves in the area where the True Person's devotee resided.
During the time Seo Eun-hyun was in seclusion, forces from all over the Nether Ghost have gathered.
It looks as if the entire Nether Ghost Realm is amassing forces to wage a full-scale war against the Wuji Religious Order.
"There's no need to worry from now on. It seems the Four Great Factions of the Nether Ghost Realm are preparing for a full-scale war, and in a few months, there might be hundreds of Integration stage cultivators gathered."
Seeing him laugh heartily, Oh Hyun-seok's worried expression deepens.
"Hmm, how about calling that Yeon Wei person back now? Are you sure this is alright?"
"Well...our ancestor is knowledgeable in many areas, but sometimes she can be quite careless. Sometimes it's better to trust Seo Eun-hyun over the ancestor."
"What if he makes a wrong decision?"
"Even if it seems like a mistake, it's better to trust him."
He clenches Jin So-hae's hand tightly as he mutters.
"If I had only trusted my colleague's words back then...perhaps So-hae might not have died...!"
Seeing this, Oh Hyun-seok looks a bit sympathetic.
"...Alright. I will trust him too."
At that moment.
Flash!
Bo-oong!
From the camp of the Four Major Factions Alliance, a spear of light shoots towards the Twilight Domain.
The spear of light, imbued with the energy of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness, burns through the ghostly energy of the Nether Ghost Realm as it flies towards them.
Oh Hyun-seok takes a step forward upon seeing this.
"Hah, they're finally starting to pick a fight."
A purple aura begins to rise from his entire body when suddenly,
Kim Yeon steps past Oh Hyun-seok and moves forward.
Wo-woong!
With her pink robe fluttering, she takes her stance.
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at Kim Yeon with a slightly startled expression and asks cautiously.
"Hey, Kim Yeon, you okay?"
But Kim Yeon does not answer.
Instead, she chews her lips anxiously and mutters with unstable eyes.
"No...I can't forgive this. Seo Eun-hyun is mine. I can't forgive anyone who tries to harm Seo Eun-hyun...!"
Chuarak!
She stomps her foot and soars into the sky, raising her left hand towards the spear of light.
Kuang!
The spear of light, imbued with the energy of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness, bounces into the sky and spins around.
Kim Yeon shifts her stance in midair, pulling back her right hand imbued with overwhelming strength.
As the spear falls downwards, it reaches Kim Yeon's eye level.
She then precisely swings her pulled-back right hand towards the hilt of the spear.
Kuaang!
A pinkish wave ripples through the air, and the spear of light is shot back towards its origin.
Kugwagwagwagwang!
The light of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness explodes from the direction of the Nether Ghost Realm alliance's camp, spreading an atmosphere of chaos.
Tak!
After demonstrating this series of martial prowess, Kim Yeon lands back on the ground, biting her lips as she glares towards the enemy camp.
But no further attacks follow.
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at Kim Yeon with uneasy eyes.
'The cycle of her madness is shortening.'
There had been previous instances of Kim Yeon's madness flaring up.
However, it always seemed to subside when Seo Eun-hyun was nearby, so it had never been a major problem.
But now that Seo Eun-hyun is in seclusion.
Kim Yeon's condition has rapidly deteriorated.
Jeon Myeong-hoon observes Kim Yeon.
Having nearly gone mad himself after losing Jin So-hae, he understands.
Kim Yeon is in a very dangerous state.
But he can't understand why.
'Just why is her madness acting up? There were no issues on Earth...'
It wasn't as if she lost a lover like he did, nor had she absorbed numerous ghosts like Kang Min-hee, nor is she undergoing intense training like Seo Eun-hyun or Oh Hyun-seok.
Though the time when she was captured by the Mad Lord was tough, she had said it wasn't that difficult thanks to Seo Eun-hyun's remote support and comfort.
'It's strange.'
To him, Kim Yeon's madness appears very out of place.
It's as if someone implanted the madness.
But Jeon Myeong-hoon doesn't delve too deeply.
'If there was a problem, Seo Eun-hyun would have taken action.'
The fact that Seo Eun-hyun went into seclusion while leaving Kim Yeon unattended indicated that he believed she could overcome it on her own.
'Since Seo Eun-hyun trusts Kim Yeon, I should trust her too.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon caresses Jin So-hae's hand and closes his eyes.
'Right, So-hae?'
He trusts his colleagues.
Even if they seem unstable on the surface, trusting them means leaving the results to them.
He trusts Seo Eun-hyun, Kim Yeon, and Oh Hyun-seok. He trusts the Guardian Ghost Kings and also the Wuji Religious Order.
'So, instead of worrying about Kim Yeon, my job is to protect the order with all my strength until Seo Eun-hyun's seclusion ends.'
A faint red lightning flows from his eyes.
"...As the Chief Law Protector of the Wuji Religious Order, I, Jeon Myeong-hoon, command you. Do not intercept attacks like the one just now, Kim Yeon. Instead, leave them to the Right Law Protector Oh Hyun-seok. Kim Yeon, you are responsible for mobilizing puppets to block large-scale offensives and counter major attacks."
Jeon Myeong-hoon gently places Jin So-hae's hand back into the wooden box and puts it inside his robe before standing up.
"Creating confusion and poisoning the enemy's camp is Hong Fan's role. Intercepting long-range attacks is Oh Hyun-seok's, large-scale offensives are Kim Yeon's, and I will handle the Grand Cultivator-level Ghost Kings who attack directly. Remember your roles well from this point on!"
Kim Yeon stares at Jeon Myeong-hoon for a moment, then nods, seemingly accepting it even within her madness.
And several days pass.
Kugugugugu-
From all across the Nether Ghost Realm, more and more Grand Cultivator-level Ghost Kings begin gathering at the opposing camp.
As their numbers increase, so does the frequency of attacks towards the Twilight Domain.
Kuang!
Oh Hyun-seok, transformed into a giant of stars, swings away a green talisman with Azure Wing Heavenly Shatter, clicking his tongue.
"My hands are numb. Is this the strike of an Integration stage cultivator?"
His face is deeply troubled.
"Are you really sure we can handle this? There seems to be more than 50 Integration stage cultivators now..."
"It's fine. If I use 'that,' I have the confidence to hold them off for a moment."
"Y-Yeah...you have 'that,' don't you?"
But even as Jeon Myeong-hoon speaks, his expression does not look good.
'Finish your seclusion quickly, Seo Eun-hyun.'
In a short-term battle, Jeon Myeong-hoon can unleash power comparable to that of 50 Integration Grand Cultivators using a special method.
But this method poses significant risks even for Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Moreover, if the Grand Cultivators continue to gather, even Jeon Myeong-hoon will run out of options.
'I will protect and trust you, Seo Eun-hyun! So please...hurry...!'
All he can do is trust and wait for Seo Eun-hyun.
Jeon Myeong-hoon contemplates his cultivation at the Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage, gazing tensely at the opposing camp.
Kugugugu!
Inside a dark secret chamber.
Deep within, a boy who has reached the 14th star of Qi Refining, the stage of Infinite Spiritual Cloud, is circulating spiritual clouds around him.
And suddenly!
The boy half-opens his eyes and inhales the spiritual clouds swirling around him.
Simultaneously.
Kurrurung!
A sound like thunder rumbles from within his dantian, and a spiritual cloud forms inside him.
Wo-woong!
A faint but pure spiritual force flows within the boy's body.
The boy, Ham Jin, brightens up.
"F-Finally...!"
He can't hide his delight as he watches the pure spiritual force emanating from his body.
"I've reached the Qi Building stage!"
Reading the celestial energy and seeing that his lifespan has increased by 300 years, he is overjoyed.
'Finally! I've also reached the rank of a true Demi-God!'
It's then,
A man dressed in white in front of him chuckles and clicks his tongue."
"You've only just barely reached the Qi Building stage. Manage your achievement well and stabilize your realm. It will be a while before you can surpass your Core Formation stage master."
"Yes...! It will indeed take some time to become a Sage God from a Demi-God."
"...Right...well, the Core Formation stage is not an easy realm. Anyway, your 'work' should speed up now."
"Yes, I can feel that the 'Silica Earth Great Wall Secrets' has become even more active."
Ham Jin operates the formula of the 'Silica Earth Great Wall Secrets' he has learned from the great being around a year ago.
Wiiiiing—
The light of the dragon vein converges in the dark sealed room.
He heard that this was originally a method for the Qi Building stage, but the man in white before him has modified it so it can be learned from the Qi Refining stage.
When Ham Jin uses this method, he feels as if he can grasp the dragon veins within the valley vividly.
'During the Qi Refining stage, I could barely sense the position of a single dragon vein, but now I can vaguely discern the locations of dozens, even hundreds of dragon veins!'
He smiles.
For the past year, he has been twisting the directions of the dragon veins all over Split Turtle Valley, avoiding the eyes of his master Yeom Gok.
The dragon veins in various parts of Split Turtle Valley have become entangled before he knew it, beginning to form the formation that the great being initially demanded.
Now that Ham Jin has reached the Qi Building stage, it will be much easier to complete the formation.
"Anyway, once I modify the formation a little more and the Great One activates it..."
"Yes, you will be free from your master."
"Finally...thank you for everything up until now. I would like to express my gratitude in advance. It's thanks to you that I've reached the Qi Building stage, Sir Fighting Ghost."
"Haha, it's because you followed diligently."
Ham Jin offers a heartfelt thanks to the existence bestowed upon him by the Wuji Ghost King, the 'Infinite Fighting Ghost.'
He recalls the events from a year ago.
The words of the great being, the Wuji Ghost King, echoes in his mind.
[I will teach you a method, but it will be difficult for you to comprehend. Therefore, I will assign you a helper to interpret this method for you.]
After encountering the Wuji Ghost King in the world of consciousness, Ham Jin saw a 'new entity' when he woke up.
A mysterious man dressed in white.
He told Ham Jin to call him 'Infinite Fighting Ghost' and introduced himself as the helper assigned by the Wuji Ghost King.
The term 'Ghost (鬼)' is not just an empty word.
He can only be seen by Ham Jin, and no one else in the Split Turtle Valley, including his master, are aware of Fighting Ghost's presence.
Over the past year, Infinite Fighting Ghost had meticulously taught Ham Jin the method and sometimes guided the flow of his energy, helping him refine his realm.
Thanks to this, Ham Jin has been able to reach the Qi Building stage in such a ridiculously short period.
"But, Sir Fighting Ghost, why didn't the Wuji Ghost King personally teach me the method and instead send you?"
Ham Jin asks as he opens the door to the dark chamber.
Fighting Ghost smiles.
"Didn't I tell you before? The King is spreading their consciousness across many worlds and granting the wishes of many beings, so they don't have much leisure."
"I see...well, if the Wuji Ghost King had taught me personally...it might have been a bit terrifying."
"Haha, you might have been scared to death."
Fighting Ghost teases Ham Jin with a kind face, and Ham Jin also smiles faintly.
However, he soon erases the smile from his face.
Not long after leaving the secret chamber, his master, Yeom Gok, rushes up to him with an excited expression and begins to touch his body.
"Really! Truly! This is real! Hahaha, to reach this realm in such a short time. You are indeed my favorite disciple! Ah, excellent! Such a vibrant body overflowing with pure spiritual force!"
Yeom Gok is so excited that he almost drools as he scrutinizes Ham Jin's body.
Ham Jin glances at Infinite Fighting Ghost beside him.
Yeom Gok is entirely unaware of Fighting Ghost, and Fighting Ghost nods at Ham Jin while speaking.
"It's another test. Remain still."
Ham Jin nods.
Since Infinite Fighting Ghost had started hovering around Ham Jin, he has always informed Ham Jin about Yeom Gok's intentions whenever Yeom Gok tried to do something to him.
"He pretends to like you, but he is quite wary of you. He is highly suspicious of you reaching the Qi Building stage without any Qi Building pills in such a short time."
Ham Jin swallows hard.
At that moment.
Yeom Gok laughs heartily and pats Ham Jin on the shoulder.
"With my disciple growing so robustly, I have no regrets! Now that it's come to this, I'll pass everything onto you three days from now!"
"...!"
Ham Jin's eyes tremble at his words.
'That, that means...'
It means that now that Ham Jin's body is sufficiently mature, Yeom Gok plans to seize it.
Ham Jin is terrified, but under the eyes of Fighting Ghost watching over him, he manages to show no reaction.
"For Master to pass on everything to me, it is a great honor!"
"...Yes. It pleases me that you are pleased."
Yeom Gok looks at Ham Jin with a meaningful gaze and smiles.
"In three days, I will invite all the Sage Gods of Yuhwa and pass on my natal dharma treasure, the Black Tomb Seal (黑陵印), to you. I will declare you as my successor in front of them, so be mindful of your conduct and make no mistakes on that day."
After patting Ham Jin on the shoulder, Yeom Gok turns around and leaves Ham Jin's cave residence.
"...Sir Fighting Ghost, wh-what should I do? He plans to seize my body in three days...!? No, besides that..."
Ham Jin asks in confusion.
"The Three Sage Gods of Yuhwa are known to be on bad terms, but he's inviting them to declare me as his successor...? What does this mean?"
Fighting Ghost chuckles at this.
"Perhaps, for some reason, those three Core Formation individuals have formed an alliance."
"What!?"
Ham Jin's face turns pale.
For Ham Jin, who has hoped to escape from his master's grasp by taking advantage of the bad relations among the three Sage Gods, this is a terrifying revelation.
But Fighting Ghost smiles nonchalantly.
"Do not worry. It seems that what those three at the Core Formation stage want might be the same as what the Wuji Ghost King desires. Judging by the talk about the dharma treasure...it seems they intend to use the dharma treasure to open a path underground... In that case, you might not need to adjust the formation further."
"Pardon...?"
"Do not worry. Through my abilities, I have already uncovered your master's plans, even the parts you do not know. He intends to use a body-triggering spell to quickly open a 'path' to the underground. After that, he plans to quickly take over your body."
"...!"
Ham Jin bites his lip as he listens to Infinite Fighting Ghost.
"...Sir Fighting Ghost, can I survive?"
It isn't that he doesn't trust the Wuji Ghost King who sent him, but Infinite Fighting Ghost is a being with barely enough energy to be in the Qi Gathering stage.
And though the Wuji Ghost King is a Great One, they reside in a distant otherworld, while his master is right in front of him.
"My, my master, the Black Tomb Old Monster Yeom Gok...is a Sage God! Said to never die until his Golden Core is shattered, a God of the Human World!"
"...."
'Hm, I didn't expect the critical moment to come so quickly...'
Ham Jin, consumed by anxiety, grinds his teeth.
"Sir Infinite Fighting Ghost, please tell me. Can I really overcome that Sage God...?"
Infinite Fighting Ghost looks at him, seeming to want to persuade him for a moment, then sighs.
"...Do not worry. Have no doubt and believe. I will show you a new future. You will one day reach a realm where those Core Formation individuals are nothing to you."
"B-but..."
Woo-woong―
"...!"
However, before Ham Jin can ask further,
Infinite Fighting Ghost turns into a gust of wind and disappears from Ham Jin's sight.
His voice echoes in the ears of the anxious Ham Jin.
―Do not worry. I have already entered the realm, and I have enough power to save you alone...
A cryptic statement.
But Ham Jin, feeling the confident tone of that voice, can only bite his lip and wait in belief.
Kugugugugu!
Nether Ghost Realm.
Twilight Domain.
At the forefront, the Law Protectors and Guardian Ghost King of the Wuji Religious Order stand in formation, watching the other side.
The ground is shaking.
The stars are emitting ominous light, and sinister glows visible to the naked eye are spilling from the opposing camp.
Oh Hyun-seok swallows hard, and Kim Yeon reveals an ominous insanity.
At the center stands Jeon Myeong-hoon, his eyes gleaming.
"Ninety-six Integration stage cultivators...and seven devotees corrupted by True Persons..."
In the distance, seven Ghost Kings, each with multiple heads and resembling Seo Eun-hyun, float in the air.
Jeon Myeong-hoon can sense it instinctively.
"Everyone, be alert. They are all here now."
Even though all the factions of the Nether Ghost Realm designated them as public enemies, not all of their forces can come.
They need manpower to guard and manage their own domains, so each faction probably sent as many as they could within their limits.
Seeing no more Integration Ghost Kings gathering, this seems to be all of them.
But even so, there are 108 Integration Grand Cultivators.
'Seo Eun-hyun could barely perish together with about ten Grand Cultivators. Can I...protect the Twilight Domain from them...?'
Jeon Myeong-hoon shakes his head.
There is no room for doubt.
He has to protect at all costs.
At that moment, Kim Yeon's eyes flicker.
"They're coming."
Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes flash at those words.
It's exactly as she said.
Those who had been launching spells from afar until now begin to move towards them.
The faces of everyone present, including Jeon Myeong-hoon, are filled with tension.
But despite the tension, Jeon Myeong-hoon grits his teeth and moves forwards.
'Protect me, So-hae.'
Koong, koong, koong, kwa-jijijik!
With each step he takes, his stature seems to grow larger, and before long, Jeon Myeong-hoon transforms into a Six-Armed Giant.
The four axes built through the Five Elements Axes tremble within Jeon Myeong-hoon.
[Attack!]
And from afar, the seven 'devotees,'
The True Persons' Corrupted Bodies begin to exert their power.
Kiyaaaaaaaaaa―
Aaaaaaaaah―
The Ghost Kings resembling Seo Eun-hyun with multiple heads simultaneously open their mouths, unleashing numerous beams of light towards the Twilight Domain.
Some charge in with their own bodies, while others pull out Ghost Kings from their mouths and throw them forwards.
And Jeon Myeong-hoon, with his eyes shining, brings his six hands towards his dantian.
Wiiiiiing―
Behind his head, a circular halo appears.
From his dantian, four axes emerge.
Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings!
[I will begin Heaven and Earth Unity!]
Kwa-jijijijik!
As lightning flashes, Jeon Myeong-hoon's Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings unite.
Simultaneously,
Kwarurururung!
An enormous Heavenly Tribulation pours down towards Jeon Myeong-hoon like a waterfall from the sky.
The Ghost Kings of the Four Great Factions wear incredulous expressions at the sight.
"This lunatic...I've heard he handles lightning divine powers, but he's advancing right before a fight? Is he insane?"
"He must have a death wish. Everyone, attack!"
The Ghost Kings, without revealing their emotions, launch their attacks towards Jeon Myeong-hoon.
And then,
Kwarurururung!
The Heavenly Tribulation curves, redirecting from Jeon Myeong-hoon towards those attacking him.
Kwaaaang!
Even the devotees who have been corrupted by the True Persons flinch and halt at the overwhelming aura of the Heavenly Tribulation.
And, from the center of the Heavenly Tribulation storm, Jeon Myeong-hoon smiles.
[My apologies, but I become strongest when facing the Heavenly Tribulation.]
Kwa-jijijijik!
The Heavenly Tribulation is imbued with colors.
From blue and gold.
The Dual-Colored Heavenly Tribulation begins to turn red.
The sky turns crimson.
[This is my elixir and dharma treasure.]
Kwa-jijijijik!
The Heavenly Tribulation which is crashing down towards Jeon Myeong-hoon condenses calmly in his hand, transforming into a spear of lightning.
[In other words, it shall be by my will.]
Kwarurururung!
The spear of lightning pierces through the clouds and soars into the sky.
It appears almost like a sacred light connecting Heaven and Earth.
As it ascends, continuing until it seems it will reach the stars, Jeon Myeong-hoon grips the elongated spear of lightning and grins.
[Come at me. You shall never set foot in the Twilight Domain!]
Kwa-jijijijik!
Jeon Myeong-hoon swings the spear of lightning.
The Heavenly Tribulation spear, boasting a colossal length, is swung towards the Ghost Kings.
In the darkness.
I open my eyes to the voices of countless beings.
What is the true name of the Four-Axis stage?
'It's so simple.'
If it's called Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings,
Why is the stage after Heavenly Being called Four-Axis?
Shouldn't the stage following Heavenly Being include the name Earth (地)?
Earth Axis (地軸).
Yes, the first stage of the Middle Boundary should be called Earth Axis, not Four-Axis!
The Earth Axis stage.
"Then...shall I properly enter the Earth Axis stage?"
Finally.
I have gathered the lifespan of 10,000 years.
All that remains is to obtain the true Longevity Axis!
I begin preparations for the Longevity Axis ritual, while Jeon Myeong-hoon enters Heaven and Earth Unity.
The conclusion of all the events in the Nether Ghost Realm is now imminent.
***