A lifespan of ten thousand years has been gathered.
During the past years, I scattered sacrificial rituals across the Lower Realms to gather this Longevity Axis.
Through these sacrificial rituals, I accumulated 7,000 years of lifespan, and I took an additional 3,000 years from my own lifespan to reach a total of 10,000 years.
Now, the only thing left is to completely compress this Longevity Axis and make it mine, and to perform the ritual to announce to the Nether Ghost Realm that I have obtained the Longevity Axis.
Wo-woong—
I form an altar in the darkness and gaze upon the pillar of light that forms before my eyes.
A pillar created by the gathered lifespan of 10,000 years.
Once this pillar undergoes just one more refinement, the Longevity Axis will be complete.
But why?
Why do I feel uneasy as I look at this pillar?
'Why?'
It's not like I am taking more lifespan from the living beings of the Lower Realms.
Neither am I lacking in the strength to save my colleagues.
Nor is it time to hesitate. Even at this moment, my comrades are defending the Twilight Domain with all their might.
So why am I hesitating here?
'Have I not put in enough effort?'
That isn't it either.
I always took the minimum compensation and provided the maximum benefit while receiving lifespans.
And even when I took the remaining 3,000 years from my own lifespan, I had to endure hellish pain.
Tearing my own lifespan apart was excruciating and a form of extreme suffering.
'Then why?'
Why am I hesitating at the last moment?
"...Hoo."
I take a deep breath.
Then, without further hesitation, I begin the ritual to compress the Longevity Axis.
Now, all that remains is to announce to the Nether Ghost Realm that I have completed the Longevity Axis!
There is no more time to waste!
Huarurururuk!
At the twelve directions surrounding the Longevity Axis, ghost fire blazes blue.
"The Earth Axis ritual begins now!"
Woo-woong!
I raise my hand to take the first step towards truly rising to the Earth Axis stage.
Earth Axis.
Why must the first stage of the Middle Boundary be the Earth Axis stage rather than the Four-Axis stage?
Earth Axis signifies the axis of a star.
The North and South of a star.
End to end.
The center that connects Pole (極) to Pole (極)!
That is the Earth Axis.
So what else would you call this stage which accumulates the attraction force that connects people to people and the world to me if not the Earth Axis?
'No...did I name it based on such logic?'
Thinking back, it wasn't that I conceptualized it logically and decided that the Four-Axis stage was the Earth Axis stage.
Suddenly, a 'name' was 'engraved' in my mind.
[It is right to call this realm the Earth Axis] was a fact so clearly imprinted in my mind that I started calling it the Earth Axis stage and only later attached such logic to it.
'...Just what is this?'
I don't fully understand, but I proceed with the Earth Axis ritual anyway.
It's similar to the Seven Stars Ritual.
But unlike the Seven Stars Ritual, there's no need to conduct the ritual toward the heavens; it's enough to perform it in a place where the dragon vein flows smoothly.
Using the Longevity Axis as the center, I need to sequentially infuse the energies symbolizing the twelve hours (時) of the Nether Ghost Realm into it.
It's then,
"...!"
I suddenly look at the ceiling of the basement.
Above.
[The Sky] begins to swirl with ominous energy.
'What...Heavenly Rejection? No...this is...!'
Jeon Myeong-hoon became a storm.
It's as if thunderclouds are densely gathering around him, scattering countless bolts of lightning rain in all directions.
The ghostly creatures with high cultivation scream and retreat, and the 'devotees' corrupted by the True Persons also recoil in fear from Jeon Myeong-hoon's lightning spear, which is no different from a Heavenly Tribulation.
Chijijijik!
Jeon Myeong-hoon dominates the battlefield with his lightning spear.
At this moment, he is the king of this place.
Kwa-jijijijik!
Red lightning swirls.
It sweeps in all directions.
It storms like a tempest.
It pierces like an awl.
It burns like fire.
Every time Jeon Myeong-hoon moves his six arms, the battlefield seems to fry in a sea of red lightning.
Kwa-jijijijik!
However, Jeon Myeong-hoon's expression gradually worsens.
'I'm slowly reaching my limit.'
The red lightning he is emitting from his entire body is in essence a transformed Heavenly Tribulation.
He is using the Heavenly Tribulation to fight his enemies, and this Heavenly Tribulation is becoming stronger as it is judged that Jeon Myeong-hoon is receiving 'external assistance.'
Since the Heavenly Tribulation is both an elixir and a dharma treasure for Jeon Myeong-hoon, it doesn't matter if it grows stronger to some extent.
However, he can feel it.
The Heavenly Tribulation in his hand is becoming heavier and thicker.
And it's becoming so hot that it's increasingly difficult for Jeon Myeong-hoon to handle.
'I can't keep this up.'
Eventually, the Heavenly Tribulation will become so out of control even Jeon Myeong-hoon won't be able to handle it, turning on him instead.
Of course, Jeon Myeong-hoon won't be harmed by the Heavenly Tribulation, but if it grows that strong, absorbing it could cause his dantian to explode.
Kwarurung!
He sounds thunder while breaking into a cold sweat internally.
'Damn it, hold on a bit longer, Jeon Myeong-hoon!'
He pushes himself harder, dancing while wielding the Heavenly Tribulation.
But the Heavenly Tribulation in his hand grows hotter, and Jeon Myeong-hoon finally gives up trying to control it.
Kwa-jijijik!
The Heavenly Tribulation in Jeon Myeong-hoon's hand flashes a brilliant light and slips from his grasp.
Then, the Heavenly Tribulation begins to engulf Jeon Myeong-hoon and enter his body.
His lifespan, cultivation, everything begins to surge wildly.
Kwarurururung!
[Gruaaaaahhh!]
Jeon Myeong-hoon's body grows even larger.
And at that moment!
Kwarurururung!
Jeon Myeong-hoon's body becomes the thundercloud itself.
As the giant figure made entirely of thunderclouds roar, the entire vicinity rumbles with a deafening crackle.
Kwarurururung!
Then, something like a translucent barrier forms around Jeon Myeong-hoon and spreads outwards.
The barrier expanded rapidly, eventually covering the entire Twilight Domain.
The Ghost Kings of the Four Major Factions see this and laugh dryly.
"...How insane. How is this possible? Reaching the Integration stage in the middle of battle..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon finally completes the process of Heaven and Earth Unity and enters the Integration stage.
[Come at me, all of you. As I've reached the stage, I will devour you all.]
Kugugugu!
Jeon Myeong-hoon's voice echoes from within his domain, spreading in all directions.
Tension rises in the eyes of those watching him.
"He already possessed formidable strength at the Four-Axis stage. How strong will he be now that he's reached Integration...?"
"As expected of the Chief Law Protector of the devilish cult...!"
But contrary to their concerns, Jeon Myeong-hoon is filled with tension.
'I've reached the Integration stage, but my power is far weaker than when I faced the Heavenly Tribulation.'
His strongest moment is when he faces the breakthrough Heavenly Tribulation.
Rather, the moment he succeeds and breakthroughs in cultivation is far weaker than when he is in the process of breaking through.
'Will bluffing work?'
Then, it happens.
The 96 Ghost Kings who have been attacking Jeon Myeong-hoon and the Twilight Domain retreat.
A look of hope crosses Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes.
'Did it work?'
And then.
An urgent voice comes from Seo Eun-hyun, who is supposed to be in closed-door cultivation.
[Jeon Myeong-hoon, be careful. They're planning something crazy!]
[What...?]
Then.
Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud, thud, thud!
The seven devotees who have been attacking with the Integration stage Ghost Kings, advance even further towards the Twilight Domain as the Ghost Kings retreat.
[Sending the Corrupted Bodies forward means...they're planning to draw on the True Persons' power...? This is madness...!]
Kugugugu!
The seven devotees each shake their many heads and stretch their hands and limbs toward the sky.
Then, light descends from the sky, as if connecting the devotees with the True Persons.
'I, I have to block...!'
Kurung, Kurururung!
But before Jeon Myeong-hoon can act.
Thunderclouds once again gather in the sky, blocking the sight of the True Persons.
The devotees trying to draw power from the True Persons are disconnected from them.
Jeon Myeong-hoon sees this and smiles with relief.
[You're late! You snail-like bastard!]
[Sorry about that...]
Kugugugugu!
A Ghost King with 19 heads flies to the side of the giant thundercloud figure.
The thundercloud figure forms a hand seal and points to the sky.
As Seo Eun-hyun finishes building the Longevity Axis, the thunderclouds that have been writhing as if ready to drop Heavenly Tribulation at any moment are unable to do so.
[I've delayed the Heavenly Tribulation a bit with my power. It should give us some breathing room...Anyway, Seo Eun-hyun...is it done?]
[It's done. Now...we just need to open the 'side path'!]
Jeon Myeong-hoon sighs lightly.
Currently, Seo Eun-hyun has built two of the Five Blessings Axes.
And according to Yeon Wei, three of the Five Blessings Axes are needed to open the shortcut.
Of course, with the two axes Seo Eun-hyun has built, if Jeon Myeong-hoon, who has reached the Integration stage, combines his power, it could count as having three axes and they could open the side path.
But the problem is that if Jeon Myeong-hoon focuses on opening the side path with Seo Eun-hyun, there will inevitably be a gap in their defenses.
[Without you or me...can they hold on without us?]
At Jeon Myeong-hoon's question, Seo Eun-hyun looks back.
The followers of the Twilight Domain who have followed him have come out, looking up at Seo Eun-hyun, who has completed his closed-door cultivation.
Including Jeon Myeong-hoon, the other colleagues, the Guardian Ghost Kings, and Yu Hye who had come as a guest. All his connections are looking at him.
Seo Eun-hyun smiles.
[Don't worry.]
Wooooo-woong!
Attraction force begins to emanate from within him.
Jeon Myeong-hoon is startled by the sight.
[You...! Didn't you say you had only two axes!? Did you deceive me!?]
[Hm...I didn't deceive you. I clearly explained last time that if you lowered your realm and converted through the Vast Cold Heavenly Circle formula, it would count as accumulating an additional axis. You just didn't listen, did you?]
Seo Eun-hyun clicks his tongue and chuckles, while Jeon Myeong-hoon becomes even more exasperated.
[Damn it! If you had something that good, you should have forced me to learn it!]
[Who was the one holding So-hae's hand saying, 'I must reach the next stage quickly,' and not listening? Anyway, I can open the side path on my own.]
With a look that seems to say 'trust me' from his 38 eyes, Seo Eun-hyun nods at Jeon Myeong-hoon.
[So, I'll leave the protection of the order to you, Jeon Myeong-hoon!]
[Ha...got it, Cult Leader!]
Seo Eun-hyun flies towards the direction of the Wuji Religious Order and begins forming hand seals.
[Now then...let's open the side path!]
And then.
Kugugugugu!
The dark clouds in the sky, temporarily sealed by Jeon Myeong-hoon and holding the Heavenly Tribulation.
That symbol of Heavenly Tribulation begins to disperse.
[...What?]
The next moment.
Jiiiiing—
A colossal [will] begins to descend upon the earth.
―In the names of the True Persons, we decree that all Heavenly Punishments occurring in the Nether Ghost Realm at this moment be postponed by one year. Clouds descending Heavenly Tribulations, disperse.
Jiiiiing—
The will of the True Persons resonate throughout the battlefield.
The dark clouds created by Seo Eun-hyun upon his breakthrough dissipate effortlessly, and the will of the True Persons descend upon the earth once again.
Kugugugugu!
Starlight falls from the heavens onto the seven devotees.
[Kuuaaaaahh!]
[Gaaaaaahh!]
[Guuuaaaaaah!]
The devotees all scream in agony.
Among those anxiously watching the battlefield behind Seo Eun-hyun, Yu Hye's eyes waver momentarily as she looks at them.
"W-Wait! Cha Jo-gwi-nim...!?"
She cries out, seeing one devotee in pain, receiving the light of the True Persons.
"Cha Jo-gwi-nim! Why are you there! Cha Jo-gwi-nim!"
However, the devotee transformed from Cha Jo-gwi seems unable to hear her words.
He merely mutters as he accepts the light from the heavens.
[I...will...save...definitely...save...]
The 96 Integration stage Ghost Kings behind the seven devotees, each in groups of twelve, begin forming hand seals.
Woong, woong, woo-woong—
The Integration stage Ghost Kings deploy their domain.
Their domains, no different from dimensional barriers, buzz and rise as pillars towards the sky.
These pillars meet the edge of the light falling on the seven devotees.
Towards the sky, the Ghost Kings project their attraction force.
Finally, a crack appears in the sky.
Zzuzzuzzuzeuk!
On the surface, it seems like nothing significant has changed.
The dark sky of the Nether Ghost Realm still holds stars, and the stars continue to gaze down upon the earth.
The only change is a transparent 'crack' in the sky.
However, through that crack, [power] from [above] begins to pour down.
――――――!
With an incomprehensible cry, the seven devotees simultaneously point their fingers towards the Twilight Domain.
The next moment.
Kugugugugu!
An irresistible weight descends upon the entire Twilight Domain.
Kwaaang!
Kwa-jijijik!
The domain unfolded by the Six Extremes Ghost King, Jeon Myeong-hoon, is utterly shattered.
Although Jeon Myeong-hoon does not die, he is left prostrated on the ground, unable to even make breathing sounds.
Seo Eun-hyun, who was trying to open a 'side path' above the Wuji Religious Order, is also slammed to the ground.
[Ku...uuuuugh!]
While Seo Eun-hyun doesn't end up prostrated like Jeon Myeong-hoon, he too is pinned to the ground, unable to do anything.
Moreover, the attraction force is even growing stronger.
Clatter, clatter, clatter, clatter, clatter!
The cursed dolls, the physical bodies of the Twilight Domain's ghostly creatures, begin to emit white steam as they start to break apart.
The True Persons are trying to annihilate the Wuji Religious Order.
'This is insane...'
The pressure is enormous.
At this rate, not only the Wuji Religious Order but the entire Twilight Domain will be crushed into dust.
Kuguguguguk!
Enduring the pressure falling upon me, I try to channel all the attraction force I gathered to open the side path to shield the Twilight Domain from the descending power.
This eases the pressure on the followers and Jeon Myeong-hoon significantly, but it increases the area of pressure on me, making it feel like my entire body is about to burst.
"Don't...joke...with me...!"
Without the energy to even use mental speech, I shout out loud with my voice.
The pressure that seems to intend to crush me here without giving me a chance to open the side path.
Previously, there seemed to be two options: drive me out or annihilate me.
But in reality, it's clear their primary intent is to annihilate me.
"Ku...grghrghhhh...!"
However frustrating it is, I have no power to stop this.
I can sense it.
This colossal, cosmic power is being exerted by the True Persons while in a 'wounded state.'
And it isn't even their direct power but merely an indirect force channeled through the devotees.
They seem to fear seeing the [Inverted Cone] from me again if they use their power directly.
However, even with that faint, indirect power, we are on the verge of dying.
In frustration, I shout toward the heavens.
"True Persons above! What wrong have we done!?"
But no answer comes.
Yet somehow, I feel like I understand.
Insects.
To them, we are no different from insects.
They probably didn't feel the need to explain anything to insects.
Yes.
The reason for their actions is clear.
It isn't because they find me disgusting or are angry about me showing them the [Inverted Cone].
They simply feel that the [being they mistakenly perceive to be behind me] is disrespecting and opposing them, and thus, they are venting anger out on what they consider as that existence's pawn—me.
'Ridiculous.'
Such an entity does not even exist.
How many times have I been mocked and ridiculed in this manner?
It's infuriating and unfair, but there's nothing I can do.
Merely, I can only be gradually crushed by the force of the True Persons.
'This time as well....am I going to die at the hands of colossal beings...?'
I can tell.
Being crushed to death by the will of the True Persons is the conclusion of this cycle.
There is no other outcome.
'I see...this is...our end...'
I close my eyes.
And accept death.
'If I am to die like this...'
I begin to deconstruct the Longevity Axis I have just successfully built.
'Let me return it.'
Tststststst—
Over the years, as the Wuji Ghost King, I have lent power to the beings of the Lower Realms and received 'lifespan' in return.
Through those lifespans, I can sense the attraction force that connects me to them.
'I will return them.'
Through the attraction force, I tear apart my axis and return them.
From the Void Spirit Pond, countless rays of light pour out.
The lifespans used in my Longevity Axis are returning to their original owners.
Since I'm going to die anyway, I decide to do what little I can.
What isn't mine in the first place should be returned.
Tstststst—
And at that very moment.
I hear a sound as if someone is whispering in my ear.
―Isn't it a waste? Regardless of everything, it was a fair trade. In the end, you expended time and effort and gained nothing. Isn't that meaningless?
Is it my Heart Demon?
Or perhaps my lingering desire?
It doesn't matter.
The answer is already determined.
"There was nothing from the start."
After all, life is just a series of failures and emptiness.
It's merely adding a tiny speck of meaninglessness to the mountain of countless failures and futility.
"If I came with nothing, I should leave with nothing."
I decide to feed the last of my strength to the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique.
But at that moment.
―Remarkable.
I feel the [Voice] I thought was my Heart Demon or lingering desire laughing.
Chills!
'What, what's this?'
The next moment, I scream in pain from the sudden excruciating agony coming from my chest.
"Huaaaaaah!"
It hurts!
It hurts so much!!!
Kuajik, Kua-jijijijil!
[Someone]!
[Someone] is tearing my lifespan apart!
As I rose to the Four-Axis stage, I received a lifespan of 10,000 years from the heavens.
Of that, I used 3,000 years to construct my Longevity Axis, leaving me with about 10,000 years of lifespan, including what I had gained during the Minor Boundary.
But [Someone] is tearing apart my remaining lifespan.
In an instant, 7000 years of my lifespan are torn away.
Although I have experienced the pain of tearing flesh many times, this pain of brutally tearing away lifespan is an unbearable agony I could never get used to.
I can't stay conscious against the overwhelming pain surging from the depths of my soul.
But then, [Someone] applies the lifespan they tore from me to the Longevity Axis left with 3,000 years.
Woowooong!
The Longevity Axis, which was left with only 30 percent due to returning lifespan to those connected to me in the Lower Realms, is once again completed to 100 percent.
At that moment.
I feel as if I understand something.
―Immortal Cultivation is about 'taking.' Take from the Devilish Path, take from the Righteous Path, take from the demons, 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!
'Why' did I hesitate before building the Longevity Axis?
'Why' did I dislike the process of building it?
Yes, it's probably because the method of constructing the Five Blessings Axes is close to the Devilish Path, which involves plundering from others.
But now.
With 'my pure lifespan alone' constructing the axis.
I understand 'why' a stumbling block remains in my heart.
I look at the illusion of Yeon Wei before me.
No, it's the illusion of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect that had taught Yeon Wei. In other words, the illusion of Yang Su-jin.
"...How can I elevate myself by taking from others?"
I can only elevate myself through my own means.
"Immortal Cultivation is comprehension (懺悟)."
It is only by reflecting on oneself, realizing oneself, and overcoming oneself that one is completed. That is Immortal Cultivation.
How can something taken from others become mine?
And then, the [Voice] laughs.
―Yes, it's exactly that.
Even as my entire body is being crushed by the True Persons, I bow my head to the [Voice] with a deep sense of gratitude.
"I don't know who you are, but thank you for the profound enlightenment."
―Do you not know me?
"What?"
'What does that mean?'
I make a puzzled expression to the feeling that the [Voice] somehow knows me.
―Did you not call upon me? Many times.
"What does that..."
But hearing the words of the [Voice] the next moment, my mind goes blank.
―Immortal Cultivation is comprehension.
Woowooong—
The words I have just uttered.
I thought it was simply my thoughts organized, but I am mistaken.
This is the formula 'already' within me.
―Like tiny grains of salt gathering to form the sea.
It's the same as when I learned the name of the Earth Axis stage earlier.
'Ah, I see.'
It isn't something I realized through enlightenment.
I have 'already' known this through this formula.
―Build mountains through comprehension.
As if mesmerized, I reach out towards the illusion of the inverted cone before me.
―Building a mountain of salt is perhaps the fastest way to reach the heavens.
All this time, I have only been using the filtered information provided by Seo Hweol.
But now, I realize that I can read the [original] method of this technique.
The owner of the formula has granted me permission.
Pasasasasasasa―
A pure white aura begins to form like grains around me.
I stand up.
The True Persons are crushing my body from above, but it's useless.
I now understand.
The true cultivation method of the Earth Axis stage.
First, make contracts with countless Lower Realm living beings and provide services after receiving their payment.
Then, in the end, sacrifice your own lifespan to build the axis instead of the lifespan received from the living beings, and return the payment back to them.
Yes, you are returning the blessings you received.
The Six Extremes is not something that exists, but rather refers to the absence of blessings.
Within this emptiness of vanished blessings, feeling the Six Extremes and comprehending both the Five Blessings and Six Extremes is the essence of the Earth Axis stage!
Pasasasasa―
I laugh as I watch the white, grain-like aura swirling around me.
Previously, using this technique would cause my arms or the extremities of my body to turn to salt uncontrollably. But not anymore.
Now, I can control it perfectly.
I think I understand.
Just what was Hon Won thinking, using this method in reverse?
The name of this method is not the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique.
It's not some reverse-heaven method that tears a single type of energy into seven pieces.
It's actually the exact opposite.
'Combining seven types of energy into one...'
Wiiiiiiiing―
The energy of Yin-Yang and Five Elements combine into one between my hands.
'An inverted cone...no. A divine power that forms a mountain.'
That is the true effect of this strange technique mistakenly called the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique!
Chuaaaaaaaaa!
I gather the energy in my hands and shoot it towards the sky, causing it to explode.
What emerges is a colossal, inverted cone-shaped mountain that fills the sky, incomparable to the vague display shown before with the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique.
The brilliant white light sweeps across Heaven and Earth.
The bodies of the 'devotees' caught in that light start to melt into salt.
And from within that salt, the true forms of the 'devotees' begin to emerge.
The power of the True Persons that possessed the 'devotees' is being withdrawn.
Furthermore, this divine power's effect is not yet finished.
―――――――!!!!!!!!
―――!!!
―!!!!!!!!!!!
―――――――――――――!!!!!!
Kugugugugugu!!!
Heaven and Earth tremble.
No, the entire Nether Ghost Realm shakes madly.
The reaction is on a completely different scale compared to when I showed the inverted cone to the True Persons before.
To compare, the previous incident is like an adult accidentally getting punched in the solar plexus by a three-foot tall child.
This time, it's like the adult getting stabbed by a large knife by the child.
I can feel that the True Persons have 'properly' suffered serious injuries upon seeing the shape of the Salt Mountain.
My power is that of an insect compared to the True Persons, but the being beyond this Salt Mountain is not.
The pressure weighing down the Twilight Domain vanishes.
What remains are the True Persons outside the Nether Ghost Realm's dimensional boundary, writhing in pain as if they have truly gone mad.
I can feel their genuine agony and convulsions.
I smile as I look up at the sky.
Pasasasasasa―
Having shed the form of the Ghost King with 19 heads, I reach out with the axes built solely with my own strength and lifespan.
Two Orthodox Axes, and another axis-equivalent with the Vast Cold Heavenly Circle, intertwine and tear open the void.
Normally, the 'side path' can only be opened with the special secret arts of the Black Ghost Palace and the Nether Crossing Ship, but now it opens by my hand.
Woo-woong―
The side path widens and widens until it covers the entire Twilight Domain.
After opening the side path, I look back.
On the opposite side, the Integration stage cultivators from the Four Great Factions are staring at me with bewildered expressions.
Between us in the middle, the devotees freed from the True Persons are expressing their gratitude for regaining their lives, and Yu Hye is crying in the arms of Cha Jo-gwi.
I withdraw the beams of light that are lethal to those at the Entering Nirvana stage but harmless to those below, and I bow my head one last time to the Nether Ghost Realm itself.
It's a gesture of gratitude for the connections I have built in the Nether Ghost Realm and for this world itself.
"Well then, farewell."
Kugugugugu!
Now it's time to return.
To the long-missed Bright Cold Realm.
Thus, the Twilight Domain enters the side path, leaving the Nether Ghost Realm behind.
Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
The Palace of Light at the center of the Heavenly Domain.
Inside, eight colossal beings are exuding palpable signs of confusion.
: : The Great Mountain Supreme Deity is suddenly going berserk in the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain. : :
: : What kind of absurd power is this? The Heavenly Domain we've barely confined is shaking. : :
: : At this rate, the Mountain God we barely imprisoned will break free again. : :
: : We must quickly create a special confinement Heavenly Domain specifically for the Mountain God, just like we did for the God of Heavenly Punishment. It's unsettling to leave them confined in their own Heavenly Domain like this. : :
: : Just what is happening all of a sudden? Why is that being having a fit? : :
u0026nbsp;: It's difficult to know, as they seem insane. For now, some of us will need to personally go and reinforce the Heavenly Domain securely. If we don't, that being will break the Barrier of Light and emerge again...: :
: : A monstrous being indeed...worthy of being called the Supreme Deity equal to a Heavenly Venerable...: :
: : Naturally. Though they have fallen, they were once a noble being...: :
The eight figures exchanging opinions soon come to a decision.
: : Given this severe situation concerning a Governing Immortal, everyone should move. : :
: : Glory to the Radiance Supreme Deity. : :
Ssss!
The figures disappear suddenly to somewhere.
In the hall, only the Seat of Light is left floating alone.
Ancient Force Realm.
The main base of the Buk Hyang Fleet.
Inside, a woman in white is caressing a jade norigae.
She looks at the ghost lying in front of her with a bitter expression.
"Elder Song, are you leaving now?"
The ghost laughs heartily.
[It seems it's finally time for this old man to go. It has been...truly enjoyable.]
"Elder...surely there must be another way."
[What other way? I've lived long enough. Unless a basket of pure ghostly energy from the Nether Ghost Realm's mainland falls from the sky, I'll be leaving soon...]
The old ghost holds the hand of the woman in white with a peaceful expression.
[When I'm gone...please take good care of my disciple...]
It's at that moment.
Woo-woong!
"...?"
[...?]
The jade norigae in the woman's hand begins to vibrate wildly, emitting a strange heat.
"W-why is this happening?"
The heat emitted by the norigae gradually intensifies.
And then, suddenly.
Kwaaaaaaaang!
"...Huh?"
The woman in white and the old ghost hear a massive explosion reverberate throughout the entire world.
Kugugugugu!
After the explosion, the norigae's temperature neither rises nor falls, remaining constant, and a vibration echoes throughout the entire world.
The old ghost speaks in alarm.
[Th-the celestial energy is shaking. Could it be...?]
He gasps and continues.
[Some being from another world has entered the Ancient Force Realm...!]
***
Chuaaaaaa!
The Twilight Domain, a land of ghostly creatures, traverses a monochromatic side path.
'It seems there are no problems.'
The side path originally serves as a route through the deep outskirts of the Netherworld.
To use this side path, one must either have learned the Ghost Path Method or possess a dream body created using the power of the Nether Crossing Ship.
However, the Wuji Religious Order situated in Twilight Domain is a cult of ghostly creatures.
From the start, there was no problem in using the side path.
Guuuuuuuuu―
The monochromatic side path is quiet.
The followers keep their mouths shut as expected due to the death aura emanating from the side path.
However, even with their mouths closed, I can feel it.
Everyone is immensely excited.
Though the sound is almost nonexistent and silent, I can see it.
Various colors are wildly bouncing within the world of intent.
All the followers of the religious order.
They are all feeling immense loyalty towards me and an overwhelming sense of belonging to the Wuji Religious Order.
Is it because they witnessed with their own eyes as I drove out the Entering Nirvana stage True Persons?
Even when I appear in the form of the 'human Seo Eun-hyun' from the 19-headed Ghost King, no one shows fear or dread towards me.
Their loyalty and fervor have surpassed the fear my appearance induces.
'Thank you all for following me thus far.'
With a grateful heart towards the followers, I, along with Jeon Myeong-hoon, guide the Twilight Domain to the Bright Cold Realm.
"...Hey, Jeon Myeong-hoon."
It's then.
"Hmm? What?"
Currently, the Twilight Domain is being navigated by me, the one who opened the side path.
And it's Jeon Myeong-hoon, possessing the attraction force of the Integration stage, who is controlling it.
While I maintain the side path, Jeon Myeong-hoon pinpoints the coordinates of the Bright Cold Realm and pulls the Twilight Domain using his attraction force.
However, I feel something strange.
"Are you driving properly?"
"Of course. We're heading straight to the Bright Cold Realm. I've locked the old site of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect as our coordinates, so that's where we'll emerge. What do you take me for?"
"An inconsiderate bastard who hands over the driving to someone who stayed up all night because he couldn't drive?"
"Haha, did you say this is the side path? The scenery is quite nice."
Clicking my tongue, I grab his shoulder.
"No, I'm seriously asking. Are you really pulling us to the Bright Cold Realm? Something feels off..."
"What feels off?"
I frown at the strange discomfort.
Indeed, Jeon Myeong-hoon is pulling us towards the coordinates of the old site of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect that he remembers.
Given that it's an unforgettable coordinate for him, there's no worry about it being wrong.
But strangely, even though we are heading towards the 'correct' coordinates, it feels like we are heading down the 'wrong' path.
'Why? The direction is right, but it feels like we're taking another route.'
I repeatedly confirm Jeon Myeong-hoon's attraction force to ensure we are on the right track.
Jeon Myeong-hoon's attraction force is definitely connected to the old site of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect in the Bright Cold Realm.
'This is strange...'
We're going the right way, yet it's wrong.
It's a truly odd feeling, but it's the reality I feel.
It's then.
Woo-woong!
"...!?"
I suddenly feel the Colorless Glass Sword heating up within me.
'What's this?'
The Colorless Glass Sword is resonating.
"Stop crying, Colorless Glass Sword!"
I try to quell the vibrating Colorless Glass Sword by taking it out of my mouth, but the sword remains unyielding.
The sword continues to vibrate, emitting a faint light.
'This light...?'
I'm startled as I look at the light.
This light is undoubtedly from the reversed method of the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique.
The salt light I had just used to drive away the True Persons!
'Did using this method somehow affect the Colorless Glass Sword?'
It's when I'm looking at the Colorless Glass Sword emitting a grain-like white light.
Wiiiiiing!
"...!"
I realize that the mist from the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections embedded in the Colorless Glass Sword is also vibrating.
'No, just what is this...!'
I'm flustered.
"Wait! Jeon Myeong-hoon! Where are you driving!?"
"What? I'm driving just fine!"
"Damn it! We're heading down a strange path!"
"What are you talking about? Can't you see I'm heading to where the attraction force is fixed to?"
"No, damn it!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon, as if going crazy, suddenly veers off the straight path and starts heading in a strange direction.
I'm terrified, but Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at me with confused eyes.
"How is this straight?! We were just there, but where are we heading now?!"
"I mean! We can't see front or back in here! I'm just following the attraction force!"
"Damn it...!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon's understanding of death is not as deep as mine, so he can't see the side path clearly, but it's vividly clear to me.
This guy suddenly turned in a strange direction.
"It's fine! I'll set the direction, so just follow me.'
"Well, for now, fi-'
Kugugugugu!
Right at that moment.
"What...!"
Suddenly, the Colorless Glass Sword starts vibrating like crazy.
At the same time, the slowly advancing Twilight Domain begins to be pulled forward 'as if crazy.'
"Damn it! What's happening!?"
"I don't know!"
Thinking that something terrible will happen if we continue like this, I try to sever the attraction force somehow. Jeon Myeong-hoon follows my instructions and envelops the Twilight Domain in his own domain.
I can feel it.
'Something' is pulling us.
'C-Could it be an Entering Nirvana True Person?'
It's possible.
One of the enraged True Persons might have come to the side path to devour us!
With a tense face, I draw upon the energy of the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique once more.
Just then.
'...!'
Up ahead, a dimensional barrier appears.
If we continue like this, the Twilight Domain will crash into the dimensional barrier and shatter!
Wo-woong!
I cover the front of the Twilight Domain with the All-Heavens Sword.
'Pierce through!'
In the next moment.
Kwaaang!
The force of the Twilight Domain, the sharpness of the All-Heavens Sword, and the speed at which we are being rapidly pulled by the attraction force combines, creating an enormous bomb-like rumble that envelops the vicinity. The Twilight Domain is dragged straight into this suspicious dimension.
Ancient Force Realm.
Sacred Orchid Island, Waterflow Domain.
Located in the middle of a vast ocean, Sacred Orchid Island is a thriving place.
It's one of the trade cities where exchanges frequently take place with various other islands, and it's also rich in spirit veins, preventing major conflicts.
Yuk Yo, a koi (silk carp) demon beast and resident of Sacred Orchid Island, wakes up inside her territory, the Ascending Ridge Falls, shakes her body once, and then jumps into the waterfall, swimming up against the current to the sky.
Kugugugugu!
As soon as she ascends the waterfall, Yuk Yo transforms into a divine blue dragon.
Although she hasn't actually become a member of the Dragon Race, she uses her unique divine power to transform similarly.
"Ah, what a pleasant day again. Shall I find a fool to scam joyfully today as well?"
Though she is still at the early Nascent Soul stage, Yuk Yo flies to the harbor of Sacred Orchid Island with an unbothered expression.
When she arrives at the harbor, she hears clicking tongues all around.
"That swindler's starting her activities again."
"Instead of diligently cultivating to become a real dragon, she's going around using her cheap transformation technique to scam people."
"Only the victims suffer. Tsk tsk..."
Despite the murmurs all around her, Yuk Yo doesn't care. In her dragon form, she performs transformation.
Her upper body remains a dragon, while her lower body turns human, resulting in a half-transformation.
However, this appearance exudes considerable dignity, making it look rather convincing from the outside.u0026nbsp;
While wandering around the harbor, she notices a newly arrived ship and heads towards it with a gleam in her eyes.
Several demon beasts are unloading goods from the ship, and others, seemingly from another island, are looking around.
Yuk Yo approaches one of the demon beasts who appears confused and is at the Heavenly Being stage.
That demon beast, fully transformed into human form, seems to be nervously biting his lip as if it's his first time on Sacred Orchid Island.
"Haha, hello, fellow cultivator. Is this your first time on Sacred Orchid Island?"
"Ah...that's right, fellow cultivator. I came to attend the auction being held on Sacred Orchid Island..."
"Ah, you mean the Sacred Orchid Trading Fair. The Sacred Orchid Trading Fair is in five days, but how about exploring Sacred Orchid Island until then? As a local, let me show you around."
"Oh, there's no need for a noble dragon to go through such trouble."
"Haha, it's nothing. I've always enjoyed making friends from outside the island. I'd appreciate it if you could give me the opportunity."
"Haha, if the noble dragon insists so much..."
The demon beast cultivator seems persuaded by Yuk Yo's dignified dragon face and starts following her.
Yuk Yo quickly becomes friends with the Heavenly Being cultivator using her unique charm and eloquence.
"Is this really true!? As expected of Yuk Noonim! To subdue a Four-Axis stage monster with a single command!"
[TL Note: Noonim is basically Hyung-nim but referring to an older woman.]
"Ahem, that one wasn't much. The truly scary one was an Integration stage Demon King. The strike from the Integration Demon King was truly formidable. Surviving its ultimate move is what brought my cultivation down to this level.'
"My goodness, to survive after an encounter with a Demon King! As expected of Yuk Noonim...I respect you!"
Yuk Yo continues to boast incessantly while conversing with him, and at some point, she takes out a small piece of paper from her storage scroll.
"So, little brother. I've been planning on starting a business soon. If I start one under my name, it will be hugely profitable. So, little brother, could you lend me ten ancient stones? I'll return them a hundredfold."
"No way! Really? If it's for you, Yuk Noonim, I can sell everything I have and give you a hundred ancient stones!"
"Oheot! Even amongst close siblings, one should not casually trade money. If our friendship is strained, it would be heart-wrenching. Just ten will do."
[Oheot is basically a sound of disapproval]
"Ah...as expected of a noble Dragon Race, Yuk Noonim!"
Yuk Yo pockets ten shining stones handed to her by the seemingly touched demon beast cultivator.
"Ah, come to think of it, I left something behind at the other harbor. Please wait here for a moment, younger brother. I'll go fetch my belongings."
"Yes, Noonim!"
Yuk Yo disappears somewhere, leaving the demon beast cultivator waiting with an excited expression.
However, Yuk Yo does not return.
"...? That's strange. Why isn't Noonim coming back?'
It's then.
"Hey, young man. Are you waiting for a noble-looking Dragon Race member?"
"Yes...I am."
"Tsk tsk...you've been scammed."
"What...?"
"That bastard is notorious around here. She transforms into the Dragon Race to scam newcomers to Sacred Orchid Island. She's very elusive, making her hard to catch. Just think of it as bad luck."
"N-no, what do you mean? Yuk Noonim was originally a Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage cultivator, a quasi-Demon King on the verge of reaching the Integration stage. Why would she scam someone at the Heavenly Being stage like me?"
"Tsk tsk. This friend, that scammer isn't even at the Four-Axis stage. She's a Nascent Soul stage demon beast. She can't even perform transformation properly and is just an early Nascent Soul cultivator."
"..."
"Poor fellow. Tsk tsk..."
The passerby pats his shoulder and, while pretending to comfort him, slyly steals the storage scroll from the Heavenly Being stage cultivator's waist and walks away.
The demon beast cultivator stands there blankly. It's only much later that he realizes his storage scroll has been stolen, and he roars in rage.
"Huaaaaaaah!"
Kurung, kurururung!
Another harbor on Sacred Orchid Island.
Yuk Yo watches from afar as the Heavenly Being stage cultivator roars in anger, causing a storm, and chuckles.
"Welcome to the island of thieves, kid. Walking around with such a dumb face, you were bound to get scammed by this elder. Hehehe...So, what should I buy with these ancient stones today..."
Yuk Yo laughs, staring at the ten stones in her hand.
The transformation technique she learned, the Dragon Form Disguise Method, has some side effects but allows her to transform almost perfectly into any Dragon Race member she has seen once!
She has used this technique multiple times to scam people on Sacred Orchid Island and has succeeded once again today.
While she is reveling in her success.
Kurung, kurururung!
The sky suddenly starts to darken.
"Hmm? What's this? Is someone advancing?"
Yuk Yo looks up at the sky with a puzzled expression.
The sky is darkening as storm clouds gather.
'No, this feels like...'
Seeing the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy fluctuating unstably, Yuk Yo breaks into a cold sweat.
The Heaven and Earth spiritual energy is conveying a strong sense of foreboding.
'Isn't the Yin energy becoming too strong?'
The balance of Yin and Yang is breaking, and the previously smooth-flowing Heaven and Earth spiritual energy is rapidly shifting towards Yin.
And then,
Kwaaang!
With an enormous explosion, the sky shatters like porcelain.
"W-what!"
She freezes in shock.
And in the next moment.
Kiyaaaaaaaaaa!
Kuyaaaaaaaa!
Kiyaaaak!
Overwhelming ghostly wails echo throughout the entire ocean as countless ghosts start emerging from the crack.
Kurururung!
Thunder rumbles as a monster with six arms crawls out of the fissure.
[――――――!]
The giant god emerges from the crack, howling in a strange language.
Then, six shadows beneath the giant summons black lightning, forcibly widening the crack.
The giant god hurls the black lightning into the crack like a hook and starts pulling something out from within.
Kwaaaaang!
The next moment.
Kugugugugu!
A massive chunk of land large enough to cover Sacred Orchid Island bursts out form the crack.u0026nbsp;
Ohhhhhhhhhhh―
Uaaaaaaaah―
Kiyaaaaaaaaaaaa!
A dreadful ghostly wail fills the surroundings.
Yuk Yo looks up at the sky.
On top of that massive chunk of land stands countless ominous buildings exuding dreadful yin energy, and between the buildings, grotesque cursed dolls kneel and pray towards the sky.
"W-What is that...!"
While Yuk Yo's mind is blank,
Dududududu―
All the residents of Sacred Orchid Island, sensing the crisis, transform into their true forms and start fleeing.
Seeing them, Yuk Yo finally snaps back to reality.
'R-Right. Damn it, this isn't the time to be like this. I need to get off this island quickly!'
She turns pale, releasing her transformation and tries to flee, but her speed is slower than even the Core Formation cultivators.
'Damn it! I can't move fast because of the Dragon Form Disguise Method!'
The Dragon Form Disguise Method she learned allows her, a koi demon beast, to disguise herself as a noble member of the Dragon Race, but it has the drawback of reducing both her speed and physical strength.
Of course, being a divine ability with such a cost, it allows her to imitate the aura of the Dragon Race almost perfectly.
However...
'Damn it! Release! Release!'
It takes a considerable amount of time to undo the Dragon Form Disguise Method.
She has to sit still and concentrate for at least the time it takes to drink one cup of tea to release the disguise.
Yuk Yo tries her best to undo the disguise while running away.
But just then.
Yuk Yo feels a prick on the back of her head and looks back, feeling like her breath will stop.
Standing at the center of the demon ghosts, the six-armed giant is staring directly at her.
Cheok!
The giant extends an arm towards her.
At the same time, Yuk Yo feels a massive force pulling her in.
"Ahhhh!!!"
Yuk Yo screams and struggles, but she fails to escape and is eventually caught by the giant's hand.
"Bring it here."
I speak, sitting in front of the Wuji Religious Hall, gazing at the endlessly spread sea.
Thud, thud, thud, thud!
Jeon Myeong-hoon, in his Giant God form, drags a demon beast that appears to be of the Dragon Race before me.
[I have captured it, Cult Leader.]
I look down at the demon beast before me with cold eyes.
The demon beast is shouting noisily in the language of the Demon Race, but the ghostly creatures of the Nether Ghost Realm have their own language, so shouting in Demon Race language is useless.
I speak to the demon beast in the Demon Race language.
"Calm down. I won't eat you. First, explain where we are."
The creature trembles and speaks.
"Th-this is Sacred Orchid Island in the Waterflow Domain, Senior. P-Please, spare me! As you can see from my aura, I'm just a weak Core Formation cultivator!"
"...Water Flow Region? Where is that? Is it in the Stable Realm or the Chaos Realm?"
"Huh, pardon? Of course, it's in the Stable Realm."
"Since it's a place where demon beasts abound, it must be in the Earth Tribe territory...how far is the True Dragon Alliance from here?"
But the demon beast responds with confusion.
"True Dragon Alliance? What does Senior mean by that? Where is that?"
"..."
I realize something is wrong from the demon beast's reaction.
'As expected...did Jeon Myeong-hoon mess up the driving?'
It seems we have not landed in the Bright Cold Realm.
"This is...what's the name of this world? We just crossed over from the Nether Ghost Realm, so we don't know much. Explain it to us."
At the mention of coming from the Nether Ghost Realm, the demon beast begins to tremble and speak.
"Th-this is the Ancient Force Realm, my lord. But why have beings from the Nether Ghost Realm come here...?"
[You insolent thing! How dare you question without the permission of the Cult Leader!?]
Baek Rin, who recently joined as a Guardian Ghost King, shouts furiously from beside the demon beast. Although he can't speak the Demon Race language, he seems to understand from the tone that the creature was asking a question.
The demon beast, seeing the shouting Baek Rin left only with white bones, looks like it's about to faint and starts gasping for breath.
Hong Fan, standing next to me, translates the Nether Ghost Realm language for the demon beast.
"It means to keep your mouth shut unless asked."
The demon beast's tremble and closes its mouth.
I sigh.
'Damn it...we've really landed in the Ancient Force Realm!?'
The distance between the Ancient Force Realm and the Bright Cold Realm alone is a thousand years.
Of course, with Jeon Myeong-hoon having reached the Integration stage, we can return much faster with his help. However, bringing back the entire Wuji Religious Order will take a considerable amount of time.
'How did this happen...?'
I sigh again.
"Chief Law Protector, call Yeon Wei through Yeon Jin."
Regardless of what happened, we need the wisdom of the elderly.
"And you there..."
I question the demon beast trembling in front of me.
"That appearance, it's not your true form, is it?"
"Yes, yes! That's right, my lord. This is a demon ability I learned, which allows me to transform into the face of a Dragon Race member I've seen once!"
"Oh, I see."
I ask the creature with gleaming eyes.
"Then you must have met Seo Ran. When and where did you meet him? Tell me."
This creature in front of me has a form exactly identical to Seo Ran's dragon form.
===
Author's Note: The Nether Ghost Realm part is over, and the Ancient Force Realm episode is beginning. Ham Jin and the Lower Realm episodes are planned to continue in the Ancient Force Realm as well. I plan to finish the Ancient Force episode as quickly as possible, so please wait just a little longer.
And...to organize the Ancient Force Realm episode, I will take a day off tomorrow. Haha;;
Thank you all.
-x-X-x-
"P-Pardon? Seo Ran? Who is that?"
I sigh softly while looking at the demon beast in front of me.
'It's full of lies.'
Because it keeps spitting lies, I initially thought it was Seo Hweol.
'The appearance is fake, the claim of being in Core Formation is a lie, and not knowing Seo Ran is also a lie...'
Besides, seeing it borrow Seo Ran's appearance reminds me of Seo Hweol, stirring a rush of murderous intent within me.
Sensing my killing intent, Baek Rin roars furiously.
[You insoooleeeeeent thing!!! Can you not answer properly!!!]
At the Four-Axis Baek Rin's roar, the demon beast chokes as if its soul is about to leave its body.
"Enough."
When I raise one hand, Baek Rin stops roaring, and Hong Fan steps forward to interpret Baek Rin's words.
"If you lie one more time, you will die."
"Hmm..."
Though I have no intention of going that far, the demon beast's lying seems a bit too excessive, so I decide to take a firmer stance.
Perhaps due to the effectiveness of Hong Fan's threat, the demon beast disguised as Seo Ran starts frothing at the mouth and bows its head.
"I'm sorry, my lord! Please forgive me! Ah, it's done now."
Chuaaa!
As if steam is rising, the demon beast's appearance begins to change.
From within the mist, the demon beast seems to transform into a koi fish, and then quickly takes on another form.
"...First, tell me your real name."
I address the koi demon that has now taken the form of a woman with colorful scales on her face.
With a sigh of resignation, she speaks.
"...My name is Yuk Yo, my lord. And as for the person named Seo Ran...I met him briefly when he visited Sacred Orchid Island before."
"Oh, really? How did you meet him?"
"That is..."
Seeing her hesitation, Hong Fan signals to Baek Rin.
Baek Rin approaches Yuk Yo menacingly, emitting ghost fire.
"Hieek, I-I'll speak! Actually, I guided him around Sacred Orchid Island because he was looking for something there."
"Hmm..."
I frown as I read her intent.
Another lie.
When I signal to Hong Fan, he again signal to Baek Rin.
Baek Rin, enraged, grabs Yuk Yo's head with his skeletal hand.
Hong Fan speaks.
"This is your last chance. The Cult Leader can see through lies, so speak truthfully."
"Kugh...I understand. I'll tell you. Actually, I approached and deceived Seo Ran-nim who has the form of the Dragon Race to steal his appearance and rob him!"
"..."
I clutch my head at her dizzying confession.
"So, what did you do to Seo Ran?"
"I-I didn't do much. I carefully observed his appearance and behavior, absorbed a bit of his energy..."
"Speak without hiding anything. What else are you concealing?"
"N-No...actually, to absorb his energy, I drugged him with aphrodisiac and bedded him..."
"..."
"A-Anyway, after 'receiving his energy,' I was nearly caught by his spouse and barely escaped with my life, losing a chunk of my waist. I did steal about ten ancient stones from his storage scroll, but nothing else. Please believe me! L-Look, I still have the marks from being bitten by that person's wife!"
Yuk Yo, trying to prove her innocence, shows her stomach.
There are marks on her belly as if she had been bitten by a fierce beast.
'...This is rather dizzying.'
The fact that this demon beast had drugged Seo Ran to steal his energy and even robbed him is shocking, but what is more surprising is that Seo Ran is married!
I don't know what expression to make as I ask the next question.
"So, what happened to Seo Ran afterward?"
"He fled from his wife for a while, then later found what he was looking for on Sacred Orchid Island and moved to another island."
"Do you know where he went?"
"Well...as far as I know, he went to a place called Eung Wu Island. It's not far from here..."
"Which direction is it?"
"From Sacred Orchid Island, it's to the southwest. It's famous for the white spiritual energy crystals that gather in the sky."
I speak to Hong Fan.
"Hong Fan, bring Seo Ran here. You've seen his dragon form through this creature, and I'll show you his human form..."
"Ah, it's alright. As he's someone I've met when I was a child, I still remember his appearance."
"Hm...? What?"
Hong Fan is definitely from the Head Realm and had met Seo Ran and Song Jin back when he was still a young centipede.
But to remember something from before he even gained spirituality?
I'm a bit surprised, but since Hong Fan surprised me more than once before, I just nod.
"Well, alright. Go ahead then."
"By your command."
Paaatt!
Hong Fan disappears to the place indicated by Yuk Yo using the ground-shrinking technique, and I ask her.
"Anyway, as you've seen, we came from the Nether Ghost Realm and are not well-acquainted with the situation in the Ancient Force Realm. Explain what these 'ancient stones' you mentioned are, the general power structure of the Ancient Force Realm, and the characteristics of this place."
"Ah...yes, understood. First, the ancient stones..."
She takes out a few glowing jewel-like things from her storage scroll.
"These are ancient stones. They are treated as currency in the Ancient Force Realm."
"From what I see, they don't seem to be used for storing spiritual energy. What kind of stones are they?"
"Ah, ancient stones are a unique substance found only in the Ancient Force Realm. They can be obtained from the deep sea depths or from deep sea monsters. Their main characteristic is 'Return'."
"Return?"
"Yes, exactly. Ancient stones are also known as 'stones that accumulate history.' They endlessly record the paths they've taken and, when given a specific stimulus, they show the path they've traveled."
Crack!
She crushes one of the ancient stones, and it emits light, tracing a faint thread of light along the path Yuk Yo had taken to be captured by Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"Hoh..."
"Of course, if you stimulate only one, it will merely show the path. However, if you stimulate more than ten at once, they emit 'attraction force,' allowing you to return from the deep sea to the surface in one go. That's why ancient stones are also called 'return stones'."
"Fascinating. But is the sea below that dangerous? If one can use water attribute spells, return stones shouldn't be necessary, right?"
Yuk Yo gives me a puzzled look at my words.
But she quickly remembers that we came from the Nether Ghost Realm and nods.
"Ah, my apologies. Those from other realms and ascenders often don't know this. I've heard that in other realms, the sea is filled with 'water,' which sometimes leads to new ascenders diving into the deep sea to swim, causing rather tragic accidents."
"...So you're saying the sea below isn't filled with water?"
It's strange.
Not only does it look like a real sea, but the entire sea seems to be imbued with dense water energy.
It's a place full of the energy of water, yet it isn't the sea?
Yuk Yo nods and explains.
"Yes, what exists below looks very similar to water but isn't actually water. It's a 'dimension'."
"What?"
I ask in surprise, and Yuk Yo continues calmly.
"The deep sea of the Ancient Force Realm is a place formed by the overlapping of countless 'dimensions.' The density of dimensions is so high that they pool together, appearing similar to water, but they are fundamentally different. Once you enter below, space twists instantly, making it impossible to know where you are. The deep sea is filled with all kinds of precious treasures from various dimensions, but it also has that many monstrous creatures like deep sea monsters. Furthermore, a single misstep can send you falling into some deep, unknown dimension. That's why return stones are 'absolutely' necessary to come back when entering the deep sea."
"Huh..."
Feeling so curious with fascination, I look down at the sea below.
As I stare at the sea for a while, I suddenly notice something shining like a star beneath the surface.
'Ah, I see.'
It isn't just like a star, it is a 'real star.'
Beneath this sea, I can see 'the sky' pooled together.
But the night sky I see is quickly covered by waves and soon blurs into other shimmering shapes.
"Why exactly does such a thing exist in the Ancient Force Realm?"
"Um...I'm not exactly sure, but according to legends, it is said to be remnants of destroyed worlds."
"Remnants of destroyed worlds?"
"Yes. It is said to be ancient worlds that no longer exists. The dimensions reflected in the deep sea are from worlds that perished long ago, and the deep sea of the Ancient Force Realm was formed by absorbing pieces of these destroyed worlds."
"..."
Hearing that, I feel like I am beginning to understand the conditions for ascending to the Ancient Force Realm.
"Did you say there are ascenders in the Ancient Force Realm as well?"
"Yes, indeed."
"Do you know the conditions for ascending to the Ancient Force Realm?"
"Yes, I have a rough idea..."
Feeling like I am starting to understand why we ended up in the Ancient Force Realm, I ask her to confirm my suspicion.
"Is one of the conditions for ascending perhaps possessing a 'destroyed world's strength' or artifact?"
"Ah, yes, that's right. That's what I've heard."
Having heard the formula from the Owner of Salt Mountain and using the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique, I can understand it clearly.
The Owner of Salt Mountain is a deceased entity.
And True Immortals are beings so vast they can be considered entire worlds themselves.
That means, the remnants of destroyed worlds are...
'Traces of deceased True Immortals, or something equivalent to that. That must be it.'
I look at the sea below with a grim expression.
I thought the Nether Ghost Realm, where dozens of Entering Nirvana True Persons are observing, is the most eerie and chilling place, but it seems I am mistaken.
The Ancient Force Realm, where the corpses of True Immortals are piled up like the sea, is even more horrifying.
Perhaps aware of my discomfort, she continues her explanation with shaking eyes.
"...Anyway, next is the basic territory of the Ancient Force Realm. The Ancient Force Realm is divided into three main regions. First, there's the Water Flow Region where we are currently located. For now...visitors from other worlds often make this mistake, but please, look up at the sky first."
"Hmm?"
At her words, I look up at the sky.
Unlike the Nether Ghost Realm, it's a blue sky.
Although different from the Nether Ghost Realm and the True Devil Realm which lack suns, the Ancient Force Realm has something similar.
It's the long ring surrounding the sky.
But as I am gazing at the sky, I am startled.
'Celestial energy...cannot be read!?'
As I am taken aback, she explains.
"First of all...the skies of other worlds are said to be an endless void. I don't know what that feels like, but in the Ancient Force Realm, there is an official name for the sky. It is called the Dome Sky (穹蒼). And, the Dome Sky is not an empty void but 'another' deep sea. If you keep going up into the sky, you will reach the Dome Sky and fall into the deep sea."
"...So you're saying..."
I immediately understand what she means.
The sky and the ground are both seas.
How can such a structure exist?
It's simple.
"This world, as in the space we are breathing in, is a kind of air bubble in the water, right?"
"That is exactly right!"
Indeed, this world is a kind of air bubble.
An air bubble inside a vast sea.
Inside it, the living creatures of the Ancient Force Realm live their lives.
"To continue explaining about the Water Flow Region, one of these 'air bubbles' is called a 'sea domain'. And, the Ancient Force Realm is composed of countless such sea domains gathered together. The Water Flow Region refers to the sea domains on the outskirts of the entire Ancient Force Realm."
She continues her explanation.
"And, as you move towards the center, the size of the sea domains, that is, the air bubbles, increases. Among them, the very center has the largest sea domain. Think of it as a very large air bubble in the center of smaller air bubbles. This large air bubble is called the Dao Departure Region."
"Hmm?"
I pause because the name sounds familiar.
Water Flow.
Dao Departure.
Then the next region must be...
"Is the next region called the Care Region?"
"Um, no."
"..."
"There is no such region called the Care Region...ahem. Anyway, the Dao Departure Region is the largest sea domain, and it has its own attraction force, pulling smaller sea domains towards it and preventing them from scattering into the deep sea. And the final region is the Xiezhi Worship Region."
"...!"
"The Xiezhi Worship Region is a vast continent located at the center of the Dao Departure Region. In fact, the sea domains in the Ancient Force Realm only have islands, so the Xiezhi Worship Region is the only continent. Anyway, the Xiezhi Worship Region is where the Sacred Master Hae Lin of the Ancient Force Realm resides, overseeing the entire realm. If the Dao Departure Region is considered the capital, the Xiezhi Worship Region is particularly revered as the land visited during important events such as the Heavenly Tribulation."
"..."
I'm lost in thought.
Although there's no Care Region, the names Water Flow, Dao Departure, and Xiezhi Worship are familiar.
'The Storage Scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person.'
Their storage Scroll definitely has the Water Flow Layer, Dao Departure Layer, Care Layer, and the Xiezhi Worship Layer.
And in their storage scroll, the Care Layer is essentially a middle zone created between the Dao Departure Layer and Xieshi Worship Layer, so the real floors are the Water Flow Layer, Dao Departure Layer, and Xieshi Worship Layer.
'Indeed. When you think about it, the Ancient Force Realm is related to Health...and the Lofty Dragon, who's the successor of the Xiezhi Immortal Beast, the owner of Health...'
I signal to Yuk Yo to continue her explanation.
"Yes, then I will explain about the forces within the Ancient Force Realm. First of all, there are no significant factions in the Ancient Force Realm. Only the Sea King Hall (獬王殿) governed by the Sacred Master Hae Lin is the supreme power in the Ancient Force Realm.
"In the past, the Esteemed Ones of the Ancient Force Realm engaged in factional fights, causing several sea domains to be destroyed. Afterwards, the Sacred Master purged the Esteemed Ones and banned the formation of any major forces besides the Sea King Hall. As a result, there are no other major powers in the Ancient Force Realm apart from the Sea King Hall, only minor palaces that rule over a sea domain.
"Below the palaces, there are tens or hundreds of islands, each ruled by an Island Lord. They engage in minor power struggles among themselves, but there are no major conflicts."
"I see...so the Sacred Master does not interfere in minor disputes within the sea domains?"
"That's correct."
'I can freely spread my teachings then.'
Of course, the reason the Wuji Religious Order thrived in the Nether Ghost Realm is because it provided physical bodies, which will be meaningless to the creatures of the Ancient Force Realm. Hence, it might not be very effective.
But still, it means I could retaliate if a ruler of a sea domain bothers me, so it doesn't matter.
I ask Yuk Yo.
"By the way, I'm curious about something. What exactly are those islands below? If what's below is not water but a dimension, how can those islands float stably above it?"
"Ah...! Those islands are made of clumped ancient stones. They contain ancient stone veins throughout, preventing them from sinking. Moreover, ancient stones have a characteristic of remembering their original position and exerting an attraction force towards it, keeping them fixed in place even if the dimension shakes."
"You said ancient stones are used as currency, right? If someone digs them all up, will those islands sink?"
"That's correct. Therefore, mining ancient stone on islands is strictly prohibited. Anyone caught doing so is made into bait for deep sea monsters by the Island Lords. When a deep sea monster is attracted by the bait, it is hunted, and the ancient stones obtained from the monster are used to repay the amount mined by the bait. Only when ten times the amount of ancient stone they mined are harvested are they released. However, most baits die before that, making it essentially a death sentence."
"Hmm, I see."
I nod.
"For the time being, let's float around this area. We'll hunt those deep sea monsters and gather enough ancient stone to prevent the entire Twilight Domain from sinking before landing! Understood?"
[By your command!]
The surrounding Guardian Ghost Kings respond loudly.
I speak to Yuk Yo.
"Thank you for the explanation. Since you've provided useful information regardless of what happened, we'll treat you as an honored guest."
"Ah, no. I'm of no use, so just throw me nearby and I'll disappear on my own. Hehe..."
"My apologies, but we need a local for a bit longer. Hey, Baek Rin. Take her to the honored guest chamber."
[Yes, Cult Leader.]
Baek Rin responds loudly and drags Yuk Yo away, disappearing off somewhere.u0026nbsp;
Yuk Yo looks at me with a terrified face, but knowing Baek Rin's kind heart, I ignore her and look up at the sky.
The celestial energy is unreadable.
'Interesting. A world without a sky...'
In such a world, it will be extremely difficult for the Heaven Tribe to survive.
Of course, as starlight is still visible from those dimensional fragments, the Seven Stars Ritual might still be possible. However, with celestial energy being unreadable, they will be overwhelmingly disadvantaged in information warfare.
'A world full of the Earth Tribe...'
It's an interesting place.
And right then, a familiar shadow flies from afar.
A pitch-black demon centipede cleaves through the sky, heading this way.
Kuwoong!
Hong Fan lands in front of me.
"I've returned, Master."
"You've done well, and..."
I look at the two figures sitting on top of Hong Fan's head.
"It's been a while, friend."
A half-human, half-dragon clad in black clothes.
It's Seo Ran.
Main base of the Buk Hyang Fleet.
An old ghost who had been lying down just moments ago is now nervously biting his fingers and frantically pacing around the room.
"Damn it, my disciple is in the Wi Jeong Sea Domain, and now you tell me beings from another world have invaded the Wi Jong Sea Domain? I don't know if it's a deep sea monster or a vestige from the Interdimensional Void, but if the impact can be felt from the neighboring sea domains, it must be an incredibly formidable entity...my disciple must be kept safe...d-do we have any remaining Thousand Li Eyes?"
Looking at the old ghost, a woman in white clutches a heated jade norigae.
She takes out a storage scroll and rummages through it.
"Hm, it seems we used up all the Thousand Li Eyes when we occupied this sea domain. There are none left."
"Kugh...Ah! Didn't you say you were making some kind of tracking device before?"
"Yes...but Elder Song asked why I am making such things when we have the Thousand Li Eyes and told me to not make them."
The woman in white looks at the old ghost with a slightly pouting expression, and the old ghost, flustered, responds to her.
"Ahem, I'm sorry. Everything has its use...so you really didn't develop it?"
"Hmm...I do have a prototype. However, since development was halted midway, it's not as effective as the Thousand Li Eye and can only roughly estimate Seo Ran's position."
The woman in white pulls out a small crystal-like object from her storage scroll.
When she breathes spiritual energy into the crystal, it shines, projecting a map of the sea domain.
A large pitch-black sphere emerges above the map.
"This, this is..."
"It's the situation in the Wi Jeong Sea Domain. Something ominous has appeared above the sea domain and given its size...if it's a living being, it will 'at least' be at the Grand Perfection Integration level. It could even be more than that."
"M-my disciple? Where is my disciple?"
"You gave Seo Ran ghosts, right? Do you have any ghosts with similar energy to those you gave Seo Ran? We need a specific energy to locate it."
"Here! This is a ghost paired with the one my disciple has. It's a bit old but..."
The old ghost takes out a rusty, worn-out bell from his pocket.
"The fundamental energy is definitely the same."
"Yes, that will be enough."
The woman in white receives the bell from the ghost and holds it close to the map projected by the crystal.
The map reacts, creating a single red dot.
The old ghost's eyes widen.
The red dot on the map is located at the center of the large black sphere projected on the map.
He clutches his head and screams.
"Immediately! Deploy the Buk Hyang Fleet immediately! We must head to the Wi Jeong Sea Domain! My disciple is inside the belly of that otherworldly evil being!!!"
***