Chapter 1885 - ARTOC 107

"Hmm..."

Hearing Kim Young-hoon's words, I picture the figure that regenerated their body even after my attack, furiously charging at me in an intense state of arousal.

"He seems to possess extremely favorable conditions for martial arts training."

Every time they swing their weapon, every time they are hit, and every time they fight their opponent,

A race that doesn't just get excited, but becomes aroused during combat?

Whether it's martial arts or the Earth Tribe's methods, this race has immense advantages in learning anything related to fighting.

'No wonder they are paired with the Human Race, who love to eat and exploit other races, as one of the Two Evils.'

Honestly, their sticky intent is somewhat unpleasant. But aside from that, they seem to be the race with the best conditions for becoming a warrior (鬪士).

Seeing my reaction, Kim Young-hoon smirks.

"Do you now understand why I said he's not a martial artist (武人)?

"Hmm..."

I ponder for a moment before shaking my head.

"Hm, I'm sorry. To be honest, I really don't understand. Why isn't he a martial artist?"

I genuinely don't know.

I decide to be honest rather than pretend to understand.

Kim Young-hoon gathers energy from the air to create a Qi Weapon (氣兵).

A golden saber made of energy appears in his hand.

"What does it look like I'm holding?"

"A blade."

I respond immediately, seeing the intent imbued in his saber.

"Correct. A martial artist is someone who wields weapons."

Kim Young-hoon and I continue our conversation as we walk outside the hall.

Bo-oong!

Reaching the edge of the Twilight Domain, Kim Young-hoon swings the saber in his hand at me.

"What did I just use on you?"

"A martial technique."

"Correct. We are people who practice martial techniques."

He swings the saber again.

This time, he swings it with a genuine goal to cut me, so I draw my All-Heavens Sword and counter his swing.

Paaatt!

Though both of us imbue immense power in our weapons, capable of splitting the sea, we control our strength perfectly and cause no significant shockwaves.

"What collided between us?"

"Meaning (意)."

"Correct. Martial artists are those who wield weapons to create martial techniques, and with those moves, clash meaning."

Wo-woong!

His eyes glow with a golden light.

"Ultimately, it's all about meaning, and that meaning is our soul (魂). Since we imbue various meanings and display our artistry (藝) through those meanings, even if we wield weapons and fight, we do not become lost in the fight itself. But do you remember what that Fighting Ghost Race held in his hands?"

I recall Jin Ma-yeol, who tried to charge at me with lustful eyes.

What he held wasn't just a simple chain sickle and sword.

Desire (欲望).

He was enveloped in sticky lust (欲情), and completely lost in it.

"...I see."

I finally understand what Kim Young-hoon is trying to convey.

"Are you trying to convey that Martial Arts (武) is about 'what you imbue into your weapon'?"

"Something like that. It reminds me of an incident from before. Come down."

To-oong!

After saying so, Kim Young-hoon descends downward.

It's the Deep Sea of the Ancient Force Realm.

To-oong—

He still manages to step on the dimension above the Deep Sea like before.

"You are definitely strong. However, if what I sensed back then was not mistaken, your martial arts (武) are incomplete."

"Well...since I do mix Heaven and Earth Tribe methods and puppet techniques, you could say that."

"That's not what I'm talking about."

He shakes his head.

"I just said it. Martial Arts (武) is about 'what you imbue in your weapon'."

"Yes, you did."

"But how many weapons do you have?"

Sploosh, splash!

The surface of the dimension ripples as the Deep Sea beneath Kim Young-hoon's feet quivers.

"Last time, I pondered why you couldn't step on the surface of this dimension. At our level, this shouldn't be so difficult, yet you struggled. So I pondered and soon found the answer."

He smiles.

"Martial Arts is about contemplating what to imbue in your weapon. However, you have too many weapons. Moreover, you are not imbuing meaning to all of your weapons. Hence, your Martial Arts is incomplete, and because your Martial Arts is not complete, your martial realm is unstable, preventing you from stepping on the dimension's surface."

Paaaatt!

The golden saber he holds seems to shine brilliantly.

"You asked how to cut stars, right? While I can't cut real stars, I can cut something similar."

Chuaaaak!

As he swings the saber, the sea appears to ripple and split, revealing countless fragments of worlds beneath the dimensional sea.

Among them are fragments of worlds glimmering with starlight.

Kim Young-hoon swings his saber towards one of those fragments.

He spins once in the air.

His saber traces a circle.

The next moment, the starlight is cleaved.

Following the trajectory of the circle he drew, the 'light' in this sea domain splits.

Rip!

Split Sky (分天)!

An illusion of the sky splitting in two appears throughout the entire sea domain.

Kim Young-hoon wipes his sweat and laughs heartily.

"I know you have many weapons. And you properly imbue meaning into at least three or four of them. But you don't imbue meaning into the other miscellaneous ones. So, either discard all the miscellaneous ones, or if you don't want to discard them, make all of them truly yours. If you do that..."

I feel like I am catching a clue on how to solve Jang Ik's task through Kim Young-hoon.

"You'll be able to sufficiently cut starlight."

Chuaaaaaa—

The split sky returns to normal.

A divine skill (神技) where he didn't cut the space itself, but merely the light within it.

I bow my head to Kim Young-hoon in gratitude.

"Thank you for your guidance."

I have found the path I need to take.

'As expected...'

After bowing to Kim Young-hoon, I draw the podao in my heart essence.

The greenish podao is held in my hands.

I have the confidence to shatter an entire sea domain with the single swing of this podao.

No, not merely a sea domain. As Jang Ik said, I could even split a star.

However, I don't use the podao for such things.

Instead, I swing the podao towards Kim Young-hoon's heart essence.

Kuang!

Jang Ik's podao plunges into Kim Young-hoon's heart essence.

It seems to embed itself into the head of the Peng Bird, and then disappears into the Peng's body.

He blinks and asks.

"What's this? It doesn't seem to be your heart essence..."

"Try infusing your heart essence into the podao and communicate with it. You'll meet an interesting person."

'Jang Ik's disciple should be Kim Young-hoon.'

"Thank you for the advice. I'll be on my way now."

After delivering Jang Ik's single strike to Kim Young-hoon and giving him a clue to communicate with Jang Ik, I return.

It's a brief moment, but what I gained from Kim Young-hoon is immense.

'Yes, he's right.'

I have learned too much in my current state.

Then, can I assign meaning to all those things and use them properly?

'No.'

I thought I had unified Heaven and Earth Tribe methods and martial arts while creating the sword formation with Hong Su-ryeong.

But in hindsight, it wasn't unification; it was merely creating another weapon.

I wield the All-Heavens Sword and start performing the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship from beginning to end in a simplified manner.

From the 1st move, Transcending Peaks, to the 30th move, Deep Mountain, Emerging Dao.

'It's time to create the 31st move.'

I head to the Wuji Religious Hall's training grounds and begin organizing everything I have learned so far.

Starting from Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation, to the methods of the Cheongmun Clan, Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea, Mad Lord's circuits, Mysterious Bizarre Gu, Silica Earth Great Wall Practice, Yin Soul Ghost Incantation, White Orchid Blessing Incantation, Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method, Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique and Lightning Path Methods, Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections, Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body, and Great Desert to Dead Sea.

'I've learned quite a lot.'

I even created many things myself.

Including the Black Blade Maturing Secrets I made recently, there are quite a few things I created and used personally.

I recall countless method formulas and reflect on Kim Young-hoon's words.

'I have many weapons, but I don't imbue meaning into all of them...'

Then, what should I do?

How can I imbue meaning into my weapons?

'There's only one way.'

I unfold the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.

And in accordance with the moves of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, I begin to compare the method formula of numerous cultivation methods.

'I will meld all my methods into one.'

And I will unify cultivation methods and martial arts techniques.

It isn't just about melding Heaven, Earth, and Heart as in the latter part of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.

It will be a process of integrating 'everything I have learned so far' into one.

'Let's begin.'

To cut down a star.

And to move forward!

No matter how many years it takes, even if I have to undergo hellish training, I must achieve it!!!

And with that, ten years pass.

'It's not easy.'

I have successfully integrated Yin Soul Ghost Incantation, White Orchid Blessing Incantation, Black Blood Tears Flower, Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body, and Great Desert to Dead Sea into my sword.

But swordsmanship consists of martial techniques.

Even if such cultivation methods are all incorporated into a single movement, a sequence of movements coming together forms a martial technique.

And in the linkage and connection of all those martial techniques, I must incorporate the cultivation methods into each and every one of the changes that are created.

'It's so far away.'

Honestly, I started this recklessly and I have no idea when it will end.

But I continue with the process.

Twenty years have passed.

The misfortune I felt last time is neither just my intuition nor a delusion.

I still feel it from the heavens above.

Even though I consulted with others like Yeon Wei and Song Jin, it seems they can't see the celestial energy that I can see.

Yeon Wei insisted that I must be possessed by an evil spirit and tried to perform an exorcism ritual on me by burning me at the stake, so I had to hang her upside down to bring her to her senses.

However, this isn't just my misunderstanding. Misfortunes are coming and persisting without end.

There are frequent attacks from other sea domains, often resulting in kidnappings of followers.

We always manage to rescue them, and those who are kidnapped once are careful enough to avoid such incidents again, but it still leaves me feeling uneasy.

Recently, a Nascent Soul stage demon beast and half-human, half-fish hybrid, named Wi Yun, has been committing arson and attacking followers across various branches of the Wuji Religious Order.

Though I want to capture and interrogate her, every time I try, she would hide somewhere, making it extremely frustrating.

As I perform my duties as the Wuji Cult Leader, I continue to build the Health Axis and focus on melding my cultivation methods and martial arts into one.

Thirty years pass.

Kuaduk-waduduk!

During training, a Heart Demon appeared.

I succeeded in melding all my cultivation methods into a single martial technique.

But the problem is after that.

I have to integrate and apply all these cultivation methods into the countless changes of the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.

It's so, so far away!

My talent is so severely lacking!

Kuaduduk, waduduk, waduk, waduk!

Qi Deviation and Heart Demons come to find me, and I am in the process of devouring the Heart Demon before me.

"I can do it, I can do it, I can...!"

With my eyes rolled back, I gulp down the Heart Demon while shouting.

"I must do it...!"

I have long grown tired of sitting down and crying about my lack of talent in despair.

I am nearly 4,000 years old now.

At this age, I can't just sit down and cry like a child using talent as an excuse!

"I will do it! No, I must do it!"

Talent is just an excuse.

If I lack talent, I will just grind my body down and challenge it until I succeed!

It's something I've experienced multiple times before.

So...

"I will do it!"

Without sitting down, I stand up, wield my sword, and continue meltng my cultivation methods.

Forty years have passed.

It seems that once I immerse myself in training, my characteristic is to fall into madness.

At some point, I started accelerating my mind and training as I did a long time ago.

When I finally come to my senses, I can't tell how much time has passed.

What's clear is that while melding all my cultivation methods into the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, I felt like I didn't have enough time.

How many times have I repeated this insanity?

I am confident that I have melded all my cultivation methods into the initial moves of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, from the first to twelfth.

Now, only the middle and late sections remain.

'Let's go, let's go...!'

I continue integrating cultivation methods while hunting deep-sea monsters.

Fifty years pass.

How many times have I gone mad while fighting deep-sea monsters and building the Health Axis?

Finally, I succeeded in integrating all my cultivation methods into all thirty moves of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.

Now, the only task left is to meld my cultivation methods into the hundreds of thousands of changes and connections of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.

"Kahahaha!"

Kuadudududuk!

I tear off the face of a Heart Demon that is lingering and bothering me, and at the same time smash in the head of a deep-sea monster to extract an ancient stone.

Surprisingly, this deep-sea monster must have been quite strong as there is a huge ancient stone embedded in its head, and at the center of the stone is a rare Supervisory Jade.

Humming, I extract the Supervisory Jade and see my face reflected on it.

Why is it?

I feel that my appearance resembles Jin Ma-yeol, who charged at me like crazy.

Then, does that mean I am not a martial artist?

Is what I am doing not martial arts?

I think of asking Kim Young-hoon if I am a martial artist or not, but then I remember that Kim Young-hoon hasn't been seen recently.

He's probably in a secluded place communicating with Jang Ik.

With his talent, how would Jang Ik react?

What enlightenment would he gain from Jang Ik?

Could he surpass the barrier, enter Seated Detachment, Standing Oblivion, and show me hope for the next realm?

While thinking such thoughts, I feel pathetic about myself.

It's disdain for myself, thinking that Kim Young-hoon would go to the next realm first and then tell me about it.

And with that disdain, I realize that I am still a martial artist.

The very desire for the next realm, the very yearning for a higher level of martial arts, makes me realize I am different from Jin Ma-yeol.

The Fighting Steps of the Fighting Ghost Race are filled with nothing but lust, but my martial arts are filled with a longing for a higher place!

Though small, I take solace in that fact and continue to train in martial arts.

Sixty years have passed.

"Gaaaaaaaaaah!!!"

Finally!

I have melded all my cultivation methods into every martial technique!

According to the followers, it's been about seventy years in real time. But with my accelerated mind, it feels like hundreds of years have passed.

However, I am not pleased.

"Just why is this happening! Why!!!"

I wield my sword.

With every martial technique of my sword, countless methods follow.

This sword is a curse, a blessing, the grace of my master, the fruit of my efforts, the heart of Seo Li, the will of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, the research of the Black Ghost Valley, and the tenacity of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect.

And, the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections permeates into the martial techniques.

Tstststststststs—

"Gaaaaaah!!!"

A hazy mist seeps into the martial techniques, and I scream as I try to perform the moves.

But it's wrong.

It twists.

It distorts.

It begins to break.

The martial techniques disintegrate and rampage uncontrollably.

Kwaaaaang!

Eventually, the martial techniques fail to follow my will and twist out of control, exploding at some point.

I succeeded in melding everything into the techniques.

But as soon as the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections is imbued, the martial techniques go berserk.

And as I forcibly perform a sword dance and execute the techniques, I experience something for the first time in my life.

Kwaaaang!

The All-Heavens Sword. It slips from my hand.

"..."

I have dropped. My sword.

I fail to comprehend what is happening, and my hands tremble violently.

"I...I..."

I dropped my sword?

This is something that should never have happened.

But it did.

No, to be precise, it would be more accurate to say that the sword momentarily disappeared from my hand.

The grip strength I have developed until now has reached an abnormal level, and in terms of 'grip strength,' I am confident that I wouldn't lose to even those in the Star Shattering stage.

However, no matter how strong the grip, one cannot hold onto something that suddenly disappears.

Shocked, I stop training in martial arts for a while and focus solely on the affairs of the order.

Just why did such a thing happen?

Eighty years have passed.

Recently, I've often seen Buk Hyang-hwa and Kim Yeon hanging out together.

It seems they have become sworn sisters, sleeping together and calling each other only by their surnames.

"Why are you so late, Buk?"

"I told you not to call me that, Kim."

'How dare you speak to your heaven-like Unnie like that!"

"Kyaaak! I told you not to pull my hair!"

Occasionally, they would quarrel over trivial matters, but then, as if nothing had happened, they would walk around holding hands.

Watching them, I suddenly realize.

"Ah..."

The reason why my swordsmanship doesn't listen to me.

I have thought of the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections as my method, but thinking back, it isn't.

As Song Jin said, a connection is something made together with another person.

As it's made together with others, it isn't solely my method.

Since I was trying to mix something that isn't mine with my sword, it only makes sense that it wouldn't listen to me.

Of course, I still don't understand why it exploded at the end.

But I understand one thing.

"I need to communicate."

From that day, I begin static cultivation, not dynamic cultivation.

It's training to further feel the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections itself.

And ninety years have passed.

I look at the norigae I received from Buk Hyang-hwa while comparing it with the Colorless Glass Sword.

She said that the norigae contains the strange stone spat out by Cheongmun Ryeong, serving as an enormous power source.

Indeed, the norigae is emanating a tremendous amount of power.

But it seems Buk Hyang-hwa is mistaken about one thing.

Being only in the mid Nascent Soul stage, she might not have realized, but when I tried to insert my consciousness into the norigae, I felt nothing.

In other words, there is no strange stone sealed inside.

Moreover, the norigae is connected to 'somewhere,' and the power source used by the Buk Hyang Fleet is not merely the power of a strange stone but a power source drawn from 'somewhere'.

At first, I experimented to see if the norigae is connected to the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections, but it doesn't seem to be the case.

The norigae and the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections have no reaction to each other.

'I'll have to ask Kim Yeon to try once to find where the norigae is connected to with her consciousness later on.'

It's impossible for me, but with Kim Yeon's vast consciousness, she might succeed in finding the place connected to the norigae.

'...In the end, even the norigae can't reveal the secrets of the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections...'

I stare at the Colorless Glass Sword, the origin of the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.

If scattered into all 3,000 swords, they would be on the level of ordinary dharma treasures, but if combined, they would become a Four-Axis stage dharma treasure.

The Colorless Glass Sword, which was the foundation of my most precious memories, would become a truly proper Integration stage Grand Perfection level dharma treasure when combined with the All-Heavens Sword.

The Colorless Glass Sword, the foundation of my most cherished memories, would become a dharma treasure of the Grand Perfection Integration level when combined with the All-Heavens Sword.

The glass of the Colorless Glass Sword tempered by my Dan Fire for thousands of years, has transformed into something that is no longer just glass but something more akin to another mineral.

I gaze at the Colorless Glass Sword for a long time, but there is nothing special.

"Huuuuu..."

Even now, I haven't conquered the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.

Even now!

I!

Haven't fully understood!

The Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections!

"...Heavens Above!" I wanted to cry out, but since the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections is not a result of the heavens but a crystallization of the connections I have created, calling out to the heavens wouldn't change anything.

I sigh, returning the norigae to Buk Hyang-hwa, and once again return to static cultivation.

Discussing connections with experienced or reliable individuals like Song Jin, Yeon Wei, and Hong Fan,

About a hundred years have passed.

Song Jin has died.

***

He had previously discussed his lifespan with me and had rejected both my procedure and the puppet's body, so it makes sense that he passed away now.

He lived according to his natural lifespan, or perhaps even beyond it.

Seo Ran blows Song Jin's ashes onto the Nether Crossing Ship.

The Nether Crossing Ship that Buk Hyang-hwa restored becomes Song Jin's tomb and headstone.

Song Jin's funeral is conducted grandly in its own way.

Seo Ran sits atop the Nether Crossing Ship that Song Jin left behind and gazes at the sky.

I sit beside him and ask.

"...Are you sad?"

"...Master said something to me before he passed away."

"What was it?"

As he strokes the Nether Crossing Ship, he speaks.

"My mother, during her time living in the Head Realm, always feared death when she was young. She was so terrified of death that she often screamed out in fear, as if she were suffering from some kind of mental illness."

"..."

"But when she had me, she risked her life to give birth to me despite the potential danger to her own life."

I listen to Seo Ran's words in silence.

"Master said, 'Those who have something precious are not afraid of death.' He cherished me, and he said he had no regrets since he saw his disciple grow up."

He wipes his tears as he looks up at the sky.

"He showed no signs of fear or sorrow when he passed. So, I too will not be sad."

Tears are clearly streaming down his face.

I can read his emotions.

However while I can read them, I cannot understand what they are.

It's said that reaching Five Energies Converging to the Origin requires reading all emotions, but in truth, reading every emotion is impossible.

One must simply acknowledge this fact to reach that realm.

Thus, I cannot grasp Seo Ran's emotions.

Kim Young-hoon said that a martial artist is one who imbues meaning into their weapon.

If so, is a master who entrusts everything to their disciple also a martial artist?

After comforting Seo Ran, I rise into the air to give him some time alone. As I look at Seo Ran sitting on the Nether Crossing Ship, I realize something.

Seo Ran has already come to resemble Song Jin more than Seo Hweol.

He had entrusted even his own image to his disciple.

'If a martial artist is one who imbues meaning into their weapon, then every master in this world is a supreme martial artist.'

The bond and ties that form between people when they entrust something to one another.

Can't the relationships between people also be considered a form of martial arts?

I ponder this question as I leave Seo Ran and return to the religious hall.

And I then realized that because of Song Jin's death, I am shedding tears.

"...Ah."

I'm not particularly sad.

Song Jin was a good person, and while I owed him many favors, there were also many times I almost got scammed and nearly died because of him.

I did learn some methods from him, but he never felt like a master to me like Cheongmun Ryeong did.

I'm not sad.

Yet, like Seo Ran,

I am shedding tears.

And through those tears, I finally understand why my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections is rampaging.

Imbuing meaning into a weapon is Martial Arts.

And the exchange of meanings between people is a connection.

And sometimes, when there are disruptions in those connections, emotions can become uncontrollable.

Because for the deceased, you can't return anything.

When you have received much from the deceased, those many things overflow as emotions.

The same is true for my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.

I have received too much from those of my past lives.

However, there are many things I can no longer return.

I succeeded in imbuing meaning into my weapon.

However, it was an overflow of meaning.

Having received too many favors, my sword is running wild and exploding.

I do not hold the frenzied sword but quietly mourn for Song Jin.

Even if I hadn't received much from him, even if my connection with him wasn't deep, he was undoubtedly one of my connections.

And so, several decades pass once more.

Kugugugugu!

A Heavenly Tribulation sweeps through the Twilight Domain.

Kwa-jijijik!

Seo Ran is breaking through to the next realm.

After enduring some time under the Heavenly Tribulation, Seo Ran finally showcases his cultivation at the mid Heavenly Being stage.

"Congratulations, Seo Ran."

I smile as I look upon Seo Ran, who is now perfectly transformed into a human form, with none of the characteristics of the Demon Race.

Following my praise, others also shower Seo Ran with congratulations.

In the spiritual energy-rich Ancient Force Realm, Seo Ran acquired a seed of madness after Song Jin's death.

Eventually, Seo Ran used that seed to rise very quickly to the mid Heavenly Being stage.

However, Seo Ran doesn't seem particularly happy about his breakthrough.

"I'm not that great. The truly amazing one is...Shi Ho."

No sooner after Seo Ran finishes speaking does an enormous Heavenly Tribulation strike from afar.

Under the shadow of that Heavenly Tribulation, we see Shi Ho howling.

Shi Ho, having recently consumed a tremendous spiritual fruit from the Ancient Force Realm's Deep Sea, saw his cultivation soar and is now reaching the Four-Axis stage.

How long does thunder and lightning rage in the sky?

When we fly to his location after some time, we see Shi Ho barely getting up, coughing blood.

Hong Fan, standing nearby, says while smiling.

"He almost died enduring the Lightning Tribulation...but Sir Shi Ho successfully reached the Four-Axis stage."

When Shi Ho sees us, he runs crying to Seo Ran.

"Uwaah! Seo Ran! I almost died!"

Seo Ran looks like he is about to lose his mind, but whether he has given up or accepted it, he no longer exudes the disgusted intent he used to.

I laugh heartily and congratulate the two who have safely overcome their Heavenly Tribulations.

"Both of you have successfully passed your Heavenly Tribulations. It's a great blessing for our Wuji Religious Order."

"Thank you."

"Thank you, Cult Leader. And...Cult Leader, may you also safely overcome the Lightning Tribulation!"

"Alright."

I turn my head to look behind me.

At the center of the Wuji Religious Order.

On the roof of the Wuji Religious Hall.

There, my true body is preparing to face the Heavenly Tribulation.

"Now then...shall I take on the Heavenly Tribulation?"

After about a hundred and twenty years.

I have finally completed the Health Axis.

Unlike before, I built it very quickly by receiving lifespans in hundred and two hundred year increments from the Lower Realm beings instead of the previous ten years.

"Now then, I shall complete my Axis."

Paaaatt!

I reabsorb my Seated Detachment, Standing Oblivion avatar back into my main body.

Wo-woong!

I draw the dragon vein of Black Island through the Twilight Domain.

An overwhelming strength surges around me.

After surrounding myself with twelve flames created from the Ancient Force Realm's energy, I close my eyes.

I offer a ritual to the Ancient Force Realm.

[O Great Realm of Ancient Force.]

I tear apart ten thousand years of my lifespan!

Kuguguguk!

And I convert that ten thousand years of lifespan entirely into the Health Axis!

Paaaatt!

Then, I return the lifespan accumulated over the past one hundred twenty years back through the Ancient Force Realm.

Wo-woong!

With the Health Axis properly built, I feel the Emptiness (空) of the Six Extremes as the shadows beneath my feet ripple and dance.

With this, they are Longevity, Wealth, and Health.

I have built three axes, and my sense of the Six Extremes has become clearer than ever before.

Previously, the Six Extremes had been mere shadows at my feet, but now they have risen around me, circling like eerie ghosts.

What used to be the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body that spewed black lightning now no longer emits lightning.

They merely hover around me ominously, as if hungry and starving.

However, I pay them no mind and embrace the Axes of Longevity, Wealth, and Health into my bosom.

Thus, I enter the late Four-Axis stage.

Kurung, Kurururung!

Blue and Gold lightning stir in the sky.

Though there is no sky, that bothersome Heavenly Tribulation still occurs even in the Ancient Force Realm.

A terrifyingly powerful Heavenly Tribulation descends upon me!

But when I move my hand, the black clouds releasing the Heavenly Tribulation tears apart with a massive hole, and the tribulation disperses.

The countless ghostly creatures of the Wuji Religious Order witnesses this and cry out in jubilation.

—Kiyaaaaaah!

—Giyaaah!

'A Heavenly Tribulation at the Four-Axis stage is no longer that frightening.'

Honestly, Heavenly Tribulations have long become akin to celebratory fireworks marking my advancement in cultivation.

However, from the Integration stage, Heavenly Tribulations become somewhat more challenging to deal with, and starting from the Star Shattering stage, the severity of Heavenly Tribulations escalates to a level where it practically commands you to perish. Thus, the fear of Heavenly Tribulation should never be fully discarded.

Wiiing-

I close my eyes and float the three Axes around me.

The Six Extremes Axes has only taken shape and lacks any attraction force or spiritual force, making it essentially non-existent.

'It seems the Six Extremes Axes can only be completed when the Five Blessings Axes are completed.'

Just as how the shadow darkens the brighter the light.

The three Axes draw a face.

[TL/N: Face as in mathematical terms.]

In any case, it is now possible to unfold the Four-Axis Canopy.

I extend my hand over the face.

Wo-woong—

Given that the Four-Axis method I practice is the Great Desert to Dead Sea, my Four-Axis Canopy is somewhat predetermined.

Chuaaaaaah!

The image of an endless ashen gray desert appears over the face.

This desert, devoid of both sky and land, only filled with an ashen exterior, looks like the outskirts of the Netherworld.

This is the appearance inside my Four-Axis Canopy.

But I can put in at least one or two things that I want.

Wo-woong!

I float the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections over the desolate desert.

Countless connections from the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections rise to the sky, coloring the world.

The connections emit light. The light they emit, resembling aurora borealis, illuminates the desert.

Of course, to others, it will merely appear as a dull desert covered with hazy clouds, becoming even gloomier, but that doesn't matter to me.

In any case, the interior of this Four-Axis Canopy is now my world.

Wo-woong!

I unfold the Four-Axis Canopy.

The land of the endless desert covers the surroundings.

Typically, a Four-Axis stage could not cover even a tenth of the Twilight Domain with their Four-Axis Canopy, but perhaps it's thanks to Vast Cold's Heavenly Circle and the Six Extremes Axes.

Or maybe due to the presence of the Three Great Ultimates.

Akin to a cultivator at the Integration stage, I manage to cover the entire Twilight Domain with my Four-Axis Canopy.

[Everyone listen! Today, this seat has an important announcement to make.]

All the ghostly creatures of the religious order listen attentively at my words.

Why, of all days, did those who could endure Heavenly Tribulation and advance in cultivation do so today?

[This seat has someone I wish to save. And there are secrets I wish to uncover. Moreover, the cultivation method this seat has practiced is also related to those secrets. Furthermore, this seat discovered some information over a century ago and learned that a certain hidden cave will open soon!

[Only the power of a certain artifact within that hidden cave can help the one this seat wishes to save. Additionally, the secrets this seat seeks to uncover and this seat's method can also be assisted by the power of that artifact!

[Therefore, this seat plans to head towards that hidden cave. However, within that hidden cave, one's cultivation falls to the level of a mere beast that has not undergone spiritual enlightenment or a miscellaneous ghost. Thus, this seat seeks your assistance in that cave. Assist this seat and save those who follow into the cave.

[This matter is not so much related to our order but is a personal affair of this seat, so it is not a command. Those who wish to come may come, and those who do not wish to come may stay.

[This seat, no, I. Not as the Cult Leader, but as a fellow follower of the Wuji Religious Order, ask you. Will you help me?]

In three days,

According to Yuk Rin, Penglai Island will open.

The Salt Mountain within Penglai Island,

And the countless treasures, the Ritual Worship Scriptures for Axis Foundation Practice, among them the Ritual Worship Scripture of Love of Virtue, and more.

There is so much to gain.

According to the information provided by Yuk Rin, it is a very dangerous place.

Even if our cultivation is restricted, it wouldn't matter for me or Kim Young-hoon, but there seems to be limitations that neither my nor Kim Young-hoon's martial power can resolve.

Therefore, I proclaimed to the entire Wuji Religious Order to resolve this with the 'numbers' of the order.

And shortly after my proclamation.

The ghostly creatures and the Demon Race who have joined the Wuji Religious Order in the Ancient Force Realm cheer in unison.

[We believe!!!]

[O Cult Leader! Of course, we shall follow!]

[We believe that we will be shown another miracle!]

[You have never forced us, but even if it were a demand, not a request, we would comply!]

They all cheer in unison, declaring they will follow me. I smile as I look upon them.

[...Thank you.]

As long as they are here, this life must be different from any previous ones.

I will definitely save Cheongmun Ryeong, uncover the secrets of the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique, and prepare to leap to the next realm.

Definitely!

After my declaration,

Countless newly-joined Demon Race followers from other branches of the Wuji Religious Order pour in, declaring their intent to join this Penglai Island expedition.

And three days later.

"Is it here?"

"Yes."

We, led by Yuk Rin, arrive at a small sea domain.

This sea domain, without a proper palace lord and ruled by a Four-Axis island lord, is called Cherry Blossom Dragon Sea Domain.

"It will be revealed at night. Today is a special day."

Kugugugugugu!

Before long, night falls, and the sky is filled with yin energy.

The 'ring of light' that marks daytime in each sea domain fades, and darkness envelops the vicinity.

Usually, that ring of light would emit moonlight, but it does not shine today for some reason.

Yuk Rin speaks.

"Today is the day when Sacred Master Hae Lin stops supplying light to all the sea domains once every few centuries. It's a day when only darkness remains. Since the Sacred Master binds the dimensional canopy of the Ancient Force Realm and forbids (禁) 'light' itself, no sea domain will be illuminated."

Kugugugugu!

Of course, no one here has any problem being without light, so each extends their consciousness domains to perceive their surroundings.

And then, we see the Deep Sea ahead suddenly starting to 'split.'

"The island that only appears on the day when light does not shine. That is Penglai Island."

I lead the Twilight Domain toward the splitting Deep Sea.

'Just like the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person, it seems hidden caves only reveal their entrances on days when light does not shine.'

While pondering idle thoughts, I move the entire Twilight Domain over the fully split gap of the Deep Sea.

"Can you see below?"

Kugugugu!

Below the Deep Sea.

Something massive, like a giant barrier, is caught within the scope of my consciousness.

"That barrier is Penglai Island. As the Sacred Master's rules do not apply inside, there is a separate light source. Do not be surprised if it suddenly becomes bright."

"Thanks for the detailed information."

Following Yuk Rin's explanation, I send the Twilight Domain down towards the barrier.

Since the entire Wuji Religious Order is heading to Penglai Island, I brought the entire Twilight Domain with me.

In other words, the benefits for the entire Wuji Religious Order are hanging on this trip to Penglai Island.

'My shoulders are heavy.'

Perhaps it's because of my thoughts of carrying the entire Wuji Religious Order.

For some reason, my shoulders feel stiff.

Kugugugugugu!

It's just when the Twilight Domain is almost about to approach the barrier.

Chwaaaaak!

From one side of the split Deep Sea, a familiar ship suddenly appears!

"That's...!"

The Salt Bones Ship of the Fighting Demon Pirate Gang!

Yuk Rin's face scrunches at the sight!

"Damn it! What are you doing! Stop those bastards! The structure of Penglai Island is such that the ones who enter first gain the advantage!"

With my expression becoming serious at his words, I launch sword energy.

But at that moment, from behind the Salt Bones Ship, a huge darkness seems to rise, and several deep-sea monsters emerge.

The Fighting Demon Pirate Gang has brought along a horde of deep-sea monsters.

And while we are dealing with the deep-sea monsters, the Fighting Demon Pirate Gang enters the barrier of Penglai Island slightly ahead of the Twilight Domain.

Chwaaaaak!

Our Twilight Domain also enters the barrier shortly after, but Yuk Rin remarks sarcastically.

"Well, what can we do? It seems those thieves will gain more benefits!"

"Be quiet."

Kugugugugu!

When the Twilight Domain finally fully enters the barrier, I open my eyes wide at the sight before me.

It's a colossal Salt Mountain.

At the top of the Salt Mountain is a pure white palace made entirely of Salt Crystals, and the Salt Mountain suddenly emits a bright white light.

Then, all of us, including myself, lose consciousness.

Blink!

I open my eyes.

"...Where is this?"

***

My head is foggy.

The sunlight is clear.

And then, a flood of confusing information rushes into my mind.

Age 30, hobbies are drinking, womanizing, gambling, and singing and dancing.

Occupation is a charcoal seller. Single...

My head aches as if it's splitting apart.

It seems like I had a dream.

I am Seo Eun-hyun, a charcoal seller.

But it feels like I had a strange dream while I was asleep.

I lived for thousands of years...

Flinch!

I grab my head and shout out loud.

"I am me!"

These are memories that I can never forget.

How could I forget who I am?

I am not Seo Eun-hyun, the charcoal seller!

I am Seo Eun-hyun, from the soap company!

"I am Seo Eun-hyun!"

I grab my head and get up from my seat.

I haven't forgotten.

Just moments ago, I was looking at the slopes of the Salt Mountain outside of Penglai Island, and I had fainted after being hit by the light emitted from Salt Mountain.

'Yuk Rin said if you enter Penglai Island, you will be trapped in an illusion formation and become a character within the formation.'

And this formation changes every time to fit us.

'At least this is certain.'

When Yuk Rin said this, he wasn't lying, and it's a fact we had learned through continuous interrogation for over a hundred years.

As I clutch my throbbing head and stand up, trying to make sense of the situation,

Whispering, whispering, whispering...

I hear murmuring sounds from around me.

When I come to my senses and look around, I find myself on a small platform in front of a thatched roof house (choga house).

And beyond the low fence of the house, humans who seem to be neighbors are watching me and whispering.

"That Seo fellow. He drank heavily last night, so he must be out of his mind."

"Hey, let's just go on our way. If we get caught by that thug, we're in trouble!"

"Ugh, having a thug like that in the village makes everyone uneasy."

"What's he doing today anyway?"

"Who knows. With that Seo fellow's personality, he might be planning to dump them in the mountains!"

"Oh my, how terrible. What an unfilial rascal!"

"..."

I assess the situation, considering the memories implanted in my head and the reactions of the people around me.

'So, the original setting for Seo Eun-hyun, the charcoal seller in this formation, is that his parents died of a plague when he was 13, and he has lived in this village for 30 years without marrying, behaving like a complete thug?'

It sure seems like an incredibly detailed formation.

When I glance at the neighbors, they all flee, emitting intent of having stepped on something foul.

'Wait, I think I couldn't see the intent of some of them. Is it just my imagination?'

After looking around at them once, I extend my hand.

I try to pull the hill behind Seo Eun-hyun's house with attraction force.

But the attraction force does not work.

I try to draw upon other methods like the Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea and the Great Desert to Dead Sea, and even the Silica Earth Great Wall Practice, but I feel nothing.

"Hm..."

I pull out a strand of straw used for making the fence and swing it over the platform.

Bo-oong!

I have trained in the sword for thousands of years.

Even without imbuing any energy, just swinging the straw leaves a mark on the platform.

After looking at the mark for a moment, I swing the straw at my arm.

Surung—

My arm is cut, and drops of blood start to seep out.

'The muscle strength and toughness of my physical body built with the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method have all returned to an ordinary level.'

I try to focus my consciousness on my dantian only to realize that even my consciousness has reverted to my mortal days.

'This is quite...'

Of course, even without consciousness, I have no problem observing my body, so I calmly examine my dantian.

'The Golden Core is gone.'

The dharma treasure inside is also gone.

I have completely returned to the state of Seo Eun-hyun when first entering Ascension Path.

'Ah, maybe not that far.'

Thinking back, it's not to that extent.

Seo Eun-hyun, the charcoal seller in this formation, always has blackened hands and rough skin from working with charcoal.

"Huuu..."

I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

And I can feel something strange.

'There is no Qi (氣).'

Surprisingly, I can't sense any energy in the atmosphere.

Recalling the incident at the hot spring on the surface of Lightning Sacred Sea involving Jang Ik, I try to use attraction force to summon the All-Heavens Sword.

However,

"..."

Nothing happens.

"...Damn it."

It seems like laws or something in this world are twisted on a fundamental level.

"Yuk Rin, that dog bastard..."

How is this just a simple illusion?

It's more like an entirely different world!

Although I'm not too fearful since I still retained the ability to see intent and my accumulated martial arts, I'm annoyed to find out that some of Yuk Rin's information is wrong.

'That damned bastard said I could use Qi...'

But while searching through the memories of the charcoal seller Seo Eun-hyun, I discover that there are indeed beings similar to demon spirits (yaoguai) in this world.

I rub my forehead.

'Damn it, can the Demon Race use demonic power to some extent in this world?'

In other words, Yuk Rin wasn't lying from his own perspective when he said one can use energy.

Gritting my teeth, I start looking around for now to find my comrades or followers of the Wuji Religious Order.

Although I have some rough memories as Seo Eun-hyun, the charcoal seller, they are not complete.

I soon find Yeon Wei nearby.

She is across the street, inside a tiled-roof house wearing clean clothes, playing with her three-year-old son.

'That boy feels like Yeon Jin...'

"Uh...Elder Yeon Wei."

I speak to her first, and she looks at me with flared eyes, rushes into the kitchen, grabs a rice paddle, and slaps me across the face.

"Are you here to ask for rice again? You shameless thing! Get out of here! The only thing I'll give you is the rice stuck to your cheek, so scram!"

"Hmhm, dear wife. Why the commotion?"

"No, husband. it's the village thug again!"

Creak—

The door inside the tiled-roof house opens, and a gentleman who resembles Hon Won pokes his head out.

He meets my gaze and, looking above me, clicks his tongue and says,

"He's a poor young man. Dear wife should be more understanding. I've told you repeatedly, haven't I? Seo fellow's parents once helped our parents. Just give him a scoop of rice and send him on his way."

"Uuuuuh...alright, husband."

Yeon Wei's body trembles and reluctantly heads to the kitchen, scooping out a bowl of rice to hand to me.

"Uuuuuuh. Why, why do I have to give our precious rice, meant for my husband and son, to a beggar like you..."

She hands me the rice with trembling hands, and I accept it in a moment of confusion.

"Now that you've got the rice, get lost! And if you ever come back again talking about your parents' so-called kindness, I'll make sure you get a severe beating!"

As soon as I take the rice, she kicks me out the front door and slams it shut.

I examine the rice I have received.

It's mixed with pebbles and sand.

"...Judging by her character, it's definitely Yeon Wei."

I recall the face of her husband, Hon Won.

'He didn't have any intent visible.

I remember what Yuk Rin said.

'This formation creates illusions based on the target's memories.'

It seems Yeon Wei's husband is a character purely created from her memories, a figure of this world.

'Then the neighbors who showed intent...'

I remember their appearances, realizing they are people I have seen in the Wuji Religious Order.

'I see, the followers are set to appear as they did in life rather than as ghosts.'

I frown.

'That's that, but why hasn't Yeon Wei snapped out of it yet?'

I have already come to my senses, but she still seems to think that she is a character in this world.

'Even though Yeon Wei is dead, she still possesses the consciousness of a Four-Axis stage cultivator.'

Yet, she has lost her essence and fully embraced the setting of this world.

'I need to find the others...'

I decide to take a walk around the village.

And as I walk around, I come to realize my reputation in the village is dreadful.

Children started crying as soon as they saw my face, village maidens suddenly stopped chatting happily and walked as far away from me as possible, and the elderly men trembled in fear and fled with their canes when I approached. The sturdy young men spat on the ground whenever I drew near.

'Damn it, why did my character have to be a scoundrel?'

While I am pondering this, I suddenly freeze.

Up ahead, I spot Kim Yeon and Buk Hyang-hwa.

They are walking down the road, laughing together.

Their demeanor is so similar to their behavior in the Wuji Religious Order that I approach them on the off-chance that they regained their senses.

"Excuse me..."

But as soon as I speak, they recoil in fright.

"Kyaaak! You scoundrel! What are you trying to do to us?!"

"Stay away from Yeon Unnie! You pervert! What are you plotting now?!"

Kim Yeon retreats with a terrified expression, and Buk Hyang-hwa also steps back but stands protectively in front of her.

"No, wait. I have something to say."

I approach them taken aback by the realization that even Kim Yeon, with her superior consciousness, has not yet broken free from this illusion.

'If even someone with a vast consciousness like Kim Yeon hasn't snapped out of it, just how can one regain their awareness in this formation? Do they need some kind of stimulus?'

As I approach, Buk Hyang-hwa's face grows increasingly fierce. She pulls out a small silver knife from her bosom and grips it in her hand.

"Hey, calm down. I just need to check something for a moment!"

"What, are you trying to check our underwear, you villain! If you come any closer, I'll swing!"

"No, Buk Hyang-hwa. Just put that down for a moment..."

"Go! Get your hands off!!!"

Boong, Bo-oong!

Buk Hyang-hwa lets out a sharp cry as she swings the silver knife at me, and I reach out in alarm.

"Hey, stop swinging that as it's dangerous!"

I quickly grab Buk Hyang-hwa's hand and restrain her.

Kim Yeon, with tears welling up in her eyes, clings to the hem of my pants and begins to plead.

"P-Please, don't touch our Hyang-hwa! T-Take me instead!"

"No, it's not like that..."

Just then.

Boong!

I sense something flying towards me from behind, and I quickly turn to catch a flying stone.

"Oh...! You're here too."

With a welcoming expression, I wave at the angry man who had thrown the stone. It's Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"Hey, Jeon Myeong-hoon! Do you remember me?"

However, Jeon Myeong-hoon approaches me with an angry face and slaps me across the cheek.

"...?"

'It's been a while since I've been hit by this guy...'

Since the guy is always angry, I speak to see if Jeon Myeong-hoon regained his memories.

"Hey, why are you hitting me all of a sudden?"

But Jeon Myeong-hoon angrily points his finger at me.

"Shut up! You scoundrel, stop bothering the village maidens! Don't you know the village has been in turmoil because of you! Do you think I'll let it slide just because we were friends before? If you keep causing trouble, I'll ask Noonim to have you expelled from the village!"

He raises his hand as if to slap me again, but then a woman behind Jeon Myeong-hoon pulls him back.

"No, Husband! Even so, how can you hit a son in front of his parents?"

"What? What are you talking about?"

My body trembles as I look at her.

She resembles Jin So-hae.

She awkwardly smiles at me while pulling Jeon Myeong-hoon back.

"Haha, hello. We'll be going now."

The character resembling Jin So-hae grabs Jeon Myeong-hoon's wrist and hurriedly leads him away.

Jeon Myeong-hoon enters the tiled-roof house where Yeon Wei is.

It seems the 'Noonim' Jeon Myeong-hoon mentioned is Yeon Wei.

Thanks to Jeon Myeong-hoon holding me back, Buk Hyang-hwa and Kim Yeon quickly fled and disappeared from my sight.

I sigh.

"...Damn."

Upon waking up, I found myself as the thug charcoal seller of Penglai Island.

-x-X-x-

I first roamed around the village to gather information.

'First, half of this village's residents are followers of the Wuji Religious Order.'

Among them are my comrades: Jeon Myeong-hoon, Kim Yeon, Buk Hyang-hwa, Yeon Wei, and Yeon Jin.

To find the rest of my comrades, I will likely need to visit other villages.

'The place I landed is called Penglai (蓬萊).'

Penglai is approximately the size of India on Earth, and the four hundred million followers of the Wuji Religious Order who entered Penglai all fell as citizens of 'Penglai Kingdom'. It is estimated that the population of Penglai Kingdom is around several hundred million.

'Of course, this is just an estimate.'

It's possible that not all are humans but have been reborn as beasts, demon spirits, or even real ghosts.

This Penglai Kingdom is divided into a central capital and seven provinces nation-wide besides the capital.

Each province is divided into ten prefectures, and each prefecture is followed by more than ten counties and districts, with villages as the unit below the districts.

And this village I am in is one such unit.

'This village's name is Taiyi Village (太乙村).'

Yeon Wei's husband, Tae Won, is the village head and local authority, known by the nickname 'Old Gentleman Nolbu.' Jeon Myeong-hoon, Yeon Wei's younger brother, seems to be called 'Heungbu's' (meaning Heungbu's household), due to being a relative of Nolbu's family.

It seems to be influenced by the folk tale in the memories of me, Jeon Myeong-hoon, and Kim Yeon.

[TL/N: 'Heungbu and Nolbu' is a Korean story written in the late Joseon Dynasty.]

'Except that Heungbu and Nolbu are on good terms in this world.'

Jeon Myeong-hoon has a harmonious relationship with his wife Jin So-hae, and they have 12 children. Gentleman Nolbu Hon Won is a good husband who listens well to Yeon Wei, and thus takes good care of Jeon Myeong-hoon, Yeon Wei's younger brother.

Moreover Jeon Myeong-hoon is also diligent in managing the household with Jin So-hae, so he rarely has to ask them for help.

Buk Hyang-hwa and Kim Yeon are step-sisters due to Kim Yeon's father remarrying a stepmother with a daughter. Kim Yeon's father passed away early, and while the stepmother heavily favors Buk Hyang-hwa, Buk Hyang-hwa and Kim Yeon have a good relationship.

Much like a distorted version of Kongjwi and Patjwi.

[TL/N: Another Korean folk tale.]

'Then, am I also a protagonist in a folk tale? But what kind of folk tale features a charcoal seller as the protagonist?'

Despite pondering deeply, I can't recall any folk tale involving a charcoal seller as the protagonist.

'Should I carry Kim Yeon on my back and go around slaying demons?'

With such idle thoughts, I walk around the village once and then head to the back mountain, approaching the 'charcoal kiln', the workplace of the charcoal seller Seo Eun-hyun.

Upon casual inspection, the charcoal kiln appears neglected, with various parts on the verge of collapsing, clearly showing that charcoal seller Seo Eun-hyun hadn't taken care of it properly.

'Did they say he always produced poor-quality charcoal?

Moreover, charcoal seller Seo Eun-hyun would sell his low-quality charcoal to earn a pittance, which he would then spend in the neighboring Soeul Village, indulging in drinking, dancing, and gambling with a local named So Ddong (cow dung).

As a result, he has no savings.

'...Was he just a hopeless case?'

Sighing, I pick up a rusty axe lying next to the kiln.

'I thought about selling the charcoal kiln to raise money and leave for another village, but...who would buy this kiln?'

I shake my head in dismay.

"What a fool..."

No wonder he was poor, sticking to a low-selling business like charcoal.

'In this era, the best way to make money is by selling soap. Selling charcoal? That's foolish!'

I open the charcoal kiln.

It's filled with a thick layer of ash.

'If I could get some oil and turn all that ash into soap...'

Old memories surface, making my hands start itching.

I want to make soap right away.

"Tsk, this is not it."

Shaking off the temptation of starting a soap business, I begin searching beneath the kiln, recalling the memories of charcoal seller Seo Eun-hyun.

"Found it..."

I find a fire poker beneath the kiln.

Its pointed end makes it seem useful as a weapon.

Holding the axe and poker, I venture into the forest.

'According to Yuk Rin's exploration logs, the way to gather comrades within this formation is not to foolishly wander around the seven provinces, but rather making them come to you.'

And the best way to summon comrades is by building 'achievements.'

In this world, accomplishing something worthy of note will gradually raise one's status, and those I seek would appear before me.

'According to the memories of charcoal seller Seo Eun-hyun, there's a demon spirit living on the mountainside beyond the back mountain of Taiyi Village.

Every night, the demon spirit would come down from the mountain to devour livestock, and at times even humans, causing constant anxiety among the villagers. Only someone shunned by the village, like the charcoal seller, would dare go up the back mountain.

I decided to first meet the demon spirit at least once.

'The demon spirit could also be a comrade, and more importantly, I need to gauge the level of demon spirits in this world.'

The only significant threat in this world seems to be demon spirits.

Apart from them, the likes of soldiers or constables are honestly not very frightening unless more than ten thousand of them are coming.

How long have I been walking through the forest? I realize I have entered the demon spirit's territory.

White fur is scattered throughout the forest.

"This is..."

Approaching the fur, I pick it up and sniff it, immediately identifying the demon spirit.

"Oh...this demon spirit..."

Just then.

Kuung!

A house-sized fox with three familiar tails appears before me.

[Grrrr...grrrr!]

The fox glares at me with red eyes, baring its teeth as if ready to devour me.

It's Shi Ho.

[Kwaoooooooh!!!]

I stare at Shi Ho for a moment, then ask nonchalantly.

"What...are you asking for an arm for trespassing into your territory?"

What a nostalgic situation. It really brings back old memories.

"No way, you bitch."

[Kiyaaaaaak!]

It seems Shi Ho reverted to a complete beast after falling into Penglai Kingdom, losing his reason and attacking me.

I swiftly control my muscles perfectly to climb up a nearby tree, and map the surrounding terrain in my mind to devise my battle plan.

Shi Ho, after a moment of searching, finds me and bites into the tree I climbed with his massive jaws.

Waduduk!

Dududuk!

After biting and thrashing the tree about ten times, it shows signs of collapsing.

'Judging by his muscles and the strength he's displaying, he has the power of two or three bears combined.'

Calmly and with a cold gaze, I leap to another tree like a monkey and observe Shi Ho.

In his frenzy, he continues to destroy trees, and as I keep evading, he becomes more furious and roars even louder.

At one point, I notice his muscles swelling.

'Hoo...'

Simultaneously, Shi Ho kicks off the ground, flying towards the treetop where I stand with his jaws wide open.

And I, with a faint smile, grasp the fire poker in reverse.

Since I could kill him by stabbing him with the pointed end, I intend to use it merely as a club.

"Is that all?"

Back in the early days on Ascension Path, the reason why I always had my arm torn off by Shi Ho wasn't because of its size or appearance.

This damned mutt was, after all, a demon beast at the Core Formation stage, and once it started using its demonic abilities, it was impossible to counter.

However, now that it has fallen to Penglai Island, Shi Ho only resembles his former self in appearance. He can't use his demon abilities, lacks rationality, and is no different from a demon beast at the very early stages of Qi Refining, only amplifying his physical abilities with demonic power.

And if that's the case...

'I can catch him blindfolded, even without spiritual power or internal energy.'

With the opportunity to test my physical capabilities, I grip my axe and fire poker and charge to kick the jaws of Shi Ho, who is also charging at me.

Immediately after, I swiftly move behind him, thrust the fire poker into the gap between his shoulder muscles, and grab his fur tightly.

[Keeeeekk!]

Shi Ho screams and falls from the tree. Before hitting the ground, he quickly twists his body to land and then starts running around frantically, trying to shake me off.

But I read his muscles, predict all his movements, and skillfully stay on his back. When he shows an opening, I reach for his head.

Kugugugu!

Squeezing all the muscles of my entire body for a brief moment, I take a breath and focus my muscles' strength into one place.

Then, in an instant.

Kwaaang!

I use all my might to strike the back of Shi Ho's head, feeling his brain shake from the impact containing the subtlety of vibrating force.

His eyes roll back, and he faints immediately.

"Huu..."

I step away from Shi Ho's body and check my condition.

Since I used my body without the brain's restriction for a bit, my body is not in good state.

'Not being able to use energy makes capturing even a guy like this without injury difficult.'

If I had even a tiny speck of internal energy, I could have captured Shi Ho much more easily.

After calming my startled muscles with a few deep breaths, I stand up.

Then, I recall the surrounding terrain I observed earlier.

'Shi Ho spun around a central point while trying to shake me off.'

So, it's likely that the center is Shi Ho's den.

After looking at the unconscious Shi Ho and realizing it will take some time before he wakes up, I head towards his den.

'Since he's a demon spirit, it'll be nice if he collected some treasures.'

And indeed, I found an unexpected 'treasure.'

"S-Senior!!! Did Senior get captured too!?"

It's Seo Ran.

"...No, I came to rescue you."

I smile as I unexpectedly find my next ally to regain awareness after me.

"...First, let's talk about what has happened."

________________________________________

Crack, crackle, crackle!

We light a fire and roast the carcasses left behind in Shi Ho's den.

Lying on Shi Ho's tail, who now obeys me after waking up and returning to his den, I ask.

"So, as soon as you gained awareness, Shi Ho kidnapped you and you've been here for a few days?"

"Yes, that's correct. It seems the obsession with me remains even here."

Interestingly, Seo Ran is of the 'Human' Race.

"First of all, my setting...seems to be an orphan beggar who lost his memory and ended up on the streets. My identity is 'an orphan with no ties', and I don't have any other memories. So far, I haven't met any other comrades besides Shi Ho."

"Hmmm..."

Listening to him gives me a headache.

'What exactly are the conditions for gaining awareness? Is it just random?'

Seo Ran has neither lived long, has a large consciousness, nor has a high cultivation.

But from what I hear, it seems he had gained awareness even before me.

I try to think of commonalities that might exist between Seo Ran and me.

'Seo Ran is an orphan beggar. And I am a poor charcoal seller.'

Both of us have experienced hunger.

'Could it be that our awareness is triggered at the boundary between life and death?'

I hypothesize as I look at Shi Ho.

"Hey, Seo Ran. If I push this guy to the brink of death, do you think Shi Ho will gain awareness?"

Seo Ran is taken aback and shakes his head.

"P-Please don't do that."

"...?"

"No, I mean...if it doesn't work, wouldn't Shi Ho die for no reason?"

Shi Ho, who had been tense at my words, relaxes when Seo Ran seems to dissuade me, and I nod for now.

"Well, that is true. Then what should we do..."

"First of all, in my opinion...this seems to be something that will take a bit of time. There are still too few examples, and the conditions are unknown. So, rather than gathering comrades right now, how about focusing on establishing a reputation as Senior initially aimed for?"

"Hmm...indeed."

I nod.

There will be no difference whether Seo Ran and I kill or spare Shi Ho.

So, raising our reputation by establishing great achievements seems like the best course of action to attract comrades to my side.

"Good. Then for now, let's start planning in detail..."

Gurururuk—

Suddenly, a hungry growl comes from Seo Ran's stomach.

I stare at Seo Ran for a moment and hand him some roasted meat.

Seo Ran devours the meat voraciously, but I keep observing him.

Seo Eun-hyun, the charcoal seller, had never gone hungry since he could always steal money for rice and soup, but Seo Ran, an amnesiac beggar orphan in this world, seems severely malnourished.

"...For now, let's go to my place and get you some food. Then we'll make a plan."

Since Seo Ran can't starve to death, I decide to feed him before discussing our next steps.

We order Shi Ho to stay put and descend the mountain.

Shi Ho appears to want to follow Seo Ran, but after a little beating from me, he becomes very obedient, so no big problems arise.

Back home, I wash the rice that Yeon Wei mixed with sand and pebbles.

Amazingly, what had been a bucketful of rice is reduced to a few handfuls once all the sand and pebbles are washed out.

I explain to Seo Ran about the rice Yeon Wei gave and apologize for the small amount.

'...Yeon Wei, that human. I need to kidnap her and hang her upside down someday.'

Perhaps influenced by charcoal seller Seo Eun-hyun's persona, a bad thought flashes through my mind.

I somehow manage to cook the scant amount of rice, and Seo Ran, after eating the rice with soy sauce despite being filled with stones even after being washed, gives me his opinion.

"How about becoming mountain bandits?"

"Mountain bandits?"

"Yes. We will use Shi Ho to raid the village. Since Elder Yeon Wei still hasn't gained awareness, if we empty the granary and make them go hungry like Senior and me, won't they come to their senses?"

-x-X-x-

I am taken aback and ask again.

"What if Yeon Wei dies?"

"Ah...right. I apologize."

Seo Ran scratches his head awkwardly.

Shaking my head, I say,

"Starting today, I plan to use this village as a base, roaming around to capture or subdue demon spirits like Shi Ho."

In the process, I intend to gather comrades, expand my faction, and establish great achievements.

After pondering for a moment, Seo Ran asks,

"If Senior is planning on expanding your faction, wouldn't it be better to overthrow the village to make it the base of your force? After overthrowing the village, we can use demon spirits to collect tribute and be worshiped."

'This kid, why does he want to rule a village so badly?'

Thinking back, I suddenly remember that Seo Ran had been worshiped as a dragon god on a small island during his Qi Building days.

"Hmm..."

I glance at Seo Ran briefly.

Although a bit unreliable, Seo Ran's words indeed make sense.

'After all, if we establish a faction, looting for supplies might happen anyway...'

It might be better to start from Taiyi Village and establish a regular source of tribute.

I recall the purpose of this formation.

'According to Yuk Rin's logs, the formation changes its details based on the memories of the entrants, but the purpose remains the same each time.'

That objective is to become the King of Penglai Kingdom.

According to Yuk Rin, there are various ways to become the King of Penglai Kingdom.

If one is lucky enough to have the setting of crown prince, they only need to wait for the coronation ceremony.

Even if the entrant is not the crown prince, they can marry the crown prince or princess to become the royal consort or queen.

Of course, there is also the option of overthrowing the Penglai Kingdom, establishing oneself as the ruler, and becoming the king.

Once someone becomes the king or a figure close to the king, they are granted the authority to exit the illusion formation along with the right to take or investigate the treasures of the 'Royal Castle.'

'In terms of numbers, we have an overwhelming advantage.'

If the followers of the Wuji Religious Order regain their memories, we could overthrow Penglai Kingdom and I could declare myself king.

However, according to Yuk Rin's information, those who enter earlier are closer to the king or have better conditions to become the king.

These include those of royalty, powerful officials, demon spirits, divine spirits, or monsters.

'Last time Yuk Rin came to Penglai Island, he killed a monster called the Great Bandit of the Underworld Kingdom, who had kidnapped the princesses of Penglai Kingdom, and then married a princess to become the royal consort.'

[TL/N: The monster is from another Korean folktale called 'The Tale of Defeating the Great Bandit of the Underground Kingdom' (지하국대적 퇴치설화). It is called the Hungry Ghost in some traditions and has the appearance of a giant with nine heads.]

And once someone becomes the king, royal consort, or queen, they have the authority to expel anyone other than the king from Penglai Island by royal decree.

'Given my current situation, the closest to the throne would be those damned pirates.'

It's unclear whether they have regained awareness.

Moreover, it is said that the current king of Penglai Kingdom is in good health, so it will take a long time to succeed to the throne.

Thus, I only have one option.

"Indeed, it will be better to overthrow Penglai Kingdom."

Seo Ran nods.

"I think so too! Then, will Senior conquer the village?"

"Hold on. Conquering the village isn't a good idea."

I share my plan with Seo Ran.

"So...Senior intends to subdue numerous demon spirits, raise a great demon spirit army, attack the capital of Penglai Kingdom, and quickly seize the throne?"

"That's right. Considering that there are no sorceries or mysterious powers in this world except for demon spirits, this method is the best."

"Well...I understand. Let's do it that way."

Although Seo Ran seems disappointed about not being worshiped by villagers, it isn't my concern.

We immediately formulate a plan and head back to Shi Ho to give orders.

"We need some capital to subdue demon spirits. Shi Ho! Go hunt some wild boars or something."

Shi Ho looks at me hesitantly at my command, but only moves after Seo Ran repeats my words.

"...He only listens to you."

"...He seems to like me."

And some time later, Shi Ho brings back a large cow in his mouth.

The cow, seemingly unaware of the situation, blinks its big eyes.

"...I told you to catch wild boars...but you brought a village cow."

A live one at that.

"Where did you get it from?"

In response to Seo Ran's question, Shi Ho points in a direction.

It's the direction of the neighboring Little Yi Village.

I nod.

"...Well, fine. Since it's not from our village, we can sell it to Taiyi Village."

Although feeling a bit guilty, I decide to think of it as a good thing and lead the cow Shi Ho caught down to the village.

"Elder Yeon Wei! Please open the door!"

When I knock on Yeon Wei's door, she appears with a few servants, looking furious.

"You rotten rascal, what did you come asking for this time!"

"I'm not here to ask for anything. I'm here to sell a cow."

Yeon Wei's eyes widen as she sees the cow behind me.

"Th-This scoundrel, where on earth did you get that cow?"

"Does it matter where I got it from? I'm offering it to you at a cheap price, so please give me a fair amount."

"Ahem...this seems quite suspicious. You're not trying to sell me a sick cow, are you?"

"If you don't want to buy it, I'll sell it to another house."

"Who said I wouldn't buy it! This is a significant matter, so I need to discuss it with my husband. Wait here."

Shortly after, Yeon Wei rushes inside and brings back Old Gentleman Nolbu.

Old Gentleman Nolbu inspects the cow, glances at me, and nods approvingly.

"It's a good cow. I'll buy it at the right price."

"Haha, no need to speak so formally. You can speak casually to me."

When I try to be humble, his face twists deeply into a frown and says,

"This good-for-nothing brat. Learn some manners!"

"...?"

I don't understand Nolbu's strange attitude, but nevertheless, I sell the cow to Old Gentleman Nolbu for forty brass coins.

'Well, considering Hon Won originally has mental issues, this might be a reflection of that.'

Hon Won instructs his servants to take the cow to the barn, then speaks to Yeon Wei.

"Wife, since Surname Seo sold us such a valuable cow, give him some rice cakes as a token of gratitude. He has mouths to feed..."

"P-Pardon? But we don't even know if the cow that Surname Seo rascal sold us is any good...moreover, Surname Seo isn't a farmer but sells charcoal, so he probably just sold us a cow he doesn't need..."

"Ahem, wife! We're short on livestock because of the recent demon spirit troubles. We should be grateful for grateful things. No more complaints."

"Yes..."

Though Yeon Wei seems slightly upset, she obediently packs some rice cakes in a basket and hands them to me.

'...She only packed the oldest rice cakes.'

I click my tongue but accept them gratefully and leave Old Gentleman Nolbu's house.

As I step out, I overhear Nolbu whispering to Yeon Wei from behind.

"I'm sorry, wife. But it's not because I dislike you..."

"I know."

Yeon Wei seems to soften at Nolbu's apology, her voice melting as she giggles.

In the distant fields, I see Jeon Myeong-hoon farming with Jin So-hae and their twelve children.

'...If this is a dream or an illusion...'

Would they want to wake up even if they realize it?

That thought suddenly crosses my mind.

With the money I received from Yeon Wei, I head to a blacksmith in a village next to a neighboring village to buy leg guards and a sword.

My infamy in Taiyi Village is so great that if I try to buy such things there, they would think I am planning to start a fight and refuse to sell to me.

"Kakaka. Normally I only supply government troops, but you seem to have a filial heart so I'll make an exception and sell to you, young man."

The blacksmith from the village laughs heartily as he takes three-quarters of the money from selling the cow.

It's outright robbery, but he'd likely run straight to the authorities if I complain, so I just pay what he asks.

'Anyway, I won't have to worry about the cost of a sword once I conquer Penglai Kingdom.'

With that, my preparations are roughly complete.

Surung-

Though it isn't an exceptional sword, it is still an iron sword.

Seo Ran looks at the iron sword with doubtful eyes and asks,

"Um...Senior. If you can't use spiritual power or internal energy, won't you need more weapons? From my few days living in a human body, I have found it has poor durability and strength compared to the body of the Demon Race..."

However, I silently swing the iron sword.

A rock 3 zhang in size beside Seo Ran, Shi Ho, and myself is cleanly split in one blow.

Just the time I spent holding a sword is thousands of years.

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

I have reached a level where I can cut through skin with just straw.

"This alone is enough."

With just this iron sword and enough time, I am confident I can fight the army of Penglai Kingdom alone and inflict devastating damage.

I tap the iron sword with my finger a few times and then climb onto Shi Ho's back.

"I'm going to bring in more demon spirits from other areas. Are you going to come along?"

"...I don't think I would be of much help, so I'll just stay here and get used to this human body."

"Alright. In the meantime, gather some nets and needles. The more needles, the better. Let's go!"

I smack the back of Shi Ho's head, and Shi Ho quickly starts crossing the mountain.

One day, strange rumors began circulating in Penglai Kingdom.

The rumors say that the King of Demon Spirits has appeared and is subjugating and gathering all the demon spirits across the nation.

According to these rumors, the King of Demon Spirits plans to attack the capital, become the king of Penglai Kingdom, and turn the world into the Heaven and Earth of demon spirits.

Eventually, the king of Penglai Kingdom announced that anyone who could eliminate the King of Demon Spirits would marry the princess, and all the renowned warriors of the nation began heading to the King of Demon Spirits' base in Taiyi Village.

Among them is Jin Ma-yeol, a scion of the prestigious and powerful Jin Clan, the most powerful family in the capital.

"I can't stand by while a monster like the King of Demon Spirits threatens our kingdom".

Jin Ma-yeol, born with extraordinary talent since childhood, excelled in everything, whether it was archery or swordsmanship.

Although the Jin Clan tried to dissuade Jin Ma-yeol from participating, he ignored everyone's objections and headed to Taiyi Village.

"Why would a talent like you risk your life going to Taiyi Village! Aren't you already a strong candidate to be the next prince consort of the kingdom!"

"Do not try to stop me. What use is becoming the prince consort when the kingdom is in such turmoil!"

No one in the Jin Clan could deter Jin Ma-yeol, and he was confined to his room by the head of the clan.

"Bind that foolish boy and lock him in the warehouse!"

They couldn't afford to lose such a talented member of the family.

However, Jin Ma-yeol cut his bindings in the dead of night, stole weapons and a horse, and escaped from his house.

'Mother, Father, please forgive me. But as someone born from the grace of this kingdom, I cannot ignore this great calamity!'

And when Jin Ma-yeol is just about to cross the capital,

Tadatt!

Someone with a covered face suddenly rushes towards him.

"Who goes there!?"

Jin Ma-yeol, tense, pulls out his bow from his pack and aims it at the figure.

The figure then reveals their face.

"Ah, no!"

Jin Ma-yeol's expression turns into pure shock.

"P-Princess Yuk Yo!"

It is none other than Princess Yuk Yo, the princess who had been discussed as the potential bride for Jin Ma-yeol.

"Let's go together, Sir Jin."

"What nonsense are you talking about, Princess!?"

"I too wish to protect the kingdom. There's no need for further words. Isn't Sir Jin also sneaking away to protect the kingdom, avoiding the eyes of your family?

"Princess and I..."

"No need for further words. If you keep trying to stop me, I'll scream and alert everyone that you're escaping."

"...!"

"If I, the princess, scream in the middle of the night...you know what the consequences will be when you're caught, right?"

Jin Ma-yeol furrows his brow deeply and says,

"...Fine. But the princess must absolutely not participate in the fighting! If you insist on being stubborn..."

"I understand. I'll listen to you, Sir Jin, so just let me ride with you."

Yuk Yo nods calmly and climbs onto the horse behind Jin Ma-yeol, who rides with an expression as if having eaten something foul.

Yuk Yo holds onto Jin Ma-yeol from behind with a tense expression.

'...I've got my chance. I need to join up with the cult leader during this opportunity. Jin Ma-yeol must not regain awareness until then...'

She bites her lip tightly and, with tense eyes, rides with Jin Ma-yeol towards Taiyi Village.

After that, Jin Ma-yeol also gains other companions besides Princess Yuk Yo.

With talented friends such as Yuk Rin, the son of the Dragon King of the East Sea; Kim Young-hoon, a passing scholar; and Baek Rin, a shaman who claims to see ghosts, they all head towards Taiyi Village.

Finally, he arrives at Taiyi Village and confronts the King of Demon Spirits, Seo Eun-hyun.

The King of Demon Spirits is indeed powerful.

With one strike, he severs the arm of Yuk Rin, the son of the Dragon King. Kim Young-hoon, the scholar with the highest martial skills among them, seems to hold his ground for a while but is eventually overwhelmed by the sheer number of Seo Eun-hyun's demon spirit subordinates and defeated.

Baek Rin, who claims to summon ghosts, is knocked out by Seo Eun-hyun before he could even call upon a single spirit.

In the end, Jin Ma-yeol and Yuk Rin have no choice but to flee.

"No, Yuk Rin! Princess Yuk Yo is still there!"

"You fool! We can't defeat the King of Demon Spirits. Give up on the princess!"

"Damn it!"

Jin Ma-yeol swallows his frustration.

"Why!? Is running away!? The only thing I can do!!??"

He clenches his teeth as he flees with Yuk Rin.

"I will definitely return! King of Demon Spirits!!!"

Clang—

I throw the sword, the blade chipped and worn from the battle with Yuk Rin, to the ground.

"It's really unfair, isn't it? I'm just a human with no mystical powers, but that Yuk Rin bastard can transform into a dragon, breathe fire, fly, and has tough scales."

Furthermore, Seo Ran, who is also of the Dragon Race, became strangely human.

"I really don't understand why the rules of this world are so bizarre."

I speak while looking at the approaching Yuk Yo.

"So far, no one else has come to their senses except for me, Seo Ran, and you, Yuk Yo."

She bows before me and says,

"Greetings to the Cult Leader."

"...Yeah, nice to meet you."

Of course, to be honest, I'm not exactly thrilled.

I would have preferred a reliable comrade to come to their senses, but to think that a scammer like Yuk Yo would be the next after Seo Ran to regain awareness.

"By the way, did you say you're a princess?"

"...Yes."

"Good. I plan to take control of Penglai Kingdom right away. Marry Seo Ran and lend us some legitimacy."

And then, I am startled by Yuk Yo's next words.

"I refuse."

"...? What did you just say..."

"Instead, I will reveal the secrets and truths of this world to you and disclose all of Yuk Rin's schemes. Becoming a king will be easy in comparison, so please be content with this."

"...."

I look at Yuk Yo for a moment before asking.

"Do you know something? Why didn't you say anything when Yuk Rin was captured by us outside?"

"My father had sealed my memories, so I didn't know anything at that time. When I returned to Penglai Island, my memories came back. Inside Penglai Island, the oaths and contracts from the outside world do not apply."

"...'Returned'...to Penglai Island?"

I am utterly astonished by her next words.

"I was born on Penglai Island. My father, during his last visit to Penglai Island, defeated the Great Bandit of the Underworld, married my mother, and took me and his many other children to the outside world."

"What...?"

"...From now on, I will tell you the truth of this world."