"My title?"
It seems they are referring to a title similar to that of Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One Jang Ik, a sobriquet for an Esteemed One,
'So, the rumor that the title of an Esteemed One is bestowed by the Sacred Master is true.'
There's a widespread story in the Bright Cold Realm that the title of an Esteemed One is granted by the Sacred Master.
There are countless stories about 'why' the Sacred Master grants the title, but nothing is definite.
"My title...what is it?"
"You'll know soon enough...ah, we're here."
Just as I'm about to ask more about my title, Kim Yeon and I arrive at a house located in Cedar Wood Grove, where Buk Hyang-hwa resides.
The Cedar Wood Grove of the Heart Tribe is a dense forest of cedar trees that seem to pierce the sky.
Unlike ordinary tall cedars found elsewhere, the trees here are abnormally strong and thick. Most of the Heart Tribe selects one of these massive trees, hollowing out its interior to live within.
Humans, now treated as 'guests' of the Heart Tribe, also mostly reside in such places.
As we step inside the cedar house, we see Buk Hyang-hwa busily working with her hands.
A radiant pattern shines on her face.
Below her hands, a design is drawn, depicting the positions of numerous constellations.
"What are you doing?"
Feeling an odd sense of familiarity and unease, I ask.
Buk Hyang-hwa shows me the design in more detail in response to my question.
"Ah, you've finished your seclusion. Esteemed One."
"...You can drop the 'Esteemed One.' Just call me what you did before."
"Emm…still, you've been officially recognized by the Sacred Master..."
"...Please, I don't want to be addressed like that by my comrades."
"...Understood. If that's what you wish...by the way, you were asking what I was doing, right? Look at this. These are constellations of the Head Realm."
"...!"
I flinch in surprise as I speak.
"What do you...do you not know what happened to Cheongmun Ryeong who was exploring the constellations of the Head Realm?"
"Ah, don't worry. This is only a part of the constellations from the Head Realm."
"A part?"
"Yes. The constellations that match the ones I observed in the Deep Sea of the Ancient Force Realm. I only drew those."
"The Deep Sea of the Ancient Force Realm?"
"Yes. For some reason, my norigae is connected to Daoist Seo's Colorless Glass Sword. And both my norigae and the Colorless Glass Sword, for reasons unknown, hold the power of Ancient Force. Therefore, to unravel the secret of the norigae, I believe we need to approach the mystery of the Ancient Force Realm."
"...."
I don't know what to say to her.
'The secret of the norigae is ultimately tied to the point of intersection of the powers of several different timelines due to my regression.'
But I can't reveal that.
No matter what, a past timeline cannot be returned to, nor can it be interacted with.
Therefore, her efforts are ultimately futile.
But I can't say that it like that.
Instead, I ask her another question.
"Is there any proof that the Colorless Glass Sword and the norigae specifically possess the power of Ancient Force?"
The Colorless Glass Sword undoubtedly contains the records of my 'previous cycles.'
However, how can 'my previous cycles' be related to the power of Ancient Force, the power of a perished world?
'Is there concrete evidence that my previous cycles are treated as a ruined world?'
As I ask this, Buk Hyang-hwa hands me something.
"If you've completed your seclusion, you should take this."
"Hmm?"
I take the strange scroll she hands me, and I'm startled.
'Why is this...?'
It looks like a simple scroll, but in reality, it's a clump of Qi.
It's so thick with energy that it feels almost tangible.
Kim Yeon beside me explains the scroll.
"The Sacred Master bestowed an Esteemed One's title, right? It's written there."
"Ah...!"
I try to unroll the scroll after hearing those words.
However, unexpectedly, the scroll doesn't budge at all. Kim Yeon continues explaining.
"The Sacred Master's incarnation said that the scroll can only be opened by breaking it with the single strike of an Esteemed One. Once you accept the contents, you'll be officially declared as an Esteemed One of the Bright Cold Realms, proclaimed to the entire Middle Realm."
"Ah, I see."
So my title as an Esteemed One hasn't been made public yet.
'If it's an Esteemed One's single strike...it must refer to a power strong enough to cut a star.'
I nod and take hold of the scroll.
But with my eyes on the scroll, I ask Buk Hyang-hwa another question.
"So, how will you answer my question regarding this scroll and the power of the Ancient Force Realm?"
Pointing at the scroll, Buk Hyang-hwa replies.
"The black scroll...haven't you seen something like it before?"
"Seen it before...hm?"
I frown at her words.
This is clearly a highly condensed mass of Qi, to the point of materializing. I've never seen a clump of Qi in the form of a scroll before.
However, I suddenly remember having encountered this type of energy before.
"Black Ancient Paper!"
"Correct. It's the Black Ancient Paper we saw in the Ancient Force Realm. I kept the scroll imbued with the same energy as the Black Ancient Paper for a while and studied it. Through that, I discovered a 'commonality' in things imbued with the power of Ancient (古)."
"A commonality?"
"Yes. Everything that contains the power of Ancient (古) is related to one thing—'dreams'."
"Dreams?"
"Yes. But I'm not referring to the dreams one has while sleeping...I'm referring to hopes (所望)."
Buk Hyang-hwa continues her explanation.
"When I combined my research on the 'pseudo Black Ancient Paper' scroll with my norigae, and the research data I gathered when Daoist Seo allowed me to study the Colorless Glass Sword, I found that certain constellations from the Head Realm, or even some Deep Sea constellations from the Ancient Force Realm, share similarities with the flow of spiritual energy imbued with this power of Ancient (古). As I studied those constellations, I came to a hypothesis—that by connecting to certain constellations, one can tap into the mind of the power of Ancient (古), much like how Senior Cheongmun Ryeong harnessed the power of constellations to unfold some secret art."
"What...!?"
I exclaim in shock, raising my voice.
"Stop immediately! Do you want to turn into a pillar of salt?"
"...I cannot stop."
"What do you—!?"
"Because, if the power of Ancient truly comes from someone's hope! Then the power of hope imbued in my norigae must be my mother's!"
"..."
"Esteemed One...no, Daoist Seo. May I ask you something? 600 years ago, when we first met, you gave me this norigae, did you not?"
"...Yes, I did."
Buk Hyang-hwa's gaze becomes more serious.
"Do you know who created this norigae?"
"...Miss' mother, of course."
"That's right. Which means, it's highly likely that the hope within this norigae is my mother's. Ever since I was a child...I've longed for my mother. That's why I kept this norigae, her keepsake, and followed her last wishes by living in Cheon-saek City. Therefore, if this norigae contains my mother's hope...I must find out what it is!"
"...The hope contained in that norigae...may not necessarily be your mother's."
I sense Kim Yeon looking at me with a slightly shocked expression.
Buk Hyang-hwa, as expected, looks at me with a sudden expression of surprise before asking me a question.
"Then...whose hope is in this norigae?"
"..."
I let out an awkward laugh and sigh.
"...It's nothing. It might very well be the hope left by Miss's mother. I will go check my title in the scroll."
With that, I hurriedly leave Buk Hyang-hwa's workshop, almost as if fleeing.
'Ah...'
Throb, throb...
My heart pounds painfully in my chest.
If the norigae holds someone's hope, then whose desire could it be?
I know all too well.
The hope contained in this norigae, belongs to her from the 10th cycle, and to me from that time as well.
I wipe my face.
Looking into a nearby puddle, I see that my face has grown noticeably somber, and my intent is oozing with vivid sorrow.
'...It's blue.'
I've always thought the intent of sorrow was dark blue.
But now I see, the 'dark' mixed in with dark blue seems to be another color that accompanies sorrow.
[TL/N: Dark as in black.]
'Is it...obsession?'
Through a process of elimination, I guess the nature of the black intent.
While naming the realm of Void Shattering, I determined my attitude toward Buk Hyang-hwa and casted off my obsessions.
Afterward, while flowing with the intent of sorrow, the dark blue became a pure blue.
Having reached Five Energies Converging to the Origin, I am able to see all intent, but even now, the world of intent seems boundless.
I suddenly turn to look behind me.
Behind me, Kim Yeon is looking at me.
She is looking at me with an oddly calm expression.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. And you?"
"...I'm okay."
"...I see. I'll check my title and visit the Sacred Master. Regarding the Black Ancient Paper and Ancient Force, she will probably know more."
We smile at each other, sharing lies that are obvious to us both.
I am not alright, and Kim Yeon, having sensed my strange emotions, also seems to have some unsettled intent. But I can't explain it, and she doesn't press me to explain either.
I fly up into the sky above the Heart Tribe Territory and glance at Kim Yeon below.
'Something is changing.'
From the moment she met Buk Hyang-hwa, no. To be precise, from the moment she became closer to her, something has been changing with Kim Yeon.
The anxious mind I saw in the Nether Ghost Realm seemed to heal a bit after meeting her, so I thought it was a positive change and left it alone.
'Is it changing for the better?'
I don't know.
No, honestly, whether it changes for better or worse, it's arrogant of me to even evaluate whether it's 'good' or not.
'I just hope she doesn't fall into madness from Heart Demons...'
I hope Kim Yeon grows properly, and as I rise to the point where the Heart Tribe territory becomes as small as a dot, I unfurl the scroll into the sky.
'Now then. Let's see what title the Sacred Master has bestowed upon me.'
Paaatt!
I use the 31st move of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Accumulating Dust Forms a Mountain directly on the scroll.
Flash!
A single strike powerful enough to cleave through a planet launches towards the scroll.
The scroll, which wouldn't budge an inch under ordinary power, explodes into light as it meets the first strike of Accumulating Dust Forms a Mountain.
At the same time,
Kugugugugu!
An enormous explosion erupts, and the surrounding space-time begins to distort.
'This, this is...!'
I realize what's happening now, and I am shocked.
'This crazy...!'
The celestial energy of the entire Bright Cold Realm is starting to converge on this spot.
The will of Sacred Master Baek Woon begins to manifest in this place.
She is borrowing the power of the Bright Cold Realm, performing a miracle that would be impossible for an ordinary Sacred Vessel.
As the scroll explodes, a cloud of dust made up of countless particles spew out.
And with the twisting of space-time and the concentration of celestial energy,
The power of the Bright Cold Realm begins to compress the dust cloud.
Oooooo—
From its center, an unknown stirring can be felt, and something begins to appear in the sky above the Heart Tribe territory.
'S-Star...!'
That, is a planet.
The dust cloud, having swallowed my previous strike, is now forming a planet imbued with my energy.
The planet begins to absorb the dust cloud, forming an attraction force.
Simultaneously, beyond the attraction force, Sacred Master Baek Woon's will imprints itself into my mind.
[In blessing of Seo Eun-hyun of the Human Race, who has newly stepped into the realm of Esteemed Ones, I bestow upon thee a new governing territory (領地) and dharma tool (法具). This shall become your symbol from henceforth, serving as the mark symbolizing your connection with the Bright Cold Realm.]
Kugugugugu!
I stand in awe as I watch the star forming before me, and at the same time, I know its name.
[The star's name is Within Heavens (在天). It is named in honor of you, an Esteemed One of the Heart Tribe who has transcended the Plane of Qi and reached the Plane of Soul. Welcoming your arrival at a new sky, I hereby grant upon thee the title of Within Heavens Esteemed One of the Bright Cold Realm.]
Kuuooooooo—
I can instinctively sense it.
If I connect my attraction force to that Within Heavens Star, I will immediately be recognized as the Within Heavens Esteemed One and truly become an Esteemed One of the Bright Cold Realm.
Since attaining Void Shattering, my attraction force has grown stronger than before.
Perhaps those who reach Void Shattering, the Second Step Before the Throne, gain some degree of control over attraction force, much like the Heaven and Earth Tribes.
However, I only stare at the star in front of me without connecting my attraction force to it.
For some reason, I don't like it.
Within Heavens (在天) means 'to leave this world and reach the other world.'
It's a symbol representing me,who can now fully rise from the Plane of Qi to the Plane of Soul.
With a dark expression, I shout.
"...O Sacred Master, may I have a word?"
Since the entire Bright Cold Realm is practically Baek Woon's domain, I shout towards the sky, assuming she must be watching.
"I do not desire this title nor this star. Please take them back."
It happens in the next moment.
Kuuung!
My mind is transported, just like before, to the summit of Heavenly Lotus Mountain, where Sacred Master Baek Woon resides.
I've arrived inside the White Jade Pavilion.
"It has been a while, Sacred Master."
I offer my respects to Sacred Master Baek Woon, and she looks slightly surprised.
[Hmm, I only summoned your mind...]
"As you know, for the Heart Tribe, the flesh and the soul have become one and the same. Even if only my mind is summoned, I can always come as my main body."
Facing the Sacred Master, I realize she is somewhat uncomfortable.
'Is she reluctant to meet an Esteemed Ones in person? I suppose, considering she's of the Heaven Tribe, it might be a bit uncomfortable for her to meet me, a Heart Tribe, in my main body.'
[Jang Ik couldn't do that. He could not freely cross between the Plane of Qi and the Plane of Soul like you can...]
"Ah..."
It seems even Jang Ik couldn't immediately manifest his main body just because his mind was summoned.
This must be something I'm able to do thanks to the ability of my All-Heavens Sword.
'I thought all Esteemed Ones of the Heart Tribe could do this, but I guess not.'
I nod calmly and then deliver my request to the Sacred Master.
"Once again, I humbly request, Sacred Master. Please take back my title."
I make my plea while feeling the pull of attraction in the distance.
As soon as my main body moved closer to the Sacred Master, the Within Heavens Star above the Heart Tribe territory began moving towards me.
'Is the star actually using the ground-shrinking technique to come?'
The star itself is bending space with attraction force as it heads in my direction.
It will probably reach here soon.
Sacred Master Baek Woon asks curiously.
[Why do you reject it? The Within Heavens Star bestowed upon you, much like the Heaven-Collapsing Star I granted Jang Ik, is inscribed with the spell of ground-shrinking. It will enable you, as a Heart Tribe, to traverse boundless spacetime just like the Star Shattering Esteemed Ones of the Heaven and Earth Tribes.]
"...I apologize. But even if it is something so grand, I cannot accept it."
[Why not?]
"That is..."
I respond, feeling the boundless vision granted by the realm of Void Shattering.
"I was able to reach this realm thanks to my connections. As such...I wish for the name by which others call me to contain the meaning of those connections."
This is not a realm granted by pleading with the heavens.
This is a realm reached by accumulating connections.
The will that has settled in my heart ever since the day I attained Ultimate Pinnacle.
'How many times did I cry out to the heavens?'
The heavens did not answer me.
'How many times did I ask the heavens for help?'
The heavens only brought me calamity and suffering.
'Heavens above...'
I, despise the heavens.
I deny the empty heavens that have taken from me, again and again.
It's not simply saying that I hate my fate.
The 'heavens' also mean True Immortals.
Even now, the hatred and anger toward the Owner of Great Mountain, who has taken everything from me, have not subsided.
In such a state, I have not even the slightest thought of accepting a title related to Immortality, Fate, or Heavens.
Therefore, I think that Heavens should not be part of my title.
Barely suppressing the instinctive disgust rising within me towards the name, I respectfully request to Sacred Master Baek Woon.
"I deeply implore you, Sacred Master, for your mercy to change my title to something else!"
Just hearing the name Within Heavens makes an overwhelming sense of revulsion rise from some unknown place.
Baek Woon shows a slightly troubled expression at my words, then speaks.
[That name was not something I chose, but rather came from a name divination (名占). It is the best name for you, the one that will offer the greatest support to your fate.]
Name divination (名占).
It's a form of fortune-telling to determine the most suitable name. The same name divination was used by the Earth Tribe's name diviners to give Hong Fan his name. Sacred Master Baek Woon must have used the same method to determine my title.
Shaking my head, I respond.
"I'm fine without the greatest support. Please give me another name."
[Hmm, very well.]
Baek Woon nods and uses celestial energy to present another name before me.
[How about this one? It was one of the names from the name divination. It has weaker attraction force than Within Heavens, so I kept it as a second option...if it's the 'connections' you are talking about, this name would suit you better.]
The name that appears before me is Heavenly Ladder (天梯).
A name meaning ladder of heavens.
[A connection is like a rope or ladder that guides each other. This name has the meaning of an Esteemed One who has ascended to this realm through the ladder bestowed upon by the heavens.]
I stare at the characters that means ladder of heavens for a moment, then shake my head.
"They are not connections bestowed by the heavens."
[Hmm?]
"We simply met."
This name doesn't sit well with me either.
If my connections are something bestowed by the heavens, doesn't that mean the heavens can take it away as well?
If even the dying Buk Hyang-hwa is a connection granted by the heavens, doesn't that mean her dying right now is also the will of the heavens?
The name Heavenly Ladder gives me an unpleasant feeling, as if all the connections I'll make from now on will leave me through the ladder of heavens.
Baek Woon lets out a quiet hum and waves her hand.
The characters for Heavenly Ladder disappear from my sight, and a new word appears in front of me.
[As you seem to dislike names including Heaven, I'll leave it out. Most of the Esteemed Ones from the Bright Cold Realm were quite pleased when their names contained a reference to the heavens. You are somewhat peculiar.]
The next word that appears is Aurora (極光).
[The light that arises from the extreme polar regions of the stars in the Astral Realm is called Aurora (極光/ Polar Light). Most of those from the Decaying Corpse Realm don't know what it is, but once they see it, they can never forget its beauty. Once a connection is made, it becomes an unforgettable beauty. Hence, how about the name Aurora?]
I gaze at the word for a moment.
It's a good name.
But...
—Be wary of light.
Suddenly, the words of those who warned me many times flash through my mind.
The term 'Twilight,' (Gwang-eum/Gwang meaning light) like in the case of the Twilight Domain of the Wuji Religious Order, isn't necessarily limited to the concept of 'light,' and it wasn't a name for me, but for the land we inhabited, so it was fine.
However, the name given by Sacred Master Baek Woon carries 'power'.
If I accept this name, I can clearly feel that the star and blessing of the name Aurora will support my fate.
Such power will become attached to my title.
Recalling the warnings about light, I shake my head again.
"Could you please remove the word 'light' (光)?"
At my words, Baek Woon finally lets out a sigh.
[Why are your demands so many? That, I cannot do.]
"Pardon?"
At Baek Woon's next words, my body flinches.
[Every Esteemed One from the Bright Cold Realm [must] have a character symbolizing either Heaven (天) or Light (光) in their name. I cannot fulfill your request.]
She speaks with a stern expression.
[Just accept your name now. Within Heavens, Heavenly Ladder, Aurora—they are all excellent names that will provide you the greatest benefit!]
Kugugugu!
Baek Woon's imposing aura begins to press down on me.
I think about the names for a moment, then speak.
"...In that case, I will not accept a title."
If the title of an Esteemed One must be tied to heavenly assistance, I don't need it.
After all, I already know that the heavens are not favorable toward us.
"I will live out my fate through my own strength. There's no need for the Sacred Master to bestow me a name."
Sacred Mater Baek Woon seems taken aback by my words and shouts.
[What!? That cannot do. Every Esteemed One must be granted a title by the Sacred Master! That is the Law (法) of the Middle Realm!]
Kugugugugugu!
An overwhelming pressure crushes down on me, as if the entire Bright Cold Realm is trying to squish and mangle me.
I look at the Sacred Master for a moment.
Then, I draw my sword and point it at her.
"I refuse."
-x-X-x-
Dududududududu!
The Heavenly Lotus Mountain near the White Jade Pavilion shakes.
[Are you saying right now that you're going to oppose me?]
"How could I possibly oppose the Sacred Master?"
[Yet you raise your sword?]
"It is merely for my own protection."
I look calmly at Sacred Master Baek Woon and speak.
"If you must bestow a title upon me, then please explain the reason why. Until then, I cannot accept such a name."
[...Very well. I shall explain.]
Her explanation continues.
[Are you familiar with the structure of the Heavenly Domain?]
"I implore for the Sacred Master's detailed guidance."
Woe-wooong—
The surroundings begin to change.
Sacred Master Baek Woon projects an illusion, seemingly miniaturizing the entire celestial system of the Heavenly Domain for display.
Tiny mesh-like structures resembling clusters of galaxies are scattered all around.
[This is the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain we are within. While most divide it between the Astral Realm and the Decaying Corpse Realm, the truth is that the size of the Astral Realm far exceeds that of the Decaying Corpse Realm.]
Woo-woooong—
A faint attraction force starts to gather within the illusion she created.
At the same time, I notice the flow of attraction force in various parts of the illusion.
The attraction force is distorting various parts of the Heavenly Domain.
[Due to the attraction force emitted by stars, the Heavenly Domain is distorted in many places. Especially the regions with distortions that are particularly severe, are where Quasi-Immortals reside.]
I examine the locations where the Quasi-Immortals reside.
There are roughly 140 highly distorted points.
In other words, there are about 140 Quasi-Immortals at the Entering Nirvana stage within the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
[Do you notice anything strange?]
As I'm observing the model of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, she asks me a question.
Recalling something that has been bothering me for a while, I respond to Sacred Master Baek Woon's words.
"...The Decaying Corpse Realms and Middle Realms are nowhere to be seen."
That's right.
No matter how hard I search, I cannot find Decaying Corpse Realms or the Middle Realms.
Baek Woon nods and explains.
[That's right. The Decaying Corpse Realms and Middle Realms do not exist within the Astral Realm. In truth, most beings in the Middle Realms think that the Astral Realm and the Decaying Corpse Realms are located somewhere beneath their Middle Realm. But they are mistaken. Their cultivation levels are too low to perceive the true structure of the Heavenly Domain, hence the misunderstanding.]
Woo-woooong—
Once again, the structure of the illusion changes.
[Originally, the center of the Heavenly Domain is not the Middle Realms. It was the Astral Realm, also referred to as the universe. With the Astral Realm that continues to expand at the speed of light as the center, countless living beings are born within it, each walking a 'different path' according to their fate.]
"'Different path'...what do you mean by that?"
[Let me ask you this. Do you believe that the only truth, the absolute in this world, is Immortal Cultivation?]
I shake my head at her question.
"That is not the case. Immortal Cultivation is merely one of the many methods."
[You are correct. Immortal Cultivation is merely one method.]
Tak!
With a snap of Baek Woon's fingers, illusions rise from the endless sea of stars.
They are living creatures.
I see lifeforms walking the path of Immortal Cultivation.
These beings mimic the stars, gradually growing their energy and strengthening their lifeforce, generating attraction force within their souls.
After a while, when the attraction forces of certain lifeforms reach some level of strength, they begin to disappear from their positions one by one.
I recognize what is happening and flinch in realization.
"That's..."
[Correct. It's ascension. Now, let me show you.]
Paaaat!
As she flips her palm, the surroundings shift again.
This time, we are in a pitch-black void.
A void where nothing exists.
And at the center of that void.
There are five massive orbs of light and a small light in the center.
Surrounding the five orbs of light are countless dots resembling grains of sand.
This place is...the Interdimensional Void.
[The Astral Realm and the Interdimensional Void are layered over each other. Those who cultivate their attraction force to the extreme—those who we call 'cultivators'—all reach the Interdimensional Void and arrive at the Middle Realms. To put it simply...]
Woo-woong— `
Two sheets of paper float in front of me.
On one sheet, the universe is drawn, and on the other, pitch-black darkness.
As Baek Woon moves her fingers, the sheet with the universe and the black sheet overlap.
With the sheet depicting the Astral Realm on top, Baek Woon performs some sort of spell, and the drawings within the paper begin to move.
[All cultivators are the lifeforms within this sheet. As time passes, the attraction forces they possess grow stronger, pulling in the surrounding force.]
Some of the drawings begin to enlarge.
[And when that force reaches its limit...]
Woo-woong—
The largest of the drawings absorbs the surrounding black ink and bursts from two dimensions into three.
[Just like this, they transfer to another layered world.]
The drawing that absorbed the ink flows into the overlapped black sheet.
[That is the true nature of ascension for cultivators.]
After pondering for a moment, I ask a question.
"So, when their attraction force becomes strong enough, they move to the Middle Realms of the Interdimensional Void. Then, what are Decaying Corpse Realms?"
[The Decaying Corpse Realms consist entirely of the corpses of great beings. And the corpses of these great beings, by themselves, possess the same property as the Astral Realm. Though, they are a bit smaller in size...if I were to explain it using paper, it would look like this.]
Above the black sheet, a paper figure in the shape of a person forms.
The paper figure is torn to shreds, and the torn pieces stick to the black paper in small fragments.
I nod, understanding the meaning behind this.
"So then, aside from Immortal Cultivation, what are the 'other paths'?"
According to Sacred Master Baek Woon, when lifeforms come to possess attraction force, they arrive in the Interdimensional Void and reach the Middle Realms.
Does this mean that one can possess something other than attraction force?
At my question, she smiles.
[It's quite simple. It's a conclusion you already know.]
"Pardon?"
Another sheet of paper floats in front of me.
This one is ashen.
[All lifeforms in the universe will accumulate attraction force as time passes. Those with sufficient attraction force reach the Interdimensional Void, but those who do not reach somewhere else.]
Some of the smaller drawings on the Astral Realm paper gather ink and are ejected from the Astral Realm.
The ashen paper layers with the sheets.
The drawings ejected from the Astral Realm sink into the ashen sheet.
I understand what the ashen sheet represents.
"...The Underworld."
That's right.
She is explaining that the Astral Realm is layered over both the Interdimensional Void and the Underworld.
If her explanation is correct, it makes sense why those who practice Ghost Path Methods in the Bright Cold Realm can connect to places like the outskirts of the Netherworld.
It's because they are layered.
"So, the structure of the Heavenly Domain is such that the Underworld and the Interdimensional Void are layered with the Astral Realm as the core?"
When I ask, Sacred Master Baek Woon shakes her head.
[That's not the end.]
Snap!
Two more sheets of paper appear.
[With the Astral Realm as the center, the Interdimensional Void and the Underworld are layered. Those who cultivate attraction force reach the Interdimensional Void, while those who fail are drawn into the Underworld after death. However, by adjusting the 'changes of attraction force,' one can reach yet another place.]
One of the sheets is covered with countless 'lines,' forming a net as if trying to cage the entire universe.
I recognize the identity of that net-like paper.
'Star Veins...?'
"Adjusting the changes of attraction force...are there cultivation methods for that?"
[No. The changes of attraction force cannot be cultivated by normal living beings. If 'the Underworld' and 'the Interdimensional Void' are where cultivators and living creatures go, this place is where 'stars' reach.]
"Stars...?"
[That's right. The stars that make up the Astral Realm, and the passage of time in this world, are regulated from that world. That world is the river of time, the Source River, or also called the Fate Realm (運界).]
"...!"
'I see...'
I understand the meaning of Sacred Master Baek Woon's words.
The world called the Source River, is the domain of the Heavenly Venerable of Time.
[The Source River is where things that are not living creatures, the souls that are not fully formed, the nonliving go to. There's no need to concern yourself with the Source River. The remaining one place is more important to living beings like us.]
Woo-woong!
At her words, I focus on the last sheet of paper.
That paper is filled with a kaleidoscope of all of Heavens' natural colors.
[The Flower Realm, also known as the Eastern Heaven Flower Field, is a strange dimension. If living beings in the Astral Realm die and go to the Underworld, and the non-living from the Astral Realm go to the Source River to be regulated, then the Eastern Heaven Flower Field is the world that returns the non-living from the Source River and the souls from the Underworld back to the Astral Realm.]
"I see..."
[In any case, these five different dimensions layered together form a single Heavenly Domain. The vast majority of Heavenly Domains share this same structure.]
As I grasp the structure of the Heavenly Domain, I understand the true nature of my Star Vein Eye.
'I see. Just as Nether Perception senses the 'outskirts of the Netherworld,' the Star Vein Eye senses 'outskirts of the Source River,' the domain of the Heavenly Venerable of Time...'
I initially thought I obtained the Star Vein Eye simply by studying the attraction force between the star veins and stars. However, perhaps it isn't something I gained on my own but rather granted to me by the Heavenly Venerable of Time.
No, more precisely, because His Immortal Treasure, Yeung Seung, granted me permission that I came to possess it.
In that case, the senses of the Star Vein Eye seem to be something that will be impossible for anyone else to acquire, barring very exceptional circumstances.
I organize my thoughts and ask a question.
"So, what is the relationship between the Sacred Master's bestowal of titles and the structure of this Heavenly Domain?"
In response to my words, Sacred Master Baek Woon erases all the surrounding illusions, leaving only the five sheets of paper floating in front of me.
[These five worlds, layered and stacked, form the Heavenly Domain.]
Ssssss—
The five sheets of paper layer together, appearing like one slightly thicker sheet of paper.
As I nod, Sacred Master Baek Woon causes the paper to change.
The ink within the paper gathers, forming a small sphere the size of a finger.
With the sphere as the center, a distortion occurs around it.
[When a lifeform's strength exceeds a critical point, it transcends dimensions like this. Now, let me ask you something. This ink sphere here, which world does it belong to?]
"Since it transcended the flat surface and became three-dimensional, you could say it belongs to all the worlds."
[Correct. Now, here's another question. The ink, having gathered and transcended dimensions, now belongs to all the domains layered within this paper. In that case, 'where' will this ink ultimately belong?}
"...? What do you mean? Isn't the ink sphere something that transcended the flat surface of the paper?"
[Wrong. As long as its essence remains just ink, it can always be reabsorbed by any one of the sheets of paper.]
Sururuk—
The ink sphere that had popped out into the three-dimensional world is reabsorbed by the ashen paper.
I feel chills as I witness the scene.
I understand what Sacred Master Baek Woon is trying to say.
[The ceremony of bestowing a title upon you is to 'anchor' you to relatively safe places like the Interdimensional Void or the Astral Realm. Right now, you're like that ink sphere. You've transcended the plane, but because of that, you're in a position where you can be reabsorbed into any place. In other words, from the moment you entered that realm, you've been at risk of falling into places like the Underworld, the Eastern Heaven Flower Field, or the Source River—places where ordinary beings cannot survive.]
Shiver!
'That means...'
I recall the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld who once pursued me during my regression.
The oldest existence.
The deepest darkness.
That meant that I could, at any moment, fall into the boundless darkness where that being sought to taxidermize me for eternity.
"...If I fall into the Underworld, I will surely die...but wouldn't I be able to survive if I fall into places like the Source River or the Eastern Heaven Flower Field?"
[Heh heh, you're optimistic. Didn't I tell you that the Source River is where the non-living, not living creatures go?]
"You did."
[If a living creature enters there, they will be 'transformed into a non-living' by the laws of that place. Rationality will be forcibly erased, and they'll be expelled into the Astral Realm as nothing more than cosmic dust. Do you think the Eastern Heaven Flower Field is any different? The Eastern Heaven Flower Field is far more closely linked to the Underworld and the Source River than places like the Astral Realm or the Interdimensional Void. If you fall into the Eastern Heaven Flower Field, you'd better worry about being dragged into the Underworld than about escaping.]
She looks at me sternly, dispelling all the illusions as she speaks.
[Accept it. The bestowal of a title is solely for your protection.]
But as I recall the structure of the Heavenly Domain that Sacred Master Baek Woon just showed me, I speak.
"...If the ink sphere is the Star Shattering stage being, at risk of being absorbed into another world and hence anchored in the Middle Realm to prevent that...then wouldn't it be resolved if we have a foothold in 'another' world as well?"
I explain my Nether Perception to her.
"I have cultivated the Ghost Path Method, and thus possess Nether Perception. Due to this, I am straddling both the outskirts of the Netherworld and the Bright Cold Realm. If I maintain a balance between the two, wouldn't that eliminate the worry of being pulled into one of them?"
However, Baek Woon shakes her head at my words.
[That's nonsense. Do you think balancing is that simple?! Unless you're anchored in at least 'three' worlds, it's impossible. Stop being stubborn and accept the title!]
"...Three worlds, huh..."
I ponder for a moment.
Then, I quickly come to a decision.
"Still, I will not accept the title."
[What!]
"No matter which world I fall into, I will endure it. Now, if you'll excuse me..."
After bowing respectfully to Sacred Master Baek Woon, I turn to leave White Jade Pavilion.
The next moment—
Tukwang!
A tremendous impact strikes my back.
[If you insist on being stubborn, I will have no choice but to force the title onto you...]
I turn around with a frown.
"...Are you saying you intend to try?"
Paaaatt!
A blinding, pure white flash explodes from Heavenly Lotus Mountain.
I tense up, gathering my momentum.
The next moment.
The Sacred Master battle begins.
-x-X-x-
Wo-woong—
The moment I regain consciousness, I find myself in the Chaos Realm region of the Bright Cold Realm.
'This place...'
It's the opposite of the Heart Tribe's territory in the east.
Beyond the Swiftwind Domain and Dead Earth Domain, I've arrived at the Chaos Realm in the west.
Jjeong!
As soon as I come to my senses, an overwhelming 'weight' presses down on me, and I am slammed straight into a spot within the western Chaos Realm.
In a corner filled with jade stones within the Chaos Realm.
As I witness the entire area being grinded down by a massive attraction force, I slowly begin to stand.
Crack!
The weight on my shoulders is even heavier than the gravity of the star I briefly sat on when I fought Jang Ik.
Jjeoook!
The space around me distorts with overwhelming force, and a giant planet appears above me.
It's the Within Heavens Star that Sacred Master Baek Woon bestowed upon me.
[Even though I personally explained everything and told you this was for your sake, you still refuse? Just accept it quietly!]
"...I apologize. However, this is something related to those [above], so I cannot speak of it. I have no need for the title, so please, take it back."
I can't speak about anything related to the Star Vein Eye.
Just like with Zhengli or the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, I've experienced firsthand how painful it can be to carelessly reveal anything involving True Immortals.
[...That will not do.]
"Pardon...?"
[Listen well, Seo Eun-hyun of the Human Race.]
Kugugugugugu!
An immense power starts concentrating in the Chaos Realm.
At the same time, the Entering Heavens Star floating above me is trying to forcibly connect with me.
[You are my successor.]
"...!?"
Startled, I look up at the sky.
[In 600 years, no one has achieved the late Integration stage with the cultivation of the Heaven and Earth Tribes and reached the fifth stage of Manifestation of the Heart Tribe. I've neither heard of nor seen such a being. Though your growth may be a bit slower compared to the Golden Divine, he focused solely on the Heaven Tribe's cultivation. In pure talent, you surpass the Golden Divine.]
"...There seems to be a misunderstanding."
[Whether it's a misunderstanding or not doesn't matter, as the results speak for themselves...]
Resisting the increasing pressure of the Within Heavens Star, I struggle to prevent it from connecting with me.
[You surely have the potential to reach the Sacred Vessel stage. For that reason, you were born with the fate of becoming the Sacred Master of the Bright Cold Realm after me. Thus, as the current Sacred Master of the Bright Cold Realm, I have every reason to bind you to this realm as my successor!]
Dududududududu!
I don't even have time to respond.
'This...is the Sacred Vessel stage...'
I grit my teeth as I barely withstand the pressure of the Within Heavens Star.
These are beings who control their own Middle Realm.
Beings who, within their star system, are monsters that wield power close to omnipotence.
The fact that I was instantly transported from Heavenly Lotus Mountain to the Chaos Realm, and I'm now being crushed by an increasingly overwhelming pressure that I am unable to resist, is a display of the overwhelming disparity.
[Accept it. Seo Eun-hyun...if you become the Sacred Master, the Human Race will become the dominant race in the Bright Cold Realm. The Tall Tree Race, who don't know their place and all they do is pollinate when bored, could be burned as firewood by your people. The Paired Wings Race as mounts, the Fungal Bone Race as snacks, the Rotting Owl Race as toys, and the Fighting Ghost Race as foot rags—no one would dare to speak against you.]
"I have no desire to do such things, nor any reason to!"
[As the god of the Bright Cold Realm, you can rule for thousands of years, fulfill the duties of a Sacred Master, and delve deeper into the power of attraction force, eventually becoming a True Person. Of course, you'd need to find a successor eventually, but by then, there will surely be promising ones among the Esteemed Ones of the Bright Cold Realm.]
Rumble!
The Heaven and Earth spiritual energy from the Within Heavens Star descends upon me.
From the moment I become connected to it, I will inevitably become the Within Heavens Esteemed One.
[If you dislike the name, you can change it once you become the Sacred Master. Who would dare oppose you?]
"...I never had any intention of accepting it in the first place. What meaning is there in changing it later?"
[Are you so displeased with becoming my successor?]
"If the title is not given, I will consider it."
[How arrogant. In that case, how about this... If you become the Sacred Master of the Bright Cold Realm...you will be able to resolve your fundamental problem.]
"...Pardon?"
[Your soul... Isn't it hot?]
"...!"
Baek Woon's tone softens, as if she's trying to persuade me.
[I've been watching your soul for a long time. The Karmic Fire burning hotly within...the authority of the Judge in the form of flames. Aren't you suffering from that power?]
"..."
[I can see it even now. Your soul trembles in pain upon pain. If you reach the realm where you can borrow the power of the Bright Cold Realm, you will be able to rid your body of that fiery tribulation. How about it? Will you still refuse?]
"..."
I remain silent.
And then, I smile bitterly.
"It seems you have misunderstood."
[...Ho?]
"This thing burning inside me...cannot be extinguished. Even if I become the Sacred Master of the Bright Cold Realm, no matter what I do, it cannot be put out."
[Ha...are you, who is merely an Esteemed One, trying to teach me?]
"You seem to be talking about the Karmic Fire. Certainly, in regards to normal authorities, the Sacred Master's words may be right. However...in regards to this case, there's no way to rid myself of the pain."
[What?]
I shout as I look up at the sky.
"Sacred Master...it seems you cannot even begin to guess my pain, the reason for my pain, or the nature of my pain. I have no intention of escaping this suffering...! So please, stop forcing the position of Sacred Master upon me!"
[You insolent...!]
The next moment.
I unleash a powerful surge of energy and soar toward the sky.
Bo-oong!
The power of the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections, now truly united with me, flows into my sword.
'Accumulating Dust...'
In the past, whenever I performed a technique, my body would always move along with it.
Because it became second nature.
But after obtaining the Sub-Heart Sword, I realized that if the strength of the heart directly connects to the strength of the body, there's no need to move the body.
Starting from Transcending Peaks to Transcending Mountain Ridge Embedment, with all the techniques in between,
Now, just by recalling the moves of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship engraved in my heart, I can execute them all.
'...Forms a Mountain!'
Paaaat!
The already fearsome technique of Accumulating Dust Forms a Mountain no longer has any preparatory movements. With just my intention, it shoots towards the star in the sky.
Kuadududududuk!
The Sacred Master's Within Heavens Star is split in half, and I smash through the star as I soar upward.
"I apologize, Sacred Master...but I will not become an Esteemed One of the Bright Cold Realm."
[You...!]
Woo-woooong!
Energy begins to concentrate in the sky.
Then, a very familiar scene unfolds.
Jjeoong!
The sky splits in two.
Simultaneously, Sacred Master Baek Woon's 'gaze' envelops the Chaos Realm where I am.
A sight reminiscent of the descent of the Owner of Heavenly Punishment.
Though it doesn't carry the same mind-crushing pressure as it did then, its appearance is eerily similar.
'Her intent can't be read.'
Come to think of it, it has always been like this.
The hands and feet of the Blood Yin Esteemed One,.
The Esteemed Ones I encountered in the Lightning Sacred Sea.
And now, Sacred Master Baek Woon.
None of their intent could be read.
It may be that beings at the realm of an Esteemed One and above, when entering full combat readiness, become unreadable in terms of intent.
'But that doesn't mean they have no intent.'
When I stood face-to-face with Sacred Master Baek Woon earlier, I could read her intent to some degree.
They, too, have a heart, and they have emotions.
Without a doubt!
'And if they have a heart, they can surely feel pain.'
I prepare for my counterattack and boldly lock eyes with Baek Woon's gaze.
Baek Woon said that I am suffering from pain.
She must have seen the Karmic Fire burning within me.
But she misunderstood something.
The Karmic Fire inside me has long since been extinguished.
Then, what is it that still burns within me, causing me suffering?
Isn't it obvious?
'It's me.'
Strangely enough, ever since I encountered the Owner of Great Mountain and the order was annihilated, the Karmic Fire was immediately extinguished.
I don't know why.
But it doesn't seem like the Owner of Great Mountain extinguished it for me.
I still can't tell what the conditions are for the Karmic Fire to go out.
But one thing is certain.
Even though the Karmic Fire is gone, I am still in pain.
What now burns inside me is not the Karmic Fire.
It's my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections. It is remembering the pain of the Karmic Fire and giving it to me.
Thus, what is burning my soul now is not the Karmic Fire.
This is my own guilt.
[As the Sacred Master of the Bright Cold Realm, I command thee...]
She begins to exert her power.
I raise my sword.
At the summit of Heavenly Lotus Mountain, in the White Jade Pavilion.
Baek Woon gazes off into the distance, staring at some far-off place.
Crackle, crack-crackle...
Lightning spears embedded in her body flicker.
Twitch—
Her brow furrows slightly.
In her consciousness, she feels the presence of Seo Eun-hyun in that distant place, clashing against her authority.
Earthquakes and tsunamis are triggered.
Volcanoes erupt, and firestorms rain down.
The entire surrounding region is transformed into a world of heat, like the core of a fixed star.
However, Seo Eun-hyun is cutting through all the 'phenomena' happening there, facing her head-on.
A Sacred Master of the Middle Realm is akin to a world unto themselves.
For that reason, whether it's a star system or a Middle Realm, a Sacred Master fears not even the lowest-ranked True Immortal within the domain they rule.
However, Baek Woon shows signs of unease.
Regarding the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, Baek Woon doesn't really expect Seo Eun-hyun to actually use it.
Of course, he might use the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra when cornered. Therefore while Baek Woon could have used Seo Eun-hyun's comrades or the Human Race to threaten him, she hasn't gone that far.
However, even putting aside the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, she cannot figure out what that ignorant, wicked human is hiding.
'I must make him a Sacred Master.'
Clench...
A Sacred Master of places like the Ancient Force Realm, the Purple Gold Realm, the True Devil Realm, the Nether Ghost Realm, or the Astral Realm will not do.
'I must! I must bind him to Bright Cold!'
Grind, grind...
As if recalling the nightmare from 120,000 years ago, she grits her teeth while looking at the lightning spears embedded in her body.
Even 120,000 years ago, there was such an existence.
A supreme genius from the ominous world.
Baek Woon judges that Seo Eun-hyun is of the same kind as that supreme genius.
'I cannot allow another massacre like the one 120,000 years ago...even if he wreaks havoc, if I can confine him to the Bright Cold Realm, I will be able to save countless lives.'
She recalls the supreme genius from the Head Realm 120,000 years ago.
The Golden Divine, Yang Su-jin.
The Human Race cultivator who, at first glance, had an outwardly affable demeanor and polite manners.
And now, Seo Eun-hyun overlaps with the image of Yang Su-jin at that time in her mind.
The human who once seemed so amiable and polite that turned into a terrifying slaughter devil, sweeping across the entire Heavenly Domain.
Recalling the time when all Sacred Masters and True Persons of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain had to unite just to face Yang Su-jin's ring finger, Baek Woon trembles.
'Even if I have to sacrifice my position as Sacred Master...even if I have to turn the Bright Cold Realm into hell...I must confine him.'
Despite everything she suffered at the hands of Yang Su-jin, she does not hate him.
After all, Yang Su-jin's atrocities were not entirely his fault.
Having cultivated the attraction force of fate and taken on the role of Sacred Master, she understands.
Life is something that cannot be controlled by a mortal's will.
Thus, Baek Woon believes that if someone becomes a slaughter devil, it's because fate has cast them in such a role, and it's not entirely the slaughter devil's sin.
And in Baek Woon's eyes, Seo Eun-hyun's behavior more or less resembles Yang Su-jin's.
Therefore, Seo Eun-hyun is highly likely to walk a similar fate to Yang Su-jin.
'I must bind him!'
Recalling that nightmare, Baek Woon swears to do whatever it takes to narrow the scope of Seo Eun-hyun's massacre.
'That is my duty, entrusted to me by [Them] when I took on the position of Sacred Master!'
Wo-woong!
The wings that have appeared around Baek Woon shine brightly.
[Give up. Accept it!]
Chwaralarak!
Behind her, a Black Ancient Paper floats into view.
On the Black Ancient Paper are written the titles of countless Esteemed Ones.
[You shall inevitably become the Sacred Master of the Bright Cold Realm.]
Her gaze pierces through tens of millions of li, locking onto Seo Eun-hyun in the Chaos Realm.
She imposes her will, beginning to intensify the authority of the Bright Cold Realm onto Seo Eun-hyun.
[I shall definitely make it so...]
At that moment.
Baek Woon sees something appear in Seo Eun-hyun's hand.
It's a pitch-black banner.
From Seo Eun-hyun's seven orifices, the power of darkness flows down like a river.
Flowers seem to grow from the banner, only to soon morph into grotesque monsters.
Rolling, rolling...
The grotesque creatures, seemingly devoid of reason, swivel their eyes, glancing nervously at Seo Eun-hyun who summoned them.
The next moment, Seo Eun-hyun breathes power into the banner.
All the monsters begin to flee in unison.
But they are caught by Seo Eun-hyun's attraction force one by one, crushed on the spot, and absorbed into the banner.
The horrific screams of the monsters echo from within the banner held by Seo Eun-hyun.
Flinch!
Baek Woon momentarily foresees a dark future and unleashes her full force in a single strike aimed at Seo Eun-hyun.
A brilliant white light, as if from a Heavenly Tribulation, strikes Seo Eun-hyun from the sky.
But the pitch-black darkness devours the light and advances, striking Baek Woon's 'eyes' that gaze down upon Seo Eun-hyun!
Kuajijijk!
[Ah, ah, ahh...]
Baek Woon trembles in place as if struck by lightning.
Seo Eun-hyun's voice resonates through the Plane of Soul, crossing tens of millions of li to reach her ears.
[Extinguishing (滅) Realm (界) Demonic (妖) Curse (呪) Banner (旛)...!]
Seo Eun-hyun's agony, evolved through the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner and the Black Ghost Curse Banner, has now transformed to the point where it can collapse an entire realm by itself.
Demonic devils manifested from countless Heart Demons.
These demonic devils, captured and compressed into the form of a banner, have become a monstrous flag!
That is the Extinguishing Realm Demonic Curse Banner.
And then, Baek Woon begins to scream.
[Huuaaaaaahhh!!!]
She clutches her head and screams from the heights of Heavenly Lotus Mountain.
'Th-This is...!'
As befitting a veteran cultivator who has cultivated for hundreds of thousands of years, Baek Woon instantly analyzes the methodology of the Extinguishing Realm Demon Curse Banner and traces its origin.
'Asceting Lightning Curse Banner...! Golden Divine's torture devilish art!!! He evolved it into something like this...?'
Grind...
Baek Woon grits her teeth and steels her heart.
'Just as I thought, even though he pretends to be normal like Yang Su-jin, he's no different. A wicked breed! I must bind him to the Bright Cold Realm!''
Her entire body trembles as she fights to suppress the pain with desperate willpower.
'Fortunately the distance is great, so the full pain didn't transmit. I need to counterattack...'
However,
In that single instant when she was struck by Seo Eun-hyun's Extinguishing Realm Demon Curse Banner and lost her focus.
In that fleeting pause when she briefly stopped her relentless assault on Seo Eun-hyun!
That moment determined the outcome between the two.
Paaaatt!
[What...]
Seo Eun-hyun appears before Baek Woon's eyes.
He traversed tens of millions of li in a single step, through the Plane of Soul.
Baek Woon flinches.
It isn't because of Seo Eun-hyun.
It's because of the 'other man' that Seo Eun-hyun brought with him during that brief moment, from the Cedar Wood Grove of the Heart Tribe.
It's Jeon Myeong-hoon, crackling with lightning.
In another instant.
Before Baek Woon can react, Seo Eun-hyun brings Jeon Myeong-hoon right in front of her and places the spear embedded in Baek Woon's body into Jeon Myeong-hoon's hand.
"Come to think of it, I was curious."
[W-Wait...]
"What happens if the successor of the Golden Divine wields this?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon, understanding Seo Eun-hyun's will, begins to draw forth his power.
[D-Don't do it...!]
The spears embedded in Baek Woon's body all simultaneously start to glow red.
[Nooooooooo!!!]
-x-X-x-
Kururururung!
Red lightning rages violently.
The seven lightning spears embedded in Baek Woon's body all simultaneously emit a red glow and begin to thrash about.
Baek Woon's eyes roll back as if about to faint, trembling all over as she sits on her throne.
If she were human, she'd probably be foaming at the mouth.
Kwajijijik!
She shakes violently, unable to even scream, looking as if she's trapped in a prison of red lightning.
[S-s-s-...stop, stop...hugh, please...]
Seeing her state it seems like bringing Jeon Myeong-hoon here has worked better than using my Extinguishing Realm Demonic Curse Banner.
—Can you pull it out, Jeon Myeong-hoon?
I ask him through heart language.
Thanks to having reached Void Shattering, the accuracy of heart language has improved significantly, making it almost indistinguishable from a regular voice transmission.
He holds the lightning spear for a moment before shaking his head and replying internally.
—It's impossible. I don't know who embedded it, but...even with my authority, I can't pull it out. The lightning is not cooperating with me. In fact, it's mocking me.
It's astonishing.
Regardless of what kind of lighting,
Even a Heavenly Tribulation usually becomes as tame as a lamb in front of Jeon Myeong-hoon. For the lightning spears left by Yang Su-jin to resist like this, they must possess an extraordinarily strong ego.
'What to do...?'
Originally, I planned to have Jeon Myeong-hoon threaten her through the lightning spears, then pull them out as a bargaining chip to slowly persuade her.
I assumed she would also want the spears removed. If she, like me, is bound by the laws of those [above] and has to follow the rules, removing them would be a benefit surpassing those rules.
I intended to heal her from the lightning spears but...
'This won't work. Then what...'
Clicking my tongue inwardly, I examine my own body.
'My body is a mess.'
That short confrontation with the Sacred Master has left my entire domain in near ruin.
If the plan to embed the Extinguishing Realm Demonic Curse Banner into Baek Woon had failed, my entire domain would have collapsed, leaving me in a semi-dead state, and I would have been forcibly become the Within Heavens Esteemed One.
'Fortunately, the attributes worked in my favor...'
There's no way someone in the Star Shattering stage could beat a Sacred Vessel Sacred Master under normal circumstances.
Not only is there an overwhelming difference in cultivation level, a Sacred Master also borrows the power of a Middle Realm or a star system. Within this area, they are practically equivalent to a True Immortal.
There's a reason why most Esteemed Ones in the Ancient Force Realm were purged by a single Sacred Master.
From the moment I first encountered her power, I gave up on directly confronting Sacred Master Baek Woon.
From the beginning, my plan hinged on somehow bringing Jeon Myeong-hoon here and having him touch the spears embedded in her body to have a chance of victory. If I couldn't even get that chance, the battle was already lost.
[Ah, aaargh! Uuuuurgh!]
I look at Baek Woon, who is almost being fried within the red lightning, and ask.
"...Originally, I intended to persuade you in a more moderate manner, but it seems that will be difficult. Hence, I'll ask you in this state."
Though I feel sorry for her, someone who has risen to the position of Sacred Master should be able to endure this level of pain.
"Will you rescind the conferral of the Esteemed One title?"
[Gu, gugugk...arguguguk...]
"Are you saying you will refuse to answer...?"
[Uu, urhguguguk...urghuk...]
"I will ask one more time."
[Uuh, uuah...aaahhh...]
"Will you..."
As I read her intent through the lightning, I continue speaking.
"...Rescind..."
The lightning blazes brightly, but within it, Baek Woon's intent is clear.
"...The conferral..."
A definite 'refusal'!
"...Of the Esteemed One..."
Kwajijijik!
To an outsider, it might appear as though I'm cruelly torturing a powerless woman with electricity and intimidating her.
But as I confront her true thoughts here, I understand clearly.
She is telling me, with great resolve, that she will hold on to the very end.
Though her mouth may scream, at our level of cultivation, we can communicate effectively without relying on words spoken aloud.
Even amidst the lightning, Baek Woon's eyes gradually become accustomed to the pain, expressing her strong will.
"...Title?"
[Heh, hehh...hehhhhhh...]
Pajijijijijijijijik!
Inside the prison of lightning, she starts to show a strange reaction.
[Heh...hehhehehe...]
"...!"
Kwachiiiing—
She extends her hand toward me.
Just that movement alone punctures a part of the lightning prison, and Baek Woon's withered, branch-like hand extends from within.
Zuuuuuung—
Attraction force emanates from her hand, twisting the surrounding spacetime.
In an instant, her hand touches my shoulder.
[Let...us...share this feeling...]
"...!!!"
Woooooong!
Through her hand, a crimson curse spell is cast onto me, transferring a portion of Baek Woon's pain into my body.
A curse that pushes one's own suffering onto others!
—Seo Eun-hyun!
—Don't stop!
Jeon Myeong-hoon, taken aback, tries to stop, but I loudly shout back through heart language and instead laugh.
'So, you want to take this to the end?'
Honestly, while I felt a bit sorry for her, I thought I had a chance to win the moment I first embedded the Extinguishing Realm Demonic Curse Banner .
But it seems I misjudged the situation.
At the level of a Sacred Master, one would likely develop some resistance to this level of pain.
If that's the case, I, too, will steel my resolve.
Tststststststs—
Curses flow out from my entire body.
I burst out in mental speech, grabbing her wrist tightly.
[My shoulder...don't touch it so carelessly.]
Paaaaaat!
Wududududuk!
I transform into the Ghost King with 21 heads, and I begin to pry Baek Woon's hand off my shoulder.
Wudududuk—
But it's heavy.
'This is crazy...is this really the strength of a 'Heaven Tribe' cultivator on the verge of death...?'
The sheer physical strength flowing from Baek Woon's frail arm surpasses the power of my Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation in the late Integration stage.
Only by wrapping myself in the All-Heavens Sword and adding the sword's strength am I barely able to peel her thin arm off!
I once read a record from Lofty Dragon's storage scroll about an Integration stage cultivator who was beaten up by Lofty Dragon True Person in human form, having their domain shattered and almost dying.
Now, I finally understand.
That if someone were at the True Person level, it might really be possible to kill an Integration stage cultivator purely with physical strength!
Moreover, I heard rumors that Sacred Master Baek Woon was originally a True Person, who, due to some incident, lowered her cultivation realm to enter the Bright Cold Realm.
'Her physical strength might at least be on par with Lofty Dragon True Person in human form!'
At this rate, I'll lose for sure.
Therefore, I need to resort to drastic measures.
I use one hand to pull her arm off my shoulder.
Of course, the pain she's enduring floods into me through the hand holding her arm, but it's bearable.
Then, with my other hand, I release a curse spell.
The Extinguishing Realm Demonic Curse Banner emits a sinister light as it forms above my hand.
A black mass of something resembling flesh.
Inside, countless mouths and eyes writhe grotesquely.
Grasping the banner's staff, I grip its end in reverse, and then shove the black banner into Sacred Master Baek Woon's stomach.
[————————-!]
Jjiiiiing!
An unrecognizable scream echoes through Qi, Soul, and Fate — resonating through all three planes.
The same scream that the True Persons let out!
It means that Sacred Master Baek Woon is experiencing a truly unbearable pain.
[—————!]
[Kuaaaaaaargh!!]
Through her hand, the pain I pushed into her comes surging back to me.
What remains now is a battle of endurance—who can withstand the pain better!
'Let's see who wins, Sacred Master!'
Even amidst the agony, I show a crazed smile as I drive the banner even deeper.
Dudududududu!
'Madness...'
The entirety of the Bright Cold Realm begins to shake violently.
I can feel the Sacred Master Baek Woon going mad.
Right now, because of Yang Su-jin's legacy, it feels as though there's nothing she can do to us directly, who stand right in front of her.
However, due to her seizures, I can sense earthquakes, tsunamis, and disasters erupting all over the Bright Cold Realm.
I immediately sense earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occurring beneath Heavenly Lotus Mountain.
Furthermore, the attraction force of the Bright Cold Realm is recklessly stretching out to the Astral Realm, pulling in fragments of wandering stars toward it.
Meteors are raining everywhere, and the Vestiges of the Interdimensional Void are entering the Bright Cold Realm.
Woo-woong!
Then, I feel my mind becoming hazy from the ensuing madness.
Kugugugugugu!!!
Up and down reverse.
Heaven and Earth invert.
The sky [above] shifts below.
The earth [below] flips above.
It feels as though the screams of the countless Bright Cold Realm inhabitants are ringing in my ears.
It's not just a simple reversal of up and down—gravity remains the same.
In other words,
The sky has come to the place where one should stand on the ground.
But gravity stays the same.
What happens then?
"Seo Eun-hyun! Do something!!!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon shouts desperately, while I break out in a cold sweat.
The entire Bright Cold Realm has flipped upside down!
All the living beings of the Bright Cold Realm are falling toward the sky!
Fortunately, the vast majority of the Bright Cold Realm inhabitants are cultivators, so they can fly, preventing a disaster.
But even so, a terrifying thought grips me. If this continues, the Middle Realm might be destroyed.
Kwarung, Kwarururung!
As Heavenly Tribulation falls from the 'ground', the entire Bright Cold Realm is instantly engulfed in a sea of lightning.
Kwajijijik!
If it were just normal lightning, there would be no reason to worry in a place where Jeon Myeong-hoon stands.
But I realize what the Sacred Master Baek Woon is doing.
'This crazy...'
Heavenly Tribulations are now descending all over the Bright Cold Realm!
In each and every tribulation, images of Jeon Myeong-hoon and me torturing Sacred Master Baek Woon are being transmitted across the entire Bright Cold Realm.
The power of the Heavenly Tribulation itself isn't so great. Even someone at the Core Formation stage can endure it, but just brushing against it reveals the current situation.
In other words, I'm now being publicized across the entire Bright Cold Realm as an evil breed torturing the Sacred Master.
"Seo Eun-hyun!!!!!!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at me with an expression as if he's about to lose his mind.
However, I show a bright expression instead.
'Right now, she's pleading for salvation from other living beings!'
In other words, she's reached the point where her mental strength has been pushed to its limits, and she's now begging for help from others.
[Just a little more! Put in more strength, Jeon Myeong-hoon!]
With fighting will surging in all 21 of my heads, I grip the flagpole even tighter.
[This...is not yet my full strength, Sacred Master...!]
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.
Thirty-second Move.
Sub-Heart Sword.
Transcending Mountain Ridge Embedment!
Kiiiing!
The sword image formed in my heart essence plunges deep into the soul of Sacred Master Baek Woon.
As long as she thinks of me, her heart will be endlessly cut away.
From now on...even the last of her mental strength shall be sliced away!!
Paaaaaaatt!
A blinding white light surges.
The next moment.
Snap!
"...Huh?"
I feel cold sweat trickling down.
All phenomena has stopped.
'This is...'
A frozen world.
In this place, only I, and the being before me, can move.
[...You have won.]
I look at the figure before me.
'What is this?'
A beautiful woman dressed in a white robe, with patches of skin resembling tree bark exposed here and there, and branches sprouting from her head.
Sacred Master Baek Woon.
Her appearance at her prime stands before me.
She clicks her tongue with a lamenting expression and speaks.
[Vile breed. Do as you please. Thanks to you, I've had to unleash the power I had saved, and I can't even begin to fathom the immense loss I've suffered. Do whatever you want. I won't grant you the title of Esteemed One, so just disappear from my sight.]
Though she appears beautiful as if fully recovered, it seems she has lost the authority to instantly expel me across the Bright Cold Realm, merely telling me to 'disappear' without actually doing so.
[...I am grateful for the Sacred Master's mercy.]
I return to my human form and bow respectfully before her.
She turns her back to me with an irritated expression and says,
[I am no longer a Sacred Master.]
It is only then that I realize what she has done.
By temporarily lowering her realm by one stage, she created an incarnation that escaped my power.
However, considering this insane authority that briefly stopped time in the Bright Cold Realm, it's clear she only became an Esteemed One 'temporarily.'
In a few years, she will surely regain her realm as a Sacred Master.
[Get lost from my sight, Sword Devil...]
And so, after reaching the realm of an Esteemed One,
I gained official recognition for the title of 'Sword Devil,' and was able to avoid being granted a formal title as an Esteemed One.
-x-X-x-