Dudududu—
A group of warhorses are charging across the plain.
"Kiyakhoo!"
"Die, you damned southerners!"
Warriors of a northern grassland tribe, wielding claw-like weapons, rush towards a village in the northern part of Byeokra.
Warriors of the Northern Grasslands.
They, also called 'barbarians' by the three southern nations of Shengzi, Yanguo, and Byeokra, raid and plunder the village with glee before preparing to leave.
Just then,
Bo-oong!
The neck of their leader is severed in an instant.
"Uh, uhh."
While they are still dazed, the remaining warriors are also decapitated in a flash and fall from their horses.
Yet the warhorses, unaware that their masters' heads have disappeared, remain standing in place without noticing anything strange.
Kuuung!
Then, from what seemed to be empty air, a large man clad in black attire drops to the ground.
"Another job complete. Aigoo, my whole body aches..."
It's Oh Hyun-seok.
Oh Hyun-seok, as if feeling hot, removes his mask.
"What am I still doing at over a hundred years old...tsk, tsk."
He is 132 years old.
Before falling into this strange world, he was exactly forty-two years old, which means he has lived for an astoundingly long time now.
But something is strange.
Despite being over a hundred years old, Oh Hyun-seok's face hasn't changed at all from when he was in his forties.
Oh Hyun-seok glances back at the ruined village behind him.
'Tsk, if I had arrived just a bit earlier, I could have prevented these needless deaths...'
Clicking his tongue as if tasting something bitter, he smacks the rear of the warhorses that the dead warriors had ridden, scaring them off and driving them away.
It has been ninety years since Oh Hyun-seok fell into this world.
During that time, his assassination skills have improved tremendously, to the point where no one can even sense his presence even if he's standing right there.
Even animals with sharp senses or the warhorses from earlier couldn't detect him at all.
Dudududu...
Once the warhorses disappear from sight, Oh Hyun-seok starts tidying up the ruined village in his own way.
'The war is worsening.'
Oh Hyun-seok sighs.
Nearly thirty years ago, ominous energy began to spread across the continent.
At some point, people no longer hesitated to plunder others, and even the martial sects and cultivator clans, who once pursued righteousness and the orthodox path, rapidly turned toward the devilish path and tyrannical ways.
This trend worsened day by day, so much so that now, no matter where one goes on the continent, people have grown ruthless. Everyone is trying to deceive and steal from one another.
"Just why has the world changed this way...?"
Oh Hyun-seok recalls how, until thirty years ago, this world was still somewhat a good place to live.
Until thirty years ago, everyone had goodwill and a sense of ease in their hearts.
But suddenly, as if possessed, the people of the continent began to act strangely.
It's when Oh Hyun-seok is sighing and collecting the corpses of the village.
Flinch!
Oh Hyun-seok's gaze suddenly turns towards one of the houses.
His sharp senses, honed to the extreme through his assassination skills, picked up a faint sound coming from one of the houses.
He walks into the bloodstained house.
Inside the kitchen, a woman lies dead, bleeding. A man, who seems to have been the father, is dead near the outhouse, clutching a sickle.
Oh Hyun-seok briefly looks at them before opening the door to the outhouse.
From beneath the toilet, he hears the sound of breathing.
Oh Hyun-seok extends his hand down into the pit.
Moments later, he pulls out a small girl.
The girl, who looks about three or four years old, is so terrified that she is covering her own mouth, trembling like an aspen tree as she stares at Oh Hyun-seok.
Oh Hyun-seok gives a bitter smile and says,
"...You're the only survivor of this village, huh."
After taking care of all the corpses in the village, Oh Hyun-seok leaves with the little girl.
"Come with me for now. I'll find a place where you can stay."
With that, Oh Hyun-seok, with the girl in tow, heads toward the capital of Byeokra to collect the reward for beheading the northern warriors.
"Immortal Art, Rain."
Shwaaaaa!
Rain falls.
I stare at the opponent in front of me.
Gwak Am looks up at the sky for a moment and smirks.
"Is this what you call rain?"
Cheok!
Gwak Am claps their hands together and shouts,
"Immortal Art, Rain!"
Kururung!
In an instant, the sky seems to redden, and blood begins to rain from above.
Chiiiii—
The whole world turns red.
At the same time, red salt crystals start growing from the ground.
A battle of Immortal Arts against Gwak Am.
I refuse to back down and raise my hand towards the sky.
"Immortal Art, Clearing (霽)."
Shaaaaa!
At the same time, the clouds part, and the blood rain stops.
But by then, the area is already covered in the salt crystals that Gwak Am has created.
"Immortal Art, Cloudiness (蒙)."
Shaaa—
A foreboding energy bursts forth.
In an instant, the red salt crystals start emitting darkness and grow into coral-like forms, blocking out the sunlight.
In no time, I find myself trapped in a prison of dark coral.
"Immortal Art, Want of Connection (驛)."
Chiiiii!
However, through my Immortal Art, the darkness of the coral crystals begins to fade again.
Through the gap, sunlight gently shines through and illuminates the surroundings.
"Immortal Art, Crossing (克)."
Kiiiiing!
But in the next moment, Gwak Am's Immortal Art presses down on me.
Crack!
The salt crystals begin to vaporize.
The salt transforms into light.
A phenomenon just like the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade!
At the same time, red beams shoot out from the red salt coral crystals, aiming directly at me.
"Immortal Art, Outer Diagram (悔)!"
At that moment, the shape of the Eight Trigrams forms around me, dispersing the red light in all directions.
"Immortal Art, Inner Diagram (貞)."
But in the next moment, another Eight Trigrams created by Gwak Am's Immortal Art infiltrates my outer trigram.
The inner trigram disregards the outer trigram and pulls the beams of light toward me.
Flash!
In the next moment, my whole body feels like it's being scorched, and I collapse on the spot.
"Victory, Am!"
In an instant, the traces of Immortal Arts that had been enveloping me vanish entirely.
Cheongmun Ryeong pats Gwak Am on the shoulder and laughs heartily before approaching me.
"You've improved a lot. You've gotten quite adept at Divination (卜筮)."
"It's thanks to the excellent guidance from Master and Senior Brother."
I bow my head, recalling the sensations from the Immortal Arts I just used.
Over the past 80 years, I've learned a total of four types of Immortal Arts.
The first is Immortal Art Various Omens (庶徵).
It consists of the Rain, Sunlight, Heat, Cold, Wind, and Time that correspond to the Integration stage formulas.
The second is Immortal Art Examination of Doubts (稽疑).
Also known as Divination, it includes Rain (雨), Clearing (霽), Cloudiness (蒙), Want of Connection (驛), Crossing (克), Inner Diagram (貞), and Outer Diagram (悔). It primarily uses attraction forces to rearrange phenomena.
The third Immortal Art is Five Epochs, Three Spirits (五紀三靈).
It involves reading the five constellations and gathering the three spirits to complete the Eight Paths.
The fourth Immortal Art is Eight Paths, One Extreme (八道一極).
This is the completion of the training of Immortal Arts, uniting the Eight Paths and One Extreme to achieve the Nine Palaces and enter 'true' Immortal Arts.
Afterward, by focusing the Five Affairs (五事) on the Five Elements, if one enlightens to the principles of the Ten Heavenly Stems, that is what Cheongmun Ryeong calls the 'final stage' of training.
"Up until now, I've taught you the training method up to the Eight Paths and One Extreme. You've learned everything up to the Immortal Art Examination of Doubts. Although you still lose to Am, you've atleast learned how to use your strength in your own way. You could say you've grasped the basics."
"Thank you."
"In fact, you could say that you've learned everything I have to teach you. The rest of your training can be done on your own, outside, no?"
"...!"
I flinch in surprise and look at Cheongmun Ryeong.
He smirks and says,
"What, did you think I wouldn't know? I've long been aware that you're someone who came from 'outside'."
"...I am sorry for not telling you until now."
"Haha, it's fine."
He laughs heartily and pats me on the shoulder.
"According to old records, there are occasionally people who come from the world of 'outside.' And...there are frequent mentions that people from the 'outside' world do not age, even after decades."
He looks at my face.
"I've heard that people from outside have much longer lifespans than we do and that they age thousands, even tens of thousands, of times slower. You and your fellow companions haven't aged in the 90 years you've been here, so I figured you were from the outside. Also, from the way you sometimes ask questions and the way you speak, it's clear you aren't a person of this world and are someone who must eventually leave."
"...I see."
Indeed, I've been aware that I don't age.
It's not just me; my other comrades also haven't been aging.
They still haven't recovered their memories, so they don't know why, but I have a general idea.
'The lifespan we gained from our cultivation realm outside still applies in this world.'
I'll probably live for millions of years.
The others will likely live for at least a few thousand to tens of thousands of years as well.
Up until now, I've only told Cheongmun Ryeong that I've learned a 'special method,' but it seems I can't keep it hidden any longer.
Currently, I'm still in a mortal body.
But by using Immortal Arts, I can possess the energy of someone at the Qi Building stage.
I've heard that the energy accumulated through Immortal Arts doesn't necessarily extend one's lifespan.
Of course, instead, one can directly extend lifespan through Immortal Arts.
Just like current Cheongmun Ryeong has done.
"Huu, let's sit for a moment. I'm feeling tired."
At Cheongmun Ryeong's words, Gwak Am stomps the ground, creating a seat out of the earth nearby, and sits down attentively to listen.
"As you both know, I am already a dead man."
Thirty years ago.
Cheongmun Ryeong's lifespan had ended.
However, through the use of Immortal Arts, he has been prolonging his life until now.
Solely to continue teaching me.
He speaks.
"Until now, I've resisted the heavenly fate for a while to continue teaching you, but soon I will be leaving. Perhaps in one or two years, I will depart. And...as your teacher, I have a request for both of you before I leave."
Cheongmun Ryeong looks at Gwak Am.
"Am-ah, from the moment you were born into this world, I have taught you words, imparted knowledge, and watched you grow. You are like my own child. You must be aware of this yourself."
"...I know better than anyone."
Gwak Am's voice trembles.
"I know your nature is a bit impatient, and your disposition is rather extreme. Moreover, I know that at some point, your views became increasingly radical. And that...it seemed to have happened after you met someone and heard something. I haven't asked until now, but now I must ask. When, where, and whom did you meet, and what did you hear that caused your disposition to change this much?"
At Cheongmun Ryeong's question, Gwak Am opens and closes their mouth for a moment, then tightly bites their lips.
"...That...just that, I cannot answer. Please forgive me...Please forgive this unworthy disciple..."
Gwak Am trembles as if they are about to burst into tears, bowing their head in front of him.
With a bitter expression, Cheongmun Ryeong speaks.
"...I understand. Then, can you grant me this one request?"
"Please command me."
"I know that when I die, you intend to kill Seo Eun-hyun."
At those words, I glance slightly at Gwak Am.
Even though I noticed from the start that they would often growl at me for no reason, I never thought they would actually intend to kill their junior.
'This lunatic...'
Cheongmun Ryeong continues speaking.
"Can't you refrain from killing him and get along peacefully?"
"..."
Gwak Am does not respond.
It seems they are willing to obey any command from Cheongmun Ryeong, except when it concerns me.
Cheongmun Ryeong sighs and speaks again.
"I understand. As your will is that firm...trying to stop you will only raise your resentment. In that case, let me make one request.
He looks directly into Gwak Am's eyes.
"Grant Seo Eun-hyun a grace period."
"..."
"Enough time for this child to grow strong, enough time to live a full life, enough time to enjoy life, and only face him at the end of that life. Can you give him that long a grace period?"
At those words, Gwak Am bows their head and replies.
"...Understood. I will obey that command."
"...Thank you."
Cheongmun Ryeong nods and then looks at me.
"Eun-hyun."
"Yes, Master."
"You have learned Immortal Arts well up to this point. But...you still haven't completed your own Immortal Art. Isn't that right?"
"...Shamefully, that is true."
"Am-ah, being my first disciple, has already completed their Immortal Art. You too must complete yours in the future."
"...I will give my full effort."
At my words, Cheongmun Ryeong smiles faintly.
"Effort alone won't be enough."
"...Pardon?"
I look up at him, thinking I misheard.
Cheongmun Ryeong laughs heartily.
"Effort alone won't do. You've worked hard for 80 years, but there's a domain that effort alone cannot reach."
"W-What does that...?"
Does that mean I lack talent?
It's when I'm taken aback.
Cheongmun Ryeong laughs again and speaks.
"As it seems you don't fully understand yet, I will give you both a task."
"Yes, Master."
"Please, give us your instruction."
Both Gwak Am and I bow our heads before Cheongmun Ryeong.
"Am-ah, you head east. Eun-hyun, you head west. Each of you will travel for several years separately."
"B-But then, Master, what about you..."
Gwak Am asks in concern, but Cheongmun Ryeong waves his hand with a loud laugh.
"Are you worried about me? Don't worry. I'll be visiting the Demon King of the Heaven-Treading Desert to play some chess. When the time comes for me to die, you will both know when to return."
"...Understood."
"Yes."
Thus, Gwak Am and I part ways in opposite directions before Cheongmun Ryeong.
"...It's complicated. For that person to be leaving..."
My feelings are mixed.
The past 80 years I spent by Cheongmun Ryeong's side learning Immortal Arts flash before my eyes.
'Well, I had expected this since 30 years ago.'
In fact, Cheongmun Ryeong had died 30 years ago.
He is merely holding on through Immortal Arts.
What does it mean to endure death?
It is such a simple thing.
In the cycle I learned cultivation for the first time under Cheongmun Ryeong, when I bowed to him ten times.
At that time, just as I forced my heart to beat and endured death...
Cheongmun Ryeong, too, is currently using Immortal Arts to forcibly stave off death.
'Come to think of it, did surviving beyond my natural lifespan back then also count as a form of Immortal Arts?'
Lost in thought, I use the ground-shrinking technique and arrive at White Lotus Valley in Clear River County.
"I have arrived."
Clear River County, White Lotus Valley.
Inside a small village there, I enter a small tile-roofed house.
"Ah, you've returned?"
Kim Yeon runs up to me and greets me in a low voice.
I also ask in a low voice.
"Is she sleeping right now?"
"Ah, she just woke up. She's still a bit drowsy."
Together with Kim Yeon, I quietly enter the inner room.
There, an elderly woman, gracefully aged, lies in bed wearing a pure white garment.
"Ah...you've come."
She welcomes us warmly.
"It's been a while, Master Seo. Has it been a month?"
"...It's been a year since I last visited. How is your health these days, Miss?"
"Hoho, Miss you say? You embarrass me. Just call me Granny Baek (皤皤)."
[TL: In Korean, it says 파파(皤皤), Pa Pa, which is a way to describe someone with whitening hair.]
"Granny, huh. You look just like you used to."
I chuckle and stroke her hair.
The one who calls herself Granny Baek is none other than Baek Ran.
In other words, she is Buk Hyang-hwa.
"My body isn't what it used to be. But though I don't have much vitality left, maybe it's still circulating well as I'll probably live a few more years before dying."
"...Please don't say such things, Miss."
Baek Ran glances back and forth at me and Kim Yeon with a contented expression.
"...Lately, I've been having a dream."
"A dream?"
"Yes. In the dream, I am young again, living for hundreds of years, and traveling together with you two masters. We create a fleet and conquer the world, gain many comrades, lose them all to a monster in an instant, and move from place to place conducting research...it's a fun dream."
"..."
It seems the dream she speaks of is her life as Buk Hyang-hwa.
I suddenly take Baek Ran's hand and ask.
"By any chance...is that the kind of life you wish for?"
If she desires it, after Baek Ran passes away...
I will do whatever it takes to bring her soul back to the outside.
However, Baek Ran shakes her head.
"It's fine. The life inside that dream was certainly enjoyable, but...there were also moments when it was too difficult. Especially...that dreadful 'bird' I saw again and again in the dream within the dream...I never want to be crushed by that 'bird' again. Huhu..."
"..."
"In any case, thank you for keeping this old woman company, for visiting so often and taking care of me, masters."
With a faint smile, Baek Ran holds my and Kim Yeon's hands.
"They say the older you get, the less you sleep...but this old granny gets sleepier as I age. Haaahm...I'm sorry I can't...properly greet you...like I used to..."
After finishing her words, she smiles faintly and falls asleep just like that.
It seems she has quickly fallen into a deep dream.
"...Hyang-hwa will die in six or seven years."
Kim Yeon says.
She is the comrade who regained her memory after me and Seo Ran.
In these 90 years, the only ones who have regained their awareness and memories are me, Seo Ran, and Kim Yeon.
"When that time comes...will I be able to see her off properly?"
"Well...there is one thing I am sure of."
"What is it?"
I look at the dreaming Baek Ran.
I recall the teachings Cheongmun Ryeong imparted to me.
—Immortal Arts are something anyone can use. It is an authority everyone wields from the moment they are born. Everything, from the act of breathing to the ability to see light, all of it is a form of Immortal Arts. However, most people keep Immortal Arts confined within their bodies, and few bring it out into the world to unfold.
—That's why you must never grow arrogant just because you've learned Immortal Arts. It won't be easy, but always remember. All life in this world carries the Immortal Art called life. Therefore, all life in this world exists for a reason. Every living being has a reason and a purpose for existence, and we call that fate.
As I leave her room, I think to myself.
'Her dream is no ordinary dream.'
It is a dream connected to us, and it is becoming more vivid near us.
If that's the case, perhaps Baek Ran's dream exists to be conveyed to us.
"Someday...when she tells us the conclusion of that dream, she will be able to leave in complete peace."
"...I hope so."
I sit on the low wooden platform and say,
"I've received a command from my master. I've been told to go west and travel for a while."
"Is that so."
"I'm planning to go with our comrades. Will you come?"
Kim Yeon shakes her head at my words.
"I have to take care of Hyang-hwa. I don't think I can go."
"I see...understood."
"Please come back safely. I'll be waiting."
I nod calmly and head towards the storage room.
Inside the storage room, someone is painting and carving.
It is Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Compared to 90 years ago, Jeon Myeong-hoon hasn't aged a bit, but his eyes have become sunken as he draws someone on a canvas.
Around the storage room, there are numerous 'hands' carved from wooden blocks and stones scattered about.
I gaze at the figure being drawn on the canvas.
A woman wearing a yellow robe.
But her face isn't drawn.
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at me with his sunken eyes and asks.
"Is it Seo Eun-hyun? You've come just in time. I, I can't remember. Just who is she?"
He trembles and speaks in a sobbing voice.
"I, I can't remember who it is. Recently, I've been having dreams. No, they're not dreams. They're memories I had forgotten! But...I can't remember them clearly. What should I do? What should I do?"
I look at Jeon Myeong-hoon bitterly and say.
"...I've been commanded by my master to travel west... Will you come along?"
"If I go with you, will I be able to find this memory?"
I smile bitterly and reply.
"It might help."
"Th-Then I'll go. I'll go! I will!"
In an instant, he tidies up the storage room and starts preparing to follow me.
I leave the storage room and head to the guest room.
There, Kim Young-hoon sits cross-legged, sweating coldly.
In this world, where Qi is scarce, it's difficult to undergo complete transformation. Hence, he looks just the same as he did on Earth, though he hasn't aged.
"Were you heart essence mental sparring again?"
"Hmm, not today. I've been trying to trace the origin of my senses. If I reach that origin, I feel like...I might be able to cut through this entire world."
"..."
'What Immortal Art kind of thing is that?'
I also propose the journey to Kim Young-hoon, and he nods.
"Alright. I've been meaning to visit the country called Penglai Kingdom beyond the west."
"...Sounds good."
I move to the adjacent room and check on Seo Ran.
Like Jeon Myeong-hoon, she is drawing someone on a piece of paper.
Though it's not precise, the person in the drawing seems to be quite beautiful.
I ask her if she wants to join the journey, and she readily agrees.
Since Gwak Am treated her 80 years ago, Seo Ran's seizures have disappeared.
However, since then, she has been endlessly drawing the same woman over and over again.
At first, her drawing skills were poor, and it was hard to recognize the woman she claimed to remember, but recently, the outline has become much clearer.
I leave the house and go to the neighboring house where Oh Hyun-seok resides.
"Hyun-seok Hyung-nim, are you there? Ah, you're here."
I step inside and find Oh Hyun-seok.
"Hyun-seok Hyung-nim, I have a proposal... Hmm, who's that child?"
I ask while looking at a little girl eating with Oh Hyun-seok.
"Ah, she's a child I picked up during my last mission. Her parents were killed in the war. I tried to find her a home that would raise her, but...with war looming over the continent, people's hearts have become unsettled. I've decided to take care of her for a while."
"Hmm...I see. Then, perhaps..."
I make my suggestion to Oh Hyun-seok, and he readily agrees as expected.
"Good. I'll go with you. If we travel to another continent, there might be a place for her to stay."
And so, with Kim Yeon staying behind, my comrades and I set off on our journey towards Penglai Kingdom.
Author's Note: The Salt Mountain episode concludes in the next chapter.
Translator Notes: The Immortal Art Examination of Doubts is based on the Examination of Doubts by Prognostication, in the Great Plan (洪範/Hongfan). Credit to BlueMangoAde. I had no idea lmao.
-x-X-x-
We began our journey westward.
Starting from Byeokra, we traveled through Yanguo and Shengzi.
The world is engulfed in war.
"The world suddenly became like this thirty years ago. There were often disputes between martial sects or between cultivator clans in the past but...the way the hearts of people themselves have twisted—this started thirty years ago."
As I listen to Oh Hyun-seok's explanation while waiting for the ship heading to the western nation, Penglai Kingdom, I ponder.
'Thirty years ago...'
It was when Cheongmun Ryeong's natural lifespan came to an end.
'Could there be a connection between the two?'
I think to myself that it's possible if it's Immortal Arts.
After a few days, we board the ship bound for Penglai Kingdom.
Even aboard the ship, Oh Hyun-seok tirelessly seeks out wealthy individuals, trying to find someone to take in the young girl, a survivor from a destroyed village.
But, perhaps because of the hardening of hearts as he mentioned, no one seems willing to accept Oh Hyun-seok's request.
"Why are you so insistent on finding someone to take the child? With Hyung-nim's capabilities, couldn't you raise her yourself?"
"Hm...that's true, but..."
Oh Hyun-seok replies with a bitter smile.
"I don't know how to raise a child."
"Huh...didn't you say you like children?"
As we engage in casual conversation aboard the moving ship, I hear about Oh Hyun-seok's family that I hadn't known for hundreds of thousands of years.
"You know it, right? That my eldest brother runs an orphanage."
"Ah, yes."
"Hye-seo was from there, you know."
"What...pardon?"
This is the first time I have heard of such a thing.
'Oh Hye-seo was an orphan?'
I am so shocked that I can't find the words to respond.
The company is led by three factions: the Lee family, the Oh family, and the Jeon family.
Among the three, Oh Hye-seo belonged to the Oh family like Oh Hyun-seok. She had quickly risen through the ranks while being close with him, so I had naturally assumed she was part of the Oh family bloodline.
'So, she wasn't part of the Oh family lineage.'
It is quite a surprising revelation.
He scratches his head awkwardly.
"My eldest brother is Hye-seo's 'father,' which is why she carries the Oh surname. But still, I believe I treated that child really well. Even though we don't share the same blood, we share the same family name. I treated her like my real niece ever since I first met her when I volunteered at the orphanage. Back then, she used to follow me around and she was the smartest child there...I even wanted to give my own daughter Hye-seo's name."
"Ah...I didn't know."
It seems the reason Oh Hye-seo referred to Oh Hyun-seok as her 'youngest uncle' was because of this connection.
"Well, it's not something I went around bragging. It's not exactly the kind of thing you boast about. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is...I wouldn't make a good father."
He scratches his head again.
"The real 'good father' is my eldest brother. I'm just the guy who played the gang leader in front of the orphanage kids. No, actually, as much as I grew up watching my eldest brother run the orphanage...I can't help but treat that girl the same way I treated the other orphans."
He smiles bitterly.
"For that child as an orphan, I can be a guardian. But I can't become a 'father' like my eldest brother. That's my limit. So...I'm going to find that child good parents. Better than me, that is."
"..."
'In a time of war like this, where would you find better parents than yourself...?'
The words rise to the tip of my tongue, but I don't speak them aloud.
Thus, after hearing Oh Hyun-seok's concerns and exchanging various conversations with our comrades, we finally arrive at Penglai Kingdom.
Upon arriving in Penglai Kingdom, we explore various parts of the world.
Jeon Myeong-hoon seems to be gradually recovering his memories along the journey, while Seo Ran appears increasingly displeased for some reason.
Penglai Kingdom hasn't changed from before.
No, it's as if the history of the time we entered the last time is still intact. Stories of how the 'King of Demon Spirits Seo Eun-hyun' had invaded the royal family of Penglai Kingdom and caused havoc are widely known.
Oh Hyun-seok continues his attempts to arrange for the girl's adoption with various Penglai nobles, but he fails time and time again. Meanwhile, Kim Young-hoon steadily sharpens his 'senses.'
And so, after three months of staying in Penglai Kingdom...
"You need to come with us for a moment."
"What is going on?"
"A high-ranking individual from Penglai wishes to meet the distinguished persons."
Suddenly, we are led somewhere by government soldiers dispatched from the royal court.
And the place is familiar.
The capital city of Penglai Kingdom.
The city beneath the massive Salt Mountain.
"Who is the person that wishes to see us?"
I ask them, but they don't provide any answers, merely leading the palanquin carrying us up the Salt Mountain in silence.
However, I have a feeling I know who it is that wants to see us.
After a while, at the upper part of the Salt Mountain in Penglai Kingdom.
We arrive at the palace of the royal family of Penglai Kingdom and are escorted somewhere by the palace guards.
'...It's a familiar place.'
"Her Majesty the Queen has arrived!"
We are moved to a guest chamber in the palace, where we await the Queen.
"His Highness, the Prince Consort, has also arrived!"
The Queen of Penglai Kingdom and someone called the Prince Consort enter the guest chamber where we are.
"Everyone, show your respect..."
"Enough, enough. Leave us. These are my friends. Just for today, I wish to be free of formalities for a while."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The palace guards leave the room, and I find myself facing my old friends for the first time in hundreds of years.
"It's been a while, Yuk Yo. Have you been well?"
"Yes. Thanks to the Cult Leader's help."
"Baek Rin also seems to be doing well."
"Haha, indeed. Are my friends doing well?"
"Those two are doing well in their own way."
Yuk Yo and Baek Rin.
They were once my subordinates, and a carp and demon spirit in the world of dreams.
"Meeting again after 90 years...truly, you never know how life will turn out."
Yuk Yo and Baek Rin have both aged like Baek Ran.
Both have heads full of white hair, their skin wrinkled, and age spots blooming on their faces.
However, both possess dignity, and there is no fear in their eyes.
'...?'
Seo Ran seems oddly anxious as she looks at Yuk Yo.
Both Yuk Yo and I notice her demeanor, but we pretend not to and continue our conversation.
We talk about what's happened so far.
How Penglai Kingdom has fared, how things have been in our world, and so on...
"From what I hear, coming to this world was indeed the right decision. To think the Blood Yin Realm is devouring the Bright Cold Realm, and great chaos is unfolding..."
"Who knows...from my perspective, it looks like even this world is starting to show signs of war."
"Yes, that's true. The people's hearts are beginning to waver. And more than anything..."
Her expression darkens.
"The color of the 'Hidden Light' has started to change."
"Hm...!?"
I flinch in surprise at her words.
The Hidden Light.
The unique light of Salt Mountain, brought from the domain of Light by the Owner of Salt Mountain!
She says that the color of that light has begun to change.
"It was white before, but now it's starting to take on a reddish hue."
"...Is that okay?"
"It's fine. According to my mother, the light only turned white recently. In fact, for thousands, tens of thousands of years, the light was originally an ominous dark red. It's only recently that it became a clear salt-like color, and now it's just returning to its original state."
'So the light of Salt Mountain was originally an ominous dark red?'
It's a strange thing.
"There's no need to worry too much. The Crown Prince, who will succeed the throne, has vowed to prevent Penglai Kingdom from being swept into chaos, no matter what. With that child's abilities, I trust him."
"...Is that so? If you say so, I'll take your word for it."
I nod and change the subject.
"By the way, could you perhaps take care of this child for a while?"
I point to the child Oh Hyun-seok had brought with him, and Yuk Yo agrees readily.
"As it happens, I was in need of an attendant. I'll take good care of her."
She reaches out to the child with a kind grandmotherly smile.
As expected, Oh Hyun-seok's face brightens, but a problem arises.
The child refuses to leave his side.
"Hmm...what to do about this...?"
Yuk Yo smiles softly.
"In that case, let's do this. Sir Hyun-seok, why don't you stay at the royal palace with the child for a few years? That way, you can help her adapt to this place and she'll be able to comfortably part with you."
"Hmm..."
Oh Hyun-seok glances back and forth between me and Yuk Yo, then looks at the child again.
"...Ha...Eun-hyun, it seems I'll have to stay here a little longer..."
"It's fine. Do as you wish. However, I'll need to continue my journey westward, so it may be some time before we meet again."
"Hmm..."
In the end, after some hesitation, Oh Hyun-seok decides to remain at the royal palace of Penglai Kingdom.
To help the child part from him, he chose to remain with her for a few more years.
We leave that place and continue westward.
"By the way, Seo Ran."
"...Yes, Senior."
I ask her a question.
"Why were you acting like that in front of Yuk Yo earlier?"
I know that Seo Ran used to have feelings for Yuk Yo.
That's why at first, I thought perhaps she was flustered by seeing the woman she once admired standing before her.
But thinking about it again, I realized there was something strange in her gaze.
After stepping away from Kim Young-hoon and Jeon Myeong-hoon for a moment, I ask her the question.
Seo Ran trembles as she opens her mouth.
"...It's because I find myself so ugly."
"Hm?"
I am startled by her following words.
"I wished for her to be unhappy."
"What...?"
"When I first saw her...for some reason, I felt drawn to Yuk Yo. There was an inexplicable sense of kinship. A woman with a temperament like an isolated island, completely cut off from the entire world. Even before she had the Sea Dragon True Blood, it was that unique temperament that drew me in."
Seo Ran continues her explanation.
"But later, after meeting her again, I found out that she actually wanted to return to her 'hometown.' From that moment...I somehow started to hate Yuk Yo."
Covering her face with her hands, she speaks.
"I thought it would be great if she couldn't return to her hometown. When I heard she was captured by a man claiming to be her father and imprisoned, I felt strangely happy. Because she wouldn't be able to return to her hometown. But eventually...on that day when all our comrades were killed by the being known as the [Mountain God], she returned here with Baek Rin. From that day on..."
The eyes visible between her fingers are bloodshot.
An inexplicable hatred glimmers in her gaze.
"I wanted Yuk Yo to be utterly unhappy. That the world she believed to be real is actually a dream, and that she had been trapped in the dream for her entire life, living while seeing only illusions...I wished that one day she would realize this and become unhappy. But...I finally understood after seeing her today. Yuk Yo, she...has been living her entire life happily in this world."
"..."
"I find my own ugliness unbearable. I don't understand why. Why does the happiness of someone I like...fill me with such disgust, such hatred? Why do I wish for her to be unhappy... This heart of mine, it's so ugly and repulsive...I feel like hanging myself and ending it all."
This is the first time I'm hearing about such inner thoughts from Seo Ran.
To me, Seo Ran has always been the half-human, half-dragon who sacrificed her life for her friend, me, served her master Song Jin with utmost devotion, and longed for her mother.
To see such a Seo Ran, harboring such jealousy and hatred toward someone, and at the same time, blaming herself is almost a first for me.
'What should I say...?'
After thinking for a moment, I silently embraced her.
"...That can happen."
"..."
"You can hate and despise someone. I also have people I deeply detest and despise."
For example, Yuan Li, Seo Hweol, and the Mountain God.
Those three are people I can never forgive in my heart.
"And that's fine. It's not your fault."
Seo Ran starts to cry.
"It's okay to blame yourself. It's okay to feel hatred. But before all that...don't forget that I'm by your side."
"What am I...that Senior is doing this for me?"
"What else? Are you not my friend?"
I pat Seo Ran's shoulder and smile.
Wiping her tears, she speaks with a somewhat lightened expression.
"Thank you for saying that."
"Isn't that what friends are for? I can always comfort you, so do not worry."
Why do I keep meeting Cheongmun Ryeong, Seo Ran, and others who change every lifetime and try to maintain my relationships with them?
The reason is simple.
It's a truth I realized through repentant enlightenment under Cheongmun Ryeong.
A heart once exchanged remains within me.
And even if the person I meet again is someone different, even if they have no prior connection with me.
If they are a person I can exchange hearts with, it's simply forging a connection again.
And even if the people I meet again in the next life have become complete strangers, they are just people with whom I can share my heart with.
With that, as I listen to Seo Ran's hidden emotions, I continue heading west.
About two years pass.
"Hmm!"
On the day marking our 92nd year in this world.
I look far to the east.
The time has come for Cheongmun Ryeong to go.
"...Something has come up with my master so I will be leaving for a bit."
I am enjoying a game of mahjong with my comrades in a country west of Penglai Kingdom when I hear the will of Cheongmun Ryeong calling me from afar, and I rise from my seat.
"Alright, go ahead."
After getting permission from my comrades, I immediately use the ground-shrinking technique through Immortal Arts and instantly traverse Penglai Kingdom, Shengzi, Yanguo, Byeokra, and finally reach the Heaven-Treading Desert.
Paaaatt!
The center of the Heaven-Treading Desert.
The place where Ascension Path is located, also called Ascension Forest.
At its center.
I head to the place where the 'Ascension Gate' used to open within the original Head Realm, where a large shrine has now been built.
In front of the shrine, Gwak Am is sitting in lotus position.
"Senior Brother, has the time come for Master to go? Is Master inside?"
It's when I hurriedly try to enter the shrine.
Cheok!
Gwak Am moves their massive body, blocking my entry into the shrine.
"...Senior Brother?"
"...I told you not to call me senior brother."
"...For now, let me see Master."
Gwak Am looks down at me and says,
"No."
"What...?"
"It seems you still haven't grasped a clue regarding Immortal Arts. Isn't that right?"
"...It's embarrassing, but yes."
"Master sent you on a journey to grasp an understanding of Immortal Arts. But if you still haven't even grasped a fragment of it...you cannot go inside."
"What are you saying, Senior Brother!? Even so, how can you prevent me from seeing Master's last moments?"
In my shock, I shout, and Gwak Am growls at me.
"Someone who can't even follow Master's teachings has no right to witness his final moments. If you truly wish to see Master's last moments, bring forth your own Immortal Art as Master instructed. No, even if you can just grasp the beginning of your own Immortal Art, I will let you in."
"What kind of nonsense is this...!?"
I grit my teeth and begin to prepare my Immortal Art.
"If you continue to block me, I will force my way in."
"Ha...someone like you?"
Ududuk!
I use Immortal Arts.
Through the formula of the Immortal Art Examination of Doubts, I begin to vaguely rearrange the laws of this world.
The Immortal Art of Rain, Clearing, Cloudiness, Want of Connection, Crossing, Inner Diagram, and Outer Diagram!
Kiiiiing!
The laws of the world blur, and the authority and principles I had in the original world begin to return.
Wududuk!
'I can't reach the Integration stage, but...with the power of the Four-Axis stage...'
It's when I try to use the attraction force of the Four-Axis stage to move Gwak Am out of the way,
Kwadudududuk!
"...!?"
In the next moment, Gwak Am grabs my shoulder and crushes me.
Simultaneously, I feel my knees sink into the ground, and all of my authority collapse.
"Don't mess around. What, do you want to claim this is your true strength? Do you feel wronged? You're weak. Even if you bring all the strength you've cultivated from the outside world and face me, I can crush you like pulp at any time."
Gwak Am growls as they look down on me.
"The difference in our skill is far greater than anything you can imagine, far beyond what your mind can conceive. I surpassed Master a long time ago, and I only bow to him out of respect. So please don't act out. Don't provoke me. Don't make me want to kill you right here and now."
Crunch!
They tighten their grip on my arm even more.
"Weakness is Vice. Because you're stupid, dull, and weak, you don't even deserve to witness Master's final moments. Get lost this instant! And come back after grasping a starting point on your Immortal Art! Until then, you won't be able to take a single step inside!"
Kuguguguk!
I tremble as I sense the unfathomable power Gwak Am had kept hidden.
"Have you...reached the Entering Nirvana stage...!?"
Such overwhelming power that can't be explained otherwise!
But Gwak Am merely lets out a snort.
"Ha! Are you trying to make me laugh? Get lost."
Thud!
They kick me.
"Keok!"
I feel my insides twist and cough up blood.
Gwak Am stands like a Great Mountain, blocking the entrance to the shrine.
'So distant.'
Just what is the identity of this person?
Just how much power are they hiding...
Facing Gwak Am's immense power, I grit my teeth and speak.
"I will...I will definitely bring back the beginning of my Immortal Art. So, can't you let me in just for today?"
But Gwak Am only looks down at me coldly.
"No."
"..."
Crunch...
I bite down so hard that blood oozes from my gums.
I spit out the blood pooling in my mouth and get up from where I've fallen.
"I'll leave for today."
"It's not just today. Until you grasp the beginning of your Immortal Art, you will never reach this place again!"
Paatt!
With a sweep of Gwak Am's arm, I am instantly thrown outside Ascension Forest.
Bududuk.!
I try to re-enter from one side of Ascension Forest.
But as soon as I take a few steps inside, I find myself outside the forest again.
"...!"
I try to enter once more, but the result is the same.
Gwak Am's Immortal Art has sealed off the forest, making sure I can't set foot inside.
I stand for a long time, glaring inside Ascension Forest, before finally turning away.
"I will...definitely return, Senior Brother!"
My own Immortal Art.
I will definitely grasp the beginning!
The presence of Cheongmun Ryeong's Immortal Art can no longer be felt in this world.
I return to my comrades and speak weakly.
"...Let's continue our journey."
Cheongmun Ryeong told me to journey west and find the beginning of my Immortal Art.
He said the clue lies in the distant western lands.
Even if only to see his remains, I must continue forward.
My comrades and I continue heading west.
Another three years pass.
It has now been 95 years since we arrived in this world.
Hwiiiii—
I set foot once again on the land of the Eastern Manli.
I've circled the world.
We tour the various places in Manli and return the Howling Replesendent Sword to its original tribe.
Then, we once again head west.
But this time, we don't race through the Heaven-Treading Desert, choosing instead to head towards the Great Grasslands.
If we cross the Heaven-Treading Desert again, we'd eventually run into Ascension Forest once more.
And in the Great Grasslands, I encounter a familiar face.
"Pleasure to see you, disciple of the Salt Sea Master. And...Senior Seo."
It is none other than Azure Tiger Saint, Cheongmun Sunwoo, who has regained his memories.
In this world, he is known as one of the Three Powers of the Continent, called the Rising Cloud Saint.
"So, you've regained your memories."
Of course, considering the disciples of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect exist even outside, it's no surprise he recovered his memories so quickly.
'Given that the number of disciples has increased so much after becoming one of the Six Great Sects of the Human Race, it can't even be compared to when it was just in the Head Realm...'
"Nice to see you, Azure Tiger Saint."
I greet Azure Tiger Saint with a smile.
"Haha, there's no need for Senior to be so formal. It is I who should be formal to Senior, who is a human Esteemed One of the Heart Tribe."
"It's fine. I'll reject it myself. Please don't call me senior."
I reject his offer, not wanting to be addressed as senior by Azure Tiger Saint, and we continue our conversation.
"Well, in this world, I may be at a higher realm, but in our original world, you are indeed my senior. Besides, we'll have to return to our original world eventually."
"If that's the case...then call me Daoist or Cultivator."
We sip tea and he asks me.
"In that case does Cultivator Seo happen to have a method to return to our original world?"
"...I'm currently looking for a way. But there is some hope."
I've learned that by learning Immortal Arts, it's possible to twist the laws of this world.
A few years ago, I had even twisted the laws of the world to draw upon the power of my main body and face Gwak Am.
I have expectations that through Immortal Arts, I might be able to open the door back to the outside world.
'Of course...to truly leave, I'll need to fully master my Immortal Art.'
"Haha, it's good to know there's hope. By the way...how is my disciple doing?"
"He's doing well. In fact...he now has a daughter-like child."
At those words, Azure Tiger Saint smiles faintly.
From the face that seemed like it would erupt with bold laughter, a warm smile spreads across his features.
"...That's a relief."
"A relief...why is that?"
"As Hyun-seok's master, I have watched over him. That child always seemed to carry a burden in his heart."
"A burden..."
"Yes. And I, having lost some of my own children while fighting the Jo Clan in my younger years, understand that feeling all too well. It's the sorrow of losing one's child."
"..."
"That boy has always poured himself into training, trying to forget the sorrow of losing his child, that weight on his heart. And he always laughed while following me."
I smile bitterly.
Oh Hyun-seok, when I think about it, laughs quite often.
And he always laughs boisterously like Azure Tiger Saint.
But I don't think he ever laughed truly out of genuine joy.
A forced laugh, one that mimics joy to mask the burden he carries.
That is the person Oh Hyun-seok is.
"If that child...even if it's not his own child, spends time with another child, it might allow him to lighten the burden on his heart, even just a little."
Azure Tiger Saint laughs heartily and downs his tea.
It's a side of him I have never seen before.
'Is he someone who becomes particularly serious when discussing his disciple with a 3rd party...?'
I take in this new side of Azure Tiger Saint into my heart and part ways with him.
We continue heading west.
And finally...we reach Clear River County of Shengzi, where our journey first began.
It is exactly the 98th year since we have fallen into this world.
Creeeeak—
I carefully open the front gate of Baek Ran's house and enter.
The moment I step inside, I am slightly surprised.
Baek Ran is sitting in a wooden chair, waiting for us.
"Have you come, Master Seo."
"...I've returned."
"Oh my..."
From the kitchen, Kim Yeon comes out to greet us.
And so, after several years, we reunite once again.
"She's been waiting for me every day to return?"
"Yes, she's been saying she has something she absolutely needs to tell you."
I glance at Kim Yeon, then turn my gaze back to Baek Ran.
With a faint smile, Baek Ran speaks.
"Yes. I've been waiting because there is something I absolutely must tell you. But before that...let's hear about Master Seo's journey first. How was your journey across the world?"
"...Alright, I'll tell you."
For a while, I sit beside Baek Ran and tell her my stories.
Stories about the various places in this world.
At the same time, memories of that time flash before my eyes.
The memory of the day I toured the western end of the Head Realm with Buk Hyang-hwa...
However, this world extends even beyond the west.
It feels as if I'm telling Buk Hyang-hwa of the tenth cycle about the lands beyond the west.
As if she, who had been trapped by the World Shield Force and unable to head further, is sitting right next to me, listening.
When the tale of my journey over several years comes to an end, I conclude by saying that I have returned to this place after circling the world once.
"...I see. So the world eventually connects again."
"That's right. It's quite an interesting world."
Seo Ran, Kim Young-hoon, and Jeon Myeong-hoon are also present.
Instinctively, I know.
Even in a world where I can't see celestial energy, I can feel it.
She will leave us today, on the day we returned.
Baek Ran's breath grows labored.
"Is that...all you have to say?"
"...I don't think...there's anything else to say beyond this."
"Hu...hu...Master Seo."
She grabs my hand and speaks.
"I had a dream. A very deep dream. Even in that dream, I remember meeting Master Seo. You...called me by a different name, not Baek Ran."
"..."
"Do you know anything about that?"
I realize what she wants from me.
"This is going to be a rather long story."
"That's alright. I can still wait that much longer."
"...Is that so?"
I begin another story once again.
This is not a journey heading west.
It starts from Ascension Path and continues to the present.
Leaving out my regression, it's the entire story of what 'we' and she experienced so far.
As the story progresses, Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes begin to tremble, and Kim Young-hoon also starts to clutch his head as if something is coming to mind.
The story is long.
Though for me it may seem brief, it covers nearly a thousand years.
It's far too much time to cover in a single day, so the story doesn't end quickly.
We had returned to this house at dawn, but it's already evening by the time I finish the story.
"...And that's how we fled from the being known as Blood Yin and arrived in this world. That is the end of the tale from that dream world."
"I see...thank you."
Baek Ran closes her eyes and smiles.
"So that world...really existed, didn't it?"
"In a way, yes."
"In that case...I should tell you this."
She opens her eyes again.
Her gaze shines brighter than any I've seen before.
"In that dream world, I, who was called 'Buk Hyang-hwa'...before I turned to salt, had something I wished to tell Master Seo."
"Something to tell me?"
"Though it may be lacking since it's not coming from her directly, these are the words from her from the dream conveyed through me. Please, listen."
I nod, seriously listening to her words.
"She, while studying the constellations of the Head Realm, researching the norigae, and investigating the connections between the Black Ancient Paper and the Ancient Force Realm, came to understand the true nature of something called 'Go (古/ Ancient)'."
"True nature of 'Go'?"
"Yes. 'Go' means 'a dream that has ended.'"
From Baek Ran's mouth, the truth that Buk Hyang-hwa discovered flows out.
"People are animals that dream. Especially humans, whose upper dantians have evolved, dream far more than any other animal."
'I see.'
The reason why human-form Immortal Beasts have the word 'Go' in their names.
It is because humans are animals that dream.
"However, all dreams must eventually end when light dawns. The power of such ended dreams is what we call the power (力/Force) of Go (Ancient)."
That's right.
The sensation I felt in this world, similar to the Ancient Force Realm, was because this world is essentially a dimension that is the same as the dimensions within the Dimensional Sea of the Ancient Force Realm.
Her explanation continues.
"And, she came to understand about Ancient Force and realized that an enormous dream was connected to her norigae. So...she made efforts to access that world within the dream. As you might have already noticed, the enormous dream she discovered was...this world."
"...Is that so?"
A True Immortal's dream, even after ending, seems to leave behind such a vast dimension.
"Then, is this world one that really exists?"
Seo Ran listens carefully to those words.
Baek Ran smiles.
"...It does exist."
"Why is that?"
"The dimensions of the Ancient Force Realm she discovered are completely ended dreams. But...the dream of this world has been 'inherited' by someone."
"Inherited?"
"Yes. The original owner of the dream passed it on to someone else. Because it has been inherited by someone, this world exists. It is no longer a mere dream, but a 'will that is being passed on.' Since it is being passed on, it is a meaningful world, not a meaningless one."
"...Is that so?"
As I contemplate the meaning of the Ancient Force Realm, Go, and the existence that inherited the world of Salt Mountain, Baek Ran's words continue.
"And the same applies to you."
"What?"
She grabs my hand.
"If what I saw in the dream is true...then you carry the greatest guilt and pain in your heart, more than anyone else in this world; isn't that so?"
"..."
I remain silent.
That's right.
Everyone was annihilated by the Owner of Great Mountain.
It was agonizing.
The pain and guilt from that time are so severe that even my Karmic Fire went out.
"Do not blame yourself."
"...What?"
"Their hearts still remain within you, don't they?"
Her hand gently brushes over my chest.
"Now, it's time to stop punishing yourself. You can lay down the burden in your heart."
At her words, my body shudders.
"...But, someone must remember."
With a trembling body, I respond to her.
"Someone has to remember this pain, this suffering...and must..."
"Would those who had died wanted you to suffer?"
Sarak—
Baek Ran's hand caresses my cheek.
At her words, I look at her.
From her face and demeanor, the image of her at the end of the 10th cycle flashes by.
"Ah..."
That's right.
In the 10th cycle, she wasn't happy when I brought back Yuan Li's severed head.
She simply...wished for me to overcome the pain and keep living.
"Their deaths were undoubtedly painful. However...please forgive yourself. Because they do not resent you, nor do they wish for you to suffer because of them."
"B-But...I, I..."
"Because their heart...has already been passed down to you...it is not without meaning. Just like how this world truly exists."
Baek Ran's breathing grows heavier.
"So please...learn how to...forgive yourself... Those were..."
She leans her body against the tree trunk and closes her eyes.
"The words...she wanted...to pass..."
"..."
"..."
And then, Baek Ran falls asleep.
Tuk, tuduk, tududuk!
Raindrops begin to fall.
The sky is stained with dark clouds.
Kim Yeon checks Baek Ran's pulse with a trembling voice and shakes her head.
Buk Hyang-hwa...Baek Ran...has left just like that.
"...Let's first move her inside..."
Kim Young-hoon begins to speak, and I rise from my seat.
"I...need to go somewhere for a moment."
"Hm?"
"Please take care...of her body."
I turn around immediately after finishing my words and take a step.
Paaaatt!
Using the ground-shrinking technique, I cross Shengzi, Yanguo, and Byeokra, arriving at the center of the Heaven-Treading Desert.
There, I clutch my chest.
"Senior Brother, can you hear me?"
Tuk, tuduk...
Even in the desert, dark clouds form, and raindrops begin to fall.
"Today, you must let me in."
Woong—
Step.
I take a step forward.
Normally, after taking a few steps, I would find myself outside again.
However, for some reason, I feel as though I understand the distorted principles that Gwak Am has laid out.
Step, step, step...
Piercing through the principles of the Immortal Art, I keep walking deeper into Ascension Forest.
[Someone like you dares to enter this place?]
"Yes. I now believe I can enter."
[Ha. To cross through here, you'll have to face hell.]
Huarurururuk!
Flames begin to ignite all around me.
The scorching Tribulation Fire burns the entire forest, pressing down on me.
Soon, the surroundings transform into a burning hellscape, with smoke rising all around.
Everywhere turns to charcoal, reduced to ashes.
I continue to cross through the fiery hell.
Pasasasasa—
At some point, all of Ascension Forest has burned down, and the surrounding area has transformed into a desert.
In that moment, I realize.
'This desert...'
It's not just an ordinary desert.
It's a familiar one.
But it's not the Heaven-Treading Desert.
This place is...
Yes.
It is the yet-unnamed Integrated Dao Domain of mine.
The manifestation of the Great Desert to Dead Sea, an endless desert world.
Gwak Am's Immortal Art has thrust me into my own desert.
Huaruruk!
I brush against the scorching Tribulation Fire.
This Tribulation Fire is the product of my own guilt.
Monsters made of charcoal wail in agony from all directions.
Those monsters are my own pain.
Step, step...
"Please let me in. This junior brother has grasped the beginning of his Immortal Art."
I begin walking through the desert, paying no mind to any of it.
"Master said that Immortal Arts is the act of twisting the world with the heart. Until now, I've been learning basic Immortal Arts while steadily building my understanding of it."
Huarururuk!
The Tribulation Fire grows even hotter.
"And until now, I have wandered the world, wondering what stronger Immortal Arts are like and what kind of Immortal Art would suit me best."
Huarururuk!
The heat of the Tribulation Fire reaches its peak, and the world seems to turn white for a moment.
At the same time, the desert begins to melt.
The charcoal monsters begin to condense.
"I have pondered about what I could do to not lose anything anymore, about what I could do to protect what is precious to me. But...it is only today that I understand."
The words Buk Hyang-hwa passed to me through Baek Ran.
—Forgive yourself.
The words that Azure Tiger Saint subtly passed to me as if speaking to Oh Hyun-seok.
—Lay down the burdens of your heart.
The clue that Cheongmun Ryeong had given me.
—Effort alone won't do.
Tuk, tuduk...tududududuk—
Swaaaah!
Raindrops begin to fall.
As rain pours down on the endless desert, the heat of the desert cools.
Thud, thud, thud, thud!
My body starts to grow larger.
As Immortal Arts twists the principles of the world, the true form of my body begins to reveal itself.
A monster with twenty-one heads.
That monster splits into twenty-two parts.
They are twenty-one corpses and 'myself.'
The corpse of the 0th cycle smiles faintly.
I nod my head.
The flesh of the corpse starts to reform, and color begins to return.
The me of the 0th cycle walks towards me.
Suruk!
The me of the 0th cycle merges with the me of the present.
Following that, the me of the 1st cycle revives and overlaps with me.
The me of each subsequent cycle walks towards me and merges.
The traces of my twenty-one lives are returning to my embrace.
The body that had definitely taken on the form of a monster is now returning to the form of the 'human Seo Eun-hyun.'
At the same time, as the rainwater cools the desert, another sight begins to reveal itself.
It is an endless expanse of glass (琉璃) mountains and seas.
[TL: The Korean word for glass can also mean lapis lazuli, being 유리.]
The charcoal monsters condense and turn into diamonds, and the desert sands melt and cool, forming a glass sea of trees.
The burning desert transforms into a forest of glass.
Then, 'my' twenty-one corpses revive and overlap with myself.
"In the end, in obtaining one's own Immortal Art...while effort is important, isn't it also necessary to look into one's own heart?"
The moment the Glass Forest is completed.
I pass through the Glass Forest once more, arriving at the very center of Ascension Forest.
Before the shrine of the Salt Sea Master.
"I have grasped the starting point of my Immortal Art. If I refine this method I've created, by the time I reach the True Immortal Realm, I will definitely have obtained my own Immortal Art."
Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation.
Yin Soul Ghost Incantation.
White Orchid Blessing Incantation.
Black Blood Tears Flower.
Five Elements Blood Curse Banner.
Black Ghost Curse Banner.
Extinguishing Realm Demonic Curse Banner.
Silica Earth Great Wall Practice.
Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon.
Taiji Quaking Lightning Body.
Vast Cold Formula.
Devil Legion Terracotta Scroll.
Ghost Immortal Kui Devilish Secrets.
Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body.
Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation.
Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method.
Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique.
Mysterious Bizarre Gu, Spirit Sealing Bodkin, Dragon Form Disguise Method, Hidden Consciousness Technique, Flower Soul Filling the Heavens...
Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique...
And the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
Thousand Lusters to Forest Sea.
Great Desert to Dead Sea.
'All' the methods I've learned and seen so far are fully melted and integrated, forming the potential for my own Immortal Art.
"Crystal Glass to Treading Sea (玻瓈蹈海成)."
Seo Eun-hyun's Innate True Method.
Crystal Glass to Treading Sea.
This is the answer I present regarding my own Immortal Art.
"That should do it, right? I'm going in."
I walk straight towards the shrine that no one is guarding.
Gwak Am doesn't particularly stop me.
Inside the shrine.
At last, I can see the last moments of Cheongmun Ryeong.
He is sitting in a lotus position, his eyes closed.
His corpse is still clean, as if he just died moments ago.
Had I not sensed the absence of life, I would have thought he was still alive.
"...Master..."
I stare blankly at Cheongmun Ryeong for a moment.
And then...I bow.
Once.
Twice.
Thrice...
Nine times...
And finally, when I give the tenth bow—
Paaatt!
A pure white radiance bursts forth from Cheongmun Ryeong's body.
"Heot..."
I take a sharp breath.
It's Cheongmun Ryeong's soul.
Cheongmun Ryeong's soul looks at me warmly from within the radiant glow, then rises up to the sky and scatters.
Tiny particles of light, like grains of salt, fall to the ground.
"...Have you been waiting for me?"
And then, I hear someone's voice from up ahead.
"You fool."
"...Senior Brother?"
"Even after Master took his last breath and his life was severed...he insisted on seeing you complete the first step of your Immortal Art, waiting for you till the very end in that vessel."
[TL: It's not made clear if it means fate or life.]
I look ahead.
Into the darkness of the shrine.
There, stands Gwak Am.
I blink my eyes.
Gwak Am's appearance is one I'm seeing for the first time.
They are no longer dressed in their usual rags and bandages, but in a deep, dark-red robe.
The robe is covered with the faces of countless screaming humans.
Their hair, long enough to reach their waist, has a deep, navy blue hue.
I can't see their face because they're kneeling, facing the other way towards a tablet.
The tablet bears the inscription: Salt Sea Supreme Deity (鹹海上帝).
"There's what I said to you before, and Master's lingering thoughts also requested it, so...killing you will be in the distant future."
"Pardon? What do you mean...?"
"I said let's meet [Above], didn't I? You fool."
"...!"
At those words, my eyes bulge wide.
There's only one person who's ever said that to me.
"...You...could it be...!?"
I realize Gwak Am's true identity, and I feel my eyes reddening with veins of blood.
"Why are you here...!?"
"What do you mean, why? Isn't it obvious? I'm the gravekeeper."
They speak in a gloomy voice.
"I am the gravekeeper who guards the spirit tablet of the Salt Sea Supreme Deity, the Owner of Salt Mountain, my master. Rather than someone who dares bring in things like snakes...as his disciple, I am far more devoted. So why is it, Master, that you sought to take in a new disciple...? How could you show such a contradictory stance to the words you spoke to me at the end..."
Kuaduduk!
"...!"
I feel one of my arms being torn off.
The bracelet Hong Fan gave me rolls on the ground along with my arm, then instantly turns into red salt.
"Now scram. You've learned everything there is to learn. Next time you come to the spirit tablet, don't rely on artifacts for shortcuts. Come with your own strength. I will face you then."
Tststststststs!
The space around me begins to distort.
'This is...'
The entire world becomes blurry.
At the same time, I feel a sense of alienation between myself and this whole world.
The world of Penglai is ejecting me.
No, it's not just me.
Kim Young-hoon, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok, Kim Yeon, Azure Tiger Saint...and all the others are being expelled as well.
I realize who the figure was that spoke to me on the first day.
The administrator of Penglai.
The gravekeeper.
The successor to the Owner of Salt Mountain.
The Great Mountain Supreme Deity (太山上帝) is none other than Gwak Am, the administrator who inherited this world.
'...Is that so?'
I can feel it.
That They want to face me 'above'.
And, for that purpose, even though They could have killed me at any time, They chose not to. Instead, They waited until I learned Immortal Arts from Cheongmun Ryeong.
In other words, from the lingering thoughts of the Owner of Salt Mountain.
From Their attitude, I understand that while They despise me, They also acknowledge me.
"I will definitely come find you. I'll find you...and repay my debt to you, Senior Brother."
"...Don't call me senior brother."
Even though They say that, I can sense that They're sparing me because They acknowledge me as Their junior disciple.
Piiiitt!
It feels as if the entire world is receding.
The only clear image is the back of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, kneeling before the spirit tablet of the Salt Sea Supreme Deity.
As the world fades, I glare at my senior brother's back and, one last time, bow to Cheongmun Ryeong, who was also the Salt Sea Supreme Deity.
At that moment, the Great Mountain Supreme Deity speaks to me.
[Because of the gift you received from Master, an enormous misfortune (巨凶) lurks before you. As someone who shares the same master, I will teach you how to desecrate (凌蔑) heavenly fate (天命). Listen carefully, and survive.]
They whisper knowledge into my ear.
As I listen to this knowledge, I also show my respects towards Senior Brother.
Even though we are against each other, They are still my senior brother.
In that way, I finally found the Immortal Art I must dedicate my life to, and the existence I must dedicate my life in order to reach.
And with the method to leave this world, which I have reached after spending all my time here,
I've found everything.
Translator Notes: Changed Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea -> Thousand Lusters to Forest Sea to match the naming style.