Tstststststts!
The world begins to blur.
Kim Yeon bites her lip as she sees Baek Ran in front of her becoming hazy.
As the whole world distorts, she realizes that her own body is also becoming blurry.
The world blurs because she is being expelled from it.
However, the reason she herself appears blurry is because her eyes are filling with tears.
"Hyang-hwa. Do you know?"
She speaks to Buk Hyang-hwa, standing before Baek Ran's dead body.
"I don't want to lose anyone. I don't want anyone to leave my side. The person known as Vast Cold said that this heart of mine is also love. But..."
She holds on to Baek Ran's increasingly blurry corpse as she continues.
"You told me, didn't you? To just bury you in this world and that I should fly away."
As the laws of the world return, her strength gradually returns, and the image of a bird is engraved on Kim Yeon's face.
"But...what should I do? I don't think I can leave you here and fly away. I came all the way to save you but...what should I do with you? I... I..."
Sarak—
Just then.
A soft hand brushes Kim Yeon's cheek.
It is the soul of Buk Hyang-hwa, bathed within the pure white light.
Her soul, reincarnated in this world using Baek Ran's body, appears as she did in her youth, during the most beautiful time of her life.
[Do you know?]
As if she had regained all the memories of her past life, Buk Hyang-hwa's soul looks warmly at Kim Yeon and speaks.
[They say a person is made up of three things. The Qi of the flesh, the Soul of the spirit, and the Fate bestowed by the heavens.]
Her eyes meet Kim Yeon's.
[Before I became salt, I prayed to the heavens. Even if I died, I wished for something of me, even the smallest thing, to remain with you. I even earnestly prayed to the bird that formed my Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent. That my heart would be passed on to the one who remembers me... And...]
The bird on Kim Yeon's cheek.
That bird touches Buk Hyang-hwa's hand.
[It seems my heart was not in vain.]
Kim Yeon recalls Buk Hyang-hwa's words.
The Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent is, in truth, 'a single fate manifesting as talent in multiple people.'
If so, the essence of the talent she holds and the talent that the Mad Lord holds—their fate—is the same.
Kim Yeon caresses her own cheek.
Why did the Mad Lord's Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent transfer to her?
Previously, she simply thought it was because the Mad Lord was her master.
But now, she finally understands.
Buk Hyang-hwa's heart, so earnest and desperate, had momentarily touched the heavens and was passed on to Kim Yeon.
[It may be difficult for you to understand just yet.]
Buk Hyang-hwa hugs her tightly.
[To you, and to the one you love. And...to everyone. I will give you the greatest gift I can...before I leave.]
A pure white light surrounds both of them.
Buk Hyang-hwa, who had come to this world while researching the norigae connected to the world of Salt Mountain.
To that Buk Hyang-hwa, the entirety of her body becomes enveloped in a pure white light, like salt.
As the light gathers, a single white orchid (白蘭; Baek Ran) blooms in that place.
The mark of the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent that Buk Hyang-hwa carried in her previous life briefly appears on her face before burning completely in the white light of salt. The ashes drift and merge into Kim Yeon's mark.
Then, Buk Hyang-hwa's soul completely whitens, scattering into the void.
Jing—
A vast resonance echoes, and Kim Yeon suddenly finds herself in a certain space.
As the laws of the world of Salt Mountain blur and Kim Yeon's consciousness is transported to an entirely different dimension, she sees a massive bird sitting before her.
In a trembling voice, Kim Yeon asks,
Just who are they?
The bird answers,
It is a key.
The Law Talent for Liberation.
A Saint (聖子) comparable to your kind, created by a Great God.
The bird continues speaking.
That though it has been passed down to them, for those slaves of death to accept it, a price must be paid.
That she, the successor of the Tridacna Vast Cold Heavenly King among the slaves of death, must choose whether to accept it.
Kim Yeon stares at the bird for a moment before finally opening her mouth.
"I will accept. Because thy art...no, you are..."
She approaches the bird and embraces it.
"...The fate...Hyang-hwa left behind..."
Before she knows it, the bird has transformed into the figure of Buk Hyang-hwa.
The bird, now in the form of Buk Hyang-hwa, smiles faintly and merges into Kim Yeon.
At the same time, a message from the bird, in the form of Buk Hyang-hwa, echoes in Kim Yeon's mind.
That, as the Jo Clan was cursed with mental regression, and Buk Hyang-hwa was cursed with full-body paralysis, she, having chosen it, will inevitably suffer sudden misfortune as the price...
"I will accept any misfortune. I will carry it in my embrace."
Then, someone laughs from within the darkness.
: : Not knowing the heart your master left behind, nor the heart of the child who handed you the key, you dare to claim the brilliance of Vast Cold and accept the masterpiece I've dedicated my life to? : :
"It's not because of Vast Cold's brilliance that I carry this. And...I do understand their hearts."
Kim Yeon's eyes glow a light pink.
Around her, threads of soft light begin to glow.
Pasasasasa—
Around her, light pink quince flowers begin to bloom one by one.
"Of course, I don't know everything yet. Just a speck. However...having received Hyang-hwa's heart, I will keep thinking about it as I live on. I don't know who you are, but..."
A wave of light pink flower petals over floods around Kim Yeon.
"I will accept it. And even if it's later, I will figure it out!"
: : Is that so? : :
Someone laughs again from within the darkness.
: : I've heard your resolve. Then, as the creator of the key and the master of the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent, as the creator of the [Pseudo-Ender Liberation Law Talent], I will bestow upon you sudden misfortune as the price for receiving the key. : :
From deep within the darkness, something massive flies towards Kim Yeon.
: : Until the day you reach the Thirty-Third Heaven, as long as you borrow the power of the Liberation Law Talent, you shall never speak a single word. Your tongue, other than being used for tasting, may convey no meaning, and your will shall only be expressed through your actions. Through no means with your mouth shall your meaning ever be expressed. : :
Paaaatt!
Something is pulled from Kim Yeon's mouth and is bound in the darkness.
She instinctively realizes.
That was her Word Spirit (言靈).
From now on, she will not be able to communicate with anyone—neither through her mouth, voice transmission, her consciousness domain, nor through heart language.
That is the price for accepting the Liberation Law Talent, having accepted Buk Hyang-hwa's heart.
Though it is a wretched misfortune, Kim Yeon closes her eyes and accepts it.
Because even if she can never speak to her loved one again, even if she can never say the words 'I like you' from her lips again, the fate that her most dearest friend left behind is now embedded deep within her as well.
Because the traces of Jo Yeon and Hyang-hwa have been passed down to her.
With firm resolve, Kim Yeon completely leaves the space within the darkness.
To continue moving forward, to continue reflecting on the hearts of Jo Yeon and Hyang-hwa...
And within the darkness.
The one who bestowed upon Kim Yeon the Liberation Law Talent and the sudden misfortune smiles faintly.
: : I have kept my promise. Obsidian, Vast Cold, Golden Divine...and my old master. : :
They curl their body into an even deeper part of the darkness where no light reaches, and closes their eyes.
: : I have protected one of them... : :
Oh Hyun-seok looks at the child gradually fading before his eyes.
It has been several years since he began staying at the royal family of Penglai Kingdom.
Before he knew it, the child he had picked up had overcome her gloomy past, and now considers Oh Hyun-seok as her true father.
"...Haha..."
He laughs.
"Ha, haha... Ahaha..."
He continues to laugh.
Memories from another time flow into his mind.
Memories spanning approximately 700 years.
Memories of another world.
And he understands.
That the world opposite from him is the real one.
Thus, he also understands.
Over the past few years.
The child he had tried so hard not to get attached to has already become his real child.
Oh Hyun-seok finally understands the true purpose of this world.
For those who enter this world, each is given a role that brings discomfort.
Yeon Wei was placed in the situation she feared most, and Jeon Myeong-hoon too was confronted with the things he longed for the most.
Oh Hyun-seok himself, during his last visit to this world, experienced life with the daughter he had lost, and this time it was no different.
'The true purpose of this world is...to show a person the possibility they've tried hardest to ignore.'
Kim Young-hoon was a passing scholar with no family or ties.
Oh Hyun-seok was a father with a miscarried daughter.
Jeon Myeong-hoon lived in a world where his lover was alive.
Yeon Wei was in a world where she truly ended up with her lover.
Seo Eun-hyun...it's unclear what, but from beginning to end, he remained a dirty charcoal maker.
This world is one that unearths the most secret hopes people have hidden and creates the possibility for them to come true.
Oh Hyun-seok realizes that the essence of this world is a dream.
Because a person's hopes can only be fulfilled in dreams.
And as he realizes that this world is a dream, he understands.
'I...I missed my child this much.'
He is able to look into the heart he had been ignoring all this time.
'I...wanted to become a father.'
Salt, when sprinkled on a wound, brings hellish pain, but it also cleanses the wound.
This world is like salt being sprinkled on a wound.
Oh Hyun-seok embraces his new daughter who is gradually becoming blurry before him.
"Dad...where are you going? Dad...?"
"Don't worry...child."
He smiles through his tears.
It is only at the moment of parting that he realizes.
He had thought of this child as an orphan, and himself as the orphan's guardian.
But in truth, this child is already his own.
Oh Hyun-seok is already a father.
And...
All fathers show their children a smiling face.
"I'll be back soon."
Chiiiiii—
A purple light swirls around him.
As the laws of the world blur, the power of his main body begins to return.
Seo Eun-hyun had once taught him something called Purple Soul Filling the Heavens.
He said that Purple Soul Filling the Heavens, which holds the potential for the evolution of all living things, would align well with the Bone Armor Treasured Origin Art Oh Hyun-seok had begun to learn.
And today, on this very day,
As Oh Hyun-seok realizes his fate, he comes to understand the true meaning of Purple Soul Filling the Heavens.
'A message of inheritance to pass on to someone.'
Sururuk...
Within the world of Salt Mountain, the law of Purple Soul Filling the Heavens enters.
That law becomes a single flower bud, which is placed in the hands of Oh Hyun-seok's daughter.
"So...just sleep for ten more nights."
Sarararak—
Oh Hyun-seok's Purple Soul Filling the Heavens turns into a China aster flower and is placed in his daughter's hand.
Oh Hyun-seok's daughter looks into his eyes and smiles.
"You have to come back, Dad."
"Of course. You trust Dad, right?"
Her figure gradually becomes fainter, and finally, she completely disappears.
And then, Oh Hyun-seok cries.
He wanted to be a good father.
But because he was just a few minutes late to the hospital, the child was lost.
That's why he always lived with self-blame.
However...
In this world, he became a father.
And at last, as he is able to lay down that self-blame, even if only a part of it...
Oh Hyun-seok vigorously stops crying and laughs.
"Life is...!"
His comrades are gathering again. The 'guests' who came from the outside are all heading back together.
"Pleasure!"
Let's laugh with pleasure.
Let's laugh at any time.
For the daughter he will meet again someday.
That's the resolve he makes.
'Someday, I will definitely reunite with my entire family, and together...we'll laugh.'
Reuniting with his entire family and laughing together.
From that day on, that became Oh Hyun-seok's goal.
"The method to desecrate fate...?"
The image of Great Mountain disappears.
At the same time, I realize that I am gathered together with my comrades, being expelled somewhere.
Paaaatt!
The Salt Crystal norigage follows me and lands in my hand.
Oh Hyun-seok shouts 'pleasure', Kim Yeon has a pure white bird drawn on her cheek, and everyone else is making their own expressions.
But my face darkens.
'That Great Mountain Supreme Deity said an enormous misfortune lurks before me.'
If even a madman who grinded the entire universe to dust says it's an enormous misfortune, then just what kind of misfortune is it?
'Of course, it wouldn't be from Their perspective.'
They are the Owner of Great Mountain, one of the most revered divines in the entire universe.
Among the words Yeong Seung spoke while I was trapped in the cycle of infinite regression,
Only the [Oldest One] and the [Owner of Light] could suppress the Great Mountain Supreme Deity by force, meaning They must be within the top five in the entire Three Thousand Great Thousand Worlds.
If even by Their standard it's a misfortune, then there's no solution except suicide, so there's no point in thinking about it.
'It must be a great misfortune from my perspective.'
Then what exactly is the misfortune?
I grit my teeth.
'Whatever it is, this world has always been unimaginably cruel to us.'
There is nothing more I can afford to lose.
Woo-wooong!
Gradually, my strength returns.
I draw forth my will, and together with attraction force, I begin to use Immortal Arts.
Kuguguguk!
The world distorts, and I feel us being nearly completely expelled from Salt Mountain.
What comes into view is the Interdimensional Void.
It is the domain of infinite Vestiges, and the Middle Realms area.
Uduk!
As soon as I enter the Interdimensional Void, I immediately draw forth attraction force and Immortal Arts, joining my palms together.
"Hm...!"
Paaaatt!
I first try to evacuate my comrades to the nearest Middle Realm!
I sense the closest Middle Realm.
The two closest Middle Realms possessing devilish energy!
Paaatt!
I send my comrades flying directly toward the True Devil Realm!
Before they even have a chance to speak,
And after I send them to the True Devil Realm, I try to follow them by bending space with attraction force.
That's when it happens.
"...Huh?"
Space...doesn't bend.
Attraction force does not occur.
No, it feels like the entire surrounding Qi has dried up.
'What is this...?'
Suddenly, I feel a chilling sensation in my head.
'Wait. When I sensed the Middle Realms just now...'
I felt [two] Middle Realms with devilish energy.
One was the True Devil Realm.
Then what was the other one...
With a chilling feeling, I turn my gaze towards the other Middle Realm, the one that isn't the True Devil Realm.
There, a red world resides.
: : I have been waiting. : :
"Heot..."
In an instant, I activate Immortal Arts.
But right after, an overwhelming force squashes my entire body, soul, Integrated Dao Domain, and the Immortal Arts I activated, killing me.
That is my twenty-second return.
.
.
.
Time rewinds.
I open my eyes.
'Did I die again?'
The last thing I saw in my final moment was the True Immortal (眞仙) Blood Yin (血陰), filled with malice directed at me.
'Even though I've learned Immortal Arts, I can't stand against a True Immortal who truly possesses their own Immortal Art...'
Then, I feel something strange.
"...Huh?"
It's the Interdimensional Void.
But that's not the issue.
"Uh, uh?"
My comrades are around me.
And Oh Hyun-seok is shouting 'pleasure', while a pure white bird is drawn on Kim Yeon's face.
My mind freezes, and I immediately repeat what I had just done.
I send my comrades to the True Devil Realm, and I quickly try to follow.
But my attraction force and spells are rendered useless.
Then, I once again notice the red world, staring at me from behind.
: : I have been waiting. : :
Crunch!
Once more, everything about me is crushed, and I die.
That is my twenty-third return.
-x-X-x-
Piiiit!
My consciousness returns.
It's that situation again.
I gasp for breath and look around at my comrades.
Oh Hyun-seok is still wiping away his tears while laughing, and Kim Yeon, with a solemn expression, still has the white bird drawn on her face.
Jeon Myeong-hoon is trembling, as if recalling something, while Seo Ran has returned to his original form, and Hong Fan looks around in confusion.
"H-Hurry!"
Using attraction force and Immortal Arts, I tear open an entrance to the True Devil Realm, throwing my comrades in before attempting to follow them in.
However, the moment I try to enter the True Devil Realm, my body is forcefully repelled.
At the same time, all of my strength is forcibly sealed.
: : I have been waiting. : :
An all too familiar will follows.
"W-Wait! Chief Judge..."
Pukwak!
Without even giving me time to speak, I am crushed.
The last thing I remember is one phrase from Blood Yin.
: : I don't know about anything else, but I can never forgive you for summoning [Them] inside my friend. : :
My consciousness sinks.
That is my twenty-fourth return.
The first moment of the twenty-fourth cycle!
"Heok"
I tremble uncontrollably, clenching my teeth.
I look around again.
It's still the same.
The point of my regression has been fixed in the worst possible form!!!
"Ah, no..."
I feel my mind going blank as I grit my teeth.
'Time has been fixed.'
I need to find a way.
I need some method to escape this situation.
'For now, let's try not using attraction force.'
I suppress attraction force, seal all my spiritual power and spiritual energy, and push my comrades far off into the Interdimensional Void before holding my breath myself in the darkness. Рαɴȯ𝔟ЕS̈
The next moment.
: : I have been waiting. : :
"This f—"
Crunch!
That is my twenty-fifth return.
The first moment of the 25th cycle.
'Stay calm. First, accept that the regression has been fixed. I need to find the best way.'
I recall the warning Great Mountain gave me.
'An immense misfortune lurks ahead of you.'
The misfortune They spoke of must have been this, being trapped in the cycle of time.
'They taught me the method to desecrate fate.'
I recall the words of Great Mountain.
: : I have been waiting. : :
"This d—"
Without giving me time to think, Blood Yin appears.
Crunch!
That is my twenty-sixth return.
The first moment of the 26th cycle.
'Quickly, quickly!'
I recall the words of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
There's no time to think calmly!
—Remember, fate 'must' be fulfilled. The fates prophesied by True Immortals are of a nature that 'must be realized.'
Blood Yin prophesied that our meeting is an inevitable fate.
Thus, that 'fate must be fulfilled.'
—You, too, can shatter a prophecy head-on once you reach this domain, but since that's impossible for you right now, I'll have to teach you a trick. Listen carefully, you fool. The method to desecrate fate is simple. If there's a fate where the universe will be destroyed, the way to twist that fate is to raise a slave called 'the universe' and then kill that 'universe.' If you do so, fate will be fulfilled—no matter how forced it may be—and you'll be able to escape the absoluteness of fate by insisting to the world that you didn't resist fate.
That is the way to mock and desecrate fate.
Kwaduk!
I immediately cut off my arm and create a cursed beast.
"Keruk?"
The cursed beast rolls its eyes, unable to grasp the situation, and I shout at it.
"From now on, you are Blood Yin."
"?"
"There, we've met now! Everything is done, right!? I'm leaving!"
I open the door to the True Devil Realm together with my comrades.
They reach the True Devil Realm.
And I am thrown out.
Toong!
"Heok, heok...h-heok..."
Dripping in cold sweat, I look back.
: : I have been waiting. : :
The figure is there again.
That is my twenty-seventh return.
The first moment of the 27th cycle.
I realize that I'm a moron.
'Because I didn't have enough time to think things through, I acted too hastily.'
But even without time, failure still leads to growth.
More of Great Mountain's words come to mind.
—Of course, a being on the level of a True Immortal wouldn't leave behind such a sloppy loophole. For example, even if you raise a slave called 'the universe,' if that slave only shares the name with the universe and nothing else, the identity likely wouldn't be accepted. So, to bypass fate using such a sacrifice, you'd at least need to bring in something like a 'small universe.' If it truly possesses the same essence as the entire Heavenly Domain, then it's possible to forcefully fulfill the fate.
: : I have been waiting. : :
"...At least give me some time to reflect on the past. Twenty-eight..."
[TL: One of the two ways to say twenty-eight is similar to 'This fuck.']
Puduk!
That is my twenty-eighth return.
The 28th cycle.
I have no choice but to recall Great Mountain's 'whispers' even faster in this ever-pressing time constraint.
—Therefore, the method to desecrate fate is to 'perfectly' fulfill that fate on a smaller scale. By doing so, you'll build up resistance to that fate, making it difficult for the same fate to affect you twice... That is the only way for someone at your level to defy fate.
In short, it's a kind of 'apotropaic magic',
Like stepping in dung and encountering a small misfortune, thus avoiding a greater disaster.
By warding off bad luck like that, just as I gained 'resistance' after seeing Governing Immortal and indirectly encountering [Higher Beings] a few times, the same resistance builds up against fate itself, allowing one to escape from it.
It's like how a god cannot destroy the world twice with the same prophecy of a great flood.
—Of course, you'd still need the abilities of the Sacred Vessel stage for that.
"...What am I supposed to even do?"
—I've told you everything. Survive. Then, die by my hand.
With that, my memory of Great Mountain's advice ends.
"Hah..."
What am I supposed to do?
: : I have been waiting. : :
"Hold on, Elder..."
Crunch!
'Perfectly...same essence...small scale...fulfill fate...'
That is my twenty-ninth return.
The 29th cycle.
Toong.
As soon as the cycle begins, I send my comrades flying toward the Astral Realm, while I move to the True Devil Realm.
"Ha, haha, hahaha!!!"
I let out a cry of joy.
"I did it!!!"
Though separated from my comrades, I succeeded in being the first to enter the True Devil Realm without hesitation the moment the cycle began.
According to Baek Woon's explanation, the True Devil Realm is practically the same entity as Blood Yin.
The fate of 'meeting Blood Yin' has been fulfilled...
"For now, if I move to the Lower Realms or another Middle Realm..."
And then,
The sky of the True Devil Realm turns red.
: : Interesting. : :
In truth, they were originally one body.
Though separated, they are the same entity, so I thought the fate of 'reunion' was fulfilled.
'...Is it because the name is different?'
A name carries fate.
The being who was once Yu Hao Te was renamed 'Blood Yin,' and their fate has also changed.
In that case, the True Devil Realm is not the same as Blood Yin.
: : I have been waiting for you. You called upon [Them]. You alone cannot be forgiven... : :
'But at the same time, because they were once the same entity, it's a world where they can interfere whenever they want...is that it...?'
Feeling an overwhelming despair, I grit my teeth and pull out the last resort I can muster.
"Immortal cultivation is repentant enlightenment... Just like tiny grains of salt..."
Crunch!
That is my thirtieth return.
The 30th cycle.
"Heh, heh heh...heh heh heh...!"
I feel my mind slipping from the 30th cycle.
It feels so distant.
There's no answer.
Just how in the world am I supposed to escape from here?
I sense that the being can follow me even if I escape to the ends of the universe.
'Even pulling out the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra won't work.'
I'll be killed before it activates.
No, even if it does activate, the difference in level between me and Great Mountain is so vast that it would barely destroy the Human Realm territory and the surrounding area, let alone the Heavenly Domain.
"Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens...!"
I invoke another Immortal Art that twists fate, the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique.
A cloud of calamity obscures the sky, blocking fate!
: : Do you know...how many times I have suffered at the hand of the Lightning Immortal? : :
Pukwak.
The red world pierces through the black cloud and crashes down on me.
: : I have waited a long time. : :
Cruuuunch!
That is my thirty-first return.
31st cycle.
"Ha...! Ha, haha! Hahahahahahaha!!!"
I laugh maniacally.
Everything feels utterly hopeless, just as it did when everything was destroyed by the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
When I was tortured by Yeong Seung, I did recover my memory at the 'last moment,' but since I lost the memory of 'me' within the countless regressions, it didn't feel this distant.
But this time, I can feel it very clearly. That there really is no answer.
I am trapped in this timeline.
"Huha! Huhahahahaha!"
: : I have been waiting. : :
"Huaaaaah!!!"
Crunch!
That is my thirty-second return.
32nd cycle.
"Huaaaaaaah!!!"
I hurl myself at Blood Yin with every bit of strength I have.
I die while only screaming.
That is my thirty-third return.
...
33rd cycle.
34th cycle.
35th cycle.
"You bastard! Do you know who I am? I am the current Chief Judge's...!"
Baduduk, Badudududuk!
I try to impersonate one of the beings of the Underworld with the intensifying aura of death, but I die in the most excruciating way so far.
That is my thirty-sixth return.
...
62nd cycle.
63rd cycle.
64th cycle.
"Zhengli! Zhengli! Zhengli! Yeong Seung! Yeong Seung! Yeong Seung! You xxx! Somebody, anybody, come here! Hurry!!! Please!!!"
That is my sixty-fifth return.
...
222nd cycle.
223rd cycle.
224th cycle.
"Hoho, Daoist Blood. Do you know who I am? Sent by the [Oldest One], I am..."
: : Just who are you daring to impersonate. : :
Jiiiing!
Chijijijijijik!
I die experiencing not only every imaginable pain a human body can endure, but also the pain that can be endured by every living being of the Bright Cold Realm, True Devil Realm, and Blood Yin Realm.
That is my two hundred twenty-fifth return.
'Which cycle am I on again?'
Ah, I remember now.
This is already the 500th cycle.
I feel my head aching as I think.
Even as I keep dying, I think.
'In all 500 attempts, I've tried everything I could, using every plan and power at my disposal.'
I've shouted for Zhengli, I've even tried calling upon Yeong Seung and the Heavenly Venerable of Time, and even the Radiant Eight Immortals that Baek Woon once called upon.
But the time given to me is too short.
No matter what I do, I die in an instant.
'It's impossible to fight back.'
Even the 'method to defy fate' that Great Mountain told me about cannot be attempted unless I reach the Sacred Vessel level.
But I'm not even at the Star Shattering stage, let alone the Sacred Vessel stage.
My martial realm is at Void Shattering, but still...
"...Wait."
As I meet my 558th death, something comes to mind.
'Can I do it?'
I grit my teeth as I organize the thought that just popped up in my head.
There was a time when I even tried to 'Return to thee' to Blood Yin, but that didn't work either. I just ended up dying a slightly more painful death.
Asking for help from someone won't break this situation.
'I need to raise my realm.'
Right now.
I must raise both realms of the Heaven and Earth Tribes to reach the Star Shattering stage!
Crunch!
612th death.
'If I turn Heaven, Earth, and Heart into the Star Shattering stage, the Three Great Ultimates will manifest.'
Moreover, within my domain, there is even the artificial star created by the Mad Lord.
'If I rise to the Star Shattering stage, I'll be able to match Heaven, Earth, Heart, and Puppet!'
If I can do that...
Perhaps, with the realm of the Star Shattering stage, I might be able to wield strength comparable to the Sacred Vessel stage.
'I'll rise to the Star Shattering stage, use the strength of the Sacred Vessel stage to defy fate, and break through head-on.'
A head-on breakthrough.
That is the only option left for me.
Amidst endless deaths, I begin to continuously undergo repentant enlightenment from the Qi Gathering stage to the Star Shattering stage, all for the sake of a head-on breakthrough.
700th cycle!
With eyes gleaming, I form hand seals.
'From now on...'
I will begin the Star Shattering advancement ritual.
-x-X-x-
Starting from the Qi Gathering and Qi Refining stages all the way to the Integration stage.
There is a commonality in the advancement rituals for advancing through these stages.
It is precisely the concept of 'building up.'
During the Qi Refining stage, one builds up Heaven and Earth spiritual energy. From the Qi Building stage, it's the spiritual power refined into pure spiritual force. From the Core Formation stage, spiritual power is even more densely packed inside the Golden Core, and in the Nascent Soul stage, spiritual power is divided and stored in the Nascent Soul.
During the Heavenly Being stage, Heaven and Earth spiritual energy is used to build the Heavenly Circle.
In the Four-Axis stage, the Five Elements and Five Blessings are used to build the Earthly Bearings.
In the Integration stage, the Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings are combined to fill the Integrated Dao Domain with Heaven and Earth spiritual energy, building the Six Harmonies Divine Powers.
This is the commonality across all Immortal Cultivation that begins from the Qi Refining stage.
However, there is a slight difference that emerges at the Star Shattering stage.
At the Star Shattering stage, there is no more building up.
One simply...breaks.
As I prepare for the Star Shattering advancement ritual, Blood Yin stops from immediately killing me and looks down at me.
They seem to be intrigued.
Well, that's only natural. When it comes to the Star Shattering ascension ritual, it's understandable to be looked down upon like this.
After all, the Star Shattering advancement ritual is notorious for being called a 'suicide ritual' by many Grand Perfection Integration stage cultivators, due to its extreme severity.
Perhaps They find it amusing because I'm choosing the most gruesome method of suicide for myself.
That infamous Star Shattering advancement ritual is, surprisingly, extremely simple.
Simpler than any other stage I've built up to so far.
Exploding.
The advancement ritual for the Star Shattering stage is to explode everything I've built since the Qi Gathering stage up to the Grand Perfection Integration stage.
'Yeah, keep looking down like that, Blood Yin.'
They seem to think I would die horrifically from failing the Star Shattering advancement, and even if I succeed, They have the confidence to still crush me the same way.
'You won't be able to look down for much longer.'
I'll make you into the dog that chases after the chicken.
The advancement to the Star Shattering stage, which brings one close to the peak of cultivation and referred to as a demi-god, is, amusingly enough, very similar to the Qi Building advancement ritual.
At the 13th star of Qi Refining, one gathers Heaven and Earth spiritual energy into one clump using the formula for 'Unified Origin.' Then, with the formula of the 14th star, 'Infinite Spiritual Cloud,' it is exploded to form a spiritual cloud and then a spiritual star, completing the advancement to the Qi Building stage.
The Star Shattering advancement is identical.
Just like the Qi Building advancement, one treats all of the cultivation and Integrated Dao Domain built as 'Unified Origin' and explodes it.
Kuarurung!
My Integrated Dao Domain, now entirely filled with the Glass Sword Mountain like my Heart Essence Domain, begins to rampage.
Integrated Dao Domain.
Colorless Glass Mountain Treading Sea (無色劍山蹈海).
My Integrated Dao Domain, which was named together with Crystal Glass to Treading Sea, faces its end as soon as it was named.
'Don't worry.'
This is not the end, but the beginning.
While consoling my Integrated Dao Domain, which is about to shatter as soon as it was named, I pour strength into it.
"Here I go!"
Kwagwagwagwang!
The small world within me is destroyed.
A tremendous roar and explosion reverberate through the Interdimensional Void, and an immense light bursts out from within me.
From the explosion that originates from me, a massive dust cloud forms and shapes itself into a nebula.
If the 14th stage of Qi Refining creates the Infinite Spiritual Cloud, then the Star Shattering stage is about exploding the Integrated Dao Domain to form a nebula.
Perhaps, the advancement from the Qi Refining stage to the Qi Building stage was merely practice for this moment.
Shiiiiiii—
I regain consciousness within the nebula.
Everything is hazy.
It's only natural.
I just exploded my domain with all my strength, which is practically no different from my main body.
Who could remain unscathed after blowing up their own body, soul, life, and cultivation to the point of turning it to dust?
Eight to nine out of ten Integration cultivators perish at this point of the Star Shattering advancement ritual, with their spirit completely disintegrating into dust alongside the nebula formed by the explosion.
'This is why the Void Refining Dharma Treasure is necessary.'
Through the Colorless Glass Sword shining in the center of the nebula, I begin to regain even more clarity in my consciousness.
The Void Refining Dharma Treasure, which an Integration stage cultivator synchronizes with their Integrated Dao Domain and connects to their heart essence, does not explode even during the explosion of the Star Shattering advancement ritual.
This is because even though it is synchronized with the cultivator, it is still an external object.
'But it is an external object that has been synchronized.'
Therefore, although it does not explode, it remains within the nebula as it is still connected to the heart essence, assisting in the reassembly of the scattered spirit and consciousness.
Ordinary Grand Perfection Integration cultivators would move to the edge of the Chaos Realm when performing the advancement ritual, stabilizing the space and setting up formations around them to help condense their consciousness.
By doing so, the Sacred Master of the Middle Realm could intervene to provide a faint amount of assistance.
They could use the laws of the Middle Realm to help condense the consciousness a little.
Of course, even with this assistance, eight-nine out of ten still die.
'It wasn't something to worry about too much, huh.'
Having already reached Void Shattering, I am able to quickly regain my consciousness even though it was completely scattered into the nebula.
Kiii—
Kieee!
Rather than that, Blood Yin's Heavenly Demons infiltrate my nebula to interfere with my efforts to gather my consciousness.
'Judging by the fact that They haven't completely scattered the nebula yet, it seems They plan to crush me even more painfully once I fully reach the Star Shattering stage.'
That arrogance will be what lets me escape.
After completely ignoring the Heavenly Demons and keeping my consciousness clear, I proceed to the next step.
'Now comes the most crucial part.'
Once a Grand Perfection Integration stage cultivator has fully regained their consciousness through the Void Refining Dharma Treasure within the remains of their exploded body, that is when the true advancement begins.
Just as the spiritual cloud is formed in the 14th star of Qi Refining, and the spiritual star is created in the first constellation of Qi Building,
During the Star Shattering advancement, one must use the nebula formed from the explosion of the Integrated Dao Domain to create a [real star].
Of course, it won't be at the level of a sun or planet, but rather a satellite like the moon.
Nevertheless, the star that is formed will become the cultivator's main body going forward, allowing them to travel across light years through the star's attraction force and wield cosmic authority.
Exploding everything and turning oneself into a cloud of dust, then creating a star from within that dust cloud!
That is precisely why Esteemed Ones are called Star Shattering (Shattered Star) cultivators.
And now.
The real problem begins.
'I've lost all my cultivation.'
Though I regained consciousness within the nebula, that's all.
I am now nothing more than a single soul inside the nebula.
I can no longer use the vast attraction force, spiritual power, spells, or even the dharma treasures I once controlled.
The Refining Void Dharma Treasure must focus solely on keeping my consciousness intact, and I've lost all other authorities due to the recent explosion of all my cultivation.
There's no hopeful scenario where, because the nebula originated from me, I can move it.
That nebula is no longer something that came from me, but rather the remains (遺骸) I left behind after my suicide.
How could a dead soul possibly move its own corpse?
That's impossible.
'Now I must do exactly that.'
To reach the Star Shattering stage, I must achieve the impossible.
Kurururung!
Heavenly Tribulation begins to crash down from within my nebula.
The nebula has become a cloud, and Heavenly Tribulation descends violently toward my consciousness.
Kurung!
Compared to the size of the nebula, the Heavenly Tribulation is still at a laughable level.
'But I need to advance quickly.'
Otherwise, the Heavenly Tribulation will continue to grow.
Kurururung!
Lightning sparks start to gradually increase within the nebula.
At first, it's just static crackling at the edge of the nebula, but gradually, the size and shape of the lightning become clearer.
Even now, the tribulation matches the level of a late Integration stage tribulation. If it continues to grow, I can't even imagine how terrifying it will become.
Moreover, this isn't even the true Heavenly Tribulation of the Star Shattering advancement yet.
It's merely the precursor phenomenon before the real tribulation arrives.
Wiiiiing!
While maintaining my consciousness with the Colorless Glass Sword, I begin to block the precursor Heavenly Tribulation using the other Colorless Glass Swords.
Since I've already reached Void Shattering, my reliance on the Refining Void Dharma Treasure is lower than that of other cultivators, making this possible.
'Alright, let's do this!'
In the Integration stage, one gains six divine powers.
According to what I learned from Cheongmun Ryeong, these six divine powers of the Integration stage are actually the basic Immortal Art, 'Various Omens.'
Furthermore, Immortal Arts can be activated purely with the heart, without the need for cultivation.
'It seems any cultivator who hasn't trained the six divine powers of the Integration stage into the domain of Immortal Arts won't even be able to attempt the Star Shattering advancement.'
At this moment, having lost all cultivation, what is necessary to condense a star is precisely Various Omens.
Rain (雨), Sunlight (陽), Heat (燠), Cold (寒), Wind (風), Time (時).
With the Immortal Art of Cloudiness (雨), I gather the nebula.
With the Immortal Art of Warmth (燠), I raise the temperature at the center of the gathered nebula.
With the Immortal Art of Wind (風), I shape the center of the nebula into the form of a star.
With the Immortal Art of Flow of Time (時), I begin the rotation of the star.
With the Immortal Art of Coldness (寒), I gradually cool the temperature of the star.
With the Immortal Art of Clearness (陽), I completely solidify the star's form.
Wiiiiing!
In an instant, the six Immortal Arts activate, sequentially completing the star inside the Interdimensional Void.
From now on, this is my new body.
My mind settles into the satellite I created.
Kurung, kururung!
I gradually solidify my consciousness inside the satellite, watching the signs of Heavenly Tribulation surging around me.
The size of the signs of the Heavenly Tribulation continues to grow, as if it is locking the entire satellite in a prison of lightning.
'Now, the true Heavenly Tribulation will come.'
I swallow and wait for the Heavenly Tribulation.
Woo-woong!
In my sight, the Middle Realms begin to appear.
Each of the Middle Realms has its own 'sky,' and in each of those skies, constellations are reflected.
Then, what are those constellations?
Their true identity is the Astral Realm.
The skies of the Middle Realms are all reflecting the Astral Realm.
Paaatt!
Why then, do the Middle Realms reflect the Astral Realm?
It is because, in the end, the light of the Astral Realm occupies the most important position for all living beings when it comes to cultivation.
Just like right now.
Woo-woong!
Beyond the Interdimensional Void, the starlight of the Astral Realm shines upon me.
And the Heavenly Tribulation begins.
Flash!
The Heavenly Tribulation starting from the Star Shattering stage is nothing like an ordinary Lightning Tribulation.
The Heavenly Tribulation of the Star Shattering stage is also known as a Star Tribulation (星劫), a tribulation directly sent down by the stars of the Astral Realm.
And...
Unlike the Heavenly Tribulations at the Integration stage, which have a set number.
The Star Shattering Heavenly Tribulation descends as one ray from each of [all stars that shine upon the cultivator] during the cultivator's advancement ritual in the Astral Realm.
Kwarurururung!
The Star Tribulation of the first star descends.
Kwa-jijijijik!
As I am exposed to the immense power of the star, I squeeze out all my strength to prevent the star I created from being destroyed.
Ordinary cultivators in the Star Shattering stage conduct their advancement ritual in the Chaos Realm regions of the Middle Realms.
Chaos Realm regions, like the Dead Earth Domain where Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll is located, often have periods when starlight doesn't shine well. Cultivators aim for those times to drastically reduce the number of tribulations they face.
But in the Interdimensional Void, such things don't work.
Kwarurururung!
'Kugh!'
An overwhelming amount of starlight shines down from beyond the Interdimensional Void, from the Astral Realm.
After all, the place where the Astral Realm clings tightly to, like the Netherworld, Fate Realm, and Flower Realm, is the Interdimensional Void.
This is a place where by just slightly adjusting the plane, it is possible to see as many starlights as one wants.
Kwa-jijijijijik!
Finally, the first ray of the Star Tribulation, which felt like eternal punishment, ends.
Since I've reached the realm of Void Shattering, I could endure it easily.
But the problem starts now.
'Ah...'
I let out a low groan as I gaze upon the endless starlight shining down from beyond the Interdimensional Void.
'Can I block all of that?'
Just roughly counting the bright-shining starlights alone already numbers in the hundreds of millions.
Including the dim starlights, I will have to endure tens, hundreds of billions of these Star Tribulations.
'I have to do it.'
At that moment.
: : How moving. : :
The voice of Blood Yin, who had been silently observing until now, sends a message with a sneer.
'He-heok...'
Seeing Blood Yin's true body I am hit with a shock that makes my mind feel like it's on the verge of collapsing, and my body trembles.
'Th-That's...a True Immortal's true body...!!!'
Having acquired the body of a star, I am finally able to perceive a higher dimension.
Only now am I able to understand just how terrifying an entity a True Immortal truly is.
The realm of Void Shattering is a different system, so even though I saw Blood Yin and understood the terror of a True Immortal, I couldn't fully grasp it.
However, at this very moment.
I feel my very existence forcibly collapsing in front of Blood Yin.
'Did I...miscalculate again?'
The very act of advancing to the Star Shattering stage—it seems I overlooked the possibility of becoming even more vulnerable in front of Blood Yin.
The more truths and understanding I gain, the more dangerous this action becomes, and I didn't even realize it.
It's when I'm trembling.
: : As a senior, I cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of a junior. : :
Blood Yin, in a manner as if feeling pity, starts doing something to my mind.
And I immediately recognize the nature of Their spell.
'Th-This is...!?'
Devilish Spell.
Baihui Melody (䏤曲)
Paaaatt!
In an instant, my mind starts to clear.
Attraction force enters through my Baihui point, rotates within my brain, and exits through my forehead.
Of course, in my star-formed body, I have no such physical organs, but that's how it feels.
At the same time, I sense my consciousness domain becoming endlessly clearer, and my sensory perception sharpens even more than when I ingested the poison Hong Fan gave me.
It's not something that's eroding me like Purple Soul Filling the Heavens or Heart Demons.
It's purely amplifying my abilities temporarily.
Yet, even though my sweat glands no longer exist, I feel cold sweat running down my back.
'This can't possibly be a blessing.'
It's undoubtedly a calamity in disguise.
In the next moment.
Devilish Spell.
Protecting Melody.
Only after Blood Yin gives me a blessing that increases my physical capabilities and life force do I understand Their true intention.
"Ah..."
After Blood Yin's [blessing] passes, the densely packed Star Tribulations in the sky are momentarily held back by Blood Yin.
"Ha...haha..."
Blood Yin looks down at me and smiles as if feeling thrilled.
As one Star Tribulation after another descends, they continue to amplify above the protective barrier created by Blood Yin.
: : Now, as a senior, I will help my junior. : :
Flash, paaaatt!
The starlight in the sky gradually brightens.
'Insane...'
Is this what they call karmic retribution?
It feels like I'm receiving back what I once did to Yuan Li.
Finally, as the Star Tribulation amplifies and amplifies...
When Blood Yin's protective barrier begins to crack.
Only then do I look at the massive torrent of Star Tribulations crashing down on me with a hollow, exhausted laugh.
'If Jeon Myeong-hoon offered up a finger as a sacrifice...no, no...even if he turned into Jeon Myeong-hoon juice for a human sacrifice...could that delay this Heavenly Tribulation for even one second?'
In the next moment.
I experience the Star Tribulations engulfing my entire body, and even my screams are crushed by the overwhelming power of the tribulation.
My senses, forcibly amplified by Blood Yin by billions of times, completely receive the pain of the Star Tribulation amplified by billions of times. My life force, strengthened and toughened by Blood Yin, survives for ten days while each grain of sand within my star-formed body cracks and explodes.
Amidst unbearable agony that feels as though it will turn me into an imbecile, a forgotten memory resurfaces.
'Ah...I see.'
The Heavenly Silkworm Controlling Ghosts Art, which manipulates multiple tools, was not a martial art I created.
It was a martial art I learned from someone.
Yes...
It was a martial art I learned from Hong Fan, who also has a talent for martial arts.
He once said to me.
—If there is a next life, I will follow Master in that life as well. So please, teach me martial arts then too. My Entering Heavens Beyond the Path will not change even then. Even if eternal and infinite time passes, my heart will remain unchanged...
Recalling a scene from my forgotten 16th cycle, I lose consciousness while searching for the clue to break free from this cycle of time.
'Hong Fan's Entering Heavens Beyond the Path.'
Only that can help me in the current situation.
That is my 701st return.
-x-X-x-
Life after the 701st death.
I collect myself quickly and assess the situation.
'I failed to advance.'
But it's fine.
I gained more important information.
'I need to get Hong Fan's help, Hong Fan's assistance.'
I swiftly organize the memories that just resurfaced.
After the 15th cycle, during the 16th cycle, I truly witnessed the genius of Hong Fan, one of which was his 'martial arts.'
I taught Hong Fan martial arts.
Moreover, he mastered any martial art almost instantly.
After he entered the Transformation Stage, when he could shift into a human form and unfold martial arts, his genius became even more apparent.
Hong Fan had an aptitude for all weapons, and whichever weapon he wielded, he used it with the most optimal movements.
It was to the point that I couldn't help but be reminded of Kim Young-hoon during the 16th cycle.
'Now that I think about it, that wasn't something you'd simply call 'talent'.'
Rather, it was less of talent and more like someone at a higher level who had temporarily lost their memory and was gradually regaining their senses.
It was something I could easily recognize because I had done the same thing multiple times myself.
It's probably...
Something related to Hong Fan's past life.
In any case.
Not long after I taught him martial arts, Hong Fan's martial prowess advanced rapidly.
I recall the moment he crossed the Ultimate Pinnacle and reached Entering Heavens Beyond the Path.
I remember it clearly.
Hong Fan, with threads tied to the tips of his ten fingers, attached unique weapons to the ends of each thread.
Sword, spear, shield, bow, whip-staff, ring, iron whip, halberd, dagger...
Surrounding those ten weapons were dozens of other weapons.
From bizarre weapons like the tiger hook, nine-section whip, iron fan, and judge pen, to war weapons like the moon blade (Korean polearm), podao, and long spear, an innumerable number of weapons lay beside Hong Fan.
Then, after that scene, he revealed his Gang Sphere.
Nine Gang Spheres began to spin behind Hong Fan.
His Gang Spheres, filled with different deadly poisons, were no different from poison pellets—just brushing against them would kill most living beings.
The pitch-black spheres devoured the surrounding light.
At the same time, the poison rose to an even higher dimension from the Plane of Qi, transforming into something metaphysical.
—This is my Martial Art.
—Impressive. To integrate the martial flow of ten thousand weapons through poison.
I remember that conversation.
—It's a splendid Martial Art.
—No, my Martial Art is not splendid at all. It is not that kind of Martial Arts.
—What? Why? How can such an incredible Martial Art not be considered good?
Hong Fan said to me.
—First of all, my Martial Art was not created to compete with others.
—Then what is that Martial Art for?
—This Martial Art was created so that I would not have to compete with others.
Tstststst...
Hong Fan's black Gang Spheres merged into his Entering Heavens Beyond the Path, and before I knew it, the pitch-black aura started to engulf the surroundings.
The black mist he exuded seemed to devour the surrounding weapons and erode the nearby space.
As I watched even the light being endlessly sucked into the darkness, I asked him a question.
What is the true meaning of his Martial Art?
He answered.
—To survive.
—To survive?
—Yes. It exists for survival. This Martial Art is the crystallization of doing whatever it takes to survive. Killing my enemies, killing anything that threatens me, killing, killing, and killing again... If I can't kill, I run. If I can't run, even if I have to steal from others, doing whatever I can to survive—that is this Entering Heavens Beyond the Path.
In the darkness, Hong Fan took his stance.
—What does Master think is the most necessary thing for survival?
—What is it?
—Learning.
—Learning?
—Yes. I will show you.
I saw Hong Fan's dance that day. It was a dance filled with endless possibilities.
What was the reason poison was born in this world?
It was to survive.
Poison that inflicts pain to make sure the enemy can never hunt me, poison that paralyzes the prey to make them easier to kill and consume, poison that kills the charging opponent instantly...
Poison exists to protect oneself and to survive.
Poison is pain.
And pain, in the end, is the teacher of life.
I exchanged blows with Hong Fan.
Then, Hong Fan's Entering Heavens Beyond the Path quickly 'learned' my Formless Sword, connected it into his own Martial Art, and used that connection to gain a momentary advantage over me.
—So, that's it. The essence of your Martial Art is...the unification of Martial Flow.
The me of that time who was at Treading Heavens could instantly grasp the true meaning of Hong Fan's Martial Art.
The true meaning of Hong Fan's Martial Art is precisely unification!
It's about connecting his own Martial Art with the opponent's and unifying their Martial Flow.
And in that unified state, he could read the opponent's flow, distort it, control it according to his will, and ultimately reverse it!
That is the ability of Hong Fan's Entering Heavens Beyond the Path.
So why do I need Hong Fan's Entering Heavens Beyond the Path at this very moment?
'Heavenly Tribulation.'
I look beyond the Interdimensional Void and gaze at the bright Star Tribulations.
The reason Blood Yin didn't block my first Heavenly Tribulation wasn't just to watch my performance, but also because the first tribulation struck so quickly that there wasn't time to block it properly.
Therefore, when I face the Star Shattering Heavenly Tribulation, I am bound to take the 'first tribulation' head-on, no matter what.
To connect Martial Arts and unify them means, in other words, to connect hearts and unify them for a brief moment.
And...
'The hearts of the Heart Tribe are the same as Heavenly Tribulations.'
In other words.
Through Hong Fan's Entering Heavens Beyond the Path, I can 'unify' the unavoidable 'first tribulation' and 'all the Heavenly Tribulations that follow subsequently.'
"Jeon Myeong-hoon! Hong Fan!!!"
I throw my remaining comrades into the True Devil Realm, leaving only the two of them behind as I prepare for the Star Shattering advancement ritual.
Blood Yin, watching my advancement preparations, grants me a momentary reprieve, and I shout toward the two of them.
"From this moment on, I need your help!"
Integrated Dao Domain.
Colorless Sword Mountain Treading Sea!
After activating my Integrated Dao Domain, I begin to make it explode as I speak.
—Unite my Heavenly Tribulations!
After sending my heart language to the two of them, I quickly begin my Star Shattering advancement.
'There's no other way right now.'
I look at Hong Fan.
I know that Hong Fan had taught martial arts to Kim Yeon and has occasionally been training his own martial arts as well.
With his talent, at the very least, he should be close to the enlightenment of Entering Heavens Beyond the Path.
So, I can only hope...
For this one time, I desperately pray to the heavens that he can attain Entering Heavens Beyond the Path!
'Heavens above...'
If you are a sapient being, I hate you.
But if I continue to die here, won't this world come to a halt?
For the sake of the flow of this world.
And for the sake of a true genius like Hong Fan, not a dullard like me...I desperately pray that Hong Fan reaches Entering Heavens Beyond the Path.
So...
"You must reach it, Hong Fan!"
Kwakwakwakwang!
Amidst the explosion, I shout towards Hong Fan.
Hong Fan's heart essence, even compared to all other beings, is alien.
It's so alien that I can't even tell if he's reached Entering Heavens Beyond the Path.
An endless Darkness World where not even a trace of light can penetrate!
However, unlike the tainted and chaotic darkness of people like Jo Yeon or Seo Hweol, it is calm and serene, like the darkness of an endless night sky.
It almost seems like the heart essence of someone peacefully asleep.
All I see is darkness.
Thus, I cannot determine if he has reached Entering Heavens Beyond the Path, and all I can do is pray.
Kwarurururung!
Once again, I transform into a nebula and continue my advancement into the Star Shattering stage.
Jeon Myeong-hoon is struggling between life and death just from defending himself from the aftermath of my advancement, and Hong Fan is hiding behind Jeon Myeong-hoon and seems to be analyzing the true meaning of my words, explaining it to him.
'If Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hong Fan combine their powers, and I exert a bit of strength, I can face the Star Shattering Heavenly Tribulation by taking just one combined tribulation and end it all at once!'
If that happens, I will have the opportunity to fully enter the Star Shattering stage and attempt the method that Great Mountain told me.
Kurung, kurururung!
Maybe it's because I've done this before.
I find the Star Shattering stage advancement ritual relatively easy to handle.
Once again, I gather my consciousness within the nebula and from the center, draw forth clouds with my Immortal Art.
Then...
'Hm?'
I sense something strange during the advancement.
'Wait, something's odd.'
Something is different from the advancement ritual of the previous cycle.
I realize the reason right away.
'Ah...I see.'
The nebula that is erupting from my body is twice that of the previous cycle.
Even if I die, I can maintain my cultivation realm when regressing thanks to Void Shattering.
Then what happened this time after returning again, after my star-formed body was torn apart by the Heavenly Tribulation in the previous cycle?
It's simple.
'I did not fully reach the Star Shattering stage. However, after I self-destructed, my body became a nebula, then reformed into the shape of a star, and was once again torn apart by the Heavenly Tribulation. Thus, what remained was merely...the gigantic cloud of dust left after the star was pulverized by the Heavenly Tribulation.'
Those dust particles moved to the Plane of Soul through the realm of Void Shattering, and they accompanied my return.
In other words, the nebula formed from my remains in the previous cycle followed me into this one.
Kugugugu!
'Hm, there isn't much change.'
I think as I absorb the nebula.
Though the nebula has doubled in size, the mass of the star has only slightly increased. It hasn't grown exponentially in size or anything of the sort.
It does seem like the attraction force has become a bit stronger than before, but that's about it.
'Of course, if the nebula continues to accumulate every time I advance, theoretically, if I die about ten billion times, I might be able to become a True Immortal.'
However, as I feel the 'death' piling up deep within my soul, I realize that I cannot proceed in this way.
'That method won't work.'
Even now, I've died far too many times.
Though I feel safe for now, a creeping sense of unease seizes my mind, warning me that if I die too many times, I'll be dragged straight to the Netherworld.
'I need to escape quickly at the appropriate time!'
Kururung!
As I proceed with the advancement ritual with the doubled nebula, I finally succeed in fully solidifying the form of the star.
Kurung, kurururung!
Then, familiar starlight twinkles in the sky.
The Star Tribulation is about to begin.
I focus my consciousness on Hong Fan and Jeon Myeong-hoon.
[Hong Fan, I know you've been practicing martial arts. I also have a rough idea of where the pinnacle of your martial arts will lead, as I've reached the realm of Void Shattering. Right now, I need your strength. Please, lend me your power!]
Hong Fan and Jeon Myeong-hoon both begin forming hand seals with determined expressions.
Integrated Dao Domain.
Great Heavenly Rain of the Charged Lightning Veil.
Darkness World.
Two Integrated Dao Domains unfold before me.
It seems Hong Fan had already grasped the meaning behind my words at some point and shared it with Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"I will show you, Master. This is..."
Wiiiiiing!
The inside of his Integrated Dao Domain begins to rotate.
At the same time, Hong Fan's will unfolds throughout the world.
'It's the same.'
Hong Fan's Entering Heavens Beyond the Path from the past life heads towards the Star Tribulation about to fall on me, and...
Waduk.
Hong Fan explodes and dies.
It's Blood Yin.
: : Would I let you interrupt the play (劇)? : :
"Ah..."
The Star Tribulation plunges toward me.
Jeon Myeong-hoon, despite Hong Fan's death, doesn't run away. Perhaps he resolved to carry out the plan they discussed together. He ignites his true origin.
Kwa-jijijik!
But it's useless.
Jeon Myeong-hoon's true body is far too insufficient to handle the overwhelmingly cosmic Heavenly Tribulations of the stars. At best, he only manages to combine a mere several million or so Heavenly Tribulations into one.
Even if he is loved by Heavenly Punishment, that's the limit.
I endure the several million Heavenly Tribulations that have merged into one with all my strength.
As I endure, I look at Jeon Myeong-hoon, who has completely exhausted his energy, turned pale, and died.
"Jeon Myeong-hoon...Hong Fan..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon is smiling.
I don't know why he's smiling.
Maybe he's in the middle of reuniting with Jin So-hae, who has already died.
I can't see where their souls have gone, and all that remains is the smile the two left behind.
: : As a senior, I shall help my junior. : :
Blood Yin mocks me again, blocking the Heavenly Tribulations and strengthening me.
With the Heavenly Tribulation being blocked by Them, and in this moment of brief respite,
I compress the body of the star.
Then, I overlay my incarnation on top of the body of the star.
Tstststst...
The body of the human Seo Eun-hyun returns.
Looking up at Blood Yin with the body of the human Seo Eun-hyun, I open my mouth.
"Are you enjoying this?"
Surung—
I draw the Colorless Glass Sword.
I begin to burn my true origin.
Burning all of my lifespan and true origin, I pour everything into the sword.
Doing something this insane in the middle of a Heavenly Tribulation inevitably results in death, but it doesn't matter.
I'm going to die anyway.
There isn't even enough time to grieve for Hong Fan and Jeon Myeong-hoon's deaths.
Therefore, in this short window, I must do what I can.
"I will escape from your grasp."
I directly explode the body that has taken the form of a star.
Becoming the explosion itself, I charge towards Blood Yin.
[Even if I die a hundred times, a thousand times, ten thousand times over!]
Blood Yin's single strike flashes in my mind.
My hope of escaping through Hong Fan was trampled mercilessly.
What am I supposed to do?
After dying nearly 700 times, I know that bowing down, begging, and groveling pitifully doesn't work.
The answer has always been to face it head-on.
Swallowing my sorrow and rage, I fly towards Blood Yin, unleashing a single sword strike containing all of my pain.
The single strike of True Immortal Blood Yin that crushed and killed Hong Fan.
A True Immortal's single strike!
If I can block that strike just once, hope will appear.
'The goal is set.'
No matter how many times I die and come back, I must be able to block Blood Yin's single strike.
If I can block a True Immortal's strike, I will be able to see the hope of escaping through Hong Fan and Jeon Myeong-hoon!
Therefore...
I will keep dying.
I will die over and over, and constantly fail.
And by piling up the mountain of failure, I will definitely break free from this horrific cycle of regression!
[Definitely!]
Blood Yin dismissively flicks away everything I throw at Them.
I am sent flying back, struck by the amplified torrent of Heavenly Tribulation caused by Blood Yin.
In the agony of the Heavenly Tribulations, I suppress my fury and resolve to escape from this cycle no matter what must be done.
I vow this.
That is my 702nd return.
...
...
...
....
...
The first moment of the 985th cycle.
At last, I managed to grasp a clue.
'The form has taken shape.'
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, the thirty-third move.
The form of the technique, which I named Sumeru, flickers before my eyes.
This will be the key to blocking the single strike of a True Immortal.
-x-X-x-