Once upon a time, in the distant past.
An entity named Obsidian fell upon this land.
This being could not comprehend the thoughts of people.
It could not comprehend any taste, nor could it understand any pleasure.
It only felt a slight excitement when eating according to physical responses, sleeping when sleepy, and mating when in heat.
Nothing else could move Obsidian's heart.
At some point, Obsidian felt that it was a being devoid of its own soul.
Therefore, it wanted to fill that missing part.
And, it realized that to fill that missing part, it had no choice but to elevate its own spiritual realm through Immortal Cultivation.
It began to practice Immortal Cultivation.
Obsidian consumed animals.
Initially, it ate livestock, but later it ate wild beasts, birds, and fish.
Then it devoured people.
Then it ate ghosts, and after that, it ate spirits.
Having grown stronger by consuming demon spirits, mountains, fields, and seas, Obsidian eventually became a monster capable of devouring the sun, moon, stars, and even light.
At that point, Obsidian realized.
No matter how strong it became, the missing part inside its heart was not filled.
Even at the pinnacle of Immortal Cultivation, that depleted part could not be filled.
Then, Obsidian realized the reason.
Before it could supplement the lacking part of its soul through Immortal Cultivation, its existence had grown too large.
It was like regenerating a body without healing its scars.
The power it had consumed was so great that it suppressed the heart, making it so it could no longer recover.
Therefore, Obsidian made a decision.
To abandon all its authority and return to the beginning.
Thus, Obsidian used the ability it received when it first came to this world.
That ability was Reincarnation (還生).
Without the constraints of the Underworld, it could reincarnate at will—that was the authority it brought when it came to this world.
Through reincarnation, Obsidian abandoned all its authority and was reborn as a normal human baby.
And, Obsidian imposed restrictions on itself while reincarnating.
It arranged for its future self to 'suffer.'
It arranged for its future self to undergo hardships and gain enlightenment on the true heart, gaining ultimate power.
Obsidian vowed.
'I will, for 777 lifetimes, stand only on my hands upside down and chant the mantra symbolizing flawlessness.'
Thus, it reincarnated.
And in the next life, as soon as it was conceived in a woman's body, it crippled its own legs.
Born unable to use its legs, it walked on its hands, chanting the Flawless Mantra (無缺眞言) for its entire life.
People called Obsidian mad.
They also called it a pitiful bastard, insulted it for its ominous muttering, and some even tried to hang it to death.
In its first incarnation, Obsidian was stoned to death by people.
In the second incarnation, it again stood on its hands and chanted the mantra.
777 lifetimes passed like so.
Having spent 777 lifetimes standing on its hands chanting the Flawless Mantra, Obsidian obtained overwhelming power worthy of being called a divine among divines.
There was no being in the entire universe that could oppose Obsidian, and except for the two gods who created the wheel, no one did not tremble before it.
[TL: The wheel means the wheel on a cart, in other words, the cartwheel.]
Yet, Obsidian thought.
It still had not filled the missing part in its heart.
Thus, Obsidian went to the two gods who were not afraid of it.
The Gods of the Wheel and the Axis.
It asked them just how it could find the missing part of itself.
The God of the Wheel said this.
To commit suicide before them and rest for a long time. To rest for an almost eternal period within their domain and soothe its weary soul.
The God of the Axis said this.
If it brought the most precious and valuable thing in the Three Thousand Great Thousand Worlds to them, they would tell it the method.
Following the words of the God of the Axis, Obsidian searched for the most valuable thing in the world.
But even after a long time, it could not understand what the most valuable thing was.
Eventually, Obsidian thought.
'Since my body and authority have become the most dreadful weapon in the Three Thousand Great Thousand Worlds, I will cut off my body and bring it to them. I will cut off my lower half and bring it to the God of the Axis, and then I will walk on my hands upside down again.'
It reached a single small world and began to carve off its lower body.
With a sharp knife, it cut off its lower half, washed it in the river until it was clean, and repeated the process of flaying off its own lower half.
Eventually, Obsidian almost completely flayed its lower body.
And as Obsidian was flaying the last flesh of its lower half and moaning in pain,
It met a girl by the riverbank.
The girl gave the suffering Obsidian a remedy and handed it a bowl of milk porridge.
Caught off guard, Obsidian inadvertently scooped up the milk porridge and was struck by a lightning-like shock.
For the first time in 777 lifetimes, it wept uncontrollably over the 'taste' it experienced, burying its head in the milk porridge.
Ravenously licking the milk porridge, Obsidian pleaded with the girl.
To please just give it one more plate like this milk porridge.
The girl gladly gave it a plate, and Obsidian, upon eating that rice porridge, felt satisfaction for the first time and also, 'gratitude.'
With tears streaming down its face, it decided to repay this grace by following the girl while standing on its hands, blessing her for a lifetime.
However, seeing a monster without a lower body following the girl while standing upside down, everyone looked at the girl strangely, and she felt embarrassed.
But the kind-hearted girl, despite feeling embarrassed, did not chase Obsidian away. Instead, she brought a baby blanket and carried the upside-down Obsidian on her back.
From that day on, Obsidian accompanied the girl.
For the first time in a long while, Obsidian, being close to the ground but not standing upside down, could look directly at the world.
Accompanying the girl, it experienced anew the countless beauties and precious things of the world.
And one morning,
Waking up while sleeping together with the girl, it finally understood what the 'most valuable thing in the world,' as mentioned by the God of the Axis, was.
The most valuable thing did not exist.
Because everything in this world, as long as it has a heart, is too precious to be valued.
It realized why the milk porridge the girl gave it on the first day was delicious.
It must have been because it was the first 'pure kindness' it had received in this world.
Realizing this, it wept.
At the same time, it realized it had fallen in love with the girl and, after regrowing its lower body, it shared a bed with her.
It finally felt its depleted soul was filled.
It had understood the meaning of its existence in this world.
After happily hugging his wife, he left briefly for a distant world to gather the remnants he had shed over 777 lifetimes to make her a god.
And the very next day.
When Obsidian returned with a gift for his wife, he found her dead, bitten by a snake.
"Snake?"
I ask Yu Oh.
"Obsidian, who had become a being that could control the heavens and the earth, allowed his wife to be killed by something like a snake?"
"I'm not sure myself. It might be a metaphor for something poisonous or...perhaps a metaphor for some treacherous being among the Heavenly Kings. I wasn't there, so I don't know exactly. Obsidian had sealed off that entire dimension, preventing beings like me from even coming close, so how could I know the true circumstances of that time?"
"Hmm...I see."
"If you're satisfied, let's continue the story."
Obsidian wept bitterly over his dead wife.
At the same time, he finally understood the identity of what had been missing in his heart.
It was 'desire (갈구/渴求).'
[TL: More specifically, a very strong and deep desire/craving.]
To realize desire, he had devoured countless suns, moons, and stars, and inflicted pain on himself over 777 lifetimes.
But he finally understood the true meaning of desire.
He always knew,
Before and after reincarnation,
That he would not be utterly annihilated, so he had never truly desired for anything wholeheartedly.
But now, he started to desire wholeheartedly.
For the [outside] of the Three Thousand Great Thousand Worlds.
For his homeland.
If it was the world of the undyings, his wife would not have died.
Having been fundamentally undying since he first fell to this world, Obsidian, who had never known any anxiety or fear, finally understood 'death' painfully.
Finally, he made his resolve.
To burn all of himself, who had never even come close to death, and leave this world.
No...
Leaving was not the end.
He decided to bring salvation to the world.
To bring salvation to this world and bring it to his homeland, the world of undyings, to free all beings from the terror of death.
Obsidian activated an Immortal Art that would swallow all phenomena.
At the same time, he sought out an ominous place during the activation of the Immortal Art, fell its gatekeeper, and headed beyond.
To leave while taking everything from this world.
To liberate everyone in this world from fear, anxiety, and the so-called fate.
Thus, he disappeared beyond the ominous world.
"...That concludes the tale of Obsidian, also known as the Obsidian Devil Heavenly King, one of the Seven Brilliances Kings."
I listen to the story of the Obsidian Devil Heavenly King and let out a sigh.
Setting aside his terrifying deeds...
"...Do you not know the story beyond this?"
"I do not know either. That person's story ends here. And furthermore..."
She laughs.
"The end of the stories for all Heavenly Kings are very much alike. The same for the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord, and the same for the Golden Divine. Ultimately, they all return to the most ominous place in the entire Three Thousand Great Thousand Worlds, the place that has remained intact since time immemorial, enduring countless Ends...they return to the Head Realm."
"..."
"By the way, how do you feel about it?"
She pours tea as she speaks.
"It's a story about fate. In the beginning, 'Obsidian falls into a strange world and continues his cultivation,'
"In the development, 'he meets a loved one and learns about the heart',
"In the twist, 'he inevitably loses his loved one,'
"And in the conclusion, 'he reaches enlightenment on a truth that permeates his entire life. In other words, he realizes his fate.' This is the story of Obsidian... Was it a bit interesting to you?"
"...Setting interest aside...it's a bit unpleasant to hear."
I make a slightly bitter expression.
Feeling a bitter taste in my mouth, I gulp down black plum tea to wash it away and say,
"The phrase 'beginning, development, twist, and conclusion' feels as if the life of the existence known as Obsidian itself is like a section of a novel... It's somewhat uncomfortable."
"If you find the words uncomfortable, there is another expression. How about Heavenly Circle?"
"Heavenly Circle?"
She smiles faintly.
"The formula of the Heavenly Circle used when rising to the Heavenly Circle stage. You must know about the formula of the Heavenly Circle stage, right?"
"Yes, well...I know as much as others do."
"In the formula of the Heavenly Circle, there are Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, the Four Seasons. Doesn't thinking of it as Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter rather than beginning, development, twist, conclusion make it a little less unpleasant?"
"..."
"Every being lives through the Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter of life, and acknowledging that is the end of the Minor Boundary, the Heavenly Circle stage. To be born (Spring), to grow (Summer), to mature (Autumn), to lie down (Winter), and in the end, to be grateful to fate and peacefully fall asleep under the heavens (Acceptance at Fate's End). This is the truth realized by everyone in the Minor Boundary. It's just that I personally prefer the term beginning, development, twist, conclusion, and that's why I use it."
Her words continue.
"So, how do you feel about it, Heavenly King designate Esteemed One Seo?"
"...Heavenly King designate..."
Her words suggest that I, too, will inevitably experience such a fate.
'No, I've already experienced it.'
I think back to the 10th cycle and smile bitterly.
In fact, if I hadn't met Buk Hyang-hwa at the end of the 10th cycle or if I hadn't properly handled Yuan Li, I don't know what would have become of me.
A fate of falling in love and [inevitably] parting with them.
Isn't that such a cruel fate?
Feeling bitter, I speak.
"So you're saying this is the inevitable fate that all the Seven Brilliances Kings, that is, all the Heavenly Kings, go through. Then, the Heavenly Rejected who have experienced this fate are all called 'Heavenly Kings'?"
Yu Oh shakes her head to my question.
"There are two conditions to be called a Heavenly King."
"Two conditions?"
"Yes. The first is, as I just mentioned, to undergo the fate of Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, the Beginning, Development, Twist, Conclusion, and come to know their fate. The second is...to reach the extreme limit, the pinnacle of True Immortality. Those who meet these two conditions are called Heavenly Kings, and the Heavenly Rejected bearing the title of Heavenly Kings...in truth..."
Yu Oh glances at Seo Ran briefly before speaking.
"Can become one of the most distinguished beings even among the True Immortals."
[Receive the treatment of Heavenly Venerables.]
Perhaps worried that Seo Ran might melt like candle wax, she whispers the information about Governing Immortals to me alone via voice transmission.
"Hmm...!"
I swallow a gulp.
'So, a Heavenly King is a kind of special Governing Immortal.'
Tingle!
At that moment, I suddenly recall the beings I saw in the taenghwa at Grand Nirvana Temple and understand the full extent of what I felt then.
'So, that's it. The feeling of 'being real entities' I got from those taenghwa was because the Heavenly Kings in the taenghwa were essentially Enders who had reached the level of Governing Immortals.'
Chills!
Feeling that realization, I suddenly instinctively sense a crisis.
"Heot...!"
I suddenly stand up, ready for the shock, but Yu Oh and Seo Ran just look at me strangely.
Nothing particular happens.
"Em...did you not like the tea much?"
"No, it's not that..."
I feel puzzled about how to explain it.
'You receive a shock when perceiving Governing Immortals.'
Of course, after perceiving several times, resistance develops to some extent. But if there is a completely new being perceived, the shock is felt without any resistance.
However, the existence of Governing Immortals itself is not shocking.
For example, the [Light] warned by Yang Su-jin, and the [Owner of Great Mountain] each govern light and mountains respectively.
Yet, ordinary humans do not melt like candle wax simply by seeing light or climbing a mountain.
Light and mountains are within the domain of the Governing Immortals, but humans typically do not perceive that far.
Since they are unaware of their true nature, there is no significant issue in seeing light or mountains.
However, what if those who know the true nature of [Light] or the [Owner of Great Mountain] see such things?
'Every time they see it, they get shocked.'
If I hadn't gone crazy once in the past and hadn't developed resistance from recognizing Governing Immortals too many times, I would have gone mad long ago.
But, being mad or developing resistance does not mean one stops being shocked by Governing Immortals.
If someone who has never built up any resistance hears about Governing Immortals like the [Seven Brilliances Kings] and recalls them, they would naturally experience great shock and pain.
'But...why am I alright?'
I ponder for a moment before asking.
"Perceiving True Immortals causes a great shock to the mind. But recalling the mentioned Seven Brilliances Kings...seems fine to me."
She looks into her black plum tea for a moment and says,
"The reason for receiving shock when perceiving True Immortals is because of [wisdom]."
"Wisdom?"
"Yes. When a mediocre being directly faces a vastly superior being, they gain profound [wisdom]. From now on...ordinary Qi Building and Core Formation cultivators will be able to gain the 'wisdom of condensing stars' when directly facing Esteemed One Seo's main body. Most formulas for the next stages are obtained in that manner."
"..."
I let out a low groan.
Now I too have become a being that imparts some knowledge merely by perceiving my main body.
"Moreover, beings too weak cannot even accept that wisdom and end up exploding and dying. For example...what would happen to a slave race that lacks even the consciousness domain, if they were to embody the 'the sense of using the consciousness domain to identify planes and draw Heaven and Earth energy from hundreds of li'?"
"...Their heads would explode and die. Probably the same would happen to the Qi Refining stage, not just the slave race."
Beings of lower realms cannot comprehend the dimensions inhabited by beings of higher realms.
For example, on paper.
If one tries to explain a 3D 'apple' to a 2D 'picture' drawn in black and white by smearing apple juice on it, what would happen?
Naturally, the picture would either melt or become a mess.
In this way, knowledge about higher-dimensional beings can be so powerful it could melt lower-dimensional beings.
"You understand well. That's right. Ultimately, the reason lower-dimensional beings are shocked upon seeing higher-dimensional beings is [wisdom]. Directly facing True Immortals grants [wisdom], and one melts away because they cannot handle that [wisdom]. Moreover, while one receives a shock from facing True Immortals, there is one reason for being safe even after knowing the reality of the Seven Brilliances Kings."
"What is that reason?"
Then, Yu Oh's next statement makes me shiver.
"The owner does not allow it."
"Pardon?"
"Exactly as said. The existence of the Seven Brilliances Kings. Their reality. And...the vast [wisdom] their existence harbors. The [names] of the Seven Brilliances Kings itself are tightly bound to the being currently owning them, so even if one calls their names and knows their reality, they cannot receive the [wisdom]... It does not cause shock at all."
"...Are you saying the ownership of the names of the Seven Brilliances Kings is with [someone]?"
"Exactly."
I quietly gaze at my teacup.
'Thinking about it...even if Yang Su-jin has been extinguished, he was a True Immortal. Yet, there are more than a few who call his real name and title, and I too have shouted Yang Su-jin's name numerous times and was fine.'
Calling the name of an existence like Yang Su-jin and remaining unharmed.
It's because someone strongly holds the ownership of Yang Su-jin's name, so calling it has no effect.
Then, I think of a being as if struck by lighting.
'Yang Su-jin said...[something]...[is searching for us].'
In the recesses of my mind, the stories I've heard thus far merge into a single thread.
The ominous land called the Head Realm.
The being that is searching for us.
The tale of Obsidian.
The tale of the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord.
The last moments of Yang Su-jin.
The being that holds the ownership of the names of Enders...
The mountain summit.
Thirty-third Heaven.
Audience Chamber...
"I have heard from Sacred Master Baek Woon why the Head Realm is called the ominous land. She said that the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord along with other great beings reached out to the Head Realm and died, making the Head Realm ominous. However...according to the words of Sacred Master Yu Oh, even when the being called Obsidian was alive, the Head Realm was considered ominous."
"That seems to be the case."
"...Then, regardless of the 'reason the Head Realm is ominous' that Sacred Master Baek Woon spoke of, it would seem that the very nature of the Head Realm has been ominous from the beginning. If so..."
I recall the sinister guess that just occurred to me and swallow my saliva.
"It's not a problem with the shape of the Head Realm or what surrounds it. It's because [there is something considered ominous in the Head Realm]..."
: : Gal (喝). : :
Jjiiiiiing!
In an instant, Sacred Master Yu Oh accelerates her consciousness domain, lifting her consciousness to the domain of Immortals and bursts out in a lion's roar.
I vomit blood along with a ringing in my head.
"Haeook...heok..."
[Shhh.]
Suddenly appearing before me, Yu Oh places her finger on her lips.
[Do not. Speak. Carelessly. Don't you know 'it's hard to retrieve spilled water'?]
"..."
I cover my mouth and slowly nod.
'I received Yu Oh's help.'
Just now.
I had no thoughts of speaking out loud about that existence.
However, as soon as the truth that [there is something] in the Head Realm occurred to me, my mouth moved on its own.
'Thank...goodness...'
I think while covering my mouth.
But at the same time, I gain a certainty.
'The reason the Head Realm is called ominous is not just because of the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord and their friends. [There is someone or something ominous residing there].'
It's such a terrifying existence to the point that my mouth moved on its own just by inferring that 'such a being exists.'
Yu Oh briefly makes eye contact with me and speaks.
"You will probably understand more clearly why the Head Realm is ominous when you become a True Immortal. There's no need to know now. After all, no matter how much you think about it now, you won't even be able to guess."
"...Thank you for the advice."
"It's nothing. By the way..."
Yu Oh looks up at the ceiling and says,
"...Your comrades seem to be doing their best to save Esteemed One Seo. It appears they are exerting all their efforts to bring back Esteemed One Seo's consciousness from this world."
"Hm!"
Startled, I look upwards.
Certainly.
I seem to hear my comrades' voices coming from some distant place.
"Hmm..."
Yu Oh looks down at me for a moment and then, regretfully, takes three steps back.
"It seems this is as far as we go. Originally, there was a place I intended to take Esteemed One Seo, but a distinguished guest has arrived at my residence. I must attend to the guest, so...I shall let you go for today. Please return to your comrades."
Snap!
Yu Oh snaps her fingers, and the surrounding scenery begins to distort.
I realize that Yu Oh is about to expel us back outside.
Woong!
At the same time, I feel attraction force from [two places].
I sense the aura held by the attraction forces and discern the locations of the two places.
One side is a dark place.
Deep and yet deeper.
It's the Underworld.
And from the other side...I feel the aura of Hong Fan and the Nether Crossing Ship.
'That way leads to the world of the living.'
I stand up, intending to go where the Nether Crossing Ship's aura is felt together with Seo Ran.
"Thank you for your hospitality today. I hope there will be another day to drink tea together."
I bow to her in respect.
Yu Oh's eyes flash for a moment.
"...I too look forward to the day we meet again."
She shows a bright smile that she has not shown until now.
Before being expelled from Yu Oh's palace, I suddenly ask her something that I'm curious about.
"By the way...does Sacred Master know of a way to remove the death energy that has accumulated in the soul?"
The death energy has become so concentrated that it liquefied and is flowing out, pulling me towards the Underworld.
As this is also a problem that I must solve, I ask her.
Hearing my question, she responds incredulously.
"...You're asking me, the palace lord of the Azure Ghost Palace, which guides the deceased to the Netherworld, to teach you a heaven-defying art that allows one that must die to avoid death?"
"Haha, think of it as building a closer relationship and please tell me."
I remember when Yu Oh told me the story of Obsidian to 'build a closer relationship,' and decide to give it a try.
'Well, I don't expect much... If it violates the rules of the Black Ghost Palace, she probably won't...'
"In that case, I'll give you a clue."
"Huh?"
'Really giving it?'
"However, I too am making a big decision by giving this to you, so please answer the question I asked earlier about Esteemed One Seo. Who Esteemed One Seo's master is, where you trained Immortal Arts, so on."
"Hmm...Since you have shared a lot of information with me, I will tell Sacred Master who I studied under."
"Good. Then I will tell you right away. It's a formula for ridding death energy. [When Taiji unites, the Three Ultimates (三極) will circulate]. If you think carefully about this formula, it will be of great assistance in softening the death energy."
"Thank you. My master's name is..."
I open my mouth.
"Salt (鹹)..."
The next moment.
Paaaatt!
"...Huh?"
In front of my eyes is Hong Fan.
"Master! Are you okay! We barely managed to bring back Master's consciousness!"
"Ah...oh dear."
I click my tongue.
"I couldn't give the name. What to do now...?"
"Pardon? What does that mean?"
"Mm, It's nothing, Hong Fan. Thanks for pulling me back like this."
"Haw haw, it's all thanks to Sir Seo Ran. I just assisted Sir Seo Ran a bit in operating the Nether Crossing Ship."
I laugh at Hong Fan's modesty and clear my head.
It seems I will be busy sorting out the thoughts in my head tonight.
Inside the palace from which Seo Eun-hyun had just left.
The figure of her who is there begins to distort.
The essence of her, who just shared a story with Seo Eun-hyun, begins to be revealed and causes the entire space to fluctuate.
The attraction force she possesses causes the area to crumble.
Having revealed her presence, she returns to the deepest part of the palace.
She sits down where her throne is located.
With one hand supporting her head, she looks somewhere inside the crumbling palace.
Just then,
From somewhere, someone pops out.
It's a figure of a person dressed in neat black clothes.
He crosses the crumbling palace and stands before her, saying,
"What wicked scheme are you plotting in the Saha world this time?"
As she twitches her eyes, the being in front of her steps back, looking up at her with a slightly humiliated expression.
"I will see how long you can remain so leisurely. I have almost reached you now, so be alert."
Having finished speaking, he turns his back and leaves from in front of her.
She watches the being who just left from inside the palace and lets out a small sneer.
The being who just left.
To the one Seo Eun-hyun calls Hyeon Gwi.
Translator Notes: Obsidian Demon Heavenly King -> Obsidian Devil Heavenly King
-x-X-x-
I sit down and organize the information given by Yu Oh.
'First, Enders will eventually become Heavenly Kings. Moreover, in the Buddhist Family, Enders who have become Heavenly Kings are referred to as the Seven Brilliances Kings and are used as a target point for cultivation."
According to Tae Yeol-jeon's explanation, the Seven Brilliances Kings are actually bodhisattvas who personify human emotions.
'Emotions...the study of the heart...'
I suddenly think of Immortal Arts.
'Are Enders some beings related to the essence of Immortal Arts?'
Why exactly have we fallen into this world?
And why are we meant to return to the Head Realm?
[Why] have each of us been granted a peculiar ability...?
'Thinking about this won't give me any answers.'
In any case, Enders are Heavenly Kings.
And since Heavenly Kings are related to emotions, we too might be connected to this thing called 'emotions.'
'That's all that's been revealed so far.'
I organize more information.
'Obsidian was an Ender, and he too met a tragic end.'
During the story of Obsidian, I recall the story about the [Snake].
'At Salt Mountain, it was made sure so a snake couldn't enter that world, and the Owner of Names stepped forward to make a promise. Hyeon Eum—that is, Blood Yin—said the black snake was ominous and forbade the use of related symbols... Even in Obsidian's story, a snake happened to bite and kill his wife.'
What exactly is the [Snake]?
I look at Hong Fan for a moment and ask.
"Hong Fan, do you have any thoughts when I mention [snake]?"
Since there had been many incidents related to snakes around Hong Fan, it's natural for me to ask him.
Hong Fan seems to stroke his beard and then says,
"A snake, you say...? Snake...hmm... I'm not sure, but traditionally, snakes have often been used as symbols of [wisdom]."
"Wisdom...that's true."
Patience and wisdom.
Rebirth and good fortune are what snakes symbolize.
In some places, they are considered ominous, but surprisingly, the snake is actually seen as a good omen.
"Then, what do you think about legends where the characters suffer misfortune because of a snake? Is that also related to wisdom?"
"I believe a snake is, in a sense, a type of poison."
"Poison?"
"Yes. In reality, there's no such thing as 'poison' in this world. It's just that some substances do not suit certain living beings, while they do suit others. Moreover, many living beings take substances unsuitable for themselves, dilute them, and use them as 'medicine.' In short, the distinction between poison and medicine is determined only by the dosage—whether it is excessive or not. There is no such thing as a 'true poison'."
His explanation continues.
Since Hong Fan has surpassed me in the matter of poison, his words make quite a bit of sense.
I, too, had used poison at one point, so I understand his explanation well.
"Isn't wisdom the same? An appropriate level of wisdom benefits a being. But...excessive wisdom always..."
"Turns into a remedy worse than poison. It drives one mad to the point where their head might explode too."
"That's exactly right. The snake symbolizes wisdom. Therefore, if a character in a myth suffers misfortune due to a snake, it might be...a metaphor for [peeking into a wisdom beyond their capacity], leading them to receive retribution because they couldn't handle it."
"...I see."
I find Hong Fan's explanation quite credible.
'The moment a being perceives the name or essence of a True Immortal, they are inevitably shocked.'
Yu Oh said this happens because they are receiving [wisdom] by facing a being higher than themselves.
If it's a being that can handle the wisdom they receive, they remain unaffected, but those who are too fragile to bear it end up bursting and dying.
'And in the world of Salt Mountain, where there is a myth about [preventing snakes from entering], even [uttering the name of a Governing Immortal-level being] wasn't a problem.'
Combining the words of Hong Fan and Yu Oh.
The phrase [preventing snakes from entering] coincides with [blocking the wisdom of a being who has reached the Plane of Fate from reaching].
Since Hong Fan's explanation naturally connects the events in the world of Salt Mountain with what Yu Oh said, I nod.
"Certainly, there is truth in what you said."
After nodding, I step outside the cave and climb to a spot on a glass mountain, where I sit in a lotus position.
Hong Fan follows, checking if I need anything.
"Is your body truly fine now, Master?"
"Yes. In fact, too much power of death has accumulated in my soul, so I'm trying to solve that."
"Mm...!"
"Fortunately, I received a formula from a Sacred Master to dispel the death aura."
I tell Hong Fan about the formula I received from Yu Oh.
'With Hong Fan's help, I should be able to dispel the power of death more effectively.'
If it's a genius like him, he would likely catch any subtle tricks she might have tried to pull that I hadn't noticed.
After hearing the formula I got from Yu Oh, Hong Fan nods calmly.
"It seems like a very good formula. For now, it doesn't appear harmful to Master. It will help ensure Master isn't suddenly dragged to the Underworld."
"Oh, is that what you think?"
"Yes. The formula for the Taiji and Three Ultimates is especially useful for living beings. It doesn't turn into a death formula by combining the two. At least for this formula, there doesn't seem to be any trap, so it might be worth practicing."
"Alright, thank you for your opinion."
"It's only natural. Then, since Master needs to examine the formula, I'll step away for a bit."
Hong Fan bows to me and then goes down the glass ountain.
I watch the back of his head for a moment.
'His black hair has increased.'
Is it because he has reached the Integration stage?
Hong Fan looks a bit younger.
He now looks like an old man in his late 60s.
'If he reaches the Star Shattering stage, it'll be early 60s. At the Sacred Vessel stage, late 50s. At the Entering Nirvana stage, early 50s. When he becomes a True Immortal, will he look to be in his 40s?'
From True Immortal and above, the 'human form' no longer holds much meaning, so I don't know, but...
I suddenly wonder how much younger Hong Fan will get. It's quite intriguing.
'It seems he had a special past life. When he reaches the limit of how young he can get, will he receive memories of his past life?'
If that happens, will Hong Fan still be the same Hong Fan I know...?
'...Enough. Let's stop the useless thoughts... When Taiji unites, the Three Ultimates will circulate...huh.'
I shake my head as I think about the formula.
Taiji and Three Ultimates.
Something immediately comes to mind.
Wo-woong!
I send my incarnation into the sky.
The incarnation quickly pierces through the sky and reaches outer space.
Kugugugugu!
Void Shattering.
Heaven Path Method.
Earth Path Method.
'Now, they have all risen to the same realm.'
Wiiiiing!
Colorless Sword Mountain Treading Sea Great Star.
From the first star, the Heavenly Rain Great Star, attraction force converges towards me.
The realm of Void Shattering.
The power of a star on the Plane of Soul intertwines with the power of a star on the Plane of Qi.
Simultaneously, the attraction force of fate draws a circle behind me.
Paaaatt!
The Three Great Ultimates rotate, and an immense power starts to boil within the incarnation.
'Incredible.'
I stick out my tongue, savoring the unprecedented, colossal energy that begins to amplify within me.
Dudududududu!
Power itself boils over, shaking the entire surrounding cosmic space.
'What level of power is this?'
I recall the Star Shattering Esteemed Ones I have met so far.
In the case of Jang Ik, he seems to have a hidden move, so I've ruled him out from the beginning...
As for the Esteemed Ones of the Blood Yin Realm...
'For those like Swae Ryeong or Gyu Cheon... With this level of power, I could beat them to death one against two."
Of course, this is the minimum estimate.
I still don't quite know how strong I've become, so I am just roughly gauging it.
Moreover, all of this is under the assumption of simply beating them down with raw strength, without using martial techniques.
'If I add martial techniques along with spells and Immortal Arts, and with the seven artificial stars of the Mad Lord...hmm.'
I nod my head.
It seems I won't lose even against the Blood Yin Realm Seven Great Esteemed Ones Of An Era.
Kugugugu!
I observe the overflowing power and frown.
'Being able to face the Seven Great Esteemed Ones aside...there's still no particular response from the death energy.'
Even when I rotate the Three Great Ultimates, I don't feel any particular effect on the death energy, and I frown.
Nothing has changed.
'When Taiji unites, Three Ultimates circulate...'
I stop rotating the Three Great Ultimates and ponder what Yu Oh meant by 'Taiji.'
'Thinking about it in the simplest terms, it's water and fire. Yin and Yang. Pairs of things that stand in complete opposition. Since Yu Oh is the Sacred Master of the Nether Ghost Realm, from her perspective, what would stand in complete opposition?'
I ponder for a moment, then, to think from Yu Oh's point of view, I activate Crystal Glass to Treading Sea.
Crystal Glass to Treading Sea.
Twin Flowers Reaching the Heavens (雙花長天).
Whoosh!
A glass-colored flame rises in both of my hands.
One side has a dark, obsidian-like light, and the other has a pure white, quartz-like light.
All the methods I have learned so far have now merged into Crystal Glass to Treading Sea.
The White Orchid Blessing Incantation and Yin Soul Ghost Incantation have also merged into Crystal Glass to Treading Sea, taking their place within me.
The Innate True Method, Crystal Glass to Treading Sea, is based fundamentally on the fire known as Glass True Fire.
It is a flame that burns based on my 'memories of suffering,' and anyone touched by the Glass True Fire experiences a part of the pain I've endured, without exception.
At the same time, those touched by the Glass True Fire start losing their cultivation to it as they experience this pain.
Of course, 'if they can maintain their sanity in the midst of pain and accept the suffering,' it's possible not to lose their cultivation, but that's impossible for most beings.
This is the result of combining the characteristics of the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation and Great Desert to Dead Sea.
Moreover, whatever enters the flames of pain is completely melted down, adding to the Glass True Fire, making Crystal Glass to Treading Sea even stronger.
The Glass True Fire of Crystal Glass to Treading Sea looks like a flame, but it also possesses the properties of glass, solidifying into glass when it cools.
Specifically, it is the process where the painful memories burning at the Plane of Soul, and my clear mind deeper within, descends to the Plane of Qi as it cools, turning into glass.
In any case,
This Glass True Fire ultimately encapsulates my mind.
Thus, by infusing my memories and mind, it could, in theory, manifest everything I've experienced.
Hwarurururuk!
Curses and blessings.
The spirits of Yin and Yang are contained within the Glass True Fire in both hands.
They resemble a black flower and a white flower.
I activate Twin Flowers Reaching the Heavens, trying to embody the same state as Yu Oh by activating Nether Perception.
Paaaatt!
As soon as I activate Nether Perception, I can feel an immense world of death beckoning me.
'Don't be careless. One wrong move and I'll be sucked right in.'
I struggle not to be sucked into the world of death with all my might, observing the curses and blessings in my hands from the outskirts of the Netherworld.
'Curses and blessings...from the vision of Nether Perception, both are colorless...'
There's no distinction between the two, so what difference would uniting them make?
I merge the two Glass True Fires into one.
From the vision of Nether Perception, it's just two colorless flames merging into one.
'It's just colorless with no change...huh?'
My eyes suddenly widen as I stare at the Glass True Fire.
The colorless flame, formed by the union of Yin and Yang's curses and blessings, is pulling the death energy within me.
The colorless (無色) pulls in the black (黑色), drawing the Taiji (太極).
—When Taiji unites, the Three Ultimates circulate.
I turn off Nether Perception and look at the phenomenon unfolding before my eyes in reality.
Yin Soul Flower and White Orchid Flower.
Within the Glass True Fire, where the two flames are mixed, a dark power of death burns alongside them.
Chiiiiii—
However, the union of the three energies doesn't last long. The energy of blessings and curses fades, and the power of death returns back into my body.
"...This is it."
When Taiji unites, the Three Ultimates circulate.
From the perspective of death, both blessings and curses, Yin and Yang, as long as they belong to the domain of life, are all colorless.
And the colorless that forms when blessings and curses merge symbolizes 'life,' and the forces of life and death once again draw the Taiji.
When viewed in reality, it looks as if three energies are circulating.
'It looks like Three Ultimates, but it's actually Taiji drawn from the power of two energies mixed together with the power of death.'
Understanding Yu Oh's words, I close my eyes and draw the Three Great Ultimates.
Insert Yin and Yang of the Heaven Path and Earth Path to create colorless.
Correspond Void Shattering to death to create black.
As I do this, the Three Great Ultimates begin to circulate without me needing to rotate them.
Paaaatt!
At the same time, I feel the power of death within me rapidly being drawn into the Three Great Ultimates.
'The speed of the Three Great Ultimates is even faster than when I forcibly rotate them.'
The rate of power amplification increases.
'If it's like this...'
I grin.
If it's just an ordinary Sacred Vessel stage without a Middle Realm, I might truly be able to contend with them.
Pssst...
However, there's a slight issue with the Three Great Ultimates created in this manner.
Perhaps it's because death inherently possesses the characteristic of stillness (靜).
The Three Great Ultimates, having absorbed my death energy, eventually lets the aura die down, and the death energy returns to my body again.
While there isn't a significant change in the cultivation itself, it seems that the Three Great Ultimates obtained this way provide a higher rate of amplification in exchange for not being able to last for a long time.
Ultimately, instead of resolving the death energy, it's a method that temporarily detaches the death energy from my body to amplify my power.
'Of course, if I keep circulating the Three Great Ultimates nonstop, theoretically, I wouldn't be dragged to the Netherworld.'
But that's it.
I would have to live my entire life constantly activating the Three Great Ultimates just to barely avoid being pulled into the Netherworld.
'...Hmm, for now, I need to find a more fundamental solution than what Yu Oh has given me.'
I sigh, using the star vein to set my direction towards the Lightning Sacred Sea, and slowly start using the ground-shrinking technique.
The new Three Great Ultimates that rotates driven by the aura of death.
I rotate the Death Path (死道) Three Great Ultimates again to further separate death from myself for a bit longer, and I turn my incarnation back towards the star.
Just then.
'Hmm?'
For a moment, I feel several scenes flash before my eyes.
The outskirts of the Netherworld.
The outskirts of the Source River, seen through the Star Vein Eye.
And...
"...!"
It's a scene of hundreds of millions of light clusters gathering to form a garden in the shape of flowers.
"Ah...!"
I understand what Blood Yin meant by Five Senses.
'So that's it...'
Until now, I thought Nether Perception and Star Vein Eye were the only senses that touched the domains of other Heavenly Venerables.
But unexpectedly, I possess yet another sense.
'That place is...Eastern Heaven Flower Field.'
The sense that perceives the cradle that allows beings of the Netherworld and the Source River to return to the existing realm.
I can feel clearly what this sense is.
'Every person...no, every living being in this world has, at some point, seen the Eastern Heaven Flower Field!'
When a person who died is reincarnated and reborn.
When a baby is born into this world, what is the first thing the baby sees?
The midwife's face? The parents' face?
Wrong.
The first thing a baby sees is the 'light' they gaze upon when they emerge from the darkness.
Then, what exactly is that first 'light' that shines upon the child?
It is not merely a light seen when emerging from the darkness.
Every living being, upon birth, sees the Eastern Heaven Flower Field they have passed through.
'I...if I think about it, have been 'reborn' hundreds of times.'
Each time I started a new cycle, I've always seen 'light.'
That wasn't simply the light of regression.
That was, perhaps...
The flower named after my life that I saw as I was granted a new life.
'That sensation I felt after dying and being reborn hundreds of times—that sensation was precisely...the sense of perceiving the Flower Realm.'
As the aura of death that envelops me momentarily fades through the rotation of the Three Great Ultimates, I am able to clearly perceive that sense.
'This is...the sense of perceiving the five worlds...'
I heighten my senses of the Eastern Heaven Flower Field even further.
The entire world begins to blur, and here and there, light starts to shine.
At the same time, light of all of the heavens' natural colors fill the surroundings, and each cluster of light merges to bloom into beautiful flowers.
'This is the Flower Realm.'
"These flowers are..."
"They are flowers that symbolize life. The life that will soon be granted. They determine the family, environment, body, and race one will be born into, while also representing the lives of those currently living."
"Oh, is that so?"
"You must not touch them recklessly. Terrifying beings like the Wheel Annihilation Evil Heart Flower grow everywhere like weeds. Of course, those who have learned certain special methods can intrude here and use techniques that borrow the energy of such sinister flowers, but..."
[TL: Wheel as in Cart Wheel, as in Axle and Wheel.]
"Perhaps..."
"Entering here is also fate, so I'll give you a gift. Take it. It's an Annihilation Flower."
"Pardon?"
Without giving me a chance to refuse, the old man places a black flower into my hand and leaves.
-x-X-x-
Thump-thump-thump—
I clutch my throbbing heart and regain my senses.
"Heok...huk..."
The surroundings are still inside my body.
"...What was that just now?"
I had a conversation with [someone of unknown identity].
And that [someone] had gifted me something called the [Annihilation Flower (滅亡花)].
I quickly feel around my incarnation's body and rummage through my main body as well.
As I toss and turn, earthquakes and storms erupt in various places, but now is not the time to worry about that.
'Just [what] did I receive, and from [whom]?'
I feel cold sweat trickling down as I observe my body, soul, and celestial energy.
'There is no conspicuous ominous misfortune...but what exactly is it?'
However, not seeing anything special only makes me only more anxious.
Paaaatt!
I gather my comrades, who are scattered and each cultivating on their own, into one place.
"Everyone, I have something to tell you."
"Hm? What is it?"
Paaaatt!
I take out the All-Heavens Sword and stick one into each of their heads.
"From now on, with this, you'll be able to communicate with me. So...please ascend immediately."
"Mm, what's the matter, Master? Mm, this doesn't come off easily."
Hong Fan brushes something off my chest, saying something is stuck and asks.
"Firstly..."
I tell my comrades an important truth.
"It's about 'us'. The higher beings of this world call the seven of us, who come from other worlds and possess special powers, as Enders (終命者)."
"Oh, then me and this..."
"And! I have occasionally mentioned this before but do not recklessly reveal what you possess!"
I interrupt Oh Hyun-seok's words and shout loudly.
"I know some of you may not know, but I have met a [higher being] long ago. It was a being also known as a True Immortal. And they told me this. 'True Immortals can bestow us with nothing but misfortune.' In other words, even if True Immortals show us goodwill and bless us, their goodwill and blessings will become a misfortune that we cannot bear." �
I continue with a stern face.
"And just now, I received something like an unknown blessing as a gift from a being I presume to be a True Immortal."
Hearing this, the color drains from all my comrades' faces.
Perhaps because they had been killed by the True Immortal-level Blood Yin hundreds of times, everyone seems fearful.
'Ah, is this not it?'
Experiencing death too much in a short period, I got confused.
There's no way my comrades died hundreds of times.
They must be worried because they are remembering the time when Blood Yin invaded the Bright Cold Realm.
'I wasn't confused before, but maybe it's because the records in the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections piled up too rapidly that I got confused momentarily.'
I feel a headache coming on for some reason as I recall my meeting with Sacred Master Yu Oh.
'...What was it? Something was off. There was a sense of discomfort during my meeting with Yu Oh, but...I can't figure out what it exactly was."
I shake my head and decide to investigate slowly before continuing my explanation.
"Anyway. Since I have received a blessing from such a being...it's currently dangerous to be near me."
"What are you talking about!? We need to stick together at a time like this."
"Mmm!"
"That's right. Just like when you suddenly started leaking black water and fainted earlier, someone needs to be there to help you!"
After hearing that, I look at Seo Ran and Hong Fan and say,
"If that's the case, then everyone except Seo Ran and Hong Fan, please ascend."
"What?"
"Seo Ran's Nether Crossing Ship and Hong Fan's Entering Heavens Beyond the Path and Integrated Dao Domain are more than useful to me. Regardless of the realm I mean. However, if others want to stay with me, it would be better to raise your realm first."
I sternly lay out the facts to my comrades.
"Frankly, at your current levels, you're more of a hindrance."
My words darken my comrades' complexions.
Kim Yeon and Kim Young-hoon look at me with strange eyes for some reason, while the rest of my comrades nod with bitter expressions.
"...Well, alright. If that's the case...once I reach the same realm as you, I will definitely come and find you!"
Oh Hyun-seok says this and turns around with Azure Tiger Saint.
After a while, led by Oh Hyun-seok, the rest of my comrades begin to attempt their ascension to the Bright Cold Realm.
Woo-woong!
They embody the attraction force of the Middle Realm, connecting their attraction force with the attraction force of the Bright Cold Realm and start creating a path to the Interdimensional Void.
I see off my comrades.
And, just as they are about to ascend,
Kim Young-hoon speaks to me in heart language.
—Seo Eun-hyun. Can't you feel that something is off with yourself?
—What do you mean?
—The past you would never have said it like that.
—I'm not sure what you're saying.
—...Alright. Since you seem completely unaware, I'll tell you... Take a good look at your intent. You will be able to understand immediately what I am talking about.
Puzzled by his words, I look at Kim Young-hoon, and they ascend back to the Bright Cold Realm from my body.
"What about my intent...?"
"If it's about Master's intent, it has become difficult to read due to the advancement in realm."
Hong Fan, who remains here, immediately answers me.
"It has become difficult to read... Ah, that's right. Thinking about it, it was like that."
Both the Esteemed Ones of the Blood Yin Realm and those seen in the Lightning Sacred Sea.
It was difficult to read any of their intent.
At that time, I just vaguely thought it was because of the difference in realms, but now I should be able to figure out the reason.
I sit in a lotus position and begin to observe my intent.
"What about my intent...? Oh."
I immediately understand.
'This, this is insane...'
Thud!
I immediately rise from my seat and clutch my head.
Back in the days of the True Devil Realm invasion.
When I first saw the left hand of Esteemed One Swae Ryeong, I couldn't read the intent at all.
Back then, I thought it was simply due to the difference in realms that the intent was unreadable.
But now, I finally understand the reason.
'Void Shattering is achieved through realizing emptiness, and Star Shattering Esteemed Ones eventually become emptiness upon becoming Esteemed Ones.'
I also understand the reason.
The intent of Esteemed Ones begins to slowly transforms into attraction force.
That is why I couldn't properly read the intent of the Blood Yin Realm Esteemed One.
Esteemed Ones naturally realize emptiness when they reach the Star Shattering stage.
"...I see."
Fate is essentially attraction force.
And Immortal Arts is the method by which fate and the world are twisted by the heart.
Therefore, from the Star Shattering stage onward, the heart begins to transform into attraction force itself.
"...The reason why my intent, which was previously fine, suddenly began changing into attraction force is probably because..."
I vomited the power of death using the Death Path Three Great Ultimates.
'Sacred Master Yu Oh...'
I smile bitterly.
[She] had said it.
The heart is essentially death.
Thus, the moment I momentarily shed the power of death from my body, the transformation of my heart into attraction force began.
'In the end, I found a method I can't use...'
If I empty out death, my heart turns into attraction force, and I eventually become emotionless.
If I retain my heart without it transforming into attraction force, I end up being dragged to the Underworld by the power of death, trapped for eternity.
Either way, it's a dreadful ending.
Kugugugu!
I lead the Colorless Sword Mountain Treading Sea Great Star and navigate towards the far end of the universe while letting out a sigh.
Three years have passed.
Kugugugu!
During my space journey, I finally arrive at a Decaying Corpse Realm after a long time.
"This is the place."
Decaying Corpse Realms are usually scattered across the Interdimensional Void, but some special Decaying Corpse Realms are occasionally found within the Astral Realm.
Like Yang Su-jin's ring finger, or this [thigh bone], so to speak.
I extend my consciousness towards the [thigh bone] surrounded by a dimensional veil.
'As expected, it's pretending to be a Decaying Corpse Realm, but it's something alive. It's not like the Vestiges of the Interdimensional Void...is it an Entering Nirvana True Person?'
I carefully avoid provoking that being as I approach the inside of the thigh bone.
In front of the world called the Peaceful Cloud Continent, I shrink my main body and overlay it with my incarnation, shaping it into a human form before descending within.
Paaaatt!
In one place on the continent.
After finding a familiar presence there, I head to the brat's dwelling.
Ruler of the Peaceful Cloud Continent.
The Grand Perfection Golden Core Sage God (現人神) who is said to have set a foot inside the True God realm, the Black Blade Great Emperor (黑刃大帝) Ham Jin, is tilting his cup of wine surrounded by pond of alcohol and a forest of meat (酒池肉林).
[TL: Pond of alcohol and a forest of meat is an idiom used to describe an environment of luxury, wealth, and indulgence.]
"Hahahaha! This is indeed the paradise of the mortal world! Soon, through the True God advancement ritual, I will reach the Nascent Soul stage! Then, truly no one will be able to oppose this seat's imperial words!"
He embraces beautiful women and several handsome men, eyeing the virgins brought before him.
"Hahaha! You were the ones who dared to challenge this seat's power and prestige! Good. As an example, tonight this seat shall show you affection."
"You filthy thing! If you are a cultivator, should you not cultivate the Dao instead of lusting after women like us who are already betrothed! Because of you plundering our nation's treasury for your entertainment, our country is in chaos!"
"Not to mention our clan! Do you even know how many women and men you have taken away from us!? Why do you make our lives miserable!?"
"Hahahahahaha!"
Ham Jin laughs uproariously.
"Impudent things! Speak all you want. I have power, and you do not. That is all!"
Ham Jin joyfully raises his cup towards the sky.
"May the power and prestige of this seat be eternal!"
Kwarurung!
Just then.
Clink—
Ham Jin feels as if lightning flashed before his eyes, and the whole world seems to have stopped.
'What's this? The flow of particles is slowing down. No...is it my mind that has accelerated? I see! 'Both' are happening. This, this is...'
Suddenly, Ham Jin realizes 'someone' has arrived before him.
"W-W-Wuji...! Cult Leader! Has the Cult Leader personally descended!?"
Wuji Cult Leader Seo Eun-hyun.
A giant devil with over a dozen heads, the source of the power Ham Jin has cultivated.
Seo Eun-hyun, who has descended by distorting the spacetime around him, looks around and clicks his tongue.
"With your talent and the Black Blade Maturing Secrets I made, you should have reached the mid Nascent Soul stage long ago. Just what have you been doing all this time?"
"Th-Th-That is...I, I have been struggling to spread the name of the Cult Leader across this continent..."
"Did I ask you to do that? Tsk...enough. Just hand over the key."
"Yes, yes!"
Ham Jin hastily pulls out a green jade tablet from his possession and presents it to Seo Eun-hyun.
Receiving the jade tablet, Seo Eun-hyun looks at Ham Jin.
"Just looking at you, your mind is full of delusions, desires, and greed."
"Yes, yes. I, Ham Jin, have erred. If Cult Leader just gives me time..."
"I originally intended to make you my direct disciple if you ascended."
"Pardon...?"
Seo Eun-hyun silently reveals his presence before Ham Jin.
"Hu, huaaaaack! Hukuuaaaaack!"
Ham Jin's eyes burst and begin to melt.
Blood tears stream from his eyes, and Ham Jin, unable to withstand Seo Eun-hyun's presence, kneels down and starts vomiting.
[Listen well. You seem to be following me and playing Cult Leader or Emperor, so I will warn you. If you truly wished to follow me, you should have disciplined yourself and accumulated cultivation, not oppress those weaker than you and enjoy such a pond of alcohol and forest of meat like this.]
"Hukuuaaaaack! Kuuaagk! Ah, uaaaah!!!"
Flames begin to rise from Ham Jin's body.
They are glass-colored flames.
From within these flames, glass swords start violently erupting from all over Ham Jin's body.
[You, my old connection, Ham Jin. If you had accumulated cultivation and reached the Heavenly Being stage, ascended and came to my side, then as someone with a connection to me, you would have become my true disciple. Then, someday, you might have reached the same realm as I.]
"Kuaaaaack! Uhueok! Uheuong!"
The screaming Ham Jin suddenly starts to weep.
[You, Ham Jin. You yourself threw away the opportunity to become a god-like being and chose to stay here. I respect your choice, but you shall never face me directly again.]
Kwaduduk!
Blades of glass sprout from Ham Jin's eyes.
Ham Jin rolls on the ground screaming in agony, and Seo Eun-hyun suddenly disappears from the spot.
Simultaneously, time begins to flow normally again.
"He-heok...! Kuaaaaah! Aaaaah!"
Ham Jin regenerates his body, pushing out the glass shards that have grown from him.
Yet, even after pushing out all the glass shards and regenerating his eyes, Ham Jin does not open his eyes.
It's because he feels that if he opens his eyes, the terrifying presence of Seo Eun-hyun might still be before him.
"Ku...kuhugk..."
Ham Jin feels the knowledge of 'the process of star formation' forcibly injected into his mind as he rises from the spot.
The process of a star's formation and the principle of nature's cycle rotate in Ham Jin's mind.
Drip—
He feels a nosebleed and, holding his head, shouts.
"Get out! Everyone get out!"
At Ham Jin's shout, everyone inside the great hall quickly exits.
He climbs onto his throne and falls into thought for a moment.
And a little later.
He buries his face in his hands and sighs heavily.
"Just what...have I been doing all this time...?"
After that day.
The Black Blade Great Emperor Ham Jin, who had swept through the Peaceful Cloud Continent, suddenly disappeared.
Some say he was murdered, others say he became a true Heaven Beyond Heavens and ascended.
The truth is, Ham Jin, reflecting on his own ugliness, cast aside all his power and prestige and began proper cultivation hidden in a mountain valley, but everyone on the Peaceful Cloud Continent speculated that Ham Jin met his end through whatever means.
After rebuking Ham Jin, I activated the jade tablet in the Decaying Corpse Realm and moved to another star.
Paaaatt!
'Now I understand.'
I click my tongue as I leap between stars.
This 'Path of Stars,' where each is a True Person.
This wasn't simply installed by Esteemed Ones.
'Using the Entering Nirvana True Persons as stepping stones, someone developed this.'
I follow the Path of Stars leading to the Lightning Sacred Sea.
Looking at the path of these formations, I speculate who could have developed this.
"Just who could it be, using the bodies of True Persons as stepping stones to establish these transmission arrays...?"
I land on a planet filled with poisonous clouds and mutter.
Just then.
[ Lofty Dragon. ]
"...!"
I flinch in surprise at the sound coming from around me and look around.
[ They Instructed The True Persons At That Time To Create This Path ]
I soon realize who the voice belongs to and am shocked.
'A star...! No, a True Person imitating a star...?'
[ And When We Reached This Realm They Told Us To refine this path. ]
The voice around me grows louder and clearer.
[In order to repay that person's grace, we became True Persons and refined their path. Therefore, the 'path' that originally comprised of three True Persons that worshiped Lofty Dragon has now become a path formed of dozens of True Persons.]
The incarnation of this star-mimicking True Person appears before me.
He is dressed in ancient attire, his face marked with dozens of bizarre tattoos, and a magnificent beard, presenting a dignified image of an elderly man with white hair.
[Cultivation spells are ultimately a path to reach Immortal Arts. The more it's called a peerless divine skill, the closer it is to Immortal Arts. Moreover...Lofty Dragon arranged for two Immortal Arts to activate this Path of Stars. And, the methods to reach those two Immortal Arts are precisely...[Purple Soul Filling the Heavens], [Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade].]
He looks at me and asks.
[I am the Lofty Dragon Care Chief Priest of the Human Race. Why can I feel the aura of these two techniques from a Human Race Sacred Vessel junior? I don't know about Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, but Purple Soul Filling the Heavens should be unattainable without transmission beyond mere formulas... Purple Soul Filling the Heavens was passed down to the Dragon Race, not the Human Race. What exactly is your identity?]
I recognize who he is and my eyes light up.
"You're the one who left the diary in the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person. The one who was hung upside down by Lofty Dragon True Person for not being able to draw a taenghwa and got beaten quite badly..."
[...]
"..."
An awkward silence hangs between us for a moment.
-x-X-x-