Chapter 1911 - ARTOC 133

The True Person, who had been silent for a moment, clicks his tongue at me while looking at me as if in disbelief.

[...I see. I didn't realize it since the scale of attraction force seen in the foresight was absurdly large, but could it be that you're in the Star Shattering stage? Your mental state doesn't seem that well, but to think such an existence like you would appear...]

He strokes his beard, appearing intrigued by me.

"...I don't quite understand what you mean."

I furrow my brows, trying to grasp the meaning of what the True Person is saying.

Since what stands before me is not the real physical body but an incarnation, I can't read any biological reactions, nor can I read his intent since he's a True Person beyond the Star Shattering stage where intent transforms into attraction force.

The True Person laughs while stroking his beard.

[Esteemed Ones gradually begin to transform their consciousness into attraction force. I've seen quite a few who, unable to adapt to this change, end up suffering from Qi Deviation and Inner Demons... How about you? Are you afraid?]

"...I'm not sure."

I respond expressionlessly, stroking my chin.

"In the past...emotions seemed quite important, but honestly, I'm not sure right now. I don't know why I put so much effort into these things."

I also can't quite grasp why I had sought powers like the Three Great Ultimates or Void Shattering.

'Instead, if I had focused solely on Heaven and Earth Cultivation, I would have reached the Sacred Vessel stage by now.'

He strokes his beard again and then abruptly introduces himself.

[Come to think of it, I haven't introduced myself. I am Jinlu Gok, the representative of the Human Race 500,000 years ago and the Lofty Dragon Care High Priest, who served the Immortal Beast Lofty Dragon as my master in the past. And...]

I gaze at him with a bit of curiosity at his continued words.

[...A man once called a master of consciousness methods 500,000 years ago...who, at one point, reached the third stage of Manifestation as a member of the Heart Tribe. Though I've now forgotten Manifestation, so I'm neither Heart Tribe or anything of the sort.]

"...Hm. That is surprising. Mastering the skills of the Heart Tribe is not easy..."

[What's difficult about it? I even received direct teachings in the consciousness method from the Tridacna Vast Cold Heavenly King over 500,000 years ago.]

He smiles faintly and claps his hands together.

Clap!

[And...speaking as a master of such consciousness methods, I'd say that those with Manifestation in the Heart Tribe experience their consciousness turning into attraction force at a faster rate and to a more intense degree once they reach the realm of an Esteemed One.]

"Hmm...that's interesting."

Shouldn't those who train in Manifestation from the Heart Tribe be able to maintain their emotions for a longer time even after becoming Esteemed Ones?

But Jinlu Gok explains that part quite clearly, making it easy for me to understand.

[Have you ever built a sandcastle?]

"Yes, well. I used to do it sometimes when I was a child."

[I see. Then, when you build that sandcastle, is the shadow of a large sandcastle small, or is the shadow of a small sandcastle small?]

I catch on to what he's trying to say.

"...You're saying that the size of the shadow corresponds to the size of the heart built through Manifestation?"

[Seven points out of ten. Think it over again carefully.]

"Hmm..."

I take a moment to reflect and carefully reconsider his question.

Suddenly, I sense something strange.

'Wait, the size of the shadow?'

"...The size of the shadow varies depending on the position of the sun, doesn't it?"

[Exactly. The correct answer isn't the size, but the 'light.' While the size does have some influence, it's minimal. Ultimately, a larger and longer shadow means being closer to the sun.]

He tells me this with a profound expression.

[In other words, the closer you get to the light, the bigger the shadow becomes. If we consider the sandcastle you built as the 'cultivation of the Heart Tribe,' then the cultivation of a Heaven Tribe cultivator that 'cultivates attraction force' is an 'act of approaching the light.' Of course, all beings inevitably draw closer to the light through cultivation, so that's not the issue. The real issue lies with those who, like you or I, have built sandcastles, or even sand mountains, in their hearts. Ordinary Heaven, Earth cultivators are like flatlands.]

"Hmm... So, that's why people like us experience a much faster and more intense transformation of intent into attraction force compared to regular cultivators?"

[You could say so. Ordinary Star Shattering stage cultivators only have their consciousness briefly turn into attraction force whenever they use spells...and their consciousness gradually transforms over time. But for us, once our consciousness shifts into attraction force, our very mind changes into attraction force at once. Just like what you're experiencing now.]

"Hm..."

I contemplate, looking inward at myself.

'Indeed, I have been feeling somewhat emotionless lately.'.

I have become indifferent to the realm of Void Shattering, but if I keep going like this and forget Manifestation, it would be a significant loss of power.

Although further training in Void Shattering is excessive, losing what I already have would be a disadvantage to me, so I ask Jinlu Gok for a solution.

"From what you're saying, it sounds like there's a way to avoid this once one reaches the realm beyond the Star Shattering stage."

[Of course there is.]

"What is it?"

I ask with a blank expression.

[But before I answer...I have something to ask you.]

"What is it?"

[What does the heart mean to you? Why do you seek to regain it?]

"Hmm..."

I ponder deeply.

'That's true, why am I trying to regain it?'

The heart is nothing but a source of distraction.

Even if I keep it within my chest, it's nothing more than a factory that produces Heart Demons, a source of pain that plagues me.

'From the start, isn't the heart essentially death?'

Recently, I have often been revolving the Three Great Ultimates to separate death energy from my body.

At first, it was hard to keep the Three Great Ultimates spinning constantly, but now I've gotten somewhat used to it.

After all, this is a matter of life and death, so I am literally staking my life on it.

'Diving deeply into the heart could cause the separated death energy to erupt and drag me to the Underworld...the heart? Why on earth do I need to cultivate such a thing?'

It's too dangerous.

At this point, it might be better to give up on Void Shattering altogether and focus solely on Heaven, Earth, and Puppet.

For some reason, Kim Yeon seems to have developed patterns similar to the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent, which suggests that she lost her voice but gained something akin to the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent in return.

If I could ask her to use that talent to create Sacred Vessel circuits or Entering Nirvana puppets, I could wield the strongest power in a more stable manner.

'...Wait, this is strange.'

However, in place of my lost emotions, my reason that has become extremely cold and rational detects a profound contradiction within myself.

—Why do you want to become the strongest?

'That's because...only by being the strongest can I protect my comrades.'

—Why do you want to protect your comrades?

'Only by being with them can I unravel the mystery of the existence known as Enders, and someday return to my homeland.'

—Why do you want to go back to your homeland? Couldn't you just indulge in ponds of alcohol and forests of meat and focus on reproduction here for all eternity?

'That's because...'

I suddenly find myself at a loss for words.

The question Jinlu Gok threw at me seems to cling to me, turning into a Heart Demon.

'No...this man. He's really done something to me. There's really a Heart Demon whispering within my consciousness... Jinlu Gok...did he cast some curse on me?'

I glare at Jinlu Gok for a moment, but I can't afford to engage in a confrontation against someone at a higher realm with a curse clinging to me.

Especially now, when even my Void Shattering is unstable, it's even more impossible.

'Since he doesn't have thoughts on attacking me for now, let's deal with this Heart Demon first. It's something I have to resolve anyway.'

I extricate myself from Jinlu Gok's planetary body, take a position in the cosmic space, and quickly begin to answer the contradictions that keep arising in my mind.

'My parents are back home...I have a job there... If I stay here, I'll be reported missing, and who knows what will happen to my social standing...'

—Why are you concerned with the culture of those mere bugs? You are already a star in itself. With just a little more cultivation, you'll reach the Sacred Vessel stage and enjoy a lifespan spanning in the billions. That's enough time for microorganisms to evolve and build a civilization. So why are you trying to return to a society so far beneath you?

'...Is that...so?'

It's a reasonable point.

Even my parents are ultimately just humans made of flesh and blood.

Moreover, the world I perceive is beyond the grasp of ordinary mortals.

As a Star Shattering Esteemed One, there is no longer any need to concern myself with the connection between parent and child.

My body is no longer even human, and having become a star, why should I still be concerned about such things?

I have transcended humanity.

'So it isn't a Heart Demon, but a blessing.'

It seems I have misunderstood Jinlu Gok.

Instead of something like a Heart Demon, he appears to have given me a stimulus or blessing to free my mind from the shackles of inferior humans, but I had mistaken it due to my paranoia.

'Let's throw away the shackles of race, and live freely as I roam the universe from now on.'

Honestly, why should I be entangled in such chains of this and that?

I no longer need comrades.

The annihilation of the Heavenly Domain?

With my current self, I feel like I could reach the Entering Nirvana stage within 500,000 years if don't care about the means and methods.

'I just need to repeat it 50 more times without dying.'

Then I would attain the true body of the Entering Nirvana stage, be able to withstand the destruction of the Heavenly Domain, and surviving that would guarantee at least hundreds of millions of years of cultivation time.

'Even if it takes hundreds of millions of years, I will surely become a True Immortal.'

I would become a True Immortal, and truly achieve eternal life.

'...'

Then, I realize something strange.

The [blessing] that Jinlu Gok gave me is whispering to me once again.

—Why do you need to achieve eternal life?

'That's...'

I ponder deeply before answering.

'Because I want to live?'

Is there really a need for a reason beyond that?

However, the 'blessing' persistently asks for a reason.

—Why do you want to live?

'...'

Why do I want to live...?

Isn't it obvious?

There are all kinds of pleasures, prosperity, and splendor in the world.

Isn't living eternally to enjoy those things an incredibly precious opportunity?

—Why do you need to enjoy such things?

'That's because among the desires of life, the desire for sleep, reproduction, and food are essential for a living creatures to survive...'

Then, in the middle of my answer, I realize the contradiction in that response as well.

'...But I'm not a living creature anymore...?'

I don't even have such desires.

Which means, the desires I just mentioned aren't truly what I want.

Realizing this truth, I become confused.

I'm not even a living creature, and desires have no meaning.

Having become a star itself, things like comrades, family, and connections lost their meaning.

Then...'why am I even living'?

The one asking these questions is no longer the Heart Demon.

It is myself, endlessly questioning and answering myself.

I twist the surrounding spacetime with attraction force, accelerating the flow of time, and think within that space.

Ten seconds here equal one second outside.

There is ample time to think.

'Why am I alive?'

To avoid suffering?

Simply because I cannot die due to regression?

I trace my purpose from beginning to end.

Why am I here, doing this?

'My initial purpose...was to break regression.'

I recall the 18th cycle and think of Seo Li.

To have a body that can be buried in the ground when it dies.

To live a [single, proper life].

To live a life [where those who remember me remain in this world even if I die].

That was what I genuinely desired when I was still human.

Though it doesn't make much sense to me now, that's how it was back then.

'And to break the regressions, I pondered how it could be done. The result of that contemplation was, 'Since I gained the ability when I came to this world, the ability should disappear if I return to Earth,' and so I began searching for a way to return to Earth.'

It's a bit complicated, but that's why I initially wanted to investigate the Ascension Gate at Ascension Path.

Because if I could investigate the Ascension Gate, I might find a way to return to Earth.

And for that, I began my life of Immortal Cultivation.

'Thinking back now, my early goals were incredibly tangled.'

Break the cycle of regression.

To do that, return to Earth.

To do that, investigate the Ascension Gate.

To do that, begin Immortal Cultivation.

To do that, obtain the spiritual roots needed for Immortal Cultivation.

To do that, reach Five Energies Converging to the Origin.

To do that...

'I really had a lot to do, huh...'

As I reflect on all that, I recall the purpose I had forgotten.

'Yes, now that I think about it...my goal was to break the regressions and create a fate where I would be remembered even if I died.'

But now, I no longer know what my purpose is.

Could it be because my heart has transformed into attraction force?

I feel that the goals I pursued before no longer resonate with me at all.

'What should I do?'

Staring blankly into the void for a moment, I finally made a cold, rational decision, devoid of any emotion.

'There's no meaning to living. If emotions hold no meaning, and instincts hold no meaning, then...there's no meaning for me to live in this world.'

"...Hah."

I laugh.

'Then let's die.'

"Haha..."

'But I can't die. As long as regression exists.'

"Ha, haha! Hahahahaha!"

'Therefore...I must break the cycle of regression.'

"Hehehahahaha! Ahahahaha!"

'Break the cycle of regression, and even if I die...let there be a world where those who remember me remain. That is...'

"Hah! Hahahahahah! Ahah, ahahahah!"

That is what I have been striving for from the very beginning—my purpose.

Bursting into a crazed laughter, I once again accept 'death.'

Tststststststs—

The death that had temporarily left my body while I was spinning the Death Path Three Great Ultimates returns to me.

'When attraction force reaches its peak, the Heavenly Domain reaches the End.'

Moreover, according to [Her], the more the Heart Tribe uses their power, the sooner the end arrives.

It's a problem that never required any deliberation in the first place.

The heart is essentially death.

And all beings are fated to face death.

[You madman!!!]

From afar, Jinlu Gok's stunned mental speech echoes through the cosmic space.

When I think about it, the answer was always within me.

[Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra!]

I bring the attraction force around me to its peak.

The surrounding Heaven and Earth spiritual energy is drawn in.

I cannot crumple and crush the entire universe like the Owner of Great Mountain, but I can distort the surrounding attraction force and create a world filled with light and heat around me.

Paaatt!

I compress the attraction force and contain it within my chest.

Kurururung!

Caressing my chest, I half-open my eyes.

[...Thank you for your guidance.]

Expressing my gratitude to Jinlu Gok, I completely overcome the phenomenon of intent transforming into attraction force.

Attraction force and the heart were never entirely separate to begin with.

From the beginning, 'the place attraction force points towards is the heart.'

Kuguk, kuguguguk!

At the same time, I sense an immense attraction force emanating from the 'death' I just accepted, pulling me in.

'The Netherworld is calling me.'

If this continues, I'll be dragged back to the Netherworld.

But...

'Let's remember that moment.'

The time of the universe's creation.

I may not have witnessed the beginning of the universe with my own eyes, but I was present during its early days, and through the Star Vein Eye, I could trace back to the point where the universe's creation first began.

As I imagine that moment of the universe's creation, I open my eyes wide.

Flash!

The light and heat gathered within my chest explodes.

At the same time, the power of [death] within that light and heat also erupts.

Kwarurururung!

An overwhelming explosion occurs within my body, and my incarnation bursts apart, leaving my main body positioned in the cosmic space.

'You said that the heart is death, and that it's the end.'

Defying [Her] words, I scatter death outward outward from within the explosion.

When [She] showed me the destruction of the universe.

My heart truly sank.

To think my cultivation was accelerating the end of the universe!

But, when I thought about it again, it was strange.

Certainly, when attraction force reaches its peak, the universe meets its end.

But...

Isn't a new universe born at the same time?

I recall the End Heavenly Circle that ends with Acceptance at Fate's End, and the Vast Cold Heavenly Circle that concludes with the cycle of the Four Seasons, and I half-close my eyes.

'It is not the end.'

Chwararararara—

The power of [death] that had been layered within my soul scatters, transforming into pure Heaven and Earth spiritual energy that envelops the surroundings.

'It can also be a new beginning.'

I understand why the heart turns into attraction force during the Star Shattering stage.

At the Star Shattering stage, the heart becomes attraction force, and that force begins to reach its peak as cultivation progresses.

Ultimately, the attraction force coalesces once more, bringing about the End, and beyond that End, a new [heart] is born.

'What I just experienced was akin to a preview of that process.'

Of course, since I did not go through the [real] process, I don't know what problems might arise when I truly reach that stage and attempt to go through it.

But...

One thing is certain.

'Whether at the Sacred Vessel stage or Entering Nirvana stage, there will definitely come a time when this experience proves useful!'

I realize that, due to the recent attraction force and explosion, I vaporized and dispersed the power of death that had accumulated within my soul, and I smile.

The transformation of the heart to attraction force.

And the attraction force of the Underworld.

Having resolved both, I swim through the still-lingering radiance of the explosion to bow to Jinlu Gok.

As I wade through the cluster of light, I suddenly feel a strange sensation.

'Why...isn't this space of light ending?'

At that moment, I sense delicate, jade-like hands appear behind me and gently stroke my cheek.

Chills!

Despite having reached the level of an Esteemed One, I failed to detect any signs.

I freeze in place, feeling the delicate jade-like hands toy with my cheek.

The delicate, jade-like hands trace my cheek, then slide down to caress my nape, and finally rest on my shoulder.

Flinch!

As soon as the hand touches my shoulder, I snap to my senses and try to move my body.

But my body doesn't respond, as if paralyzed.

The delicate, jade-like hands continue to tease my shoulder.

Since the 15th cycle, no one has persistently toyed with my shoulder like this.

I grit my teeth in humiliation and shame, letting my shoulder be touched by a presence I did not permit.

Then, the [Will] echoes.

: : Delightful thing. : :

The Will teases my shoulder as it speaks.

: : As expected, you are far too desirable. : :

Tingle!

Feeling the sensation on my shoulder, my body trembles as if struck by a Heavenly Tribulation.

Pukwak!

[Someone], not stopping with just teasing, bites down on my shoulder with their teeth.

I feel my hands and feet trembling in humiliation, and my face turning bright red.

: : You belong to this Lord. When you eventually come to the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain, you will inevitably be mine. : :

With those words, the [Someone] vanishes abruptly.

At the same time, I emerge from the glow of the explosion.

"...!"

I clutch my shoulder, bending over from the intense, sharp pain radiating from it.

The pain I feel in my shoulder is so intense that even I, of all people, momentarily consider it unbearable.

Fortunately, it isn't a persistent pain but something that seems to have occurred momentarily.

'This, this is...!'

When I remove my hand from my shoulder, I see a long sword scar etched on my left shoulder.

Pasasasasa!

Even after dispersing my incarnation and reforming it, the result is the same.

No matter how I recreate my incarnation, the sword scar remains etched upon it.

'This, this crazy...'

Thinking about the being who engraved the mark on me and left, I feel my hair stand on end.

[Sword Spear Heavenly Lord].

'D-Did They come after witnessing me overcome death? Or after seeing the explosion? Just what exactly did They see to come find me...damn it."

This is not good.

A being of Light has not only sought me out but even left their own mark behind.

'I won't be dragged to the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord instead of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld when I die, right?'

I feel a cold sweat forming as I sigh.

For now, I decide to find a way to remove this mark later and approach Jinlu Gok.

"Elder. I offer my deep gratitude for your teachings."

If he hadn't cast the Heart Demon curse on me, I wouldn't have attained this enlightenment.

Jinlu Gok looks at me for a moment, then lets out a deep sigh and dispels his incarnation as he speaks.

[Originally, I only intended to give Junior a bit of enlightenment so you wouldn't suffer from inner demons...but your Sudden Enlightenment has exceeded my expectations. Go on.]

"Elder mentioned you had questions regarding Purple Soul Filling the Heavens or Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade..."

[I don't want to talk to you. I've roughly understood what kind of beings you're entangled with. Just go and take care of your business. I have no more curiosity.]

"Hmm...! I understand that there might be some misunderstanding, but I am by no means in the kind of relationship you are thinking of with the [Owner of Great Mountain] or the [Fifth Seat of the Radiance Eight Immortals, Sword Spear Heavenly Lord]..."

[Kuaaaaaaghl!!!]

Jinlu Gok screams and shouts.

[Get out! Do not let them form an attraction force with me, and quickly disappear! Hurry and get lost!]

"Ah..."

I thought he could withstand it since he's at the Entering Nirvana stage, but unexpectedly, even the name of True Immortals seems to be fatal to those in the Entering Nirvana stage.

'No, maybe it's even more fatal because he's at the Entering Nirvana stage. I didn't think of that.'

Smacking my lips, I head to the teleportation array on the surface of Jinlu Gok's planet and activate it.

"I apologize for disturbing your rest. I will visit later to apologize properly."

[No need! Just get lost!]

He seems to want to get rid of me immediately, but thinking I have formidable backers, he refrains from using force.

I give a bitter smile, bow to him, and before transferring to another True Person's body, I ask him a question.

"I'd like to ask one last question... Do you know why the 'Path of the Stars' made by Lofty Dragon True Person exists, and why it is connected to the Lightning Sacred Sea?"

He replies curtly to my question.

[Shouldn't you ask the Divine Spirit you serve?]

"As I mentioned, the Mountain..."

[I got it, you brat! I'll just say it, okay!? During the Blood Yin Great War, the entire Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain was caught up in that conflict. Lofty Dragon True Person took pity on the living beings of the domain and created a path for them to escape to other Heavenly Domains. If you follow this Path of the Stars, at its end lies the 'starting point' of this Heavenly Domain!]

"...!"

The starting point of the Heavenly Domain.

It's the place I arrived at in my 19th cycle, guided by the awakening of the Star Vein Eye under the arrangements of Yeong Seung, the Immortal Treasure of the Heavenly Venerable of Time.

The starting point of the Heavenly Domain is where the Heavenly Domain first exploded. It is also a direct path to the deepest part of the domain of the Heavenly Venerable of Time, and at the same time, serves as the 'gateway to travel between different Heavenly Domains.'

'I see. The Path of the Stars guides the living beings to the starting point of the Heavenly Domain, allowing them to escape the domain whenever needed.'

[...And 120,000 years ago, if that [madman] hadn't stuck his ring finger into the starting point of the Heavenly Domain and blocked the path, our Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain would have been able to freely interact with other Heavenly Domains, but...thanks to the remains left by that madman, even if the End comes, we can't escape the domain to flee. Likewise, 'beings from other Heavenly Domains' also cannot meddle freely in this Heavenly Domain!]

"...It's Golden Divine, isn't it?"

Considering all the chaos he's caused, it's not surprising anymore.

[This is the truth regarding the Path of Stars. At the other end of the Path of Stars, it connects to the Sea King Hall of the Ancient Force Realm. When a crisis erupts in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, the descendant of Lofty Dragon's superior, Hae Yu, will open the path, activating it so 'the living beings within the body of Lofty Dragon's superior' will be the first to exit the Heavenly Domain. From that point onward, the Path of Stars served as an emergency escape network, allowing the living beings of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain to evacuate to adjacent Heavenly Domains through the Ancient Force Realm in case of emergency.]

As I learn the truth of the Path of Stars, I nod.

"Thank you for sharing this information. I will repay you someday."

[The best way to repay me is to never come looking for me again. I don't want to get involved with you. Now go! Get out of here!]

Jinlu Gok no longer associates with me as if I'm something terrible.

With a bitter smile, I give him one last bow before activating the teleportation array.

Paaaatt!

-x-X-x-

Several days have passed.

After passing through dozens of teleportation arrays, I have finally reached the Lightning Sacred Sea.

I arrived at the ring finger of Yang Su-jin.

-x-X-x-

Kugugugu!

A gigantic ring finger covered by a dimensional veil appears before my eyes.

'It's been a while since I've come here. No, it's probably the first time I've come in person, isn't it?'

Last time, I had only sent my consciousness rather than my main body, so it hadn't felt particularly real.

But this time, maybe because I'm here in my main body, or perhaps because I've risen to the Star Shattering stage...

'The Lightning Immortal Yang Su-jin...it feels as though he's right in front of me.'

I calm my tingling body and focus my mind.

Woo-oong—

When I extend my consciousness and exert my authority, I feel my consciousness domain transforming into attraction force again.

Unless I take special measures, it will likely turn back into attraction force.

Of course...

Since I've already found a solution to consciousness turning into attraction force, I can revert it back to intent at any time by taking the proper measures at the right moment.

'Now then, shall I enter the Lightning Sacred Sea?'

Let's go find the Esteemed Ones who are struggling within the remains of Yang Su-jin.

I slowly begin to make my way into the inner area of Yang Su-jin's remains.

Kugugugu!

The Heavenly Rain Great Star gradually moves further into the dimensional veil of the Lightning Sacred Sea.

Just as my main body enters the inner area of the Lightning Sacred Sea,

Kwa-jijik!

"...!"

I look around.

'This place...'

Above and below is a world with nothing but black clouds and golden lightning pouring down like rain.

The first time I entered here with Jang Ik, it had looked like a simple bathhouse, so I'm slightly taken aback as I scan the surroundings.

'There's nothing in particular that catches attention.'

The only notable aspect, just like before, is that I can't use the powers of Qi or Soul.

However...

[I am not the same as before.]

Even in this world, attraction force exists.

Kuguguguk!

Starting from an Esteemed One, consciousness transforms into attraction force. It is not merely handling attraction force like in the Four-Axis or Integration stages, but a level where attraction force becomes part of the soul itself!

Thus, by merely thinking, I can distort space with attraction force or tear holes in spacetime more easily than breathing!

Kwaaaang!

I pierce through the space composed of black clouds.

As the space seems to dissipate, I find myself in a new location.

'This place is...'

The world is even more densely filled with thunderclouds (雷雲) than before.

The clouds are thicker, and even more electric charges rumble between them.

Kwaaang!

Once again, I pierce through the space with attraction force and move forward.

However, the next space I reach is yet another world of thunderclouds!

'What's going on? It wasn't like this last time.'

I am bewildered but then suddenly notice the movement and flow of the clouds.

'This flow of clouds...this reaction of lightning...this is...!'

I open my eyes wide and smile.

'So that's it! The Lightning Path Method! Each of these worlds of clouds are an expression of each aspect of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's Lightning Path Method! Simply breaking through recklessly won't let me escape.'

I begin to operate the formula of the Lightning Path Method, utilizing the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy generated on the surface of my planet.

For someone like me, who has learned all the techniques of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect through the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique, mimicking the formula of the Thunder Path Method is as easy as eating cold porridge.

Kwa-jijijik!

As lightning sparks across the surface of my main body, the surrounding clouds naturally dissipate.

However, in an instant, the area fills with clouds again.

'As expected. To leave this place, I must align the Lightning Path Method's formula with the flow of these clouds and lightning.'

Kwarurung!

Focusing my mind, I begin to earnestly operate the Lightning Path Method.

Kwa-jijijik!

Lightning dances.

Multicolored bolts of lightning paint the surroundings with vibrant hues, pushing back the clouds.

Though more clouds gather as I push them away, the clouds once dispersed by the formula do not drift back towards me.

And finally, harnessing every formula of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's Lightning Path Method, I synchronize the flow of the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy coursing through my main body.

Kwa-jijijik!

With that, the world once filled with thunderclouds suddenly erupts with a frenzy of lightning, transforming everything around me with a golden glow.

It resembles the scene from my advancement to the Star Shattering stage, where the Star Tribulation had raged upon me.

For a normal Star Shattering stage, one would need to exert all their strength to resist this lightning. However, observing the flow of the lightning, I realize this is the final trial.

'If the descendant here is one who has learned the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method, they would devour this lightning entirely... If it's instead a disciple of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, they would absorb the lightning matching their mastered formula, receiving a blessing, and...'

In the final case,

If it's an entity who has fully mastered all Lightning Path Methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and obtained the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique...!

Kurururung!

The lightning begins to merge and vanish into nothingness!

Just like how, when all Lightning Path Methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect combine, the spiritual power and energy vanish, leaving only the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique as the sole Immortal Art.

As the lightning fades, only the black clouds remain in its place.

Kugugugu!

The world, previously just filled with lightning, becomes a realm left only with dark clouds in an instant.

The nearby black clouds no longer emit lightning, nor do they gather around me.

They simply rotate around me, following the attractive force I radiate.

After waiting for a while in that state...

Kwa-jijijijk!

Suddenly, a lightning possessing all of the heavens' natural colors boils up from within the black clouds and strikes my body.

'W-Wait, this...!'

Knowing the effect of the prismatic lightning, I am shocked to the point of almost fainting.

'It strikes the soul directly?'

The next moment,

Under the power of the relic left by the True Immortal Yang Su-jin, I lose consciousness entirely.

Murmuringmurmuringmurmuringmurmuring—

The sound of countless murmuring voices reverberates in my mind.

'Where is this? And what...'

I feel as though my mind is fragmented like powder, scattered everywhere.

The fragmented pieces of my consciousness are hearing dozens, hundreds, thousands, billions, trillions of voices.

The voices are so numerous and so vast that I cannot comprehend them all.

Fortunately, since having my consciousness splintered like dust is something I experienced to the point of exhaustion during the Star Shattering stage advancement ritual, I focus my mind on the consciousness hearing the most familiar voice.

Paaaatt!

Then, I become unable to hear any other sound except that voice, and I feel my mind sharply concentrate on the place where that voice resounds.

"Hah!"

When I come to my senses, I see Kim Yeon in front of me.

"Hm?"

"Uh?"

Slightly taken aback by this absurd situation, I look around.

Then, the eyes of Kim Yeon, who seems to be demonstrating something like a magic artifact, widen.

"Mm...! Mmm mmm!"

"H-Huh? Kim Yeon? What's wrong—huh!"

I suddenly flinch in surprise upon hearing my voice.

'Th-This is...!'

Perhaps because my consciousness hasn't fully coalesced yet, my senses feel a bit unstable.

I concentrate even more on gathering my consciousness while observing my body.

Then, I let out a hollow laugh as I come to understand my current situation.

I have descended into the body of Jeon Myeong-hoon, who is cultivating in the Bright Cold Realm.

"Mm-hmm-hmm!"

It seems that Kim Yeon realizes my mind has inhabited Jeon Myeon-hoon's body, as her eyes gleam with recognition.

"Uh...that's right, Yeon-ah. I've arrived at the Lightning Sacred Sea, and somehow I ended up possessing Jeon Myeong-hoon's body. And..."

As I feel my senses gradually returning, I sense the presence of Yeon Jin and Yeon Wei nearby.

I close my eyes.

Pajik, Pajijik...

I feel it.

The locations of the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are detected by me in the form of Lightning Souls (雷魂).

Simultaneously, I realize that as I am now, I can 'possess any disciple of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect without question.'

'No, it's not just that.'

Through the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique, I notice that I can seize the cultivation of Yeon Wei or Yeon Jin, or even inject the energy of the Lightning Sacred Sea to amplify it. Moreover, I can issue commands to them at will.

'I see. When one who has learned the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique arrives at the Lightning Sacred Sea, they gain the authority to freely command the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect...no, all disciples of Yang Su-jin.'

At this moment, my position is practically equivalent to having unrestricted access to the Founder's Command of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect without even needing the Heavenly Lightning Banner.

"Jeon Myeong-hoon, can you hear me?"

Feeling a little guilty for suddenly taking over Jeon Myeong-hoon's body, I try to communicate with him.

However, I receive no response.

It seems that any disciple who becomes possessed via the Lightning Sacred Sea falls into such a deep slumber that they cannot remain conscious.

'This could be somewhat dangerous.'

It's fortunate that it was me who mastered the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique and entered the Lightning Sacred Sea. If someone like Oh Hye-seo had mastered the technique and entered, a Thunder Beast might have been born in the Head Realm that very day.

After explaining the current situation in detail to the flustered Kim Yeon, I ask her about the current circumstances.

Kim Yeon eagerly explains with hand and food gestures while going 'Mmmhmm'.

"So, you're saying that since you can't speak, I should ask someone else?"

"Mm!"

"All right, I'm sorry."

"Mm..."

Leaving Kim Yeon behind, I move using Jeon Myeong-hoon's body.

As I move in his body, I realize something.

'This, this is...'

Is it because I descended through the Lightning Sacred Sea?

I sense that I can naturally use all of Jeon Myeong-hoon's techniques.

Kwa-jijik!

The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is also famous for its Flying Escape Technique, which moves at the speed of lightning.

The Flying Escape Technique of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is also called the Lightning Shadow Flying Escape Technique because it leaves afterimages of lightning when moving. In the past, while I was still in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, I too used to be able to use the Lightning Shadow Flying Escape Technique before completing the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique.

'This looked quite cool, so I would occasionally move using the Lightning Shadow Flying Escape Technique, but after completing the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique, I couldn't use it anymore...this is excellent!"

Using the Lightning Shadow Flying Escape Technique, I move to the area where my comrades are with flashes of lightning.

I quickly circle around Cedar Wood Grove once.

Pajijik!

Cedar Wood Grove is tranquil, just as before.

'There doesn't seem to have been any major disturbance in the Bright Cold Realm.'

Possessing Jeon Myeong-hoon's body, I draw out my original consciousness domain through his body.

Kururung!

A storm begins to whirl around centered on Jeon Myeong-hoon's body.

Using his body as a medium, I raise my consciousness domain and quickly reach the peak of Heavenly Lotus Mountain.

I make contact with Baek Woon.

Flash!

Inside Baek Woon's White Jade Pavilion.

I appear in front of Baek Woon through the projection of Jeon Myeong-hoon.

She glares at me and speaks.

[When I sensed someone suddenly intruding on my territory, I thought some Integration stage human had gone mad...but it was you, not some descendant of Yang Su-jin. Seo Eun-hyun.]

[I apologize for my rudeness, Sacred Master. Is your body well?]

[You crazy bastard... Do words of concern even come out of your mouth?]

She glares at me, growling as if she could tear me apart.

It seems that the incident of electrically torturing her and summoning Blood Yin as a result left quite an unpleasant memory for her.

I clear my throat and say.

[I truly, sincerely apologize for the unfortunate incident before. However, I have done my best in my own way to clean up the mess I made.]

[Hmph! It wasn't you, but the great ones who probably exerted their power! If it weren't for your shoulder, I would have beaten this projection you've Divine Descent into and your comrade to death on the spot.]

It seems she still harbors a grudge against Jeon Myeong-hoon, as she spits out harsh words.

'My shoulder, huh...'

I subtly touch the left shoulder of Jeon Myeong-hoon's body, which I have borrowed.

Rotten though she may be, she is indeed a Sacred Master.

She somehow managed to figure out from that vast distance that I was chosen by the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.

[In any case, I don't wish to maintain a bad relationship with Sacred Master. My main body has currently reached the Lightning Sacred Sea. If I return from the Lightning Sacred Sea with the [Symbols of Names] of the Middle Realm...would you consider reconciliation?]

Regardless of what happened, resolving the tension with Baek Woon is the right thing to do.

She's not a wicked villain to the core, and as long as she is the Sacred Master of the Bright Cold Realm, the lives of my comrades are essentially in her hands.

Seeing me go this far, she sighs and says.

[...To voluntarily participate in the Lightning Sacred Sea expedition... If you truly manage to retrieve the symbols, I will not only forgive you but also grant an appropriate reward. After all, the divine artifacts stolen by Golden Divinie are crucial for the Middle Realms.]

[I see. Being able to resolve the grudges between me and Sacred Master is truly a rel—]

[But!]

Baek Woon's eyes blaze with fire.

Confirming that a great misfortune has filled the celestial energy in an instant, I flinch.

[No matter what, I cannot simply let go of the fact that you shocked me with electricity, tortured me, summoned Blood Yin, and threw the Bright Cold Realm into chaos without any consequence.]

[...]

With nothing to say, I clear my throat.

[...What do you want?]

She gives a sly smile.

[I will strike you with a sincere blow. If you take it, I'll forget everything that happened in the past.]

[Hm. Then, I will ascend back to the Bright Cold Realm to meet you. If you can wait just a bit...]

[No need to wait. Since you're already possessing the descendant of Golden Divine, take this hit in that form to resolve the grudges regarding both of you.]

[What!?]

I look at her in shock.

Without waiting for my response, Baek Woon brightens her gaze and begins gathering Heaven and Earth spiritual energy.

'This insane woman... She really intends to hit me with a strike.'

Breaking into a cold sweat, I swiftly withdraw the projection and pull my consciousness back into Jeon Myeong-hoon's body in Cedar Wood Grove.

Kugung, Kugugugung!

Above Cedar Wood Grove.

The energy of the sky appears to distort dramatically, before pure white clouds gather in the sky.

The white clouds condense into the form of Baek Woon, dressed in a simple white robe, and her figure starts to expand endlessly.

Soon, Baek Woon's form, now as enormous as a planet, raises her hand to the heavens.

The entire sky over Cedar Wood Grove seemed to darken, completely obscured under the sole of her enormous foot.

I look up at her with a dumbfounded expression, letting out a low groan.

Kururururung!

'Just how much resentment has piled up...?"

Honestly, considering the havoc I caused by summoning Blood Yin and flipping the entire Bright Cold Realm, this is a light price to pay.

[Tree Halberd (樹戟).]

In the consciousness domain of the Sacred Vessel stage, Baek Woon's planet-sized body is fixed.

At the same time, her incarnation's hand grips a massive wooden spear, over ten times larger than the incarnation itself.

Kururururung!

Her form made of clouds siphons lightning from Jeon Myeong-hoon's Heavenly Golden Thunder Body.

Simultaneously, it feels as if the entire Bright Cold Realm is suppressing me, blocking any attempt to draw upon my main body's authority.

'Is she really planning to kill Jeon Myeong-hoon? Even if he can revive...I can't just waste Jeon Myeon-hoon's life on something like this.'

Woong—

I form a Qi sword, gripping it as I take my stance and begin performing a sword dance.

[Did you know, Sacred Master?]

[Just die already, you vile scum!]

In an instant, my consciousness rises to a higher realm.

The single strike of a Sacred Master who is virtually no different from a True Immortal inside a Middle Realm!

Unlike last time, when she dealt with me half-heartedly, the authority where I can feel her genuine will to rip me apart entirely!

[Facing Blood Yin, I blocked Their single strike once.]

The Sword Dance of Divine Descent unfolds in my hands.

A world enters within the sword dance.

At the same time, I feel the power of the entire Bright Cold Realm settling within the sword dance.

I faintly sense the strands of Baek Woon's emotions that are interwoven throughout the entire Bright Cold Realm and adjust the world's flow.

She is shocked.

[How!? I am the Sacred Master of the Bright Cold Realm! I am its rightful administrator!]

Dudududududu!

Using Jeon Myeong-hoon's body, I draw a circle.

Usually, only my power and the world's strength reside in the Sumeru Sword Dance.

But now, using the power of the Lightning Sacred Sea to Divine Descent into Jeon Myeong-hoon's body,

Kwarururung!

I feel even the power of the Lightning Sacred Sea, from that distant place, enter into the Sumeru Sword Dance.

Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.

Thirty-Third Move.

Sumeru.

Transformation Technique.

Sumeru Bright Cold Lightning Path (

Heavenly Lightning surges into the sky with peach blossom petals, unleashing a roar like a dragon's cry.

Baek Woon's earnest single strike, borrowing even the power of the Bright Cold Realm, bursts apart as I pierce straight through her incarnation, scattering the clouds as I soar into the sky.

: : I implore. : :

My will, having briefly accelerated into the domain of True Immortals, reverberates across the entire Bright Cold Realm.

: : The grudges be resolved. : :

Among the living beings who hear my will, the weaker ones faint on the spot, those at the Heavenly Being stage or higher feel a severe strain on their hearts, and those from the Four-Axis stage and above have their eardrums rupture.

Even the Integration stage Grand Cultivators and Demon Kings tremble uncontrollably and collapse where they stand upon hearing my will.

Baek Woon's form, manifested as clouds, disperses and speaks.

[...To gain the selection of a Heavenly Lord, must one be a genius of your caliber...]

Her tone carries a hint of lament.

[I will resolve my grudges here. My admirations for your talent that shines like the sun.]

Baek Woon withdraws her consciousness while admiring me, and I descend upon Cedar Wood Grove using Jeon Myeong-hoon's body.

The Heart Tribe of Cedar Wood Grove, my comrades, and a few of the Grand Cultivators residing there have all gathered.

[I apologize for causing a disturbance. Everyone, I am Seo Eun-hyun, currently undergoing Divine Descent into Jeon Myeong-hoon's body. My main body remains at the Lightning Sacred Sea and...]

It's when I begin to calmly explain the situation.

From among my comrades, Yeon Wei, who is possessing Yeon Jin's body, pops out.

She looks at me and asks.

"...So you possessed Jeon Myeong-hoon's body?"

[Yes. Since I am part of the Heart Tribe, like the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One, I can use the Heart Tribe's characteristics to—]

"Even Jang Ik couldn't directly possess a Bright Cold Realm's Heart Tribe from the Lightning Sacred Sea."

[Well...it seems activating the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique's formula from the Lightning Sacred Sea enabled the possession.]

"...Of Jeon Myeong-hoon?"

[Yes, that's correct, but...?]

"...Among the records of the Lightning Sacred Sea left in the ancient texts of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect...the only one who used the Divine Descent characteristic of the Lightning Sacred Sea was the Founder himself, and...only a few True Immortal direct disciples of the Founder. From the start...for such Divine Descent to be invoked...there is a transmission that states one's mind must extend across the five domains, much like a True Immortal."

[I believe there is a slight misunderstanding, Elder Yeon Wei. While my mind may indeed span across the five domains, this is ultimately just a workaround method. And as I've mentioned multiple times before...]

"...I have something to say. Let us meet shortly in Jeon Myeong-hoon's quarters."

With those words, she flies off to Jeon Myeong-hoon's residence.

Sensing her unsettled intent, I briefly explain to the taken aback Heart Tribe before going to seek out Yeon Wei.

"Ah, by the way, Esteemed One Seo. Sir Kim Young-hoon is looking for you."

"Please inform Hyung-nim that I'll visit him shortly as well. There are some matters I must attend to first..."

To clear up Yeon Wei's misunderstanding, I fly to Jeon Myeong-hoon's quarters.

"Elder, are you here?"

Creak—

I enter Jeon Myeong-hoon's quarters and find her.

There, I meet the eyes of Yeon Wei, kneeling submissively in the center of the room waiting for me.

The unsettled look in her eyes has subsided.

"Hold on, Elder Yeon Wei. What are you doing? Please, rise. That voice just now was only..."

"The yell you let out just now was heard throughout the entire Middle Realm. It was only recently that the voice of [that being] from the Blood Yin Realm struck the Bright Cold Realm. How could I forget that sensation so quickly?"

She kneels before me humbly, then suddenly starts to remove my shoes and socks.

[Wait, you're misunderstanding. No, before that, what are you even...?]

Then, my mind goes blank at her continuing actions.

Yeon Wei no longer looks up at me with trembling, anxious, hollow, or despair-filled eyes.

Instead, she exudes an intent of her heart being completely at peace, carefully removing Jeon Myeong-hoon's shoes and setting them aside before lowering her head before my bare feet.

"Please do not address me as Elder, O Great One. I have spent much time in thought, and I have finally come to a conclusion. Now that the Founder of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is gone...our sect is left without his protection, and instead, only True Immortal-level beings with deep resentment against the Founder remain. Yet, the Great One...has always extended your support to help maintain the lineage of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect."

With a sincerely devoted intent directed towards me, she continues, her face bowed beside my feet.

"As the highest elder of the current Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, I humbly ask. From now on, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect will become a sect devoted to serving the Great One. Therefore, I implore, please become the divine spirit that guards us in place of the Founder."

After finishing her words, she presses her lips to the top of my foot, repeating her plea.

"This foolish mortal humbly asks. Please take pity on our Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. Until the successor of the Golden Divine, Myeong-hoon, fully matures, please protect us...!"

-x-X-x-

I look up at the ceiling for a moment, rubbing my face with my hand.

'...No matter how I explain it, she won't believe me anymore.'

She has reached a conclusion all on her own.

Even if I were to cruelly torture her, saying, 'Say that I am Seo Eun-hyun, not a True Immortal!'

Or if I were to gently persuade her, saying, 'I am not True Immortal.'

On the surface, she might seem convinced, but deep down, she would still believe I am a True Immortal and treat me as such.

'What should I do?'

I am Seo Eun-hyun.

I am not some True Immortal; I am simply Seo Eun-hyun.

How exactly am I supposed to prove myself?

"...I am."

Raising Yeon Wei, who looks as if she's about to lick my feet, I say,

"Seo Eun-hyun. I am not a True Immortal."

"..."

Yeon Wei listens to my words with utmost respect.

"No matter how you think of me...well, to be honest, if you don't know me, you wouldn't understand. I admit it. I may look like a True Immortal at times. But regardless of what you think, I am not a True Immortal."

"Howe..."

"But."

I cut off her words and speak firmly.

"If you believe me to be a True Immortal...then think of me that way. After all, I, too, aim to become a True Immortal someday, and if that day ever comes, I won't forget the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect."

At my words, her eyes light up.

"Thank...thank you! Thank you so much!"

She bows down and continues to kiss my feet.

Unable to forcibly stop her, I can only clear my throat and step back.

"Please stop. And...I would appreciate it if you treated me as you used to..."

"As you command!"

Thud!

She answers, bowing her head with enough force to make a thud, and then steps back.

Watching Yeon Wei's display, I sit in a lotus position in Jeon Myeong-hoon's quarters for a moment.

Crack, crackle...

Gradually, I feel it.

My consciousness is once again reversing back to the Lightning Sacred Sea, and this brief moment of Divine Descent is about to end.

I speak into the void.

"Are you watching, Jeon Myeong-hoon?"

And immediately, a reply comes.

—Yeah.

"When did you wake up?"

—From the very beginning. It's just that until now, I couldn't react inside you because the presence of your soul was so overwhelming... Should I say I was flattened? Something like that. When you raised your consciousness to the Immortal Domain using my body to block the Sacred Master's attack, the intensity of the stimulus was so strong that I had no choice but to awaken forcefully. But thanks to you, I got to experience the Immortal Realm early... it wasn't bad.

"...What do you think about Yeon Wei's behavior?"

—What do you mean, what do I think? Just accept it. Our ancestor, after all, despite how often she misses the mark, does put in the effort in her own way.

"The problem is that she misses the mark far too often."

—That is true.

I check on the awakened Jeon Myeong-hoon within me to see if he's alright, and he surprisingly doesn't seem to have any major issues.

It seems that anyone who has mastered the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method can maintain their consciousness and resist even during a Divine Descent.

In this case, however, my consciousness is so overwhelming that Jeon Myeong-hoon's consciousness was flattened without a chance to resist.

—So then, what's the problem? Yeon Wei swore to follow you faithfully, didn't she?

"I just...want her to treat me as me."

Jeon Myeong-hoon bursts into laughter inside me at that.

—Hahaha! How funny. What does it even mean to treat you as 'you'?

"Well, that is..."

—Are you asking to be treated as 'human Seo Eun-hyun'? Give it up. That's impossible. Being treated like a human...honestly, even reaching the Qi Building stage is enough to begin shedding that part. The moment one enters the path of Immortal Cultivation and surpasses the Qi Building stage, we are no longer humans but rather 'cultivators who resemble humans'.

"...Still, as a fellow sect member..."

—I get what you're trying to say, but that's impossible too. This isn't just an issue of being a cultivator or the realm...it's because the 'subject is you'.

"Just what about me?"

—Do you want me to be blunt?

Pajijik!

As my presence starts being drawn back into the Lightning Sacred Sea, Jeon Myeong-hoon seems to regain some energy.

He creates a clone with lightning in front of his body and speaks through it.

[You, you know...have been acting strange lately.]

"...That's because of the Star Shattering stage. In Star Shattering, the heart gradually transforms into attraction force..."

I explain to him about the realm of Star Shattering, and after listening, Jeon Myeong-hoon nods immediately.

[It's clear now. What I'm about to say has nothing to do with that kind of attraction force in the Star Shattering stage. Just Seo Eun-hyun, it's about your fundamental state.]

"My fundamental state?"

[That's right. I'm talking about you... Honestly, as time goes by, you're paying more attention to your shoulders.]

"..."

[It's not because your shoulders are an erogenous zone or because you've learned some technique that makes them more sensitive, right?]

"...Of course not."

[The reason your shoulders have been getting more sensitive and why you keep focusing on them...in my perspective, it's because you're carrying too much weight on them.]

"What?"

[...When I look at you, you know...]

He reaches toward my chest, pulling out the hand of So-hae from within and gently strokes it.

[Sometimes, it seems like you're excessively abusing yourself. It feels like, because of the burdens you carry on your back, you're being crushed by the weight and dying a little each day.]

"..."

[Fortunately...in the world of Penglai Island, that world resembling the Head Realm, after you spoke with the reincarnation of Buk Hyang-hwa, you seem to have stopped some of that self-punishment.]

"That's true."

I heard from Baek Ran about 'how to forgive myself.'

Simultaneously, I extinguished the flames of abuse that had been tormenting me, capturing the starting point of my Immortal Art and completing Crystal Glass to Treading Sea.

"Back then...I forgave myself a lot."

[Yes. Since then, your complexion has improved significantly. But...]

He strokes Sohae's hand and looks at me.

[Even if you've forgiven yourself, it seems you're still driving yourself too hard.]

"...What?"

[It's exactly as I said. There's too much weighing on your shoulders. I'm saying you try to take responsibility for everything all by yourself.]

He speaks with a serious expression.

[Of course, I understand. Honestly, the Enders you mentioned? It's because among us Enders, you're the most capable. It's a good attitude to have. But because you put too much burden on your shoulders and push yourself too hard, at some point, it seems like you stopped caring about others' opinions and perspectives.]

"..."

[Ancestor Yeon Wei's attitude also reflects this. Haven't you been judging her solely from your own perspective? It's not necessarily a bad thing. After all, the majority of our fates rest on your shoulders. But...sometimes, listen to the views and perspectives of those weaker than you. I don't mean to pay attention or be considerate of the weak.]

He places Jin So-hae's hand down momentarily, then rises from his seat and puts his hand on my shoulder.

I don't brush it off.

[It's not about paying attention to the weak...just trust us a little more. I will always believe in you and follow you. But...also remember that we, too, have our own perspectives, views, and the heart to be of help to you. That person has also found a solution that she believes will benefit us most, based on her own judgment.]

"...I'll think about it."

Pajijijk!

It seems the duration of Divine Descent has reached its end.

My consciousness scatters directly from inside Jeon Myeong-hoon's body.

Pasasasasa!

The sound of murmuring echoes from all directions.

'This is...'

I immediately recognize what they are.

They are voices.

The voices of those who have 'learned the Lightning Path Method.'

Pajik, Pajijijik...

I savor the sensation of lightning swirling inside my mind, identifying their identities.

'I see. These are...all those who were taught by Yang Su-jin!'

Those who learned the wisdom of lightning from Yang Su-jin and inherited his teachings.

However, the majority are Qi Building stage and below.

'I see. That time...'

The day the Owner of Heavenly Punishment sought out Zhengli and erased the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.

The Owner of Heavenly Punishment not only wiped out the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect but almost all those who had received Yang Su-jin's teachings.

The ones who survived were the extreme cases.

Jeon Myeong-hoon, with the highest talent among them.

Or unaffected by the Owner of Heavenly Punishment's power due to their powerful strength, the fewentitiesinthevastandevenmoreimmenseUpperWorld.

'Kugh...'

It seems a few of Yang Su-jin's disciples who are presumed to be True Immortals also survived.

I erase their presence from my mind and survey others.

Aside from the True Immortals, the majority are below the Qi Building stage.

They were likely deemed unworthy of being killed directly by the Owner of Heavenly Punishment.

In other words...

The vast majority of Yang Su-jin's disciples remaining in this world are either at the Qi Building stage or True Immortals.

'The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect in the Head Realm is unique.'

According to Yeon Wei's occasional reports, it seems that in the Head Realm's Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, a few Nascent Soul cultivators have emerged, completely seizing dominance over the continent.

With the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect controlling the Head Realm, it's likely that within a few years, they will gather the continent's resources and produce someone who will reach the Heavenly Being stage.

'I see. So in the Lightning Sacred Sea, if someone who is thought to continue the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's, or in essence, Yang Su-jin's legacy, enters, they are given the chance to observe Yang Su-jin's connections in the Lightning Sacred Sea.'

I fully condense my consciousness and examine my surroundings.

My surroundings are dark.

I sense the attraction force around me shifting as some phenomenon approaches.

While waiting for it to draw near, I reflect on my conversation with Jeon Myeong-hoon.

Compared to when we first came to Ascension Path, he really has changed a lot.

'...Yes, I've definitely been thinking too much from my own perspective lately.'

Perhaps it's because I've experienced death too many times in such a short span.

At times, I even confuse my own death with that of my comrades, and once, thinking that since I can endure the titles of True Immortals, an Entering Nirvana True Person naturally would be able to do so as well, I recklessly dropped the titles and names of True Immortals like a bomb on Jinlu Gok, who had given me grace.

The distinction between self (我) and others (他) has grown blurred through so many deaths.

Because of that, I think I've become confused about the difference between 'the me I see' and 'the me others see.'

While I simply see myself as myself, I might actually appear as an unfathomable monster from the perspective of someone ordinary like Yeon Wei—something I had overlooked.

Tstststss—

I compress the Heavenly Rain Great Star and insert it into my incarnation body, taking on a human form.

Clench...

I hold my head and make a bitter expression.

'That's...something I don't want.'

Yeon Wei's relationship with me isn't deep enough for her attitude to wound me greatly.

But...

If I look at it objectively, this incident is no different from what happened with Cheongmun Ryeong.

The incident of someone who was once my master in a past life beginning to address me as Senior or Daoist from the next life.

Starting from Buk Hyang-hwa and Cheongmun Ryeong, how many of my precious ones have called me senior or elder?

As time flows, I naturally grow stronger, but others can only live in time that is separate from my own.

I bury my face in my hands.

Regression is indeed a powerful authority.

But...

At the same time, it's also an incredibly dreadful curse.

Because as long as I have this ability, I must live forever in fear of becoming 'someone too high' in the eyes of those dear to me...

'My strongest hope is simply life.'

It's something I've thought about continuously since the early cycles in the Head Realm.

What I desire most is life.

A 'single, proper life' where I fear death and, even if I die, time does not rewind, and my connections don't disappear.

If my life were to be built on desire, then someday, I might find myself muttering something unfunny like, 'Life is essentially life.'

As much as that...

For me, whose meaning of life diminishes with each reversal of time, life has become something that I desperately crave for.

Desperately craving for life, I have to pour all my strength into giving meaning to each life.

For that reason, I want at least my comrades to see me as I am.

Because even if time reverses, at least they stay by my side.

But countless connections, starting with Cheongmun Ryeong and Buk Hyang-hwa, and now even Yeon Wei...those who once stood beside me are beginning to look at me with fear.

In this situation, what am I supposed to do?

—It's not about paying attention to the weak...just trust us a little more. I will always believe in you and follow you. But...also remember that we, too, have our own perspectives, views, and the heart to be of help to you. That person has also found a solution that she believes will benefit us most, based on her own judgment.

"...Are you asking me to trust you, Jeon Myeong-hoon?"

I recall Jeon Myeong-hoon's words.

And as I think of those who stay beside me even within my backward flow of my time, I pull myself from my gloomy heart essence.

"Yes. I suppose there's no other choice."

I dislike it when the reactions of those beside me change.

I just want them to treat me as I am.

But that's impossible unless I go as far as brainwashing them.

'As I grow stronger, naturally, their thoughts and perspectives towards me have no choice but to change...'

I have always told Jeon Myeong-hoon to trust and follow me.

When I think about it, rather than just dragging them along by saying, 'this time, too,' and ending it there, perhaps I should have trusted them better.

Even if I find it unsatisfactory, their views and thoughts about me,

I decide to 'trust' their attitude towards me.

Because...

They, too, are trusting me in their own way.

Kurung, kururung!

Thunder roars, and before my eyes, a massive creature resembling a hummingbird appears.

A hummingbird the size of the moon, its entire body composed of lightning.

"...!"

The moment I see it, I feel as if my main body is about to burst apart, and I sense lightning striking throughout the atmosphere of my main body.

[Wh-Who is the distinguished one?]

Wiiiiiiiiiiing!

The hummingbird flaps its wings at a speed surpassing lightning, watching me for a moment.

Then it shrinks to the size of my palm, and, standing in front of me, it begins cutting through the darkness.

It seems to be telling me to follow.

I follow the hummingbird, tearing through the space of darkness.

After a while.

I emerge from the darkness, arriving at a place resembling a Peach Blossom Spring.

A world where all kinds of rare and beautiful flowers are in full bloom, where wine springs forth like water everywhere, and flowers and trees emit beautiful sounds of music.

The hummingbird leads me to a pavilion at the center of this world.

In front of the pavilion, there is a small pond, and in that pond stands a hundred-storey stone pagoda densely covered with carvings like sesame seeds.

The pagoda has many layers, but its overall size is only about the height of an adult man.

'What is that pagoda?'

Feeling a strange flow emanating from the pagoda, I follow the hummingbird into the pavilion.

Just then,

"...!"

The hummingbird that had guided me here now transforms into a small human girl with platinum blonde hair.

She is dressed in a robe made of golden lightning, standing with her pristinely white and clean bare feet, offering her greetings from above the within the pavilion.

Suruk—

She opens her mouth in front of me.

However, without uttering a sound, she only moves her lips.

Since I know how to read lips, I can understand her meaning even without hearing her voice.

—Welcome to the inner depths of the Lightning Sacred Sea, the management space, Young Master.

"...And who is the distinguished one?"

—I am the attendant concubine and pet of the Golden Divine, Immortal Beast Golden Shaking Bird (金振鳥). As for my true name and title...as Young Master cannot withstand my rank and hearing it could drive Young Master mad, I will not reveal it at this time.

I look at Golden Shaking Bird, feeling tense.

"Why have you brought me here?"

—It is because Young Master has rightfully inherited the legacy of the Golden Divine. The Golden Divine instructed that if someone who has completed the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique appears, this management space of the Lightning Sacred Sea should be gifted to them.

Hearing this, I speak with a joyful expression.

"Oh...In that case, since I'm here, I'd like to take with me the [Symbols of the Five Middle Realms] that are said to be in the Lightning Sacred Sea..."

However, Golden Shaking Bird chuckles at my words and covers her mouth.

—I apologize for my rudeness, however...you cannot take them from here.

"What? Why not?"

—Because...the Lightning Sacred Sea is merely the [passage] leading to the space where the [Symbols of the Five Middle Realms] are located. It is not the place where they actually reside. The Golden Divine's treasure vault is located separately. The very purpose of the Lightning Sacred Sea's existence is merely to serve as a pathway to escape anywhere within Mount Sumeru, should those like Young Master arrive one day.

"Mount Sumeru?"

—Those who attain the rank of Immortality often refer to the Three Thousand Great Thousand Worlds as Mount Sumeru. There is no need to know right now.

"Hmm, understood. In any case...the true power of the Lightning Sacred Sea is to function as an emergency passageway?"

—That is correct.

"Good. Then, through that power, I'd like to transfer the living beings of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain to another domain when the End occurs here."

Chuckle.

Once again, Golden Shaking Bird laughs and shakes her head.

—I apologize, but that is impossible. As the Lightning Sacred Sea is a labyrinth the Golden Divine created to escape from the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity, only someone acknowledged by the Golden Divine who can wield the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique like Young Master is able to use it.

"What...?"

—Of course, if the Golden Divine were to revive, sufficiently master the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method, and return, these usage conditions could be changed...but that is probably impossible.

She looks somewhere with a somewhat bittersweet and longing expression.

It seems she misses Yang Su-jin quite deeply.

Hearing her words, I smile inwardly to myself.

'I'll just bring Jeon Myeong-hoon back here later.'

If it's him, he could surely change Golden Shaking Bird's mind.

'Well then, for now, I've settled the fundamental issue regarding the Lightning Sacred Sea...I should handle the remaining matters.'

Even if I were to transport the living beings of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain's Astral Realm to another domain, I still need to find the Symbols of the Five Middle Realms.

I speak to Golden Shaking Bird.

"Then, for now, open the path to Yang Su-jin's treasure vault. I need to acquire the divine artifacts of the Five Middle Realms."

At this, Golden Shaking Bird shakes her head wildly with a slightly unnerved expression.

—That, too, is impossible.

"...Why are there so many restrictions?"

—I am truly sorry. However, if the Golden Divine's treasure vault...were to be improperly handled by someone who has risen to the Immortal Seat, they could end up like the Heavenly Lightning Banner, trapped in a place of misfortune... It's too frightening to meddle with.

"..."

—Therefore, instead of me opening the door, it would be...more suitable for Young Master to overcome the trial and enter the treasure vault.

"...Understood. So then, how do I go about receiving this 'trial'?"

In response to my question, Golden Shaking Bird points outside the pavilion, towards the pond.

—The stone pagoda in that pond. That pagoda is called the Tower of Trials, and within it are trials ranging from the Qi Refining stage up to the Entering Nirvana stage. If you break through the pagoda and reach the topmost level, not only will you naturally gain access to the Golden Divine's treasure vault, but you will also be able to control the Lightning Sacred Sea even more powerfully.

"Hm...understood. I shall proceed as suggested."

I observe Golden Shaking Bird for a moment, and since she doesn't seem to harbor any malice, I decide to follow her words.

—The Tower of Trials resets all progress once one enters and exits. However, since Young Master is here, I will make a special effort to ensure that progress can be saved from the last level reached, instead of starting from the beginning.

"Good. Then open the door so I can enter the Tower of Trials."

I approach the pond and speak.

And at that moment, Golden Shaking Bird gives me a hard push on the waist with her pristine white foot from behind.

—You just need to step right in.

Splash!

Without a chance to resist, I'm shoved by her foot and fall into the pond.

'Urk!'

Recalling the feel of Golden Shaking Bird's foot just now, a thought suddenly comes to mind.

'Did Yang Su-jin capture Zhengli...because of her soft feet?'

Somehow, the thought that only True Immortal rank beings with clean feet are around Yang Su-jin crosses my mind.

Chwaaaaa!

With such thoughts in mind, I sink deeper into the water.

Splash!

Emerging from the water, I look around my surroundings.

'This place...'

It's the same hot spring-like world I visited last time.

"Hmm!"

Wududuk!

I manipulate attraction force to pierce a hole in the world.

Then, I move on to the next world beyond the hot spring world.

The next world is a place where the light is extremely dim, almost completely shrouded in darkness. As I sweep through with the consciousness of the Star Shattering stage, I find it's a world where fruits and flowers made of protein bloom.

It seems this is where Jang Ik had picked up that meat apple.

Simultaneously upon entering this world, a marker enters the rage of my attraction force.

[First Floor.]

'It seems the hot spring world was like a waiting area, and this is where the Tower of Trials actually begins.'

However, there doesn't seem to be anything like a trial here.

'The Star Shattering expedition team must have already cleared this trial.'

Most likely, the expedition team is stationed on the upper floors.

Kurururung!

Once again, I manipulate attraction force and break through to the next floor.

Second floor, third floor, fourth floor...

Twenty-seventh floor, twenty-eighth floor, twenty-ninth floor, thirtieth floor...

Fortieth floor, fiftieth floor, sixtieth floor, eightieth floor...!

Finally, when I reach the ninety-fifth floor,

Kugugugugu!

I find myself in a place resembling outer space and survey my surroundings.

As I try to pierce through the space with attraction force, a counterforce appears, restoring the space.

'This must be an uncleared floor. Then the expedition team should be here.'

I extend my consciousness domain and begin to explore into the distant reaches.

Then, beyond the cosmic space, I see a colossal entity being pursued by several beings.

Kwa-jijijijik!

It's a beetle the size of a satellite.

The beetle, scattering golden lightning, flies toward me, thrusting its mandibles in my direction.

It seems intent on splitting me apart.

But in the next moment.

The Three Great Ultimates rise behind my back.

Wiiiiing!

The Three Great Ultimates begin to spin, and I reach out towards the lightning beetle.

Kwa-jijik!

The beetle's mandibles are caught in my hand.

I tighten my grip on the beetle, and after a moment, it bursts apart and dies.

Kwaang!

In the place where the beetle exploded and died, a small golden fragment remains.

I reach out and grab the golden fragment.

Simultaneously, I become aware through my attraction force that 'I can now proceed to the next floor.

It seems this creature was the master of this floor.

And it's when I've caught the floor's master.

Flash!

A group of Esteemed Ones with vast presences assembles around me.

There are a total of 21 of them.

Among them, I smile slightly when glancing at a green-hued figure before turning to observe the rest of the Esteemed Ones.

[Greetings, seniors. This unworthy junior is Seo Eun-hyun, a Star Shattering Esteemed One who has recently emerged from the Bright Cold Realm and a practitioner of the Human Race. I have come here under the guidance of the Sacred Master to assist in the conquest of the Lightning Sacred Sea. I hope you will allow me to be of assistance.]

Then, amidst my polite greeting, an unexpected voice shouts in fury.

[You filthy thing. Are you that Human Race madman!?]

[Pardon...?]

I turn my head, and there, a Star Shattering stage Esteemed One who appears to be from the Tall Tree Race is glaring at me with a face flushed red.

[You've come well! You son of a scoundrel! You dare to defile my Sacred Master! I'll rip your main body to shreds and scatter it across Heaven and Earth!]

[...There seems to be a misunderstanding, Daoist. And besides, why is Sacred Master Baek Woon 'your' Sacred Master?]

[Silence! I have nothing to explain to a molester like you! Esteemed Ones of the Bright Cold Realm, let us all attack this vile menace!]

At his words, several Esteemed Ones from the Bright Cold Realm surround me.

[Look here, Daoists. Why are you all following the words of this Tall Tree Race Daoist? There's no point in exhausting ourselves here in pointless conflict. How about moving on and tackling the next floor quickly?

However, an Esteemed One of the Yellow Dragon Race speaks, their eyes gleaming.

[There's no use denying it, evil breed. Everyone here has already heard that you tortured the Sacred Master and provided the opportunity for the Owner of the Blood Yin Realm to descend upon the Bright Cold Realm. You are no better than a traitor to the Bright Cold Realm!]

Standing beside them, a Fighting Ghost Race Esteemed One flexes their muscles and grins.

[Torturing the Sacred Master? Just how powerful are you? And on top of that, a member of the Heart Tribe!!! I'm already looking forward to how exciting it will be when we fight...]

[TL: A reminder that excited can also mean aroused.]

It seems they are divided.

Those who simply want to fight me, and those who resent me for allegedly torturing the Sacred Master and enabling the descent of Blood Yin.

But it doesn't end there.

[Heh heh. I don't like allying with those from the Bright Cold Realm...but if it means I can legally beat down on a Human Race, I'm more than willing to join anytime.]

The Esteemed Ones from the True Devil Realm also join in, encircling me.

[Our Ancient Force Realm has business with him as well. We need to find out why he's been issued an [Exile Order] from Sacred Master Hae Lin. After assisting with the capture, we will handle the interrogation.]

The Esteemed Ones of the Ancient Force Realm surround me for an absurd reason.

Adding to that, the Esteemed Ones of the Bright Cold Realm address the remaining Esteemed Ones who are standing back and just watching.

[Look here, Purple Gold Realm Daoists and Mountains and Rivers Daoists! If you assist us in capturing this one, we will make it worth your while! Please lend us your aid!]

Purple Gold Realm Esteemed Ones and Mountains and Rivers Esteemed Ones also surround me.

[TL: Mountains and Rivers as in miscellaneous factions, hermits, etc. I might have translated it as Independent or Hermit in the past, but I'll be using Mountains and Rivers from now on.]

I observe the Esteemed Ones encircling me.

Five from the Bright Cold Realm.

Three from the True Devil Realm.

Four from the Ancient Force Realm.

Four from the Purple Gold Realm.

Four Mountains and Rivers Esteemed Ones roaming the Astral Realm.

A total of twenty Esteemed Ones have encircled me.

As I observe the Esteemed Ones around me, I notice the only one who hasn't joined the ranks of the attackers.

I look at Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One Jang Ik and say,

[This disciple Seo Eun-hyun has seen Master.]

[Good.]

[But, will Master not be joining in the joint attack?]

The Esteemed Ones' eyes widen when I address Jang Ik as my master, and they all start watching him warily.

However, Jang Ik lays down in the cosmic space and closes his eyes as if he has no interest.

[Anyway, I heard you either killed or put into a comatose state all my top disciples.]

[...]

[For now, wait. I'm drained from clearing this floor, so know that I'll face you when I'm in my best condition. I'm going to sleep for a bit. All of you, handle things as you see fit until I wake up.]

After saying this, Jang Ik adjusts the surrounding environment, ensuring that no one can approach his vicinity, and falls asleep just like that.

With looks of relief, the Esteemed Ones collectively let out sighs of relief.

[It's a relief that Heaven-Collapsing hasn't betrayed us.]

[So he isn't on your side either, human wretch.]

[Blame your fate.]

They begin tightening their encirclement.

And I smirk.

[Oh dear, that's the wrong answer.]

[Wrong answer?]

I speak to the one who seems to represent them—the Yellow Dragon Race Esteemed One.

[It's not that Jang Ik didn't betray you. Rather, he should have joined forces with you to pressure me.]

[Ha, looks like you're relying on something because he's your master...]

[Alright, that's enough. Let's cut the chit-chat...why don't you come at me?]

To be honest, even I am somewhat curious about the extent of my own abilities.

Since reaching the Star Shattering stage, all my opponents have been beings like Blood Yin, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, Sacred Master Baek Woon who merged with the Bright Cold Realm, and the Entering Nirvana Quasi-Immortal Jinlu Gok—each of them far above my level.

'I need an objective assessment of my strength.'

In that sense, the twenty Star Shattering stage Esteemed Ones have shown up at just the right time.

Among the Esteemed Ones who seem incredulous at my declaration, one Esteemed One from the Purple Gold Realm lets out an enraged shout and charges at me.

[Arrogant fool!]

The Colorless Glass Sword bursts forth from within my body.

Wududuk!

With the power of Crystal Glass to Treading Sea, my right hand holding the Colorless Glass Sword transforms into Glass True Fire, merging with the Colorless Glass Sword.

The Three Great Ultimates appear, and I, merged with the sword, raise it and slash.

Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.

Ascending Vein.

Tukwang!

The energy of the Three Great Ultimates flows into the sword, sending the Purple Gold Realm Esteemed One tearing through the space and up to the next floor.

Kwang, Kwang, Kwang!

Even after piercing through the next floor, the Purple Gold Realm Esteemed One continues to break through the subsequent floors above.

The 96th, 97th, 98th, and 99th floors are pierced through all at once.

From these four floors, powerful presences surge down upon the 95th floor.

The owners of those presences all express their anger at me for recklessly punching holes through their floors.

Hwarururururuk!

Enveloping myself in Glass True Fire, I take out my main body and begin transforming it.

Crystal Glass to Treading Sea.

Full Release (全開).

Origin Star (本源星) Combat Technique Form (鬪法形) Open.

My Origin Star changes, taking on a combat-optimized form.

The Glass True Fire envelops the entirety of my Origin Star.

I distort attraction force and place Hong Fan and Seo Ran, who are within the Origin Star, into a suitable alternate space, then transform my body.

Hwarururuk!

The Glass True Fire blazes across the entire Origin Star, reshaping its form.

As the Origin Star compresses, I assume the appearance of 'Human Seo Eun-hyun.'

Glass True Fire blankets my entire body, transforming into the robes of immortals, with parts of the flames trailing down my back to form winged garments.

As my consciousness accelerates, part of it reaches the Immortal Domain.

From within the flames of glass, I look down upon the Esteemed Ones with arrogance and speak.

: : C O M E A T M E. : :