The Third Seat of the Radiance Eight Immortals.
The Great Sun Heavenly Lord compresses the sun surrounding their projection.
: : So, it escaped in the end. : :
Even when the projections of the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lord were sent, they hadn't been particularly concerned.
The destruction of a Heavenly Domain?
What kind of living being could possibly wield such power?
It was absolutely impossible.
They had simply assumed that Baek Woon, who had reported it, had gone senile.
After all, being impaled by Yang Su-jin's Lightning Spear for tens of thousands of years, it's inevitable she would eventually go mad.
So even when the subordinate True Immortal under Radiance Hall said they casually requested assistance from the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lord and Yeong Seung, they hadn't thought much of it.
Yeong Seung acts according to his whims and is unlikely to move anyway, and the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords, who have ventured out to the Outer Sea for exploration, would likely only send one or two projections at most among the seven, even if they were struck by a sudden surge of goodwill.
After those measures were taken, they stopped paying attention.
At present, the more urgent issue was dealing with the suspicious movements of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity in the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.
Or so it should have been.
The Great Sun Heavenly Lord recalls that moment.
—The flow of time has twisted.
—The flow of the predetermined annihilation has been extinguished.
—As requested, we shall descend.
—Please, provide a detailed explanation regarding this matter.
—Open the gate of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain. We shall descend our projections upon our disciples.
The Radiance Eight Immortals had thought that the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords had collectively gone insane.
What began from a trivial request for salvation from a lowly being like Baek Woon resulted in the direct disciples of a Heavenly Venerable, the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords, to personally descend upon the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain?
If the Great Sun Heavenly Lord hadn't personally observed the situation in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, they would have believed that the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords had betrayed the Radiance Hall and were scheming to open a path to the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
However, in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, the Great Mountain Supreme Deity's Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra was being activated more intensely than ever before.
The Radiance Eight Immortals could not help but be enraged.
The reason for the Great Mountain Supreme Deity's suspicious behavior immediately became clear.
They were planning something through the terminal in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
The entirety of Mount Sumeru knows well of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity's sinister schemes.
Though They might appear overtly tyrannical, They are notorious for being a profoundly cunning and sinister individual.
Thus, the living being using that Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra must undoubtedly be either the Great Mountain Supreme Deity's terminal or a slave bound within Their prophecy.
Even so, it would be fine if the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords sent their projections directly.
That's what they thought.
And so, the Radiance Eight Immortals, including the Great Sun Heavenly Lord, focused even more on sealing the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
The Great Mountain Supreme Deity is indeed fearsome, but the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords personally dispatched their projections.
Moreover, their disciples who revered the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords were present in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Lord.
While those so-called disciples were, in truth, no better than scraps, they were still Quasi-Immortal rank beings in their own right.
If those disciples joined forces with the projections of the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords, their combined strength would effectively amount to ten True Immortals.
No matter how much power one living being wielded through the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, they could not possibly overcome the strength of ten True Immortals.
Thinking this, the Radiance Eight Immortals focused solely on the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.
Then, the projections of the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords were annihilated.
It was said their disciples were utterly defeated and scattered.
When they first heard this news, the Radiance Eight Immortals, including the Great Sun Heavenly Lord, were displeased.
They thought the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords were playing a joke unbefitting their rank.
However...
It was ultimately revealed to be true, and the Radiance Hall was thrown into utter chaos.
If those words were true, then right now in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, a nightmare on the level of the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord in their youth has reappeared.
Moreover, the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord is wielding the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra?
A being with potential rivaling the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord, in collaboration with the Great Mountain Supreme Deity?
Just the thought alone is horrifying.
Because of this, among the Radiance Eight Immortals, who were monitoring the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, it was decided for one of them to directly move their projection.
It would cause some mental distraction, but the situation left no other choice.
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord insisted vehemently on going themself, but since their presence is needed to suppress the movements resonating in the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, they could not send their projection.
In the end, the Third Seat of the Radiance Eight Immortals, the Great Sun Heavenly Lord, took action.
And the moment the Great Sun Heavenly Lord descended, what they witnessed was the final moment of the True Immortal Blood Yin, who had already engaged in a fierce battle with the return of Vast Cold and was now sacrificing his life in a self-destructive explosion.
Kugugugugugu!
: : A filthy remnant of the past dares... : :
If this were Yu Hao Te, the Nether Devil True Lord in his prime, they would have honored his nobility. But this wretched leftover, claiming to be Yu Hao Te without knowing his place...
To the Great Sun Heavenly Lord, someone like Blood Yin was nothing more than filth to be swept away.
Although Blood Yin managed to scatter the Great Sun Heavenly Lord's gaze briefly by self-destructing immediately after their descent, he ultimately failed to conceal the truth.
Through their winged garments, the Great Sun Heavenly Lord grasped everything that has happened here.
Yes.
: : Enders... : :
Or beings also referred to as the Seven Brilliances King.
The highest wisdoms, which the likes of leftovers like Blood Yin are incapable of even remembering, had been present there.
: : Have they already been born again? : :
For the true purpose of the Radiance Hall, several conditions must be met.
And one of them is the annihilation of the Enders.
: : That filth...did he self-destruct in the end to scatter the Enders across the various Heavenly Domains? : :
It is impossible to determine exactly which Heavenly Domains they've been scattered to.
This is because in his final moments, Blood Yin made history unreadable through history revision.
In matters of history, the Great Sun Heavenly Lord cannot match Blood Yin's expertise, and so they decide to abandon the effort to locate the exact positions of the Enders.
Instead, they send their will to the Radiance Hall.
The will of the Great Sun Heavenly Lord that reaches Radiance Hall also reaches countless Heavenly Domains.
: : True Immortals under the Radiance Hall and fellow allies, heed the decree. : :
All living beings directly under the Radiance Hall in the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain respond.
The will of the Owner of Void, an ally of the Radiance Hall from the Good Sight Heavenly Domain, responds.
The will of the Owner of Names, an ally from the Elephant Nose Heavenly Domain, responds.
Every living being directly under the Radiance Hall in the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain responds.
In the directly ruled Horse Ear Heavenly Domain, a sealed being unleashes thunder, but the Great Sun Heavenly Lord's will ignores it and resounds throughout the Horse Ear Heavenly Domain.
In the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain, a faint response comes from the will of the Owner of Liberation, a quasi-ally of the Radiance Hall.
In the Source River, the will of the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords, affiliated with Radiance Hall, responds.
In the Eastern Heaven Flower Field, the will of the Owner of the Flower Field, an ally of the Radiance Hall, responds.
Almost every Heavenly Domain on Mount Sumeru, except for the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, and the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain, responds to the Radiance Hall's decree.
: : The filth left behind by Yu Hao Te has scattered seeds of calamity across countless Heavenly Domains. : :
Seeds of calamity.
Or, disaster.
One of the ominous titles the Radiance Hall uses to refer to the Enders.
: : All beings who distort the predetermined celestial energy must be reported to Radiance Hall. True Immortals under Radiance Hall shall descend to eliminate these disasters who twist the celestial energy. : :
The will of the Great Sun Heavenly Lord spreads across countless Heavenly Domains, and each domain responds in its own way.
The Great Sun Heavenly Lord recalls the situation after they deliver the decree.
: : ... : :
In the end, the Ender who wields power worthy of being called the return of Vast Cold...
The being named Seo Eun-hyun...
Could not be captured.
The Vast Cold of that era also escaped from the grasp of Radiance Hall solely through the power of the soul, and advanced to True Immortality in their own way.
The Great Sun Heavenly Lord grips the physical body of Seo Eun-hyun they have brought into their hands.
Seo Eun-hyun's body is crushed instantly, turning into a flesh pancake.
From behind their mask, the Great Sun Heavenly Lord's eyes gleam.
They tremble as they sense an ominous foreboding.
: : Even that Vast Cold, during their advancement, received aid within the embrace of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity. But just how can this Ender...? : :
Though he received the support of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, he advanced through the Interdimensional Void and leapt into the domain of purity solely through his own means, advancing by himself.
Perhaps, he might become an even more fearsome Ender than Vast Cold.
And...
: : You have interfered again, Great Mountain. : :
In front of the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, the Great Sun Heavenly Lord murmurs directly with their main body along with the Radiance Eight Immortals.
: : Even 500,000 years ago in the era of Vast Cold. Even 40,000 years ago during the Supreme Deity advancement of Bong Myeong. And even today. I have lost count how many times your sinister schemes have come to fruition. : :
Kugugugugu!
The Radiance Eight Immortals push open the gates of the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.
Above their heads, a resplendently brilliant Seat of Radiance rises.
: : Today, we shall punish you... : :
Kuuung!
The entrance to the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain opens.
Shiiiiiii—
The stellar wind between dimensions howls, and the Radiance Eight Immortals shudder.
And in the next moment—
: : ...! : :
: : How!!?? : :
: : What have you done, Ra Cheon!!?? : :
The Radiance Eight Immortals roar furiously toward the now [absent] Great Mountain Supreme Deity, who has vanished without even birds or rats knowing from within the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.
Kugugugugugu!
Combining their strength, the Radiance Eight Immortals summon the authority of Light and set the entire Earth Axis Heavenly Domain ablaze, but the Great Mountain Supreme Deity is nowhere to be seen.
The sealed Great Mountain Supreme Deity has vanished without a trace.
The entire Sumeru Mountain trembles.
Now, the return of Vast Cold no longer seems like such an urgent matter.
For the most fearsome Devil God in the history of Mount Sumeru has escaped Their seal and is now hiding somewhere.
In the Palace of Light located in the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
At the center of that palace, the Radiance Eight Immortals gather around the Round Table of Radiance.
: : Has the Great Sun not arrived yet, Great Forest? : :
: : Do not rush, Pearl Jade. : :
: : A reply has come from the Owner of Names. Great Mountain has abandoned Their Immortal Title and concealed Themself. Instead of Their Immortal Title, a new Immortal Registry created under the Great Mountain Supreme Deity's true name will soon arrive from the Elephant Nose Heavenly Domain. Through it, we might discern Their movements. : :
: : How can a hastily created Immortal Registry accurately reveal Great Mountain's location and movements? At best, it will only show whether Their prophecy is being fulfilled! : :
: : Even that would be monumental. Through it, we can sufficiently locate the Great Mountain. : :
At the center of the Palace of Radiance.
Inside the meeting chamber of the Radiance Hall, excluding the Great Sun Heavenly Lord, the Eight Immortals have gathered.
The First Seat of the Radiance Eight Immortals,
Great Forest Heavenly Lord (大林天君).
Second Seat — Flower Plant Heavenly Lord (花草天君).
Fourth Seat — Torch Candle Heavenly Lord (燈燭天君).
Fifth Seat — Sword Spear Heavenly Lord (劍戟天君).
Sixth Seat — Pearl Jade Heavenly Lord (珠玉天君).
Seventh Seat — Great Sea Heavenly Lord (大海天君).
Eighth Seat — Rain Dew Heavenly Lord (雨露天君).
The seven Heavenly Lords exchange countless opinions among themselves as they wait for the new Immortal Registry promised by the Great Sun Heavenly Lord and the Owner of the Names.
Then, all of a sudden,
Flash!
One Entering Nirvana True Person enters the meeting hall at the speed of light, holding up a scroll and presenting to them.
: : The Naming Supreme Deity has completed the new Immortal Registry and has sent it to the rulers of the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain. : :
The First Seat of the Radiance Eight Immortals, the Great Forest Heavenly Lord, nods and gestures with their hand.
Sururuk...
At their gesture, the Immortal Registry floats above the round table surrounded by the Radiance Eight Immortals.
Chwararak!
As the Great Forest Heavenly Lord gestures again, the Immortal Registry unfurls.
The Registry displays the pinnacle of Sumeru Mountain.
The symbols and names of the Eleven Governings—the Four Heavenly Venerables and Seven Supreme Deities—are inscribed upon it.
[Blackened Three Great Ultimates].
[The Transparent Seed].
[Six Interconnected Stars].
[White Wheel].
[Lightning Spear].
[Sun And Moon Pair Of Eyes].
[Bird Trapped In A Cage].
[Black Sun].
[Taiji In The Shape Of A Fetus].
[Mountain Exuding Darkness].
[Black Snake Biting Its Tail].
Upon seeing these eleven symbols, the Radiance Eight Immortals bow in respect in acknowledgment of their ranks and achievements.
However, after offering their respects, most of them simultaneously glare upon the symbol of the [Mountain Exuding Darkness].
: : That vile traitor. : :
: : Just what do They expect to change by crying out for repentant enlightenment while committing the most wicked of deeds...!? : :
: : The path of our Radiance Hall has always been obstructed by Great Mountain, more than even the Underworld. : :
Just as anger begins to spread among the Radiance Eight Immortals,
Sururuk—
Eighth Seat of the Radiance Eight Immortals.
The Rain Dew Heavenly Lord raises one hand.
At the gesture of the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord, who wears a dark blue mask, the Radiance Eight Immortals simultaneously fall silent.
: : Excessive. : :
At that single word, the Radiance Eight Immortals collectively close their mouths.
: : Do not reveal your emotions. We need no emotions beyond our roles as tools. : :
At the cold words of the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord, the Radiance Eight Immortals calm their agitation and resume their conversation in hushed tones.
: : Is it already Seven Supreme Deities? : :
: : It has been 40,000 years since the enthronement of Bong Myeong. : :
: : Who could have imagined it? That the Heavenly Craftsman once called the Left Arm of the Underworld would be enthroned as the Liberation Supreme Deity and escape the embrace of the Underworld. : :
: : Why not entrust matters regarding the Enders to Them? They have always sought to use Enders as materials. : :
: : Let us appoint the Liberation Supreme Deity as the chief overseer of tracking the Enders. They have always sought to form a proper alliance with us, and through this achievement, we can include Them in the alliance of the Radiance Hall... : :
It's when the covenants of the Heavenly Lords are about to be made.
Hwaruruk!
The sun rises in front of the round table.
It is the Third Seat of the Radiance Eight Immortals, the Great Sun Heavenly Lord.
: : Why are you so late, Great Sun? : :
At the reprimand of the Great Forest Heavenly Lord, the Great Sun Heavenly Lord, wearing a reddish-yellow mask, raises something before them.
It is a fragment of flesh.
: : This is the Vestige (尸) of the Ender called the return of Vast Cold that I obtained through my projection. The return of Vast Cold has learned the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, so I took this fragment and briefly ventured out into the Outer Sea just in case. : :
At the words of the Great Sun Heavenly Lord, the Radiance Eight Immortals nod.
: : I see. You resonated it with the domain of Salt Sea, the original owner of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra? : :
: : That's right. And...through it, I discovered one thing. : :
: : What is it? : :
: : The location of Penglai Island (蓬萊島). : :
At those words, the Radiance Eight Immortals collectively shudder.
: : Penglai Island was in the Outer Sea. While I cannot track its exact location...the Great Mountain Supreme Deity is surely hiding there. : :
For a moment, silence flows over the round table.
After a while, the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord nods.
: : Excellent. : :
Receiving praise from the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord, the Great Sun Heavenly Lord shudders and clutches the fragment of Seo Eun-hyun's flesh even more tightly.
: : By the way, this Immortal would like to study it. : :
: : It has served its purpose, so do as you wish. : :
The Great Sun Heavenly Lord hands Seo Eun-hyun's flesh fragment—his Vestige—to the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord and then looks up at the newly arrived Immortal Registry.
There, in the order of each Governing Immortal's symbols, their names are listed.
Northern Heavenly Venerable – True Martial Great Emperor (眞武大帝).
Eastern Heavenly Venerable – Flower Monarch (花王公).
Southern Heavenly Venerable – True Ultimate Eternal Life Great Emperor (眞極長生大帝).
Western Heavenly Venerable – Netherworld Queen Mother (冥王母).
Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity – Do Gon (屠乾).
Emptiness (虛空) Supreme Deity – Myeong Woon (命運).
Liberation Supreme Deity – Bong Myeong (奉命).
Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity – Hyeon Ryul (玄律).
Naming Supreme Deity – Hyeon Rang (玄朗).
Great Mountain Supreme Deity – Gwak Am (गाॐ).
These are the names inscribed in the new Immortal Registry.
The Great Sun Heavenly Lord looks at these names and reflects.
At some point, new names have filled the Immortal Registry, while others have been erased.
A great upheaval is now about to sweep across the world.
'Once again, we are entering an era of great chaos.'
The Great Sun Heavenly Lord walks towards the round table where the Immortal Registry floats.
Arriving before the table, they bow towards the name at the 'very bottom' of the Immortal Registry.
Along with them, the Great Forest Heavenly Lord, Flower Plant Heavenly Lord, Torch Candle Heavenly Lord, Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, Pearl Jade Heavenly Lord, Great Sea Heavenly Lord, and Rain Dew Heavenly Lord—all of the Radiance Eight Immortals—rise and bow towards the name at the very bottom.
Radiance Supreme Deity (光明上帝),
Heuk Sa (黑蛇/Black Snake).
: : Glory to the Radiance Supreme Deity. : :
Only then do the Radiance Eight Immortals, now fully assembled, begin their proper meeting.
In the center of Radiance Hall, where the Great Sun Heavenly Lord has been admitted, the doors of the round table chamber close.
Khiiiiiiik...
Kuung!
At the same time, the symbol engraved on the doors of the round table chamber, the symbol of the Radiance Hall,
The symbol of the [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] glows brightly, sealing the space so that no one in the Three Thousand Great Thousand Worlds can eavesdrop on the conversation of the Radiance Eight Immortals.
Now, within this space, a momentous meeting that will decide the fate of the entire universe begins.
The fate of the Three Thousand Great Thousand Worlds is once again on the verge of being reshaped.
Somewhere in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
There, Hong Fan wipes his sweat and builds a massive altar atop a planet.
"You are challenging the True Immortal advancement, Master."
He realizes that Seo Eun-hyun has begun his Immortal Ascension.
As faint memories of his past life resurface, he understands how he can best assist Seo Eun-hyun and acts accordingly.
"I will...assist to the best of my ability. Please return safely..."
Hong Fan, more sincerely than anyone else, prays for the safe return of Seo Eun-hyun and waits endlessly for Seo Eun-hyun's return.
"As long as we exist beneath this sky...I will forever...serve Master with heartfelt loyalty. So please, safely complete the Immortal Ascension Ritual and return to us."
In a corner of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, Hong Fan's voice, filled with hope for Seo Eun-hyun's safety, softly echoes.
Author's Note:
Hello, dear readers.
The long Middle Realm arc has finally come to an end.
It was a journey filled with many ups and downs, and much was said throughout this arc, but ultimately, it has reached its conclusion.
I would love to leave a long afterword for the end of the Middle Realm arc, but as the deadline approaches, I'll have to post it separately on my blog.
In any case...it was indeed a long Middle Realm arc.
With the end of this arc, I plan to take a one-month break to further refine the story of Regressor's Tale of Cultivation, which I have been sprinting through like crazy with all my might.
The planned return date is September 1st, as summer's heat begins to fade and the power of the Great Sun Heavenly Lord slightly diminishes.
To all the readers who have loved the Middle Realm arc thus far, thank you so much, and I, too, love you all.
See you again soon!!!
Translator Notes: So, based on the way I've been using the terms (허공 vs 공허), Owner of Void should actually be Owner of Emptiness, and Emptiness Supreme Deity should be Void Supreme Deity. The word 허공 (used for "Void" in "Void Shattering") is the same word used as 허공 ("Emptiness") in "Emptiness Supreme Deity" and also as 허공 ("Void") in the "Akashic Records" (Void Record). On the other hand, the word 공허 (used for "Void" in "Owner of Void" and "Interdimensional Void") has been translated as Emptiness elsewhere in the story. In short, whenever you see the word void, it's referring to 허공, which is also used as emptiness only in the context Emptiness Supreme Deity, and whenever you see the word emptiness, it's referring to 공허, which has also been translated as void only for Owner of Void and Interdimensional Void.
-x-X-x-
A long dream and illusion.
And a world of chaos, seemingly eternal, where the boundary between unconsciousness and consciousness is blurred.
In the domain of purity, I finally open my eyes.
No, it feels strange now to use the phrase 'open my eyes.'
I no longer have a physical body, so there are no eyes to close or open.
Rather than that expression...
Saying 'I regain consciousness' seems more appropriate.
There is only one task for me now that I have regained consciousness.
From deep within my instincts—
No, from a realm even more fundamental than that—it is pointing out what I must do and where I must go.
In this absolute Void (虛空), this realm of Nothingness (無), I must...
Align my enlightenments with the realm of Existence (有) that gave birth to the being that is 'me,' forming the Taiji (太極).
I can sense that the realms of life and death are converging into Taiji (太極) and being accepted into me.
I recognize that I am becoming an existence that transcends life and death itself.
I recall the entire path of Immortal Cultivation that I have walked thus far.
At the Qi Gathering (丹修) stage, I accepted the Yin-Yang, Five Elements, and Primordial Chaos, laying the foundation for Immortal Cultivation.
At the 1st star of Qi Refining, I activated the spiritual meridians of the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends.
At the 2nd star of Qi Refining, I condensed the spiritual natures of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Spirits within my body.
At the 3rd star of Qi Refining, I attuned my body to the spiritual power waves of the Twelve Earthly Melodies.
At the 4th star of Qi Refining, I internalized the symbols of the Ten Heavenly Stems and learned the foundations of formations.
At the 5th star of Qi Refining, I mastered the flow of the Nine Palaces within my body.
At the 6th star of Qi Refining, I further refined the flow of the Nine Palaces into the Eight Trigrams.
At the 7th star of Qi Refining, I performed the Seven Stars Ritual and received the world's permission to walk the path of Immortal Cultivation.
At the 8th star of Qi Refining, I stimulated my consciousness through the Six Harmonies All Paths and adapted my body further to spiritual energy.
At the 9th star of Qi Refining, I specialized my attributes through the Five Elements True Meanings.
At the 10th star of Qi Refining, I stabilized the internal flow of spiritual energy I created to create the Twin Meridians of Yin Meridian and Yang Meridian through the Four Symbols Two Meanings.
At the 11th star of Qi Refining, I created a spiritual pathway through my upper, middle, and lower dantians through Heaven-Earth-Man Unification.
At the 12th star of Qi Refining, I integrated the Twin Meridians of Yin Meridian and Yang Meridian into a single meridian through Two Meanings Combine to One.
At the 13th star of Qi Refining, I created a condensed core of spiritual energy within my body through One Origin One Convergence.
[TL: Previously translated as Unified Origin.]
At the 14th star of Qi Refining, I detonated that condensed core, forming a spiritual cloud and laying the foundation for entering the Qi Building stage.
The Qi Refining stage can be summarized as 'the process for mortals to become accustomed to spiritual energy.'
Looking back, the proper foundation of Immortal Cultivation seems to begin at the Qi Building stage.
The Early, Mid, Late, and Grand Perfection stages of Qi Building.
1st Constellation: Horn, Neck, Root, Room, Heart, Tail, Winnowing Basket.
2nd Constellation: Ladle, Ox, Girl, Emptiness, Rooftop, Chamber, Wall.
3rd Constellation: Legs, Bond, Stomach, Hairy Head, Net, Beak, Triple Stars.
4th Constellation: Well, Ghost, Willow, Star, Extended Net, Wing, Chariot.
Through the formula of each stage, I condensed spiritual natures within me, rehearsing for the Star Shattering stage. Moreover, I grasped the starting point for acquiring attraction force by forming [stars] within my body, laying the foundation for [Heaven].
Reflecting on it now, the condensation of spiritual natures during the Qi Building stage was ultimately the first step towards understanding 'attraction force'.
The Early, Mid, Late, and Grand Perfection stages of Core Formation.
Heavenly Market Enclosure: Its form commands without adornment.
Supreme Palace Enclosure: Its service commands reverence.
Purple Forbidden Enclosure: Its nurturing commands benevolence.
Celestial Dominion: Its duty commands righteousness.
Through the formula of each stage, I divided the domain of Heaven, created a [path] through which spiritual natures could move, and at the same time, made my body both the people and the nation, crowning my soul as the king, and turned myself into an altar.
Looking back, the most important thing in the Core Formation stage was to divide the domain of Heaven to create a [path], allowing the spiritual natures to [operate].
Nascent Soul stage.
From the Nascent Soul stage, one condenses the Nascent Soul.
This Nascent Soul can be described as an armor of spiritual energy donned by the spirit, as well as a tool that allows one's will to interfere with reality itself.
Furthermore, as Qi becomes densely compressed to its utmost limit, it serves as a starting point to transcend the Plane of Qi and catch glimpses of other planes.
The Early, Mid, Late, and Grand Perfection stages of Nascent Soul.
As constant as the Moon.
As the rising of the Sun.
As long-lived as the Five Great Mountains.
Unswerving and uncollapsing.
In the Golden Core where only the concept of [Heaven] existed, the [Moon] is engraved to create [Night], and the [Sun] is engraved to create [Day].
Then, by establishing the Five Great Mountains to create the four directions, the concept of [Earth] is established for the first time, and the directions are symbolized as the [Pillars Supporting the Heaven].
Afterward, by combining all these concepts and reflecting on [oneself] once again, the Heaven and Earth, along with all their forms and transformations, are absorbed into oneself to perfect the Nascent Soul even further.
Thus, the Nascent Soul stage is completed.
The Heavenly Being stage.
Spring: Will to Become an Immortal Established.
Summer: Unswayed Amidst the Heavenly Mandate.
Autumn and Winter: Heavenly Compliance, Heart's Governance.
Although various principles are attached, the most important formulas across the early, mid, and late stages of the Heavenly Being stage ultimately revolve around Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
These are considered the formulas of the Four Seasons.
Paralleling human life to the flow of the Four Seasons are the formulas attached to Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
And...
The formula that comes after the winter of life.
Acceptance at Fate's End.
Along with this is the immensely long formula of Vast Cold.
The formula of Acceptance at Fate's End teaches that after winter, human life comes to its End (終命).
In other words, it teaches that fate reaches its conclusion.
However, the formula of Vast Cold states that the Four Seasons continue endlessly.
It does not deny that people die.
But...even in death, it suggests that one continues through someone else.
If the formula of Acceptance at Fate's End feels like a warning that says [Begin Immortal Cultivation while prepared to die along the way],
Then the formula of Vast Cold feels like a reassurance, saying [Even if you die while walking the path of Immortal Cultivation, your will shall continue, so do not worry].
When comparing these two formulas, the feeling is quite strange.
Next comes the Four-Axis stage.
Health, Wealth, Longevity, Love of Virtue.
Or the Five Elements.
However...
If interpreted according to the meaning of the true name that is the Earth Axis stage,
Health, Wealth, Longevity, Love of Virtue.
The Fifth Blessing one gains along the normal path of the Heavenly Being stage,
Violent Death, Disease, Anxiety, Poverty, Hatred, and Weakness of the Six Extremes.
And one of the Five Elements.
Building all twelve of these axes is the Earth Axis stage.
An axis is a form of Nascent Soul, and ultimately, the Earth Axis stage is about building a minimum of four to a maximum of twelve Nascent Souls.
By completing twelve or four [Heaven]s and connecting them to complete the concept of [Earth] is the Earth Axis stage.
Next comes the Integration stage.
Rain, Sunlight, Heat, Cold, Wind, Time.
If the Four-Axis stage is about solidifying one's grasp over 'attraction force',
Then the Integration stage is about dealing with the fundamentals of 'Immortal Arts' through attraction force.
It is also the stage where one understands the world through the basic Immortal Art called Various Omens.
Immortal Arts involve using attraction force to manipulate the Plane of Fate or alter history, as Seo Hweol once explained.
However, the Immortal Arts I learned from Cheongmun Ryeong involves overturning the world with nothing but the heart.
In truth, both explanations are saying the same thing.
From the moment the spirit gains the authority to manipulate attraction force starting in the Four-Axis stage, it becomes capable of using attraction force to touch fate or history, enabling Immortal Arts.
In other words, because the heart changes into attraction force, everything that twists the world through the heart is ultimately an Immortal Art.
However, if the Immortal Arts Seo Hweol explained involve twisting the world through attraction force appropriate to one's realm,
Cheongmun Ryeong's Immortal Arts involve distorting the world through the heart, which is not related to one's realm.
In other words, attraction force and heart.
The difference between the two lies in which aspect was given more emphasis in their explanation of Immortal Arts.
Star Shattering Stage.
Rain, Clearing, Cloudiness, Want of Connection, Crossing, Inner Diagram, Outer Diagram.
It is the realm where one creates seven [satellites] to form a constellation.
At first glance, the Immortal Arts of the Star Shattering stage and the Integration stage appear similar.
Especially since the name of the formula, Rain (雨), overlaps.
However, the Immortal Arts of these two realms are completely different.
If the Immortal Art of the Integration stage, Various Omens, simply manipulates celestial phenomena,
Then the Immortal Art of the Star Shattering stage, Examination of Doubts, manipulates planes.
The Heavenly Rain Great Star of the Star Shattering Stage engraves the form of Rain (雨) upon the planes of Qi, Soul, and Fate.
In the Plane of Qi, it manifests as simple rain, but in the Plane of Soul, melancholy infects, and in the Plane of Fate, darkness and misfortune gradually begin to spread.
The Heavenly Clearing Great Star engraves the form of Clearing (霽) upon the planes.
In the Plane of Qi, the weather clears, in the Plane of Soul, melancholy disappears, and in the Plane of Fate, misfortune dissipates.
The Heavenly Cloudiness Great Star engraves the form of Cloudiness (蒙).
In the Plane of Qi, spring wells gush forth from beneath mountains,
In the Plane of Soul, ignorance takes root,
And in the Plane of Fate, the future grows uncertain.
The Heavenly Want of Connection Great Star engraves the form of Want of Connection (驛).
In the Plane of Qi, vegetation sprouts,
In the Plane of Soul, 'transmission' occurs,
And in the Plane of Fate, fortune and misfortune are passed on to others.
The Heavenly Crossing Great Star engraves the form of Crossing (克).
In the Plane of Qi, it begins the hunt of beasts,
In the Plane of Soul, patience,
And in the Plane of Fate, it symbolizes victory in war.
The Heavenly Inner Diagram Great Star and the Heavenly Outer Diagram Great Star respectively symbolize the inner and outer trigrams of the Eight Trigrams, serving as the foundation to not only divine one's own fortune but also to subtly interfere with the fate of others.
Now, the Sacred Vessel Stage.
Year, Month, Date, Hour, Calendar.
Correctness and Straightforwardness, Strong Rule, Mild Rule.
During the Sacred Vessel stage, truly many things happened.
So many things occurred that they couldn't be fully perceived at the time but only understood now.
Light.
Light is ultimately close to the essence of Heaven and Earth spiritual energy.
To be precise...
Without light, no living being in Heaven and Earth can dare to begin Immortal Cultivation.
Yes.
Light is the origin of spiritual roots.
When cultivating the formulas of Year, Month, Date, Hour, and Calendar, I simply thought 'I see,' but in hindsight, it's quite a bizarre feeling.
Because this means the fundamental path of Immortal Cultivation for all living beings and all cultivators in this world is ultimately determined by light.
Light itself is not Heaven and Earth spiritual energy.
However, light serves as an essential medium for receiving Heaven and Earth spiritual energy.
Yes...
Light is absolutely indispensable for Immortal Cultivation.
Without light, no one can even dare to begin Immortal Cultivation.
The formulas of Year, Month, Date, Hour, and Calendar are the basic Immortal Art for handling light.
The formulas of Correctness and Straightforwardness, Strong Rule, and Mild Rule are Immortal Art formulas for actively wielding light against others.
Cultivating according to the formulas of Correctness and Straightforwardness, Strong Rule, and Mild Rule and using the authority of the Eight Paths to wield living beings in the Middle Realm with fate is the cultivation of the Sacred Vessel stage.
And...
The final realm for [Mortal Beings].
Entering Nirvana Stage.
The only formula in Entering Nirvana is Royal Perfection, and there are no stages such as Early, Mid, Late, or Grand Perfection.
There is simply the formula of Royal Perfection and the name of Entering Nirvana. That is all.
From the Entering Nirvana stage, lifespan has no meaning.
In the Four-Axis stage, 50,000 years. In the Integration stage, 100,000 years. In the Star Shattering stage, 1 million years. In the Sacred Vessel stage, 10 billion years,
However, from the Entering Nirvana stage, one can perform rituals to the Heavenly Domain and extend their lifespan as much as they are permitted.
Moreover, the Heavenly Domain is not typically a sentient entity that lends power and takes it back.
Thus, when an Entering Nirvana stage performs a ritual, the Heavenly Domain typically grants them power.
In other words, performing a ritual at the Entering Nirvana stage is essentially 'extracting and eating Heaven and Earth spiritual energy from the Heavenly Domain.'
The more an Entering Nirvana clings to the Heavenly Domain and eats Heaven and Earth spiritual energy, the more they can freely extend their lifespan at will.
Of course, in return, they must offer the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy they generate themselves back to the Heavenly Domain.
However, what matters is the enlightenment of the Entering Nirvana Stage.
The Qi Refining stage familiarizes one with spiritual energy.
The Qi Building stage grasps the starting point of Heaven.
The Core Formation stage partitions Heaven and establishes the framework.
The Nascent Soul stage completes the basic structure of Heaven.
The Heavenly Being stage perfects Heaven.
The Four-Axis stage perfects Earth,
The Integration stage unites Heaven and Earth, creating a world and begins to understand attraction force.
The Star Shattering stage manifests the world one has created into reality.
The Sacred Vessel stage governs the real world with Immortal Arts through one's own world.
These are the enlightenments gained from the Qi Refining stage to the Sacred Vessel stage.
Then what is the enlightenment gained at the Entering Nirvana stage?
Feeling life and death gradually condensing around my Immortal Art, the Impermanence Sword, I begin to reflect on the enlightenment gained at the Entering Nirvana stage.
The greatest characteristic of the Entering Nirvana stage is the mastery of planes.
The Heaven Tribe controls the Plane of Fate, and the Earth Tribe controls the Plane of Qi.
Thus, the Earth Tribe can read their own history.
The history engraved in their genes and the wisdom contained within it.
And they come to understand the reason they were born into this world.
The Heaven Tribe is the same.
The Heaven Tribe can identify the fate they were born with.
In short, those who reach the Entering Nirvana stage come to realize their fate (命), regardless of whether they are from the Heaven Tribe or the Earth Tribe.
Because I advanced to True Immortality less than two days after reaching the Entering Nirvana stage, I could not comprehend my fate at the time.
But now, I finally understand my fate.
The fate of [Human Seo Eun-hyun] is as follows:
To be born into an ordinary family, live an ordinary school life, serve an ordinary military service, join an ordinary company, meet and spend time with Kim Young-hoon, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Kang Min-hee, Oh Hye-seo, Kim Yeon, and Oh Hyun-seok, go on a trip, and die in a landslide.
That was my fate (命).
'...'
In other words, everything—from my birth, to meeting my comrades, to dying in a landslide—was predetermined.
'Then, what exactly is the [current] fate I possess?'
To find the answer, I repentantly enlighten myself more deeply on my fate.
And I come to realize...
'...I don't know.'
There's no way to know the fate we were [granted] when we came into this world, as Yang Su-jin once mentioned.
'The thing called life is truly complicated.'
What is life?
In the domain of purity, I begin to raise my consciousness while contemplating my life and fate.
At the very least, I have come to understand the fate I was born with on Earth very well.
'Life is...simply life. What else could it be?'
With such a trivial thought, I briefly define life and begin to unify life and death within my body.
'And...'
My consciousness begins to rise rapidly from the domain of purity.
Before me stretches an endless sky full of stars.
That starry sky is none other than the culmination of everything I have achieved so far.
The journey of my cultivation is contained within that starry sky.
'...I see...'
Tstststststs!
When I think about it, isn't it strange?
In the Nascent Soul stage, one establishes the foundation of [Heaven] and completes [Heaven] upon reaching the Heavenly Being stage.
Yet, the cultivation of the Four-Axis stage gives birth to Nascent Souls, which can be called [Heaven]s, uses them as axes, and connects them to form what is called [Earth].
Furthermore, in the Entering Nirvana stage, the Earth Tribe and Heaven Tribe both realize their fates, albeit through different methods.
Though the Heaven Tribe and Earth Tribe may have slight differences in cultivation methods, they are not inherently incompatible like the Heart Tribe.
And now...
In the midst of my True Immortal advancement.
The endless sky full of stars unfolding before my eyes...
Looking at that starry sky I realize something.
'Qi (氣) and Fate (命)...or perhaps Heaven (天) and Earth (地)...'
Could the two, perhaps, be equal?
[Heaven] is usually expressed as the azure sky (蒼穹), but in the cultivation world, [Heaven] refers to the starry sky (星天).
After all, the celestial energy (天機) that the Heaven Tribe reads refers to the flow of constellations, or the attraction force between the stars.
But isn't it strange when you think about it?
Stars are ultimately [Earth].
The [Earth] I tread upon is, to someone living far away, seen as a glowing [Star].
The earth we walk on is, to someone else, their star.
Then, in the end, aren't Heaven and Earth,
Aren't Fate and Qi essentially the same existence, differing only in position and direction?
Heaven is Fate (運命).
Earth is Life (生命).
'From the beginning...it was Twin Fate (雙命).'
When I think about it, it was always so.
Qi, Soul, and Fate were always a single existence expressed through three different planes.
From the beginning, the three were one and the same.
When I looked through the vision of the Heart Tribe last time,
The Plane of Qi was explosion,
And the Plane of Fate was light.
Isn't it laughable?
How are light and explosion any different?
'I should have realized it back then.'
All light ultimately begins from explosions.
All explosions ultimately begin from light.
The only difference is direction; fate and history are the same.
The moment I realize this, I finally feel life and death completely merging within me.
At the same time, as life and death fuse together, they begin to create my new physical body.
A new body centered around my Immortal Art, the Impermanence Sword.
A new world is being born.
Within that world, my life (生) is contained.
Kururururur!
The Colorless Sword Enclosure reveals itself.
At the same time, a massive mist shrouds the surroundings of the Colorless Sword Enclosure, and brilliant auroras shine through the mist, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
A world covered entirely by sword mountains, yet at the same time, it is also a star.
This star, roughly the size of a Middle Realm, emits a soft, candle-like white light.
'This is...my new body.'
It is essentially an Immortal Body.
Of course, it's not yet fully completed. Only one aspect of the Immortal Body is finished.
At a glance, it doesn't seem all that different from the Entering Nirvana stage, but there's an overwhelming difference.
'Qi, Soul, Fate... It doesn't belong to any domain...?'
I begin to confirm my 'position.'
At the same time, I realize that I have become able to perceive a very bizarre world.
It is bizarre.
Yet, it feels familiar.
[Black Sky]!
It is a world where Heaven and Earth consist only of [Darkness].
In this world of pure darkness, I am emitting a faint light.
However, it's not exactly a universe like the Astral Realm.
Because here, a clear distinction between [Above] and [Below] exists!
[Below] is filled with endless darkness, and an ominous feeling brushes against my soul, telling me that if I fall below, my very existence will be shattered.
This premonition, having reached Immortal Rank, cannot be wrong.
And...
What exists [Above] is an overwhelmingly familiar sight.
[Ten] Seats!
The Ten Seats I have seen every time during my regressions are shining from the celestial sky, illuminating the darkness.
If I had not been aware that I am 'alive,' I might have mistaken this moment for a regression.
'Is that...the authority of the Governing Immortals?'
It does not seem to be the Governing Immortals themselves.
It must be the domain they govern.
At the same time, I see [light].
'This is...?'
Upon closer inspection, the [light] is not only emanating from the Governing Immortals but also faintly glowing from other places.
But the brightness is so low that it is difficult to perceive clearly, giving the impression that the surroundings are filled with pure darkness.
Yet the [light] undoubtedly exists, and it is illuminating countless [paths] before me.
The light is showing me the way.
I realize what these countless paths represent.
They symbolize the Dao I must walk as an Immortal from now on.
Without hesitation, I choose one of these paths of light.
It's already been decided.
Step—
Wo-woong!
As I direct my will towards one path, the light signifying that path connects to my world.
My Dao is the Cause and Connection of All Phenomena.
And the way to accumulate cause and connection of all phenomena...is repentant enlightenment.
I will walk the Dao of Repentant Enlightenment.
Flash!
At the same time, my new body is fully formed.
This is no longer just a [world].
Huarurururuk!
While the Colorless Sword Enclosure still exists within me, it is now merely one aspect that constitutes me.
[A fusion of mist, auroras, and glass flickering like candle flames.]
This has become my new body.
And at the same time, my domain (權域; authority domain).
Kururururu!
Simultaneously, an immense shock strikes my mind.
: : This is... : :
This is the Dao I must walk from now on.
I look up at the [path] connected to me through the light.
The [path] stretches toward the sky.
And, at the end of that path...
In the area where the sky exists, lies one of the [Ten] Seats.
One of the Ten Seats.
And a presence all too familiar to me.
The true name of that presence flows into me.
Great Mountain Supreme Deity (太山上帝) Gwak Am (गाॐ).
The moment I recognize Gwak Am, a certain [gaze] descends from Gwak Am's direction.
A gaze filled with indifference.
However, I understand the meaning contained within that gaze.
Come up.
Higher and higher.
Even further upward.
Simultaneously, a certain [will] flies towards me from the Great Mountain Supreme Deity connected to me.
Split (裂).
Kurururung!
An overwhelming pain washes over me.
It is not merely physical—it includes mental anguish as well—an intensely sinister and filthy pain engulfs my entire being.
It feels as though not only my mind but also the physical body I have just formed will be completely torn apart.
However, I am not afraid.
I face the will of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity head-on, accepting all the pain that assaults me.
After some time, the pain subsides, and Gwak Am withdraws Their gaze.
: : ...Wait, Senior Brother. : :
I reshape my new body into a human form and look up at the sky.
: : I will come. : :
Thus, crossing countless spans of time,
I finally regained consciousness within the domain of purity and embraced death.
Then, centering on the Impermanence Sword, I condensed a body that transcends life and death, reaching a new realm.
As for what path I will walk,
I decided the Dao I will seek, connecting my Immortal Art with my [path], and engraved my domain upon the world.
I even overcame the advancement tribulation, enduring the gaze of a Governing Immortal.
At last, I have succeeded in advancing to the rank of a True Immortal.
: : So, this is the True Immortal Realm. : :
A world filled with darkness.
A clear distinction between above and below.
And a path of light connecting me to one of the Ten Seats in the celestial sky—the seat of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
A repulsive gaze, coming from an unknown source.
My Immortal Art, that becomes increasingly firm.
My consciousness, that feels as though it could cover Heaven and Earth.
And...
The 'Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain' that I sense around me.
Wo-woong!
I quietly perceive the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
: : I see. : :
The True Immortal Realm is not structured like the Middle Realms when one ascends. Instead, it 'overlaps' upon the Heavenly Domain.
But it differs from the four dimensions symbolizing death.
: : The planes of Qi, Soul, and Fate. It is a new plane that transcends them. : :
It's not a plane like the overlapping dimensions of the Astral Realm. It is a world that has always existed from the start, but could not be perceived by beings of lower ranks.
Beyond Qi, Soul, and Fate. The Immortal Domain I had mentally reached through the Sumeru Sword Dance.
The Plane of True Immortality.
That is the True Immortal Realm.
This is the true nature of what they call the Great Boundary.
Wo-woong!
I realize how I must cultivate moving forward.
'I must head [upward].'
I look [downward].
From [below], a certain attraction force is pulling me.
I cannot shake off the feeling of being bound by that immense pressure.
And I realize that to break free from this binding force, I must fill this world of darkness with the light I radiate.
I must expand my domain, filling this dark world with my light through my domain.
'The stronger the light I radiate, the more I can escape the darkness and ascend upward.'
By rising higher and higher, I will eventually reach the heavens and become a Supreme Deity.
'...It's suffocating.'
Though I understand how I must cultivate, knowing only makes me feel more suffocated.
From beginning to end,
Without the help of light, doesn't this mean cultivating as a True Immortal is almost impossible?
: : ...First, I must gather information. : :
How much time has passed since the commotion I caused?
What is the current state of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain?
Whether I can still contact my comrades...
There is much to investigate.
I lower my body from the plane I exist in to the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, attempting to reveal my body there.
It is then—
Paaaatt!
'Vapor?'
When I come to my senses, I realize I've entered a massive world of vapor.
'This place is...'
Just as I raise my guard—
Kugugugugu!
Beyond the world of steam, I sense a colossal existence gazing at me.
Feeling the aura of the being sends chills throughout my body.
'Th-This being is...'
One of the Ten Seats in the black sky!
: : This Immortal is the Naming Supreme Deity (作名上帝) Hyeon Rang (玄朗). : :
I tremble under the overwhelming presence that feels as if it could stop my breath.
However, it is not beyond what I can endure, unlike before.
It merely feels like staring directly at the sun through tinted glasses.
Simply looking at Governing Immortals no longer feels as threatening as it once did!
: : At the same time, the Human Race's Progenitor, Immortal Beast Pangu. : :
I face that existence and offer my bow.
: : I greet the High Spirit Grand Dao Nine Heavens Overseeing Fate Preserving Life Celestial Great Emperor. : :
Vapor coils around me, wrapping the surroundings in an illusory, dreamlike distortion.
: : I have come to bestow upon you the tribulation of Immortal Ascension, yet you have already endured it. Do you have ties with another Supreme Deity? : :
At that question, I ponder briefly before closing my mouth.
Seeing my silence, Hyeon Rang stirs knowingly within the vapor.
: : Silence, is it? That is acceptable as well. In any case, since you have endured the tribulation, receive what is rightfully yours from this Immortal. : :
: : ...What am I to receive? : :
At my question, They speak.
The following words make me flinch in surprise.
: : An Immortal Title (仙號). It is a name, a gift, and an insight bestowed upon all ascending True Immortals by this Naming Supreme Deity. Once granted an Immortal Title, your name will be inscribed in this Immortal's Immortal Registry, and it will provide immense aid on your journey to becoming a Supreme Deity. : :
Kugugugugu!
From within the vast world of vapor, a vast hand emerges.
The hand is clenched into a fist, as though holding something inside.
Jjeoeok!
When the hand opens, several clumps of light emerge from within.
Each of these names exude a feeling remarkably close to my essence.
It seems the Naming Supreme Deity achieved a profound level of insight about me with just a single look.
: : These are names befitting your essence as a True Immortal. : :
I gaze at the Immortal Titles laid out before me.
Black Heaven Unfettered Immortal (黑天自在仙).
Obsidian Great Refusing-Understanding Immortal (黑曜大不令解仙).
Dark Heaven Impermanence Immortal (暗天無常仙).
Crystal Glass All-Extinguishing Black Heaven Great Immortal (玻瓈滅盡玄天大仙).
Mahākāla Devil Devouring Immortal (大黑天食魔仙).
Joyful Asceticism Overcoming Fate Golden Immortal (苦行進樂克命金仙).
End to Crystal Glass True Immortal (終命玻瓈成眞仙)
Seven Immortal Titles in total.
From behind them, the void of the Naming Supreme Deity echoes.
: : Choose. The name you select will become your Immortal Treasure, your weapon, and your shield. It will serve as your pillar and the cornerstone of your cultivation. : :
Translator Notes: I don't know if the second title is referring to Seo Eun-hyun refusing to know his fate or if referring to his stubbornness. I translated it based on the first assumption.
-x-X-x-
'A...name, huh.'
I fall into thought as I hear those words.
The mention of a name suddenly brings back an old memory.
The time when Sacred Master Baek Woon tried to bestow upon me a title that didn't suit me at all.
'Back then, I threatened Baek Woon and refused, but...'
I gaze into the world of vapor before me.
'...From this being...refusal doesn't seem like an option.'
Opposition itself is impossible.
Previously, Oh Hye-seo briefly borrowed the power of this being, and I was able to overwhelm that power.
However...now that I face it directly I understand. Oh Hye-seo hadn't been able to draw out even a fragment of this being's power.
'If this being so desires...even with a mere projection rather than Their main body, They could obliterate someone like me in an instant...'
Honestly, the names presented by Hyeon Rang all feel much closer to my essence, unlike those from Baek Woon. They all feel like they truly fit me.
'If the titles she tried to give me felt like ill-fitting clothes...then the names Hyeon Rang offers feel like perfectly tailored garments. Names that could truly benefit me.'
But then, I recall Bong Myeong's warning.
True Immortals can bring us nothing but misfortune.
Even if they grant blessings to all living beings in all phenomena,
To us, the Enders,
To those who are the Seven Brilliances Kings designates,
They can bring nothing but disaster.
That is the nature of True Immortals.
'Refusing would be the right choice. But...'
I stare into the unknowable world of vapor.
'Unlike Baek Woon, I can't even grasp a fragment of this being's will.'
There's no other choice.
This time, I'll just have to face it head-on.
: : I wish to ask the Naming Supreme Deity. If I do not accept that name, what will happen? : :
: : To refuse a name... : :
At my words, the world of vapor stirs.
Then, a question comes from Hyeon Rang.
: : Do you know that water from above flows downwards? : :
: : Yes, I do. : :
: : Then, do you know what influence cultivators from higher realms have on those lower realms? : :
: : Do you mean higher realm cultivators...impact those...of lower realms? : :
Paaaatt!
It's just when I ask back.
The vapor seems to part, and countless scenes flash before my eyes.
It is a scene of an Entering Nirvana True Person advancing to become a True Immortal.
The True Person advances.
Then, they advance again to become a Vestige Liberation Immortal, and once more to become an Earth Immortal.
It happens right then.
The descendants of that Earth Immortal begin to change all at once.
The authority of history becomes embedded in the blood of the descendants of the Earth Immortal, in other words, the one who advanced to become an Immortal Beast, transforming the descendants into a noble Demon Race possessing Immortal Beast True Blood.
The blood of the Earth Immortal itself becomes a living history and spiritual nature, enriching all of Heaven and Earth.
The [Path] chosen by the Earth Immortal, their domain, allows the entire universe to operate more vibrantly.
: : A cultivator who reaches the Star Shattering stage produces spiritual energy, those who reach the Sacred Vessel stage stabilize the world, and those who reach the Entering Nirvana stage establish the principles of the universe. High-level cultivators inherently aid the entire universe. Therefore, the more high-level cultivators—especially Supreme Deities at the pinnacle of cultivation—that exist, the 'easier' cultivation becomes for all. : :
Kurururung!
Taiji spins before my eyes, showing me a distant scene from the past.
Living beings are advancing and facing Heavenly Tribulations.
'Th-That's...a Heavenly Tribulation...?'
Golden lightning is striking down as if it will annihilate the world.
Within that storm, several of the Demon Race burn and vanish, and only one barely manages to survive, gasping for breath.
Thunder and lightning so overwhelming that it could be believed to be a Heavenly Tribulation for the Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage.
Yet, the surviving Demon Race who underwent Transformation is only at the Nascent Soul stage.
A mere Nascent Soul demon beast faced a Heavenly Tribulation meant for the Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage.
It feels like witnessing Hong Fan's Nascent Soul advancement.
: : In the time before the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity Do Gon, everyone faced such Heavenly Tribulations. However, after Do Gon became a Supreme Deity, all living beings across the Three Thousand Great Thousand Worlds became able to face tribulations that they could endure appropriate to their respective realms.
: : In the absence of this Immortal, it was far more difficult for everyone to walk their [Path] through a fitting Immortal Title. The name of this Immortal is an unparalleled blessing to you. Receive a name from this Immortal, and walk the path of an Immortal more firmly. : :
: : ... : :
The more high-level cultivators there are, the easier the path of Immortal Cultivation becomes.
Even just in the Star Shattering stage, the more Esteemed Ones exist, the more Heaven and Earth spiritual energy accumulates.
It's a reasonable statement.
But...
I am an Ender.
I cannot receive a 'gift' from a True Immortal.
: : I am grateful for the Supreme Deity's goodwill. However, I do not believe that goodwill ever comes without a price. : :
: : A price... If bugs were to scavenge and eat the crumbs you left behind and survive, would you demand payment from them? : :
: : ... : :
: : The gap between you and this Immortal is as vast as that between a bug and a human. This Immortal expects no compensation from someone as small as you. : :
: : Yet, even without expectation, retribution finds its way back. Therefore, I cannot lightly accept grace from the Supreme Deity. : :
: : Are you saying...you can refuse this name? : :
Woo-woong!
The Naming Supreme Deity brings the seven names slightly closer to me.
At that moment, I am struck by an overwhelming impulse unlike anything I've ever felt before.
It's an impulse stronger than sexual desire, stronger than hunger, stronger than the urge to sleep.
It's a [desire for a name], more intense and consuming than any other desire or yearning.
Yes, this is...
It's practically lust.
I am lusting after those names.
'I want them, I want them, I want them—no, I must have them. I must have those names. Those are names made solely for me, created by the Supreme Deity just for me...! I must have them. I must have them. I must have the name made just for me...!'
My entire body trembles.
Refusal is impossible.
I realize how foolish I've been.
This isn't a matter of defiance or resistance.
It would mean rejecting the very laws of the world itself.
Having lived my entire life with a [name], it's impossible to refuse the naming of the Owner of Names.
'I must have it. I must have it. I must...!'
And so, I—
Reach out my hand,
Plunge it into my own body,
And begin,
To [extract it].
Buduk.
Bududududuk...!
Budududuk...!
: : KUAAAAAAA!!! : :
It is a [concept].
I am extracting an entire [concept] from within me.
That concept is like a [tongue] that can speak, like a precious [heart], or even like [testicles] that one cannot imagine being without.
Budududududuk...!
My scream echoes within the world of vapor, and my willpower pushes back against the vaporous world.
At the same time, I manage to partially escape the world of vapor and return to the True Immortal Realm above.
In other words, I am back under the [Black Sky].
Before my eyes lies the hazy, dream-like world of vapor that had momentarily swallowed me whole.
I extract the [desire for a name] surging within me and extend it before the Naming Supreme Deity.
: : I am certainly grateful for the grace of the Supreme Deities. However, this is my will. If the Supreme Deity's will clouds my own and compels me to choose a name driven solely by lust, I will not accept that name. : :
An enraged Hyeon Rang can have me crushed immediately.
Like during the time with Blood Yin or Yeong Seung, They can leave me neither dead nor alive.
However, it cannot be helped.
This is something I do not want!
Then...
: : Ha...
: : Ha ha ha ha.
: : Ah.
: : Ha ha ha.
: : Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!! : :
Kurururururu!
: : ...!!! : :
'This insane...'
It feels as though the entire True Immortal Domain is shaking.
I stagger, unable to steady myself amidst the laughter of the Naming Supreme Deity.
It feels exactly as if I have become a candle before a typhoon.
: : V E R Y W E L L. I A P O L O G I Z E F O R M Y D I S C O U R T E S Y. : :
Dududududu!
With that, I can feel the projection of the Naming Supreme Deity becoming more tangible before my eyes.
Ziiiiing!
At the same time, I see something glowing within the depths of that world of steam, something like the sun and the moon.
It is an [eye].
The Naming Supreme Deity is, through the projection, properly directing Their [gaze] at me.
And for some reason, I feel as though I have seen that eye somewhere before.
: : P R O V E I T. : :
Kurururururu!
The authority of the Naming Supreme Deity begins to crash over me like waves.
: : I F Y O U C A N N O T P R O V E I T, I S H A L L N A M E Y O U A S I P L E A S E. : :
I sit in a lotus position.
The storm of vapor sweeps over me.
My candle-like domain feels as though it could be extinguished at any moment by the authority of the Naming Supreme Deity.
However, I steel my will and recall the time when I received a plum from Cheongmun Ryeong.
Even after hundreds of days had passed, I did not spit out the plum.
Through willpower alone, I twisted [death].
Just as I did back then, I endure with my will.
The waves crash and swallow the candle.
But my flame does not go out.
The storm of vapor shakes the candle violently.
Yet my flame remains unextinguished.
Puhwak!
Just then, the hand of the Naming Supreme Deity, made of vapor, strikes down upon me.
However...
I do not collapse in the end!
Kwaaaang!
The hand of vapor strikes me and scatters.
Yet, I remain steadfast, maintaining my lotus position without bowing my back.
'Recall it.'
That moment when I did not spit out the plum.
A wave of power so immense that the likes of Qi, Soul, and Fate cannot even compare tries to trample me.
But...
I endure!
Budududududuk!!
At that moment, I feel an immense [chest pain] spreading from deep within me.
Yet, I endure.
The chest pain tortures me, but at the same time, it helps me focus my mind in this world of vapor.
And just when that chest pain gradually spreads throughout my entire body, dyeing me entirely in agony—
"Ah...!"
I let out a voice.
This pain is familiar.
The advancement Heavenly Tribulation I received from Gwak Am.
That same feeling as when I was under a Supreme Deity's gaze!
As the pain that started from my chest takes over my entire body, I finally feel my consciousness fully settling into the True Immortal Realm.
Now, the words leaving my mouth no longer feel like [will] surpassing Qi, Soul, and Fate, but exactly like the [voice] I uttered as a human.
Just when I realize that—
Puhwak!
The storming world of vapor disappears in the blink of an eye.
And before me lies a humanoid mass of vapor, sitting in the same lotus position as me.
: : Have you realized it? : :
"...Yes. This must be the beginning of proper Immortal Arts."
: : Excellent. : :
They quietly express Their admiration, and I quietly let out a sigh.
Even after understanding Immortal Arts properly at the True Immortal rank while opposing Hyeon Rang's authority, and becoming accustomed to the True Immortal Realm, Hyeon Rang's voice still feels like hearing the will of a True Immortal as a mortal being.
: : Originally, I intended to crush you with the intent to truly kill, not to grant enlightenment...but you overcame it. Indeed, this Immortal truly wishes to grant you a name. : :
"...If it's a gift, I must refu—"
: : What if it's not a gift, but a transaction? : :
"Pardon...?"
: : I imposed a trial upon you with the intent to kill. By overcoming it, you have proven yourself as someone who can 'trade' equally with this Immortal. If you offer something of yours, I shall grant you a name you desire. : :
At those words, I swallow hard.
Though I had previously refused a gift, even if it meant tearing away a part of the depths of my soul...
If it's a transaction, the situation changes.
'What immense greed I feel. That must mean the Naming Supreme Deity's [name] is unimaginably essential to the cultivation of a True Immortal.'
After much contemplation, I make my decision.
"If it's a 'transaction,' I will comply. What does the Supreme Deity desire?"
: : Offer something you consider precious. Then, I shall grant you a name. : :
"...Understood."
Without hesitation, I offer what I hold in my hand.
Something that resembles a tongue, a heart, or perhaps even testicles.
A writhing thing that's formed of candle flame or glass, flies towards the being of vapor.
It is the [desire for names] that I had just extracted.
"I will accept the name, but I will not be swayed by it. Instead, please accept this."
At my words, Hyeon Rang remains silent for a moment before starting to laugh again.
: : Ha ha ha ha ha.
: : Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!! : :
For some reason, it is a laugh that sounds pleased.
: : Good. Take it. The name you desire... : :
I reach out to one of the seven Immortal Titles that float before me.
End to Crystal Glass True Immortal.
: : That is also a fine name... : :
And then,
Grasping one part of that name, I immediately use an Immortal Art.
Split!
Through the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique, which has risen to the domain of Immortal Arts, the characters of [End to Crystal Glass True Immortal (終命玻瓈成眞仙)] split into seven pieces.
Among them, I do not covet anything else, only accepting the two characters 'Crystal Glass (玻瓈).'
"These two are enough."
: : ... : :
The Naming Supreme Deity, who remains silent for a while at my behavior, lets out a clear laugh once more.
: : Excellent. Not a name given by another, but a name chosen by oneself is it... Very well. That will henceforth be your Immortal Title as a True Immortal. : :
The human of vapor points a finger towards me.
The two characters seep into the place in my chest where the [desire for names] had been extracted.
: : Crystal Glass Being (玻瓈子) Seo Eun-hyun. From now on, that name will be your designation. : :
Kiiiing!
At that moment, I feel something powerful settle into my mind.
Thus, I receive my Immortal Title from the Naming Supreme Deity Hyeon Rang, the progenitor of the Human Race, and finally receive my Immortal Conferment as a True Immortal.
: : What I received from you...I will plant as a seed, and when you surpass Immortal Lords, I will return it to you as a new name... : :
Finished speaking, the human of vapor scatters with the wind and vanishes.
Leaving Their final words behind, the Naming Supreme Deity Hyeon Rang returns to where They originally came from.
: : Beware of the snakes. For they are after you... : :
Their will carries meaning, and I instantly understand what They mean.
At the word [snakes], the meaning of [Radiance Hall] is imprinted into my mind.
'Radiance... It seems Immortals often refer to the forces of light as [snakes].'
With that, I realize something.
'Does light...symbolize [wisdom] in the Plane of Fate?'
Light is deeply connected to spiritual roots and Immortal Cultivation.
Light is wisdom itself.
Furthermore, those who directly behold higher existences often gain special constitutions or spiritual roots, enabling them to achieve rapid advancement in cultivation.
'Perhaps the reason Kim Young-hoon gained Core Formation cultivation after gazing upon the Great Mountain Supreme Deity was due to this...'
Tingle, tingle...
Shaking my head, I descend towards the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
'First, let's gather information in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.'
Before advancing to True Immortality, Blood Yin had bathed my soul in [light], infusing wisdom into me.
That wisdom was none other than a rough overview of the power structure and information regarding the True Immortal Realm.
'Mount Sumeru...is divided between the Radiance Hall and the Underworld. In fact, except for the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, the other three Heavenly Venerables, and except for the Great Mountain Supreme Deity and the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity, all the other factions are allied with Radiance Hall. What a powerful faction...'
Though it seems that although the Supreme Deities and Heavenly Venerables are nominally allied, they also maintain connections with the forces of the Underworld behind the scenes, walking a delicate tightrope.
'So they're aligning themselves with whichever side offers them even the slightest greater advantage...'
I also understand what the Naming Supreme Deity meant when They said that Radiance Hall would target me.
'The problem was defeating the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords alone.'
Because of that, Radiance Hall, which had once been driven to the brink of annihilation by the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord, is now terrified and seeks to capture me.
Woo-woong!
Descending from the Plane of Fate, past the Plane of Soul, and into the Plane of Qi where the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain lies, I organize the power structure of Mount Sumeru in my mind, along with essential terminology and common knowledge necessary for a True Immortal.
'Still, thanks to Blood Yin instilling so much knowledge before departing, I've avoided the situation of being clueless about everything. So this Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain is considered a 'closed dimension' and is typically managed by the Radiance Hall, huh. Even most True Immortals cannot casually enter here. Only True Immortals affiliated with the Radiance Hall, those permitted by the Radiance Hall, the Reapers of the Underworld, and the Heavenly Venerables can enter...'
I now understand why the True Immortals who are said to often meddle with the world are nowhere to be seen in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, except for Blood Yin.
'And beyond the entrance to the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain blocked by Yang Su-jin...the Heavenly Domain directly connected to it is...'
At last, I descend fully into the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
But the moment I arrive, I freeze in place.
'...Heavenly King Heavenly Domain. The Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain is directly connected to...only the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain...?'
The wisdom from Blood Yin had already informed me who governs the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
It is directly ruled by the Radiance Hall.
That's right.
Yang Su-jin blocked the entrance with his ring finger to prevent the forces of light from directly interfering with the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
Because of this, I had assumed that no beings from the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain would be here.
Or, at most, they would descend through projections, like the Great Sun Heavenly Lord had done previously.
But...
'Why...on earth...?'
The moment I descend into the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, I cannot move as my mind freezes upon seeing the being approaching before my eyes.
That being, who has appeared as if predicting that I would arrive in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain on this day and this moment, is a giant god wearing a silver mask.
Radiance Eight Immortals.
Fifth Seat.
Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.
That being has come with their main body.
: : ...Seo Eun-hyun. : :
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord calls my name.
And...
: : ...How strange. I sensed that you would descend here after completing the advancement ritual. : :
"...?"
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord unfolds something in their hand.
It is my Vestige, carrying my familiar aura.
'My Vestige...! The physical body I shed... So it really did fall into the hands of the Radiance Hall...!'
: : I see. Being also of the Heart Tribe, you did not descend all the way to the Plane of Qi but are moving through the Plane of Soul. In that case, shall I visit a place worth exploring...? : :
I can feel it.
The powerful greed emanating from the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.
That being covets me.
Paaat!
With a flash of silver light, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord disappears from the spot.
"...Huuuu..."
Only then do I exhale a breath filled with spiritual energy and land on a nearby planet.
An altar, seemingly prepared by someone, embraces me gently.
As I sit atop the altar, I realize what has just happened.
The Immortal Title, Crystal Glass Being, bestowed upon me by the Naming Supreme Deity Hyeon Rang, has shielded me from the gaze of light.
I have become a being who can pass through the gaze of light like crystal glass.
Translator Notes: Just a reminder that sealing can also mean conferring something. Like conferring an Immortal Title.