We arrive in Yanguo, and visit the cultivator faction that rules Yanguo, the Jin Royal Family.
As someone at the Qi Building stage, I receive an exceptionally hospitable welcome, looking down at the mortals being prosperously governed under the Jin Clan's rule.
"Haha, providing mortals with high-quality breeding environments is the duty of cultivators. They are decent workers, excellent laborers, and, occasionally, among them emerge individuals who possess spiritual roots, making them assets that cannot be ignored."
Flying across various parts of Yanguo governed by the Jin Clan, I listen to the explanations given by their envoy.
Gyeong-i seems bored, but I pay close attention to his words while flying across this strangely familiar land on a flying magic artifact.
"This is Lianshan City of Yanguo, which borders Byeokra..."
Suddenly, my gaze narrows as I look at Lianshan City under the Jin Clan's rule.
"Hahaha! Burn it! Pillage it!"
The Jin Clan envoy, watching the scene, grits his teeth with an ashamed expression.
"...Ahem, I must apologize to our Qi Building distinguished guests. It is shameful to show you such a disgraceful scene of livestock fighting amongst themselves. I will ensure that the person in charge of this city is held accountable. For now, let's put aside the quarrel among the livestock and proceed to the next city..."
"The next city, you say. Are you just going to leave them like that?"
I narrow my eyes as I watch the bandits pillaging a small village outside the city.
"Wouldn't it be better to deal with them right now? Look, the mortals are being plundered."
"Ahem... It seems our guest is greatly displeased. My apologies. I will handle this immediately."
Clicking his tongue, the Jin Clan envoy waves his hand.
Since he is at the Great Perfection Qi Refining stage, with just a wave of his hand, the bandit group known as the 'Tuho Gang' is instantly incinerated into piles of ash. ŖÄNоＢĘ𝘚
"Kuaaaaak! F-Fire!"
"Fire is raining down!"
"Boss! Boss! Damn it, Boss! Stop taking drugs and wake up! Snap out of it!"
"W-We're all gonna die! We're all gonna die!"
I look down at the hairy man in the center of the bandit group, the one referred to as their boss.
The man, watching the rain of fire destroy them, mutters despondently.
"Truly...pain. This world is nothing but pain!"
Huarurururuk!
With those final words, the leader of the Tuho Gang is pitifully burned to death.
"Waaaahhh!"
"Immortals!"
"The immortals have delivered heavenly punishment upon those vile bandits!"
From the flying artifact, I watch the villagers who have been pillaged by the Toho Gang cheering below.
Among them is a couple holding a baby. The baby, perhaps startled by the rain of fire just moments ago, begins to cry loudly.
"Hey, Mr. Ju! Quiet your daughter!"
"That's right! How is it proper to let her cry like that after the immortals saved us?"
For some reason, I feel my gaze drawn to that couple and their baby.
A faint headache brushes through my mind.
I wave a small gesture of greeting to the couple and their child.
Immediately after, we move on to visit other cities under the guidance of the Jin Clan envoy.
Under the rule of the Jin Clan's royal family, Yanguo remains peaceful.
"Kae-hwa~ If you marry me, I'll make you happy! Let's get married!"
"Get lost, you oaf! I'll stab you!?"
In a rural village, I watch adolescent boys and girls playing a game of tag.
A girl named Kae-hwa irritably threatens a large boy chasing her with something like an awl.
"I'm going to catch a handsome young master and marry him! Do you think I'd marry a big oaf like you!?"
"Kae-hwa~ Don't be like that~"
"Ugh, seriously! Stop bothering me already!"
Watching the two run around peacefully, I feel a sense of warmth in my heart.
At the same time, I also feel an inexplicable headache and a chilling sensation wash over me.
In any case.
Having toured all of Yanguo, I finally leave after being treated with great hospitality.
Before long, Gyeong-i and I arrived in Shengzi.
During the three months it took to travel from Byeokra, where the Cheongmun Clan resides, to Shengzi, my cultivation realm has leapt forward, reaching the mid Qi Building stage.
"With the identity plaques we received from the Cheongmun Clan and the Jin Clan, we should have no trouble entering."
"Hmph! To think I would be the servant of a slave like you! You are not thinking of using this status of a servant to issue some cruel order for me to massage your shoulders, are you?"
"...Don't you enjoy massaging my shoulders?"
"What I enjoy is poking your shoulders and watching you squirm. But if you order me to massage them properly, then I would have to obey and massage them, would I not?"
"So that's not really a cruel order, is it...?"
We stay as guests of the Jinlu Clan, one of the factions ruling Shengzi, while waiting for the right time to join the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
The head of the Jinlu Clan, Jinlu Yeon-cheon, has already received an introduction letter about us from Cheongmun Jung-jin, the head of the Cheongmun Clan. Perhaps because of this, she treats us with extraordinary hospitality.
"Since you've come with a recommendation letter from Cheongmun Orabeoni, and because the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect has a strong relationship with our clan, we will do our utmost to help you join."
"I am deeply grateful for your kindness."
Thus, we spend about four months at the Jinlu Clan, preparing to enter the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Four months later.
In that time, I have reached the late Qi Building stage.
Leaving behind Jinlu Yeon-cheon, who treated us so well, I am finally selected as an inner disciple of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, which was Gyeong-i's goal.
"To think you've reached the late Qi Building stage before even hitting sixty! At this rate, you'll definitely reach the Core Formation stage... No, no, you might even aim for the Nascent Soul stage!"
One of the elders of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect chuckles while patting around my body.
"Welcome to our Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect as an inner disciple."
In this way, thanks to my astonishingly fast cultivation progress which is unusual for my age, I am admitted into the sect without needing to undergo a formal entrance exam.
"This worked out really well, didn't it?"
"It seems that way."
"Now then, all we need to do is continue raising our realm while waiting for that [someone] you're looking for, right?"
"I suppose so."
"...Gyeong-ah."
"What is it?"
I look at Gyeong-i and speak.
"You once told me that the [someone] you are after is an ancient monster who has lived for ten thousand years. And...you also told me that this monster is such a terrifying existence that if you ever end up fighting it, I should run away no matter what. But...after spending all this time with you, I've been thinking."
With a serious expression, I continue.
"My cultivation is rising at an unbelievable pace right now. Of course, I'm still weaker than you, who's only at the 1st star of Qi Refining...but I'm stronger than others in the same realm as me. So...I'm going to keep advancing my realm. And one day, I'll become as strong as you. I'll become strong, and when the day comes that you have to fight that monster...I'll fight alongside you."
"...What?"
"I'm going to fight with you. I won't run away. Because..."
I feel slightly embarrassed.
"You've become someone precious to me."
"..."
Gyeong-i stares at me blankly for a long moment.
Thwack!
Then she slaps my hand away coldly and speaks with a frosty gaze.
"...Do not misunderstand. I have no intention of reproducing with you. I...have been entrusted with a great mission, and someday I must return beyond the heavens."
"Then I'll raise my realm and go with you. How about that?"
"...I..."
Gyeong-i suddenly speaks with a calm gaze.
It is a calm, deeply settled gaze I've never seen from her before.
"...Cannot cherish you. It is not that I dislike you, but...the path you and I walk are different. Starting with the fact that you use the Way of Salt, there are just too many aspects in which we are incompatible. Above all, I cannot treat emotions as anything more than tools. Up until now, I have made jokes with you. But all of that is merely part of my mask."
Gyeong strokes her mask as she speaks.
"I, no, 'we' are all the same. For us, possessing emotions is an evil sin that harms our very essence. Among all the beings in the Three Thousand Great Thousand Worlds, we must be the most fair and make the most correct decisions. That is why we absolutely cannot...have emotions. If your desire to follow me is not because you are inspired by 'our' ideology, but because of some emotional attachment, then I will not stay with you."
"..."
"Do you have anything else to say?"
"...Gyeong-ah."
I call out to her in a warm voice, and for some reason, her body flinches at my call.
"I'm sorry. I don't really know much about ideologies. But what's important is...you've become someone precious to me. So...I will try my best in my own way to stand on the same level as you. Just know that."
"...How pitiful. Effort is a pitiful approach. It cannot be effort but fate for me to accept it. If it is not an absolute truth of the heavens determined from birth but that kind of pitiful method...you will never be able to follow me. Just know that."
After finishing her words, Gyeong turns around and heads deep into my cave residence.
For a moment, I watch her retreating figure, then let out a small sigh and begin practicing the basic Lightning Path Method provided by the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
In this way, another 10 years pass.
"Congratulations, Gyeong-ah!"
"...Are you mocking me right now?"
Gyeong-i has, finally, reached the 2nd star of the Qi Refining stage.
And I...am now in the Grand Perfection Nascent Soul stage.
Soon, I will be facing the Heavenly Being stage.
"Still, one star every ten years isn't bad. It's a steady climb, right? Besides...I still can't beat you."
"Hmph! Of course. Even if you reach the Heavenly Being stage, you cannot defeat me."
Though her cultivation is only at the 2nd star of Qi Refining, Gyeong-i's pure martial prowess can arguably be called the strongest in this world.
Not even the Dragon King of the Sea Dragon Race, that rules the Black Wind Sea in the south, Dragon King Jeon Hyang.
Nor the Eastern King who dominates the east, Manli Min-lap,
Nor the Northern King who rules the north, Wol Ryang,
Nor the Sect Leader of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect that governs the west, Jin Hae-min.
None of them, who have reached the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage, seem capable of defeating Gyeong.
Shwiring, shwiririring!
She manipulates several flying swords with basic spells, gently stroking the blades.
Gyeong-i is a sword cultivator.
But she is not just a sword cultivator. She wields all weapon-type magic artifacts and dharma treasures with a transcendental divine authority.
I have seen her flying swords before.
Her flying swords...were less like swords and more like intercontinental ballistic missiles from Earth, boasting immense destructive power.
"By the way, have you still not found the [someone] you mentioned?"
"Ahaha, do not worry. As my cultivation slowly rises, my memories are returning. Most likely...that old monster is hiding in disguise as a human. Once my memories fully return, I will be able to find and capture that monster in human disguise."
"I see..."
Now, only two stages remain.
Once she reaches the 4th star of Qi Refining, she said she will fully capture the monster and leave this world.
'...I need to raise my realm even faster.'
I will raise my cultivation even more quickly, and I will follow her.
Together, we will go to that world full of light where she says she came from.
Another 19 years pass.
It has been 49 years since I came to this world.
"Is there anyone who objects to the appointment of Seo Eun-hyun as the sect leader of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect!?"
"There are none!"
49 years since I've come to this world.
By now, I have reached the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage and have comprehended the enlightenment of the Four-Axis stage. If not for the dimensional pressure of this world, I would have already reached the Four-Axis stage.
'On top of that, since I am stronger than others of the same realm...my actual combat power is effectively at the late Four-Axis stage.'
I smile with satisfaction as I look at myself, who has now become one of the strongest.
"I hereby appoint you as this generation's sect leader of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect... To the ancestral tablets...we shall offer our respects..."
In front of the former sect leader—now the Supreme Head—Jin Hae-min, I smile with more pride than ever.
To be honest, the position of sect leader of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect doesn't mean much to me. For some reason, it doesn't stir much excitement deep in my heart.
What I am truly proud of is...
That my actual combat power is now at the late Four-Axis stage.
'Finally!'
At last, I have reached a level that is more or less similar to Gyeong-i.
Gyeong-i is currently at the 3rd star of Qi Refining.
To be precise, she is at Grand Perfection 3rd star of Qi Refining.
Soon, she too will reach 4th star and recover her memories.
'Her realm will probably advance rapidly and she will grow even stronger.'
When that happens, she will quickly regain her original realm, and we will ascend together.
'We will ascend together, and I will follow her.'
Having reached the 3rd star of the Qi Refining stage, she says she has recovered quite a bit of her memory.
Of course, she also says that she hasn't recovered even a fraction of her true original memories yet...but even so, the memories she has regained are still memories.
She has grown much stronger and even more dignified.
As I proceed with the ceremony for becoming the sect leader, I glance behind me.
The disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, who have been with me for the past 20 years.
'Together with them as well...'
We will ascend as a group.
With Gyeong-i, them,
And I.
Together with her, we will go to the world of light.
'I'll follow you, Gyeong-ah. Because you are...precious to me.'
After completing the sect leader inauguration ceremony, I glance towards the cave residence where Gyeong-i resides.
She had confidently assured me that by the time my ceremony is over, she too will have reached the 4th star of Qi Refining.
So, after she reaches the 4th star of Qi Refining, finds the [old monster] she has been searching for, and kills it,
We will be together.
With those hopeful thoughts for the future, I follow Jin Hae-min towards the ancestral shrine where the ancestral tablets are enshrined.
"Bow before the Golden Divine and...this one here...and over here, this one is Elder Jin Byuk-ho..."
I bow in front of the many ancestral tablets, following his lead.
That's when it happens.
"...Huh?"
Suddenly, I notice an extremely familiar name among the ancestral tablets.
[Six Extremes Ghost King Jin Myeong-hoon]
"This person was expected to bring the sect to its greatest revival after the Golden Divine and is one of the middle ancestors of the sect, the great master Jin Myeong-hoon. Pay your respects."
However, I cannot kneel.
Because...
The portrait of Jin Myeong-hoon is identical to that of someone I know.
'Jeon Myeong-hoon...?'
It's Jeon Myeong-hun, one of my colleagues from work.
In confusion and dismay, I bow towards Jeon Myeong-hun's portrait and ancestral tablet.
'What's going on? Why is Jeon Myeong-hoon there...Could it be that the reason I couldn't find Jeon Myeong-hoon is because...he fell into this world ten thousand years ago? Did all my other colleagues fall into this world too, but each at different points in time!?'
Various thoughts race through my mind.
But when I see the next ancestral tablet, I feel an inexplicable blankness wash over me.
"And this person is..."
There, my own portrait.
And my name.
"Hmm, come to think of it, the way they look, and even their name... It's just like you! Hahaha, Seo Eun-hyun. Could it be that you are this person's reincarnation? Ahahaha!"
The Supreme Sect Master laughs heartily, glancing back and forth between [the portrait with my face] and me.
I swallow dryly, feeling dumbfounded, and bow before my own portrait and ancestral tablet.
'What in the world is going on?'
This place is a shrine that only the sect leaders can enter, where the ancestral tablets and portraits of all past sect leaders of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are enshrined.
The portraits displayed here are not recorded in the sect's general historical records. So when I heard there was a middle ancestor named [Seo Eun-hyun], I dismissed it as a coincidence of having the same name.
But upon seeing the portrait, I am so shocked that I can't help but fall into confusion.
Ziiiiiing!
And at that moment, the [headache] that has intermittently tormented me for the past 49 years strikes with extreme intensity.
'Ah, it hurts...! More than ever before...! It hurts so much...!'
Even when I inhaled the venomous mist from the two-headed snake on Ascension Path.
Even when I played a prank on Gyeong-i and was hung upside down and beaten.
Even when I electrocuted myself while practicing the Lightning Path Method of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
None of it was as painful as this headache!
'I-It hurts...! B-But I can't show it...I have to endure. Right now, I'm bowing...to the ancestors of the sect...!'
Finally, when I step away from [Seo Eun-hyun]'s portrait and arrive at the one next to it.
As I look at that portrait, I feel my headache worsen, and a deep ache stirs from deep within my chest.
"This is Elder Yeon Wei. This person was..."
Before Jin Hae-min can even finish his words,
I bow towards her ancestral tablet.
At that exact moment, the headache becomes even more intense, and a profound sense of fulfillment blossoms in my chest.
'Ah, so that's it.'
Now, I finally understand.
I have come to this world [for this exact moment].
Ziiiiiiiiiing!!!!!!
An overwhelming pain crashes through my mind, and I lift my upper body to look up at Yeon Wei.
"It's been a while, Elder Yeon Wei."
Through the headache, I smile.
At last, I remember.
The first day I fell into Ascension Path.
That moment, when it felt like I had been dreaming a long, long dream.
The contents of that dream now start swirling faintly in my mind.
I am Seo Eun-hyun.
And I have come to this world to bow before my dear past connections, who are slumbering in the Head Realm.
Not as a split soul, but to pay my respects with my true soul.
Kwarururung!
Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Shattered Heaven Peak.
Inside Seo Eun-hyun's cave residence.
There, Gyeong, who holds the position of Seo Eun-hyun's servant, half-opens her eyes.
"...Ah."
In a dry, emotionless tone, she mutters briefly.
"At last, I've regained my memories."
Then, she lifts her gaze towards the top of Shattered Heaven Peak and speaks again with a chillingly emotionless voice.
"...And at last, I've found you. Seo Eun-hyun."
Radiance Eight Immortals.
Fifth Seat.
The entity presiding over the symbol of Gyeong (庚) of the Ten Heavenly Stems.
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord opens her eyes halfway and raises her sword.
"I will...capture you. The one who creates miracles in the world and forges a path to the heavens..."
As she rises, the entire Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect hums and vibrates.
"The one who allows the unchosen to reach the heavens..."
However, even though she has found her purpose.
Why is it?
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's gaze does not appear joyous.
"...O Ender."
-x-X-x-
"...With this, all the purposes for coming to the Head Realm are resolved."
"What are you saying, Seo Eun-hyun!? In this sacred place where the ancestral tablets are enshrined..."
"Cheongmun Clan...might be better off staying in the Head Realm. However...I don't think you should. That is because you are descendants of the Golden Divine Yang Su-jin."
"Wh-What? How dare you...?"
"Jin Hae-min."
I extend my hand towards the enraged Jin Hae-min.
The headache I've been feeling for some time.
The déjà vu.
And this inexplicable, chilling sensation.
"It's been a while."
Beings [I had undoubtedly seen before.]
Indeed.
These are definitely...
The same as the ones I had encountered before.
Their names and appearances are identical, and even their spirits are the same.
'The only one who isn't the same is just one.'
Excluding that being, I pull all the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect into the range of my attraction force and exert my strength.
Kududuk!
The space seems to distort, and all the buildings of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are simultaneously uprooted.
At the same time, countless members of the sect are lifted into the air.
Even those who were dispatched far away to various places in the Head Realm are no exception.
Any being affiliated with the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is lifted into the air without exception and drawn towards me.
Paaaatt!
Countless disciples and buildings of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are plucked from the land of the Head Realm, passing through the inside of my sleeve and entering my body. ṛâNȱΒЁs
Kugugugu!
Inside this puppet body of mine, countless disciples and buildings of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are compressed and absorbed.
Seven resist.
Five of them are the Heavenly Being stage Grand Elders of the current Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and the Supreme Sect Master Jin Hae-min standing before me.
"Y-You bastard...! H-how is this possible...? Could it be that you've become an Integration stage Grand Cultivator!?"
"Huhuhu... It reminds me of the nonsense I once spoke to my senior brother."
Kuuuk!
I clench my fist, amplifying my attraction force and pulling the six Heavenly Being stage cultivators who had resisted into my body as well.
'Don't worry, Golden Divine. Your descendants...I will ascend them well.'
I take one glance at Shattered Heaven Peak.
The last entity resisting my attraction force.
'...The being I [first saw] when I came to the Head Realm.'
She, who is clearly foreign to this bizarre world.
'...What should I do about you?'
The person who became precious to me after spending decades with me when I had lost my memories.
But at the same time, the most dangerous being to me.
Badudududuk!
From beneath Shattered Heaven Peak, a resplendently brilliant silver-white light burst forth, distorting the space.
Along with the distorted space, she takes one step towards me.
Kuung!
With just one step of her Ox Step Technique (牛步法), the surrounding space twists violently, cutting off my path of retreat.
A divine authority that is unbelievable for someone merely at the 4th star of the Qi Refining stage!
However, I remain composed and look at her as I speak.
"...Gyeong-ah."
"..."
'Gyeong-i' does not respond to my words, instead brightening the light emanating from her body even more.
Paaatt!
Within the light, I can read her true identity.
Light is wisdom.
Within that wisdom, a being of silver-white is revealed.
War and weapons, arms and swords (劍).
The god (神) of wisdom in battle.
The being who bestows the light of sword and spear (劍戟).
Radiance Eight Immortals.
The Fifth Seat.
Sword Spear Heavenly Lord!
"...I see. You are..."
I read the wisdom emanating from the silver-white light and let out a faint murmur.
"Qi Refining 4th star. So, you were a being who oversees the Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram (十天干圖)."
"...And also presides over the realm of the Vestige Liberation Immortal."
I look at her with a face that understands yet doesn't, and ask,
"...Gyeong-ah."
"Do not call this Immortal by that name."
Wo-woong!
The silver-white light gently illuminates the surroundings from her eyes.
"The personality of [Gyeong-i] who accompanied you has just died."
Kuung!
At those words, I feel as though my heart has fallen with a thud.
"This Immortal is the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord. As I said, the symbol of Gyeong (庚) among the Heavenly Stems belongs to this Immortal, so I will allow the title of [Gyeong (庚)]. However...there is no need for this Immortal to answer to the title [Gyeong-i]."
Woo-woong!
Above her, energy of the Qi Refining 4th star gathers.
But it is not just ordinary Qi Refining 4th star energy.
Kurururung!
'A magnetic storm!?'
Kwajijijik!
An overwhelming electromagnetic storm sweeps across the area.
Simultaneously, countless buried metals beneath the great mountain range are pulled out, their particles vibrating and melting.
The melted metals take on the form of swords and, following the will of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, aim directly at me.
"Fifth Seat of the Radiance Eight Immortals, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, shall arrest you, Ender, here and now."
"...Gyeong-ah."
I call her with a bitter smile.
She coldly looks at me and says,
"Do not call this Immortal that."
"...To me, you were someone precious. I wanted to follow you. And so...I once said that if you ever had to fight, I wouldn't run away."
"Do not call this Immortal that."
"You say that you have died, but you're wrong...Do you remember what you said before? That the heavens are a truth more absolute than death. I don't think so. Even the heavens...will someday die."
—Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra!
"Even in the void of nothingness, the heart does not disappear. Thus, death itself is the heart. So, Gyeong-ah. Even if you consider yourself dead..."
"Do not call this Immortal that."
"You are not dead. Didn't you say the earth dies too? That is wrong. Even when a star's lifespan ends, its form changes and becomes one with the universe; it does not completely vanish into external extinction. You, too, have become one with the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, merely changing form."
"Do not...call this Immortal that."
"You are alive. At the very least, within my heart!"
Piiing!
A beam of light grazes past me.
It is a near miss.
I glance at the flying sword that barely missed my head and then look up at the [swords] pouring down from the sky.
[Filling the Heavens Governing Sword (滿天御劍)!]
The sky is filled with countless swords.
Then, the swords pour down like rain.
'If I want to avoid that, I'll have to look at the [sky].'
A ploy to make me look directly at the [sky] of the Head Realm at all costs.
But I won't fall for it so easily.
Kiriririk...
'Deactivate visual functions.'
The light disappears from my eyes.
I have shut off the sight of this puppet clone.
'The consciousness domain is no good either.'
My consciousness domain is already large enough to envelop the entire Head Realm without issue.
I can't help but perceive the [sky] of the Head Realm.
Thus, the consciousness domain cannot be used, and the same goes for my vision of intent.
'The senses of the Earth Tribe are even worse... In that case, the only option left is...'
Kiriririririk!
'Expand the sensory circuits inside the puppet body.'
I quickly expand the circuits within the puppet.
'It's been a while.'
Smell, hearing, touch, taste...
Countless senses clamor as they read the information of the scene.
'Late first-rate. Fighting with the senses I trained before I became a peak master...'
Right now, I must fight Gyeong-i with only the [human senses] I used during my first-rate martial artist days.
Tadatt!
One step.
With that single step, I deflect a descending flying sword.
Two steps.
In just two steps, I traverse an immense distance.
Before I know it, I am quite close to Gyeong-i.
Gyeong-i grips her sword and points it at me.
Three steps.
Three steps bring me right in front of Gyeong-i's mask, leaning my face towards her.
Chwarak!
The Colorless Glass Sword that has become one with my very will by now blazes in my hand.
Up, down, left, right, front, back.
Flying swords come at me from six directions.
Severing Heaven Sword Form.
Entering Heaven!
The puppet's physical body overloads.
Heaven and Earth spiritual energy surges through the circuits, seeming to overheat them, and amplifies my strength.
Taking one step forward, I swing my sword from the lower left to the upper right, cutting forward.
The flying sword in front of me and the one to my right are both deflected, and I take another step forward.
Gyeong-i's face draws closer.
Paatt!
Flying swords that had been shooting from above and below narrowly graze past me from behind.
Now only two remain—one to the left, one behind me.
And Gyeong-i, who takes a stance to 'thrust' at me.
Chwaak!
Three steps.
Lowering my stance and extending one leg forward, I shake Gyeong-i's stance and, like a coiled spring, launch my body while driving my sword towards her.
Kaaang!
She swiftly shifts from a thrusting stance to an upward slash, parrying my sword.
But I use the impact to propel myself backward. As I spin around, I smash the sword coming from my rear, then spin once more to deflect the sword on my left.
We each take a single breath, replenishing our spiritual energy, and charge at each other again.
Countless profound truths of the sword unfold between us.
As the speed of our swords increases, time slows, and my senses expand.
No short-term foresight, nor historical reading is possible.
Unable to utilize even the privilege of the Heart Tribe to see intent, I focus solely on my senses as I trade moves with her.
Three thrusts erupt from Gyeong-i's hands.
The air ripples, sending shockwaves that shake the surroundings. Reading the grains of the air through touch, I find the perfect opening and pierce towards it, drawing closer to her.
'I can read it.'
This battle with her is not merely physical combat.
From the sky, flying swords rain down endlessly.
Every time the swords that boast destructive power akin to intercontinental ballistic missiles fall, an entire mountain range is reduced to ruins.
'The principle behind Gyeong-i's flying sword technique is simple.'
She levitates flying swords high in the sky.
Then, she reinforces the swords with sword energy and uses the thousand-jin weight technique to accelerate their fall.
After manipulating the tips of the swords and aligning the coordinates carefully, she lets the suspended swords descend.
As a result, the swords accelerate under gravity, turning into unstoppable weapons that strike with the force of divine judgment.
Kwaaaang!
Near Shattered Heaven Peak, an entire mountain summit melts and explodes.
I weave through the trajectories of the projectiles, performing a sword dance.
"Simple."
Dozens of flying swords swarm fiercely around me.
But the wastefulness is extreme.
Entire landscapes are torn apart, yet I alone cannot be caught.
She speaks.
"I cannot use anything too complicated right now. Trying to attempt it is meaningless."
This is her response after I point out the simple principle behind her flying sword technique.
'She noticed.'
For some time now, I have been preparing to use the Immortal Art Impermanence Sword.
But I cannot use it.
"In the Head Realm, no one can use Immortal Arts."
"But Seo Hweol managed to do so?"
"Let me rephrase. No one can achieve what they desire in the Head Realm through Immortal Arts. All Immortal Arts used in the Head Realm end in failure.
"...They all end in failure..."
Gyeong-i's sword scrapes my ribs three times, and my sword severs a tendon in her wrist once.
Chwaak!
With shallow wounds inflicted on each other, we step back.
Kwaaaang!
One of Gyeong-i's flying swords narrowly burrows into the ground right next to me.
It's a battle of instants.
Even though Gyeong-i uses power equivalent to the 4th star of the Qi Refining stage, I have to use all of my Four-Axis stage spiritual power just to defend against her attacks, relying solely on the Colorless Glass Sword for offense. Aside from Shattered Heaven Peak, the foundation where the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect once stood has turned into a sea of lava.
"...I see. Thanks for letting me know, Gyeong-ah."
"..."
Gyeong-i exhales heavily.
The hand holding her sword trembles faintly.
"Do not...call this Immortal...that!!!"
She screams as if wailing.
Behind her mask, her silver-white eyes are bloodshot.
"This Immortal is the being who occupies the seat of Gyeong, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord! Do not call me [Gyeong-i] as if we are friends. How many times must I tell you? The [Gyeong-i] you knew is dead! Dead! Do not insult me! This Immortal...planned to capture you, refine you, and annihilate your soul to turn only your Immortal Body into an Immortal Treasure. Because you Enders...are beings who stand directly opposed to the ideology of Radiance Hall. Radiance Hall is your enemy! So why! Why do you treat this Immortal so familiarly?"
"Why, you ask, Gyeong-ah? Well..."
I stroke the Colorless Glass Sword and smile.
"The trembling I feel from your sword...clearly shows you enjoy being called that, no?"
"..."
"Someone once told me this. That the emotions of people...are nothing more than the trembling of air entering the lungs. Back then, I didn't agree. But someone else argued against that statement on my behalf. The lungs are metal (金). And metal (金) is Qian (乾/Heaven). Thus, the [trembling] of the lungs is ultimately the will of the heavens."
I feel it.
The swordplay of Sword Spear cannot properly aim at me.
"The will of the heavens...I don't particularly like the heavens. Rather, I despise it. But even so, I am grateful to the heavens. Because after all, the connections that make up who I am now...those connections were ultimately granted by the heavens!"
I approach Gyeong-i.
She takes her stance, and I raise the Colorless Glass Sword.
A single glass sword.
Tens of millions of flying swords.
The army of flying swords swarms toward me, and I cut through them with the glass sword as I approach Gyeong-i.
"As such, you, Gyeong-ah, a connection granted by the heavens...are precious to me. You once said that the heavens are the absolute truth, didn't you? Then the reason your swordplay is [trembling] must also lie with the heavens!"
The distance between us closes.
Finally, I break through the waves of countless swords and reach right in front of her.
She raises her sword.
I grip my sword with both hands and lower my waist.
She swings downward, and I swing upward.
The iron sword and the glass sword collide.
Neither sword breaks, bends, nor shatters.
However, the one sent flying is her sword.
Surung—
I point my sword at her neck.
"Accept it, Gyeong-ah. Your emotions are no longer...just tools, are they? Do you...truly want to kill me? Not because it's your mission, but because your heart genuinely wants to kill me?"
Hwiiiiii...
The wind brushes between us.
For a while, neither of us speak.
Then, the voice that speaks first comes from Gyeong-i's side.
"...The way you package your plea to be spared is impressive."
Chills!
'Damn it...'
I make a bitter smile and swing the glass sword with all my strength towards her neck.
Kaang!
But I feel the sword bounce back with absurd recoil.
Kiiiiing!
She's at best only at the 4th star of Qi Refining.
Yet, around her, the spiritual power of the 4th star of Qi Refining gathers densely, forming an absurd structure of spiritual energy that deflects my sword.
"Exchanging swords with you has brought back quite a bit of my memory. Even though the strength I possess is limited, what I can use are the spells and Immortal Arts corresponding to this cultivation realm. Just the two. However, while Immortal Arts cannot be used in this place...with the proper use of the spells of this realm, they can unleash extreme power."
Wiiiing!
As she raises her hand, faint spiritual energy begins to spin around it.
But I see an enormous force being born within that rotation and step back.
"For those like us, who understand the principles of nature, even weak spells can be used to wield authority corresponding to the world's principles."
A tiny sun rises in her palm.
'Splitting...the nucleus? N-No...this is something even more fundamental than that...'
"Your sweet words were almost convincing. I even felt a fleeting illusion that my chest was trembling. But...it was from the very beginning, was it not? From the very beginning, you used sword cries to vibrate the tip of my sword, which then gradually encroached even my physical reactions and induced a response of [trembling] in me. This immortal nearly fell for it. This Immortal almost believed that my chest was truly [shaking] for you."
'...She figured it all out.'
Through Severing Mountain Swordsmanship's Mountain Echoes Valley Responds, I made the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's swordplay tremble. Through that resonance, I made her lungs tremble and even vibrated her brain, trying to temporarily amplify her emotions.
"What a shallow trick. The will of the heavens? Hah...is that what you call the will of the heavens?"
"...People, by their very nature, merely strive to approach the will of the heavens with their own strength. Even if it burns them to death in the process."
"How arrogant... Those who have followed the lineage of Salt have always been like this... Then, burn to death."
Wiiiiiiiing!
In her hand, the nuclear fission bomb created from basic spells begins to detonate.
"Stop! If you use that, all living beings in the Head Realm will die!"
This isn't just a simple problem of destructive power.
The overwhelming [power of light] emanating from within it!
That's right. The power of radiation is writhing, ready to destroy the world.
But she merely mutters in a dry tone with indifferent eyes.
"This is a world that becomes perfectly fine again once you exit and re-enter, no matter how many times it is destroyed. There is no need for someone like you to worry, so just obediently...close your eyes."
Paaaatt!
An even more blinding light bursts forth from above her hand.
'Immortal Arts, I need to use Immortal Arts! Please, activate!'
I try to draw forth the power of my heart to activate Immortal Arts, but it does not respond.
I grit my teeth.
'Just why!? Why does this activate, but not for other Immortal Arts!? Even if I fail, please! Just activate!'
All my focus gathers in the hand holding the Colorless Glass Sword.
At the same time, I reopen the [eyes] of the puppet clone whose visual functions I had disabled!
At that moment.
Sarak—
'...Huh?'
A woman dressed in white gently places her hand over mine, together gripping the Colorless Glass Sword.
—Originally, the functions of the remaining 650 Colorless Glass Swords were intended...to hold the ability to record our time together. It's regrettable that we couldn't complete it together. But...if it's you...
Her words trail off.
However, I understand as I look into [her] eyes.
'So, it's already complete. The function of the Colorless Glass Sword is...'
With all my might, I thrust the Colorless Glass Sword towards Gyeong-i.
Pukwak!
Is it arrogance, belonging to one who resides in a realm far higher than mine?
Or is it an expression of will, declaring that she will destroy me here no matter what happens to her body?
Even as my sword pierces her stomach, she looks at me with dry, emotionless eyes.
However...the power of the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections flows into the Colorless Glass Sword.
Gyeong-i's eyes widen.
Wiiiing!
It's been far too long since I last used it properly, but...
There is actually another function of the Colorless Glass Sword.
It is precisely to [amplify emotions]!
And, according to the words of Buk Hyang-hwa's vision that just surfaced, the function of the remaining 650 swords originally intended to be added were meant for [recording the years spent with me].
In other words, the original function of the Colorless Glass Sword is to [recall memories].
However, even with 3000 swords instead of 3650, this ability is already complete through the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
From the Colorless Glass Sword imbued with the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections, memories of my 49 years with Gyeong are embedded.
The emotions contained within those memories are amplified to their peak.
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.
Gyeong-i's pupils shrink sharply.
"It's the truth that I did manipulate your trembling through Mountain Echoes Valley Responds. But...what I did was amplify your [emotions], not create emotions that didn't exist!"
Her pupils begin to shake uncontrollably.
"Thank you, Gyeong-ah."
With those words, her spell destabilizes and is eventually canceled.
Chwak!
I slash deeply across her upper body and retrieve the Colorless Glass Sword.
Then, I quickly fly toward the Ascension Gate.
[YOOUUUU!]
Behind me, her scream laced with rage echoes, and an endlessly accelerating flying sword begins to pursue me.
If I get struck by that flying sword in this situation where I can't use other Immortal Arts, I absolutely will not get out unscathed.
However, I smile faintly as I rapidly cross Shengzi, Yanguo, Byeokra, and the Heaven-Treading Desert, finally arriving at Ascension Path.
The flying sword follows right behind my back but fails to shoot me down.
Before long, I see the Ascension Gate ahead.
Although it is closed, at that level, I can just tear it open.
Hwik!
With a sweep of my arm, the Ascension Gate is torn away by my attraction force, opening wide.
Tadatt!
I stop in front of the Ascension Gate.
Normally, the flying sword chasing me should have skewered me right then and dragged me back to Gyeong-i.
However, the flying sword halts in place, floating in midair without shedding even a single drop of my blood.
"...Thank you, Gyeong-ah."
When did it begin?
I don't know the exact moment.
But at some point, she became precious to me, and I became somewhat precious to her.
And so...
In the end, her heart, which she only regarded as a tool, began to hold me as something precious.
"Even if you are said to be dead...I won't forget you. You...will live forever within me. Stay well, Gyeong-ah."
After finishing my words, I leap through the Ascension Gate before Gyeong-i, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, can regain her composure.
'...All Immortal Arts used within the Head Realm fail...you say? That too, was a lie, wasn't it, Gyeong-ah?'
Paaaatt!
As I leave the Head Realm, my memories begin to return.
The Immortal Arts I used as I entered the Head Realm were [two].
[Wheel] and the Impermanence Sword's [Filling the Heavens Governing View].
Originally, it is true that I had placed my split soul within, but immediately after entering the Head Realm, I used the [Wheel] to rewrite it, switching the positions of my true soul and split soul.
I had hoped that by [rewriting] within the Head Realm, the Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flag embedded in my main soul could be transferred to my split soul through the peculiarities of the Head Realm.
But in the end, the Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flag still remains within me.
However, perhaps because my strategy seems to have shown some effect, I've managed to half-break free from the restrictions of the 7th star of Qi Refining.
'I haven't completely broken free from the restrictions of the 7th star of Qi Refining yet...but even this much should be a great help.'
In any case, if one of the Immortal Arts I used upon entering the Head Realm was the [Wheel], the other was Filling the Heavens Governing View.
It is a technique that turns the target into a [failure] through the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
Using that Filling the Heavens Governing View, I continually caused myself to [fail] in recalling my memories and authority, effectively sealing myself.
That seal remained intact for a total of 49 years, allowing me to maintain my sanity even in the Head Realm.
'Perhaps the reason Gyeong-i was unable to recall the memories of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, or continued to [fail] in advancing to the 1st star of Qi Refining, was due to being unconsciously affected by Filling the Heavens Governing View while staying with me.'
Even within the Head Realm, my Immortal Art continuously activated without fail.
In short, Gyeong-i's words had been a lie.
'Stay well, Gyeong-i. I am leaving.'
And so,
Leaving behind another connection that formed with me, Gyeong-I,
Leaving the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord behind, I ascend from the Head Realm.
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord clutches her chest, letting out a scream.
"Ah, aaaaa... Aaaaaaahhh!!!"
Light is wisdom.
Because of this, as she reads the [light] of the Head Realm, she can read the history of the Head Realm to some extent with the power of a Heaven Immortal.
And in her vision, a scene from the [past] is reflected.
The moment when Seo Eun-hyun saw the [bare face] of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord!
"You...saw...my face, Seo Eun-hyun..."
For some reason, she is crying.
"So that is why. That is why...I...to you..."
Kudududuk...
She clenches the earth with her hand wrapped in bandages.
Her handprint is left on the ground.
"...You, truly torment me so much. After seeing my face, after spending so much time with me...you flee...? So nonchalantly...you fly far away...?"
She looks up at the sky and sheds tears.
"I...from now on, must kill you without fail...!"
Kuguguguk...
She inhales deeply.
Just moments ago, she had told Seo Eun-hyun one lie.
While all Immortal Arts are said to fail in the Head Realm, there is an exception.
Immortal Arts [permitted by light] are excluded from that rule.
Therefore, for the Radiance Eight Immortals, each time one descends, the number of Immortal Arts that can be used in the Head Realm increases.
What she has used in the Head Realm so far is a secret art created by Radiance Hall.
It is called [Immortal Art (仙術) Spiritual Roots (靈根)].
Through this Immortal Art, which grants and retrieves spiritual roots from all beings of all phenomena, she has been striving to quickly elevate her realm even a day faster to carry out the tasks assigned to her.
The missions entrusted to her by Radiance Hall are two.
First,
The capture of the vile [Seo Eun-hyun], hailed as the return of the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord.
Second,
The investigation of the ascension status of the current generation's Enders.
Both are possible in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, but they are most directly achievable in the Head Realm.
This is because the Golden Divine decreed the fates of Enders to gather at Shattered Heaven Peak of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect within the Head Realm, and in Ascension Path, there is something sealed that reveals the ascension status of the Enders.
But in any case, to accomplish these two missions, advancing her cultivation quickly within the Head Realm was essential.
Thus, the original plan of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord was to recover all her memories in one day, raise her cultivation to the Heavenly Being stage in another day, and then complete her missions.
However, for some reason, an error arose in the plan.
"...Gather, Heaven and Earth spiritual energy."
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord opens her mouth.
But...no Heaven and Earth spiritual energy gathers around her, who possesses the Five Elements Spiritual Roots.
She stares at the sky with vacant eyes.
"...An error occurred in the Immortal Art of Radiance Hall? Ha, haha... That cannot be."
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord mutters in a pained voice as she claws at her chest, tormented by the emotions created by [Seo Eun-hyun].
"Myeong Woon (命運)...must be toying with me..."
The sunlight of the Head Realm reflects in her eyes.
"Does this mean...I must purely cultivate in the orthodox method to leave? Haha... It will take a thousand years. Fine, wait a thousand years, Seo Eun-hyun. I will leave...and I will surely..."
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord grits her teeth.
Clutching her chest, she sheds tears.
"Kill...you..."
She drops to her knees and bows her head.
Is it perhaps because she used emotions as tools?
Or is it because she has not experienced emotions much before?
The emotions infected by the power of the Colorless Glass Sword completely engulf and devour her.
"...Life is...despair..."
Despairing that she has come to like someone yet must ultimately kill them with her own hands, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord cries her heart out on the spot.
Paaaatt!
Before I know it,
The familiar Interdimensional Void comes into view.
And...
I see my main body within the Interdimensional Void!
Paaaatt!
Merging with the split soul I had left in the Interdimensional Void, I open my eyes.
Then, Hong Fan, who has been waiting for me for 49 years, appears.
"Have you been well, Hong..."
Jak!
"...!"
Hong Fan slaps me across the face.
Hong Fan glares at me with a furious expression I have never seen from him before.
It's Hong Fan, who has never once shown such anger before.
"...Do you...have any idea...how worried I was...? The Head Realm... Did you enter the Head Realm with the body of a True Immortal!!?? Have you gone mad!!?? Do you not know that the Head Realm is dangerous for True Immortals!!?? Do you not know that you all must not enter the Head Realm!!??"
He lashes out at me in fury.
"Did you even think about how anxious, how uneasy those who were waiting for you might have been!!?? Is charging in without consulting your subordinate, me, an appropriate attitude for a master!? Please answer me!"
"...I am sorry. Still...thanks to Filling the Heavens Governing View, I was fine..."
"What if Filling the Heavens Governing View was not there!!?? What if Filling the Heavens Governing View!!?? What if Filling the Heavens Governing View failed to activate, what would you have done then!!??"
Hong Fan rages at me out of concern for my safety, and I accept his anger with a bitter smile.
"I'm sorry. I had no choice."
After breathing heavily for a while, Hong Fan lets out a sigh.
"...As long as you have returned safely, it is fine. Did you get everything you wanted?"
"Yes. I even gained an unexpected enlightenment. Thanks to it, I could reflect on what life is once again."
"..."
Hong Fan quietly looks at me, and I look at him with a smile.
"Life is...metal (金)."
"...Pardon?"
"Metal, I mean. Metal (金) is both the Heaven of the Eight Trigrams and the trembling within the lungs. Life is undoubtedly...something we build, but...there are undoubtedly aspects of it that are given."
I speak as I leap across the vast expanse of space with Hong Fan.
"I have gained everything I sought. Now...let's confirm just a few more things and move on."
I have confirmed the memories with old connections, partially lifted the restrictions of the Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flag, and reaffirmed the ominousness of the Head Realm.
And...I have also concluded my relationship with my new connection, Gyeong-i.
What remains is...
"The True Immortal of Light may soon emerge from the Head Realm, so let's hurry and leave. I'll tell you the rest on the way."
After confirming a few remaining connections in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, quickly escaping to the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain before the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord emerges.
I leap across the distant expanse of space while watching Hong Fan sigh with a drained expression.
-x-X-x-
After returning my true soul to my main body, I inform Gold Shaking Bird, Hong Fan, and Yeo Hwi of our destination.
"First, I'll confirm old connections in each of the Middle Realms, and then head straight to the Lightning Sacred Sea."
"...As you wish."
"I have no objections. Huhu..."
Hong Fan still seems a bit curt, perhaps harboring lingering resentment over my earlier reckless actions. On the other hand, Gold Shaking Bird appears inexplicably overjoyed.
Yeo Hwi, having seemingly been refined into an Immortal Treasure by Gold Shaking Bird, rests quietly within my body, only letting out soft sounds of 'Hwi, hwi, hwi...'
It seems none of them have faced significant problems over the last forty-nine years.
I quickly send split souls to four of the five Middle Realms, excluding the Purple Gold Realm.
-x-X-x-
Ancient Force Realm, Sea King Hall.
I see a familiar face there.
"It has been a while, Sacred Master Hae Lin."
"..."
Hae Lin locks eyes with my split soul and lets out a deep sigh.
"You've now come as a senior. It feels like just yesterday I was chasing after you to appoint you as my successor."
"Haha, even so. I still remember the grace you showed me when I was chanting the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra in complete ignorance and concealed me in the Deep Sea to evade the eyes and ears of the savage Mountain Divine Spirit."
"Ahem..."
When I bring up the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, he clears his throat awkwardly, seemingly embarrassed.
"Back then...I thought you only intended to destroy the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain. Please allow me to apologize for my misunderstanding."
"There's no need. If it had been me, and I saw a madman recklessly chanting a mantra capable of destroying the universe without any explanation, I would have likely lashed out and tried to kill them as well."
At the time, the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra was used to borrow the attraction force of the universe's End to scatter Filling the Heavens Governing View across the world.
However, explaining its principles would have required explaining the wisdom of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity and the Salt Sea Supreme Deity, so I refrained from doing so.
'Of course, it also served as a smokescreen to distract the five Sacred Masters of the Middle Realms. While they were preoccupied, I set up the true starting point for properly activating Filling the Heavens Governing View without even Seo Hweol noticing.'
In any case, the incident back then was largely my fault.
Hae Lin, however, still looks regretful and forms a hand seal.
Kururururung!
"...This is..."
From within the Sea King Hall, a torrent of blue water surges inward.
Recognizing its identity, I click my tongue.
"Clear Scale Armor?"
Indeed.
It is the Clear Scale Armor that I enveloped over Cedarwood Painting when I advanced to True Immortality.
"The Karmic Fire and the Seat of Vice left behind by Blood Yin were reclaimed by the Underworld. However, the Clear Scale Armor wasn't retrieved. Since I couldn't let it fall over to Radiance Hall or the Source River, I've been managing it instead. Please accept it."
"Such generosity...I gratefully accept it."
"In addition, I will share a portion of the power of ancient force as well."
Wo-woong!
Hae Lin divides a portion of the Deep Sea of the Ancient Force Realm and gives it to me.
As I look at the whirlpool of countless dimensions within the Deep Sea, I let out a small sigh.
'From a True Immortal's perspective, this is truly...profane.'
The Ancient Force Realm is, quite literally, a world made up of the corpses of countless True Immortals.
Heaven Immortals who failed in their prophecies, forgotten Immortal Beasts erased from history. The deaths of countless True Immortals overflow in the form of the Deep Sea.
At the same time, I see dimensions whose nature is completely indiscernible flickering within the sea.
'Are these...fragments of Heavenly Domains?'
Among the fragments in the Deep Sea, some appear to be pieces that can only be described as remnants of 'Heavenly Domains'.
'What on earth is ancient force...?'
"Ancient Force originates entirely from the Head Realm."
Hae Lin explains further.
"The Head Realm...I don't know much about it myself, but I've heard it's a place that devours and stores countless [worlds] and [realities]. Why such a phenomenon occurs, and what its true nature is...only the truly exalted ones would know.
"But one thing is certain. All beings who control the Plane of Qi and walk the pathway of history...when they observe the threads of history, they inevitably perceive threads of [lost] history among them. And when they connect with those [lost histories] through their unique powers, what they gain is ancient force."
"..."
"Through that ancient force, some Immortal Beasts gain special authorities, some uncover unknown truths, and some are said to acquire Seats that were lost long ago. However, the crucial point is this... Anyone who obtains ancient force is said to be able to discern its origin. And the origin of all ancient force is the Head Realm..."
As I listen to Hae Lin's words, I once again recall the ominous nature of the Head Realm.
"In this world, there are many [forgotten histories] and [disappeared truths]. And all those who gather ancient force are, in essence, beings who [excavate the truths of forgotten history]."
Wo-woong!
Hae Lin rises from his throne, kneels before me, and offers a portion of the Deep Sea's water.
"My ancestor, the Immortal Beast King candidate, and the Deputy Judge of the Netherworld, the Ancient Force True Lord Hae Nyeong...once sought to uncover the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables trapped within ancient force. To prevent their disgrace from being revealed, three Heavenly Venerables attempted to eradicate my ancestor.
"However, the original owner of the Phenomenon Extinguishing Mantra, the Owner of Salt Mountain, invited my ancestor to the Outer Sea, persuaded the three Heavenly Venerables, severed the ancient force my ancestor had obtained, and sealed it within the Outer Sea. Due to this, my ancestor avoided being pursued by the three Heavenly Venerables...and was able to safely enter the service of the Imperial Venerable."
Wo-woooong!
Over the stream of Deep Sea offered by Hae Lin, certain formulas emerge.
"There are innumerable hidden truths in this world, and they are deeply tied to the Heavenly Venerables and the Head Realm. My ancestor devoted their entire life to uncovering the hidden truths of the world. My ancestor...500,000 years ago, followed the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord, believing that by following, they could uncover the entirety of ancient force. But they were ultimately defeated. The resentment of my ancestor at that time, I, as their descendant, understand better than anyone. Thus, I ask you to accept this."
"...These formulas are..."
"It is an Immortal Arts that was deliberately hidden from the savage Owner of Mountain. This is because that one cannot claim to be the successor of the Owner of Salt Mountain. The Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade scattered throughout the Ancient Force Realm is just a degraded version of this Immortal Art..."
Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade (鹹海歸露玉).
[TL: The salt in the degraded version is the salt in salt crystal, while the salt in the Immortal Art is the salt in Salt Sea Supreme Deity.]
That is the name of the formula rising above the water of the Deep Sea.
"The ancient force of my ancestor, which the Owner of Salt Mountain sealed in the Outer Sea. The [disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables] was set as coordinates, which this Immortal Art uses to navigate the Outer Sea. That is Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade. Please accept it. Accept it and...after inheriting the sorrowful wish of the Owner of Salt Mountain and my ancestor, please uncover the hidden histories in their entirety."
"...Why give this to me? Would it not be better to entrust it to another among the Immortal Beasts, or to an Immortal Beast King candidate that is more suitable for it?"
"...The fact that you have inherited the will of the Owner of Salt Mountain signifies that you are someone with both great nobility and grand aspirations—enough to catch the eye of that being's lingering soul. Among the current candidates for the position of Immortal Beast King, there is only the savage [Mountain God], the sinister [Black Dragon], the foolish [Supreme Tiger], the lustful [Glass Peacock], the small-dreaming [Azure Peng], the [White-Winged Heavenly Pegasus] who loathes my ancestor, and the [Yin Ghost Black Turtle] who cares only for the Underworld. That is all. Compared to them...you are a far more suitable Immortal Beast King candidate than the [Mountain God]."
I look at Hae Lin as I absorb the formulas of Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade that he offers.
"Please, inherit the will of my ancestor..."
Like so, in the Ancient Force Realm, I receive the formulas of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade that symbolize the will of the Ancient Force True Lord Hae Nyeong, a portion of the Deep Sea dimension, and the Clear Scale Armor.
With that, my meeting in the Ancient Force Realm comes to an end.
Kururung!
I arrive at a familiar place for the first time in a long while.
A violet sky.
The writhing devilish energy.
The name of this chaotic world is the True Devil Realm.
The previous Sacred Master of the True Devil Realm, Ja Eum, perished together with Blood Yin inside Blood Yin.
Then, who has succeeded Ja Eum as Sacred Master?
Interestingly, it is none other than the Salt Sea Esteemed One from the Ancient Force Realm, Yuk Jeung.
"It's been a while, Senior."
Salt Sea Esteemed One Yuk Jeung looks at me and gives a short greeting.
"The forces of Light are supposedly chasing you or whatever, yet you sure are wandering freely."
"How...did you become the Sacred Master of the True Devil Realm?"
I look at Yuk Jeung with a puzzled expression, and he clicks his tongue before replying.
"Ja Eum! That vile thing...extracted only his soul and embedded it within Blood Yin, then dragged both my soul and body and embedded into his [flow]. It's as if I was forcibly made to inhabit Ja Eum's body..."
Yuk Jeung mutters with a displeased look.
"Our entire Sea Dragon Race...was in truth born from Ja Eum's Purple Soul Filling the Heavens. And this Esteemed One knew one thing. As long as Ja Eum's Purple Soul Filling the Heavens exists, our Sea Dragon Race was essentially a slave race that could at any time be offered as a sacrifice to Blood Yin if Ja Eum desired. Even compared to the slave races abused in the Bright Cold Realm, we were far more wretched."
From Yuk Jeung's mouth comes the history of the Sea Dragon Race.
"So, I originally requested Ja Eum. I petitioned to liberate us from Purple Soul Filling the Heavens. But...he refused. He said that we were nothing more than chess pieces of great beings like Blood Yin, Hyeon Eum, and Ja Eum, saying that there existed no other possibilities for us. And so...I made a resolution. Though no matter what I do, I could never defeat Blood Yin, for at least Ja Eum and Hyeon Eum, for at least those two, I resolved to destroy them and...to break free from the Purple Soul Filling the Heavens that bound us and escape from the grasp of True Immortals. To break free from our fate of being born as slaves! But...haha."
He lets out a hollow laugh.
"Ultimately, this is how it turned out. Blood Yin, Hyeon Eum, Ja Eum...Senior eliminated them all. And Ja Eum, after extracting the soul of the Sea Dragon Race with the highest realm—me—and embedded it into his body, self-destructed. After reading the history left behind by Ja Eum in his body, I came to understand...that Ja Eum had deeply loved the Sea Dragon Race deeply from the very beginning.
"I cried out for liberation from Purple Soul Filling the Heavens, but...as it turns out, our Sea Dragon Race, born from the power of Purple Soul Filling the Heavens, would lose our status as a Dragon Race if its power were extinguished. At worst, we would degenerate into protein-clump monstrosities. At best, we might retain some semblance of life but lose all reason, becoming mere demon spirits. In the end..."
Yuk Jeung lets out a sigh in a voice that sounds drained of strength.
"I, who once cried out for the liberation of the Sea Dragon Race from Purple Soul Filling the Heavens, became the very master of the Purple Soul Filling the Heavens that oppresses the Sea Dragon Race. And now, for the sake of the Sea Dragon Race, I am in a position where I must protect Purple Soul Filling the Heavens. Isn't it truly laughable? Hahaha..."
"...So, what do you plan to do from now on?"
"What else can I do? There is only one path."
Yuk Jeung's eyes glint.
"Unlike someone like Ban Ta, who hides his tender heart behind a facade of malice, I will do whatever it takes to quickly find a successor. After that, I will advance to the Entering Nirvana Stage, complete my Immortal Art, and challenge the True Immortal advancement. Then...I will become an Immortal Beast and engrave the Immortal Beast bloodline of the [Sea Dragon Race] into this world. If I can do that...even if Purple Soul Filling the Heavens is dissolved, the Sea Dragon Race will not degenerate into beasts. That is my ultimate goal for now."
I smile faintly at Yuk Jeung's grand aspiration and offer my blessing.
"I hope you definitely achieve your goal someday."
"Thank you for your support."
After meeting Yuk Jeung, who has become the Sacred Master of the True Devil Realm, I check on the status of the other Esteemed Ones of the True Devil Realm. Briefly, I meet with the Black Fog Esteemed One, pat their shoulder, and say, [Let's do well from now on].
With that, my business in the True Devil Realm concludes.
The Nether Ghost Realm.
I look back on the connections I made there.
Cha Jo-gwi and his subordinate.
And the followers who once served under the Wuji Religious Order but fled from the Twilight Domain.
They are all doing well currently.
I secretly repair the puppet bodies of the followers who had fled, and later happen to meet a rather memorable connection.
"...You are..."
"I greet the great being."
It is Yu Hwi, who had ascended to the Nether Ghost Realm at some point.
Having reached great completion in the Ghost Immortal Kui Devilish Secrets that I taught him, he has fully transformed his Nascent Soul into a Ghost King and has splendidly ascended to the Nether Ghost Realm.
The one who was once my follower has now become a powerful cultivator at the mid Four-Axis stage, becoming a renowned figure in the Nether Ghost Realm.
He is one of the few remaining followers of the Wuji Religious Order.
That is who Yu Hwi is, so I smile warmly as I look at him.
Unlike Ham Jin, who fell into corruption, Yu Hwi has grown admirably.
"You've grown well. Unlike some other kids."
"Haha, is the Great One talking about Ham Jin?"
"...You know him?"
"I have met him. He is currently wandering the Astral Realm in training. He has already turned over a new leaf. And...he is already stronger than me."
"...I see."
Thousands of years ago.
Before my battle with Seo Hweol, I already placed Filling the Heavens Governing View to its maximum on Ham Jin and assigned him a task.
At the time, he had been infected by both Filling the Heavens Governing View and Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens.
—If you can completely rid yourself of both my Filling the Heavens Governing View and the Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens within you, then return to me.
That is what I said before kicking him out to the Astral Realm.
If I hadn't given him a mission of such high difficulty, he would have continued to fall into corruption and live a debauched life.
In any case...
'If he has grown stronger and turned over a new leaf as Yeo Hwi says...then it must mean he understood the meaning behind the task I gave him and gained enlightenment.'
It seems worthwhile to test Ham Jin one more time and perhaps bring him along in the future.
I turn to Yu Hwi and ask him a question.
"I am planning to embark on a distant journey. Do you have any thoughts of following me?"
"It would be an honor! Please allow me to accompany the Great One!"
"To follow me...even if you have to die once?"
"Yes!"
"...Very well."
After explaining some of my plans to Yu Hwi, I head to the Black Palace of the Nether Ghost Realm.
There, Yu Oh is waiting for me.
"It's been a while, Sacred Master Yu Oh. It's been a long time since I came to the Nether Ghost Realm. The night sky is remarkably clear today."
"It is all thanks to Senior, who either beat those Entering Nirvana True Persons into unconsciousness or forced them to advance. Currently the number of True Persons of the Source River faction are...about twenty-eight? The rest were pushed into advancing and were unable to accept death, falling into the Underworld. It is said they are being judged. The remaining True Persons are currently in hibernation for a long, long time, recovering from their fatal injuries."
"If you wish, I will assist the remaining True Persons in their True Immortal advancement as well."
"Hoho, there is no need for that. In any case, the night sky of the Nether Ghost Realm will remain clear for a while... That alone is enough."
After sharing some light conversation, we gradually shift to discussing the true matter at hand.
"By the way, there is something I must ask, Sacred Master Yu Oh."
"What is it?"
"Who is...the distinguished one exactly?"
I voice the question I've been harboring for some time.
According to rumors, she is said to be a fragment or split soul of the Reincarnation Judge Yu Soo Ryeon.
From what I've experienced, she is not simply a vessel for the [Oldest One].
Above all, the one who possesses the powerful presence of being Seo Ran's mother is her.
'Though it was said that the split soul is Seo Ran's mother, and she isn't truly Seo Ran's mother...'
If that is the case, just why did she send a split soul to the Head Realm in the first place?
"What is your true identity? Why did you send a split soul to the Head Realm? After the death of the Reincarnation Judge...why does someone of your caliber, who could have gone to the Underworld to become a Reaper, remain here to be a Sacred Master... May I ask about this?"
At my question, Yu Oh smiles meaningfully.
"...Originally, I would have no reason to tell you even if you reached True Immortality, but...I sense the workings of the Imperial Venerable in the distinguished one's death. Have you met the Imperial Venerable?"
"If you mean the [Oldest One], then yes. Before my advancement to True Immortality."
"...I see. In that case, your presence before me must also be by Their will. As you are deemed worthy, I shall tell you."
As she reveals her identity, I feel as though my eyes might pop out of their sockets.
"I am both the split soul and the former Immortal Treasure of the Reincarnation Judge, Yu Soo Ryeon. At the same time...I am also an aspect of her elder brother, the Chief Judge Yu Hao Te's Seat of Good and Evil. I am the incarnation of the Seat of Good."