"Being eaten...by the Owner of Light? Is that a metaphor?"
At Jeon Myeong-hoon's question, Golden Shaking Bird lands lightly in front of us and continues speaking in a slightly lower voice.
"It is literal. A Vestige Liberation Immortal who fails their advancement ritual. In other words...one lacking sufficient light to extract is ultimately forced to replace the missing parts with their authority and their main body.
"In the process, the entire body of the Vestige Liberation Immortal becomes light and scatters across the universe, and those scattered photons all return to the Owner of Light. In the end, failing the advancement ritual amounts to feeding the stomachs of the Supreme Deities...it is no different from being eaten."
"..."
"..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon and I remain silent in the face of this unexpected and terrifying truth.
After some time of brooding silence, I extinguish the campfire and distort the surrounding attraction force to block out all light.
Then, I ask her a question.
"What exactly is the Owner of Light? What kind of being wields such terrifying authority? Why in the world does the Radiance Supreme Deity have the authority to devour True Immortals?"
"Hmm..."
At my words, Golden Shaking Bird looks up at the sky for a moment before responding.
"There seems to be...a misunderstanding. This is not a problem with the Radiance Supreme Deity."
"What?"
"Governing Immortals...no, all Seats in this world ultimately represent realms of Immortal Cultivation. Or perhaps, portions of a realm, or the process of Immortal Cultivation itself."
She continues her explanation calmly, as though she is recounting a story she once heard from someone else.
The person who told her this story is obvious.
Behind Golden Shaking Bird, Jeon Myeong-hoon and I feel as though Yang Su-jin himself is narrating this to us.
"We all walk the path of Immortal Cultivation, but stop at some realm along the way and are buried there. Eventually, we rot and decay, becoming the nutrients of the world once again, providing the foundation for future generations to continue on the path. Being 'eaten' is simply decaying on the path of Immortal Cultivation and becoming its foundation.
"And the Governing Immortals have become the very path of Immortal Cultivation itself. Therefore, dying within the realms overseen by the Governing Immortals simply makes one their daily sustenance."
"...So what you're saying is..."
I recall the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.
The Radiance Eight Immortals are said to oversee the realms of Qi Refining 4th star and the Vestige Liberation Immortal.
Which means...
"Aside from the Radiance Supreme Deity, what are...the other realms overseen by the Governing Immortals?"
At my question, Golden Shaking Bird flutters into the air and uses golden lightning to write words in the void.
The realms overseen by the Governing Immortals are as follows:
Qi Refining 3rd star: Eastern Heavenly Venerable Flower Monarch, Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
Qi Refining 4th star: Radiance Supreme Deity.
Qi Refining 6th Star: Liberation Supreme Deity.
Qi Refining 7th star: Southern Heavenly Venerable True Ultimate Eternal Life Great Emperor.
Qi Refining 14th star and Four-Axis advancement ritual: Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
Four-Axis stage: Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
Integration stage: Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity.
Sacred Vessel stage: Liberation Supreme Deity.
Entering Nirvana and True Immortal advancement ritual: Western Heavenly Venerable Netherworld Ghost Mother.
Immediately after True Immortal advancement: Naming Supreme Deity.
Vestige Liberation Immortal: Radiance Supreme Deity.
Heaven and Earth Upper Immortal: Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
Great Net Immortal: True Martial Great Emperor, True Ultimate Eternal Life Great Emperor, and Flower Monarch, the Three Heavenly Venerables.
Immortal Lord: Radiance Supreme Deity, Emptiness Supreme Deity.
"...These are the realms overseen and controlled by each Governing Immortal."
"..."
As I observe the Immortal Cultivation systems dominated by the Governing Immortals, I let out a low sigh. Jeon Myeong-hoon glances at me before asking a question.
"Does the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity...not have a cultivation system they control?"
"Ah, the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity oversees [all advancement rituals]. And...the Naming Supreme Deity, although it seems like They only oversee the very narrow space of 'immediately after True Immortal advancement,' the establishment of [cultivation formulas for each realm] falls under Their domain."
"...What?"
Startled, I ask,
"The cultivation formulas for each realm...are created by the Naming Supreme Deity?"
"Exactly."
"...Wait, that means..."
Cultivation formulas are unnecessary for the Earth Tribe.
This is because their formulas are essentially nothing more than refining the instinct and wild nature engraved into their bloodlines.
Thus, those who rely on cultivation formulas are...
"Does that mean the Naming Supreme Deity is involved in the birth of the Heaven Tribe?"
Only the Heaven Tribe.
Golden Shaking Bird shakes her head.
"That is not the case."
"Haha, of course..."
"All of the Heaven Tribe are essentially extensions of the Naming Supreme Deity. Until they become Vestige Liberation Immortals and transcend their birth nature...the authority to oversee celestial energy for mortal beings belongs solely to the Naming Supreme Deity. In a way...you could even say that the Naming Supreme Deity governs the Qi Refining 7th star as well. Isn't that interesting? The Naming Supreme Deity was once a human who, in the age before Heaven Tribe cultivation methods existed, reached the pinnacle of the Earth Tribe and became the Immortal Beast King... And yet, this same deity is most directly involved in the creation of the Heaven Tribe."
"..."
Naming Supreme Deity...
For some reason, I feel like the Naming Supreme Deity holds more hidden secrets than other dangerous Governing Immortals like the Radiance Supreme Deity, the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, or the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
"In any case, all Supreme Deities and Heavenly Venerables control the entire Immortal Cultivation system. And failing advancement within a system overseen by a Governing Immortal is essentially the same as being eaten by them."
"...That sounds familiar."
"Ahaha, there certainly exists a saying like that between the Star Shattering stage and Entering Nirvana stage. Something about being 'devoured by the Heavenly Domain'..."
My eyes gleam.
"The Heavenly Domain...or in other words, the Astral Realm as it's commonly called, belongs to the Supreme Deities?"
"That's correct. More precisely, the entire Heavenly Domain, including the Astral Realm, belongs to the Supreme Deities. Every Heavenly Domain has an owner who governs it, and each time a Supreme Deity is born, a new Heavenly Domain is inevitably created."
"I see."
Through Golden Shaking Bird, I manage to resolve many questions about the current Immortal Cultivation system and this world.
Golden Shaking Bird flutters upward and perches on Jeon Myeong-hoon's shoulder, continuing her explanation.
"In the end, all beings who set foot on the path of Immortal Cultivation are fated to either be devoured or to devour others. My master described it humorously as 'All things of all phenomena are pills.' Ahaha. Isn't it such an amusing joke? Ahaha!"
"..."
"..."
"Perhaps...all cultivators are fated to be consumed by the very system of Immortal Cultivation itself. Ahaha..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon clears his throat and asks a question.
"By the way, this makes me a little curious. If there is one Supreme Deity per Heavenly Domain...doesn't that mean there are currently ten Governing Immortals?"
"Ah, not Ten Existences (十存), but Eleven Existences (十一存). They are also referred to as the Eleven Governings (十一御)."
Hearing this, Jeon Myeong-hoon asks suspiciously.
"What are you talking about? After advancing to True Immortality and seeing the Supreme Deities in the [sky]...there were clearly only ten."
I, too, find this puzzling.
'Eleven Governings...why are there eleven? During my True Immortal advancement and even during my regression...there were clearly only [ten] Seats.'
Unexpectedly, Golden Shaking Bird scratches her head with her wings before lowering it.
"Ah...I apologise. I am not entirely sure about that either...However, Radiance Hall claims it to be [Eleven Governings]. All the allied factions of Radiance Hall accept this claim as well. While the Underworld or the Great Mountain Supreme Deity may not agree with it, they don't particularly refute it either. For now, the only faction making this claim is undoubtedly Radiance Hall."
"Radiance Hall is practically the entirety of this world... Hasn't the Golden Divine whispered anything to you?"
I question Golden Shaking Bird, and she places her two wings on her waist, glaring at me as she speaks.
"More importantly, why does Elder keep calling my master Golden Divine this, Golden Divine that and Yang Su-jin this, and Yang Su-jin that? Is my master your friend? It's infuriating to hear someone as young as you refuse to address my master with proper honorifics!"
"..."
'Bringing up age in front of me?'
Even assuming Yang Su-jin is still alive, the combined ages of Yang Su-jin and Golden Shaking Bird would barely exceed half of mine. What nonsense is she spouting at me?
Just as I'm about to smack Golden Shaking Bird with the Impermanence Sword, Jeon Myeong-hoon lightly taps Golden Shaking Bird on the head and says,
"Seo Eun-hyun is my friend and is also from the Golden Divine's homeland. Moreover, there's a time discrepancy between our homeland and Mount Sumeru. So, in terms of time, the age difference is only about 500 years at most. That's close enough to be an older-younger brother relationship, so don't fuss about it."
"Yes, yes, Master! I apologise. I did not realize the age gap was less than 500 years. It is Golden Shaking Bird's fault. As an apology, if he wishes, I will let Seo Eun-hyun lick my feet."
"...Alright, just answer Seo Eun-hyun's question. Did Yang Su-jin whisper anything to you?"
At Jeon Myeong-hoon's words, Golden Shaking Bird seems to recall an old memory before responding.
"My master once spoke about the reason why the number of visible thrones in the sky and the number of thrones claimed by Radiance Hall differ. He said, 'It's a truth that is both absurdly laughable and chilling'."
'A truth that is both laughable and chilling?'
Something about that doesn't seem to add up.
Can something laughable and chilling coexist in a single sentence?
'What a bizarre expression. Just what does it mean?'
"When I asked what my master meant, he massaged my feet while saying, 'If you're very quick, you'll learn after reaching Great Net Immortal. If you're slower, you'll learn after becoming an Immortal Lord or a Governing Immortal.' He also said, 'Once you realize this, you'll understand why Light rules the world.' However, he warned me not to try uncovering the truth from any realm below Upper Immortal, as Light would immediately notice and it would be dangerous."
'Information that Light will notice?'
I sense that this trust must be tied to some enormous truth of Mount Sumeru.
'Light is wisdom. Therefore, if one tries to perceive or uncover something...it immediately notices. Right. Yang Su-jin said the truth will naturally become clear as I advance in cultivation. So, I shouldn't delve into this for now.'
This is dangerous, no matter how I look at it.
As I contemplate this truth, Jeon Myeong-hoon raises another question.
"Here's the next question. Governing Immortals are known as the owners of Heavenly Domains or of dimensions overlapping those domains. Following up on the previous question...if there are four Heavenly Venerables and seven Supreme Deities, then shouldn't there be seven Heavenly Domains?"
That's right.
Something about the number of Heavenly Domains doesn't add up.
Sun and Moon, Heavenly King, Twin Holding, Earth Axis, Bearing Tree, Good Sight, Horse Ear,
Elephant Nose, Earth Boundary.
'According to the wisdom I received from Blood Yin...'
Mount Sumeru's Heavenly Domains total nine!
"Why are there two extra Heavenly Domains?"
At Jeon Myeong-hoon's observation, Golden Shaking Bird scratches her head again with her wings before responding.
"Umm... Golden Shaking Bird does not know for sure. As for the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain and the Horse Ear Heavenly Domain, their original owner, the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity, was imprisoned by Radiance Hall, leading to the current state. The Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain's owner became the Radiance Supreme Deity, and Horse Ear Heavenly Domain was created specifically to imprison the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity. So, I can understand the existence of eight Heavenly Domains, but where the last one came from or who created it...Golden Shaking Bird does not know that either. I apologise."
"No, it's fine. Let's figure that out gradually..."
"Yes, thank you!"
Thus concludes Golden Shaking Bird's basic knowledge lecture for Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Wo-woong!
Clang!
And just as the lecture ends,
Hong Fan succeeds in his resurrection from the pitch-black darkness devoid of any light.
"Huuu... Have you been well, Master?"
"Oh, Hong Fan. You've finally resurrected? How was the Underworld?"
"It's still running well as usual. However, I couldn't enter the depths of the Underworld. I'm a bit regretful about that."
"Haha, you and your jokes. What would I do if you entered the depths of the Underworld and ended up reincarnating?"
"Haha, Even if I reincarnate, I will find my way back to you, Master, so don't worry."
With that, I share a conversation with the newly resurrected Hong Fan as we welcome the morning sunlight that enters the Divine Thunder Realm.
The next day arrives.
Jeon Myeong-hoon gathered the necessary items he used for cultivating Immortal Arts from the hut.
Meanwhile, I temporarily sealed the minds of Ham Jin and Yu Hwi that are still affected by death energy as they just recently resurrected.
Now that Jeon Myeong-hoon has completed his True Immortal advancement, and since there's no more business left in the Divine Thunder Realm, it is time to move on to the Astral Realm and begin my cultivation as a Vestige Liberation Immortal.
Ever since realizing that Vestige Liberation Immortal falls under the domain of the Radiance Supreme Deity, I've wanted to escape this realm as soon as possible.
"By the way, was it you who killed the Sacred Master of the Divine Thunder Realm?"
"Oh, yeah. It was a devotee of Light... As soon as it saw me, it started going on about reporting me to Radiance Hall, so I blessed it with the Immortal Art, Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation."
"Blessing?"
"Lightning Sacred Body, I mean. Its entire body underwent lightning transformation, becoming a spirit of lightning."
Pajijijijik!
Jeon Myeong-hoon smirks as he pulls something out from the void.
It is a guzheng which burns a bright red.
[Editor: A guzheng is a type of plucked zither, an ancient Chinese string instrument.]
"I tore it from their Middle Realm Sacred Master position and refined it into an Immortal Treasure."
Jeon Myeong-hoon smirks as he taps the guzheng lightly.
The guzheng's form distorts as if trying to escape from Jeon Myeong-hoon's grasp with all its strength.
But Jeon Myeong-hoon grips the neck of the guzheng tightly, applying enough force to almost snap it, forcing it into submission.
Watching this violent display, I ask,
"Did it insult you or something? You seem to be treating it rather harshly."
"Yeah. The bastard insulted So-hae, calling her [a shriveled hand] or saying [it looks crispy and tasty, give me a bite]... Originally, I was just going to seal it after teaching it a lesson, but after hearing that insult, I lost my temper and decided to refine it into an Immortal Treasure."
Before I can say anything, Golden Shaking Bird's eyes flip over in anger.
"Master! Are you saying you were insulted!? What happened to this Sacred Master's kin and race!?"
"...? I just left them alone. They didn't witness our battle anyway, so they won't be able to report anything to Radiance Hall."
"Th-That's...Master! Isn't it only natural to exterminate the Sacred Master's race? To think it dared to insult Master. Please give the order. I will exterminate the Sacred Master's race, and through a blood sacrifice in the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain for Master's convenience...descend Master's main body."
"Th-There's no need to go that far. Capturing this bastard is enough for me."
"Even though it's not about destroying the entire Divine Thunder Realm, but only exterminating its race? Th-Then Master, at the very least, let me capture the Sacred Master's family or descendants for you."
At Golden Shaking Bird's request, Jeon Myeong-hoon shakes his head and says,
"Didn't I say there's no need for that? This is an order. Don't make a fuss about this matter again."
"...Understood. However...I believe this Sacred Vessel bastard that insulted Master...has been insufficiently refined. May I add a special refinement process? I will refine it further to ensure it can neither resist nor escape from Master."
"Well...since it insulted So-hae, that's fair. Good. Assist with the refinement."
At those words, Golden Shaking Bird takes the guzheng from Jeon Myeong-hoon, absorbs it into her body, and begins refining it.
"Now then...shall we move on to the Astral Realm?"
With that, we depart from the Divine Thunder Realm.
"Twin Constructing Chains. Fly."
Huiiiiii!
Transforming Yeo Hwi into the form of a peng, I mount her back along with everyone and traverse the Interdimensional Void.
Huiiiiii!
As we speed through the Interdimensional Void, I suddenly notice that the 48 Middle Realms are arranged in a specific pattern.
'That's...'
Starting from the Myriad Laws Realm, countless realms extend outward.
These Middle Realms seem to draw a massive shape.
The shape begins at the Myriad Laws Realm, passes through the Divine Thunder Realm, and ends at a realm called the Feeling Life Realm.
Beside the Feeling Life Realm, the Myriad Laws Realm appears again.
The Middle Realms draw a circle.
And that circle is not merely a simple round shape but rather some kind of diagram.
Golden Shaking Bird furrows her brow as she gazes down at the forty-eight Middle Realms drifting in the Interdimensional Void.
"No matter how many times I see it...what a distasteful hobby. Those Radiance Hall bastards..."
The Middle Realms scattered in the shape of a circle seem to embody a certain symbol.
That symbol takes the form of the [Snake Biting Its Tail].
"It is the emblem of Radiance Hall. Radiance Hall is notorious for engraving the form of [Snake Biting Its Tail]...onto the remains of those who opposed them, or onto what their enemies cherished. Alternatively, they impose a fate related to that symbol, forcing it to take on this form."
Jeon Myeong-hoon clicks his tongue and grimaces.
"...To the dead... This is going too far."
Yeo Hwi, as though trying to avoid looking directly at the symbol below, clenches her eyes shut while breaking into cold sweat. Meanwhile, I silently offer a small gesture of mourning for the former subordinates of the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity as I watch their pitiful state.
Hong Fan, either uninterested or unable to perceive the arrangement of the Middle Realms due to being in the Integration stage...remains indifferent. With an emotionless expression, he pulls out garbage and food scraps from his storage scroll and tosses them toward the Middle Realms, seemingly cleaning out his bag.
Golden Shaking Bird averts her gaze from the grotesque scene and, perhaps to shift the mood, begins to chatter.
Because of her quick chatter, I, too, forgot a little of the horror of that tragedy and join in on the conversation.
"By the way, aside from the Vestige Liberation Immortal cultivation, we need to find our other comrades..."
"We'll have to pass through the Astral Realm to reach other Heavenly Domains anyway, so heading to the Astral Realm for now makes sense. That said, do you know which Heavenly Domains the others went to?"
"For now..."
"By the way, Master. You still have the Vestige, right? If Master hands it to me, I will make it into a storage scroll. After reaching the True Immortal rank, most people make their storage scrolls from their Vestiges...
"Haha, Master, my storage scroll has been invaded by bugs. Because its functionality is so good that even living things can enter without restriction, bugs seem to have come in...I am starting to worry since the number of bugs has increased a lot."
With that, we cross beyond the Interdimensional Void and arrive at the Astral Realm within the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain to reunite with our other comrades and quickly proceed with our Vestige Liberation Immortal cultivation.
"Now then. Let's discuss methods to figure out the current situation of our comrades and plan our next steps in more detail..."
I rise from my seat, preparing to adjust our plans moving forward.
And then,
Kigigigik, clank!
"...Huh?"
In an instant.
The movement of the universe halts.
A pure white light flashes, seemingly toying with the workings of the universe and rendering time itself a fool.
Within the pure white light, we behold a blindingly beautiful [bird].
: : I am the Immortal Beast, Glass Peacock . : :
As the words of the [bird] continue, Golden Shaking Bird screams in horror.
: : Unfamiliar new faces, and that brute's attendant concubine... How splendid. I'll have to mate. : :
"Run awayyyyyy!!! Twin Constructing Chains! If you don't want to be violated by [Glass Peacock], flap your wings like mad!!!"
The moment Yeo Hwi hears the name [Glass Peacock], it's as though her mind, broken by Golden Shaking Bird, is restored. Frothing at the mouth, she begins flapping her wings like crazy.
On our first day in the Astral Realm of the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain.
: : Halt. I shall show you paradise... : :
We encounter the infamous Earth Immortal of reproduction and mating—Glass Peacock.
: : History revision. Escape routes lost. : :
To capture and violate us,
Glass Peacock begins to unleash their power.
-x-X-x-
Ziiiing!
Escape routes lost.
Escape routes lost.
Escape routes lost.
The voice of Glass Peacock resonates as if echoing through countless galaxies.
At the same time, Golden Shaking Bird cries out in panic.
"H-History revision! Quickly! Hurry up and make a prophecy! Put the star of prophecy into my stomach, and make a prophecy! For the time being, I'll offer part of my Immortal Body to Master!"
Wo-woong!
Golden Shaking Bird transforms into a human form and places her hand on her chest.
Kwaduduk!
She then uses Du Hwa's body as a medium to extract a portion of her main body from the True Immortal Realm and hands it over to Jeon Myeong-hoon.
It throbs like a beating heart, and it appears to be an immense sacrifice for Golden Shaking Bird, as her face disappears entirely.
Shiiiiiii!
The face of Du Hwa's physical body melts away and disappears completely. Meanwhile, Golden Shaking Bird's main body in the True Immortal Realm convulses madly in pain.
"Golden Shaking Bird!"
"Q-Quick... Hurry...!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at Golden Shaking Bird, grits his teeth, and accepts the piece of her Immortal Body that she handed over, absorbing it directly.
Sururuk!
The portion of the Golden Shaking Bird's Immortal Body enters Jeon Myeong-hoon's mouth, and he immediately opens his mouth to speak.
"In the name of this Immortal, I prophesize."
A small sphere manifests above Jeon Myeong-hoon's hand.
The sphere begins to absorb surrounding dust, gradually grows larger and begins to project a scene.
"By riding the interstellar wind, we shall escape from Glass Peacock."
The faceless Golden Shaking Bird embraces the star created by Jeon Myeong-hoon and stores it within her body.
I, too, utter a prophecy.
Ziiing—
A sharp pain spreads through my chest, radiating throughout my entire body.
"In the name of this Immortal, I prophesize. All pursuers in this galaxy will, at minimum, lose their targets at least once."
When using prophecy, there is always a limit to its scope.
If the range of the prophecy is too broad, it will shatter before it can affect the entire scope, or it may become invalid.
When that happens, the star of prophecy collapses, and the one who uttered the prophecy suffers immense backlash.
Thus, when using a prophecy on a particular target, it's crucial to define the target precisely and attach specific conditions to increase the success rate.
However, there are instances when exceptions occur.
When a single being possesses an overwhelming influence and presence that surpasses an entire multitude.
'Glass Peacock...their presence and authority exceeds that of every living being in this galaxy combined.'
In such cases, it is far more effective to direct the prophecy not at the individual but at the fate tied to the entire galaxy.
Rather than making a prophecy involving a single Glass Peacock, it is far less likely to fail to make a prophecy that loosely applies to the galaxy where Glass Peacock currently resides.
'When prophesying about a being with greater presence than myself, the prophecy must target not the being but the places or objects associated with them.'
This is one of the pieces of wisdom imparted by Blood Yin.
Bearing the pain, I create a prophetic star and hand it to Golden Shaking Bird. She accepts it, stores it within her body, and then makes her own prophecy, sealing the stars within her so that no other being can interfere.
"Now! Go!"
☯
I slap her back, turning away from the pursuer and looking towards the distant universe.
Kugugugugu!
Thus, we manage to escape from Yeo Hwi by riding on Glass Peacock.
Glass Peacock soars upon the interstellar wind, and Yeo Hwi, bound by the prophecy that pursuers would lose track of their targets 'at least once', fails to pursue us. From afar, all she can manage to do is struggle desperately to follow us.
It seems as though Yeo Hwi is screaming something, but Glass Peacock, riding the interstellar wind, moves so fast that even the mentally speech of someone at the Sacred Vessel stage like Yeo Hwi is barely audible.
'Why, though?'
I suddenly feel a strange sense of unease.
The expression on Yeo Hwi's face when she lost track of us earlier.
It was unmistakably...
'A face filled with terror. As if she had witnessed something incomprehensible...'
Something is strange.
'What could possibly frighten Yeo Hwi, who is supported by an unfathomable True Immortal? Was losing us truly that unbearable?'
I turn to Golden Shaking Bird.
"That was a close call. To encounter someone like that the moment we arrived in Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain. By the way, why is your face gone?"
Chiiiiii!
Golden Shaking Bird's face is gradually reappearing.
"No matter how much I wear the shell of a demon beast, the essence of a True Immortal is formless. As such, when subjected to great pain, even the concept of a 'face' is erased."
"Hmm, is that so? But why specifically the face?"
At my question, Glass Peacock responds.
: : Because the face is essential for communication. : :
"Communication? What do you mean?"
: : We have no need for forms. Yet, we assume them nonetheless because it makes communicating with others much easier. Don't certain beings in the lower realm, when subjected to immense shock or pain, lose the ability to speak? Similarly, the faces or forms of True Immortals temporarily return to formlessness under great pain...rendering communication impossible. : munication, huh. Can't it be done with just the will?"
: : It would be ideal if it could. But not even True Immortals can achieve that with ordinary willpower. Taking on a form and communicating is the proper way to fully harness the aid of light and to properly walk one's Dao. Do you know why Golden Shaking Bird tore off a piece of her Immortal Body to give to him? : :
"Hmm, yeah. Blood Yin taught me. Or rather, he infused the wisdom into me."
Manipulating fate requires a price.
To guide fate as one desires, one must possess the corresponding amount of fortune (blessing).
Since from True Immortals onwards, one's fate is their talent, the fortune one is born with sets the basic limit for how many prophecies they can utter.
While advancing one's realm may allow them to exceed these basic limits, every True Immortal has an inherent cap on their prophetic ability.
Upon reaching the Earth Axis stage, one learns that the concept of 'extremity' signifies a state of 'being without blessings'.
Every True Immortal who overuses prophecy beyond their limits eventually falls into extremity, rendering them incapable of affecting any fate.
'But there's a way to replenish it.'
A remarkably simple method.
And that is to [steal].
'By interfering with the fate of mortal beings and seizing the good fortune that resides within their fates, one can absorb it into their own fate.'
Doing so might cause those mortal beings to live harder, more unfortunate lives, but it grants the True Immortal another opportunity to make a prophecy.
Of course, this exchange of fortune isn't limited to True Immortals and mortal beings. It is also possible between True Immortals themselves.
"Golden Shaking Bird likely tore off a piece of her fortune from her Immortal Body because she didn't want Jeon Myeong-hoon to recklessly deplete the fortune he was born with. Her loyalty runs deep. That pain caused her to temporarily lose her face, no?"
: : You understand well. Did you say this wisdom came from Blood Yin? : :
"Yeah. Before my True Immortal advancement, he infused me with wisdom, urging me to oppose the [snakes]. It contained the basics of prophecy and general knowledge about True Immortals."
: : Ha, how petty. He gave you plenty of teachings to oppose Radiance Hall, where Heaven Immortals are abundant, yet not a single precaution against the Underworld that is teeming with Earth Immortals. Isn't that why you are completely unprepared against history revision? : :
"Hmm..."
It is certainly true.
'Perhaps he taught me that way so the Underworld would find it easier to suppress me if I ever clashed with them.'
It seems to have been Blood Yin's form of loyalty in his own way.
"Well, I can't really blame him for that. Anyway..."
I turn around to see if Yeo Hwi is following, then ask Glass Peacock.
"There doesn't seem to be any pursuit. How far are we going?"
: : We are heading to a place where neither other True Immortals, the Netherworld, nor the Radiance Hall can interfere. Once there, no one else will be able to reach us. : :
"I see. So it's to ensure that Yeo Hwi can't find us?"
: : ... : :
Glass Peacock only flies forward with a silent smile.
I nod, calming the pain in my chest.
"That works too... For now, let's go there and rest until this chest pain subsides. After that, we will assess the situation and see if Yeo Hwi is pursuing us."
: : Do not worry. I can suppress that Yeo Hwi as well. After dropping you off in a safe zone and sealing it so no one can intrude, I will go capture Yeo Hwi. : :
"How reliable. I'll leave it to you, Glass Peacock."
: : By the way, what do you mean by 'chest pain'? : :
"Hmm, do you know something about it?"
I explain my chest pain to Glass Peacock.
The faint pain in my chest that always appears when I use prophecies.
After listening to my explanation, Glass Peacock briefly laughs as if in disbelief.
: : A madman... That's truly the epitome of Salt. Well, good. It gives me something to savor. : :
"Huh? What do you mean? Savor what?"
: : It's nothing. I'll do something nice, so don't worry. I'll make sure you don't even think about the pain. : :
"I'll be very grateful."
I express my gratitude to Glass Peacock as we enter one of the black holes located in the far reaches of the Astral Realm.
Kigigigik!
Glass Peacock seems to manipulate the interior of the black hole momentarily with the power of light, creating a small dimensional space inside. Then, they set us down in that space.
: : No one will be able to contact or find you here. It's extremely difficult to locate this place from the outside, so it's a safe zone. Wait here briefly. I will seal this place and then go capture that one. : :
"Alright, I'm counting on you, Glass Peacock."
: : Also, the planes are slightly distorted here, so even if you don't have Immortal Treasures or incarnations, you can manifest your true body. Open up your true selves completely and be ready to accept me the moment I return. : :
"Hmm? Why would we need to do that?"
: : What do you mean, why? Wasn't I originally within you? : :
"Hmm, that's true."
I recall the memory of refining Glass Peacock alongside Golden Shaking Bird.
It's only natural for Glass Peacock to enter either my body or Golden Shaking Bird's body.
: : I'll also enter that one's body, so be prepared. : :
"Hmm, even Jeon Myeong-hoon's? Well...you worked hard, so I suppose I'll let you enter him for a while."
: : Indeed. All of you, open yourselves fully and wait for me. : :
With that, Glass Peacock leaves us inside the dimensional space within the black hole. They seal the black hole with a powerful barrier and star vein formation, ensuring no one can interfere, before flying off to capture Yeo Hwi.
Huarurururuk!
Pajijijik!
Golden Shaking Bird, Jeon Myeong-hoon, and I obediently reveal our main bodies, opening the worlds inside us to allow Glass Peacock to become one with us when they return.
And that's when it happens.
Chijijijijik!
"...Kuurgh!"
I clutch my head as an intense headache pounds my skull.
'Th-This is...'
The Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections is writhing madly.
'Wh-Why is this happening? Is there something strange going on?'
It's not just the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
[Something] else is also making my headache.
I think deeply amidst the pain.
'If the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections is trembling, it means something about the current situation is abnormal. What's wrong? Have I been affected by some authority related to history?'
As I sense that something is amiss, I quickly lay out my memories in sequence and compare them to the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
Ziiing!
Certain memories cause excruciating pain when they touch the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections, while others show no response.
'I see. The memories that are intact are the normal ones. They haven't undergone distortion... All the memories from before my regression—specifically, before my True Immortal advancement—are completely intact. They haven't been distorted... But the ones that aren't are...'
Ziiiiiing!
'The Cedarwood Painting...Yeo Hwi!!'
That's it.
Something is wrong.
All the memories from when I went to Cedarwood Painting after advancing to True Immortality, and met Yeo Hwi are the ones causing pain through the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
'Let's retrace those memories.'
I try to use the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections to verify the truth, but for some reason, it doesn't function properly. Even for me, its master, there are parts that appear hazy.
'I met Yeo Hwi at Cedarwood Painting, and at that time, I happened to meet the Immortal Beast Glass Peacock, who came looking for Yeo Hwi.'
Glass Peacock introduced themself as one of Yeo Hwi's patrons and said they would follow Yeo Hwi since they were supporting her.
At that time, Glass Peacock was in a split soul state, and they even helped me when Yeo Hwi rebelled against me.'
Later, in order to use the Lightning Sacred Sea's Great Desolate Path in the split soul state, Glass Peacock followed Golden Shaking Bird's proposal, mixed with the Immortal Treasure Yeo Hwi was being refined into and temporarily entered my body, synchronizing with me.
'They continued to stay with us even after crossing over to the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain... And when we attempted to travel from the Divine Thunder Realm to the Astral Realm...'
The issue arose after that.
At some point, Yeo Hwi started saying it was difficult to fly, so Glass Peacock swapped and carried us for a while.
Then, while traveling through the Interdimensional Void towards the Astral Realm, Yeo Hwi's gaze seemed to have met something in one of the Middle Realms within the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain Void.
Afterward, Yeo Hwi began undergoing a strange erosion, seemingly chasing us to use us for some kind of resurrection ritual of a certain True Immortal.
'It must be one of the subordinates of the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity whose prophecy has not yet ended. That subordinate likely eroded Yeo Hwi, causing her to chase us, and we fled on Glass Peacock. Looking at it this far, nothing seems strange.'
So why is the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections reacting so strangely?
I clutch my head, deep in thought.
'And it's not just the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections. [Something else] is also tearing through my mind. What is this...?'
It is an uncanny pain.
'This pain... It feels somehow familiar. Haven't I experienced this kind of pain before? This pain... Pain...'
I ponder for a while.
'What is this strange sense of discord? I met Yeo Hwi and Glass Peacock at Cedarwood Painting, entrusted Golden Shaking Bird with the refinement, entered the Head Realm and met Gyeong-i... Wait, the Head Realm. Head Realm...'
I snap my eyes wide open.
While the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections causes rejection and pain in all memories after Cedarwood Painting, the memories of [what happened in the Head Realm] do not cause pain, and the Canvas operates normally.
'The Head Realm... There's something in the Head Realm. Something that holds a clue to solving this situation... The Head Realm... Head Realm...!'
Suddenly, I recall that moment.
The time in the Head Realm when I reached the 8th star of the Qi Refining stage and partially broke free from the restrictions of the Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flag.
Back then, I momentarily entered a state of unity of the self and external word (物我一體) and saw the Head Realm's Sun and Moon...
Sun and Moon...
At that time...
...
Ziiiiiiiiiiing!!!!!
"Kuaaaaaaaagh!"
I scream as I finally realize the identity of the [something else] tearing through my mind alongside the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
The memory of the Sun and Moon (日月) resonates with that something, dispelling the fog from my mind.
The something causing pain alongside the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections is...Formless Poison.
"Khuaaagh! Kuaaaagh!"
I scream from the pain inflicted by the Formless Poison, clutching my head while laughing.
"Ha, hahahaha! Hahahahaha!"
As my mind clears, the contents hidden within the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections are revealed.
I...
Met Glass Peacock...
In the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain...
For the first time.
"Escape routes...lost...I see. It wasn't a path..."
Losing the very [reason to escape] itself.
That was Glass Peacock's history revision.
-x-X-x-
"Hong Fan! Hong Fan!"
"Yes, Master. I am here. I just regained clarity while resonating with Master. How terrifying."
"Good. That's a relief. It felt similar to when I was trapped in that dream inside the salt pillar."
It seems that Hong Fan's Formless Poison is helpful for [breaking dreams].
"Tell me the principle behind the Formless Poison. We need to wake Jeon Myeong-hoon and Golden Shaking Bird so they can come to their senses."
Feeling an overwhelming sense of crisis, I draw the Impermanence Sword and turn towards Golden Shaking Bird and Jeon Myeong-hoon, who are blankly exposing their true selves and reforming their bodies to make it easier to unite with Glass Peacock.
"If they stay like this, they'll be violated by Glass Peacock. Quickly!"
"First...pain. Pain is required. My Formless Poison condenses Qi into an information entity, which is then injected into the target to drive their information towards destruction. However, at the same time, it uses information to discern [truth and falsehood], forcibly awakening the target. And the most effective type of information to create the Formless Poison is...the information of pain. If Master gives me the energy of pain, I will use that pain to create the Formless Poison and awaken the two of them."
Chijijijik...
The Impermanence Sword darkens, turning pitch black.
Impermanence Sword.
Black Impermanence (黑無常).
The blackened sword morphs into a shadow resembling me, standing before Hong Fan.
Hong Fan extends his hand towards it, quickly collecting my [pain] and refining it into Formless Poison.
Even though he must feel a portion of my pain in the process, Hong Fan grits his teeth and endures, refining the Formless Poison and injecting it into Jeon Myeong-hoon's head.
Before long, Jeon Myeong-hoon begins to shed tears of blood.
"Kk, kkuaaaaaaaagh! Kkagh! Hah, heok...heheok...!"
"Calm yourself, Jeon Myeong-hoon. Think carefully. The first time you met [Glass Peacock] is...when!?"
"Th-Three thousand years ago...during Blood Yin's self-destruction. They...cared for me...in the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain..."
"Recall it clearly!"
While making sure attraction force doesn't form between Jeon Myeong-hoon even when calling out their name, I urge Jeon Myeong-hoon to focus.
Finally, Jeon Myeong-hoon is startled in fright.
"Heo, Heheok! This crazy... J-Just now...what were we hit with?"
"...It seems that thing temporarily caused us to [lose the reason to escape]. I don't know the full details, but...let's wake Golden Shaking Bird for now!"
Hong Fan and I infuse the Formless Poison into Golden Shaking Bird to wake her up.
Golden Shaking Bird, overwhelmed by my immense pain used as the raw material for the Formless Poison, regains her senses amidst unbearable agony.
"Heheook, kuaaaaaaaaagh!"
But perhaps because Jeon Myeong-hoon is watching, she suppresses her outburst and gasps for breath.
"Hah, heheok...heok..."
"Are you alright, Golden Shaking Bird!"
"...Damn it. We've been captured by Glass Peacock. After seizing Twin Constructing Chains, Glass Peacock will come back to violate us."
Jeon Myeong-hoon seems to ponder something before asking,
"Wait, violate us? Is that thing a man?"
"...For True Immortals, gender holds no meaning, Master."
"Hmm...then can't I just ask them to take a form that suits my preferences? Judging by their talk of showing us paradise, it doesn't seem like they would torture us or anything..."
"...Haha...Golden Divine...the previous Master once approached that lunatic with the same thought. Thinking that as long they cater to his preferred form, he'd only experience pleasure. But...even Master couldn't last three days before fleeing. Glass Peacock was the only one who made Master run from someone weaker than him."
"J-Just what did they do...?"
"...At least six thousand years."
"Hmm?"
Golden Shaking Bird, her face darkened, trembles in terror as she speaks.
"For at least six thousand years, we will be violated by Glass Peacock without being able to rest for even one shichen. That's the kind of existence they are. Since we are practically prisoners, whether as a male or female, whether as same-sex, whether as a monstrous form or the form of True Immortal, they will violate us with no consideration. Because we are in a situation where ignoring our demands does not affect them."
"..."
"..."
"Glass Peacock's dual cultivation sessions are long. The minimum is six thousand years, the average is seventy thousand years. And...the record is with a Seat Holder of the same Immortal Path, the former Immortal Lord, Azure Peng. During their Great Net Immortal era, they violated Azure Peng for twenty million years, ultimately seizing the Seat. After taking the seat, they continued for another 5.04 million years..."
"Stop, stop! That's enough."
Jeon Myeong-hoon and I sigh, cutting off Golden Shaking Bird's explanation.
'A lunatic Immortal Lord who endlessly alters their form and violates their opponents for tens of thousands of years regardless of gender, species, or rank...is that the Glass Peacock? What a crazy bastard.'
To be honest, I feel a fear as intense as when I was fleeing and committed suicide to avoid being modified by the Mad Lord in the 11th cycle.
'Even though I have a strong tolerance for pain, if it's that level of pleasure, I might lose my mind. Shame aside, the pleasure alone could drive me insane.'
At least during my time as [General Seo], I had the resolve of protecting Yeon...
But this time, if I end up being mindlessly violated, there won't be resolve or anything left.
I will also have no idea what would happen to my comrades during that time, and if Sword Spear Heavenly Lord finds me, it'll be a disaster.
The worst-case scenario is being mindlessly violated by Glass Peacock for tens of thousands of years, only to be found by the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord of Radiance Hall and killed meaninglessly—without achieving anything, gaining no useful information, and leaving nothing behind.
'That can't happen. I have to escape this place, no matter what!'
Jeon Myeong-hoon and I grit our teeth as Golden Shaking Bird speaks with a rotting expression.
"Hmm, it seems you are planning to resist. I would recommend against it. Provoking Glass Peacock's sadistic nature will only make the next tens of thousands of years even worse."
"...Stop with the hopeless talk and tell us what you know about that thing."
At Jeon Myeong-hoon's command, Golden Shaking Bird sighs and begins explaining about Glass Peacock.
Glass Peacock is one of the Immortal Beast King candidates, and among the Immortal Beasts, they are one of the seven who have accumulated the most ancient force.
"The Immortal Dao they walk is the Dao of Addiction. They believe that obtaining [wisdom] through connections with others is the ultimate form of addiction. Because of this, they are a mad lunatic who is addicted to union and indulges in dual cultivation everywhere. Their current realm is the Great Net realm, and..."
"Wait! Great Net Immortal realm?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon asks in confusion.
"Didn't you just say they violated that...Seat Holder, Azure Peng, for twenty-five million years and took the Seat?"
"Azure Peng took it back. However, Azure Peng did not retake the Seat by pushing through their interpretation with their own strength but with the help of other Immortal Beasts and True Immortals. Because of this, Azure Peng knows that if they meet Glass Peacock again, the Seat will be taken once more, so they are currently on the run. And because of that...Glass Peacock divides themself into clones and flies across various Heavenly Domains, searching for Azure Peng."
"That means..."
My eyes light up.
"That's right. The Glass Peacock that captured us is one of the many clones. Their realm is only Upper Immortal. However, their true form is a True Immortal who had reached the realm of an Immortal Lord. They are a greatly experienced and powerful Earth Immortal...someone we cannot defeat by power alone. They are practically no different from a Great Net Immortal. Their understanding of their Immortal Dao is so high that they defeated an Immortal Lord as a Great Net Immortal...so if we fight, it is a guaranteed defeat."
"...But was that really a victory through just interpretation?"
"...I don't know. And I don't want to know."
Golden Shaking Bird shivers before continuing.
"Glass Peacock's Immortal Art is the Glass Avidyā Advancement Light (琉璃無明進光). Its ability, as you already know..."
"It's the authority to turn the target into an idiot."
"That is correct. But it's not as simple as just making them idiots. It scrambles the target's sequence of time, background knowledge, and even their sense of dissonance. Then, through their own history revision, they manipulate their victims however they please. That is the truly terrifying part."
'It's like if the Mad Lord got an ability like Seo Hweol's instead of puppetry... Damn it.'
An ability reminiscent of Seo Hweol's cunning, and a personality and lust resembling the Mad Lord's madness.'
A horrifying existence.
"...Is that the end of the explanation?"
Yes. That is all of it."
"Are there any other abilities, Immortal Arts, or Immortal Treasures?"
"There are none. That is the entirety of Glass Peacock. And...to put it in a different perspective, they are a monster who reached the realm of Immortal Lord with that alone."
"Damn it... That just makes it even scarier."
I click my tongue as I inspect the seal placed here by Glass Peacock.
'If the inner seal is broken, it will connect to the star vein formation outside, immediately alerting Glass Peacock to our escape.'
Breaking the seal itself isn't difficult.
A single strike of the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique would probably bring it down completely.
However, the problem is that Glass Peacock would notice.
'Considering quite a bit of time has passed without them bringing Yeo Hwi back...it's not that they couldn't catch her, but they're probably enjoying themselves with Yeo Hwi while coming back. Dammit! That lust-crazed bird-brained bastard. To someone else's Immortal Treasure, they...'
But from Glass Peacock's perspective, we are likely a more tempting prey than Yeo Hwi, who is merely at the Sacred Vessel stage, so they'll be here soon enough.
'At the latest, they'll be here within one shichen. At the earliest, in about half a ke.'
I have to come up with a countermeasure within that time.
"Jeon Myeong-hoon, what ability does your Immortal Title, Heaven-Destroying One, have?"
"Hmm, through my misfortune, I can produce an effect similar to your Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique. But unlike yours, it can't cover an area...at most two people. If I push it, I might be able to conceal three within my Immortal Title."
"I see. Understood."
It's a much better Immortal Title than mine, which only avoids the gaze of the forces of light.
With just a little bit of misfortune, one could hide themselves within his Immortal Title.
I quickly formulate a plan in my head.
"Listen carefully, Jeon Myeong-hoon. There's a way for us to escape."
I explain the plan to Golden Shaking Bird, Hong Fan, and Jeon Myeong-hoon.
After hearing my explanation, Hong Fan looks pale as he speaks.
"Th-That's dangerous, Master! If what Master said is true, that's a technique that hasn't even been verified yet!"
"It won't improve unless I keep using it. Let's treat this as practice. Anyways, if I use this technique, I'll definitely be able to escape, so don't worry."
"Th-That..."
Hong Fan looks deeply worried, and Golden Shaking Bird also looks at me skeptically.
"You're not just pretending like that and planning to leave me and Master behind while you escape alone, are you? To be honest, it's hard to trust Elder's words..."
"This time as well, I will believe in you, Seo Eun-hyun!"
"...I've actually been trusting you too, Elder! Since Master believes in Elder, it must mean Elder's ability is that much profound!"
Although she still seems slightly dubious, she immediately switches her stance and supports me after Jeon Myeong-hoon speaks up.
I nod and prepare for the plan.
"Good. Then let's quickly get ready!"
And so, we start preparing to escape from Glass Peacock's devilish clutches.
: : Good. : :
Glass Peacock laughs as they swing a limp chain dangling from one foot.
[H-Hiik! F-Forgive me, forgive...please forgive me...]
: : The attendant concubine of that brute trained well. Only half a shichen, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Hahaha... This... Well then, I suppose I'll have to give that attendant concubine the same training I gave this one. Just imagining it is truly... : :
It's just when Glass Peacock, visibly excited, arrives at the front of the black hole.
Glass Peacock flinches for a moment before swiftly undoing the barrier hanging over the black hole and stepping into the dimensional space inside.
Kugugugugugu!
The dimension Glass Peacock had created is now filled with countless densely packed barrier formations numbering in the thousands, tens of thousands, even hundreds of millions.
: : No...this isn't just a simple barrier. Is this a reconstruction of a scene from the past? Haha... : :
Glass Peacock's eyes glimmer with excitement as they transform.
Their transformed body has no distinguishable gender, their face is androgynous, and their hair is pure white.
From their white hair, a glass-like seven-colored light shimmers faintly.
"Impressive. To escape this Immortal's revision, despite being mere fledglings who barely reached Vestige Liberation Immortal and a toy created by the Golden Divine... Ahaha! Good. Very good. How exciting."
Kwaduduk!
Glass Peacock's hand glows with light as they grip the outermost barrier.
Their gaze pierces through to Seo Eun-hyun, who is unfolding a barrier at the innermost part of the formation.
"Hmm... Where are the others hiding?"
Glass Peacock darts their eyes around, searching for their prisoners.
Seo Eun-hyun smiles faintly and speaks.
"Who knows? It seems they've escaped. If you don't hurry and chase them, they'll leave for another Heavenly Domain."
At those words, Glass Peacock responds while looking at Seo Eun-hyun as if finding him cute.
"You're acting so cute...it makes me want to lay you down and scratch your belly. I can see the lump of misfortune behind you. I've seen the Golden Divine's Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique many times—do you think I wouldn't notice? You're like an animal burying its head in the bushes, leaving its body exposed, thinking that if it can't see others, others can't see it... It's so cute I could go crazy."
"..."
"Undo the barrier and greet this Immortal. If you don't, and this Immortal has to break through all these barriers to reach you, then that is already a [battle]. Right now, this Immortal just planned to abduct you, have my way with you briefly, and then let you go. Since there hasn't been any battle so far, you're merely prisoners of this Immortal. However..."
Glass Peacock's eyes glint with a dangerous light.
"If you engage in battle with this Immortal and are caught afterward, you will become this Immortal's [spoils of war]. Do not provoke this Immortal's sadistic desires. If you become spoils of war...it won't end in just a few thousand years. You will be violated for hundreds of thousands of years instead... So, if you do not want to suffer that much, undo the barrier quickly. Obediently reveal your main bodies and accept this Immortal."
"I apologize, but as this junior does not have the time, I do not think I will be able to do that. There are things I must do, you see."
"For beings at the rank of True Immortals, who live eternally, to claim to have no time—is that not a laughable excuse? At most, it's only a few ten thousand years. During those few ten thousand years, it's not as if you will be engaging only in dual cultivation with this Immortal. This Immortal will teach you and grant breaks as well. Half a ke should suffice, don't you think? There's no need to worry about boredom. This Immortal will shower you with pleasure without pause."
"...How exactly do you plan to violate us? My comrade asks if it wouldn't be possible for you to transform into a human form of the opposite gender for the act."
"Hehehmm... That could have been the case. If you hadn't tried to flee upon seeing this Immortal and had simply accepted obediently, this Immortal might have at least used a form of your species. Gender and age are at this Immortal's whim. However, you attempted to run. Even now, you are rejecting this Immortal... For that crime of insolence, your request cannot be granted. But worry not. Regardless of gender, age, race, or realm, this Immortal will open up a world of pleasure beyond your imagination."
Glass Peacock's eyes glimmer with madness as they speak.
"To not experience dual cultivation with this Immortal is akin to losing out on the entirety of life! Currently, all the True Immortals of Mount Sumeru number fewer than ten thousand! And more than 90% of them have shared a connection with this Immortal. Think of it as a sort of initiation. Now then, do not anger this Immortal. Open the barrier."
Woo-woong!
Glass Peacock's androgynous body shifts, taking on a gender.
Taking the form of a voluptuous woman with pure-white hair, Glass Peacock stands naked and smiles at Seo Eun-hyun.
They licks their lips and, with an alluring expression, stretches their hand towards Seo Eun-hyun.
"Now...open it. I won't say it twice."
Seo Eun-hyun closes his eyes, bringing his hands together as if in prayer.
"I must decline. I am being pursued, so it is difficult to stay in one place."
"...What a poor move."
Glass Peacock, who had been attempting to seduce Seo Eun-hyun with their bare form, hardens their expression and shifts their gender once again.
Kudududuk...
Glass Peacock's body morphs into that of a heavily muscular male from the Fighting Ghost Race, filled with bulging muscles.
Standing completely bare in the form of a Fighting Ghost Race male, Glass Peacock looks at Seo Eun-hyun with a face filled with excitement as they lift their erect lower half and speaks.
"Since you're from the Human Race, I thought I'd start with something relatively normal for you, but that won't be necessary. You will be the first to be violated, and I will take the form the Human Race despises the most."
Kwaaaaang!
Glass Peacock charges forward and headbutts the barrier, shattering it.
Pakang!
However, only the outermost barrier collapses.
Glass Peacock's eyes flash with a sharp light.
"...I see. You...this barrier's structure is..."
Seo Eun-hyun focuses his mind in silence.
"A creation of the Heavenly Craftsman. It must be an Immortal Treasure of the Liberation Supreme Deity...!"
Kiiiiing!
Seo Eun-hyun does not answer. Instead, he forms a hand seal and chants an invocation.
Before long, the basic spells he learned from Cheongmun Ryeong move according to his will, restoring the barrier formation shattered by Glass Peacock.
Seo Eun-hyun half-opens his eyes and looks at Glass Peacock.
'I drew upon the structure of the Serving Command Palace and the power of the Immortal Treasure Liberation Seal from the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections and manifested it with Yeon's Play.'
Woo-woooong!
Inside Seo Eun-hyun's body, from the artificial stars, the dance of puppets pulling forth Seo Eun-hyun's past is unfolding.
'Afterward, using curses, I created the barrier by mimicking the structure of the Serving Command Palace and Serving Command Seal, and flipped the concept through reversal."
As a result, the Authority of [Liberation] transformed into the Authority of [Sealing].
Regardless of this or that, this is a reversal of the Liberation Supreme Deity's liberation.
Even with Glass Peacock's strength, they cannot destroy it all at once.
However, Glass Peacock wears an exhilarated smile and once again smashes the outer barrier.
Kwarurung!
Glass Peacock punches through barriers as they approach Seo Eun-hyun.
Several hundred million layers of barriers protect Seo Eun-hyun, and they are powerful barriers created by reversing the authority of the Liberation Supreme Deity.
"But that's all it is. Without even grasping a fragment of the Liberation Supreme Deity's authority, and without even walking Their Immortal Path, doing this is pointless... There's no need for history revision, no need for the Immortal Dao's authority, no need for Immortal Arts, I can just crush it all with brute force! Ahahaha!"
Kwaaang! Kwang!
Each time Glass Peacock breaks through a barrier, their appearance shifts, changing into different silver-haired members of various races as they near Seo Eun-hyun.
The barriers Glass Peacock destroys soon begin to repair themselves, restored by the structure of the Serving Command Palace.
Though Glass Peacock continues to break the barriers, before long, even they find themself trapped within the barriers.
And then, it happens.
"Now! Jeon Myeong-hoon!"
Woo-woong!
The mass of misfortune behind Seo Eun-hyun enters the uppermost layer of the Serving Command Palace's structure, which is replicated exactly within the barrier formation.
Inside that lump of misfortune, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Golden Shaking Bird, and Hong Fan simultaneously activate the teleportation formation at the highest floor.
"Liberation!"
Normally, a True Immortal would never be able to move through a teleportation formation only fit for the lower realm.
However, due to Seo Eun-hyun's reversal, Jeon Myeong-hoon is thrust into the concept of [Liberation].
The power of the teleportation formation combines with the authority of Liberation manifested by Seo Eun-hyun. Within the teleportation formation, everything inside is sent outside all the barriers.
Thus, within the dimensional space of the black hole, only Seo Eun-hyun and Glass Peacock remain.
Glass Peacock smirks, straightening their lower body even more firmly.
"Cute thing. In this case...can't I just simply go outside and bring them back...hmm?"
Glass Peacock narrows their eyes.
Woo-wooong!
A powerful attraction force is holding them in place.
An overwhelming attraction force, as if compressing the universe into a single point!
At the same time, at the outermost edge of the barrier,
They see a jade of Yin-Yang Five Elements emerge.
The jade of Yin-Yang Five Elements Jade continues to contract, gradually intensifying the attraction force.
Glass Peacock trembles with excitement, their face flushing and their lower body straightening further.
"This...is good. Absolutely marvelous. It's something worth savoring. But...something like this alone cannot stop this Immortal. Even if you've managed to trap this Immortal's physical body..."
Woo-woooong!
"If I revise history..."
Glass Peacock, who is about to revise history to capture the fleeing Jeon Myeong-hoon, suddenly flinches.
The Jeon Myeong-hoon they need to include as a target for history revision is no longer within their senses.
Glass Peacock frowns.
'Misfortune... Is it the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique? How troublesome. I can't find him without going there myself... No choice, then.'
Glass Peacock turns their rolling eyes towards Seo Eun-hyun and smiles.
"This Immortal will capture you here, violate you until you lose your mind, crush your little tricks, and then go catch the rabble of the Golden Divine."
Kwaching!
Glass Peacock begins breaking through the inner barriers that are pulling them with attraction force as they approach Seo Eun-hyun.
Kwang, kwang, kwaang!
Glass Peacock smashes through the barriers relentlessly, drawing closer to me.
But at what point did it begin?
The number of times they need to strike a wall has increased.
Kwang, kwang, kwang!
It now takes three strikes for them to break through a single barrier.
Have the barriers become stronger?
No.
Ziiiiiiiiing!
I feel an overwhelming sense of dread as I deploy Filling the Heavens Governing View with all my strength.
Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
And Filling the Heavens Governing View.
The barrier that mimics and reverses the Liberation Palace is nothing more than a distraction, a means to buy time.
The real plan relies on these two Immortal Arts.
Using attraction force to bind Glass Peacock so they [cannot leave], and using Filling the Heavens Governing View to make them [fail to come closer].
Glass Peacock must now remain trapped here until Jeon Myeong-hoon, Golden Shaking Bird, Hong Fan, and the others escape from the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain.
'Of course, I can't hold them here with just my own strength.'
Even if their feet are tied by my Immortal Arts, they will continue pressing forward.
'Whether I endure until Jeon Myeong-hoon's party escapes, or whether I'm captured, violated, and lose my mind before they leave the Heavenly Domain. That's the point where victory or defeat will be decided!'
If Jeon Myeong-hoon's party escapes, I, too, have a way to flee.
"So..."
Please, succeed!
Thus, wagering my chastity on the line, I engage Glass Peacock with my Immortal Arts.
-x-X-x-
Dududududu!
"...!"
I feel a chill run down my spine at the overwhelming presence emanating from Glass Peacock.
"The prophecies of Heaven Immortals absolutely require stars. But for us, that is not necessarily the case..."
'Star veins...'
The star veins, which had been radiating from every star in the nearby galaxy, seem to distort before directly connecting to Glass Peacock.
Wo-woong!
It resonates.
Glass Peacock's will reverberates throughout the entire universe, as if overturning its very foundation.
History Revision (歷史改竄)!
Ziiiiiiing!
The Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections cries out in agony.
However, it does not fundamentally twist my history as it did just moments ago.
At the same time, I see something like a transparent jade forming above Glass Peacock's hand.
I recognize what it is.
'Supervisory Jade!?'
An ancient stone formed from the condensation of ancient force of the Ancient Force Realm.
When that ancient stone further condenses and compresses, it becomes Supervisory Jade, which then transforms into Salt Crystal!
"There is no need to waste this Immortal's Salt Crystal on the likes of you. An impromptu Salt Crystal will suffice."
Zuuuuung!
I see it.
Just as the prophetic stars of Heaven Immortals contain 'scenes,' the Salt Crystal created by Glass Peacock contains a 'scene' within it.
"Fate is ultimately attraction force, so the prophecies of Heaven Immortals condense. But life is explosion...so our revision, it disperses."
Kwachik!
Glass Peacock crushes the Salt Crystal in their hand, and the power of the explosion—along with the 'scene' within—bursts forth, unfolding across all the star veins connected to Glass Peacock.
I see the scene.
The truth that Glass Peacock, having thoroughly violated Yeo Hwi while returning, had actually 'secretly left behind a single strand of split soul' now spreads.
'Ah, no...!'
And as that fact disperses, beyond the sealed barrier—
There, I see a single strand of Glass Peacock's split soul at the Entering Nirvana stage flying.
The very notion of 'being completely captured' has been nullified.
"What you're thinking is quite obvious."
Glass Peacock smirks as they look at my expression.
"You think that a mere Entering Nirvana-level fragment won't be able to capture your two comrades at the True Immortal rank? Puhuhuhu, as if that could be the case. Do you really think a mere concubine of the Golden Divine and some fledgling who only just reached True Immortality could resist the authority of an Immortal Beast? Absolutely impossible. Once one becomes an Upper Immortal, it becomes possible to still use the authority of prophecy and revision freely even if one's realm drops to Entering Nirvana. My split soul may only be at Entering Nirvana, but in truth, it is equal to the highest peak of True Immortals."
They extend a hand toward me.
"Your plan is over. Surrender quietly. This Immortal is one who, back in my Great Net Immortal days, captured and violated an Immortal Lord. Even as an Upper Immortal, my combat strength is no different from a Great Net Immortal. Even if my strength is dispersed among my split souls, this Immortal can devour the likes of you at any time. This is my final advice. There is no malice in this..."
With gentle eyes, Glass Peacock extends their hand to me.
"This Immortal simply enjoys...bedroom arts, dual cultivation, and union. That is all... This Immortal will even offer you enlightenment and teachings with utmost sincerity. Of course, since you've committed the offense of disregarding this Immortal's words, you will suffer through a slightly harsher method...but there will be no pain. If the endless waves of pleasure eroding your reason count as pain, then perhaps it is pain... Release the barrier and come to this Immortal's embrace. After about 400,000 years, this Immortal shall even send you off with a gift, in good health."
"..."
I remain silent.
Then, after a moment of silence, I look at Glass Peacock and speak.
"I...have people in my heart. Because of that, to not bring shame upon myself before them...I will not engage in union carelessly."
"...I see. I did think you looked a bit young... So you're pure, huh?"
Perhaps my words have provoked Glass Peacock's sadistic urges, as their expression twists violently.
They are undoubtedly brimming with mad excitement.
"Do not worry... Love. Love... Love is wonderful. This Immortal shall be your beloved for 400,000 years. Physically, mentally, fatefully, even historically—I shall give you the greatest pleasure...! So...!"
Wiiiiiiiiiing!
I stop listening to Glass Peacock's words.
Closing my eyes, I draw forth Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
Filling the Heavens Governing View.
Maximum deployment!
Kugugugugu!
The authority of Filling the Heavens Governing View explodes.
At the same time, the layers upon layers of my [failures] spread upon the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain.
I extend my consciousness towards Glass Peacock's split soul, which is flying towards Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Wielding the Impermanence Sword, I inject Glass Peacock's split soul with the power of Filling the Heavens Governing View at a speed that transcends planes.
Kiiiiiiiiiing!
Glass Peacock's split soul writhes, and in its forward path, [failure] is engraved.
Glass Peacock smirks as they look at this.
"...This power binding me right now...and that Immortal Art you just used... You."
"..."
"Do you even know that it is one of the authorities of an Immortal Beast?"
"...?"
"Ha, hahahahaha! You were using it without even knowing? Ahahahaha! This is...good. Very good. Let us add a bit more excitement to this gamble."
Glass Peacock lifts Yeo Hwi.
Holding onto Yeo Hwi's chains, they pluck a single strand of white hair from their head and let it float upward.
'Th-That's!'
Recognizing what that white hair truly is, my body grows cold.
'Their hair... It's all Salt Crystal!?'
At that moment, the hair explodes, forcefully drawing out Yeo Hwi's power.
History revision.
Centered around Yeo Hwi, a new 'history' begins to spread.
It is the history of Glass Peacock capturing Yeo Hwi just moments ago, violating her, and forcibly drawing out her power to create a spatial labyrinth around them.
"So, she's a distant descendant of Azure Peng, huh? Using the spatial labyrinth divine power dormant within her bloodline, I have temporarily blocked your comrades' path. My split soul may continue to experience failure...but your comrades will not be able to escape easily from the spatial labyrinth encompassing this galactic cluster. Decades, centuries, will be wasted."
Glass Peacock smirks.
"Will I capture you first, or will your comrades escape first? In addition to this, another has begun. Will your comrades manage to escape, or will my split soul succeed in capturing them first? Quite the gamble, is it not?"
"..."
"I've decided. You have the talent of an Immortal Beast. A Vestige Liberation Immortal who, beyond prophecy, can wield the authority of an Immortal Beast... How magnificent. Simply three or four hundred thousand years won't be enough."
I meet Glass Peacock's eyes, spilling cold spiritual energy.
"There is no greater union than ravishing a talented junior. And one who is pure, at that...! Ahaha, 3 million years. If I capture you, I shall massage you for 3 million years. After all, you're the most delightful one in my heart!"
Kwa-jijijijik!
Glass Peacock quivers their fully exposed lower body, as they steadily approach me.
I deflect the weight of their presence and, with all my strength, deploy Filling the Heavens Governing View.
Three years pass.
I am still within the mist of Filling the Heavens Governing View, holding back Glass Peacock as best as I can, while they continue to approach me in heat.
"This, this... Are you not reconsidering today? Have you still not changed your mind? I'm asking if you are still unwilling to release the barrier?"
"..."
For three years, Glass Peacock has tried to persuade me with countless sweet words and threats, but I have never responded.
'I have no intention of responding in the future either.'
It's when I think so as I unfold Filling the Heavens Governing View with single-minded focus.
Glass Peacock presses their face against the distant barrier, panting as they stare at me.
"You're struggling to maintain your focus. Ahaha...I look forward to the moment when that expressionless face of yours twists in pleasure."
Ignoring their ever-vulgar remarks, I do not even glance at them, instead continuously reciting the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra while spreading Filling the Heavens Governing View.
"This isn't any fun like this. For the sake of entertainment, and for the sake of my talented junior...I should try shaking your focus a little."
"..."
"Now, let me explain the authority of Immortal Beasts. This includes that [Immortal Art of Failure] you're using without even knowing what it is."
"...!"
But the words that follow from Glass Peacock are something I cannot possibly ignore.
Wo-woong!
Kwaduduk!
Piercing through the mist of Filling the Heavens Governing View, Glass Peacock takes another bold step forward.
I hurriedly refocus my consciousness.
However...
Beyond the barrier, Glass Peacock continues delivering a lecture I cannot afford to ignore.
"The authority of Immortal Beasts is more diverse than that of Heaven Immortals. Those beings only have one fundamental power—prophecy of fate. At best, they might have winged garments? But...we are different. We have more than just history revision."
Wiiiiiing!
As Glass Peacock raises their hand, Salt Crystals rise above their palm and begin to 'rotate.'
The Salt Crystals draw a circle.
"History Repetition (歷史反復). That is one of the authorities of Immortal Beasts. The more an Immortal Beast repeats a certain act, and the more that act accumulates as history...the act itself becomes an Immortal Art."
The rotation of the Salt Crystals grows faster, and within their spinning motion, I see a scene.
Bathed in pure white light, the details are unclear, but it is a scene of Glass Peacock doing something.
'They are...violating?'
Crushing the will of those who resist.
Chasing down those who try to escape.
Trampling even more cruelly upon those who rebel.
An existence that has repeated such things endlessly.
That is the Immortal Beast, Glass Peacock.
"Your Immortal Art of Failure is clearly an imitation of the ability of Immortal Beasts. Which means...you must have repeated failure to an extent that truly transcends imagination. Isn't that so?"
"..."
"History repeats itself. And this Immortal Art forces your repeated failures upon your opponent. But, for you to have endured this much failure and still stand before me as a True Immortal..."
In that moment, Glass Peacock shifts once more into the form of a human woman, speaking in a gentle voice.
"You really have been through so much."
Why is it...
My opponent is undeniably an insane True Immortal of copulation who seeks to capture me and violate me for three million years.
And yet...
With just those words, something indescribable wells up in my chest.
You've been through so much.
Yes, perhaps, I had longed to hear those words from someone.
Ururung!
My steadfast focus, maintaining Filling the Heavens Governing View, wavers.
And Glass Peacock's [History of Reproduction] begins to pierce through my [History of Failure].
I feel tears threatening to fall as I look at them.
'Should I resist?'
Should I push away the one who just told me I had suffered?
Glass Peacock's light shines upon me, and I feel my mind grow hazy.
I just want to entrust everything to them.
Surely...they will embrace me warmly.
Just then.
Jiiing!
The Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections warns me of something.
'This is...'
Jiiiiiiing!
A memory.
A vow made before a certain presence beneath a Melia tree begins to awaken me.
'...Right.'
That being, too, once comforted me, just like Glass Peacock.
But I did not cry back then.
The moment I allow myself to cry my heart out, to release all the emotions I've accumulated—
Is only after everything is over.
After I sever my regression.
'I can't cry now.'
Kudududuk!
I summon the Colorless Glass Sword, placing it atop my knees, and steel my heart.
"There was a time...when I made a vow."
My heart solidifies once more.
As my chest pains powerfully flares up, I amplify Filling the Heavens Governing View to its utmost.
"The time I cry my heart out will only be after I have fulfilled my purpose. Right now, I cannot shed tears so easily...!"
Paaaatt!
The hazy mist of failure explodes with my will, pushing Glass Peacock back another step.
Seeing this, Glass Peacock smirks.
"...This will be savoring to break. I'll have you sobbing beneath me..."
And so, another fifty years pass.