Splitting Heaven Mantra (裂天眞言).
Or rather, the phenomenon known as Splitting Heaven (裂天).
What is born from that phenomenon is precisely us, the Enders, and the current Great Mountain Supreme Deity seeks to reverse the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra in order to recreate that phenomenon with Their own hands.
'...But, that's called the Splitting Heaven Mantra?'
A mantra that tears the heavens apart (裂天).
However, as I recall the final scene of my past life, I tilt my head in doubt.
'Back then. the Heavenly Domains did collapse, but it didn't feel like it was tearing the world apart.'
I recall the terrifying golden wave I felt at the time.
'It was more like...devouring the world. In fact, it felt quite similar to the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.'
It didn't feel like it was being unfolded in reverse.
"...How does the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity know of such things?"
"During the time when They helped Vast Cold's True Immortal advancement...it was a truth hinted to me, who had arrived a step too late to assist. They said They would recreate Splitting Heaven with Their own strength, and when that time comes, to choose one of two options. Become Their ally, or become the power source for Their Splitting Heaven Mantra..."
"..."
They are certainly choices befitting Gwak Am.
"But I never thought of helping him. That hasn't changed even now. Rather...I only have thoughts of stopping him."
"Why is that?"
"In order to explain, I must first ask you something. You know the difference between Immortal Arts and mantras, correct?"
"I have a general understanding."
I explain to Them the difference between Immortal Arts and mantras as I know them.
Immortal Arts are the spells used by True Immortals.
In other words, all techniques that twist the principles of the world through one's heart or attraction force.
Then what exactly are Immortal Arts that are specifically referred to as mantras (眞言/True Words)?
A mantra is essentially a 'collection of Immortal Arts.'
Weaving together a couple Immortal Arts at a minimum or as many as thousands, and unfolding them is what is called a mantra.
The Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, the Flawless Mantra, and even [Wheel], which combines the two, all fall into this category.
'Even the creation of the Small Heavenly Domain used by the Thirty-Three Heavenly Resplendent Treasure Immortals was probably a mantra as well.'
Strictly speaking, even my Impermanence Sword falls under this classification.
The Impermanence Sword is a collection of Immortal Arts, starting from Filling the Heavens Governing View to all the ultimate intents of my Crystal Glass to Treading Sea raised to the domain of Immortal Arts.
However, since the Impermanence Sword is something that has fused with my Entering Heavens, I named it sword rather than mantra.
Do Gon listens to my explanation and nods.
"Exactly. Mantras are an assembly of Immortal Arts. But have you ever considered it this way?"
"What do you mean?"
"The existence of True Immortals inherently benefits the world. In one way or another, we are beings that 'give birth' to something within this world. When we issue a fate, that fate itself becomes a cradle of life, and even life itself. True Immortals, by their very nature, are beings that create fate. That being the case..."
As I listen to Do Gon's continuing words, I understand what They are saying.
"Then would it not be correct to say that the Immortal Arts of True Immortals are, in itself, alive?"
"...That makes sense."
I nod.
The notion that my Impermanence Sword is alive has been felt down to my bones since its days as the Formless Sword.
'The Impermanence Sword is already alive.'
In other words, Immortal Arts can inherently be considered something that possesses life.
They simply exist in a form that lives in fusion with True Immortals.
Within the cells of living organisms, there exist cells that absorb the energy provided by the cells and, in return, supply them with the glucose necessary for survival.
Originally, these were separate cells that existed outside of the cells, but at some point, they entered the cells and coexisted, eventually evolving into organelles—or so the theory goes.
'Mi...what was it again?'
In any case, Immortal Arts and the Impermanence Sword give me a similar impression.
They function as one of my organs, moving together with me and responding to my heart, but they are existences with their own separate life and heart.
That is what Immortal Arts are.
"Mantras that weave together Immortal Arts that possess their own hearts are..."
"Exactly. They are, in essence, 'another form of Innate True Immortals'."
"..."
At those words, Seo Hweol suddenly comes to mind.
'That guy...could he have also had the potential to become an Innate True Immortal?'
For some reason, I feel that this topic could be the key to solving Oh Hye-seo's madness, so I make sure to commit it to memory.
"In other words, every mantra we wield is a living entity. More precisely, we should call them living [phenomena]."
At this, Jeon Myeong-hoon frowns slightly, as if he doesn't quite understand.
"...I don't get it. Can life exist in that form?"
"Why wouldn't it?"
"Well...I've never seen such a lifeform before. Honestly, it looks like even Seo Eun-hyun is a bit doubtful."
That much is true.
Even though mantras are living phenomena and even considered innate True Immortals, I have never 'clearly' encountered such an existence.
I say that my Impermanence Sword is alive, but I never felt like I engaged in a rational conversation with it.
"If you cultivate the formula of the Radiance Ten Heavens, you will get a general understanding... Since that too is a byproduct connected to the mantra of Radiance Hall."
"...I'm not sure. I've thought that feeling was stronger because it is a realm connected to the Radiance Supreme Deity.
"Hmm... In that case, there is a much more intuitive way to explain it."
Do Gon smirks and gestures toward us.
"This is not much different from what I have been saying before. To put it plainly...you Enders are ultimately innate True Immortals born from the Splitting Heaven Mantra.'
"What...!?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes widen as if they're about to pop out.
"What do you mean by that? Are you saying...we weren't human?"
"You could interpret it that way. And you would not be wrong. Strictly speaking, you are [innate transcendents wearing human skin]. What did you think was the reason you could advance in realms so quickly, gain absurd privileges and abilities, and reach this point faster than anyone else? Because you are geniuses? Wrong. You are...merely beings hiding within human flesh, gradually shedding that shell and reclaiming the [power you originally possessed]."
"..."
"..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon and I both let out a silent breath at the same time.
I especially stare down at my own hands in shock.
These hands that have wielded the sword countless times.
'The power I've accumulated all this time...wasn't truly mine...?'
But Jeon Myeong-hoon, having seemingly realized something, releases red lightning across his body.
Pachijijik...
"...I see. I think I can understand."
"...?"
But I, unable to comprehend, simply stare at Jeon Myeong-hoon for a moment.
'He understands this...?'
I, for some reason, feel like I don't understand.
Throughout roughly a thousand lifetimes, I have been regaining the power I have lost, and often been treated as a genius from it.
But that was undoubtedly about reclaiming the power I accumulated as a mortal being in my past lives.
It was never the feeling of recovering power as a 'being that was originally a transcendent.'
'...I don't know.'
Shaking my head, I ask Do Gon a question.
"Yes, I understand now that a mantra is both a True Immortal and an 'existence'. Then, the reason the Great One has not joined the Great Mountain Supreme Deity is...?"
"It is simple. Every mantra is the greatest ally of the True Immortal who wields it. And for those at our level...it is even possible to manifest the true form of that mantra into this world. You have seen it before, have you not? The Great Mountain Supreme Deity's mantra... Its true form."
"...Could it be that the Great Mountain Supreme Deity's mantra is..."
"That is right."
I recall the mountain of corpses lying beneath the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, weeping tears of blood as they conveyed Their will.
"...So that Corpse Mountain Blood Sea...was Gwak Am's mantra."
The Corpse Mountain Blood Sea They had tried to feed me all this time, the hordes of vengeful ghosts that always followed Them.
That was Their very mantra and ally.
"That is right... And there is one more thing. If a mantra is an innate True Immortal, would it not also be possible to grind down an existing True Immortal and turn them into a 'mantra'?"
"...!"
Only now do I understand what the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity is trying to say.
"Gwak Am...that insane bastard..."
The truth is so absurd that a curse slips from my lips on its own.
Mantras are innate True Immortals. At the same time, True Immortals can be turned into mantras.
A mantra is the greatest ally of the True Immortal who wields it.
The Great Mountain Supreme Deity Gwak Am told the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity Do Gon to become Their [ally].
"When that madman said [ally] and [power source], They meant the same thing..."
Telling the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity to cooperate meant grinding Them down and treating Them as part of Gwak Am's mantra.
Using Them as a power source meant grinding Them down all the same.
"There was no choice...?"
"Hmm, no. That is not quite right. [Becoming a mantra] and [becoming a power source] are undeniably different. If one becomes a mantra, they can retain their sense of self and even exert influence over the Great Mountain's mind. However, becoming a power source means simply being ground up as fuel to activate the mantra. There is a clear distinction."
"..."
"But I absolutely do not want to become one with that insane madman's Corpse Mountain Blood Sea, that grotesque sight. That is all."
Hearing the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity's explanation, I click my tongue.
Jeon Myeong-hoon nods and speaks.
"So, I understand why you refuse to aid that Great Mountain Supreme Deity. But how exactly do you plan to save us if we set you free?"
"The Splitting Heaven Mantra of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity exists solely to break through the Audience Chamber that is called the Thirty-Third Heaven (三十三天) within the Head Realm, located at the vertex of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain. In other words...everything that happens before They break through the Audience Chamber is nothing more than a 'preparatory stage' for activating the Splitting Heaven Mantra."
"...!!"
I grit my teeth at those words.
'As expected...I wasn't mistaken.'
The golden waves I witnessed in my past life had indeed looked as though they were 'devouring' Mount Sumeru.
'So only after completely consuming Mount Sumeru can the Splitting Heaven Mantra be properly activated to break through the Audience Chamber!'
It is a truly terrifying truth.
"And considering the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea that reflects the temperament of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity...the preparation phase for the Splitting Heaven Mantra must be the same. They will likely devour the entirety of Mount Sumeru. They will compress this entire world into a single point with the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra. Then, by unraveling such a Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra in reverse to use the Splitting Heaven Mantra, the Thirty-Third Heaven will be breached, and They will immediately...reach [beyond]."
Do Gon exhales a quiet sigh as They gaze somewhere in the sky.
"And...at the very moment when the Great Mountain Supreme Deity has devoured all of Mount Sumeru, right before They activate the Splitting Heaven Mantra. As everything in Mount Sumeru has become one, [for just a single moment], They will reach a state of greatness that no one has ever dreamed of."
"A state of...greatness...?"
"Yes...the very first form of all things. Having devoured all Seats and Origin Essences, the state where They manifest the [beginning]..."
"...!"
"The Great Mountain Supreme Deity...for just a single moment. In that one single moment when They have devoured all of Mount Sumeru, They will reach the [First Light]. That...is the argument I present to you as the means to escape from the Great Mountain Supreme Deity's devilish hands."
At Their next words, my eyes widen.
"I...once fought against the Radiance Eight Immortals alongside my former subordinates, the Jade Pivot Forty-Eight Lightning Heavenly Great Immortals (玉樞四十八雷天大仙)... In exchange for the lives of my loyal retainers, the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain, and all of my power and influence...I learned this truth."
Chills!
The atmosphere shifts.
Is it because They are recalling an unpleasant memory?
Do Gon's grief takes form, emerging into reality and influencing the surroundings.
Drip...drip...
Something red begins to well up at the tip of Zhengli's chin that Do Gon possessed.
A crimson liquid flows.
It looks like tears of blood.
It is an incomparably refined form of Heaven and Earth spiritual energy, imbued with fury.
"Because I uncovered...the true nature...of the Radiance Supreme Deity...and the weakness that light possesses...through Indra's Net... And because I also know...how to exploit that weakness in the [First Light]...to evade its gaze and survive..."
Kuuurung!
The surroundings seem to darken.
A powerful sense of despair and sorrow sweeps through the surroundings.
[...If you can endure beneath me for just a while...eventually, the Great Mountain Supreme Deity will reach the Audience Chamber and perish on Their own. Then, everything will be over. No one can escape under the gaze of light... It's just...I simply did not know before that bowing my head beneath Their reign was the only way to survive.]
Do Gon rises from the seat.
[I have presented my argument. Will you meet your inevitable destruction beneath the Splitting Heaven Mantra of the tyrannical Devil God, the Great Mountain Supreme Deity...or will you choose to liberate this Immortal and seek hope within the certainty of destruction? No matter when it is, make your choice. As the Heavenly Tribulation of all phenomena, whenever you make your decision, speak to the Heavenly Tribulation. May you choose wisely...I shall wait within that prison.]
With those words, Do Gon begins walking away.
With every step They take, They vanish into lightning alongside Zhengli. Their appearance carries the dignity of an emperor, yet at the same time, They appear unbearably lonely and desolate.
[Why did you ignore my warning and challenge the Audience Chamber back then...my friend?]
I read the lingering thoughts of the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity as They fade into the void.
The last thing on Their mind was the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord.
The inexplicable regret of a being with the attitude of submitting to light!
As I witness this, a strange paradoxical feeling along with a sense of kinship wells up within me.
Tingle!
16th cycle.
'What's this...?'
For some reason, seeing Do Gon's demeanor strongly reminds me of the 16th cycle.
'...I don't know.'
For now, discussing it with the other comrades seems to be the right course of action.
Kigigigik...
The surrounding attraction force and spacetime gradually return to normal, and Jeon Myeong-hoon and I exhale quiet sighs.
Kwarurururung!
The Great Desolate Path leaps through the world of lightning and arrives at the Good Sight Heavenly Domain.
"...First, let's find Kim Young-hoon, Jeon Myeong-hoon. Let's gather everyone and then discuss together."
"...Agreed."
Jeon Myeong-hoon nods heavily, his expression filled with deep thought.
Kururung!
With a gesture from Jeon Myeong-hoon, the Great Desolate Path and the Lightning Sacred Sea shrink and enter his body.
I secure Hong Fan within myself, making sure that the Heavenly Venerable of the Void never detects him, and then I wait for a moment.
"By the way, Seo Eun-hyun. How are you planning to find Kim Young-hoon in this vast Good Sight Heavenly Domain?"
"It's not difficult. Just wait a little. A guide will come..."
"What...?"
And before my words can even finish.
Blink—
As I blink once, a familiar face appears between Jeon Myeong-hoon and me.
The Heavenly Venerable of Void.
It is the True Martial Great Emperor, Hyeon Mu.
"...!"
"You've grown quite a bit. To think you could follow my arrival with your eyes."
"I merely managed to catch your form."
Jeon Myeong-hoon flinches in utter shock at Hyeon Mu's sudden appearance, while I barely manage to perceive the moment she arrives and speak.
"We are here to find Kim Young-hoon."
"Kim Young-hoon? Ah..."
Hyeon Mu speaks with empty eyes.
"He's dead."
Surung—
Hyeon Mu raises something black towards me and speaks.
"If you have complaints, come at me. I will take you on any..."
Before she can finish speaking, I interrupt her, stepping back while drawing the Colorless Glass Sword and then taking three steps forward.
In the first step, I infuse my sword energy and the vital essence of my entire being.
In the second step, I unleash the refined essence, circulating it through my body and the surroundings.
In the third step, I return all that circulated essence back to its origin.
These three steps contain the quintessence of the martial knowledge I have gained enlightenment on.
And at the origin of all circulation, all power is gently returned.
This is a single circle.
Revealing the enlightenment I reached while fighting the Thirty-Three Heavenly Resplendent Treasure Immortals, I smile faintly.
"I have drawn a circle. Do you find any flaws in it?"
"..."
Hyeon Mu remains silent.
She simply gazes at me with vacant eyes.
"You must have come here to test a junior and help refine their abilities. However...this junior has already found his path. I have received your teaching, so please return Kim Young-hoon. I know full well that he is not dead."
"..."
After staring at me for a moment, Hyeon Mu scatters the weapon in her hand.
"...Indeed. You have no need for guidance."
"Yes, so—"
"You."
But in the next moment.
Hyeon Mu interrupts me, and I can't help but flinch in surprise at her next words.
"Will you not engage in dual cultivation with me?"
"Dual...dual cultivation?"
I am left speechless for a moment and stare at Jeon Myeong-hoon.
He also seems dumbfounded, looking at me with vacant eyes.
He doesn't know much about the Heavenly Venerable of the Void, but at least he seems to understand that they are some kind of incredible existence.
Yet, such an existence suddenly brings up something like dual cultivation out of nowhere, leaving even him bewildered.
'What in the world is this person thinking?'
I try to read Hyeon Mu's intent, but as expected, not a single thought leaks out, likely because they are a being who has transcended Severing Heaven.
Even when I attempt to reflect Hyeon Mu's heart through the Impermanence Sword, all that appears is endless emptiness.
Nothing is reflected.
For a brief moment of merely one second, my mind spins rapidly, overheating as I attempt to grasp the meaning behind Hyeon Mu's words.
How long do I contemplate Hyeon Mu's intentions?
In the end, unable to find an answer, I decide to confront the situation honestly.
"...Hm, I apologize, but I believe that dual cultivation should be done between those who share a mutual sentiment."
"Mm?"
Hyeon Mu looks at me as if she does not understand.
"That is strange. Do you not have feelings for me?"
Seeing her smile meaningfully, I feel a headache coming on.
"Yes...! I do have feelings. But...that feeling is not one of wanting to dual cultivate. It is the heart of a martial artist who wishes to challenge the limits of Martial Arts."
"Martial artist? So, you are saying that dual cultivation with me is not an act of testing the realm of Martial Arts?"
"Yes? I mean...hmm...I do not understand how it can be interpreted that way."
Hyeon Mu clicks her tongue and speaks.
"Are you not seeking guidance from Kim Young-hoon?"
"...That is correct."
"In any case, if you two wish to meet him, one of you must inevitably dual cultivate with me. But that fool over there would never survive my intense dual cultivation, so...Seo Eun-hyun, you must be the one to do it with me."
A headache creeps up as I question her.
"...No, I do not understand why dual cultivation with the Heavenly Venerable is necessary to meet Kim Young-hoon. If he is connected to a spacetime of emptiness or within the domain of purity, could you not simply guide us there through a technique that immerses us into the domain of purity?"
"That is also true... However, his current location is a rather special one. The technique you use to reach the domain of purity..."
"It is called Heavenly Escape."
"Right, that Heavenly Escape. If you were to train it yourself to reach Kim Young-hoon, you would need to train for at least tens of millions of years. Will you spend that time training, or will you dual cultivate with me and reach that space immediately?"
"...So, you are saying that dual cultivation is necessary to access that specific spacetime."
"That is correct. And only someone at your level can endure it, which is why I am making the offer to you."
"Kkuum..."
Hyeon Mu's expression is serious.
She does not seem to be joking.
'There would be no reason for an existence of her level to lie to me or make fun of me...But dual cultivation? Dual cultivation, of all things...'
It's when I spend some time in thought.
Hyeon Mu clicks her tongue and speaks.
"You seem to have many thoughts. Could it be that you lack confidence in dual cultivation?"
"Pardon? N-No, that is not the case, but..."
"Enough. If you lack confidence, just watch from the sidelines and gain enlightenment. I will do it with this one instead..."
Hyeon Mu approaches Jeon Myeong-hoon, and I, dumbfounded, watch the two.
Then, it happens.
Jeon Myeong-hoon pulls Jin So-hae's hand from his embrace and shouts.
"Gal (喝)! I do not know which noble being you are, but! The only person in this world I will ever dual cultivate with is only one, my true love...So-hae! Please, do not trample on my heart!"
"..."
At those words, the Heavenly Venerable of Void looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon and begins reading his intent and lingering thoughts.
And after a short while...
Hyeon Mu presses her temple with her index finger as if she has a headache.
"...Ah, I see. I was wondering why we were not understanding each other...The meaning of the word was different. Damn it. Because you have completely sealed your intent, I could not interpret your meaning properly."
"P-Pardon?"
For some reason, Hyeon Mu looks at me with somewhat disdainful eyes and speaks.
"Just what do you think dual cultivation is?"
"P-Pardon? Well... Mixing yin and yang, is it not something like that?"
At my response, Hyeon Mu clicks her tongue and speaks.
"...Tsk. What a filthy-minded fool. Did you only ever think of dual cultivation in that way?"
"N-No..."
"Dual cultivation (雙修) refers to any cultivation method where two or more cultivators give and receive what they need to improve. Bedroom arts and Yin-Yang unity techniques are just one aspect of it. Well, I suppose a young one like you, who has only recently become True Immortal, would still be ignorant and have shallow knowledge..."
"..."
"The dual cultivation I am referring to is..."
After carefully listening to Hyeon Mu's explanation of her method of dual cultivation, I finally realize I have misunderstood.
"...I see. I apologize for showing such vulgar behavior..."
"I heard your Immortal Title is Crystal Glass Being. Are you trying to become a disciple of Glass Peacock or something?"
"..."
"...Enough. So, will you do it or not? If you dual cultivate with me, you will be able to reach Kim Young-hoon's location in approximately 100 years."
"...I will do it."
Since it is that kind of dual cultivation, there is no reason to refuse.
"Good. Then follow me. From now on...let us find a suitable place to dual cultivate."
Jeon Myeong-hoon and I follow Hyeon Mu as we move towards the inner core of a suitable planet and settle there.
Thus begins my dual cultivation with Hyeon Mu, spanning nearly one hundred years.
Tuuung—
Beneath the surface of a planet in the Good Sight Heavenly Domain.
There, I am engaging in dual cultivation with Hyeon Mu.
"Haaa..."
Contrary to expectations, dual cultivation with Hyeon Mu is surprisingly enjoyable.
"Ugh..."
Blood trickles from my mouth.
"Focus."
For a brief moment when my consciousness wavers, a sharp sword energy slices through my inner body.
Inside my internal world that is the Colorless Sword Enclosure, earthquakes and tsunamis rage, carving out a massive valley.
All from a single strand of sword energy sweeping through my body.
Tuuuuug—
It is silent.
Within that silence, I unravel my consciousness.
The consciousness domain I unfold collides with the planet's core, producing a faint sound like raindrops.
It is much like the horn of a drifting boat.
The way of dual cultivation between me and Hyeon Mu is the most enjoyable dual cultivation I have ever known.
Deep underground, we sit facing each other in the lotus position, drawing perfect circles with our consciousness domains.
Behind Hyeon Mu's head, a faint circle takes shape, while behind mine, a brilliant and thick circle emerges.
In the end, intent is the power that emerges when reflecting another by making oneself a mirror.
And the circle we have drawn is nothing short of the pinnacle of intent.
We are reflecting each other.
Hyeon Mu reflects me, and I reflect Hyeon Mu.
Through this mutual reflection, our minds are gradually refined beyond the infinitely connecting world of intent.
This is Hyeon Mu's way of dual cultivation.
Tuuuuung—
"Ugh!"
The planet's heartbeat resounds.
Once more, I focus my mind.
Pssht—
My inner world quakes once again.
It is the phenomenon of being cut by my own sword energy, reflected by Hyeon Mu.
The interior of my body is in a rather dire state.
Because of my sword energy that is constantly being reflected back at me, I am ceaselessly being cut.
Regardless of whether I transcend planes or not, since it is ultimately my own, I alone have no choice but to suffer fatal wounds from my sword energy.
Hyeon Mu, on the other hand, seems completely unaffected, as if she has absolute control over herself.
However...
Even though I am being wounded by myself, it is of no concern to me.
I simply smile faintly and continue focusing on the dual cultivation.
"Do you enjoy it? Dual cultivation?"
"It is the best."
Hyeon Mu gazes at me with dull and empty eyes.
The hollowness that dwells within her is truly formidable.
'She is terrifying.'
I am reflected in her.
But we are mirrors that infinitely reflect one another.
Thus, though I see myself reflected, [the Hyeon Mu reflected in me is also reflected back to me], allowing me to directly perceive her essence.
And the more I stare into her essence, the more my fear of her awakens.
Tingle!
Facing her, I am strongly reminded of the 16th cycle.
I do not know why.
'In the 16th cycle...I was mostly with Hong Fan... But perhaps...she really is connected to Hong Fan in some way.'
With that thought, I calmly explore the essence of both myself and her, refining my mind.
A year passes like that.
Kigigigik!
Through dual cultivation with her, I discover something.
It is the essence of myself.
I am a dragon of mist, with a head formed of the flames of Glass True Fire.
The essence as the Immortal Beast Candle Shadow.
At the same time, I realize that there is yet another essence within me.
'This is the essence I possess as a Vestige Liberation Immortal.'
The essences I possess as a True Immortal are reflected one by one.
Woo-woong!
Other things are reflected as well.
The essences of the Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flag, Yeo Hwi, and my other Immortal Treasures.
The essences of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, the Flawless Mantra, and the Impermanence Sword are also reflected.
But no matter what, the [Wheel] refuses to be reflected.
Whenever it seems like it will appear, it scatters.
Watching this, I somehow feel as if the [Wheel] itself does not permit someone like me to perceive its essence.
I feel unworthy.
'Do I at least need to reach the realm of Great Net...?'
As I scan through my essences as an Immortal, I suddenly sense something strange.
'This is...'
A feeling as if I am connected to something.
'This is...'
Something flows into my mind.
It is an image of a huge mountain.
Turned upside down, pulling everything towards its inverted peak.
The name of that mountain is Mount Sumeru.
'Ah...'
As I reflect upon myself, I realize.
'So that's how it is.'
The character for Immortal (仙) is similar to that of Earth.
A person (亻: the human radical) who dwells in a mountain (山) is an Immortal (仙).
Those who directly receive the grace of the mountain all belong to the Immortal Family.
I think I roughly understand why those at the Entering Nirvana stage onward are called beings of the Immortal Family (仙家).
'The reason why beings at the Entering Nirvana stage essentially gain eternal longevity...is because they receive the grace of Mount Sumeru starting from that stage.'
Everything in the world has a predetermined fate (命).
However, from the Entering Nirvana stage onward, unless one is killed, they essentially gain an eternal lifespan.
The reason is that their fate becomes partially assimilated with the world known as Mount Sumeru.
Since their fate is one with the world, they can extend their lifespan as they wish, living on indefinitely.
These are the ones known as the Immortal Family (仙家).
'And among them, those who can directly perceive the True Immortal Realm...must be True Immortals.'
I gather my newfound understanding and smile.
'Dual cultivation with Hyeon Mu is truly...the best.'
And so, another nine years pass.
Ten years have passed.
'What is that?'
Through ten years of dual cultivation with Hyeon Mu, I can feel my consciousness becoming increasingly delicate and precise.
Through this refinement, I suddenly see something strange while looking at Hyeon Mu.
In the first year, I attained wisdom regarding myself and the Immortal Family.
Now, in the tenth year, something else comes into view.
I recognize what it is.
'Hyeon Mu's...main body...?'
Squirm... Squirm...
It is...
Emptiness.
It also resembles a massive turtle.
But after years of gazing into Hyeon Mu's main body, I have come to understand that it is no mere turtle.
'Three Great Ultimates...?'
Squirm... Squirm...
It is a [Blackened Three Great Ultimates].
The Blackened Three Great Ultimates, composed of countless minuscule, writhing somethings ceaselessly merging together, resemble the shell of a turtle when viewed from afar.
'Is that Hyeon Mu's true identity?'
Rather than an actual turtle, it appears that the something conglomerated in the form of a Blackened Three Great Ultimates merely resembles a turtle's shell from a distance, which is maybe why Yin Ghost Black Turtle is known to take the form of a turtle.
'No. Perhaps, as an Immortal Beast, Yin Ghost Black Turtle really is a turtle.'
However, Hyeon Mu's main body seems to be more than just a simple turtle.
I peer deeper into Hyeon Mu's main body, seeking to uncover her identity.
How much time passes like this?
After decades of dual cultivation, I finally gaze directly upon Hyeon Mu's main body.
It is a [snake].
That snake is emptiness.
Hyeon Mu's domain, the Interdimensional Void!
Every single Interdimensional Void scattered across all the Heavenly Domains is, in truth, a [snake].
[A Three Great Ultimates composed by the intertwining of dozens of black snakes]!!!
That is the true identity and main body of Hyeon Mu.
One of the snakes of emptiness slithers right up to my nose, flicking its tongue as I stare into it.
: : A R E Y O U L O O K I N G ? : :
"Yes."
: : W H A T D O Y O U T H I N K ? : :
"You are beautiful."
Without the slightest hesitation, I voice my honest thoughts.
To the eyes of mortal beings, it would be a grotesque and terrifying identity.
But rather than the form, I perceive the wisdom imbued within it.
'Truly...beautiful.'
Yes, it is quite literally wisdom.
Every one of those snakes is wisdom itself.
The wisdoms intertwine, coiling and entangling into the form of the Three Great Ultimates.
And that Three Great Ultimates, forming the entirety of the Interdimensional Void, becomes a passage of death that leads to the domain of purity.
At the same time, it is a [bowl].
I understand what this bowl is meant to contain.
'That is...Triple Divinity (三神性)...?'
Creation, Preservation, and Destruction.
These are the three steps I must take to reach Hyeon Mu.
At the same time, they are also the properties of intent and heart essence.
'...I see.'
In the past.
When I learned that Hyeon Mu's realm as a Heaven Immortal and Earth Immortal had only reached that of a Great Net Immortal.
There was a time I secretly scoffed at Hyeon Mu.
For a being that is a Heavenly Venerable to only be at that level!
But now, I finally understand.
Drip...
The realization moves me to tears.
'From the very beginning... From the moment she attained Triple Divinity and took the seventh step...the realms of Heaven and Earth Immortals already became meaningless.'
She must have raised those realms merely as a hobby.
Hyeon Mu reached the level of a Heavenly Venerable solely through the realm of Martial Arts.
Lost in ecstasy, I remain fixed on Hyeon Mu's main body, unaware of the passage of time.
The writhing of dozens of snakes, in each of their movements, contain the realm of Heavenly Martial Arts (天武).
As I immerse myself in comprehending that high realm, a sudden enlightenment dawns upon me.
Wisdom flows into my mind.
Not an overwhelming, unfathomable wisdom—just a simple, humble insight.
However, even that small wisdom delivers overwhelming shock to me.
—Northern Heavenly Venerable, True Martial Great Emperor, Hyeon Mu.
—Governing Realm.
—Great Net Immortal.
And...
—Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
—Three Flowers Gather at the Summit.
—Pinnacle.
Hyeon Mu is the God who governs the realm of Martial Arts.
Paaaaaaatt!
The moment I realize this, my consciousness refines itself at an incredible speed, seemingly expanding infinitely.
It's when I myself have no control over this strange phenomenon.
'This is...'
I suddenly perceive that I have connected to a strange world.
Kugugugugugu!
Something in the shape of an [inverted cone] seems to appear before my eyes.
My sense of depth is distorted so it fluctuates between growing larger and smaller.
The surroundings are equally strange.
A world where everything is in chaos!
Within this world, I see a golden Peng soaring through the chaos.
Tststststststs—
It's when I stand there dazed.
A hissing sound reaches my ears, and a black snake slithers towards me from somewhere.
It comes to my side, rises up, and then, exuding darkness, transforms into the figure of Hyeon Mu.
"You succeeded exactly at the hundred-year mark."
She looks at me and asks,
"Did you enjoy dual cultivation with me?"
"...Yes. It was truly a precious experience of dual cultivation."
I bow deeply to her in respect, and Hyeon Mu smiles with hollow eyes.
"I'm glad it was of help. Keep growing, steadily..."
After speaking, she points towards the golden Peng flying in the distance.
"That is Kim Young-hoon. He has temporarily lost himself and is now striving to reclaim who he is."
Wo-woong!
In this world of chaos, I feel like I understand why Kim Young-hoon has lost himself.
This world is strange.
Even a brief loss of focus feels as though I will lose myself completely.
Everything here is abnormal.
Depth perception, senses, energy...
"This world... Where exactly is this?"
And from Hyeon Mu's following explanation, I can't help but be stunned.
"The Outer Sea (外海). Or also known as the Great Salt Sea (大鹹海)... Well, the simplest explanation for you would be..."
She grins and gestures as if introducing the world of chaos around us.
"The world [outside Mount Sumeru]."
"...Pardon...?"
At her words, I blankly stare at both Hyeon Mu and this vast, bizarre sea of chaos.
-x-X-x-
Kurururung!
A sound as if the world is collapsing comes from somewhere far away.
Startled, I look in that direction.
"...Huh?"
My neck and body separate.
Just when I can properly grasp what's happening, my body turns into a pile of salt and begins to scatter wildly into the chaos.
"W-Wait..."
As I panic, my head splits in half, and I truly feel the threat to my life.
'This can't go on like this!'
I grit my teeth and start reciting the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
'Immortal Cultivation is repentant enlightenment...!'
Kigigigik!
With that, from the part of my split head where my consciousness resides, attraction force begins to arise.
Kurururung!
From within the chaos, the parts of my physical body that had been flung away as a pile of salt all return.
However, they remain in the form of salt, and do not transform back into my body.
'Impermanence Sword!'
I imbue the Impermanence Sword into the salt mass that is my body, and only then does my body return to its original state.
"Th-That just now was..."
When I look at Hyeon Mu with bewildered eyes, she answers indifferently.
"Isn't it obvious? You almost got swallowed by chaos. This is the true world of chaos. Unlike inside the safe Mount Sumeru, where the planes of Qi, Soul, and Fate are properly divided, this is the world of true chaos antiquity (混沌上)."
I look at Hyeon Mu and ask.
"In this...dangerous world of chaos antiquity, just why did you bring Kim Young-hoon?"
"Why did I bring him, you ask... Isn't it obvious? It's for training. Do not worry too much. He is currently in the process of finding himself, and with just a few measures, he will definitely return to normal."
"...Are the measures nearly impossible by any chance...?"
"No. No one needs to sacrifice anything, just a few rounds of sparring will suffice."
Only then do I feel relieved and offer my gratitude to Hyeon Mu.
"Thank you..."
"You worry too much. Since you are here, and he is safe, just ignore him and take a look around the Outer Sea. Do not forget to maintain yourself with the mantra."
"Yes, thank you again for the opportunity to expand my knowledge. To think such a world exists... It is...truly vast."
I set aside my worries about Kim Young-hoon and look around at this vast and boundless chaos.
The perspective of Mount Sumeru in the distance seems very strange, but compared to the world of chaos, it looks infinitely small.
"In comparison to this world...even Mount Sumeru seems very cramped. Truly...it looks small. The world we lived in..."
It's when I comment on Mount Sumeru while observing this incomparably vast world.
"Kukuk..."
Hyeon Mu chuckles, seemingly amused by something.
"Does Mount Sumeru appear small? Does this world appear large?"
"Yes, well...it does."
"Whether as a Heaven Immortal, Earth Immortal...or martial artist, one can't help but feel that way due to their low realm. Come back after you've significantly raised your realm. You will find it suffocating."
"...?"
"I will just say that Mount Sumeru is by no means small. In any case, since you are here, take a good look at Mount Sumeru. There may be things you cannot see...but it will be somewhat helpful."
I follow her words and look carefully towards Mount Sumeru.
Mount Sumeru is essentially intertwined with three bizarre somethings.
'That is...'
"Those are the planes of Qi, Soul, and Fate. And the spaces where those Qi, Soul, and Fate overlap are called the True Immortal Realm."
"I see..."
"There are a total of nine Heavenly Domains within Mount Sumeru: Earth Boundary, Elephant Nose, Horse Ear, Good Sight, Bearing Tree, Earth Axis, Twin Holding, Heavenly King...and Sun and Moon. Each Heavenly Domain is merely the space perceived by mortal beings. In reality, they are divided into Qi, Soul, Fate, and Immortal. Four parts."
"Hm? The Underworld, Source River, Interdimensional Void, Flower Field...and Astral Realm. Isn't a Heavenly Domain composed of five?"
"Kukuk... Except for the Astral Realm, the rest are merely pseudo-dimensions clinging to each plane. It is the same for the Underworld. Only the planes of Qi, Soul, and Fate are absolute. The Immortal Plane does not truly exist, but it is roughly recognized for its absoluteness as it is the intersection of the three planes."
She continues her explanation.
"Anyway...each Astral Realm, or Heavenly Domain, is composed of these four planes. And...when you combine all the planes of each Heavenly Domain, each plane is referred to as a Heaven. They are called the Thirty-Two Heavens."
"Thirty-Two Heavens...?"
I sense something strange in her words.
"Does it relate to the fact that the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain is called the Thirty-Third Heaven?"
"Why state the obvious? The eight Heavenly Domains of Mount Sumeru are each split into four planes, which is why they are called the Thirty-Two Heavens, and the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain the Thirty-Third Heaven."
"...That's strange."
I speak as I look at Mount Sumeru from afar.
According to Hyeon Mu's words, something doesn't add up.
"If you include the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain...should it not be...Thirty-Six Heavens...?"
If all nine Heavenly Domains are divided into the four planes of Qi, Soul, Fate, and Immortality, making Thirty-Two Heavens, then why is the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain alone referred to as Thirty-Third Heaven?
'Should it not be Thirty-Six Heavens?'
"Yes, it is a reasonable point... But because that is not so, it is named as it is."
"Pardon...?"
"Look closely."
Following Hyeon Mu's fingertip, I gaze at the approximate peak of Mount Sumeru, where the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
"...Huh?"
And I see something strange.
'What is this?'
It is [one].
The other Heavenly Domains have the planes of Qi, Soul, Fate, and Immortal as usual.
However, the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain is peculiar.
'The planes of Qi, Soul, and Fate...and the Plane of True Immortality...are not visible...?'
I am filled with confusion.
Hyeon Mu, observing me, turns to look at the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain and speaks.
"...The Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain...has no distinction of planes."
"...What do you mean? I clearly sensed the planes existing in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain during the Sacred Vessel stage. I also distinctly sensed descending from the True Immortal Plane to the Lower Realm. Yet you are saying there are no planes?"
"You seem to expect something by questioning me...but I cannot answer right now. Just look. It's one, is it not?"
"Just what...?"
'Could everything I felt in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain...be a lie...?'
I can only stare with wide eyes at this explanation I can't comprehend.
"The space where there is no distinction between Qi, Soul, and Fate is the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain... Yet, strangely, despite being chaos, the world functions with an uncanny order. From inside, it feels like the planes of Qi, Soul, Fate, and True Immortality exist. What feels true inside, from a different dimensional perspective, feels false. Haven't you experienced something like that before?"
"..."
At those words, I close my mouth.
The Head Realm's sun and moon!
From inside, it looks as if the sun and moon rises and sets normally.
But in truth, it is actually an optical illusion caused by the rotation of the Yin and Yang energy of the Head Realm, with the sun and moon of the Head Realm being fixed.
"...So the planes I felt in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain...were just an illusion?"
"That's one way to think about it. The Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain appears that way due to the 'misunderstanding' that Qi, Soul, and Fate are divided. In reality, it is 'one'...which means it is the optimal place for learning Immortal Arts and for Immortal Arts to be born."
"...One..."
"Does anything come to mind? Well, in any case, the important point is this: the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain is essentially the same as this Outer Sea. In other words, it is fundamentally no different from the world of chaos. The peak of Mount Sumeru and the outside of Mount Sumeru are essentially the same...which means, by endlessly distancing yourself from Mount Sumeru through this Outer Sea, you might achieve the same effect as reaching the peak of the mountain."
"Pardon...?"
"Climbing Mount Sumeru to penetrate its vertex and distancing yourself from Mount Sumeru by swimming through this world of chaos produces the same result. Yes...it means you can escape."
I sense something strange in Hyeon Mu's tone and ask.
"Saying that we can escape...feels like saying we are trapped."
"..."
She remains silent at my question.
After a brief silence, she suddenly brings up an unrelated topic.
"You Enders..."
It is about us.
"You do not belong to this world, do you?"
"Yes...that is correct."
"Then where do you come from?"
"...It is a place called Earth. Originally...I thought it might be somewhere in the Astral Realm...but upon reflection, it seems not. Our homeland doesn't appear to exist anywhere in this world."
"Earth...such a common name. But certainly, from that name, I sense it...the feeling of another world..."
Hyeon Mu points somewhere.
It is the peak of Mount Sumeru.
"The Head Realm at that peak. Beyond that Head Realm...there surely lies another place. And that other place is probably the passage to the other world you came from."
"..."
I let out a silent sigh.
Indeed, it is something I had vaguely suspected after seeing the structure of Mount Sumeru.
'In the end, to return home...for us to go back to our homeland, must we pierce through the Head Realm.'
"The Head Realm...is a place the Supreme Deities, the Heavenly Venerables, and other high persons refer to as the Audience Chamber. Why is that?"
"Audience..."
She gazes at the peak of the Head Realm with vacant eyes and responds with an inexplicably gloomy expression.
"...No one knows, except perhaps the Underworld..."
"Pardon...?"
"The Head Realm is a [door]. A door that leads to another world is hidden there. And...that [door] never opens. It is not simply because of its structure or a lack of power..."
As she continues, I feel a chill creeping in.
"[Someone]...is holding the door shut from the other side. And...it only opens when an Ender grows into the existence known as a Heavenly King and returns to the Head Realm. We have tried and tried again in the past. Myself, Sal Tree, Time...and several Supreme Deities. We have tried to open and exit through the [door] with our power alone. But it was not possible."
Her eyes are shared in a deep darkness.
For the first time in a while, I can read an 'emotion' in the eyes of emptiness.
It is despair.
"That is why it is called the Audience Chamber. Someone named it with the will to one day meet the existence holding the door shut... No one has succeeded in opening that door. Apart from the Salt Sea Supreme Deity and the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, I mean... However, those two are of a different rank, and no one even dared to reach their level of authority..."
Hyeon Mu looks somewhere.
It is beyond the distant sea of chaos.
"Sal Tree, Time, and I each tried through our own means to reach a place similar to where Underworld and Salt Sea are. But it was impossible for us."
"What do you mean by impossible?"
"...It is our disgrace. It is such a painful disgrace that we cut out the 'memory of the cause of impossibility' and sealed it after turning it into ancient force. Do not try to find out, just know that it was impossible."
"...Understood."
"In any case, knowing it was impossible, we started seeking other methods. Sal Tree continued searching for a way through cooperation with Underworld, I explored the domain of purity, and Time...ventured into the world of chaos."
She gestures towards somewhere in the chaos.
"The chaos that the Salt Sea Supreme Deity wandered through quite freely, the Great Salt Sea...Time believed They could navigate this Great Salt Sea by Themself. And They tried to escape this world by sailing the Outer Sea. In the end..."
"They failed."
"No, They succeeded."
"...? Pardon...?"
Despite speaking of success, Hyeon Mu's face doesn't seem bright.
"They discovered a way out of this world. They contacted us from beyond the distant chaos, saying They found what could be considered the boundary of this world. That if we crossed that boundary, we might see hope of leaving... Finding that clue and contacting us was a recent matter."
She meets my eyes.
"Back when They reversed the time of all of Mount Sumeru at the cost of Their existence! They said They passed that clue to someone worthy of being my disciple. Someone worthy of being my disciple would inevitably be the likes of the Golden Body Heavenly Kings or the Silver Basket Heavenly Kings who end up training in Martial Arts. That is why...I brought both you and Kim Young-hoon to this space."
"...!"
"I do not know whether you are Golden Body or Silver Basket. Since that guy is golden, he could be Golden Body, but...frankly, the existence of you Enders is chaos itself, so it can't be determined by color alone."
"..."
"Sal Tree boasted of a plan to open the Audience Chamber with Underworld, claiming that beyond the Audience Chamber, They will rescue Time at the boundary on the [outside] and bring Them back... However, the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld suddenly changed Their mind, turning the plan to dust, and everything became twisted. All that remains is the anger of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, who stepped on the same boat as Sal Tree and Underworld... Great Mountain, shaking over the betrayal, seeks to reach the Audience Chamber even if it means destroying Mount Sumeru."
I come to understand the plans of the Heavenly Venerables and Supreme Deities to some extent.
"Of course, I never trusted the insidious Underworld from the start, so I didn't believe it. Instead, I tried to find the clue given by the Heavenly Venerable of Time. Among the two of you...the Heavenly Venerable of Time, Cheon Woon, said they surely let a clue."
Surung—
She thrusts something sharp toward me.
"From now on, I will dismantle you."
"Pardon...?"
"I will dismantle everything that constitutes you, to find the clue left by Time."
Chill!
I grit my teeth, sensing the sincerity in Hyeon Mu's aura.
"...So this is why you brought us here."
"Do not worry. You will not die. It will only hurt a little. Don't you like that kind of thing? You have no hesitation about inflicting what you consider 'painless' by your own standards upon others..."
"I am fine, but I absolutely cannot allow it to happen to Young-hoon Hyung-nim. Besides, there is no guarantee that you will put us back together after dismantling us, right? I can't just let it happen willingly."
"..."
"Can we not...explain what the Heavenly Venerable of Time gave us through words?"
"How laughable. You think you can explain the wisdom implanted in you by the Heavenly Venerable with words? Do not look down...on the Heavenly Venerable of Time."
Surung—
"We must leave. Especially I...must leave this world."
The eyes of the Heavenly Venerable of Emptiness are deeper and darker than ever before.
"Because we Heavenly Venerables...to the point of desperately seeking death...are being forced into eternity by Mount Sumeru. Therefore...even if it means dismantling you, I will obtain Time's clue and leave this world."
Shukak!
With the ensuing dance of the Heavenly Venerable of the Void, I feel my entire body being dismantled.
Barely managing to restore my body with the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, I begin to face the dance of emptiness.
A golden Peng senses the killing intent and flies towards us.
Kieeeeek!
Yet in an instant, Kim Young-hoon turns to dust, like me, from Hyeon Mu's dance.
The golden Peng Kim Young-hoon restores his body and charges in.
I look at the Heavenly Venerable of the Void.
'Emptiness...'
In her eyes, an 'emotion' more vivid than ever can be seen. That emotion is a desire more powerful than anything else for suicide.
Seeing this, I feel...
That the Heavenly Venerables somehow seem like livestock trapped in a pen.
The dance she performs seems like...
The mournful cry of an animal confined in a pen.
Kieeeeeeek!
Thus, in the world of chaos, we suddenly find ourselves confronting the Heavenly Venerable, who is crying out, trapped in a pen.
-x-X-x-
The first clash.
My entire body contorts and twists as I am flung away.
"Kuheok!"
In that brief moment, Kim Young-hoon splits in half.
However, it isn't just a one-sided attack.
Hyeon Mu chuckles.
Her shoulder.
A distinct sword mark remains there.
At the same time, her ankle is grazed by a faint golden saber scar.
"It's lacking."
Hyeon Mu gazes at us with hollow eyes and begins to dance with a smirk.
Kururung!
With every movement she makes, the surrounding flow gradually changes.
'This is...!'
The world of infinite chaos that seems to allow no rules begins to form a circle in accordance with Hyeon Mu's dance.
'This is dangerous!'
I feel it instinctively.
Hyeon Mu must not be allowed to continue that dance!
I rush towards Hyeon Mu with Kim Young-hoon.
Is it the connection of hearts, or perhaps mere coincidence?
Kim Young-hoon, despite having lost his sense of self, matches my movements to attack Hyeon Mu from both front and back.
Kieeeeeee!
The cry of a Peng is heard.
Surpassing Radiant Genesis Form.
First Style.
Golden Wing Defiles the Light!
Severing Heaven Sword Form.
Second Form.
Treading Heaven!
The Colorless Glass Sword leaves my hand, becoming a flying sword like a streak of light, and Kim Young-hoon's wing turns into a golden saber, cutting into the circle drawn by Hyeon Mu.
Kigik!
I twist the flow, and Kim Young-hoon's saber scar completely severs the twisted flow.
Tukwang!
Hyeon Mu's dance stops.
Shiver!
However, an indescribable foreboding causes me to distance myself from Hyeon Mu.
Kim Young-hoon seems to feel the same, retreating with me, or rather, before me.
Shiring, shiring—
An eerie sound from somewhere tears through the fabric of chaos.
[If this had been a sparring match for juniors...I would have just reflected you as you are. But this time, the circumstances are different.]
Hyeon Mu's whole body is wrapped in black bandages.
And at the end of those bandages hang what appear to be tens, hundreds, thousands of weapons.
[Try to withstand this. This is everything I have accumulated, Myriad Martial Weapons and Arts (萬武萬式).]
"...!"
Hyeon Mu's will seems to penetrate and resound throughout the entire world of chaos.
Just facing that will alone, a powerful wisdom flows in.
[I will show you.]
True Martial Arts.
[Dance of Emptiness.]
First Dance.
[Fierce Battle of Ten Thousand Devils (萬魔熱戰).]
Shiririririk!
The countless weapons thought to be wrapped in black bandages suddenly turn into black snakes.
Shrakakakang!
Thousands of snakes sweep over us.
'This is crazy...!'
The countless weapons each vividly form their own shapes, completely reversing the flow of chaos.
As chaos tears apart, Heaven and Earth start begin to divide.
Jjeeong!
The martial arts Hyeon Mu unfolds have so many forms that they appear formless.
'The world...'
I gaze at the world of chaos that has just been torn apart.
By Hyeon Mu's single move, the world where Qi, Soul, and Fate were intermixed becomes [established].
Though it may not be the normal environment that mortal beings think of, the surrounding area transforms into a space akin to just after the creation of a typical Heavenly Domain.
'Insane...'
It is as if she established a space using only the flow of her martial doctrine within chaos.
Shiriririk—
Together with Kim Young-hoon, I look at something hissing in the center of this newly created space.
It is thousands of black snakes.
The snakes flick their tongues, glaring at us.
The moment I come to my senses,
The snakes suddenly leave our perception domain and are instantly upon us.
I quickly reveal the form of Candle Shadow.
Transforming into the half-human, half-beast form, I overlap the Wheel and the Three Great Ultimates.
Twisting history through the Wheel to unleash infinite power, I begin to resist Hyeon Mu's martial doctrine.
But...
It is useless.
'Damn it...!'
I am crumbling.
The illusion of innumerable weapons in the shape of snakes overwhelms me with countless martial doctrines and martial arts.
My entire body is collapsing.
Kim Young-hoon is the same.
The golden Peng and the hazy Candle Dragon are melting in the swamp filled with black snakes.
'Is this...the end?'
It's just when I think so.
"More..."
A faint voice comes from the golden Peng, whom I thought had lost its will.
"More...!"
Shukwang!
With that, a golden saber light sweeps away the swarm of black snakes.
"More...!!!"
It is Kim Young-hoon.
'Ah...'
"Give me more!!"
It isn't the golden Peng.
He, despite being disintegrated by Hyeon Mu, is returning to the form of a human.
"It is still not enough!!"
He is a bird of golden light.
But at the same time, he is also a dignified martial artist.
He seems to be transforming from a golden bird into a human.
With each and every move he makes, golden feathers seem to scatter from his arms and legs.
'How...are you able to do that?'
I quietly watch Kim Young-hoon as he deflects Hyeon Mu's attacks at the forefront.
'How can you stand proudly against this absurd god's martial doctrine?'
I see something around Kim Young-hoon.
The golden feathers falling from him are disintegrating into golden dust and enveloping him.
'In front of this incomprehensible infinite flow, how...are you doing this?'
Then, as if reading my thoughts, Kim Young-hoon turns around.
Our eyes meet.
"...Is there not a path? Then just walk it."
After throwing that brief remark, Kim Young-hoon turns back around.
"At the end of the path...I only hope what I desire is there."
'There is...a path?'
I understand immediately.
The realm Hyeon Mu has reached, and where she stands.
Since someone has reached it, the path exists.
So he is simply walking it.
Kim Young-hoon, holding his golden saber, begins to fly.
The darkness tears apart.
Along with it, the bodies of the thousands of snakes that Hyeon Mu used to envelop us are torn apart.
At the source of the snakes.
I sense Hyeon Mu giving a slight smile.
[Have you taken the first step?]
Flash!
I feel like I'm about to cry.
He has reached it.
A golden halo rises behind him.
As I look at that halo, I gain [wisdom].
Triple Divinity (三神性).
First Divinity (第一性),
Brahma Nature (梵性).
[Editor: In Hinduism, Brahma is considered to be the Creator among the three Supreme Divinities (the Trimurti). In Buddhism, Brahma is considered to be a celestial being but not the creator, and was said to have been the one to convince the Buddha to teach the dharma after he attained enlightenment.]
The first aspect of Triple Divinity.
The nature of Creation (創造).
Kim Young-hoon moves.
His saber mark begins to rise, reversing the world Hyeon Mu created within chaos.
'The intent...'
A perfect circle has appeared behind Kim Young-hoon.
The realm I call Severing Heaven, and Hyeon Mu calls Udumbara.
Within that circle, a single light blooms.
'Reversing the world...and creating something new...!'
Kim Young-hoon's saber scar begins to dye the universe.
Transcending light, his saber scar seems to swallow the world like mist, and in an instant, the primordial world created by Hyeon Mu changes its form.
Kwarurururu!
It becomes a world where the power of golden light flows like a waterfall.
Kim Young-hoon has dyed the world Hyeon Mu created with his saber scar, establishing his own world.
Tadat!
Kim Young-hoon raises the golden saber in front of me, casting a glance in my direction.
Smirk!
He gives a faint smile and raises the saber to point at Hyeon Mu.
In the world Kim Young-hoon has established, something black and curled begins to rotate.
The martial arts of Hyeon Mu, taking the form of countless snakes, start becoming a storm.
True Martial Arts.
[Dance of Emptiness. The second movement...]
Second Dance.
Hyeon Mu's will resonates throughout Kim Young-hoon's entire world.
[Blood Trace of Subduing Devils (伏魔血蹟).]
Chwararararak!
Hyeon Mu's will injects wisdom into us.
It is the wisdom of fear.
Around her, thousands of weapons rotate, forming a black sphere.
The next moment, a black river begins to flow in various places of the golden world Kim Young-hoon has seized.
The river, originating from the black sphere, is composed of droplets that are each a Gang Sphere.
The river made of Gang Spheres engulfs the entire world and begins to batter us.
Kurururung!
A storm starts to rage.
Swaaaaaaa!
Rain made of Gang Spheres strikes against us.
Being at most lumps of Gang Qi, they should not affect me at all. However, as I see my Immortal Beast True Blood rumbling and bursting each time a droplet hits me, I frown.
Kim Young-hoon looks up at the golden sky.
Before long, the river of black water emanating from Hyeon Mu has transformed into dark clouds covering the sky, pouring down black streams from above.
It seems as if the entire world is weeping black blood.
The world becomes contaminated by Hyeon Mu's river.
It appears as if Hyeon Mu is writing sentences in black blood.
"Using the clue you gave me and in order to reach the realm called Severing Heaven, I learned cultivation methods and rose to the Heavenly Being stage through Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation. And...by becoming a Heavenly Being Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation practitioner through cultivation methods, I came to understand. That this thing called Martial Arts is futile. Realizing that everything is merely borrowed from Heaven and Earth...is how I reached Severing Heaven."
Shiring, shiring, shiriring—
Saber scars begin to form around Kim Young-hoon.
He wields his saber at a speed even I can't perceive, merely looking as if saber scars are flickering around him.
"But...after reaching Severing Heaven, meeting that Hyeon Mu, and receiving training in Martial Arts, I came to realize. Look, Seo Eun-hyun!"
"...!"
A light like the morning sunlight bursts forth from Kim Young-hoon.
But it is not light.
Each and every ray is Kim Young-hoon's Gang Qi.
Though it's merely Gang Qi, I have no choice but to doubt my eyes.
I have no choice but to doubt.
Because my entire body is torn apart by mere Gang Qi, and each ray of light bursts Hyeon Mu's droplets of Gang Sphere!
"Heaven and Earth (天地) is the universe? I, too, am a small universe (小宇宙)!"
"...!"
"Being born from Heaven and Earth does not make us separate! We too, are Heaven and Earth itself! It is not borrowing. It is proudly using and uniting Heaven and Earth within myself. That is precisely..."
The rays emanating from Kim Young-hoon grow thicker.
The quantity of Gang Qi he exudes is increasing even more.
'Crazy...!'
A body merely at the Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation Heavenly Being stage.
Merely at the realm of the Lower Boundary with cultivation methods, Kim Young-hoon is emitting light akin to the Sun from that small body.
In a body no different from dust compared to my true body, he is producing enough Gang Qi to destroy the world, even if it is just Gang Qi!
Flash!
Light bursts forth.
At the same time, the black rivers created by Hyeon Mu all evaporate.
No, they didn't evaporate.
Kim Young-hoon, with an absurd level of Gang Qi, burst each and every Gang Sphere in the rivers.
Kim Young-hoon's Gang Qi engulfs the golden world.
The only one who can move in this world is Kim Young-hoon.
That's when it happens.
True Martial Arts.
Dance of Emptiness.
Hyeon Mu's will resonates in Kim Young-hoon's world.
[The third movement...]
Chills!
Kim Young-hoon erases his smile and looks forward.
[I will show you. The teaching I imparted while dual cultivating with the Great Mountain Supreme Deity... If I only had the energy to dig a bit deeper at that time, it would have been a single strike that could have killed Them.]
I feel my body trembling.
This is dangerous.
It doesn't seem like something Kim Young-hoon, who has only obtained the first nature of Triple Divinity, can withstand.
I, who hasn't even attained Kim Young-hoon's level of enlightenment, don't dare think I can stand before it.
I'm scared!
However, I confront that fear head-on and advance, dragging my trembling arms and legs forward.
Piercing through the Gang Qi of the world Kim Young-hoon has seized, I stand beside him.
Kikigik!
The Three Great Ultimates rise behind me.
Neither the Wheel nor anything else rises.
I don't need the power of Candle Shadow or the power of a Vestige Liberation Immortal.
No, having just taken the aftermath of Kim Young-hoon's strike, it doesn't seem like I can use the realms of Immortal Cultivation I have accumulated.
What remains now is merely the strength of a second-rate expert.
Even if I squeeze the Three Great Ultimates, it would only yield the strength of a peak expert.
But it doesn't matter.
Even that much is more than enough.
'Now I understand.'
Watching the exchange between Kim Young-hoon and Hyeon Mu, I realised.
At first, it seemed like a terrifying high level of combat, but I can tell.
What they are using...are all martial doctrines that I understand.
'I can do it too.'
I begin to reflect myself with intent.
The history I have accumulated, the futures I will walk towards, and the present moment where I stand are all reflected in my eyes.
"...I prophesize, and also revise..."
I squeeze out nonexistent energy and use prophecy and revision.
The prophecy and revision is applied to the [myself] I have accumulated.
"What I have accumulated...will not betray me."
Due to that prophecy and revision, even the peak master-level strength I had drops, leaving me with only ordinary human strength.
Nothingness that is devoid of existence!
Within that nothingness, I take a step forward with a faint smile.
'Now I understand.'
Intent.
Heart.
Heart Essence.
The power of the Heart Tribe...
It is not nothing.
All the powers that interpret the world can ultimately be called Martial Arts.
Of course, it can only interpret and do nothing else...
But perhaps, that alone is enough.
Flash!
All the enlightenment accumulated through the Heaven Tribe, Earth Tribe, and Heart Tribe interlock.
They present me with three possibilities held within my will (意) and thought (念)
[TL Notes: 意 + 念 = 意念, which means intent.]
All intents and hearts of all phenomena are interpreted in three ways.
Creation, Preservation, Destruction.
[Editor: The aforementioned Trimurti (three Supreme Divinities) in Hinduism is composed of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, who are the gods of creation, preservation, and destruction respectively.]
Three streams of light are infused into the Three Great Ultimates I raise.
Brahma Nature (梵性).
Narayana Nature (那羅延性).
Mahesvara Nature (大自在性).
Triple Divinity (三神性) is infused into the Three Great Ultimates.
Together with Kim Young-hoon, I gaze at the wave of countless weapons rushing toward us.
: : Annihilation (滅) Advancement (進). : :
Dance of Emptiness, the third dance.
The ultimate move of Annihilation Advancement (滅進) becomes a wave of black snakes crashing down on us.
With her single move, the world becomes destroyed.
Kim Young-hoon and I each take a step forward.
One sword, one saber extends forward and shines.
The Three Great Ultimates behind me becomes pure white and glows, while the halo behind Kim Young-hoon becomes a golden sunlight supporting him.
The two rays of light merge into one, enduring within Hyeon Mu's wave.
Heaven and Earth collapse.
An enormous roar sweeps over us and passes by.
The golden world created by Hyeon Mu and overlaid by Kim Young-hoon's own establishment disappears without a trace.
We have returned to the Outer Sea of chaos.
"Hyung-nim!"
I reach out towards Kim Young-hoon with my battered body.
Kim Young-hoon meets my gaze, nods, and quickly flies through the chaos to grab my shoulder.
As we roughly hold onto each other, we leap towards the shape of Mount Sumeru visible in the distance.
Behind us, the light of the Triple Divinity each of us realized blooms.
How long do I focus my mind on that light of the Triple Divinity?
At last, within the rays of light, we cross vast spacetime and re-enter inside Mount Sumeru.
We succeeded in surviving Hyeon Mu's move.
We also fully confirmed each other's enlightenments.
Now is the time to flee.
"Heok...! Heok...!"
I sprang up from my spot as if waking from a dream.
It's the familiar underground of a planet.
In front of me, Hyeon Mu meditates with her eyes closed, and beside me, Kim Young-hoon has appeared without my noticing.
"...Let's go quickly before she catches up."
"Alright."
Us exiting Mount Sumeru was merely borrowing Hyeon Mu's consciousness through dual cultivation to project incarnations outside.
However her power is so immense that just the clones created from her consciousness was enough to wield the strength of our main bodies. It can be seen how powerful Hyeon Mu's power is just from that.
Shwick!
Kim Young-hoon swiftly beheads Hyeon Mu, who has not yet retrieved her consciousness from the Outer Sea, and speaks.
"Do you have a way to escape? If not, hold onto my clothes. Right now, I think I might be able to make it through a Heavenly Domain just by running!"
"I appreciate the through, but I have something better. Jeon Myeong-hoon! Golden Shaking Bird!"
It is when I call out to them.
Kwarururung!
Red lightning swept over us, and we are instantly transported into the Great Desolate Path.
It is only after obtaining Triple Divinity that I realize.
'The Good Sight Heavenly Domain is...essentially managed by Hyeon Mu.'
I can vividly feel Hyeon Mu's will pervading this Heavenly Domain.
If we stay here, we will inevitably be captured again.
"For now, quickly move to another Heavenly Domain! As long as it's not the Heavenly King or Sun and Moon, anywhere is fine! Anywhere!"
The Great Desolate Path activates, and we begin moving again via the domain of thunder and lightning.
Thus, Kim Young-hoon and I reunite after thousands of years, awaken to a new realm of Martial Arts, and head towards a new Heavenly Domain.
Outer Sea.
There, Hyeon Mu, having transformed into a human form, recalls the recent events.
"...I see. Time... You have already set things in motion through Yeong Seung. The split soul of Yeong Seung in Seo Eun-hyun's possession...is that your answer? Do not worry...for I will let you live."
Recalling the prophecy planted in Seo Eun-hyun by the Heavenly Venerable of Time without anyone knowing, she smiles faintly.
"So, it's just a matter of waiting, is it? Huhu... There was no need for dismantling, huh. It is fortunate I did not end up ruining promising juniors."
She laughs clearly, thinking of Seo Eun-hyun and Kim Young-hoon from just moments ago.
'Kim Young-hoon has completely grasped Brahma Nature. He has fully taken a step forward. But Seo Eun-hyun...'
She chuckles as if finding it a bit incredulous.
'Crazy. Brahma Nature, Narayana Nature, and Mahesvara Nature...he comprehended it all at once? That is quite something. However...it is shallow.'
She recalls the light behind Kim Young-hoon and the light imbued in Seo Eun-hyun's Three Great Ultimates.
The three lights within Seo Eun-hyun's Three Great Ultimates were very small and faint compared to the one light supporting Kim Young-hoon.
It was only because there were three divinities that Seo Eun-hyun's brightness seemed similar.
'He should train in the opposite way of Kim Young-hoon. Although he has stepped into all three of Triple Divinity, unlike Kim Young-hoon, he hasn't gained control of even one... Huhu, I look forward to it. Regardless of what happened, having stepped into Triple Divinity without order all at once, if he masters them all...will the first user of Triple Divinity not specialized in any nature appear for the first time?'
Recalling her True Martial Arts, specialized in destruction, and Kim Young-hoon's True Martial Arts, specialized in creation, Hyeon Mu thinks of Seo Eun-hyun's Three Great Ultimates and Triple Divinity.
'Obtaining the Three Great Ultimates without order...is this not the first in the universe? Whether his True Martial Arts will not be specialised in any creation, preservation, or destruction...or if it will be specialised in everything...I am curious.'
Hyeon Mu envisions the future Seo Eun-hyun and Kim Young-hoon.
"...Anyway, since both have stepped into Triple Divinity, neither should die easily. I shall wait. In the distant domain of the void...until you come to kill me..."
Holding hope for the two beings who might be capable of killing her, Hyeon Mu severs her own neck and commits suicide in the world of chaos.
Hyeon Mu's body soon transforms into deep darkness and is reabsorbed into Mount Sumeru.