I grasp onto my consciousness as it begins to blur.
'Ah...'
Everything feels like a dream.
All the colors of the world disappear, and I begin to separate from reality.
Now, my return to the past is about to begin.
Wo-woong!
From afar, the Underworld seems to be pulling me in, but since my spirit prioritizes the reversal of time, I gradually drift further away from the world.
My soul is transcending spacetime.
However, I sense that something is different about this regression.
'This is...'
Guguguk!
'I see.'
As I rose to Heaven Upper Immortal, I also rose to the position of Heaven Earth Upper Immortal.
Something appears before my eyes.
Heaven Immortal, the light symbolizing the pathway of fate.
Earth Immortal, the light symbolizing the pathway of history.
Great Mountain, the light symbolizing the Immortal Dao of Repentant Enlightenment.
'When I reached Earth Upper Immortal before...'
The light of the pathway of history and the light of my Immortal Dao merged, forming a Taiji.
But now, the lights representing Heaven Immortal, Earth Immortal, and the Immortal Dao under the Great Mountain Supreme Deity's Seat intertwine, forming a pattern familiar to me.
'Three Great Ultimates...?'
The three forces intertwine, appearing before my eyes in a familiar shape.
Yet, for some reason, a strange sensation creeps over me.
'It's not enough... Something is missing...!'
Wiiiiiing!
The Three Great Ultimates, which serve as a [bowl] that I created during the Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation of the Entering Nirvana stage, overlap with the Immortal Dao's Three Great Ultimates.
The planes of Fate, Qi, and Soul, which I had seized, absorbs the Heaven Earth Upper Immortal and the Immortal Dao's Seat, merging entirely.
As the two Three Great Ultimates completely merge, they finally form a proper Immortal Dao Three Great Ultimates.
'I feel like something has been filled...but it's still not enough...!'
At the very moment I realize this, I perceive something else.
It is Triple Divinity.
Brahma Nature, Narayana Nature, Mahesvara Nature.
Instinctively, I feel that these too must overlap with the Three Great Ultimates before me.
'If I merge them...it feels like something huge will happen...'
However, I suddenly realize that I don't know how to merge Triple Divinity with the newly formed 'Immortal Dao Three Great Ultimates'.
'Back when the Three Great Ultimates was just a 'bowl', I could roughly pour in it.'
After all, I had only seized the planes of Qi, Soul, and Fate, not truly wielded them as authority.
Since I wasn't truly imprinting my own prophecy and revision upon the planes I seized, it hadn't been a problem to substitute Triple Divinity in their place.
But now, the Three Great Ultimates of the planes I have seized contain Heaven, Earth, and the Immortal Dao's seat.
I can no longer simply add something else. The bowl is full.
If I truly wish to merge Triple Divinity, then each of Triple Divinity must perfectly correspond to the positions of Heaven, Earth, and Heart.
'But no, they don't match.'
Creation, Preservation, Destruction.
How do these align with Qi, Soul, and Fate!
How do they correspond at all!!??
It's when I fall into confusion.
Hwiiiiiiiiiii!
I suddenly see something flying towards me from the depths of the Underworld, which had been pulling me in.
'That is...!'
They are familiar taenghwa.
The taenghwa depicting the five Enders—Kim Young-hoon, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Kang Min-hee, Oh Hyun-seok, and Kim Yeon—fly towards me and are absorbed into my body.
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld has once again placed the taenghwa within the regressing me.
And just when their taenghwa settle inside me.
'Ah...'
Somehow, I feel like I understand.
Kiriririk!
The Triple Divinity begins to rotate in the void.
Triple Divinity is, ultimately, the extreme manifestation of the essence of my intent.
'Let's...rotate it.'
Creation, Preservation, Destruction.
The cycle of recreation repeats as I rapidly rotate the Triple Divinity.
The spinning Triple Divinity soon transforms into a single, pure white light.
'This is it...'
The moment the taenghwa settled within me,
I don't know why, but I could understand that [this] is how it must be.
Whether it is the guidance of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld or the wisdom contained within the taenghwa themselves, I cannot tell.
All I know is that an indescribable enlightenment surged through my mind, compelling me to rotate the Triple Divinity and unify it into one.
And so, I fuse the unified Triple Divinity into the 'Immortal Dao Three Great Ultimates'.
Paaaatt!
In the achromatic world just before my regression—
The Three Great Ultimates before my eyes is dyed pure-white.
It is a color that reflects all light.
The moment I recognize this, I realize that the time I just spent merging the Three Great Ultimates into one has surpassed any ordinary short span of time.
I have transcended even the fractions of time of sal (絲/silk), hol (忽/sudden), mi (微/tiny), and seom (纖/thin).
[Editor: These are traditional Chinese numbers. 絲 corresponds to 10^-4, 忽 to 10^-5, 微 to 10^-6, and 纖 to 10^-7. In this case they can reasonably be interpreted as metric prefixes for seconds.]
Perhaps, it even seems as if time has been divided down to the realms of infinitely small units, such as blink of an eye (瞬息), snap of a finger (彈指), fleeting instant (刹那/kṣaṇa), six virtues (六德), and void (虛空).
[TL/N: These are all Buddhist terms used to describe very small moments in time. Six virtues (六德), for example, when used as a number, means 10^-19. Blink of an eye (瞬息) as a number is 10^-16.]
In that infinitesimal instant, I complete the pure-white Three Great Ultimates and recognize something.
'Ahhhhhh...'
The white Three Great Ultimates is reflecting light.
It is not just physical light.
All the rules and laws of this world.
Beyond that, it even resists the authority of my regression.
The moment I realize this, my mind snaps into focus.
'It's resisting...the regression...!'
Gigigigigik!
Time is trying to rewind.
But I now understand that I can resist this reversal.
As soon as I realize this, I pour all of my willpower into the pure-white Three Great Ultimates.
'I must...I must...!'
Resist the regression!
'I will sever it!!'
Searing my soul with the thought of having obtained the starting point of severing regression, I focus on the Three Great Ultimates.
'Regression...!'
Like this...
I don't want to return like this.
Dying is unfair, but if I plead with the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, I might be able to live.
Like this...
I refuse to let my entire life be denied like this!
In this world drained of color, I pour all my strength into resisting the immense force trying to drag me into the past, declaring my will to remain in this timeline.
'Don't make me laugh...!'
O regression!
This time, you will not take me so easily!
Kwadududududuk!
In my dying state, I resist the regression.
However, because I'm resisting the regression, I fail to resist being dragged towards the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
Before I know it, my soul connects to the Underworld.
Kururururung!
'Time...is still flowing.'
Beyond the Underworld, the battlefield of the Imperial Kings comes into view.
The Liberation Supreme Deity and the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity joined hands and are waging war against Radiance Hall.
In an instant, the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord and the Great Forest Heavenly Lord are sent flying.
The Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity is truly formidable.
In an instant, half of Mount Sumeru becomes engulfed in lightning, and the lightning intertwines, forming a distinct shape.
It is a banner.
The banner of the Heavenly Lightning Banner covers all of Mount Sumeru.
That terrifying thing is the true power of Zhengli.
Spears of lightning begin piercing through the Heavenly Domains, leaving gaping holes in their wake.
The inner seas between the Heavenly Domains overturn and boil.
Belatedly, the Great Forest Heavenly Lord and the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord rejoin the Radiance Eight Immortals.
But...in the end, Yang Ji-hwang does not join them.
Ultimately, the Great Forest Heavenly Lord and the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord hurriedly engage the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity, seemingly discussing something among themselves. Then, the seven of them create something.
The symbol of [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] appears very faintly, almost imperceptibly, behind them.
That is the end.
Paaaaaaat!
The entire Three Heavens Great Thousand Worlds is engulfed in light.
The Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity and the Liberation Supreme Deity as well.
'Ah...'
It is over.
I don't know why, but I instinctively feel that it is.
Inside that light, lightning and the [circuit] of star veins still flicker...
But for some reason, I feel as though those two will lose.
That's how overwhelming the light that emerged after the Radiance Supreme Deity's symbol is.
Kigigigigik!
As I witness the battle between the Radiance Supreme Deity and the two Supreme Deities, I gradually realize that this monochrome world is being covered in color.
My spirit, which has momentarily transcended spacetime due to regression, continues resisting until the end and begins to settle into this timeline!
'Aaaaaah...!'
Just as I am overcome with emotion.
Pastststststs—
'...?'
I suddenly notice that I am only one of the many spirits being dragged into the Underworld.
Countless souls are flowing deep into the Underworld.
Among them, I see familiar faces.
Most notably are the True Immortals of the Flying Immortal Alliance affiliated with Radiance Hall, who were massacred by Yang Ji-hwang, and Maek Jin.
Maek Jin appears utterly exhausted, wearing a bitter and vacant expression.
[Maek Jin.]
I call out to him as he stares blankly.
[Do not grieve too much. After all...you lived doing everything you could.]
[...]
Maek Jin gazes at me with unfocused eyes.
[You speak as if you've died many times before.]
[Haha...]
[...Well, Earth Upper Immortals often remember their past lives, so maybe that's why. Huhu...I lived doing everything I could, huh. But...I was betrayed by what I had believed in my whole life.]
[...]
It is exactly as he says.
From my perspective, it is somewhat welcome news that the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord gained a heart. But from his perspective, the divine being he worshiped his entire life bestowed their heart upon a mere mortal.
[Senior Purple Gold was right... Radiance Hall was just...a gathering of madmen all along...]
With an exhausted expression, Maek Jin mutters as he sinks into the darkness.
Watching him, an indescribable emotion wells up within me.
[...Seo Eun-hyun.]
Maek Jin looks at me with a drained face and speaks.
[You seem to be acquainted with the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld. Am I right?]
[...Something like that.]
[From what I see, you are likely one of the candidates for a Reaper of the Underworld. You were an Earth Upper Immortal when we first met as well...I also saw you offer light directly to the God of Death at the very end... If you can directly offer to the God of Death, then perhaps you might even be a candidate for a Judge...]
[...]
[I have a request. Guarantee my afterlife. At the very least, grant me the potential to aim for the Star Shattering stage in my next life...]
[...That is...]
[As meager as it may be as payment, I will tell you the ultimate goal of the Radiance Eight Immortals and the true will of the Radiance Supreme Deity that I heard from the Fallen Guiding Envoy of the Final Age of Dharma, Senior Purple Gold Heavenly Lord... Consider it an advance payment. I had intended to keep it secret until the end, but seeing that even the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord who should uphold fairness has been corrupted, I no longer feel any loyalty to Radiance Hall...]
[...!]
My eyes widen at his words.
And before I can even deny that I am a candidate for a Judge.
Maek Jin reveals to me the ultimate goal of the Radiance Eight Immortals and the true will of the Radiance Supreme Deity.
Upon hearing the true secret of Radiance Hall from Maek Jin, my jaw drops in sheer shock and my eyes nearly bulge from their sockets.
[Th-That...That's absolute madness...]
[Kukukuk... What do you think? Are they not just a gathering of lunatics? Those of Radiance Hall...]
[...Why in the world...did you ever swear loyalty to Radiance Hall? No, if this is true, then why did the other True Immortals...?]
[This is a truth that even most of the True Immortals and Great Net Immortals of Radiance Hall do not know. They only possess the distorted information fed to them by the Radiance Eight Immortals. The only one who uncovered the truth was the Fallen Guiding Envoy of the Final Age of Dharma, Senior Purple Gold Heavenly Lord, who had infiltrated Radiance Hall as an agent of the Underworld from the very beginning... Aside from me, only a select few among the Envoys of the Final Age of Dharma know this truth.]
After whispering this terrifying secret to me, Maek Jin, looking strangely relieved, begins sinking deeper into the darkness.
[The reason I remained loyal to Radiance Hall despite knowing that insane truth...was because, in the end, I believed that the ultimate goal of the Radiance Eight Immortals was impossible, an objective that will never be achieved, and nothing more than a hollow utopia.
[It is merely the delusion of dreamers... That is why, despite knowing their true will, I dedicated my entire life to following the justice of Radiance Hall, as they contributed to correcting justice in the world.]
At last, Maek Jin completely vanishes into the darkness, closing his eyes.
[I have pursued justice all my life. I have strived for a world where the strong cannot recklessly abuse the weak with unchecked tyranny...But...it was all meaningless.]
Pasasasasa—
Thus, the Envoy of the Final Age of Dharma candidate of Radiance Hall, the Great Net Immortal Maek Jin, enters eternal rest that day.
[Life is but a fleeting spring dream...]
As I watch Maek Jin slip into slumber, I am engulfed in shock, confusion, and an emotion I cannot quite define.
And at that moment—
Pasasak!
"...!"
I finally realize that the Three Great Ultimates, which have been providing the force that allowed me to resist regression, have at last reached their limit.
Kiriririririk!
'Dammit...'
The recently completed pure-white Three Great Ultimates contains enough power to annihilate the Thirty-Three Heavenly Resplendent Treasure Immortals in a single strike.
Even so, it only manages to resist regression for no more than the brief moment needed to listen to Maek Jin's lamentations.
Kiriririk!
Once again, the world is covered in achromatic tones.
'Again...I am returning in the end... To sever regression, is an overwhelming power beyond comparison necessary...?'
I let out a small sigh as I watch the completely wrung dry Three Great Ultimates be reabsorbed into me.
I have glimpsed hope for breaking free from regression.
However, this much is far from enough.
Only a power bordering on the infinite would allow me to sever regression.
With that thought, I surrender my spirit to the force of regression.
Wo-woooong!
The power of the Underworld seems to try and grasp me, but even though I have ventured quite deep into its depths, the force of regression clings to me, leaving beyond spacetime.
Just then,
From the deepest depths of the Underworld,
The emblem of [White Wheel] emerges, and something is launched towards me.
Jjeooooong!
It is a silver-white light.
'Th-This is...!'
It is the light I had offered!
The light seeps ever so naturally into my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections before returning to me once again.
The will of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld resounds in my ears.
: : It has been long since I received something greater, so this, you may keep. : :
With those final words, my regression begins.
Chwararararak!
As I rise against the flow of the Source River, I try to interpret the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld's words.
'Something greater? What in the world does that mean? Well...it can't be helped.'
Regardless, this is a fortunate turn of events.
Cradling the precious lights I cultivated through my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections, I gaze up at the [Black Sky].
'Last time, I saw the symbols of nine Governing Immortals.'
Now, it is time to identify all the Governing Immortals embedded in that sky.
[White Wheel], Western Heavenly Venerable, Netherworld Queen Mother.
[Six Interconnected Stars], Southern Heavenly Venerable, True Ultimate Eternal Life Great Emperor, Cheon Woon.
[Transparent Seed], Eastern Heavenly Venerable, Flower Monarch, Gwan Myeong.
[Blackened Three Great Ultimates], Northern Heavenly Venerable, True Martial Great Emperor, Hyeon Mu.
[Lightning Spear], Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity, Do Gon.
[Bird Trapped In A Cage], Liberation Supreme Deity, Bong Myeong.
[Black Sun], Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity, Hyeon Ryul.
[Taiji In The Shape Of A Fetus], Naming Supreme Deity, Hyeon Rang.
[Mountain Exuding Darkness], Great Mountain Supreme Deity, Gwak Am.
I have identified the symbols of all nine Governing Immortals.
What remains is...
Only the symbol and name of [the existence with only a ring, without a seat].
I fix my gaze upon [the empty seat with only a ring], situated beyond the domain of the Heavenly Venerables and among the Supreme Deities.
Jiiiiiing!
Immediately after, a searing pain, as if my eyeballs are about to burst, overtakes my head.
Unlike the other Governing Immortals, the sense that something about this presence is utterly beyond grips me.
Just looking at it fills me with horror and agony.
Yet, beyond the pain, I finally discern the symbol and name of the last Supreme Deity in the [Black Sky].
[Sun and Moon Pair Of Eyes]
Emptiness Supreme Deity (虛空上帝) Myeong Woon (命運)
That's right.
The empty seat, with only a ring, belongs to the Emptiness Supreme Deity Myeong Woon.
I, who had always assumed the remaining seat belonged to the Radiance Supreme Deity, lift my head to the sky with a dazed expression.
'What...?'
Indeed.
The symbol of [Black Snake Biting Its Tail], as well as the name of the Radiance Supreme Deity, Heuk Sa.
None of it is anywhere to be seen.
'The Radiance Supreme Deity...isn't here?'
Still shaken from Maek Jin's revelation, I find myself struck by yet another shocking truth, and for now, I lift my head and gaze back at the sky.
No information on the Radiance Supreme Deity can be obtained.
Then, only one thing remains.
'H-Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld. At least the true name of the Western Heavenly Venerable Netherworld Queen Mother...'
I look at the sky once more, seeking to know the [name] of the Western Heavenly Venerable Netherworld Queen Mother.
But before I can uncover the true name of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, a pain, as if my eyeballs are about to burst, floods my senses and forces me to groan.
And before I can fully read the wisdom of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld,
Paaaaaaaaatt!
At last, the first day of the 1004th cycle welcomes me.
The familiar domain of purity.
Within this domain, at some point, I snap back to my senses.
"Heeeok! Heok..."
It is the familiar scenery of the True Immortal Realm.
Paaaatt!
As soon as I welcome my 1004th life, I simultaneously immediately descend to the Lower Realm.
"Oh, Master...congratula—"
From the familiar altar, the Sacred Vessel stage Hong Fan flies towards me.
"Oh, yeah, yeah, Hong Fan. Good to see you. Wait inside for now."
Overwhelmed with chaotic information, I place Hong Fan into my internal world and begin racking my head.
"Emptiness Supreme Deity..."
I lift my head and look toward the [upper] reaches of the True Immortal Realm.
What appears [up] there are the reflections of the Governing Immortals that exist in the other Heavenly Domains of the True Immortal Realm.
That is why, although the Governing Immortals exist in their respective Heavenly Domains, they appear as if they reside up [there].
Then, I shift my gaze back [downward].
The vertex of Mount Sumeru.
The familiar world that exists there.
The Head Realm.
"Myeong Woon..."
At last, I understand.
I had roughly suspected it before, but...
Only today, after comprehending the power contained in the name of the Emptiness Supreme Deity Myeong Woon, do I finally feel 'certain.'
The Head Realm of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain is, in itself, an existence of the Emptiness Supreme Deity Myeong Woon.
And...
"The Radiance Supreme Deity..."
Feeling shaken by the bizarre truth I have uncovered, I look back up at the sky of the True Immortal Realm.
"Doesn't exist in this world...?"
Is it perhaps because I had read the true names of the Supreme Deities in the Black Sky during my regression?
Even the Seats floating in the sky of the True Immortal Realm are now somewhat interpretable to me.
Among them, the Radiance Supreme Deity still does not exist.
The Radiance Supreme Deity Heuk Sa.
The [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] does not exist anywhere in this Sumeru Three Heavens Great Thousand Worlds.
Paaaaaatt!
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord appears once again before my eyes filled with confusion.
It seems they are searching for me.
But unlike before, I do not panic. Instead, I hold my breath and stay still.
'The Immortal Title of Crystal Glass Being protects me. Sorry, but let's meet another time, Yang Ji...'
And then,
Clench!
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord stares straight at me and clenches my body with a hand of light.
"...??"
: : Caught you. Seo Eun-hyun. : :
"...Huh?"
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord stares at me more clearly than ever before, tightening their grip.
On the first day of regression,
I have been caught by the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.
-x-X-x-
: : Seo Eun-hyun. : :
Kududududuk!
"Kuuuuughk!"
An overwhelming force grips my body as if to crush it.
: : Speak. : :
I rack my brain, unable to comprehend.
'Just why!? Wasn't the Immortal Title of Crystal Glass Being safe from the gaze of light? What is this? Why? Why is the reaction different from my past life? Is it because I have risen to Heaven Upper Immortal? No, that's not it...!'
: : Through the bizarre authority of an Ender...how did you steal this Immortal's light? : :
"...!"
Only then do I understand why I was discovered immediately.
'Damn it!'
The light that the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld returned to me.
The light that I created in the past life through the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections!
That light must have belonged to the domain governed by the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.
'So...because I stole their light, they recognized it immediately.'
: : And also... : :
Wududuk!
The force of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord gripping me tightens even further.
: : What have you done to this Immortal? : :
Woo-woong!
I gaze at something that has settled within her.
It is...a powerful wave of intent.
Countless unknown, chaotic 'hearts' are dwelling within her.
Seeing this, my eyes widen.
'What is this? Why...?'
The emotions within her...
They are exactly the same as the heart of Yang Ji-hwang from my past life.
'This is strange...'
In the 'current moment', there is no reason for the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord to have such a heart.
'It's not like she realized I discovered her name, so why...?'
Thinking back, things had been strange since my past life.
In the past life, my encounter with the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord had been brief, and yet, in that short span of time, she had suddenly taken a liking to me.
Noticing this, I can only arrive at one conclusion.
'Is it...being passed down? Why...? How...? By what principle...?'
This has never happened before.
When I handed Buk Hyang-hwa the norigae of my tenth cycle, she displayed a powerful wave of intent.
After all, an artifact from the past life had returned to her.
'But in this life, I haven't given the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord anything?'
At the very least, if she had extracted and consumed the light within me, I could have understood.
But that didn't happen either.
She is simply revealing a powerful 'heart' to me out of nowhere.
'Underworld...'
I recall the words of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld on how They had 'received something greater'.
No matter how much I think about it, it's strange.
'Did the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld...do something?'
I have no way of knowing.
: : Speak! What have you done to this Immortal, and how can the curse you placed upon this Immortal be lifted!? : :
"...Curse...you say?"
Immediately after.
I raise the Pure-White Three Great Ultimates behind my back.
Kugugugugugu!
In an instant, an overwhelming force bursts from my body, briefly pushing back the grasp of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.
: : A futile effort... : :
But it seems the gap between me and the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord is undeniable, as even the power of the Pure-White Three Great Ultimates begins to be suppressed the moment she exerts a little more strength.
But it doesn't matter.
As long as there is even the slightest gap, I am confident I can escape.
"Heavenly Escape!"
Shukak!
I slice my own neck without hesitation and enter the domain of purity.
'This is different from before...'
I realize that I can maintain my consciousness in the domain of purity much more clearly than I could before.
'It must be thanks to this Three Great Ultimates imbued with Triple Divinity.'
Triple Divinity is protecting me within this domain of pure death.
I get the feeling that if I become even more proficient in handling Triple Divinity, I may one day be able to travel anywhere through suicide, just like Hyeon Mu.
'But I am not yet at the level where I can freely wander this place and traverse the entire world through the domain of purity like Hyeon Mu.'
I feel the urgent need to leave this domain.
If I remain here too long, I feel that I might truly die.
Chuhwak!
As I properly steady my mind, the contours of the world return, and a colorless world unfolds before my eyes.
It is a galaxy cluster, far from where the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord was.
Shururururuk...
The colorless world returns to its original state, and my body once again settles into this world.
"Huu..."
I have escaped from right under the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's nose using Heavenly Escape.
Kwaaaaaaang!
At that very moment, I see a massive explosion erupting in the distant galaxy cluster.
Everything caught in the blast turns into silver-white light and is absorbed into the core of the explosion.
The gaze of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, who has annihilated an entire galaxy cluster in an instant and returned (歸依) it to her, locks onto me.
Shiver!
I immediately retrieve Hong Fan from my internal world.
"Hong Fan! Go to the Head Realm and bring back the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect! If it's too dangerous as a Sacred Vessel, find someone in the Integration stage to act in your stead! Hurry! Just go for now!"
Before Hong Fan can say anything, I grab his shoulder with all my strength and hurl him far away.
Kugwagwagwang!
Hong Fan tears through the dimensional veil of the Astral Realm and flies beyond the Interdimensional Void towards the Head Realm.
Just then,
Chwararararak!
"...!"
I see the dimension moving before my eyes.
'This is...a dimensional veil...?'
It is a [band].
The bizarre 'band' formed from a dimensional veil semi-transparently allows the starlight of the universe to pass through.
Though I call it a 'band,' its width is vast enough to encompass six entire stellar systems, and its length stretches across the entire universe.
'This is...!'
Just when I notice this.
Paaaatt!
Silver-white light gleams through the 'band', and the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord appears before me.
I recognize the identity of that 'band'.
'That's a winged garment!?'
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's semi-transparent winged garment, made of a dimensional veil, has teleported her right before my eyes.
A fleeting instant.
From within that gap, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord extends a silver-white sword towards me.
It is Sword-Guided Star Rain.
That Sword-Guided Star Rain is imbued with prophecy. If I am struck, I will be impaled by the sword and pinned against the surface of the fixed star behind me, unable to escape.
'I can't let that happen!'
Sword-Guided Star Rain is fast.
Within a fleeting moment, it flies towards me at a speed surpassing light and reaches my chest in an instant.
Kiiiiiiing!
However, the Pure-White Three Great Ultimates turns.
The Triple Divinity dwelling within it aids me.
'I can see it.'
A fleeting moment.
I move just barely faster than the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's Sword-Guided Star Rain and sever my own neck.
Shukwang!
Once again, I use Heavenly Escape through suicide, escaping the grasp of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord once more.
Puhwak!
"Heok!"
I emerge from the domain of purity.
"This place is...!"
Interdimensional Void.
The Middle Realm region.
Woo-wooong!
Beyond the Interdimensional Void, the Astral Realm comes into view, and far in the distance, something like a dimensional veil band soars towards me.
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's winged garment is chasing me in a terrifying manner.
Seeing this, I think to myself.
'Even if I'm running, I must take everyone I can from the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.'
Even if the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord is scary, I can't abandon those I need to take with me.
'And to do that...'
I realize that I will have to take them through slightly forceful means this time, and let out a silent sigh.
'I'm sorry, everyone. Forgive me...!'
Chwararararak!
I draw forth the power of a Heaven Upper Immortal.
The winged garment I gained upon rising to Heaven Upper Immortal.
Woo-wooong!
Though not as massive as the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's, my winged garment still spans about the width of a single planet and can stretch long enough to wrap around five entire stellar systems. My 'dimensional veil band' appears behind me.
This is my winged garment.
I roughly understand how to use it by watching the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's.
I have to imbue my prophecy into the winged garment.
"Winged garment, bring me the ones I name. Show them to me..."
Suppressing my guilt, I command my winged garment.
"Kidnap them and confine them within my body. Make them return to me (歸依). Now, go! Summon my servants! Seize those I need!"
Chwararararak!
My winged garment receives my command, instantly piercing through spacetime and flying towards somewhere.
Chwarararak!
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's winged garment arrives before my eyes.
The winged garment emits a silver-white light, and through that light, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord appears before my eyes again.
Booong!
I attempt to cut my own neck, but the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, piercing through the fleeting instant, strongly grips my hand.
: : You cannot escape from this Immortal anyway. So... : :
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's massive body bends toward me, issuing a warning.
: : Do not die on purpose. : :
"Great Mountain!"
The jade of Yin-Yang and Five Elements gathers inside my head.
At that moment, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's slash does not cut me, only slicing through the jade of Yin-Yang and Five Elements, but it is already too late.
"Splitting Emperor!"
Kwagwagwang!
She restrained her strength to avoid injuring me, but because of that, she failed to stop my Great Mountain Splitting Emperor.
My head explodes on the spot, and I re-enter the domain of purity, escaping once again.
'Still, having seen Gwak Am's Splitting Heaven Mantra in the past life helped.'
Is it because I have witnessed the origin of the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique?
My Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique has strengthened to the point where a half-hearted, restrained slash cannot sever it.
Paaaaatt!
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's winged garment appears before my eyes, and once again, I use Heavenly Escape through suicide.
Thus, the game of tag with me and the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord through Heavenly Escape continues for quite some time.
But as time passes, I realize the situation is becoming unfavorable for me.
'The Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain...'
The entire Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain is gradually being filled with the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's winged garment.
As it is already a much narrower Heavenly Domain compared to others, the places to escape are steadily diminishing.
'If this continues...I'll be caught in the end! Please, don't be late, Hong Fan, winged garment!'
Shukwak!
As I look at the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, who has reached right in front of my eyes, I slit my throat.
: : Wait, Seo Eun-hyun. : :
Shukwagak!
: : Hold on. : :
Kwaduduk!
: : Seo Eun-hyun. I want to talk with you. : :
Kwachijijik!
: : Seo Eun-hyun...! : :
Gradually feeling that escape is becoming more difficult in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, I grit my teeth.
'Hurry...!'
Bright Cold Realm.
Human Race territory.
After the rampage of the Ghost Guiding Holy Mother Kang Min-hee, the Human Race barely managed to reestablish themselves in the Sky Island region and are once again experiencing a golden age.
However, what differs from before is that due to Kang Min-hee's lingering influence, there has been an increase in those who cultivate Ghost Path Methods or Devilish Path Methods that devour ghostly energy.
Human Race's Integration stage Grand Cultivator Association.
Seated at the leader position within the Grand Cultivator Association, the Grand Perfection Integration stage Grand Cultivator, Jun Jae, laughs heartily as he descends onto one of the Human Race's Sky Islands—Azure Cold Island.
At the summit of Azure Spirit Mountain, the highest mountain range on Azure Cold Island.
There, someone is about to face their advancement Heavenly Tribulation.
"With this, our Human Race will walk the path of revival once more. Hahaha!"
His face is filled with deep pride and satisfaction.
The reason is because of the two muscular men standing atop the peak of Azure Spirit Mountain.
Jun Jae flies towards them, looking down at them with a pleased expression as he speaks.
"Hahaha! Azure Tiger Saint! Have you finished your preparations to face the Heavenly Tribulation?"
"Yes, Association Leader. I am fully prepared."
"Good, good. And Jun Eom. You are well prepared as well, aren't you?"
The one he addresses, aside from Azure Tiger Saint, is another Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage cultivator and a descendant of Jun Jae—Jun Eom.
Born with the greatest talent among Jun Jae's descendants, he underwent harsh training under Jun Jae's guidance from childhood. Once he reached a certain age, Jun Jae sent him to the Azure Heaven Creation Sect, the most outstanding cultivation sect within the Human Race Grand Alliance.
Azure Tiger Saint, in his usual bold manner, accepted Jun Eom as his personal disciple and trained him with the utmost care among all disciples of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect.
As a result,
Despite being a mere 1,300 years old, Jun Eom has reached the Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage at an unbelievably young age.
"Though this grandfather could not obtain the Five Blessings Axes for you, you still built your axes through the Orthodox Five Elements Axis, so there should be no issue with your advancement. Therefore, you must become an Integration stage Grand Cultivator! If it's you, you can surely aim to become a Star Shattering stage Esteemed One!"
"...Yes, Ancestor."
"Hmph! Spineless brat. Once you reach the Integration stage, you will have to prepare yourself thoroughly to inherit my innate true method! Azure Tiger Saint, I leave him in your hands!"
Azure Tiger Saint meets Jun Jae's eyes and nods.
Though his words are cold, Azure Tiger Saint understands.
Jun Jae's affection for his descendant is undeniable.
Feeling the weight of Jun Jae's presence, Azure Tiger Saint calls out to his new disciple.
"Now then, let us begin, Jun Eom!"
"...Yes, Master..."
Under the watchful eyes of his ever-strict ancestor, Jun Jae, and his master, Azure Tiger Saint, who dragged his cultivation forward with insane training methods, Jun Eom challenges the Integration stage advancement together with Azure Tiger Saint.
Immediately after,
Kururururung!
Master and disciple begin facing the Heavenly Tribulation.
Heavenly Tribulation surges from all six directions, striking Azure Tiger Saint and Jun Eom.
Azure Tiger Saint completely blocks the Six-Directional Heavenly Tribulation using the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method.
However, despite having learned not only the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method but also the special methods taught by Jun Jae, Jun Eom's body wavers here and there under the force of the Heavenly Tribulation.
Then, at a certain moment—
"U-Uaaaaaaaaah! Master! Ancestor! Save me! I can't do this!"
Jun Eom rushes towards Azure Tiger Saint and clings to him, startling Azure Tiger Saint.
"N-No, Jun Eom! Use the methods I taught you properly! Do you fear this Heavenly Tribulation more than my fists!? More than the beatings from your Senior Brothers and Sisters, the lava fountains, the water torture, and the gold-tooth sharks!? You must endure! If you use the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method properly, you can..."
But Jun Eom is already past the point of enduring.
"Kuaaaaaaaagh!"
During advancement, it is not only the Heavenly Tribulation that falls.
Entities known as Heart Heavenly Demons also crawl out from the depths of the mind to gnaw and eat the cultivator.
Though Heart Heavenly Demons become prominent starting from the Star Shattering stage, they are not absent in the Integration stage.
It is just that only the very weak Heart Heavenly Demons appear.
However, black smoke is rising from Jun Eom's head.
Forced his entire life to become an Integration stage Grand Cultivator, living like a puppet, shoved into the Azure Heaven Creation Sect by his ancestor, and subjected to insane training methods, Jun Eom's Heart Demon have erupted.
With his mind overtaken by Heart Demons, Jun Eom is no longer in any condition to withstand the Heavenly Tribulation.
"Jun Eom! Get a hold of yourself!"
Azure Tiger Saint roars, and Jun Jae shouts to the point his eyes roll back.
"Azure Tiger Saint!!! If Eom-ah dies, I will annihilate the Azure Heaven Creation Sect!! Protect Eom-ah!! Someone like you could die and no one would care, but Eom-ah has the potential to become a Star Shattering stage Esteemed One!! Azure Tiger Saint!!"
At Jun Jae's roar, Azure Tiger Saint narrows his eyes.
He grits his teeth.
"Khaaaaap!"
Kurururung!
Azure Tiger Saint transforms into a giant of starlight.
At the same time, he pulls Jun Eom into his embrace.
The Heavenly Tribulation rampages wildly, and Jun Eom's Heavenly Tribulation strikes Azure Tiger Saint with even greater ferocity.
"Do not be afraid. I will protect you."
Jun Eom, consumed by his Heart Demon, sobs.
"Th-That's a lie! You're only doing this because you fear Ancestor!"
"...No. I do not fear your ancestor."
Azure Tiger Saint clenches his teeth.
The Heavenly Tribulation strikes down upon him even more viciously, and watching from the outside, Jun Jae's pupils tremble madly.
"I am your master! What reason or fear is there in a master protecting his disciple! Believe in me. You can overcome this!!"
"M-Master...!"
Jun Eom's eyes widen.
Just then,
"Secret Art. Temporary Name Change (一時改名)."
Azure Tiger Saint senses something flow out of Jun Eom's body and seep into his own.
"...!"
Simultaneously, Azure Tiger Saint's Heavenly Tribulation intensifies at least threefold.
Azure Tiger Saint's eyes snap open wide.
Jun Eom's Heavenly Tribulation vanishes.
"What...?"
Kwarurururung!
Outside the Heavenly Tribulation, Jun Jae clasps his hands together, his expression twisted with madness.
Jun Jae seems to be using some kind of secret art, burning his own blood as an offering.
Behind him, the form a [Taiji In The Shape Of A Fetus] very faintly emerges.
"Now...my lifespan doesn't have much time left...! Eom-ah is the future of our bloodline! He is my successor! At the same time, he is the future of the Human Race and must serve as our Progenitor's revival vessel in times of emergency! So, instead of Eom-ah, you, as his master, die in his place. Azure Tiger Saint! Even if you perish, Eom-ah must exist for the future of humanity to exist!"
Kwarurururung!
Terrifying Heavenly Tribulations strike upon Azure Tiger Saint's body.
Azure Tiger Saint writhes in agony beneath the pillar of light.
Then, all of a sudden,
Paaaaatt!
"Hyun...seok...ah... Seo...Eun-hyun..."
Azure Tiger Saint's shadow finally dissipates between the pillars of light.
Chiiiiiiiiiii!
Jun Eom and Azure Tiger Saint's Integration stage advancement Heavenly Tribulation ends.
Jun Eom, overwhelmed by the Heavenly Tribulation and his rampaging Heart Heavenly Demon, failed his advancement, and Azure Tiger Saint vanished within the Heavenly Tribulation.
Clicking his tongue, Jun Jae approaches Jun Eom.
"You stupid brat! It's a relief it ended with Azure Tiger Saint's sacrifice. You almost died! Not only did we lose a valuable asset that is Azure Tiger Saint, but you nearly died as well. Anyway, now that we've found the problem, I will prepare elixirs and dharma treasures to suppress your Heart Demon. Focus on preparing for your next advancement."
"...He...was my master."
"I know. But you were more important."
"He...had other disciples as well... He had the Azure Heaven Creation Sect... And yet..."
"Silence! What do other disciples matter!? What does the Azure Heaven Creation Sect matter!?"
Jun Jae suddenly pauses, recalling the [terrifying beings] connected to the Azure Heaven Creation Sect, causing his body to flinch. But he quickly regains his composure and presses down on Jun Eom.
"It's already been a long time since there was any news about them. Even Sacred Master Baek Woon found the traces of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect and those individuals unpleasant! Perhaps this may have been a good opportunity to erase them. Especially since the Azure Heaven Creation Sect is connected to the Sword Devil Seo Eun-hyun..."
"I've heard enough about the so-called Three Great Calamities! But..."
Just then,
"Hm?"
Jun Jae looks up at the sky.
Jun Eom does the same.
In an instant, the celestial energy shifts.
And at that moment,
Jjeook!
The [sky]!
The [sky] splits open.
And what is seen through the split sky...
Is a single, gigantic [eye]
"...Ah..."
Immediately after,
Huarurururuk!
The entire Human Race territory bursts into flames.
===
Author's Note: The original title was
-x-X-x-
"Kuaaaaaaaagh!"
"Hukuaaaaaagh!"
The entire Human Race writhes in agony as Glass True Fire engulfs them.
Especially in the areas where the eye is directed, the flames burn even more fiercely.
Azure Cold Island is right there.
The disciples of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect revel in the flames, bathing in the Glass True Fire, while Jun Eom grits his teeth, enduring the pain it brings.
But Jun Jae is different.
"Hukuaaaaaagh!!"
Jun Jae's entire body!
Is transforming!
His whole body transforms into flames of glass as he screams in pain and terror.
"Ah, ugh, no! No! Wh-What is this!? Kuaaaaaaaagh!"
Jun Eom, witnessing the sight, subconsciously tries to [look up] at the sky.
Seeing this, Jun Jae clenches his teeth and rushes toward him, pressing his head down.
"Kuugh! No! Don't look! You must not look at them! Kuugh! J-Jun Eom-ah..."
Jun Jae, his expression sorrowful, begins to dissolve into glass flames and is absorbed into the sky.
"I leave the rest...to you..."
Gradually, his expression turns blank as he is sucked even faster towards the sky.
"...Ugh...uuuuh... Re... Retu..."
Jun Eom, hearing his final words, stands frozen in confusion, staring blankly into the void.
"Return (歸依)...to thee..."
Huarurururuk!
At last, the dreadful [eye] looming in the sky vanishes.
And Jun Eom, having witnessed that existence, is treated as if he has undergone [Heavenly Tribulation] and advances to the Integration stage.
"Ah...Uh...Ah..."
Jun Eom rises to his feet.
That being bestowed [wisdom] upon him.
"S...Sword Devil...?"
It is the wisdom of the entity his ancestor, Jun Jae, had taught him about—the Sword Devil Seo Eun-hyun.
He now understands what situation has befallen Jun Jae.
According to the [wisdom] granted by that being, it is not such a terrible situation.
By returning (歸依) to the 'Sword Devil Seo Eun-hyun,' who was once called one of the Three Great Calamities of the Human Race, he will now live a far better life as their subordinate.
Even the lifespan issue that Jun Jae had worried about is resolved.
"..."
Having just witnessed his ancestor being kidnapped in an instant, Jun Eom can only stare blankly at the sky.
"...Am I...free...?"
The two figures who had oppressed him his entire life—
Jun Jae and Azure Tiger Saint—have vanished today.
One within the Heavenly Tribulation, and the other by returning (歸依) to a True Immortal.
Jun Eom has gained the 'freedom' he desired. But having acquired it so suddenly, he has no idea what to do. Amidst panic, and confusion, he simply collapses onto the ground.
Nether Ghost Realm.
There, 'someone' practicing the Ghost Path Method looks up at the sky.
"Hmm? What is this...? The celestial energy..."
Just then...
Jjeook!
Just like in the Bright Cold Realm, the sky [splits open], and a gigantic [eye] appears.
"Kuaaaaaaaagh!"
The Ghost Path Method cultivator, Yu Hwi, screams as he instantly 'returns (歸依)' to that being.
The eye then disappears from the sky of the Nether Ghost Realm once again.
Such events occur throughout the entire Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
Seo Eun-hyun's winged garment drifts across the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, delivering Seo Eun-hyun's 'gaze' to various locations.
'It's done! I've secured Yu Hwi, and I've got Jun Jae to use when I head to the Elephant Nose Heavenly Domain. And...'
I read through history while gritting my teeth towards Jun Jae, who has now entered my body.
'So it was you who pushed Azure Tiger Saint to his death? You bastard...'
But just as I am about to direct my anger toward Jun Jae, I catch a strange scene within his past.
'Hmm?'
The moment Azure Tiger Saint underwent the Heavenly Tribulation.
'What's that?'
Jun Jae hadn't noticed, but the beings present at that moment were [four].
Azure Tiger Saint, Jun Jae, and Azure Tiger Saint's new disciple, Jun Eom.
And one more entity...
'A deer?'
It is a [white deer].
The deer approaches Azure Tiger Saint as if unaffected by the Heavenly Tribulation, and then vanishes.
Immediately after, Azure Tiger Saint disappears as well.
'What in the world...?'
I am taken aback, unable to comprehend it.
'Wasn't Azure Tiger Saint killed by the Heavenly Tribulation...?'
Azure Tiger Saint wasn't 'obliterated' by the Heavenly Tribulation. Instead, he 'disappeared' along with that deer-like something.
That too towards a place I can't even begin to identify.
'Did some higher existence take him away...?'
There's nothing I can verify right now.
: : I have something to say. Please... : :
Pukwak!
I continue maneuvering my winged garment while fleeing from the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.
Next, the winged garment reveals the location of Ham Jin.
Through it, my 'gaze' reaches where Ham Jin is.
The sky above Ham Jin's planet 'opens,' and my [eye] stares directly at him.
Ham Jin meets my gaze and calmly turns into Glass True Fire as he naturally returns (歸依) to me.
'Next is Yeo Hwi!'
: : Listen to my words, Seo Eun-hyun. : :
While my true body keeps the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord occupied, my winged garment heads toward Cedarwood Painting.
Blink!
The sky of Cedarwood Painting opens, and I look upon Yeo Hwi.
"Huekkyaaaaaaagh!"
Yeo Hwi stares at me in shock before speaking with a face of disbelief.
"N-No way, that's a winged garment...? C-Could it be Heaven Immortal...?"
Recognizing me as a Heaven Upper Immortal at once, Yeo Hwi lets out a hollow laugh before charging straight at me.
"Hahaha! As expected, my judgment was never wrong! I, Yeo Hwi, pledge my loyalty to my master!"
Huarurururuk!
Yeo Hwi instantly transforms into Glass True Fire and naturally returns (歸依) to me.
'The last one...is Golden Shaking Bird!'
: : I'm telling you to wait...! : :
Pukwak!
Chwararararak!
My winged garment carries my command and swiftly moves to the edge of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
To the place where Yang Su-jin's ring finger, the Lightning Sacred Sea is located.
And through my winged garment, I transmit my will to Golden Shaking Bird there.
I inform her about Jeon Myeong-hoon, and as Golden Shaking Bird is half in doubt,
: : Seo Eun-hyun. I'm telling you to listen to me! : :
Flash!
Kwagwagwagwang!
With both my arms gripped by the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, I am slammed onto the surface of a planet.
'Ah, no! I'm caught. There's no time left!'
There is no time to kindly explain things to Golden Shaking Bird.
I transmit my power towards my winged garment.
Kururururung!
At the far edge of the universe, I sense my winged garment absorbing my power and wrapping around the Lightning Sacred Sea.
Golden Shaking Bird convulses, but there's no choice.
Chwararararak!
My winged garment envelops the entire Lightning Sacred Sea and, regardless of Golden Shaking Bird's convulsions, connects to the Lightning Sacred Sea through the Extinguishing Divine Tribulating Heavens Technique and extracts it.
: : Seo Eun-hyun. There is something I need to say to you. : :
"...What is it?"
: : Just what exactly is it that you have instilled into me? : :
"..."
I swallow.
'Hurry, hurry!'
Golden Shaking Bird resists, but at last, the Lightning Sacred Sea is completely pulled out from the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
'Now!'
Then, my winged garment transfers the Lightning Sacred Sea into my body.
"That is..."
I slow my speech as much as possible, trying to buy time.
Immediately after,
Paaaaatt!
My winged garment swiftly heads back towards the Middle Realm zone.
A short while later, from the distance, I see Hong Fan, who has taken the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
My winged garment swallows Hong Fan whole and transfers him into my body, and only then do I realize that my business in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain is finally over.
"...For now, I cannot tell you."
: : What...? : :
Jjeooooook!
My body instantly turns into a hazy mist.
And from within the mist, a familiar figure emerges.
It is In Ye.
Drawing the bowstring, In Ye shoots an arrow straight at the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's chest.
The Immortal Art Sun Shooting strikes her chest.
: : ...! : :
Even the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, one of the Radiance Eight Immortals, flinches from being struck by Sun Shooting and momentarily pulls away from me!
Seizing that fleeting instant, I cut my neck.
'With this, it's over.'
Shukak!
: : Wait, Seo Eun-hyun! I said wait! : :
The next place I appear is the teleportation formation leading to the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
Paatt!
As soon as I exert my will, my winged garment, flying from afar, lands neatly upon me.
'How incredibly convenient, this winged garment...'
Draped in my winged garment, I glance behind me.
Kiiiiiiiing!
The jade of Yin-Yang and Five Elements gathers in my hand.
I begin collapsing the entire dimension containing the teleportation formation with the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
Kurururung!
The entrance to the teleportation formation on this side crumbles.
At the same time, I see the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord flying towards me from afar.
: : Seo Eun-hyun!! : :
"...I apologize, but let us meet again next time. Well then, I shall take my leave..."
With that, I kidnap those I need from the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain and depart for the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
Flash!
I arrive at the teleportation formation there.
: : Who goes there...? : :
And after swiftly killing the bothersome gatekeeping True Immortal in a single strike, I reveal my true form.
Kururururung!
My true form as the Immortal Beast Candle Shadow emerges.
Before long, familiar True Immortals appear.
: : How dare you!? Do you think you can invade Radiance Hall and walk away unscathed...!? : :
Jjeooooook!
I open my mouth towards a familiar one among the bothersome True Immortals.
: : Heok! Y-You bastard! What are you— : :
A True Immortal I met in the past cycle who walks the same Immortal Dao of the Mountain (山) as I do.
'I need this one.'
Gulp!
After wrapping the True Immortal, who walks the Immortal Dao of the Mountain, with my winged garment and sealing them away, I swallow them in my Candle Shadow form and imprison them in my inner world.
Seeing this, the True Immortals of Radiance Hall begin convulsing in madness.
: : That bastard ate an Upper Immortal of Radiance Hall!!! : :
: : Look at the power radiating from him! Th-That power is... : :
: : It's the Immortal Dao of the Mountain!!! : :
: : A Devil Immortal influenced by the Great Mountain Supreme Deity has been born!! Capture him!! Do not let him escape!! : :
It seems that the sight of me consuming a fellow Immortal touches their reverse scale, reminding them of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
Numerous True Immortals charge at me even more ferociously than in my previous life.
And perhaps because my perspective has shifted, I can sense even Immortal Lord-level and Great Net Immortal-level beings in the distance.
However, I am not particularly worried.
: : I have no further business with you all. So then...farewell. : :
Heavenly Escape!
Shukwak!
I instantly transform into my Transformation form, then cut my neck, committing suicide.
Thus, by using Heavenly Escape to enter the domain of purity, I very easily shake off the pursuit of the True Immortals of Radiance Hall.
'In this life...I won't be caught so easily.'
At the end of my last life, I saw hope.
The hope of severing regression!
Thus, my first priority in this life is longevity!
'I will live long, accumulate as much power as possible...reach the realm of Great Net Immortal, and seize a definitive starting point to severing regression! And before that even happens...like hell will I let myself be caught by the likes of you!'
Unlike my past lives, I will not get entangled with Supreme Deities or Heavenly Venerables. Instead, I will live as long as possible, elevate my cultivation to the realm of Great Net Immortal, and grasp the hope of breaking free from regression!
That is the greatest objective of this life.
Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
Gazing at the collapsed teleportation formation there, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord trembles.
: : Seo Eun-hyun... : :
She strokes her mask as she continues speaking.
: : There are...too many things...I need to ask you... : :
What are these memories that are surfacing within her?
Why does she have recollections of feeling affection for someone in the Head Realm, that she has not been to?
She must ask him about it.
But soon, as she trembles, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord sharply fixes her gaze towards a specific point.
She peers beyond the dimension, into a deep and even deeper dimension.
Towards a darkness where no light reaches.
: : ...Is it you? Underworld. : :
No answer comes from the darkness.
: : You... What have you done to me, joining hands with the Ender!? : :
Still, there is no reply.
The darkness only wavers, as if mocking the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.
Clutching at her chest, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord growls.
: : I will find the answers... What these memories are, what this strange feeling boiling within my chest is... And I will expose your sins one by one, making you all pay for your mockery of Radiance Hall...! : :
After gazing at the Underworld for some time, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord leaves the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
With the teleportation formation destroyed, she has to cross over to the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain on her own.
The depths of the Underworld.
The deepest, darkest place.
There, a being carries a [White Wheel] upon their back.
That ancient and dark being lets out a slow chuckle.
Then, whispering so no one can overhear, they mutter.
: : Stay vigilant, O Regressor... : :
That being looks up at Seo Eun-hyun, who arrived in the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain, slaughtered the Heaven Immortals there, and kidnapped a few, confining them within his body.
: : Those of Heavenly Venerable rank are beginning to awaken... : :
The being, known to some as the [Oldest One], looks over the many Seats scattered across the Sumeru Three Heavens Great Thousand World, as well as their Seat Holders, and murmurs softly.
-x-X-x-
Chwarararak!
Using Heavenly Escape, I arrive at the edge of the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain after several days.
I reach the teleportation formation leading to the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain.
'A lot has changed from before.'
Setting aside the regression point, the fact that the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord can now perceive me is an enormous problem.
'I can no longer let my guard down under the gaze of Radiance Hall like before...'
As I step onto the teleportation formation heading to the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain, I contemplate.
'I need a different approach from now on. If I want to live long and grow stronger, I have to hide in a deep place.'
There was clear longing in the voice of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord calling out to me.
Had this been before, I wouldn't have been able to ignore that longing. I would have at least listened to some of what the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord had to say.
'But now...I know.'
Thanks to Maek Jin, I now know of their insane, ultimate goal that only a select few in Radiance Hall are aware of.
And judging by her actions thus far, I can tell that the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord is truly and sincerely devoted to that insane ultimate goal.
'The reason I tried to erase the Immortal Cultivation system a little radically and self-righteously in my past life must have been because I was influenced by the [light]. In the end, their ultimate goal must have been subtly melded within that light... I, too, momentarily resonated with their will.'
Recalling the ultimate goal I heard from Maek Jin sends shivers throughout my body.
Even thinking about it again, isn't it a truly insane goal...?
'And Maek Jin, who remained in Radiance Hall even after learning of that goal for the sake of justice...he was really quite something. No...should I say he was crazy as well...?'
Flash!
As I blink, the scenery of the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain unfolds before my eyes before I know it.
: : Hm... : :
And the moment I reveal myself in the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain, yet another familiar presence rushes toward me.
It is Glass Peacock.
: : Damn it, what even are you!? My goodness, to think someone like you exists in this world. Why did this Immortal not know? Why did I not know until now? C-Come here. Come here! I will make you happy! : :
"..."
Letting out a faint sigh, I scatter the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections around me.
Kiiiiing!
A Pure-White Three Great Ultimates appears behind me.
Immortal Art.
Glass Avidyā Advancement Light!
A radiant white light crosses through distant spacetime, flying towards me.
I calmly draw forth the figure of In Ye from the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections and aim at the incoming Glass Avidyā Advancement Light.
Immortal Art.
Sun Shooting!
Tuwang!
The arrow imbued with the power of Filling the Heavens Governing View and the Impermanence Sword pierces through the Glass Avidyā Advancement Light, tearing through space, and shoots towards Glass Peacock.
Glass Peacock attempts to evade using the strength of explosion, but I open my eyes.
Fate Prophecy (運命豫言).
History Revision (歷史改竄).
Triple Divinity (三神性)!
A scene of Glass Peacock being skewered by the arrow of Sun Shooting is imbued.
History revision counters Glass Peacock's revision, forcibly changing all possible outcomes of evasion into failure.
Tukwaaaaang!
The arrow of Sun Shooting plunges directly into Glass Peacock's chest.
The power of Brahma Nature momentarily overlays Filling the Heavens Governing View onto Glass Peacock's mental world.
Endless failures are imprinted into Glass Peacock's mind in an instant, and Narayana Nature maintains those moments of failure.
Finally, the power of Mahesvara Nature extinguishes all the power of explosion within Glass Peacock, and momentarily erases their will to resist.
Through prophecy and history revision, I successfully land my attack. Then, with Triple Divinity, I infuse my Immortal Art into Glass Peacock, forcing them to experience endless defeat.
: : Ugh, uguguk! Uguk! : :
Glass Peacock twitches, impaled by my arrow and their body skewered against a nearby fixed star.
'If it were the main body, I wouldn't be so sure, but a mere clone at most at the Great Net Immortal-level isn't that difficult anymore.'
It's just when I think so.
: : Ugh, uguguk... Wh-What in the world is this...!? Marvelous! My goodness, to think such an enlightenment exists! Moreover, revision and prophecy at the same time? You...you're a Heaven-Earth Upper Immortal! : :
"...?"
Glass Peacock appears strangely excited.
: : What a pitiful thing...! You don't even realize the flaws of the path of Heaven Earth Upper Immortal, do you? I shall embrace and comfort you. If it is a curse that splits your personality, then through communion with this Immortal, it can be sufficiently delayed. Even if your personality fragments, if I completely violate both...! Hhhngh! J-Just imagining it is...far too delightful... Come here. Hurry, come...! : :
"..."
Kurung, kurururung!
Though Glass Peacock has clearly taken a hit from my strike, from the way they move, they neither seem to be in much pain nor significantly injured.
'They'll break free before long. I need to get to Jeon Myeong-hoon before that happens.'
Clicking my tongue, I gather Glass True Fire in both hands and hurl another Immortal Art of Sun Shooting at Glass Peacock.
The arrow of Glass True Fire embeds itself into Glass Peacock once more, and their entire body ignites in its flames.
'That should buy me a bit more time, right...?'
: : Oh, ohhh! Uoooooooh! : :
However, Glass Peacock only seems to enjoy it more, so I hurriedly head towards the Interdimensional Void.
I ignore Glass Peacock's voice that's filled with madness, echoing behind me.
: : Damn it, this brat. Just what attack did he do to me! My body... It keeps heating up... : :
'They sure are impressive...'
Rather than suffering from the pain imbued in Glass True Fire, they recognize the enlightenment within it and grow excited. Regardless, it is still something worthy of respect.
Letting out a sigh, I leave Glass Peacock behind and head for the Divine Thunder Realm.
Upon arriving, I let Jeon Myeong-hoon and Golden Shaking Bird meet. This time, unlike in my past life, Golden Shaking Bird does not take a reckless gamble but instead assimilates obediently with the Great Desolate Path and activates it.
Kurung, kurururung!
Entering the domain of lightning, I wait for Zhengli.
'Now Zhengli should come, delivering the will of the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity, right?'
Sure enough,
Just as Jeon Myeong-hoon and I prepare to move to another Heavenly Domain,
Kurururung!
Time seems to slow, and a familiar presence begins to enter the surroundings.
Zhengli is trying to descend.
At that moment, I take out the Pure-White Wheel.
Kigigigigik!
The power of the Wheel is the regulation of causality.
History rewriting and similar abilities are merely additional effects born from the extreme application of this principle.
Through the arrangement of causality, I can return the powers of other Immortals—whether authority, history revision, prophecy, or Immortal Art—back to their original state.
Kugugugugu!
The outer edge of the Pure-White Three Great Ultimates is encircled by the Wheel.
The White Wheel devours the immense force emanating from the Pure-White Three Great Ultimates and begins radiating a soft starlight.
Kiriririk!
: : You... : :
I can sense Zhengli, who notices the Wheel in the midst of descending, flinching from beyond.
: : That's...definitely the Underworld's...! Wait, Seo Eun-hyun...! : :
"It's nice to see you, Zhengli. Now that our long awaited reunion is over, go back."
I speak coldly as I begin to send Zhengli, who is trying to descend into the Great Desolate Path, back to her original place.
'If it's with a liberated Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity, it might be another matter... But do you think I would fear a mere projection of Zhengli in her current state...!?'
I cannot allow Zhengli to descend into this space.
'Otherwise, the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity will once again subtly Divine Descent into Zhengli's body and deliver a prophecy that will lead us to free Them.'
I will not let myself be swayed again in this life.
: : Wait...! Just listen for a moment. Seo Eun-hyun...! : :
Zhengli shouts urgently from beyond the dimension.
Kwachijijik!
A rift of lightning tears through the void, and a hand formed of lightning forces its way through the dimensional gate.
Jeon Myeong-hoon flinches in shock.
This time, since Zhengli is hastily descending due to my interference, she fails to control time, allowing Golden Shaking Bird to notice her presence as well.
: : You bitch...! A filthy mutt dares to target Master again!!?? : :
Golden Shaking Bird begins to control the Great Desolate Path.
Once again, Zhengli is pushed back beyond the rift.
Jeon Myeong-hoon, too, crackles with red lightning and reveals his fury.
: : Z H E N G L I !!! : :
Perhaps because he has now become a True Immortal, he no longer feels any fear in uttering Zhengli's name.
He tightly grips a spear of red lightning.
Kwachijijik!
The lightning spear soars towards Zhengli, and though Zhengli's barely outstretched arm is pushed back beyond the dimensional gate.
Woo-woong!
I squeeze out all my strength and activate the Wheel.
It feels as if a storm is raging.
Swept up in the storm surging from the Wheel, Zhengli cannot cross over despite using all her strength. To make matters worse, the lightning dimensional gate she had kicked open begins to close.
: : At least...! At least listen to me! : :
Zhengli screams desperately, but I click my tongue and respond.
"No. I won't listen. I don't intend to listen. Go back already."
: : Eeeek! : :
Kugugugugu!
The combined forces of Golden Shaking Bird, Jeon Myeong-hoon, and the Wheel, now strengthened by my newly acquired Three Great Ultimates, continue to intensify.
Jjeooong!
Barely clinging on beyond the dimension, Zhengli is ultimately flung away.
Kwachijijik!
At the same time, Golden Shaking Bird hurriedly closes Zhengli's dimensional gate that had formed inside the Great Desolate Path.
: : Master! Elder! Zhengli's main body is directly approaching this place! We need to flee to any Heavenly Domain at once! : :
Though we have repelled Zhengli's projection, her enraged main body seems to be coming here in person.
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at me and asks,
"Seo Eun-hyun! Where do we go!?"
"Hm..."
I stroke my chin and think.
'The Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain is not an option. Glass Peacock saw my power and might have even brought their main body there.'
Excluding Sun and Moon, Bearing Tree, and Heavenly King, I think of the other Heavenly Domains.
'The Good Sight Heavenly Domain has Hyeon Mu guarding it. We do need to retrieve Kim Young-hoon from the Outer Sea...but honestly, I can always call Hyeon Mu from the Interdimensional Void. And since the Good Sight Heavenly Domain is practically Hyeon Mu's front yard, if she ever decides to kill us, we wouldn't even be able to resist. The Good Sight Heavenly Domain is out. The Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain is also a no-go.'
Although Kim Yeon is there, just thinking about what happened in my past life at the hands of the Liberation Supreme Deity makes my teeth tremble.
'Unless I break into Liberation Peach Garden Village from the outside and rescue her, getting trapped inside with her and trying to break out together is sheer madness. And regarding the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, who knows what the Great Mountain Supreme Deity has done to it, so that's out. In that case...'
The only remaining options are the Twin Holding and Elephant Nose Heavenly Domains.
'Elephant Nose would be a good place to hide, but...'
I recall receiving an Immortal Title from the Naming Supreme Deity Hyeon Rang and giving Them a portion of my desire in return.
'Damn it... It feels unsettling.'
Meeting a Supreme Deity with whom I have direct ties means carrying the risk of being manipulated by them at any moment, which leaves me with an uneasy feeling.
'This won't do. I can't be blindly manipulated by a Supreme Deity again like in my past life. Even if I go, it will only be after making thorough preparations!'
Because of Bong Myeong in my previous life, my distrust of Supreme Deities has reached its peak.
'Then the only option left is the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain...?'
I grit my teeth and shout,
"Head for the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain!"
"Golden Shaking Bird! To the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain!"
Kurururung!
We move through the world of thunder and lightning towards our destination.
Before long,
Kwachijijik!
We emerge within the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain, from a lighting tribulation striking a Star Shattering stage cultivator.
After doing my best to ensure that the Star Shattering Esteemed One doesn't see us and die, I take a deep breath.
"For now...let's get some distance. We don't know what Zhengli might try to do through the tribulation..."
"Agreed."
Leaving the Star Shattering Esteemed One behind to endure the tribulation, I survey the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain with Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Porurur—
Golden Shaking Bird shifts from the form of the Great Desolate Path into a hummingbird and flies towards us before transforming back into her human form.
"Hm! Twin Holding Heavenly Domain. It's been a while."
"You've been here before?"
"Yes, well. The Twin Holding and Heavenly King Heavenly Domains are the two most active Heavenly Domains in the Sumeru Three Heavens Great Thousand World, after all. This is also where you, Master, shared union with Glass Peacock in your past life."
"..."
"Ahem... Well, anyway, this is fortunate."
Jeon Myeong-hoon clears his throat before speaking.
"If you've been here before, then guide us. What kind of place is this, and why is it one of the most active?"
"Yes. First...the fastest way to understand that would be to go meet the ruler of the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain. Would you like to go see Them together?"
"...!"
I flinch in surprise at her words.
"You mean to go meet the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity!?"
"Yes, well, that would be the case."
"Isn't that dangerous!?"
The reason I avoided other Heavenly Domains was because their rulers were Supreme Deities or Heavenly Venerables with ties to me.
'Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity, Liberation Supreme Deity, Heavenly Venerable of Void, Radiance...Great Mountain. They all tried to use me as a pawn. I don't know much about the Naming Supreme Deity, but I can't let my guard down with Them either.'
Only the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity seemed uninterested in us, which was why I chose this place.
And now she's telling us to go and meet Them?
Just as I'm about to refuse outright, Golden Shaking Bird's next words make me pause in confusion.
"Regardless of what happened, since we've entered a Heavenly Domain, it's only proper to pay our respects to its ruler, is it not? Please follow me. The Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity is a specialty of the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain, after all. Even Shattering Star Esteemed Ones, True Persons, and True Immortals from other Heavenly Domains come here just to witness Them. Huhut..."
"...?"
Something about the way she speaks seems off.
Jeon Myeong-hoon also looks puzzled, so Golden Shaking Bird giggles and grabs our hands, pulling us forward.
"Well, you'll both understand when you see for yourselves. Let's go! Since we're already here, we have to at least meet the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity!"
Woo-woong!
It's just when she is about to use the ground-shrinking technique.
Gigigik!
"...!"
Suddenly, the direction of the attraction force she is exerting twists unpredictably.
In the next moment,
Kwaaaang!
We are abruptly yanked away to somewhere in an instant.
It's fortunate that I was prepared and managed to disperse the impact, otherwise Jeon Myeong-hoon and I would have suffered a huge shock.
"Hey, Golden Shaking Bird. What just happened? It looked like your ground-shrinking technique got distorted just now..."
"Hahaha, of course. In the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain, all movement techniques that rely on attraction force are forbidden, after all. Here, no matter where you try to bend space to move, you'll be forcefully pulled to this location instead."
Golden Shaking Bird points towards somewhere.
The moment Jeon Myeong-hoon and I see it, our eyes widen.
"Since the ground-shrinking technique doesn't work in the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain, long-distance travel is only possible through the explosions of Earth Upper Immortals. As a result, this place has become a paradise for countless Earth Immortals. Now, allow me to introduce you to the greatest specialty of the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain...the one who distorts all attraction forces towards Themself. One of the two Governing Immortals who is an [Innate Supreme Deity]—Their Majesty, the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity, Hyeon Ryul!"
Kugugugugu!
What stands there is a massive darkness.
All light is being sucked into it.
All of a sudden, I realize it is a [hole].
But not just any hole.
I feel an overwhelming degeneracy pressure from it.
That thing is...
My eyes bulge wide.
"A black hole. And not just any black hole, but a supermassive one large enough to match five entire superclusters."
"...!"
I turn to look at the figure that has suddenly appeared between Jeon Myeong-hoon, Golden Shaking Bird, and myself.
"...You..."
"The Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity Hyeon Ryul. An Innate Supreme Deity...and an ancient remnant. A [mantra] left behind by a terrifying entity called...the Obsidian Devil Heavenly King."
She twirls a strand of her blue hair around her fingers and smiles at me.
"At the same time, they say one of the two only Governing Immortals that possesses no reason."
I hesitate, unsure of what to say to her.
Then, recalling the words of Jeon Myeong-hoon from my past life, I open my mouth to speak.
But regretfully, the one who makes the first move is her.
"Welcome to the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity's Twin Holding Heavenly Domain, Seo Eun-hyun...I've missed you."
"...Me too, Kang Min-hee."
How many tens of thousands of years have passed since I became a True Immortal?
After such an endless long time, seeing a truly old comrade again brings a bright smile to my face.
"If you missed me, then help me brush my hair. It's been getting tangled a lot lately."
She snaps her fingers, and in an instant, we are transported to somewhere in the depths of a deep and dark darkness.
"This place is...?"
It's the same dark space I saw when I last tried to check on Kang Min-hee's whereabouts.
'So this place...wasn't the Underworld?'
I distinctly remember her being here before, learning how to draw taenghwa.
As I remain puzzled, Kang Min-hee gives me a faint smile and sits down, pulling out a comb.
"Listen while you brush."
Suruk, suruk...
I naturally begin combing her hair.
Jeon Myeong-hoon sits down indifferently, stroking Jin So-hae's hand like always.
"This place is a mysterious space, connected to various extraordinary realms—like the deepest depths of the Underworld, the Outer Sea, and even the inner sanctum of Radiance Hall."
At her next words, I flinch in surprise, and Golden Shaking Bird, trembling with horror, lets out a shrieking scream.
"We're inside the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity's stomach."