The dark night of the Heavenly Domain breaks apart, revealing the vast dark heavens.
Tak—
Breath catches in my throat.
Beyond the formation of Underworld Ten Kings bowing down in prostration, deep darkness opens, and someone walks forward.
Tuk—
With each step that person takes, it feels as though the sounds of the world are being erased.
Tuk—
At the sound of those footsteps, my entire body tingles, and it feels like my breath is cut off.
I have felt this sensation before.
'The Great Mountain Supreme Deity. And the Gandhara of the Heavenly Venerable of Void...'
I swallow hard.
Suddenly, such thoughts cross my mind.
In the cases of the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable or the Heavenly Venerable of the Void,
When it was not the descent of their Gandhara but merely the descent of their projection, there was no particular need for a ritual. They descended easily and casually...
'But for the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, even for just a projection to descend, such a ritual is required...!'
That's right.
The reason why the Chief Judge and the other Judges specifically bother to summon Integration stage Ghost Kings to call them forth is not merely for the sake of ceremony, but to create the opportunity for their descent through a descent ritual.
Just as True Immortals normally descend into the Lower Realm through Immortal Treasures or devotees, they too appear here through a ritual utilizing Ghost Kings.
They could descend directly if they wished, but that would waste considerable power.
However, when it comes to the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld—
While Immortal Lords could be summoned through Integration stage Ghost Kings alone, the Underworld Ten Kings themselves must step forward to perform the ritual. That alone speaks of the immensity of this being!
'And this is...not even the Gandhara, but merely the descent of a projection!'
I tremble at the terrifying chilling presence.
I feel like I am going to vomit.
Did Yang Su-jin or the previous Heavenly Kings also feel this way just from witnessing a projection of the Underworld?
'So that's how it is...'
Yet at the same time, I come to understand something as I feel the dreadful momentum of the Underworld.
Through this, I realize how gentle the Underworld truly is.
'To be considerate of someone like me...to meet me with nothing more than the shadow of her projection in the form of Tae Yeol-jeon and such... Truly, They are an incredibly thoughtful being...'
Tuk—
But all such idle thoughts, all such distractions—
The moment They finally descend, they are washed away as if swallowed by the darkness.
And then...
I do not know what I am thinking.
But I raise my head toward the projection of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, toward Bong Hwa who has descended into this place.
'Aaaaah...'
It is stunning.
Beautiful.
It takes the form of a woman of a race similar to the Human Race.
Yet Its skin is so flawless it seems transparent, and Its hair flows down like a waterfall, turning into primal darkness and driving away the light.
Its clothing, made of something unknown, absorbs the darkness of the universe and appears black, though without that, it would likely seem white.
Woven from the fur of some unknown beast, the garment looks softer and tougher than anything in existence, exuding an absolute resistance that no flame dares violate.
Its eyes are black, as though gazing truly into eternity itself.
The eyes feel as though if one were to fall into that dark eternity, there would be no return.
Unlike other Governing Immortals, It does not wear a mianguan.
Instead, It adorns its hair with an unusual ornament patterned like tiger stripes, evoking the image of a tiger.
Though Its hair is left flowing loose, a hairpin remains stuck in place, from which the energy of five ominous stars flickers faintly.
According to tradition, it is said that the hairpin was made by capturing and killing five cruel Supreme Deities known as the Five Cruels (五残), then forging their remains into this ornament.
It takes the form of a human, yet there is an eerie sense that It is something altogether different.
It has a face, but it feels as though no True Immortal could truly communicate with It.
It is both death and life, the only one who, across countless ages, can rightly be called history itself.
'My sense of perspective...feels like it's twisting...'
Her size cannot possibly be measured, but if I dare to estimate it—just the diameter of Her pupil measures about 1.6 million yojana (8 million km).
The length of the hand alone reaches about 16 million yojana.
The length of one arm is approximately 64 million yojana.
The full height measures around 192 million yojana.
Though She resembles a human, her proportions seem both correct and somehow disturbingly off, as if to prove She is not human.
'Ah, no...wait a moment. The scale really is strange. My sense of perspective keeps distorting...This is...'
But I soon realize that size is meaningless.
'No matter what scale I try to assign, she will always exceed it...?'
Aside from knowing that even a 'fixed star is smaller than the pupil of Her eye', Her body exists beyond any scale or measurement I can conceive.
Standing above all principles we know of, She exists where even the concept of 'large' becomes irrelevant, because any standard would simply be surpassed.
Tuk—
At last, She arrives before the Underworld Ten Kings who stand in formation.
She seems about to sit astride the entire Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
Without using any spiritual energy, explosion, or authority, simply by physical strength alone, She crushes and bends the Heavenly Domain.
Kkigigigigik—
Kuuung!
Using the distorted Heavenly Domain's attraction force as a chair, She settles upon it.
Her size is so grand that the gathered Underworld Ten Kings and the Radiance Eight Immortals, along with myself and all the Reapers and Ghost Kings present, must crane our necks until they nearly snap to look up at Her.
We are forced to share the feeling that, before this immense and dark being, we are no more than toy soldiers.
Though Her outward appearance seems beautiful at first glance, the overwhelming transcendent enormity and the dark atmosphere emanating from Her eyes inspire more strangeness and horror than beauty.
The Yama True Lord Yan Luo unfurls what looks like a bamboo scroll and cries out.
: : From this moment forward, the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain shall serve as the temporary assembly hall of the Underworld. All divine spirits of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, take heed! The decree of the Imperial Venerable shall be issued here today! : :
Kugugung!
With the projection of the Underworld descended, Yan Luo's judge robe emits even deeper darkness, amplifying their proclamation throughout the entire Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain—
No, even reaching beyond, into the entire expanse of Mount Sumeru.
Kugugugugung!
At the same time, from the distant edge of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, countless clusters of light begin flying in.
It seems that the Great Forest Heavenly Lord has sent a message, as countless Heavenly Lords and True Lords of Radiance Hall, along with the Envoys of the Final Age of Dharma and the Great Net Immortals, begin to line up behind the Radiance Eight Immortals in unison.
Perhaps it is a desperate attempt not to lose spirit before the Underworld, yet I realize with a hollow smile that not a single Heavenly Lord entering the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain remains unaffected.
The Underworld, by Her mere presence alone, seems enough to overwhelm countless Heavenly Lords.
: : First, as the representative of Radiance Hall and the Radiance Eight Immortals, I, the Great Forest Heavenly Lord, am honored to meet the Western Heavenly Venerable, the Netherworld Queen Mother. : :
But even so, the Great Forest Heavenly Lord speaks before the Underworld, trying their best not to sound crushed in spirit.
: : First...regarding why the Western Heaven's subordinates, the Underworld Ten Kings, suddenly launched an offensive against the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord—we would like an explanation... : :
And just as the Great Forest Heavenly Lord tries to bring up various reasons and speak to the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld—
: : From this moment. : :
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld opens Her mouth.
Her jade-like voice resounds throughout Heaven and Earth.
: : All Enders of this era are under my management. Withdraw the bounty issued upon the Enders of this generation. : :
She cuts off the words of the Great Forest Heavenly Lord and delivers Her will in a heavy jade-like voice.
At Her words, the Great Forest Heavenly Lord looks up at the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld and shouts.
: : What nonsense! Even if it is you, isn't this treating our Radiance Hall with too much disregard? The elimination of the Enders is also the duty of our Radiance Eight Immortals! Do you really think we would hand it over so easily...? : :
But at that moment, the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord urgently steps in front of the Great Forest Heavenly Lord, and cries out.
: : Wait! Do you desire the Enders of this era, Underworld? : :
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld remains silent.
But in that silence, there is clearly affirmation.
Perhaps realizing this, the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord immediately speaks out, their voice faintly trembling.
: : I-If that is the case, then the Radiance Eight Immortals will discuss among ourselves and give you an answer. Please, give us a little time... : :
But at that moment—
The Great Forest Heavenly Lord bellows out in anger.
: : Rain Dew! What are you doing? You are the executor of the Radiance Eight Immortals, not our representative. No matter if you are the only survivor of the Vast Cold Great War, such overreach will not be tolerated. Above all, are you not letting your emotions sway you right now!? : :
: : Great Forest! Trust me. Now is the time to discuss. Just follow my lead for just a moment... : :
: : No! This is overreach, Rain Dew! Our roles and their authority are absolute. While you are indeed the only survivor of the Vast Cold Great War, respected as our elder and executor, if you cross the line, the Radiance Supreme Deity will surely punish you. : :
: : Wait... : :
: : There will be no negotiation! This is the will of me, the Great Forest Heavenly Lord, representative of the Radiance Eight Immortals, and the will of the Radiance Supreme Deity. No matter if it is the Owner of the Underworld, we are light! We are not so weak as to retreat at the words of darkness! : :
At the words of the Great Forest Heavenly Lord, all of the Radiance Eight Immortals except for the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord begin to join their hands in unison.
The Rain Dew Heavenly Lord appears visibly restless, but in the end, they too join their hands, as if they have no choice.
Wo-woooong!
The Radiance Eight Immortals form their battle formation, and behind them, the emblem of the [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] begins to grow even darker.
'Th-This is...'
It is the same ominous dread I felt back then.
The [light] that illuminated the world when the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity and the Liberation Supreme Deity clashed with the Radiance Eight Immortals!
That light dyes all of creation and obliterated two Supreme Deities at once.
'N-No matter if She is the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld...this is the light that erased two Supreme Deities in a single strike. Can She really withstand this...!?'
As soon as I see that light, I begin to feel uneasy at the Underworld's composed attitude.
Just seeing the ominous symbol of Heuk Sa makes me feel like my throat is being strangled.
: : Conceding a hundred times, I would let that Madam Ghost Mother you are supporting remain under your command. No, if you would concede a few things yourself, I might even yield the return of Vast Cold over there. But to demand we yield all the Enders...that is tantamount to declaring war on us... : :
: : Do it. War. : :
Immediately after.
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld raises Her left arm.
At that moment,
: : Survivors of the Vast Cold Great War, hear me! : :
The Rain Dew Heavenly Lord cries out, their voice trembling.
: : Seek to preserve your lives! : :
At the same time, several of the Heavenly Lords gathered behind the Radiance Eight Immortals begin screaming like mad.
: : The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld is preparing to strike!!! : :
Kuguguguk—
Above the hand of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, a certain illusion begins to appear.
It is the hand of a ferocious beast (凶獸), half-human and half-beast.
It looks like the hand of a tiger, perhaps a leopard, or some grotesque predatory monster. When that hand of darkness rises—
Several Envoys of the Final Age of Dharma begin to convulse and flee in terror.
: : The Western Heavenly Venerable is making Her move!! : :
: : The Western Heavenly Venerable!! She has raised Her left hand!! : :
Deeeng—
Deeeng—
Deeeng—
The Envoys of the Final Age of Dharma, the Heavenly Lords, and the True Lords flee from the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain in utter panic, dragging along the other True Immortals who remain clueless and bewildered.
: : All throughout the Three Heavens Great Thousand World, listen!! The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld is unleashing her powerrrrrr!!! : :
The cry of the final Envoy of the Final Age of Dharma who escapes from the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain resounds throughout the entirety of Mount Sumeru.
At that moment, I feel the other dimensions, apart from the Interdimensional Void, all begin to 'close' simultaneously.
Eastern Heaven Flower Field.
There, countless Flower Overseers and divine spirits fly about so frantically that their winged garments almost catch fire as they shout.
: : The Oldest One!! Has raised Their left hand!! : :
: : Everyone, brace for impact!! : :
: : Old Man! Old Man! Lock down the flower field!! Granny! Find out where the Western Heavenly Venerable is intercepting! : :
The entire Eastern Heaven Flower Field begins to enter a state of emergency.
Source River.
There, Yeong Seung screams and begins to hurriedly seal the Source River shut.
: : Northern Dipper!! Northern Dipper!! Do you hear me, Northern Dipper!? I know we are not on good terms, but answer me for now! The Underworld has descended! The Underworld has raised Their left hand! They are unleashing Their power!! : :
At Yeong Seung's scream, the True Immortals belonging to the Source River fall into mass panic and hide deep within the Source River, and soon, seven Heavenly Lords gather around Yeong Seung.
: : Wh-What does that... : :
: : Why would the Underworld suddenly use Their power!? : :
: : That's not what matters! First, observe where the Underworld is targeting for interception! : :
: : Observation complete! The Underworld's interception point is...the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain! : :
: : Of all places, it's there! Lock down the Gandhara!! : :
Though Yeong Seung and the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords have not been on good terms, they unite in an instant and seal the Source River together.
Among the many Earth Immortals and Heaven Immortals of the Heavenly Domains,
Those who have previously witnessed the actions of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld all begin to panic at once.
At the outskirts of the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, the main body of Glass Peacock, who has been eyeing for a chance to slip into the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain with eyes consumed by lust, suddenly opens their eyes wide.
It's only for a moment, but the lust dwelling in the eyes of Glass Peacock fades away, and terror creeps in.
: : T-The Underworld has descended into a Heavenly Domain and is unleashing Their power? Th-This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to kidnap Azure Peng, but...kugh! I'll just send a clone toward Azure Peng for now and go into hiding! : :
Twin Holding Heavenly Domain.
There, thousands of True Immortals, who have been hiding from the gaze of Radiance Hall, suddenly panic, leaving the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain or rushing to hide near the body of the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity.
: : Flee!!! The aftershock might reach all the way here! : :
: : Supreme Deity! We must go to a Heavenly Domain where a Supreme Deity resides! : :
: : Everyone, go to the Elephant Nose Heavenly Domain! Go to the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain! W-We must go where the Supreme Deities are! Only under the Supreme Deities can we be protected! : :
Throughout the Heavenly Domains, mass migration begins.
Horse Ear Heavenly Domain.
There, a faceless white-haired woman who had been offering prayers toward a wall of lightning hurriedly turns around.
: : Wh-What...? The Underworld is unleashing Their power...? : :
As if something terrifying seems to rise in her mind, the white-haired woman, Zhengli, begins to tremble uncontrollably.
But soon after, she overcomes her fear and laughs.
: : No...this might be a blessing in disguise. If the aftershock reaches here, perhaps it might even create a gap in the seal...! : :
With a voice laced with both anxiety and hope, Zhengli gazes toward the distant Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
The Heavenly King Heavenly Domain is overturned.
Countless living beings and True Immortals of the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain fall into madness from terror.
Under the judgment of an overwhelming, irresistible being, the True Immortals of Radiance Hall, who had acted like gods before mortal beings and wielded tyranny as they pleased, now all weep and wail.
Driven mad by terror, they prostrate themselves toward the Heavenly Venerable of the Netherworld, praying desperately. They laugh and cry in turns as if they have lost their minds, no different from the weak mortal beings.
'Ahh...'
I see it.
Every existence in this world holds their breath.
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld begins to swing Her left hand with indifferent eyes.
The light of the [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] created by the Radiance Eight Immortals collides with the casually swung left arm of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
And at that moment, the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord shouts desperately.
: : Let it flow!!! : :
Above the left hand of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, the faint image of a beast's hand appears.
It is the instant when that beast's hand clashes with the beam of light from Radiance Hall.
Pukwak!
Just witnessing it causes my eyeballs to burst.
It is not only my eyes.
In that instant, my perception organs that perceive the planes of Qi, Soul, and Fate are severed.
The only thing I can perceive is Triple Divinity.
Perhaps the disparity in rank is so great that I cannot even perceive the shock.
The fate of my internal world twists.
To even witness and perceive this impact, it seems that what is needed is not strength, but at least the minimum level of rank. Unlike me, the Underworld Ten Kings and the Immortal Lords who have seized Seats seem able to face it directly.
I quickly regenerate my eyes and perception organs, and in the next moment, I am able to behold an overwhelming scene.
'Crazy...'
The entire Radiance Eight Immortals are torn apart, and the light they had summoned along with the symbol of the [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] has disappeared without a trace.
At the same time...
I am unable to suppress my shock as I witness the situation behind the Radiance Eight Immortals.
The Heavenly King Heavenly Domain...has vanished.
I see countless spirits of Immortals and mortal beings within the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain being dragged toward the Underworld.
Perhaps because it is such a sudden death, except for the True Immortals, the living souls are not particularly judged and are instead able to enjoy bliss within the afterlife of the Underworld.
But I am simply horrified at the result that freezes my mind.
'Even when the Northern Heavenly Venerable Hyeon Mu descended with the Gandhara and swirled the Three Great Ultimates into a vortex and attacked once...only half of the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain was split...'
A single indifferent strike by the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld's projection is stronger than the attack Hyeon Mu released with all her might with her Gandhara.
And worse yet, it seems this is not the end. Other Heavenly Domains beyond the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain are also shaking violently.
Judging by the considerable groans heard from inside, they appear to be suffering from the aftershocks.
And...
Surprisingly, the ones who survived that insane strike from the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld are none other than the Radiance Eight Immortals, who took the attack at the closest distance.
Paaatt!
From the place where they had stood, light seems to flash, and the divine bodies of the Radiance Eight Immortals, which had been blown apart, begin to gradually return.
After some time, once they return to their original forms, the Radiance Eight Immortals all remain silent.
: : Will you do it? War? : :
In response to the following words of the Underworld, the Great Forest Heavenly Lord simply offers a respectful bow toward the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
: : ...Please...forgive our insolence... : :
: : Leave. : :
With that single, short command from the Underworld, the Radiance Eight Immortals lose all will to fight and begin to retreat bitterly.
And then...
Having just witnessed that insane act of destruction, I stand there blankly, trying to look up at the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
But at that moment,
Blink—
'...Huh?'
Before I know it, the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld has vanished.
: : They have returned to the Gandhara. The Imperial Venerable does not like staying inside Mount Sumeru. Especially not in front of the Head Realm. : :
Then, Yan Luo approaches and speaks to me.
I feel another wave of goosebumps at those words.
'That terrifying presence...returned to the Gandhara without leaving a single trace?'
[...Truly...incredible.]
[Of course.]
The Underworld Ten Kings, including Yan Luo, begin to lower their ranks one by one, as if preparing to return to the Underworld.
[Now, that aside...the Imperial Venerable is calling for you, Seo Eun-hyun. Come. I will guide you to the Imperial Venerable...]
[...Understood.]
The Judges naturally surround me and open the gate of the Underworld.
Normally, I would have been suspicious of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld's taxidermization and have tried desperately to flee...
But right now, that thought does not even cross my mind.
'All this time...They have been going easy on me.'
The power I just witnessed is quite literally capable of not only chasing after regression, but also crossing beyond it.
The Underworld could have taxidermized me at any time.
Of course, I could feel joy thinking that now I have reached the standard, I will receive support, and there is no longer a reason to be taxidermized.
But I feel nothing and simply follow Yan Luo quietly.
Maybe because I have seen a power that cannot be dared to be resisted.
No thoughts come to mind.
Kugugugugu!
I descend deeper and deeper into the dark abyss where no light reaches.
How far down into the abyss have we gone?
Kuuung!
Before I know it, Yan Luo and I stand before a massive gate of darkness.
It is time to meet face-to-face with the Imperial Venerable.
-x-X-x-
When I arrive at the gate leading to the deepest depths of the Underworld together with Yan Luo, from beside the gate, Blue Bird and another white-faced old man approach and speak.
[Please leave your winged garment with us.]
[The living beings as well, please set them down.]
[You cannot bring Immortal Treasures or weapons inside.]
As they say this, they strip off my winged garment in an instant, seal it, and pull out the ascenders from within my body.
'Makes sense. If there are living beings inside when facing the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, they might just die.'
[I will entrust the living beings to you, but could you heal those who were injured from the earlier impact?]
[We shall heal them.]
The white-faced old man nods and takes the unconscious living beings from my body away somewhere, while Blue Bird seals my winged garment and receives the Immortal Treasures inside me.
I hand over the bodies of Yeo Hwi, Ham Jin, and Yu Hwi from my previous life, along with the Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flags and other items to them.
I also take out Hong Fan for a moment.
[Hong Fan. Sorry, but step outside for a little while.]
No matter how strange this one is, if he stands before the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, he might not be able to withstand the rank and could explode and die.
Even if it seems a bit suspicious, it is only right to show consideration, so I naturally take Hong Fan out and place him on my palm.
"Hmm, Master. May I not enter together with you? I also wish to be of help to you."
But Hong Fan, for some reason, fidgets nervously and wishes to come with me, and I scratch my head as I reply.
[Hmm, I am sorry. But if you come, I think you will not be able to endure it.]
To my words, Blue Bird also responds, looking down at Hong Fan.
[The Imperial Venerable wishes to have a private audience with this one. You should remain outside for now.]
"E-Emm... Still..."
[Are you trying to go against the will of the Imperial Venerable?]
"Th-That...understood."
In the end, Hong Fan lets out a sigh at Blue Bird's words and moves from the top of my hand to rest atop Blue Bird's palm.
[Then wait here for a moment, Hong Fan. Ah, and Blue Bird...is that right?]
[Yes, distinguished guest.]
[Hong Fan likes boiled potatoes, so please prepare some for him to eat.]
I ask Blue Bird to make sure Hong Fan can have some boiled potatoes while waiting.
'This guy really likes potatoes, so he should at least pass the time eating those while waiting.'
Remembering well how much Hong Fan enjoyed eating potatoes, I chuckle and make the request, and Blue Bird nods.
Soon after, Blue Bird disappears somewhere along with the sealed winged garment and Hong Fan, and after confirming this, Yan Luo knocks on the massive gate.
[O Imperial Venerable, I have brought Seo Eun-hyun.]
Kiiiiiik—
At Yan Luo's words, the gate that is larger than our cosmic size bodies, begins to open.
Then,
What unfolds before my eyes is a familiar scene.
[White Wheel].
And the massive being sitting in a lotus position before that Wheel.
Perhaps because now she considers me worthy, the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld no longer speaks through shadows with only a candle between us as before. This time, she boldly reveals her incarnation.
The very appearance I just saw in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
That beautiful yet bizarre figure of cosmic scale, the Netherworld Queen Mother, gazes down at me and at Yan Luo who brought me here, and opens her mouth.
[Let the Yama True Lord step out for a moment. I have something to discuss with the Ender.]
[As you command.]
Yan Luo bows deeply to the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, then disappears into the darkness beyond.
Kuuuung!
With that, the door behind closes again.
Though it is still only a projection, or an incarnation at best...
Now, I finally get to see the true face of the Underworld.
However, my growth does not bring me any joy. Rather, the more I gaze into the eyes of that colossal Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, the more suffocating it feels.
It feels like a heavy, dull weight is blocking my chest.
In that state, as I remain tense, alone with the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld opens her mouth.
[This lowly maiden is...]
Immediately, I bow my head and cry out.
[P-Please! I beg you, withdraw those words!]
Kwaaang!
I shout, feeling an overwhelming sense of burden at those words.
Lowly maiden?
Anyone who has witnessed the power of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld could never stay calm upon hearing such words.
This feels less like humility and more like tyranny itself.
[I-I am...I am but a mere Great Net Immortal, and such words are far too great of a burden for me. Please, I beg you, do not call yourself such before me...!]
At my desperate plea, the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld seems to gaze at me for a moment.
[However, you Heavenly Kings possess a rank higher than us Heavenly Venerables. In terms of rank alone, none of us Heavenly Venerables, myself included, can casually lower our speech toward the distinguished one.]
[P-Please! I truly beg of you! Please lower your speech toward me!]
I cry out sincerely, almost like pleading.
That terrifying being humbling herself before me.
It feels more like mockery or a threat.
I feel so breathless and stifled that I nearly beg as I continue.
[This lowly Seo Eun-hyun humbly beseech you...! P-Please, lower your speech toward me!]
[...If that is your wish, then so be it.]
Only then do I feel a bit of the suffocating pressure lift, and I gasp for air as I raise my upper body.
[Thank you... O Imperial Venerable...]
And...
Only then do I feel like I can start thinking properly again.
'Ah... Right. Now...'
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld is on my side.
[I am not particularly on your side. You have merely reached my standard.]
[Standard, huh...?]
I smile bitterly.
[The standard of the Imperial Venerable who easily defeated the Radiance Eight Immortals in a single strike is unimaginably high... Could someone like me be of help to the Imperial Venerable?]
I used to think that way.
That if we reach the 'standard' of the Underworld, it would mean we at least reached a realm high enough to be of some 'help' to the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
But now,
Having witnessed the true power of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, I begin to question just what kind of help I could ever offer.
Other than being a little toy soldier easy to play with, what help could I really provide?
I start to feel doubtful.
[You lack confidence. Believe in yourself. It is only natural that you are still weak right now. Above all, your growth is not yet complete, so there is no need to be impatient. The teachings of Salt Sea will surely show you the way. I do not invest in anything where I see no potential.]
[...Thank you, even just for your words.]
[And there is a misunderstanding.]
[A misunderstanding...?]
I look up at the Underworld in confusion.
In the eyes of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, there is a trace of displeasure.
[I am not particularly stronger than the Radiance Eight Immortals. The symbol of light they summon...the power contained in that symbol is on par with my own. The reason I appeared to overwhelm them is simply because...when standing before me, light grows feeble.]
[...?]
I feel puzzled by those words and ask a question.
[Do you possess a mantra that weakens light?]
[...No. It is just...light itself lowers and weakens endlessly before me of its own accord. [Someone]...has woven that into a law itself. That is why, if you set aside that unreasonable law, the power between me and the faction of light is merely to the degree that I hold a slight lead...]
'Then isn't that actually a good thing...?'
I cannot understand the displeasure that lingers in the eyes of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
And then,
For some reason, the memory of when Tae Yeol-jeon and Hong Fan first met suddenly surfaces in my mind.
'...What is this...?'
For some reason.
The reaction Hong Fan showed upon first meeting the Underworld within Tae Yeol-jeon.
And just now, the 'law' spoken of by the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
I feel as if there is some connection between the two.
However, I cannot immediately grasp what that connection might be.
'For now, let's make sure to remember this.'
I decide to hold that information in my mind and observe the expression of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
'Right now is not the time to ask about this.'
For the moment, I avoid asking that question and instead bring up another.
[...Then, may I ask why you offer support to those who meet your standards?]
[That is not what you are most curious about right now, is it?]
'...As I thought...'
Even after reaching this realm, she reads right through me instantly.
I clear my mind of unnecessary thoughts and nod.
[...Then, may I ask what I am most curious about first.]
[Go ahead.]
[I believe you have been watching me since my previous life. If so, I believe you also witnessed the battle between us and Hyeon Mu. In that case...do you perhaps know the current state of Hyeon Mu?]
[I do.]
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld answers readily.
And at her next words, I cannot help but feel shocked.
[Hyeon Mu is currently endlessly repeating suicide within the Interdimensional Void. For some reason, it seems she has recovered her memories. Even before, whenever she sometimes regained her memories, she would repeatedly suicide without end like that.]
[...Pardon...?]
[Most likely, Hyeon Mu will not appear before you again. No matter how many lives you repeat. Because...those of Heavenly Venerable rank have already begun to notice your regressions, and Hyeon Mu is among them.]
[...!!]
At those words, I can't help but recoil in shock.
'Th-That means...'
Does this mean Hyeon Mu and the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable have realized my regression!?
'Have all the Heavenly Venerables become aware of my regression? Was it not only Kim Young-hoon who noticed?'
[Whenever Hyeon Mu regains her memories, from that moment on, she continues to kill herself in this way until an entire generation of Enders declines. After that, her memories are sealed again, and she resumes mindlessly chasing after me, declaring that she will defeat me. A pitiful child.]
As the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld speaks of Hyeon Mu, for the first time, genuine pity flickers in her eyes before quickly fading.
At that moment, something flashes through my mind.
It is that.
Back then, when I heard about Hyeon Mu's Heavenly Venerable advancement ritual, something had struck me as 'contradictory' at the time.
What that [something] is finally comes to mind.
As soon as I realize that contradiction, I realize that I must ask about it here and now. Carefully, I open my mouth.
[...In fact, I have been holding a question regarding her as well... Would you be willing to answer?]
[Speak. After all, I called you here to tell you what can be told. If there is wisdom you are not yet ready to bear, I will choose what to share, so do not worry.]
[Yes, I am most grateful. Then, if I may...I wish to ask regarding the contradiction that lies within Hyeon Mu.]
The contradiction I noticed when I first heard about the Heavenly Venerable advancement ritual.
That contradiction deepened further as I witnessed the power of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, and the moment the topic of Hyeon Mu was brought up by the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, the question fully formed.
[It was said that Hyeon Mu's advancement ritual was the expulsion of all beings from Mount Sumeru. But...if the power of Radiance Hall weakens only before the presence of the Imperial Venerable, then how on earth...could someone like Hyeon Mu have driven out even Radiance Hall?]
That's right.
The group known as Radiance Hall has existed longer than the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, and the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld has existed longer than Hyeon Mu.
Then, even back when Hyeon Mu was around, Radiance Hall must have already been standing strong...
How in the world did Hyeon Mu win against the Radiance Ten Heavens of that era, who held power comparable to the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld?
That is exactly the essence of the contradiction I felt before.
And upon hearing those words, the eyes of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld twitch slightly as she answers calmly.
[It is simple.]
'Simple?'
But contrary to the word simple, as I hear the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld's following words, I feel chills run all over my body.
[Because that was not Hyeon Mu's advancement ritual.]
[...Pardon?]
[It was not Hyeon Mu, but a different [someone] who once underwent such an advancement ritual...and the great undertakings of that [someone] have been [overwritten] onto Hyeon Mu's history. Even Hyeon Mu's Interdimensional Void, the Plane of Soul...in truth, none of it is hers. All of those feats belong solely to someone else. That is why contradictions cannot help but arise within Hyeon Mu's story.]
[...]
I feel a creeping horror as if I am standing before a dreadful truth and ask my next question.
For some reason, I am afraid to speak the next question.
[...Is it...is it truly possible to become a Heavenly Venerable through such means? Through such an act of being suddenly...'overwritten' like that...?]
[Your premise is wrong.]
And at the words that follow, I am left utterly speechless.
[It is not that Hyeon Mu became a Heavenly Venerable through such means. Rather...it was after becoming a Heavenly Venerable that she was overwritten.]
[...What does that mean...?]
[Hyeon Mu, and the others of the Three Heavenly Venerables, one day simply came into existence. I myself do not know the detailed memories of that time, for at the plea of the Three Heavenly Venerables, I sealed them away with ancient force...but I suspect that truth is deeply tied to their disgrace.]
[...]
I tremble, trying to ask the next question.
But no words come out.
The question that rises to my throat is whether that means the Three Heavenly Venerables are beings inserted into the history of Mount Sumeru by someone...
But instinctively, I realize.
'This is dangerous.'
If I let this question slip out of my mouth, I feel certain an unbearable disaster will fall upon me.
It is my intuition, honed through knowing so many True Immortals and Governing Immortals even before becoming a True Immortal myself, and having always kept my thoughts guarded.
This is the kind of question that must not be voiced.
I feel as if an unknown someone will 'notice' if I ask.
Barely, just barely, I manage to swallow the question back down my throat.
Seeing this, the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld nods.
[It is best not to speak dangerous wisdom aloud. Even if the question is born purely from curiosity to know the truth... You have self-restraint.]
[...Thank you...for the praise.]
I hurriedly shift my attention to another topic.
Not something related to Hyeon Mu or the disgrace of the Three Heavenly Venerables...
I return to the topic of the Heavenly Venerables realizing my regression.
[...May I ask something else?]
[Go ahead.]
[...When we last spoke in private before. Did you not say so back then? That it would still be a long time before the Heavenly Venerables would notice.]
[That was originally the case.]
[Originally, meaning...]
Just when I feel confused, the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld suddenly brings up an unexpected topic.
[When the order of time is reversed, what must be done for there to be no contradiction?]
[...? I apologize. I do not understand the question.]
[When someone from the future changes the past, what must be done so that it does not cause a contradiction in time?]
[Are you...speaking of a time paradox?]
That's right.
A time paradox.
If someone goes to the past, changes it, and then returns to the present only to find that the changed past altered the present in such a way that the reason for them to go back disappeared—that headache-inducing contradiction!
The Underworld suddenly brings up something like that.
And I cannot understand her intention.
'What is this? Is it a question somehow related to me, a regressor?'
But since I can't grasp her intention, I simply answer with what I think of.
[If a being from the future intervenes with a being of the past, for a contradiction not to occur in time...it would require determinism.]
[Determinism?]
[Fate is predetermined. If there is such a 'fate' in which the interference of the future being with the past being is the very thing that makes the future being come into existence, then perhaps...there would be no contradiction... If you are referring to my ability, though, would it not be more like parallel worlds...or something like that...?]
[I am not talking about your ability.]
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld smiles subtly as she speaks.
[[Someone] has already...from a point in the future beyond this moment, intervened in the past. And because of that, the fate of this present moment has been twisted and fixed. That upheaval of fate...has caused those of Heavenly Venerable rank to have awakened earlier than expected.]
[...Pardon?]
I open my eyes wide at the absurd claim.
'From the future...someone intervened in the past? What is that supposed to mean?'
[What do you mean, what is supposed to mean? Don't you have a guess?]
[Me...?]
Then the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld points at me.
[Deer. You must have seen a deer, have you not...?]
[...]
At those words, I open my eyes even wider.
[That deer...is proof that [someone] has intervened from the future. In other words...from the moment you saw that particular [deer], the future of this world has already been set. Your ending, too, has already been written.]
[...Are you saying...my future has been determined?]
[That is not exactly what I mean. Only the future in which [someone from the future interferes with the past through the symbol of a deer] has been determined. Who that 'someone' is, or what journey must be taken to reach that point—none of that has been decided yet.]
[...]
'So only one scene from the future is set, but everything else remains undecided.'
Why is she telling me all this?
I look up at the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld in confusion.
[You want to know why I am telling you this?]
[Please, tell m... Ah, no...]
However, just as I am about to listen to her story as if entranced, I quickly shake my head.
Because I can tell that if I answer that question with a 'yes,' the Underworld will truly begin to reveal to me her intention, along with countless truths.
But when I think about it, I've already received more than enough answers regarding many matters from the Underworld.
Far too many, in fact.
In a way, it has been an incredible amount of help.
And...
'The help of a True Immortal stronger than me...always turns into misfortune, doesn't—'
[Are you worried about such things?]
It happens then.
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld raises her right arm.
Once again, above that right arm, something like the hand of a monstrous beast made of darkness rises.
Shiver!
The next moment—
Kwaaaaaaang!
'Th-This is...!'
I understand immediately.
That single gesture of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, swinging her hand toward the void!
With just that one motion, a part of the principles of Mount Sumeru is torn away!
At the same time, I notice that the Wheel behind the Underworld stirs faintly.
'It...it's been rewritten!?'
In an instant, the laws of Mount Sumeru have been altered within the hand of the Underworld.
[I have just torn apart and reworked that law. It will need to be restored later, but...at least for now, I can twist away the misfortune coming for you as much as I please. I will become the Trial Overseer, twisting your misfortune into trials suitable for you and sending them back.]
[...]
[So do not worry about misfortune. I stand above such laws. Now, I will ask again. Do you want to know why I am telling you such things?]
I gape at the terrifying power of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, slowly nodding my head.
At that, the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld smiles.
[Then I shall tell you. Who it is that sent you down into this world, who it is that hunts you down, and who it is that blocks the way beyond the Audience Chamber where we Governing Immortals must go...]
Thus, before me, seeking the truth, the mouth of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld opens, pouring forth the truths of this world.
[The one who hunts you down, who keeps the light as their servant, and who blocks the way beyond the Audience Chamber. That being has many names, but I mostly call them this.]
At the words that follow, my pupils contract sharply.
[The Future King (未來王).]
-x-X-x-
Future King (未來王).
The moment I hear that term, my mind goes blank, and I feel a dull congestion building deep inside my chest.
At the same time, one of the tanghwa that the Underworld once showed me through the body of Tae Yeol-jeon comes to mind.
The protagonist of the enormous taenghwa, clad in a black kasaya, seated upon a lotus, and looking down upon all sentient beings.
Kuuung—
Somehow, as I recall that taenghwa, an unsettling feeling seizes my chest, nausea wells up, and a wave of disgust washes over me.
[...Future King... Just what kind of existence is that being? Is that being...the final trial we must overcome...?]
[...Well. That, even I do not know. Whether that being truly exists, or is nothing more than an illusion or a law...]
[Pardon...?]
[However, one thing is certain. The Future King undoubtedly exists in some form. All of us Governing Immortals, myself included, always feel that heavy presence pressing from beyond the Audience Chamber of Mount Sumeru.]
Underworld continues to speak.
[And there is one more thing that is clear. Whether the Future King is currently a sentient being or a non-sentient one, that being was certainly once among those who truly existed as a person.]
[...!]
'Krrgh...!'
I realize that every time the word 'Future King' is mentioned, my head feels as if it is about to split apart.
'This is...!'
Something begins to surface within my mind.
'M-Memory...?'
The very first life.
The events between being caught in the landslide and falling into Ascension Path.
[The events right before reaching this world]...
It feels like those memories are pushing through the cracks, trying to resurface.
'I...'
I am looking at the symbol of the [Black Snake Biting Its Tail].
And before that symbol of the snake, [something] seems to have appeared.
[It] conveyed some unknown will to us, and we were there, receiving that will.
And then...
Jiiiiiing!
[Kuurgh!]
I clutch my head and gasp for breath.
An intense headache torments my mind.
[Heok...heheok...]
[Did something come to mind?]
[...It is nothing. I just realized...that there is one more hidden memory.]
Yes.
Besides the 16th cycle, there are still memories I have yet to recall.
The memories from right after the landslide!
The memories before reaching Ascension Path!
Those memories, like the memories of the 16th cycle, seem submerged in pitch-black darkness.
And the moment I become aware of this, I come to understand another fact.
'It's the same.'
The memories of the 16th cycle.
The memories of just before reaching Ascension Path.
They both feel the same.
If someone sealed my memories, then I sense that the being who sealed these two memories is 'the same being'.
[...As expected, it is still a very poisonous wisdom to you...]
[Pardon...?]
I flinch at those words and ask.
'Are they judging that the wisdom regarding the Future King...is poison to me?'
I begin to wonder if, once again, I won't be able to hear all the information I need.
[Then must I grow even further...]
[No, do not worry. Unless it is truly beyond what you can bear, I will tell you as much as I can. At your current level, even if it may be poison, it is still at a level you can digest.]
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld speaks on.
[In the end, the Future King is...a being whom all Governing Immortals must unite their strength to fight against. They currently block the gate beyond the Audience Chamber that is the Thirty-Third Heaven of Mount Sumeru, imprisoning all of Mount Sumeru. They hold the fate of all existence in their hands, halt the advancement of this era's civilization and the growth of living beings, and endlessly fix the flow of time to a single era, forcing it to repeat.]
The more the explanation continues, the dizzier my head becomes.
Wisdom.
It feels exactly like wisdom itself is alive, clawing at my head.
'Damn...'
Tuk, tududuk!
I suddenly shudder as I see something like a salt pillar sprouting in real time from my head.
It is Salt Crystal.
Salt Crystal, the condensation of ancient force, begins to grow and fill my brain just from hearing that information.
The knowledge about the Future King alone causes ancient force to surge wildly within my head.
It is clearly a dangerous situation, yet the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld does not particularly stop and continues speaking.
[Why they do this, we cannot know. We can only speculate... But one thing is certain. That being is currently deeply distorted somewhere. They are not fulfilling the role given to them at all. Therefore, either that distorted part must be corrected...or that being must be killed, and another must become the Future King.]
[...The role assigned to that being is...]
[Fate (運命).]
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld raises one arm.
Huarurururuk!
Flames rise from it, and like will-o'-the-wisps, they flutter through the darkness.
Those will-o'-the-wisps sketch out a diagram of Mount Sumeru before my eyes.
Countless stars, True Immortals, and Heavenly Domains come together to form Mount Sumeru.
[Hm?]
At that moment, I feel as if I see the illusion of a [baby].
'What...is that supposed to be?'
Perhaps it is just my imagination.
Perhaps my mind is not in the right state due to the wisdom concerning the Future King.
[Harmonizing the fate of all existence of the Sumeru Three Heavens Great Thousand World in order to find the ultimate 'answer'...that is the role of the Future King.]
[The ultimate answer...what is that supposed to be?]
[That, I do not know. It is merely a piece of information discovered from the Akashic Records. However, I do know that the answer is related to you Enders.]
[The ultimate answer related to us... The Future King is supposed to harmonize fate and seek out that answer, but they are refusing to do so?]
[Yes. More precisely, should I say they have already arbitrarily decided on a different answer...? Whether that is intentional or not, I cannot say... But they are harmonizing the fate of all existence for a purpose completely opposite to their calling.
[They have sealed off all other possibilities, making it so that no one else can ever reach the true ultimate answer aside from the one they have chosen. Not only beyond the Audience Chamber, but they are restricting all possibilities everywhere.]
[...Kugh...]
Splurt!
I vomit a handful of Immortal Beast True Blood.
From the Immortal Beast True Blood I spit up, crystals of salt begin to sprout.
They are Salt Crystals.
[I-I apologize...It seems I am still too lacking...I cannot bear the wisdom of such a great being. Please, grant me just a little time before continuing the explanation...]
[Do not worry.]
Wo-woong!
Thump, thump, thump...
My chest pulses faintly.
The Taiji in the deepest depths of the Underworld spins and explodes.
At the same time, I feel as though my heart pounding, warmth returning to my body, and my collapsing frame being forced upright.
I feel my consciousness forcibly sharpen in an instant, and I notice the thick scent of plums spreading throughout the area.
'Ah, ahhh...this is...!'
The Immortal Art of deferring death that I learned from Cheongmun Ryeong is spreading through this space and forcibly stabilizing my body.
It is the act of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
After forcibly stabilizing my body, the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld continues the explanation.
[W-Wait...]
[What you must learn today must be learned today. You cannot keep delaying this. I will tell you wisdom up to the level you can bear, so do not worry.]
[...]
I understand.
Up until now, the reason the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld treated me so carefully is simply because I had been like a glass doll that would shatter at the slightest touch.
But now, I have grown considerably larger and stronger.
There is no longer any need to treat me so delicately as before.
[In that case...there is one thing I would like to ask.]
The moment I realize this, I grit my teeth and brace myself.
'Even if I refuse, it's clear the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld is going to force this wisdom into me while locking down my body.'
If that is how it is going to be, then so be it.
Since it has come to this, I will accept as much wisdom and information as I can endure with all my strength!
Resolving my mindset in an instant, I begin to arrange and compress the ancient force within my body, listen closely to the words of the Underworld, and decide to actively engage in this transmission of wisdom.
[What is the source of that being's power, that they are able to harmonize fate? I understand that the Imperial Venerable has met that being and yet returned alive each time. How has the Imperial Venerable managed to come back alive, and what would be the best method to confront that being going forward?]
At my question, the corners of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld's lips faintly twitch.
It seems she finds my attitude commendable.
[Your mindset is good. Indeed, worthy of being chosen by Salt Sea... Very well. I shall tell you. After all, for existences at the level of Governing Immortal, everyone knows except for the Radiance Eight Immortals.]
Then, as the words of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld continue, I feel as if my eyes are about to pop out.
[The Future King. The source of that being's power is...Fate (運命). They...killed all cultivators of Mount Sumeru at the level of Supreme Deity and Heavenly Venerable, shattered all Gandharas, trampled the dignity of all Imperial Kings, annihilated and destroyed all of the Sumeru Three Heavens Great Thousand World, and by being recognized for that achievement...reached the Origin Essence of Fate.]
[...Pardon?]
[And even after that, by accumulating achievements comparable to such a feat, they completely seized the Seat of Fate (運命).
[The Owner of Fate. The God of Heaven. If they are considered an individual...then they are an existence older than a lowly being like me. The true owner of the future...that is the Future King. The Fate Supreme Deity (運命上帝).]
[...]
[All other Supreme Deities (上帝; Supreme Emperors) of this world...are nothing but imposters claiming the title. They alone are truly qualified to be called Emperor (帝).]
Splurt!
A wave of Salt Crystal surges from my seven orifices.
Not only that, but salt pillars begin to sprout wildly around me.
Wisdom is pulling me in.
And, perhaps in resistance to that wisdom.
I instinctively try to dismiss and deny the words of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld as 'false'.
This is the greatest resistance that I, a mere Great Net Immortal, can muster against the 'wisdom' trying to devour me.
[F-F-False...no, those are absurd words.]
I know that the being before my eyes can crush the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain with a single strike, and tear apart the laws of Mount Sumeru.
If she unleashes her full power, she could likely destroy Mount Sumeru entirely.
However, rather than fear toward this being, I begin to deny the words of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, crushed by the pressure and suffocation that this wisdom brings.
[Fate, history, and the third absolute law cannot possess Origin Essence! A-And even if such a thing exists, no one can seize it! Is it not, as it is called, [absolute]! The Origin Essence is the mountain, and the Immortal Dao is the mountain path. But if such an Origin Essence truly exists, then where on earth is the Immortal Dao of Fate! I have never once heard in any account or history of any True Immortal walking the Immortal Dao of Fate.]
[...As expected. You are peculiar. When the truth is told to those born of this world, they all, without exception, deny it and try to forget, just like you. But when the same is told to Enders, though they tremble in fear and suffer, they still accept it. You, however, are like someone from Mount Sumeru.]
[Pardon...?]
It is at that moment.
Kugugugung!
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld reaches her hand toward me.
Tuk—
At the same time, that massive, pale jade hand firmly grips my shoulder and presses down upon me.
[If so, then I have no choice but to use the same method as when revealing the truth to my Judges.]
Kugugugugu!
An overwhelming pressure crushes down upon me.
At the same time, neither my body nor any of my authority can move at all.
'Th-This is...'
Fear.
The fundamental fear that all living beings of all phenomena feel—death.
True Martial Arts (眞武).
Triple Divinity vibrates, informing me that the being before my eyes is about to exert power.
Heart and Heaven Taenghwa Painting (心天幀畫).
Along with that, while neither my body nor my authority can move, the upper part of my head explodes.
Peong!
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld forcibly 'pries open' my head.
[Do not avert your gaze and face the truth clearly. For Governing Immortals, it can be directly felt, but for those like you who cannot sense it, it may be too much to handle. Therefore, I will open it myself and put it inside.]
Huarurururuk!
At the same time, the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld begins to drive into my head the diagram of Mount Sumeru, made from will-o'-the-wisps.
[...Kkuuuuaaaaaaaagh!!!]
'M-Master's...six-sided club. This hurts as much as Hyeon Mu's single strike!!!'
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld is touching the principles that make up my existence.
[The Origin Essence of Fate truly exists.]
[B-But...!!]
[Because...the Origin Essence of History exists at this very moment]
[...Pardon...?]
At that shocking revelation, my eyes widen.
[The Origin Essence...of History...what exactly...]
[It is something you already know. The record of countless beings and the sanctuary of truth that knows all thoughts. The complete compendium of all history and information.]
At those words, a certain place surfaces in my mind.
[The place where all history and life gather as one. The Origin Essence of Life, Omniscience (全知). In other words...that which is also called the Akashic Records (虛空錄), is the Origin Essence of Life.]
[...!!!]
'Th-That means...'
The Head Realm.
In other words, the true identity of the Emptiness Supreme Deity Myeon Woon is the Origin Essence of Life, Omniscience.
Only now do I realize the truth behind what I saw before in the diagram of Mount Sumeru, where the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld and the other Heavenly Venerables were absorbing a [yellow light] at the summit of Mount Sumeru.
The yellow light they were absorbing was not that of the Radiance Supreme Deity.
Rather, it was the light of the Emptiness Supreme Deity Myeong Woon.
In other words, Hyeon Mu, Time, Sal Tree, and the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld are beings who divine descent power from the Origin Essence of Life, Omniscience, which is why they devour that yellow light.
[There are three absolute laws. If one of their Origin Essences clearly exists before your eyes...then naturally, would the other two absolutes not also have Origin Essences?]
[Gugh...kkurururuk...]
Unable to withstand the pain and the 'calling' brought by this information, I begin to foam salt at the mouth.
I desperately resist this pain and the pressure of the wisdom, starting to deny the words of the Underworld.
[E-Even...so...the Akashic Records...and the other absolutes...absolute is absolute. They are absolutely...not what an individual...can seize...!]
[You still deny it? Do not worry. I will make you understand by force if necessary...]
Kugugugugu!
The diagram of Mount Sumeru driven into my head begins to explode.
[...!!]
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld forcibly expands my head.
It feels like my body is going to break apart.
[Those who practice Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation begin to grow 'winged garments' from the Star Shattering stage. On their planets, something like 'rings' also appears.]
That's right.
I reached the Star Shattering stage through Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation, and I definitely obtained winged garment and something like a 'ring'.
[That winged garment. And the winged garments possessed by Heaven Immortals. Finally, the Gandhara of those of Heavenly Venerable rank... The 'ring' that we possess. All of these are of the same nature.]
[Pardon...?]
[It is the power of Divine Descent.]
As the words of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld continue, I feel logic forcibly hammered into my mind, and I groan.
[During the Star Shattering, Sacred Vessel, and Entering Nirvana stages, one is still far too frail, a mere mortal being...so Mount Sumeru lends its power during those realms. And that lending of power is only partial, allocated according to one's pathway. However, in the case of those who practice Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation, since there are two pathways, the power they receive is overwhelmingly greater than that of other cultivators. Thus, it is no longer simply borrowing a part of Mount Sumeru's power, but Divine Descent. In other worlds, it is practically soul summoning (招魂) directly into one's body.]
'Ah...'
The truth of the Underworld is painful, but at the same time, it strikes clearly at parts I had not known before.
Only now do I fully understand why the thirty-third move of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Sumeru, Divine Descends power by forming circles.
Back then, without even fully grasping the principle, I half-instinctively recreated a 'winged garment' through the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.
[The reason why our Gandhara has the same 'ring' that Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation practitioners at the Star Shattering stage possess is the same. In the end we too are Divine Descending power. That is precisely the qualification of a Heavenly Venerable, and the true reason that distinguishes a Heavenly Venerable from a Supreme Deity.
[There are, in fact, only two proper methods to advance to Heavenly Venerable.
[The first is when a being who has reached Supreme Deity succeeds in Divine Descending power from Fate, History, or the third Origin Essence solely through their own strength.
[The second is when [someone] Spirit Descends into one who has reached Supreme Deity and lends their strength.
[Only these two are the legitimate methods of Heavenly Venerable advancement. Any other so-called methods are all nonsense.
[Now do you understand?]
At the words of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, I have no choice but to fully accept this truth.
[The winged garment is proof of divine descent, a mark of soul summoning. In other words...it is a kind of Immortal Crown. If so, then whose power is it exactly that is being lent for the winged garments worn by current Heaven Upper Immortals?]
'Ah...ah...'
[Listen carefully. In the distant past, within the depths of history that even I do not know its truth or its existence, [someone] rose to the position of Fate Supreme Deity. And because of that existence, even Vestige Liberation Immortals became able to use fate prophecy, and Earth Upper Immortals also became able to interfere with a portion of fate without following the fate pathway. And Heaven Upper Immortals also gained winged garments by soul summoning that being's power.]
I realize why I—no...
Why all those from Mount Sumeru find it difficult to grasp this 'truth', as the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld said.
If it is someone capable of learning this 'truth' from the Underworld, then they must be at least of Great Net Immortal or higher...
And any existence at Great Net Immortal or higher must surely have at some point drawn upon the power of fate, which is the domain of the Owner of Fate.
That is why we instinctively reject even the act of knowing the truth that is unwanted by the Owner of Fate.
[...Are they...]
Forced to accept this truth by the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, I sob in pain and shock as I ask.
[...the Owner of Immortal Cultivation...?]
My mind grows hazy.
Now, even the power of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld cannot stop my collapse.
Perhaps because I have come to know the wisdom concerning an existence far too immense, I am unable to endure the Salt Crystals bursting from within me and begin to shatter.
It is shocking, and it is painful.
And...
It is despairing.
Just how in the world is one supposed to defeat something like the Owner of Fate?
Just what could I possibly do to win against fate?
Just what kind of act must one commit to overcome the creator of the Immortal Cultivation system...?
[No.]
[...Pardon?]
[Radiance Hall predates even me, so even I do not know the truth. I have not fully grasped the relationship between the Radiance Supreme Deity and the Fate Supreme Deity. It is possible, perhaps, that the Radiance Supreme Deity was created to keep the Fate Supreme Deity in check.]
[...Pardon?]
[But what is certain...is that the power of Immortal Cultivation was created by the First Radiance Supreme Deity.]
[Th-The Radiance Supreme Deity...?]
Yet, I still feel as if I cannot breathe.
In the end, though the First Radiance Supreme Deity may have kept the Fate Supreme Deity in check...
Is it not true that the current Radiance Supreme Deity—at least of the era of Yang Su-jin—is merely a subordinate of the Fate Supreme Deity?
Just how am I supposed to defeat the Owner of Immortal Cultivation?
[They are not the Owner of Immortal Cultivation. They are merely the administrator who manages the foundation of Immortal Cultivation that the first left behind. No one can use the Immortal Cultivation system entirely according to their own will. More importantly...have you not already torn away two-tenths of the Radiance Supreme Deity's total power?]
At those words, my voice trembles with a question so intense my eyeballs feel as if they might pop out.
[...Pardon?]
[The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord. You...taught the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord the heart, and as the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's heart crosses over cycles following your authority...it will eventually belong to you.]
[But...is the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord not still merely a subordinate of the Radiance Supreme Deity? And yet to say two-tenths of the Radiance Supreme Deity's power...]
[...You are already a Great Net Immortal now, so it is time for you to know.]
Tuk—
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld lifts her hand from my shoulder and points toward the sky.
That place is the lower part of Mount Sumeru.
The place where the Seats of the Supreme Deities can be felt.
[Let me tell you the ridiculous and chilling truth of the Radiance Supreme Deity...]
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld looks up at the sky as she speaks.
[An entity like the Radiance Supreme Deity...does not exist in this world. All the Seats of the world allow only one Immortal Lord to sit upon them...but the Seat of Radiance alone is different.
[The Seat of Radiance alone is so bloated and overwhelmingly powerful compared to other Seats...that instead of one Immortal Lord, [ten Immortal Lords] can sit upon it.]
[...!!!]
I open my mouth wide at this shocking truth.
[The Radiance Ten Heavenly Lords...yes. In this era, the beings who are called the Radiance Eight Immortals refer to themselves as part of the Eleven Governings, calling themselves the Radiance Eight Immortals. The 'Radiance Supreme Deity Heuk Sa' is in fact another name for the Radiance Eight Immortals, and when they always say, 'glory to the Radiance Supreme Deity,' it is no different from giving glory and praise to their own predecessors and to the violent justice passed down to them.]
[...Are you saying...Seats can become...bloated like that...?]
I ask with a stunned expression, and the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld replies.
[It is impossible. Not under normal circumstances. No matter how many Seats you merge, only one Immortal Lord can sit upon them.
[However...the reason their Seat has bloated like such is due to another reason. Right now, someone is 'lending' power to that Seat.]
[...That means...]
[Yes. It means that the Fate Supreme Deity is lending power to the Seat of Radiance. And that means...even with only a portion of the power the Fate Supreme Deity lends out, those beings are able to stand on par with me.]
I am so utterly shocked at the truth about the Radiance Supreme Deity I learn today that I begin to lose consciousness.
That's right.
The truth of the Radiance Supreme Deity is that the so-called 'Supreme Deity' does not actually exist.
It is the Radiance Eight Immortals playing the role of the Radiance Supreme Deity, pretending to be a Supreme Deity—a ridiculous and pathetic truth.
But at the same time, the fact that there exists a being lending them power is, in itself, terrifying.
Truly, the truth of the Radiance Supreme Deity is both ridiculous and chilling.
'So that's...how it is...'
As I come to understand this truth, I finally cannot endure the flood of wisdom the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld whispers to me and collapse into unconsciousness.
Each and every wisdom given to me by the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld is so monstrous, so shocking...
In this moment, it feels as if I am undergoing my one thousand and sixth return.
'...This place is...'
"Master, are you all right?"
When I come to my senses, I find myself lying inside a large chamber in my true form, and beside me, the tiny Hong Fan watches me with worried eyes.
Although Hong Fan is also in his true form at the Entering Nirvana stage, perhaps due to the overwhelming difference in rank, he looks as small as a fingernail as he worries over me.
"...I am fine."
I collect myself and sit up.
The truths I have just learned are far too shocking.
And...
'The Radiance Supreme Deity does not exist...and the Radiance Eight Immortals themselves are the Radiance Supreme Deity...?'
In the wake of this shocking revelation, I stare blankly down at Hong Fan.
"How was Master's private audience with the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld...?"
Hong Fan looks up at me and asks, seemingly curious.
But I do not answer. I simply stare at Hong Fan for a long while.
Because in my head, only one question fills my mind.
'...So this guy...wasn't the Radiance Supreme Deity...?'