The moment I began to suspect that Hong Fan is the Owner of Light was the first day of the 1000th cycle.
In other words, it was right after I advanced to True Immortality.
The basic knowledge of the True Immortal Realm that Blood Yin provided me.
For example, after I saw the current symbols of the Eleven Governings and the true names, I began to suspect that Hong Fan is the Owner of Light.
The Radiance Supreme Deity Heuk Sa (黑蛇).
Anyone who isn't a fool would know.
Hong Fan, who has always stayed by my side and clung to me, constantly reminding me of a black snake, being related to the Radiance Supreme Deity is a possibility that any sane person would have speculated at least once.
On top of that, there is what Blood Yin once told me.
'He said I fulfilled the condition for the Radiance Eight Immortals to descend into the Bright Cold Realm.'
When I consider that the condition for the descent of the Radiance Eight Immortals is faith in the Radiance Supreme Deity, it seems like a rather out-of-the-blue statement.
Why on earth would I believe in the Radiance Supreme Deity?
However, if I think of Hong Fan as the Radiance Supreme Deity, or at least something connected to Them, then that descent condition fits perfectly.
At the time, I trusted Hong Fan deeply.
It's just that this faith was not directed toward a god but was the trust I had in my subordinate and friend.
Besides this, there are plenty of other suspicious points, but there are two main reasons why I became almost certain that Hong Fan is the Radiance Supreme Deity.
'First, Hong Fan has never once directly faced the Radiance Eight Immortals.'
That's right.
Interestingly, up until now, whether by coincidence or inevitability, Hong Fan has never once directly encountered the Radiance Eight Immortals.
Of course, there have been times when I deliberately hid Hong Fan, but even aside from that, for various reasons, Hong Fan has never once encountered the Radiance Eight Immortals directly.
Considering how I, as an Ender, am deeply entangled with the Radiance Eight Immortals, the fact that my subordinate Hong Fan has never once directly encountered them feels too strange to dismiss as mere coincidence.
Even in the beginning of this life, convinced that Hong Fan is most likely the Radiance Supreme Deity, I attempted to have him face the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord by sharing a brief conversation with him right after descending to the Lower Realm, waiting for the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord to arrive.
However, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord only descended after I placed Hong Fan inside my body, and at that point, I realized that there seems to be some kind of law preventing Hong Fan from directly facing the Radiance Eight Immortals.
'That is the first point. And the second is...that bizarre history revision through the Head Realm.'
In the Head Realm, for beings at the Star Shattering stage and above, it becomes extremely difficult or nearly impossible to use any spells.
Even Immortal Arts always end in failure within the Head Realm.
However, only the Immortal Arts permitted by the Radiance Supreme Deity do not fail in the Head Realm.
In other words, the Radiance Supreme Deity holds some authority of control over the Head Realm.
To put it simply...
'The Head Realm is connected to the Radiance Supreme Deity. And...every time I notice the contradictions regarding Hong Fan, history revision occurs from the Head Realm, and the entire world defends Hong Fan.'
The Radiance Supreme Deity is connected to the Head Realm.
And Hong Fan is also connected to the Head Realm.
Therefore, from the moment I felt the strange power of history revision and distortion that I have sensed since the previous cycle...
I came to believe that Hong Fan is in fact the Radiance Supreme Deity.
Or at least a clone or subordinate of the Radiance Supreme Deity.
That is why, when the Underworld commanded not to allow Hong Fan and the other living beings into the deepest depths, I deliberately messed with Hong Fan by feeding him potatoes.
'All this time, I kept provoking him and saying nonsense, thinking he was the Radiance Supreme Deity...'
Bringing up past lives and constantly throwing strange guesses about his identity in front of Hong Fan wasn't something I did for no reason.
But to think that it wasn't the case.
On top of that, the one known as the [Oldest One], the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, said that the Radiance Supreme Deity does not exist, meaning I have been falsely accusing Hong Fan all this time.
'...If he really isn't the Radiance Supreme Deity, I can't help but feel a little guilty.'
However, leaving aside whether I feel sorry for Hong Fan, the fact remains that I still can't figure out Hong Fan's identity.
'If he isn't the Radiance Supreme Deity, then just what exactly is this guy?'
That's right.
Right at the end of my life.
That meaningful and profound conversation between Hong Fan and Hyeon Mu, and the strange phenomenon where both Hong Fan and the Heavenly Venerable Hyeon Mu regain their memories upon meeting each other—it is clearly abnormal.
'And even though Hyeon Mu is a Heavenly Venerable, she definitely seemed to fear Hong Fan.'
That means Hong Fan's true rank—or perhaps his past life or the force backing him—is something beyond even Hyeon Mu.
'Hong Fan, this bastard. Is he possibly the Future King?'
Throb!
I try to piece together Hong Fan's identity, but the moment I recall the Future King, I feel a headache rising and exhale slowly.
'...But if this guy really is the Future King...'
I recall the final moment of the 16th cycle.
—Gu Ju. Your name is Gu Ju.
That final moment when Hong Fan was holding my hand.
'Just what exactly...was that warm heart I felt at that time...?'
It's when I am caught up in confusion.
Sururuk—
Before I know it, someone has appeared inside the room.
Kugugung!
The moment this person arrives, the room begins to distort, revealing its original form.
What I thought was just an ordinary guest room twists, transforming into a nebula space, similar to the room of the Naming Supreme Deity I had seen before.
It seems that all guest rooms prepared for transcendents are made like this.
The one who appears in the room where Hong Fan and I are staying is an old man with a pale white face.
Wearing the garb of a eunuch, the old man bows his waist toward me and speaks.
[Have you awakened, O distinguished guest?]
[Indeed. And you are...?]
[I am the chief attendant of the Imperial Venerable. I am merely a lowly Immortal Beast who has long since abandoned his name, so you may simply call me Eunuch. The Judges call me White Eunuch because of my pale face, so you may also call me that if you wish.]
[Very well, White Eunuch...]
I gauge the strength of the white-faced man who stands before me.
'Insane...'
No matter how much this man lowers himself, his power is by no means beneath mine.
'This man is also at the level of an Immortal Lord. Since I can't sense a winged garment, is he perhaps a True Lord? Strangely, I can't tell whether he is a Heaven Immortal or an Earth Immortal. It doesn't seem like he's a Heaven-Earth Great Net Immortal like me, but perhaps he has mastered some special Immortal Art that conceals his identity...'
What is certain is that he is clearly stronger than Black Dragon.
'What kind of organization is the Underworld, really...? Well, considering the power of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, it's only natural that such powerful beings would gather here.'
[By the way, how is your condition at present? Are you able to go see the Imperial Venerable right away?]
[Hmm...]
At White Eunuch's words, I move my body a little.
'Is it still a bit too much right now?'
[I believe it is still too early, but if I rest just a little longer, I should be able to recover enough to visit the Imperial Venerable. If the Imperial Venerable calls, could you please let them know to wait just a bit longer?]
[Yes, I shall convey the message. Is there anything you require while you rest?]
[Hmm, if you happen to have any taenghwa of Buddhist Bodhisattvas...could you bring them here? They don't need to belong to the Imperial Venerable. Even if they hadn't been drawn by higher beings, it is fine. Even those commonly viewed by the people of the Lower Realm will suffice.]
[Yes, well. That will not be difficult.]
Squirm, squirm...
With that, something like nine tendrils seems to stretch out from the shadow beneath the old man's feet, and in an instant, through those shadows, something appears between us.
[I have brought replicas of taenghwa made by those in the Lower Realm who follow the Buddhist Path Method among the Imperial Venerable's devotees. Please view them at your leisure. If you require anything else, you may call for me, or summon Daryeo, Soryeo, or Blue Bird.]
He hands me a strand of his own hair, along with three feathers from a blue-colored bird.
It seems they are all attendants serving the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
Finishing his words, the white-faced man vanishes again in an instant, and as he disappears, the distorted space also returns to the form of a guest room used by humans.
I place the hairs he gave me inside my body and then look at the round sphere he has handed over.
What he has given me is a planet.
Above the surface of that planet, there are enormous pavilions lined up one after another, and each of those pavilions is a library that houses books.
'I only asked for a few paintings, but he created an entire planet and filled it with a library in an instant. Terrifying.'
Once again, I am impressed by the way True Immortals handle things, and after sweeping over the entire planet with my consciousness, I find what I have been looking for within.
'Here they are. The taenghwa depicting the Future King.'
I take out dozens of taenghwa depicting the Future King and spread them out in front of Hong Fan.
[Hong Fan, by the way, these are the taenghwa I discovered while studying Buddhist Path Methods. Do any memories of your past life come to mind as you look at these? I was wondering if your past life might be connected to one of the Bodhisattvas of Buddhism.]
[Ah...! You are even considering my past life. Truly, your thoughtfulness is profound, Master.]
Hong Fan sweeps over the taenghwa of the Future King that I hand to him, and I ask him a question.
[Does anything come to mind when you look at them?]
[Hmm...]
Looking at the titles written on the taenghwa, Hong Fan figures out that the figure depicted in the paintings is called the Future King.
[Future King...? Hmmm...]
Immediately, I notice a shift in Hong Fan's intent.
'That reaction...?'
[Ugh... For some reason, I feel nauseous. My mood has worsened.]
Hong Fan is pouring out intent that sincerely conveys nausea and disgust.
[Do you remember anything?]
[Well...I am not sure. It is just such a fragmentary piece of information... Other than feeling disgusted, I do not know much.]
[Hmm...I see. Sorry about that. It seems there might have been some misunderstanding.]
[Yes, well. Then, if Master does not need these, I will dispose of them.]
[Do as you wish.]
As soon as I give permission, Hong Fan immediately gathers up the taenghwa of the Future King, rips them apart, and burns them.
Every single action of his is saturated with thick loathing.
At the same time, from deep within Hong Fan's intent, I catch the hint of a different hue.
'...Self-loathing? Despair? And...sadness? Hmm, even though he can't remember, the emotions themselves seem to be faintly resurfacing. But if it's emotions like those...'
It feels as though Hong Fan's true identity is becoming even more unclear.
'...I can't tell right now.'
Having gained no significant result, I cleanly put away my suspicions regarding Hong Fan.
'If I can't find the answer right now, then for the moment, I'll trust him.'
After all, until now, Hong Fan has never once done anything to harm us.
I decide to trust him.
And so, reinforcing my trust in Hong Fan deep within my heart, I restore my damaged body that became broken by accepting excessive wisdom.
Several days pass.
Kuuung!
At last, I fully recover my body and once again stand before the deepest depths of the Underworld to meet the Imperial Venerable.
The white-faced old man seems to be busy this time. Instead, three Blue Birds approach and conduct a body search on me.
[There is nothing suspicious. You may proceed.]
[The Imperial Venerable is waiting.]
The Blue Birds all appear to be siblings, and I glance back and forth between the ones who seem to be the eldest and second eldest, and the one who looks like the youngest.
It is because the eldest and second eldest seem to be inspecting me thoroughly, but for some reason, the youngest doesn't seem to be doing anything.
[By the way, why isn't the third Blue Bird doing anything? Shouldn't that...Azure Peng also be checking me?]
[Hmm, we apologize on behalf of the youngest. However, the distinguished guest's body contains quite a bit of glass...and certain characteristics of your Immortal Body trigger unpleasant nightmares in the youngest, so they are unable to participate in the inspection. But rest assured, we have conducted the inspection thoroughly enough to cover even for the youngest.]
The one who seems to be the eldest of the Blue Birds, named Daryeo, explains the situation well, and I look at the youngest Blue Bird—that is, the Dreaming True Lord Azure Peng—and nod my head.
'Ah, right... Was that the one who suffered at the hands of Glass Peacock?'
I nod and pass by the Blue Birds, entering into the deepest depths of the Underworld.
It is at that moment.
Chiiiiik—
[...!]
Something flashes from my cheek, and a peacock feather of glass color begin to emerge from my cheek.
At the same time, the peacock feather that sprouts from my cheek flies straight toward the youngest of the Blue Birds, Azure Peng, and pierces into them.
It all happens in an instant, before anyone can stop it.
'Th-This is...!'
Yes.
It is the trace left by Glass Peacock, who pressed their lips against my cheek during the previous cycle.
That trace, as I passed in front of Azure Peng, transferred over to them.
The moment this fact becomes clear, Azure Peng begins to foam at the mouth and convulse violently, while the Blue Bird siblings also start to panic.
[O-Oh dear...the power of Glass Peacock...! There shouldn't have been any direct contact between the distinguished guest and Glass Peacock, so why is this stuck on the distinguished... Damn it! Second, take the youngest to Eunuch immediately! Hurry!]
The eldest of the Blue Birds sighs as if their head hurts and gives the order, and the Blue Bird named Soryeo takes Azure Peng and flies off somewhere.
[...Ignorant One, that bastard... Just how did they do such a thing to the distinguished guest...? Forgive us for the disgraceful sight, distinguished guest. Glass Peacock's obsession with Azure Peng is abnormal...so at times, they influence Azure Peng in ways even we cannot imagine, like this. We will handle this matter ourselves, so please proceed to your private audience with the Imperial Venerable...]
[...Under...stood. I apologise for coming here with such a thing attached to me.]
[...No need.]
Daeryeo lets out a faint sigh and disappears, while I, feeling sorry toward Azure Peng, clear my throat and step into the deepest depths to meet the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
Kuuuuung!
The door behind me closes.
Once again facing the familiar scene of a private audience, I offer my greetings to the Imperial Venerable.
[Is your body well?]
[It has recovered enough that I can move.]
[That is fortunate.]
[Yes, and as much as it has recovered, please pass on the wisdom the Imperial Venerable was unable to share yesterday.]
I raise the question that has been on my mind the most to the Underworld.
[The identity of the Future King, and the three Origin Essences symbolizing the Absolute...I have well organized these matters. But there is something I am most curious about.]
With a hardened expression, I speak the question to the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
[O Imperial Venerable. I once heard from the Northern Heavenly Venerable...that you have challenged the Audience Chamber quite a few times. And indeed...in a past spacetime, you entered alongside Great Mountain, Sal Tree, and others.]
[...]
[So, if I may dare to ask...why is it that the Imperial Venerable...[returns every time]? Could you tell me the reason for this?]
Then, I cannot help but be startled by the expression that comes across the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld's face.
[You speak strange words.]
It is because the face of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld twists faintly with humiliation.
Grit...
The sound of teeth grinding echoes from somewhere.
[I...have never once challenged the Audience Chamber. Who is it that has said such a thing?]
-x-X-x-
[...Pardon?]
[...Hoho...It is a joke.]
Though she says it is a joke, I cannot help but tremble at the expression that rises on the face of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, and at the waves of Triple Divinity surging throughout this entire space.
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld is angry.
[...The only one sensitive enough to feel that would be Hyeon Mu. Is it Hyeon Mu who told you?]
[...Yes.]
[I see. Regarding that...I can tell you. However...right now, your vessel is already full.]
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, who had been angry for a while, relaxes her expression and calms her mood as she speaks again.
[Because of the story you heard from me just a few days ago, your insides are already in a mess with ancient force and Salt Crystal. If your internal Middle Realm suffers any more intense pressure, you will not be able to endure.]
[Emm...]
Indeed, that is true.
[There are a few ways to resolve this. First, you could abandon your own Immortal Dao and revert your cultivation back to the Vestige Liberation Immortal level.
[Second, you could endure my trial, slowly digest that wisdom, and grow slightly.
[Third, you could obtain an appropriate medium capable of receiving that wisdom.
[Among these, I recommend the first.]
[...Pardon?]
[If you abandon your Immortal Dao and reset your realm to Vestige Liberation Immortal, your pure willpower and vessel would remain, but the unnecessary power of your Immortal Dao would be drained away, allowing you to better accept my wisdom. Would you do so?]
[...What is the Imperial Venerable saying?]
I look up at the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld and speak firmly.
[This is the Immortal Dao I have chosen. No matter if you are the Imperial Venerable, even you cannot command me to abandon the Immortal Dao my master once walked! This Immortal Dao is not some useless Immortal Dao!]
[It is indeed a useless Immortal Dao.]
[...!]
At those words, I nearly lose control and shout in anger at the Underworld, but her cold voice that follows quickly pulls me back to reason.
[At least, within the Immortal Dao seized by the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, you cannot advance any further, so it is entirely worthless. You have already proven that you can reach Heaven-Earth Great Net on your own...so if you choose to change your Immortal Dao, I will personally support you and help you regain the realm of Heaven-Earth Great Net.
[In fact, I happen to have in my possession the Origin Essence of an Immortal Dao that suits you perfectly. Here, look. This is the Origin Essence of Abyss (深淵).]
Kugugugugu!
The left arm of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
Something rises above it.
It is a deep darkness.
No, more precisely, it is a [door] leading toward that darkness.
[I hold in my hand the medium leading to the Origin Essence of Abyss. I will give this to you. With this, as you match closest with the power of the Origin Essence of Abyss, you will be able to instantly recover your realm of Heaven-Earth Great Net, and even rise to the position of Heaven-Earth Immortal Lord, that is, Origin Lord (元君).]
[You have tested my heart again and again. Even last time, looking into my heart, I have not forgotten that you said you would grant me an Immortal Seat. However, for this matter, there is no need for any test. Please withdraw the offer.]
[...This time, it is not a test.]
The voice of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld is serious.
[Do you truly believe you can fight and defeat the Great Mountain Supreme Deity at the level of a Great Net Immortal? Do not speak madness. Even if you have grown considerably, you would still lose in pure strength against Bong Myeong, the weakest among the current Supreme Deities, and die with your limbs torn apart.]
[Th-That's...]
[The gap between a Supreme Deity and an Immortal Lord is not simply a difference of a single realm. To put it in terms you can understand, it would be like the difference between the early Integration stage and mid to late Star Shattering stage.]
[...!!]
[Yet here you are, at the early Four-Axis stage, talking about defeating the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, who stands at the Grand Perfection Star Shattering stage, no—if the Splitting Heaven Mantra is completed, who stands at the Entering Nirvana stage—and taking Their seat. It is sheer insanity.]
The gaze of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld sinks into solemn seriousness.
[As the close friend of your master, I offer this advice to you, who is my friend's disciple, with sincerity. Even if you fully complete your Great Net Immortal cultivation and reach its very peak...in terms of the Middle Boundary comparison, that would only be the level of the Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage. Of course, considering your overall strength that exceeds your realm, you would be placed somewhere between late and Grand Perfection Integration stage.
[But even so, Gwak Am can be said to be at the Sacred Vessel or Entering Nirvana level. Do you have confidence to kill an Entering Nirvana True Person as a Grand Perfection Integration stage?]
[...If I were to reach the Ultimate of Martial Arts...the end of Manifestation that Hyeon Mu and Kim Young-hoon achieved...would there not be hope?]
At my words, the eyes of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld shift even further into disappointment.
[In the long history of the Sumeru Three Heavens Great Thousand World...since the moment I first opened my eyes and rose to this position, living until now, I have seen only two who reached the seventh realm. Only the Northern Heavenly Venerable Hyeon Mu and that fellow Kim Young-hoon.]
[The Imperial Venerable...knows of my ability. If I pour in the time...if I put in the effort...]
[My friend Salt Sea lived through a span of time far beyond your imagination.]
At the words that follow from the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, I cannot help but be shocked.
[But even that Salt Sea...only achieved the conditions to Divine Descent the power of the domain of purity through mantras and enlightenment. In pure martial prowess, he never surpassed that of Hyeon Mu. Kim Young-hoon as well only broke through for but a single moment by imposing an impossible restriction upon himself. In overall skill, he fell short of Hyeon Mu.]
The fierce gaze of the Underworld pierces into me.
[I feel pity for Hyeon Mu, and she certainly falls behind me in terms of weight class...but in terms of the enlightenment of Martial Arts Hyeon Mu attained, even I dare not evaluate. In the long history of Mount Sumeru, only two have taken seven steps.
[The ultimate of Martial Arts is not something that can be reached just by pouring in time, nor by mere effort, nor even by putting your entire soul into it. That is Martial Pinnacle (武極).]
[...]
[If the seventh realm were something one could reach just by pouring in time, why have none of the mighty ones of Dragon Flower, who have long since gained Triple Divinity, succeeded to attain that realm?
[The utmost limit you can reach is no more than attaining complete Triple Divinity.]
[...How can you be so certain?]
[It is not certainty, but statistics.]
At those cold words, I lower my head.
[If you fully obtain Triple Divinity, you will surely become stronger. Reaching the peak of Great Net Immortal and with the complete Triple Divinity, you might even hold your own in a one-on-one against Bong Myeong or the Radiance Eight Immortals. You could even tear apart a prime Golden Divine in a single breath.
[But that is all. The name Supreme Deity is not something that beings of such rank can even dare to discuss.]
[...]
[The reason each of the Radiance Eight Immortals stands at the level of Supreme Deity is simply because the Seat of Radiance they carry upon their backs is beyond comprehension. Yet the Immortal Dao of the Mountain that you walk, though powerful, is nothing more than that.
[It is no different from ordinary Seats. And yet, you, who have not even gained such a Seat of the Mountain, dare claim you will defeat a Supreme Deity of the same path while only at the level of a Great Net Immortal?]
Kugugugugung!
Shiver!
I feel my heart shrink tightly, and I cough up a mouthful of blood.
[Abandon such arrogant thoughts! Even with Heaven-Earth Great Net, Triple Divinity, Three Great Ultimates, and the Wheel—even if you were to call upon the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity with the Flawless Mantra—you would still be torn to shreds and killed after just three strikes from the Great Mountain Supreme Deity. You are looking down on Gwak Am.]
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld rebukes me sternly, showing me harsh reality.
[The Great Mountain Supreme Deity who consumes the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea is a being with the possibility to kill Heavenly Venerables even if they were to drag their Gandharas into Mount Sumeru. They are stronger than my projection. None of the Governing Immortals, including the current Radiance Eight Immortals, have managed to analyze the true nature of the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea, so a proper judgement cannot be made...but that Corpse Mountain Blood Sea is not some mere sacrificial offering.]
[...!]
At those words, my mind goes blank, and I realize just how arrogantly I had accepted the Great Mountain's challenge.
[If the Splitting Heaven Mantra is completed, even the mere precursor phenomena would destroy Mount Sumeru. If the true purpose of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity was not challenging the Audience Chamber but dominating the world, They are a being who could eradicate everything of Mount Sumeru except for myself and take over the position of Radiance Hall.
[If the Splitting Heaven Mantra is completed, even if I bring my Gandhara with me, I cannot guarantee victory. Yet you dare so arrogantly talk of defeating the Great Mountain Supreme Deity at the mere level of Heaven-Earth Great Net?]
At the rebuke of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, I cannot say a single word.
However...
[The Great Mountain Supreme Deity is not a being you are meant to defeat. Their method may be extreme, but rather, we must cooperate with Them. You, and all the Enders including yourself, must grow to the level of Heavenly King. I, all the Governing Immortals, you, and the Great Mountain Supreme Deity must join forces together to challenge the Audience Chamber.]
As the words of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld continue, I grit my teeth.
[Only that is the path with hope.]
And then, I rise from my seat.
[O Great Imperial Venerable.]
I endure the presence of the Underworld and open my mouth.
[For the realistic, bitter piece of advice, I thank you.]
I express my gratitude to the Underworld, and at the same time, I look up at her.
[However, though it may be presumptuous, I still cannot accept that proposal.]
[Then show me the possibility that you can defeat the Great Mountain Supreme Deity before my eyes. If you do not show me a way to overcome reality, you will have to accept my counsel.]
[Because!!]
The Underworld's counsel is certainly realistic.
However...
Even so, I cannot accept it.
[Before my master's spirit...that is the oath I made together with Gwak Am!]
[...]
[The lingering thought of Yang Su-jin once told me. That among the Governing Immortals, there is only one who can be trusted. Though it may be presumptuous, I dare say that I cannot even trust the Imperial Venerable. However...to such a me, there is one Governing Immortal whom I alone can truly trust.]
The Underworld looks down at me indifferently.
[The Salt Sea Supreme Deity. My master is precisely that person I can trust. I do not know who Yang Su-jin referred to among the Governing Immortals. However, the one person I myself have chosen to trust, the only one I believe in, is my master. Therefore...I cannot dare to break the oath I made before that person's spirit.]
That is not all.
The oath I swore before the Wuji Religious Order, I still cannot forget it even now.
[This alone... This oath that I will fight and defeat Gwak Am, my Senior Brother and sworn mortal enemy, under Their Immortal Dao—this much, I cannot yield even to the Imperial Venerable!]
I declare my will confidently before the Underworld.
Then, the Underworld lets out a sigh.
[Each and every disciple of Salt Sea have fine aspirations, but they always chase after ideals alone like him. On top of that, their stubbornness is all at an abnormal level...]
[...]
[But my words are not wrong either. You must show me a possibility. Present a realistic alternative before my eyes.]
[What alternative do you desire!?]
[This place is the deepest depths of the Underworld, the deep recess of my Gandhara. Here, I can exert the full power of my true self. If you withstand my earnest single strike, drawn from the power of my Gandhara, I will respect your way and will not pressure you further to switch to another Immortal Dao.]
At those words, I hesitate for a moment.
I still remember the power of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld's projection that shattered the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain with a single strike.
'Can I endure it?'
But the hesitation does not last long.
[I will endure it!]
No matter if it is the Underworld, this oath I swore before my master's spirit...
I will never.
Ever break it.
'I will not give up.'
Even if I die in the evening...
I will keep the oath I remembered in the morning.
'Because that is the Dao I uphold in this world!'
Seeing my will, a gentle smile rises at the corner of the Underworld's lips.
[Good. Take your stance.]
'This may be...the last moment of this life.'
I steel my resolve and draw the Impermanence Sword.
Behind me, the Wheel and the Pure-White Three Great Ultimates, and all my powers begin to rise.
'I will endure it no matter what!'
[Then receive it.]
'Immortal Cultivation is...'
With that, the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld raises one arm.
[Repentant enlightenment!]
And in the next moment—
*
'...Ah...'
I realize that I am dead.
All my prophecies, my revisions, and every power within my body have ground to dust and vanished.
I did not even perceive the attack.
'Damn it...'
This is the difference between myself and the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
Eternal annihilation comes from a single strike that I cannot even perceive.
'However...'
Even so, I feel no regret.
Because through this, I have come to understand the true nature of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld is not particularly a being who pursues goodness.
Rather, if it means being freed from the Owner of Fate, she is a being who will not hesitate to use any means necessary.
As an ancient existence, she may pity mortal beings and possess a heart of great compassion, but that is all.
'From my next life onward, should I seek out someone else instead of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld...and cultivate alone?'
She is clearly a being who walks a different path than I do.
Therefore, though I acknowledge her path, I decide not to walk it together with her.
Instead, I reaffirm my oath even more firmly—to tread my own Immortal Dao, and to defeat Gwak Am under Their Immortal Dao.
Kigigigik!
My mind pulls away from the world as the world itself tries to reverse.
'No matter what...thank you for the teaching, O Imperial Venerable.'
Whenever it may be, dying by taking the Imperial Venerable's earnest strike will surely become a help to me!
I offer my gratitude to the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld within my heart, and I head toward my next life.
This is my 1006th return...
: : The reversal of time is forbidden. : :
Clang!
[...Huh?]
When I come to my senses, I realize that I have returned to the very moment when I just drew the Impermanence Sword, the Wheel, and the Three Great Ultimates.
[...Uhhh?]
Before my eyes, the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld is drawing forth the power of her Gandhara, looking down at me.
: : I, the Heavenly Venerable of History, act in the name of Bong Hwa. : :
In the next moment, I look up at the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld in genuine confusion.
: : The death of Seo Eun-hyun is hereby forbidden under my workings. : :
: : The authority of the End (終命) is hereby forbidden under my workings. : :
: : All forms of miracles that violate history are hereby forbidden under my workings. : :
The domain of purity.
Even my regression, which lies deeper than the single strike of Hyeon Mu, is now forbidden under the workings of the Underworld.
: : You shall not meet your next life. I do not permit it. : :
[...]
: : I will not allow the foolish act of chasing only distant ideals while ignoring reality. For that is precisely why Salt Sea died, and Gwak Am fell into corruption. : : :
Why is it...
I read not just pressure, but also regret in the eyes of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
: : Until you give up on your own, I will respect your decision. But here and now, show me the possibility. Until then, you will never be able to escape into the utopia you foolishly dream of with that tiny head of yours. : :
It is only then that I dare to realize.
The being before my eyes is, aside from the Future King, the strongest of the Sumeru Three Heavens Great Thousand World.
Even regression cannot dare to activate unless this being permits it.
'Ahhh...'
: : Unless I allow it, you are undying. Therefore, endure it. Show me the possibility. Create a miracle! If you continue to spout foolish dreams without even managing to do that, then for the memory of Salt Sea, I will not forgive you! : :
The power of Gandhara begins to gather again above the hand of the Underworld.
A distant and vast despair.
Feeling this, I once again face death before the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
Regression tries to activate, but it is canceled again, and I am revived.
I can tell.
This is a moment far more distant and despairing than the situation when Hyeon Mu threatened me, or when I was caught by Yeong Seung, or when the regression point shifted to before Blood Yin.
Because time will never reverse unless the Underworld allows it.
But why is it?
A smile is forming on my lips.
Perhaps...
I am simply grateful that I have been given a chance.
'Even in my very first life...what I truly wished for was just a chance.'
Yes.
What I want is...
Perhaps my greatest desire is simply an opportunity.
Even if it is only once, to receive just one more chance.
That is my greatest desire.
Therefore...
Even in the face of absolute despair, I may be smiling just because I have been given that chance.
And so, with a smile full of madness, I continue to die again and again beneath the single strike of the Underworld.
Once.
Just once is enough.
I will, without fail, endure the single strike of the Underworld and be acknowledged!
Within the ordeal that brings countless experiences of death, as I feel the wisdom the Underworld instills into me begin to take root...
I begin to endlessly repeat this eternal moment of death.
-x-X-x-
I take my stance.
[Show the possibility.]
I die.
I come back to life.
I take my stance again.
I die.
I come back to life.
No sound is heard, nor is any attack perceived.
It is just that at some moment, when I come to my senses, I find myself dead and reviving again.
It simply feels as if the already dark surroundings grow a little darker, then a little brighter again.
'How many times has it been.'
I have already died more than ten times.
'I can't even perceive that attack at all.'
Nor is there even a chance to use Mahayuga.
It simply feels impossible to perceive anything.
'I died again.'
When I spend a moment thinking, I am already dead and coming back to life again.
In this sense of helpfulness, I don't even dare to let out a sigh.
'What on earth am I supposed to do?'
How on earth can I even perceive this strike?
In the face of this helpless sensation, I dare not even think about resisting, and I merely keep dying while gripping the Impermanence Sword.
Even if one resists, resistance requires at least perceiving something.
If I cannot even perceive it, what am I supposed to do?
Before I know it, I have experienced more than a hundred deaths.
Within the pain and lamentation of these deaths, I scream inwardly and begin wringing out my mind.
'Perception. I must perceive first. If so...'
I must refine the mind even further to perceive the strike of the Underworld.
'After becoming a True Immortal, physical fatigue and mental fatigue are practically nonexistent.'
It becomes possible to maintain the best mental state at all times.
And the foundation that allows True Immortals to use Immortal Arts also stems from this clear mental state.
For us, the size of the consciousness domain no longer holds any meaning.
What holds meaning is the clarity of the consciousness domain.
'I must clear my consciousness.'
The clearer the consciousness becomes, the more time splits, and the world comes to a halt.
And by splitting time over and over, at some point, the consciousness enters a place where time has stopped.
This is the realm walked by those among the True Immortals whose consciousness is especially powerful.
The time domain of the instant.
It is also the mental realm I briefly entered when I developed the thirty-third move of the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship and temporarily broke into the True Immortal Realm.
However, that is not enough.
My mind continues to clear.
The mind continues to clear endlessly, passing through the time of a snap of a finger (彈指) and entering the time of a fleeting instant (刹那).
Now, simply by clearing the mind, it feels as if the principles of the world, and the planes of Qi, Soul, Fate, and Immortality are being separated.
This is the mental domain of an ordinary Upper Immortal.
'Keep going!'
Even this is not enough!
Before I know it, I have died over a thousand times.
Since regression is forbidden, the 1005th cycle keeps progressing.
However, death has been experienced more than a thousand times in an instant.
'I must go beyond this!!!'
Realizing that this is not enough, I begin wringing out my consciousness even further.
To the point of completely scattering my mind!
Like so, my consciousness continues to endlessly clear and accelerate.
Now, my mind has entered the realm of six virtues (六德).
Now, it is no longer merely at the level where time stops. The events and possibilities of the past and future begin to be seen with the naked eye.
But perhaps because I am caught by the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, my past and future are all painted entirely black, and cannot be seen.
This is the mental domain of a Great Immortal (大仙).
Kiriririk!
Now, my mind goes beyond merely becoming clear. It feels as though everything inside it is being emptied.
Beyond six virtues, into the domain of void (虛空).
'It is done.'
Now, my mind itself connects directly to the past, present, and future themselves and touches the Akashic Records.
From this level onward, it becomes a realm that even most Immortal Lords struggle to reach. Only the highest Immortal Lords or the Supreme Deities can reach this mental domain.
And at the same time that I realize my mind has connected to void, I realize I can now move at Spirit Speed.
Kiriririk!
The surrounding environment seems to slightly distort.
Had this place been Mount Sumeru, I might have felt an illusion of the dimension flattening, but perhaps because I am inside the Gandhara, the surrounding objects remain unchanged.
Mind in the domain of void.
And speed reaching the domain of Spirit Speed.
This is the highest state and mental domain that I can currently achieve.
However,
'Again...!'
Even now, I still cannot perceive the attack of the Underworld.
I grit my teeth.
I can tell.
Simply reaching void is not enough.
'I must surpass untainted (淸淨)...and reach Araya (阿羅耶識)!'
Only when I reach the mental domain that I momentarily touched upon with the help of Kim Young-hoon can I even hope to perceive the attack of the Underworld.
'Since my mind has reached void, time has vanished.'
The moment I realize this, I realize death has become meaningless.
Now, death merely means losing my body and soul.
Only my will remains, connected to the Akashic Records, calmly observing the Underworld grinding away my body and soul.
Originally, a being who has lost their body and soul should either die or reincarnate, with all memories being buried beyond the Akashic Records, but since the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld has bound my mind and kept me in place, my memories are neither buried beyond the Akashic Records nor do I regress.
I have merely obtained a time of calm observation.
'How can I further refine my mind?'
Passing through the instant, six virtues, void, and untainted, I must reach Araya.
Araya.
The mental domain also called Araya Consciousness.
In other words, it is also a domain called Purity (純粹).
'Purity. My mind itself must become completely identical to the domain of purity.'
What is the method?
Perhaps it is to empty the mind so completely that not even the slightest speck remains, creating true Emptiness (空).
'I must empty it.'
It is not enough simply to reach the level of emptiness of Void Shattering.
'I must empty everything of myself with the resolve to melt it all in an instant.'
How can one do such a thing?
In the case of the Heavenly Venerable of Void, she severed all meaning life held, and emptied her heart by retaining only the heart of emptiness.
In the case of Kim Young-hoon, he realized that the heart can become anything, thus emptied his heart with the enlightenment that his own heart can also become anything.
'In my case...'
The answer is already there.
'Impermanence!'
When will gathers, it becomes Impermanence.
I unite all the meaning of my life into one.
My past, future, present...
I begin to converge all my possibilities existing in this world into one.
Pain and joy, blessings and curses, everything I have believed to be meaningful until now begins to merge and approach the domain of purity.
Kiriririk—
'Untainted (淸淨)...'
The domain of purity starts to almost assimilate with my consciousness.
'When my consciousness fully assimilates with purity, I will reach Araya.'
But just then.
Shwiriririk—
As I merge all the emotions existing within me, I begin to realize that the structure of my mind starts to fit into the palm of my hand.
'This is...'
It is a phenomenon unlike any Ghost Path Method, any consciousness method, or anything I have ever heard of from anyone else.
'Perception (知覺)...five layers...six layers...seven? No, it is divided into eight layers...?'
The first five layers of perception are all the same type of perception.
Sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and all other senses that can be gained as a mortal.
These are the senses obtainable through a mortal's body.
The sixth layer of perception refers to what we generally call the sixth sense.
When the sixth sense emerges instinctively, it becomes the sense of the Earth Tribe that perceives the Plane of Qi.
When the sixth sense emerges through endless insight and self-discipline, it becomes the sense of the Heart Tribe that perceives the Plane of Soul.
When the sixth sense emerges through divine energy and foresees the future, it becomes the sense of the Heaven Tribe that perceives the Plane of Fate.
The senses like Nether Perception and Star Vein Eye, gained through the Gandhara of the Four Heavenly Venerables, also originate from this.
And then, at some point, I suddenly perceive all these senses converge into one, becoming a single unified sense.
'Void (虛空)...'
In the end, all senses expand and connect to the Akashic Records.
This is the seventh sense.
Inside the Akashic Records, I read what someone once named this sense.
They are a massive abyss, a devourer of all things, and a being who was half-divine from birth.
It is the Obsidian Devil Heavenly King.
They named this seventh sense that reaches the Akashic Records, in other words, this sense that is close to the domain of purity, like so:
Manas Consciousness (末那識/Manas-vijnana).
'Will (意)...?'
This consciousness (識/vijnana) that the existence called Manas (末那), when translated into the language mainly used in Mount Sumeru, corresponds to the word 'Will (意)'.
This is not simply intent.
Kiriririririk!
'...!'
When I clearly perceive Manas Consciousness, the entirety of Mount Sumeru starts appearing to my eyes as circles.
Countless circles form Mount Sumeru.
'I see. Is this Mahayuga...? No. I have not activated Mahayuga. This is...I see.'
Touching the Akashic Records, I immediately find the answer.
'Mahayuga itself, from the beginning, has been touching the truth of this world, and I have refined my mind enough to touch that truth.'
Mahayuga is an Immortal Art that perceives these circles as countless 'Wheels', allowing one to manipulate the principles of the world roughly even without fully understanding them.
When the whole world starts appearing as circles—
Kigigigigik—
The world narrows, and the two-dimensional world that had been a flat plane shrinks into one dimension.
However, the forms of the 'circles' filling the world do not completely disappear but start clinging stickily to the threads of the world, which has narrowed into one dimension.
The world looks like a spider web, filled with threads and circles caught here and there on the web.
When I perceive this scene, I realize that these spider web-like principles are woven with a certain pattern.
'This is...'
A net.
It is a net.
'I see. Previously, because of Kim Young-hoon and his unorthodox method, my mind could not be refined, so I could not properly perceive this scene.'
I stand above on a knot of this endlessly vast net.
And then it happens.
Puhwak!
Jjeoeoeong!
Along with a certain vibration, I hear a 'sound'.
'Ah...!'
That's right.
Only after forcibly refining my mind to this level do I barely manage to hear the sound of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld swinging her arm.
[It is called the Net of Indra. What do you think?]
As I realize that my body and soul have died again, I flinch at the voice of the Underworld echoing from somewhere.
'...!!!'
Before my eyes.
Above the net, the Underworld sits in a lotus position.
Even after refining my mind to such a degree that everything in all of existence turns into a net named 'Indra's Net'...
'And yet, the Underworld still maintains that form.'
The Underworld seems to exist above all principles themselves.
The moment I think this,
The vibration generated from the knot I am standing on moves toward the part of the net where the Underworld sits.
[You think I exist above the principles? You are wrong. I, too, am one with this net. In this world, not a single being has broken free from this net. Even the Future King could not completely escape from it. Of course, they possess the power to burn and tear apart the net itself...]
Only then do I understand how the Underworld had been reading our thoughts so instantaneously all this time.
[You are seeking to reach Araya Consciousness, correct? Trying to read my actions first, and then trying to receive my strike.]
'...That is correct.'
[I will tell you the method to reach Araya Consciousness.]
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld extends a hand toward me and continues speaking.
[Reflect. As your master once told you, repentantly enlighten yourself...and at the same time, reflect well upon your heart. Then, the truths of the world will begin to reveal themselves one after another.]
'Thank you.'
Have I gone mad?
The being who killed me, killed me again, and continues to kill and inflict pain upon me, is right before my eyes.
Yet, I naturally offer thanks to the Underworld and follow her words.
'No, I am not mad.'
I begin conversing with my own negative emotions, turning my gaze inward.
'From the beginning, it was meant to be a teaching... It is only natural to be thankful.'
As I engage in self-repentant enlightenment, the world begins to reflect inwardly toward me.
I am simultaneously one of the knots of the net, and a circle, a wheel, and a mirror.
Within this mirror, all other knots—
Circles, wheels, and mirrors begin to reflect and project all information of all phenomena.
It feels as though the Akashic Records have temporarily settled into my mind.
Following the teachings of the Underworld, when my mind completely assimilates with the Akashic Records, and assimilated to the utmost with the domain of purity, it happens.
A certain information passes before my eyes.
It is the Seven Brilliances Kings.
In other words, it is the names of the Heavenly Kings we must reach.
Golden Speed Heavenly King (金迅天王) Kim Young-hoon.
Red Bead Extinguishing Heavenly King Jeon Myeong-hoon...
...
It seems those names simply inform of the former generation's names, except for those who have directly advanced to Heavenly King.
'Unless one directly advances to become a Seven Brilliances King and pushes their name forward through their own interpretation, only these names are recorded into the Akashic Records...'
And it feels like I am briefly reading the information recorded in the Akashic Records that way.
I continue reading down the names of the Seven Brilliances Kings.
'Which...Heavenly King am I...?'
Perhaps, by reading through the names of these Heavenly Kings, finding the Heavenly King I am, and discovering what emotion they preside over, I might be able to grasp what my own fate is.
Lapis Lazuli Protecting Heavenly King Kang Min-hee.
Silver Basket Heavenly King Oh Hyun-seok.
Tridacna Vast Cold Heavenly King Kim Yeon...
And when I reach the information about Kim Yeon—
I frown as I read the name of the being listed beneath.
Ma88*^(&%(%^**Heavenly King Oㅎㅔㅅㅓ
The names are all tangled up, not even properly surfacing.
'Ah...I see.'
Is it because I am connected with the Akashic Records?
Along with the question, the answer immediately becomes clear.
Oh Hye-seo seems to be the current successor of the Agate Heavenly King.
And now, she is on the verge of fully awakening her fate as the Agate Heavenly King, with only a trigger needed for complete awakening.
'The fate of the Agate Heavenly King is almost here, but because she has not fully awakened it, is that why the name appears like that...?'
Only then do I realize what my own fate is.
'I see. I am the Obsidian Devil Heavenly King...'
Only now do I understand why I was able to so naturally master the Flawless Mantra, the legacy of the Obsidian Devil Heavenly King.
Why the lingering thought of the Obsidian Devil Heavenly King approached me so naturally.
Why the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity, the relic of the Obsidian Devil Heavenly King, felt so familiar to me—everything makes sense.
'The emotion overseen by the Obsidian Devil Heavenly King was...desire, wasn't it?'
As I connect to the Akashic Records, it feels like I can finally understand my fate.
I begin reading the name of the Obsidian Devil Heavenly King beneath Oh Hye-seo, and start to look into my fate.
'My fate is des...'
It is then.
Obsidian Devil Heavenly King (黑曜摩天王).
Hong Fan (洪範).
In that moment, my concentration breaks, and I snap my eyes open, ejected from the Akashic Records and returning to my original state of mind.
[W-Wait, O Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld! Just a moment! Just a moment...]
Kwaang!
Panicking, I plead with the Underworld, but the Underworld pays me no mind and crushes me down, killing me.
Perhaps because I have perceived Indra's Net, I can now at least hear the sound of the Underworld swinging her arm, but I am in no situation to care about such things.
[Wait! O Underworld Please wait just a moment!]
[Nonsense.]
Kwaaang!
Once again, I die amidst terrible pain.
Perhaps because my consciousness can now perceive Indra's Net, the pain, which was once tolerable, now feels excruciating.
[Kkuuuuugh!]
I scream as I vividly feel my very principle being torn apart by the Underworld.
Yet even amidst the agony, I hold onto only a single question.
'Just what is this? What is this? What is this? What is this? What is this?'
I feel like I'm going to vomit.
I can't tell what is what, and a fundamental doubt about my own identity rises and confuses me.
'What in the world is this!? I am Seo Eun-hyun! I came from Earth along with the other Enders! Together with the others from Earth...'
Overwhelmed by an immense shock, I die again before the Underworld, gasping in confusion.
What in the world is Hong Fan?
And...
Am I truly the Seo Eun-hyun I have always known?
Am I really an Ender?
Such doubts begin to dominate my entire being.
-x-X-x-
Kwaaaang!
I am torn apart once again.
'Not like this.'
Pain pulls me out from the depths of delusion.
Questions about what I truly am, whether I am really an Ender or not—all of it washes away from the agony.
'In the end, pain itself is the most primal problem... Things like identity can wait until I solve this first!'
The strike from the Underworld delivers the most fundamental type of pain I've ever experienced.
'Still, now I can hear the sound, and the way I die is becoming clearer and clearer.'
The moments of me being torn apart and killed are becoming more vivid.
'Just one step further... If I reach Araya Consciousness, I'll be able to perceive that attack!'
That is when it will truly begin.
I refocus the consciousness that has reached untainted.
The world narrows, and Mount Sumeru begins to appear as a collection of lines and circles.
The lines form a net as the principles of Mount Sumeru, and the circles become the knots of the net, serving as the intersections that make up the entire structure.
Countless nets tangle and intertwine, forming a single inverted cone.
Kiiiiing—
I connect to the Akashic Records once again.
Immediately afterward, I discover the method to swiftly reach Araya Consciousness.
'I see... Araya Consciousness is the eighth level of the soul.'
A true mark of existence, positioned even higher than Manas Consciousness.
It is the consciousness referred to as the Eighth Consciousnesses.
'To reach the eighth consciousness...it can't end with simply clearing my mind.'
Clearing the mind is merely the preparation phase to reach the eighth consciousness.
'After turning myself into a mirror and making it clear, everything reflected in that mirror...I must make all of it enter the same state as myself.'
Woo-woooong!
Upon the net, I become a single sphere.
More precisely, I take the form of a hypersphere that transcends all dimensions.
I become one of the circles that form Mount Sumeru.
'I am a circle, and at the same time, a knot in the net that weaves together the principles of Mount Sumeru.'
Above the knots where the lines of the net intersect, individual circles emerge and connect. I realize that all of these are the souls of different beings.
'I see...'
Our souls are all connected by the net that is the world.
Sensing the Indra's Net that links us together, I begin to reflect the souls connected to me.
'All those with whom I've exchanged hearts...'
The Net of Indra is no ordinary net.
Its countless lines unfold in a hyperdimensional form, and the threads of the net, which embody the principles of the world, are directly connected to all the connections I have formed until now.
I begin to reflect those connections through the mirror of my heart.
'I see...'
Though I seem to be repeating the same enlightenment over and over again, each time it strikes anew.
'I am not made of myself alone... I keep realizing this anew every time...!'
The eighth consciousness.
That is, the reason why in order to reach Araya Consciousness, I must also clear the hearts of my connections is because of this.
My existence is never something formed by me alone.
Being formed from countless others passing by, intersecting, and overlapping with me—that is the [I] that is formed.
I am not merely an object, but a kind of...
'A kind of collection. Yes... A [collage] made of connections—that is the true nature of what I am!'
Is it because I connected to the Akashic Records?
For the first time in a long while, the language of Earth comes to mind.
And it is the moment I realize it.
An ominous truth begins to crawl up from deep within my chest.
'This is...'
It is something ominous about my essence.
'...I'll face this a little later.'
It feels like a terrifying truth, like the Obsidian Devil Heavenly King Hong Fan, may emerge.
But rather than confronting that truth now, unprepared, I decide to reach Araya Consciousness first and face the truth afterward.
For now, the immediate task is to fill the hearts of all the connections tied to me with impermanence, bringing them to the same level of untainted as myself.
Wiiiiiing—
Even as my physical body continues to die over and over.
In this unending pain, I begin to display a surreal level of concentration.
But this concentration isn't something I consciously generate—rather, my essence is elevating my focus from deep within, as a way to ignore the 'ominousness' that I am sensing.
It seems I am not yet capable of withstanding this 'ominousness.'
'The way I reached the domain of untainted was through impermanence. Not like Hyeon Mu, who severed all things, or Kim Young-hoon, who acknowledged all possibilities...but the way of impermanence, which fills all things to create emptiness.'
Therefore, to reach Araya Consciousness, I must bring all beings whom I have connections with to the domain of untainted.
And it must be in the same way I did.
I must fill the hearts of [everyone] who has exchanged hearts with me with the Impermanence Sword, temporarily raising them to the same level as myself.
That is the method to reach Araya Consciousness.
Woo-wooong!
The net I reside upon begins to ripple.
The hearts of impermanence originating from me begin to enter all the beings connected to me.
'Ahh...'
In that moment, I confirm my Immortal Art settling into all of my connections, and at the same time, I experience my consciousness expanding infinitely.
And just as my consciousness is about to truly reach infinity—
Piiiiiiit—
In that instant, I realize I have arrived somewhere.
'This place is...'
I recognize it instantly.
The origin of creation I once reached with Kim Young-hoon. The outskirts of the Akashic Records.
It is the space that transcends all realities.
And...
Together with him, I gazed upon an immense [baby] before us.
'A baby? No, that's not it...'
It is not merely a baby.
It seems to be the [body] of someone.
And I realize that this someone's body is not complete.
That someone's body is endlessly being created.
And its bones, blood vessels, and organs are, astonishingly...
Familiar to me.
'Ah...I finally understand.'
The blood vessels of that being are being created in real time, and within them, I see something familiar.
That being's blood vessels are a river of scenes where the Taiji endlessly continues.
That's right.
The river of scenes I trace back each time I regress is just a single vein within that [something].
'...So that's what it is.'
Only now do I understand the principle behind my regression.
'So you were all...still alive...!'
And...
I understand why I have reached this space and perceived that metaphysical being.
It is because I am currently accessing the Araya Consciousness through the Akashic Records, connecting with [all my connections].
That's right.
All connections.
In other words, I am connected not only to the connections formed in this cycle, but to all those [I] formed across all the cycles.
'So you all...still exist...'
If I currently possessed a physical body, I would probably be shedding tears.
In this very moment, I completely grasp the principle of my infinite regression.
In the first place, I could not comprehend it until now because I failed to understand the shape of time.
When I die and flow backward through the blood vessel to repeat time, a new blood vessel forms and begins to create the body of that existence.
The time that my existence lives through and all its possibilities are simply a part of the process of creating that existence.
And as I watch this, I come to understand the principle behind how those of Heavenly Venerable rank perceive regression.
If mortal beings are merely a single current in the flow of flesh flowing through the veins of that existence,
Then the Heavenly Venerables—
No, broadly speaking, all beings who possess a Seat—are as if they've received that being's soul.
However, those who have not completely seized their Seat become Immortal Lords, and even if they have received part of that being's soul, they are split into multiple existences by the differentiation of spacetime.
But the Supreme Deities and Heavenly Venerables, who have completely seized their Seat, are entirely unaffected by the splitting of spacetime.
They merely forget previous timelines for a moment, as the soul and their accumulated possibilities shift into the newly born blood vessels, the timelines created through my regression.
Among them, the Heavenly Venerables,
That is, beings who borrow the power of the Three Grand Laws, possess a faint link to the Baihui point of that [something], enabling them to resist regression even more powerfully.
As I grasp the principle of infinite regression, I am overwhelmed with an indescribable surge of emotion, and I compose this swelling heart with the Impermanence Sword and begin to send it to all my connections existing in every timeline.
To some, it may be a fleeting inspiration.
To others, perhaps a definitive signal that I still live.
But what is certain is that this rising swelling heart within me has been undeniably delivered to every one of my connections.
And I succeed in pulling the consciousness of all those connected to me, even if just for a moment, to the same domain of untainted as me—elevating the intersection of connections that is me entirely into the domain of purity.
Woo-wooooong!
I once again descend from the origin of creation and half-open my eyes.
In this moment, I have fully reached Araya Consciousness.
Woo-wooong—
Ripple—
The net sways.
[I] confidently sit in a lotus position above that net.
The net hums with countless vibrations, and by sensing those vibrations, I realize I can see directly into the innermost thoughts of the being standing before me.
With a completely clear heart, I gaze at the being before my eyes.
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, Bonghwa, is smiling at me.
"Congratulations. You have reached the same eye level as me..."
"...So this is Araya Consciousness."
"That's right. All of us Heavenly Venerables are always seeing scenes like this."
Speaking eye-to-eye with the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, I continue gazing at the endlessly rippling net.
On the countless knots of the net hang the souls of the innumerable living beings, existing merely in the forms of simple circles or hyperspheres.
Above this endless net, the only ones truly maintaining [one's] forms are Bong Hwa and me—just the two of us.
"The other Heavenly Venerables...I don't see them."
"You can probably feel it yourself, but maintaining this consciousness is not easy. Aside from me, the rest only enter this domain by focusing when necessary."
"I suppose..."
Indeed, that's how it is.
Maintaining Araya Consciousness and properly preserving form above Indra's Net is, frankly, overwhelmingly difficult.
Soon, I will likely lose focus.
"By the way, how many times have you killed me so far?"
I ask, while perceiving myself below Indra's Net—
The me endlessly dying and reviving in the real world.
"Around four billion times? Seems like you reached Araya Consciousness just exactly within the expected timeframe."
"Is that so? That's a relief..."
When I reached the domain of untainted, the strikes of the Underworld were painful, but now that I have risen to Araya Consciousness, the pain rather fades away.
To be exact, it's become meaningless.
"Then, watch closely."
I look at the consciousness of the Underworld, then gaze again at the Gandhara of the Underworld beneath Indra Net.
The Gandhara moves.
The front paw of a fierce beast, in the form of a half-human, half-beast, strikes down on the small me.
Then, my physical body is immediately torn from Indra's Net, and every principle composing me is dismantled.
However, as soon as the Underworld exerts her will, my principles are instantly restored.
"Can you block it?"
The Underworld asks, and I nod.
"...Yes. At least...for this one moment, I can block it."
At those words, a ripple of mild surprise echoes from the Underworld.
"This is unexpected... What did you see?"
"...I saw the meaning of my entire life."
From here on, this swelling emotion will scatter again along with the flow of time.
But, in this one moment where I have realized my regression has not been meaningless...
I can properly block the single strike of the Underworld.
From above Indra's Net, I begin to recite a mantra.
"Immortal cultivation is repentant enlightenment."
The Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra begins to exert power within the will of Impermanence.
'Now I understand.'
Until now, the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra I have been reciting only skimmed the surface of its enlightenment.
This is the true meaning (眞意) of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
"Like tiny grains of salt gathering to form the sea..."
It is not a mantra that merely destroys the universe centered on the attraction force gathered in one's palm, nor is it one that observes Mount Sumeru.
This Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra...
...is literally an Immortal Art that amplifies the heart to the utmost.
It spreads this surging heart I possess to every being in the universe, and for an instant, imprints supreme enlightenment into their subconscious.
That is the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
The heart is death.
That is why, when the number of Heart Tribe increases, the world rushes even faster toward the End.
The Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra is an Immortal Art that brings about the End.
That is why its true meaning is an Immortal Art that teaches true heart to all living beings in the world.
If one attains the Dao in the morning, they are content to die in the evening.
Because, since realizing the Dao means knowing the heart is eternal...
Dying is not truly death.
In other words, the true meaning of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra is an Immortal Art that engraves, with my power, the truth that 'the heart is eternal' into the hearts of all beings in the universe—and thus calls forth the End.
Flash!
I open my eyes wide atop Indra's Net.
In an instant, the threads of Indra's Net begin to warp wildly around me.
Countless knots in the net.
In other words, countless spirits receive the imprint of my enlightenment, and in that moment, all enlightenment in this entire area becomes filled with mine.
Imprinting the enlightenment that the heart is eternal deep into the unconsciousness of all beings in the universe,
And becoming allies with all the beings in the universe,
This is the true meaning of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
Jjjjeeeong!
I stretch out the power of Yin-Yang, and Five Elements—
No, the power of impermanence gathered from everyone's hearts—toward the strike of the Underworld.
It happens in an instant.
Kwachiiiiing!
The entire world vibrates, and Indra's Net, where the Underworld and I are seated, begins to tremble wildly. Soon, several parts of the net begin to tear.
Though the torn parts are instantly restored...
I know that this strike is one every being on Mount Sumeru must have noticed.
Shiiiiii—
Araya Consciousness gradually unravels, and I sense my consciousness returning below Indra's Net.
To the reality where we live.
Steam rises from my entire body.
I feel a numbness in my arm.
But this time, I did not die.
"...It wasn't your own skill."
The Underworld speaks with a smile.
"You simply realized something overwhelming, and passed that overwhelming emotion on to all your connections... That is why the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra activated transcendently, beyond its usual limits."
"...Yes."
That's right.
Because I realized the principle of my regression, and confirmed that the previous timelines were not erased, I received the Underworld's strike through the overflowing emotion I felt by using the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
It isn't my own skill, and if I can't feel such an overwhelming 'heart' again, I won't be able to block another strike of this level.
I could enter Araya Consciousness again and keep watching that scene, but even if I do, I likely won't be able to feel the same overwhelming emotion I felt the first time.
"Just a single strike blocked by mere coincidence. Do you think that alone is enough to face the Great Mountain Supreme Deity?"
"It is."
"By what method? Are you going to ask the Seat Holder of Addiction to feed you loads of drugs that even work on True Immortals?"
"There is no need for that. Because..."
I calmly speak of the enlightenment I gained this time.
"As you live life, there are truly so many moments...when you feel the world is full of things with overwhelming emotions."
"..."
"Therefore, I can block the single strike...of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity."
I speak confidently before the Underworld, fully recognizing that I have now completely broken free from the bridle of death repeated billions of times.
The Underworld smiles with the warmest expression I have ever seen.
"All of you always bring about miracles."
And I respond with a smile.
"There is no need to say 'all of you'. You have known all along, haven't you?"
"Hmm?"
At last, I fully confirm the ominous truth that had been rising within me.
Seo Eun-hyun, the Earthling, simply grew old and died in what I call the zeroth cycle.
Then who exactly am I?
I am the observer who has taken over his body.
The one known by the name Heuk Sa (黑蛇).
The infinite regression that arbitrarily defies laws possessing absoluteness has never been an authority of an Ender in the first place.
The moment I recognize this truth, I suppress my 'essence' that tries madly to erase the personality of 'Seo Eun-hyun,' and offer a bow to the Underworld.
"Allow me to reintroduce myself, O Great One. I am not an Ender. I am the [Black Snake Biting Its Tail]. One of the servants who cannot betray the Future King. And at the same time..."
I look directly into the Underworld's warm smile and speak.
"I am the human Seo Eun-hyun."