Shwiriririk—
Is it because I encountered the Underworld at the very start of this life?
I couldn't unravel the taenghwa of my past life to my comrades of this life.
Paaatt!
As I travel through the Heavenly Domain, I unravel four taenghwa stored within my body.
Except for the one belonging to Kim Young-hoon, who vanished into the future,
They are the taenghwa of Jeon Myeong-hoon, Kang Min-hee, Oh Hyun-seok, and Kim Yeon.
The taenghwa begin to each fly away into distant spacetimes.
Chwarararak!
Among them, Jeon Myeong-hoon's taenghwa seems to fly toward a very nearby location, and following it, I arrive at the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain.
Kwarrrung!
Upon arrival, I instantly sense a familiar sticky gaze enveloping me.
'Glass Peacock...is it?'
From a faraway star cluster, a clone of Glass Peacock flies toward me, trailing lustful intent.
"G-Goodness... You're the best. The absolute best! Are you perhaps a Heaven-Earth Great Net!? Unbelievable! How euphoric. Come here, become one with me!"
"..."
Is it because the mark of Glass Peacock on my body flew over to Azure Peng?
Unlike the past life, their eyes do not seem as crazed.
I stare at Glass Peacock's clone, gauging its power and capability.
'Overall power is practically at the level of a Great Net Immortal. If it's main body, then it should be at the level of an Immortal Lord. It'd be worth a fight if the main body does come.' 𐍂АΝȏＢƐS
Then, while looking at Glass Peacock, I simply extend my hand.
"Uh, uuh...!"
Kwaak!
In an instant, my true body grabs Glass Peacock's throat.
My true body, in the form of a half-human half-dragon, grabs Glass Peacock with a hand of mist like a vicious beast and smashes them to the ground.
Kugwaaaaang!
Glass Peacock's body slams into a nebula where civilization can't be felt, and from the clone's entire body, Immortal Beast True Blood gushes out, staining the surroundings.
'Glass Peacock's true body is...'
After rendering Glass Peacock's clone completely incapacitated in a single strike, I use Indra's Net to trace the location of the true body.
'Near the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain...?'
It seems Glass Peacock's main body senses me as well, but apparently has no thoughts of coming all the way here.
"You don't seem all that desperate for me, Ignorant One."
"Hu, huuuh... This intense power. This violent momentum... It reminds me of the Mountain-Destroying Demon Ape. Truly...delightful...!"
"..."
"If we ever meet with my main body, I sincerely wish to mate with you. What a shame, such a shame... If I were still an Immortal Lord, I could've surely captured and mated with you. But since Azure Peng took my Seat, even if I try hard, the chances of copulating with you are probably around four-hundredth at best. Hahhh..."
"...It really seems like the main body has no plans to come here."
"Well, that's how it is. By the way, dear...could you tell me your Immortal Title?"
"I have no Immortal Title to share with you. Still, it's strange. Normally, when you see someone as unique as me, aren't you someone who would bring your main body just to violate me, Ignorant One?"
At Glass Peacock's sticky and lustful response, I find myself reacting coldly unconsciously.
This is because the allure emitting from Glass Peacock's true body is so intense that without such coldness, it becomes difficult to endure.
"Hng, well, you aren't wrong. Normally, I'd fly over with my main body just to violate you. But unfortunately, I've found a perfect lead for hunting Azure Peng, who is also a mating partner who truly excites me. So I'm currently preparing to violate her, and use her as a medium to forcibly summon Azure Peng for abduction."
"Who is this 'her' you are talking about?"
"Don't be shocked. She's the new disciple of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity!"
"..."
"Hehe, you don't know how excited I was when I discovered her. I don't know what kind of Immortal Art it is, but it seems she's learned an Immortal Art that allows her to freely draw and wield the authority of us Immortal Beasts, simply by being aware of our existence. I knew it the moment I saw her! That one is the greatest partner I've seen in nearly five hundred thousand years! And by using her Immortal Art, I can create a plan to draw in Azure Peng's authority, use that as a medium to summon Azure Peng, and kidnap them!"
I realize who Glass Peacock is talking about, and I can't help but let out a silent sigh.
'...It can even turn out like this...? Oh Hye-seo, just what kind of battle did you go through in your past life...?'
"The Great Mountain Holy Mother (泰山聖母) Oh Hye-seo! The newly ascended divine spirit, and direct disciple of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity. If it's her, she will surely be able to accept everything I have! Uuuut! Abducting Azure Peng who's hiding in the Underworld may be nearly impossible...but through the Great Mountain Holy Mother, the chances of kidnapping would rise exponentially. And rather than Azure Peng, it's far easier to find the Great Mountain Holy Mother hiding in the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, make her into a fool, and make her mine."
"..."
I look at Glass Peacock with a slightly disturbed feeling, but then realize there's actually some overlap between our goals.
'Yes, come to think of it...I also need to make contact with Oh Hye-seo.'
And to do that, I need to break through the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, which is now filled with the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea left behind by Great Mountain.
'If I can join forces with Glass Peacock to contact Oh Hye-seo, that wouldn't be so bad.'
In the previous life, even when Glass Peacock charged at her in heat, Oh Hye-seo seems to have somehow managed to defend herself, and during that time she apparently even joined hands with Black Dragon.
But in this life—what would happen if I join hands with Glass Peacock and invade the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain?
'I can break through. I can break through the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain!'
And...
Just as I swore in my past life, I might be able to grasp the starting point to saving Oh Hye-seo.
'Yes, in that case, let's look at the situation and think about joining hands with Glass Peacock.'
"Uh, uugh! What are you doing right now!?"
I grab Glass Peacock's clone tightly and begin compressing it like a ball.
"This, this is good, too. Ahh! There! Press there a little more!"
"..."
Kkudududuk!
After rolling the ever-blabbering Glass Peacock into a tight ball, I cover them entirely with Glass True Fire, then embed three Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flags to seal them away.
Since it isn't the same sealing method used for myself, Glass Peacock shouldn't be able to take control of it.
'I'll use this clone as a medium to later track down Glass Peacock's main body and propose a collaboration.'
With the plan set, I immediately begin heading to find Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"Have you been well, Jeon Myeong-hoon?"
"Seo Eun-hyun!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon is right in the middle of building a small hut at the edge of a Middle Realm in the Bearing Tree Heavenly Domain.
It seems he hasn't been here long.
'And is it because it hasn't been long since I sent the taenghwa? He's still only at the Entering Nirvana stage.'
It looks like he'll need a separate push to advance to True Immortality.
"You haven't advanced to True Immortal yet."
"Hm, yeah. I think I still need to prepare my heart before I do that, you see."
"There's no need for that."
"Hm?"
Toward the confused Jeon Myeong-hoon, I snap my fingers.
Pukwak!
Just like that, Jeon Myeong-hoon, who is at the Entering Nirvana stage, dies in a single blow.
'The Underworld has begun to support me.'
Which means, the Underworld has already chosen to raise the Enders of this era to the peak through me.
In other words, there will no longer be cases like before where he was taxidermized in front of the Underworld with his butt stuck.
Jeon Myeong-hoon will soon advance to True Immortal, and while I wait for his advancement, I summon Ham Jin, Yu Hwi, Yeo Hwi, and others, explain the situation, and fuse them with the bodies of their previous lives.
That is, I fuse them with my Immortal Treasures.
Of course, if their power increases too drastically all at once, their souls won't be able to endure it. So I seal their past life realms and take measures so that their realm can be gradually unlocked depending on their cultivation progress.
For several days, I take such measures for my Immortal Treasures, and before long, I witness Jeon Myeong-hoon's ascension as a True Immortal.
Kwarururung!
From within the red lightning, Jeon Myeong-hoon succeeds in his True Immortal advancement and turns to look at me.
"Seo Eun-hyun, you...!"
He seems about to say something to me, but after sensing my aura, he trembles, suppresses his anger, and lets out a sigh.
"...are a...Great Net Immortal, huh..."
"That's right. More precisely, a Heaven-Earth Great Net Immortal."
"..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon lets out another deep sigh and then asks.
"What are you going to do from now on?"
Kururung!
Since Jeon Myeong-hoon also received the power of the taenghwa, the total strength he can currently exert is nearly on par with a Great Net Immortal, though only in short bursts.
But perhaps because he still doesn't understand his own strength, he speaks to me with a lowered attitude and asks about my plans.
"First...let's gather all our comrades."
"...Not a bad idea. I wonder who needs to meet with who..."
"And, I need your help."
"Hmm?"
I tell Jeon Myeong-hoon about the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
And the mission the Underworld entrusted to me.
"...So, in order to learn the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables that the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld told you to uncover, you need to go out to the Outer Sea. And to go to the Outer Sea, you need the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, so you're asking us to help activate it?"
"That's right. Your role is especially important, since you should be able to properly control the Great Desolate Path."
In fact, I already handed over the Great Desolate Path to Jeon Myeong-hoon, and since Golden Shaking Bird is very satisfied, he should be able to wield it quite skillfully.
And for someone like Jeon Myeong-hoon, who I have plans for assigned within the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain, and can enter and exit it immediately when needed, he is essential to activating the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
"Hmm...well fine. I'll help."
"Thank you."
Thus, after reuniting with Jeon Myeong-hoon and joining forces, I head to the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain to find the next comrade.
Twin Holding Heavenly Domain.
The place that can be called the center—the seat of the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity.
I activate the Flawless Mantra and, together with Jeon Myeong-hoon, enter the belly of the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity.
Is it because I cultivated the Flawless Mantra at least 999 times through the orthodox method?
To my eyes, the insides of the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity appear completely visible.
'I can see it... There she is.'
In an instant, I find a path inside the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity's body and manage to meet Kang Min-hee.
"It's been a while, Kang Min-hee."
"..."
Kang Min-hee, surprised to see me appear so suddenly, shows a slightly startled expression before speaking.
"...You still have a knack for startling people, Seo Eun-hyun."
Is it because I reached Indra's Net and attained all of Triple Divinity?
Unlike before...
I now realize that I can see into Kang Min-hee's heart, which I had previously avoided looking into too closely, as clearly as looking at my own palm.
'...Damn it.'
The longing that lingers in a corner of her heart.
The sorrow.
And led by those feelings...
The desire to protect me—to protect us.
That heart is so vivid, I can't help but feel bitter.
I don't sense it from Jeon Myeong-hoon, who holds only a long-time friend's concern for me, but from her, who still carries the heart of a former lover, I sense it immediately.
'...I see .'
The reason why the Underworld said we lack souls becomes immediately clear.
We are not people who possess human souls.
Only now do I realize what it means to be mere fragments of an Absolute.
'It's...entirely artificial.'
How can a human heart revolve solely around one thing called 'sorrow'?
How can every thought process be centered only on sorrow?
That's right.
Kang Min-hee was born solely to be sad.
And through that truth, I finally understand why Yang Su-jin tried so desperately to change his fate.
'Yang Su-jin's fate was probably anger...meaning, his life, his ideology, and his entire way of thought revolved solely around 'being angry'.'
He, himself, probably wished to stop being angry.
"...Kang Min-hee."
"Mm?"
I place my hand on Kang Min-hee's shoulder and, after long hesitation, finally say something.
"...I hope you won't only be sad."
"..."
I know well that the greatest cause of that sorrow is me.
However...
I hope that, even if she feels some sadness over me, one day she realizes that life is not made up of sorrow alone. That's what I think.
'Someday...I hope that all of you, too, may come to possess not a mind and fate artificially implanted into you by someone, but a true soul, and through it, come to enjoy a broader range of emotions...and live more joyfully...'
No. Not hope.
I will definitely make it so.
Hwaak!
Startled by my sudden words, Kang Min-hee blushes and stumbles back.
"What, what was that? Are you crazy, Seo Eun-hyun?"
"..."
I stare directly into the depths of Kang Min-hee's chest and observe the reaction.
'There's definitely the workings of a heart. But...'
That heart cannot surpass the vast authority that governs 'sorrow'.
It isn't that a single emotion is bound to her life. Rather, it's as if her entire life is bound to that one emotion.
And from seeing that, I realize something.
'Let's try—steadily, continuously—to turn the heart that life is bound to, into a heart that is bound to life. Let's keep trying, so she can come to understand that heart.'
It's not only Kang Min-hee.
It applies to all of us.
I want to let them know that life isn't something expressed by just a single emotion, but is made of countless more.
'Someday...I want everyone, including Kang Min-hee, to break free from the fate and artificially imposed absolute nature that binds them...'
And as they break free, I want to plant the seeds from which their souls (魂) can sprout.
I establish a new goal moving forward.
Meeting Kim Young-hoon and challenging the Audience Chamber isn't the end. Giving all my comrades a seed of life,
In other words, a seed of the soul, has become another goal I now carry forward.
In any case, I meet with Kang Min-hee and join forces with her.
Next is Oh Hyun-seok.
Elephant Nose Heavenly Domain.
Jeon Myeong-hoon, Kang Min-hee, and I arrive at the palace of the Naming Supreme Deity located within the Heavenly Domain.
"We greet Your Majesty, the Supreme Deity."
I bow toward the giant god of vapor seated in front of an enormous Immortal Registry, and the giant of vapor—
Hyeon Rang nods in response.
"Welcome to the Elephant Nose Heavenly Domain, brother."
-x-X-x-
"O High Spirit Grand Dao Nine Heavens..."
I immediately adopt a respectful posture, praising the Naming Supreme Deity and preparing to state my purpose.
However, at that very moment—
"Enough with the empty formalities. First...you have come to find Oh Hyun-seok, haven't you?"
"Pardon? Yes, that is right, but..."
"He is currently facing a critical juncture, so it's difficult to let him out. But once he overcomes it, I will send him your way."
"Hmm, does that mean I cannot even speak with him?"
"Apologies. It is such a serious juncture that even sharing a conversation is difficult..."
"Hmm, in that case..."
"I've heard about you from the Underworld. You're looking for someone to help activate the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, right? I'll help you. Hahaha!"
"...?"
At those words, I do feel pleased, but I can't shake off the sense of randomness.
'Even if he was asked by the Underworld...this is too kind, isn't it?'
I feel overwhelmed by the endless, inexplicable sense of affection radiating from Hyeon Rang.
'He wasn't like this in the past life.'
I wonder if Hyeon Rang is a hidden Heavenly Venerable rank who remembers the past life, but even in my past life, my relationship with Hyeong Rang had only been that of briefly being taught how to handle ancient force. We weren't close enough for him to show such friendliness.
That fact makes me uncomfortable enough that I ask.
"May I...ask why the Supreme Deity is showing such kindness to someone like me?"
"Hahaha, what do you mean? If you are a distinguished guest specially requested by the Imperial Venerable, of course I must show kindness."
"...."
'Strange.'
Hyeon Rang's odd reaction gives me a feeling that goes as far as chilling.
Paaaatt!
Hyeon Rang Transforms from a giant god of vapor into a human.
Now appearing as a handsome young man in purple clothes with vapor-like hair, he smiles faintly and extends his hand to me.
"You seem curious why I'm being kind for no reason. Correct?"
"Yes... To be honest, I am."
"If I have to give a reason, then, I don't know either!"
"...?"
At those words, I grow even more wary.
"For some reason, I feel an unknowable, infinite affection toward you. As if...meeting a long-lost sibling. And when it comes to intuition on the level of a Supreme Deity, this absolutely is not a coincidence."
"...Pardon?"
"Our minds reside in the domain of untainted. Though we haven't formally reached Araya Consciousness, our intrinsic rank as Supreme Deity connects the depths of our unconsciousness to Araya Consciousness. In other words, our intuition touches Araya Consciousness. Such intuition tells me that you are like a sibling to me."
"...."
"So, you are truly a sibling I never knew I had. Or...a being very close to my own origin."
At those words, I instinctively realize what is happening.
Just like Hyeon Rang, ever since reaching Araya Consciousness, my own consciousness partially overlaps with it at all times.
'Because...I became aware of the Radiance Mantra?'
Instinctively, I feel that is the answer.
Because I have taken control of the Radiance Mantra that clings to me, Hyeon Rang feels affection toward me.
'If that's the case...then is Hyeon Rang also a being connected to Heuk Sa...?'
Well, I had guessed as much ever since I saw that he looked nearly identical to Hong Fan.
"When I'm with you, I get the intuition that I'll eventually find a clue related to my origin. If I explain that this is why I feel affection toward you...would that make sense?"
"...Understood. I do not know how I can be of help to the Supreme Deity...but if that is what you say, then I understand. I will gratefully accept your kindness."
In any case, I am under the protection of the Underworld in this life.
'I'm not receiving goodwill from all the Governing Immortals for no reason.'
As long as the Underworld protects me, unless the Underworld herself decides to hunt me, I am practically completely safe.
'At this point, the only real threats remaining to me are Radiance Hall and the Great Mountain Supreme Deity? Other than them, there aren't any Governing Immortals who can oppose the Underworld, so I suppose I can relax a little...'
Of course, I don't completely let down my guard.
Through Bong Myeong, I've come to experience firsthand just how terrifying an existence called a Supreme Deity can truly be.
'I must not let down my guard with Naming, either. No matter how kind he may be...'
For now, I decide to gratefully accept Hyeon Rang's goodwill.
"...In any case, I thank you for your kindness. I will make contact when the time comes."
"Very well. I, too, shall be waiting, brother."
With that, we leave Hyeon Rang's Heavenly Domain, having received his support in place of Oh Hyun-seok.
"Brother, huh? Do you have some kind of hidden birth story, Seo Eun-hyun?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon asks curiously, and I let out a bitter smile.
'Well, all of us do have our own secret birth stories, in a way.'
And so, to bring along our final comrade, Kim Yeon, we head to the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain where the Liberation Supreme Deity Bong Myeong resides.
Kugwaang!
The moment we enter the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain, I immediately feel a familiar gaze pouring down on me.
It belongs to Bong Myeong.
And the moment I perceive Bong Myeong's consciousness, I sense the laws of the Heavenly Domain begin to shift.
Paaatt!
As soon as we enter the Heavenly Domain, we are instantly teleported into the interior of a grand and extravagant palace.
Bong Myeong has invited us.
"This place is..."
"It appears to be the palace of the Liberation Supreme Deity Bong Myeong. Let's go."
I lead Jeon Myeong-hoon and Kang Min-hee through the palace corridor, heading toward the place where an immense presence can be felt.
Before long, we arrive at a massive grand hall.
Kugugugugu!
There, seated on a jade throne composed of countless mechanical components, is an enormous birdman the size of a nebula. With feathers of seven colors, the birdman gazes down at us with an imposing stare.
"We greet Your Majesty, the Liberation Supreme Deity."
As I directly face the Liberation Supreme Deity Bong Myeong, I finally come to understand the power of what it means to be a 'Supreme Deity'.
'I see... It's infinite. Perhaps because they are a newcomer among the Supreme Deities, they don't display the level of 'infinity' shown by Hyeon Mu, Kim Young-hoon, or the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, but...infinite is still infinite, even if it flows from a bucket.'
The Underworld was not exaggerating when she said that even fighting the weakest Supreme Deity, Bong Myeong, would result in my limbs being torn apart and my death.
Of course, that was before I attained Araya Consciousness.
"Welcome, Enders. What brings you suddenly to my palace?"
"...Did you not hear from the Imperial Venerable?"
"Well. I respect the Imperial Venerable, but I have become independent from them. They and I share different meanings, so I could not accompany them to the end. Did the Imperial Venerable send you to me?"
"Hm, if the Supreme Deity has not received word, then it cannot be helped. I am the Ender now under the protection of the Imperial Venerable, Seo Eun-hyun."
"I see. So you're one who has reached the standard? What is your fate?"
"I have been taught not to speak lightly of such matters, so I cannot divulge that now. In any case...the reason we have come seeking Your Majesty, the Supreme Deity, is simple."
I look up at Bong Myeong and state our purpose.
"We have heard that the Supreme Deity is currently teaching our comrade, Kim Yeon. We understand it is to help her grow her Liberation Law Talent, but her assistance is needed at this moment. So we humbly ask that the Supreme Deity release her."
I make my request as respectfully as I can, and Bong Myeong chuckles and replies.
"How strange. I'm keeping an Ender? What do you mean? While it's true I granted her Liberation, I am not the one holding her."
"Would the Supreme Deity be willing to swear on your pride as a craftsman?"
"You are impudent. Even if you are an Ender, I am still a Supreme Deity. You dare demand such an oath?"
"...."
I look at Bong Myeong, who feigns ignorance, and sigh, raising both my hands.
"Immortal Cultivation is..."
Kiiiiiiiing!
A pure white glow gathers between my hands.
At the same time, I concentrate my consciousness into the mental domain of untainted, and from above Indra's Net, I begin to directly bend the principles of the world.
"...repentant enlightenment..."
I feel it.
It's different from before.
Now that I've realized the true meaning of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra,
I can unfold the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra at its utmost completion.
The entire world.
The entire Heavenly Domain begins to respond, centered around the attraction force within my hands.
Kugugugugugu!
The principles of the world begin to twist around me.
Only then does Bong Myeong speak in a subdued tone.
"Stop! I understand. I will release the child. It was my mistake. I simply pretended not to know because the child still has more to learn."
"Like tiny grains of salt..."
But I do not stop, continuing to recite the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
'I still don't have the confidence to fight and defeat Bong Myeong.'
That infinite power itself is something I can bear.
I am even confident in avoiding Supreme Deity-level authorities or Immortal Arts.
With Araya Consciousness, I could put up quite the fight.
But still, a Supreme Deity is a Supreme Deity.
Through Araya Consciousness, I am able to foresee that if I fight Bong Myeong, I will come out in a terrible state.
If Bong Myeong brings out their trump cards, or if their 'creations' start to act in earnest, then I won't be able to defeat them with my current strength.
'However, even if I can't win against a Supreme Deity...I can still turn the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain into a wasteland.'
That alone would deal a fatal blow to Bong Myeong, and for a Supreme Deity at Bong Myeong's level, suffering a fatal wound could bring them down to the level of an Immortal lord, so they wouldn't want to fight me.
And even if they do want to confront me, behind me stands the Underworld.
With the Underworld protecting me, Bong Myeong, once a former servant of the Underworld, cannot dare to threaten me harshly.
"...gathering to form the sea..."
"Enough! I'll bring Kim Yeon here immediately. Stop this!"
But I still do not stop, continuing to recite the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
Finally, Bong Myeong admits fault and begins to beg me.
"Damn it, Ender bastard! Fine. I will pay the price for deceiving you. What do you want?"
"I would appreciate it if the Supreme Deity could teach me an Immortal Art or something of the sort."
Only then do I stop reciting the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra and state my request.
Bong Myeong sighs and speaks again.
"What kind of Immortal Art do you want?"
"I will soon head out to the Outer Sea. I would like an Immortal Art that allows passage into the interior of Mount Sumeru from the Outer Sea."
"Huu. It's a precious Immortal Art, but I do have such a thing."
At my request, Bong Myeong sighs and gestures toward the void.
Then, something appears above Bong Myeong's hand.
It is a massive book of light.
This book, seemingly forged from the starlight of the universe, contains Immortal Arts that True Immortals personally imbued with their will.
"It is one of the Immortal Arts I obtained long ago by capturing some True Immortals from Radiance Hall. It's said to be modeled after the original authority of the Torch Candle Heavenly Lord."
"It is not an Immortal Art that borrows power from Radiance Hall, is it?"
"Definitely not. It is a kind of Immortal Art that operates using the powers of both fate and history, so what you're worried about won't happen."
"I will use it well. Now then, please return Kim Yeon."
"...."
At my words, Bong Myeong, who looks down at me for a moment, suddenly disappears from in front of my eyes.
The massive figure that had filled the jade throne vanishes, and now, only a speck of dust-like presence rests upon the throne.
Looking closely, it is Bong Myeong, who has Transformed into a human form.
Paaatt!
Arriving in front of me in that Transformation form, Bong Myeong speaks.
"I intended to show you consideration by bestowing misfortune upon you before returning your comrade. Yet you have rejected that. If your comrade becomes a misfortune, I will not be responsible."
With those words, I realize that Bong Myeong has truly cut ties with the Underworld.
"There is no need to worry. In any case, I appreciate the consideration."
I look at Bong Myeong's Transformation appearance.
Bong Myeong has pointed ears, slightly tanned skin, and long hair seemingly made of white light.
That form appears both female and male at the same time.
They wear a long robe of violet and navy blue, and chains of seven colors are wrapped around their arms, legs, and neck.
And...
Bong Myeong's face has a feeling that faintly reminds me of Buk Hyang-hwa.
Ttak!
With a snap of their fingers, Kim Yeon suddenly appears before us.
She seems a little flustered by her abrupt arrival, looks around, then meets my eyes and runs to embrace me in a hurry.
As I stroke Kim Yeon's back, I look at Bong Myeong.
"The Supreme Deity seems to have something to say."
"...You have no Immortal Title. Did the Naming Supreme Deity not give you one?"
"Hmm..."
I recall having severed the Immortal Title of Crystal Glass Being under the teachings of Hyeon Mu in the past life.
"Well, let's say that is the case."
"Judging by how you dodge the question, you must have broken it through an Ender's authority; isn't that so?"
I only smile at their words, and seeing this, Bong Myeong makes a bitter expression.
"Well done. And...I envy you. If only we too could break free from that shackle."
"Are you referring to Immortal Titles?"
"...Yes. We are all bound to the world by the shackle called Immortal Title. We are no different from livestock. Among the Governing Immortals who are not bound by an Immortal Title, there are only two: the Imperial Venerable and Gwak Am!"
They continue while brushing the chain bound around their neck.
"Only those two alone possess their own true names. If Gwak Am is the only Supreme Deity who removed their Immortal Title by their own strength...then the Imperial Venerable is one who, when the first Naming tried to bestow the name 'Yang Hwe,' rejected it with their own strength. That is why...only those two possess the right to escape Mount Sumeru."
"Mm...!"
I flinch when I realize that 'Bong Hwa,' which I thought was the Immortal Title of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, is actually her true name.
"And...the same applies to all of you as well."
"...Pardon?"
"You too have chains around your necks. But they are of a different name than our Immortal Titles."
"What exactly are they?"
"Do you wish to know?"
"...I would be grateful."
"Then, in exchange, grant me one favor."
Bong Myeong extends a hand to me with a request.
"What kind of favor?"
"It is a simple one. If you promise to accept it, I will tell you the identity of the shackles that bind you all."
"...Is it something that can be handled at my level?"
"It is easier than breathing and will bring you no harm. I swear it before the Imperial Venerable."
"...Understood. I will do it. Please tell me the identity of the shackles."
At my words, Bong Myeong smiles brightly and opens their mouth.
"The [Guide]..."
"Guide...?"
"You Enders are all fated to encounter those who [guide] you into your fates. That is part of your fate itself."
"Such beings...exist?"
"Yes. That is the reason why I 'bestowed' the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent to one of your comrades, to the one known as Buk Hyang-hwa."
-x-X-x-
"...!?"
I flinch at Bong Myeong's words.
"Through the Serving Command Palace, though faintly, I can observe the Head Realm. It is a privilege granted only to me, who is a native of the Head Realm, and the Imperial Venerable. Not long ago, while observing the Head Realm, I perceived that the Enders were about to arrive. Afterward, I observed the fates of the 'Guides' to be assigned to them, and those who are to 'guide' you Enders began to be born. I sensed them, and granted one of them the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent."
"..."
"By making contact with you and pulling your fate toward me, I aimed to complete the Liberation Law Talent. And finally...after the death of two Guides, the Liberation Law Talent was completed."
'Two Guides?'
"...What exactly are these beings referred to as Guides?"
"Don't you already have a suspicion? Were there not those who first approached you when you awakened in the Head Realm?"
...!
"Those who approached you first and guided the path your fate must take. They are precisely...your [Guides]. You all were closely linked to them by fate, and your beginning, development, twist, and conclusion mostly unfolded through your entanglement with the Guides."
At those words, I recall a distant past.
The Heavenly Being stage cultivators I met in the Head Realm.
Jin Byuk-ho who took Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Heo Gwak who took Kang Min-hee.
Azure Tiger Saint who took Oh Hyun-seok.
Mad Lord who took Kim Yeon.
Seo Hweol who took Oh Hye-seo.
'So they were...the Guides?'
In Kim Young-hoon's case, perhaps it was the martial arts vendor who sold him martial arts in the first life.
And in my case...
From what Bong Myeong says, there is one answer.
'Buk Hyang-hwa. She...was my Guide.'
"And...Guides are always fated to [die] without exception. That is how their fate is written, and through their destruction, you undergo great events related to fate, and your beginning, development, twist, and conclusion progresses. In other words...the very existence of the Guides is your 'shackle'."
"...! Wh-What does that...? Then, are you saying we must forget them?"
"What strange words. When did I ever say such a thing? If there is a shackle...then there is always a key to unlock it. What I intend to tell you is the method to create an error in your shackle."
"An error...?"
"That's right. To cast off your shackle...yes. You could call it a key leading to heaven."
Bong Myeong smiles subtly and hands me something.
It is a small clump of light.
'Life?'
A clump of life force floats above Bong Myeong's palm in the form of a sphere of light.
"Take it. I have embedded wisdom within. The information is quite important that if spoken directly...it will [become something that never happened]."
"...Ah!"
I realize what they mean.
Just like when I deduced Hong Fan's identity before, and the Head Realm revised Mount Sumeru entirely.
It seems the wisdom is so dangerous that if spoken aloud, history will be revised.
"You are heading to the Outer Sea, so make sure to access it only there. Understood?"
"Yes, thank you. Then...what is the request the Supreme Deity has for me?"
"It's simple."
Bong Myeong smiles and extends their hand to me.
But with the words that follow, I can't help but be shocked.
"I...am a native of the Head Realm who miraculously ascended long ago to reach this position. But after receiving the Immortal Title of Bong Myeong (Serving Command)...I forgot my 'real name'. Tell me my 'real name'. Just as Gwak Am did...the first step to casting off this shackle is to remember one's 'real name'!"
"...Wh-What do you mean by that?"
How could I possibly know something like Bong Myeong's real name?
"Take my hand."
"Pardon...?"
"And listen carefully. The Head Realm repeats. Forever, in fact. And within that repetition, the history we know plays out over and over, and the great figures who once existed endlessly reappear in that world's history."
"Yes, yes..."
"And...when I ascended, I split myself in two. The current [me]...and the [me] who inherited the blood of Glass Peacock, who became mad with lust and rampaged wildly. That split [me] would not have escaped the Head Realm, for their head would have been filled only with magic artifact creation and lust. So...recall it."
As I grasp Bong Myeong's hand, I feel as if my mind clears.
"Back when you were there. Was there not someone who [created magic artifacts well], [was obsessed with lust], and [resembled me]!? Recall it. Because of fate's interference, I cannot read my own name in the Head Realm. Please, I beg you! Remember!"
"Th-This is..."
I try to reject it, saying it makes no sense.
But then it happens.
The clear energy rising from Bong Myeong's hand stimulates my mind, and suddenly, I recall a figure.
I do not know that person's face.
I only heard of his fame.
But suddenly, only that figure comes to mind.
'Obsessed with lust...skilled in artifact crafting...and looks like Bong Myeong...?'
I look at Bong Myeong's skin.
It is dark.
It looks sunburned, as if someone who lived near the desert.
And their appearance strangely resembles Buk Hyang-hwa.
'Someone who lives near the desert, oddly resembles Buk Hyang-hwa, excels at crafting artifacts...and is obsessed with...lust...?'
Flash!
I can't help but speak the name that naturally comes out of my mouth.
"...Gongmyo (孔卯)...Cheon-saek (千色)...?"
One of the Three Great Figures of the Qi Building stage.
Gongmyo Cheon-saek of magic artifacts.
The moment I speak that name—
Tuk—
It feels as if strength drains from Bong Myeong's hand, and tears fall from their eyes.
At the same time, I see one of the many chains wrapped around Bong Myeong's body shatter directly.
Pakang!
...!
The nearby principles begin to tremble.
Indra's Net shivers, and Bong Myeong's entire palace starts to quake.
But perhaps due to some method prepared, though the palace shakes, no strange phenomenon escapes beyond through Indra's Net.
Kugugugugu!
However, just from saying Bong Myeong's 'true name' once, the aftermath resounds massively within this space.
'Th-This is...'
Until now, I never thought much of the Naming Supreme Deity's 'Naming'.
Though they say fate resides in a name, I honestly never truly felt it.
But now, seeing this phenomenon, I finally understand.
'A name...is itself a 'symbol' containing immense power...'
Kurururung!
Bong Myeong's entire palace shakes violently.
If it weren't for Bong Myeong's palace, it feels like the entire Heavenly Domain would have been shaken.
At the same time, I understand now that Bong Myeong had intentionally provoked me at first while pretending not to know Kim Yeon's whereabouts.
'They provoked my hostility to force me into using a big move, and through that, they checked whether a 'gaze' of another great being was attached to me.'
Bong Myeong had said something like, 'If I give you Kim Yeon, it'll bring misfortune, so I tried to give misfortune first and then give you Kim Yeon'.
But it seems this was their true intention from the beginning.
'They made me reveal great power from the beginning, confirmed I was safe, and then made me find their true name.'
I can't help but admire Bong Myeong's deep calculations.
This is the level of calculation possessed by a Supreme Deity.
I can't even begin to guess how many moves ahead they have been thinking.
"..."
Drip, drip...
The tears from their eyes trail down their cheeks and fall from the tip of their chin.
Then, they burst into hearty laughter.
"...Yeah. That was the name. I...was that name."
Hwaaaak—
Bong Myeong staggers back a few steps away from me, and perhaps it's because they channeled some Immortal Art through our clasped hands, but my mind continues to grow clearer.
'This seems to be...some kind of face-recalling Immortal Art.'
It appears to be an Immortal Art that brings to mind forgotten faces and enhances intelligence related to faces.
It's a rather funny effect, but seeing their tears, I can tell how desperate they were.
"...It's been long. It's truly been long... Finally...I have recalled my true name..."
Bong Myeong.
No...
Gongmyo Cheon-saek laughs while crying.
"Truly...thank you. I too...like Gwak Am, have at last gained the starting point to hope...!!"
Even as tears fall, he laughs madly.
"Finally...! I've gained the starting point to liberation! Ha, hahaha! Huhahahahaha!!"
"..."
I watch Gongmyo Cheon-saek repeat between crying and laughing for quite some time, and let out a silent sigh.
And suddenly, through him, I come to realize something.
It is an incredibly natural enlightenment.
'As expected...the only Governing Immortal whom Yang Su-jin said could be trusted...was that person.'
For Governing Immortals, their Immortal Title is a shackle.
Because of that, most Governing Immortals are like livestock with collars bound to the Head Realm...
But in Yang Su-jin's era, there was one Venerable.
In my era, two divine spirits who are free from those collars.
The first is the Western Heavenly Venerable, Netherworld Queen Mother Bong Hwa, who never accepted an Immortal Title from the start.
And...the Great Mountain Supreme Deity Gwak Am, who succeeded in casting off their Immortal Title, Ra Cheon.
That's right.
The one Governing Immortal whom Yang Su-jin says can be trusted—by the standards of Yang Su-jin's era—is the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld Bong Hwa.
Only the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld bore no Immortal Title and lived freely under their true name at that time.
'As expected, my intuition was right.'
I finally manage to find the basis for my trust in the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
From the beginning, my trust in the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld was grounded in my intuition that stemmed from my consciousness when it was touching Araya Consciousness, so it couldn't have been wrong.
'I can now understand why Yang Su-jin vaguely said 'only one Governing Immortal can be trusted'.'
There was a reason why he didn't just say the name or title.
From the start, among the names of the Governing Immortals, only the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld has a name that doesn't symbolize the heavens, blackness, or fate, so in Yang Su-jin's era, just looking at the names of Governing Immortals would have made it immediately clear.
But in my era, there are two Governing Immortals without Immortal Titles, including Gwak Am, which made it a bit more confusing.
I let out a hearty laugh at that ironic fact.
"...It feels good to know I was helpful."
"What are you saying? You are my benefactor. Yes. I will undo the Immortal Art."
"Yes, thank you. So it was...an Immortal Art that maximizes intuition toward faces?"
"You know well. It may seem useless...but it is an Immortal Art made for this very moment."
Gongmyo Cheon-saek smiles brightly and reaches out to undo the Immortal Art cast on my head.
It is at that moment.
'Ah...'
I suddenly realize that three faces are surfacing in my mind.
Is it due to the Immortal Art that amplifies facial intuition to its peak?
Rather than faces related to Gongmyo Cheon-saek, I begin to recall connections between seemingly unrelated faces.
'Hong Fan and Hyeon Rang. Their faces...are not exactly the same.'
At the very last moment before the Immortal Art fully dissipates,
My mind boils with activity, and I discover the link between the two.
In the case of Hyeon Rang, his eyes are less sharp than Hong Fan's and give off a slightly softer overall impression.
And that face of Hyeon Rang from his youth, which I saw not long ago.
I mentally subtract [Hong Fan's facial features] from that youthful face.
'Ah...'
At last, I come to understand the source of the sense of familiarity I've felt from Hyeon Rang's face.
When I remove Hong Fan's features from Hyeon Rang's face...
The Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
Bong Hwa's face appears.
Hyeon Rang's face was, from the start, like a blend of Hong Fan and Bong Hwa.
-x-X-x-
I suddenly hold my breath, caught off guard by the vague connection that surfaces in my mind.
'What is this?'
Why is it that when I combine the faces of Hong Fan and the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld—
Hyeon Rang appears?
It's truly a strange feeling.
It's not like the fragments of truth I know are connecting to form a complete truth. Rather, the more I learn, the deeper I feel I'm sinking into a quagmire.
'So does that mean...in Hong Fan's past life...in other words as the first Radiance Supreme Deity, he and the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld Bong Hwa...had a relationship and the result is Hyeon Rang?'
I really can't tell what's what.
'Come to think of it...wasn't there such an incident before?'
Back then, Hong Fan's eyes turned red as he stared at Tae Yeol-jeon who was possessed by the Underworld, and he confessed madly.
'At that time...I just thought he suddenly went into heat or something...'
But maybe that incident was actually the tip of something far beyond imagination.
Such a thought crosses my mind.
With my head now cool, I ask Bong Myeong a question.
"Then we will be on our way now. But before that, there is one thing I'd like to ask."
"Sure, sure... What do you need?"
"It may be a somewhat rude question...but has the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld ever had a child? Or if not that...perhaps a marriage or something along those lines?"
At my question, Bong Myeong gives a baffled look and lets out a hollow laugh.
"That's an amusing question. You must have seen something or someone you believe to be the bloodline of that person?"
"Yes, well...I saw someone who looked quite similar."
"It's an amusing thought, but the Imperial Venerable has never once shared affection or engaged in union with anyone since birth. And I doubt that will change going forward."
"Hmm, is that really so?"
I wonder if that's even possible at that age, but quite surprisingly, Bong Myeong continues with eyes full of certainty.
"Yes. Even among our past comrades, there were Reapers who admired the Imperial Venerable and wished to share affection, but the Imperial Venerable refused. The Imperial Venerable said that until they complete their Dao, they will never give and receive something called 'love' with anyone."
"Hmm..."
Come to think of it, she turned Hong Fan away back then with similar words.
"The Dao of the Imperial Venerable is..."
"If you are under their protection, you must have heard it? The Origin Essence of Life, Omniscience..."
Just as Bong Myeong is about to explain the Dao of the Underworld to me, his eyes suddenly flicker and he changes the subject.
"Mm...no, I see. There must be a reason why this wasn't explained. I will not dare explain it. You will have to hear it directly in time."
"Yes, I understand. Then...just to confirm, there is no one who has shared affection with the Imperial Venerable, nor any child of theirs?"
"Strictly speaking, no one has shared affection with them, but they do have children."
"Pardon...?"
"In this world, every being that has 'reincarnated at least once after death'...are all basically their children. In truth, practically every life that exists in this world...is no different from being the child of the Imperial Venerable."
"...!"
"They are not called Queen Mother for no reason."
At those words, I feel once again the immense power and rank of the Underworld.
'Certainly...she is the root of history. The being who has come closest to the Seat of Life itself...'
"I see...I understand. Thank you for answering..."
"Though of course."
"...?"
"There could be children or descendants. Even a spouse we don't know about."
"...What do you mean by that?"
"Is there not such a thing as reincarnation?"
"Mm...!"
"Even the Imperial Venerable, before becoming the Imperial Venerable, must have had a previous life. If you trace back far enough to before they were born...in their previous life, it is possible they were married to someone. Together with someone, they could have borne and raised children."
"...! I see. Thank you."
"Good. I am glad to think I could be of help."
With that, I succeed in retrieving Kim Yeon from the Liberation Supreme Deity Bong Myeong, and gain some unexpected knowledge as well.
'Right. If I consider reincarnation, then I can't ignore the past life of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.'
In that case...
'...Back when the first Radiance Supreme Deity Hong Fan existed, did the past life of the Underworld meet Hong Fan and...become a married couple?'
With my head full of tangled thoughts, I leave the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain to go abduct the last 'comrade'...or more precisely, the one with the 'potential to be a comrade'.
The space between Heavenly Domains.
The Inner Sea.
There, I create a small dimension where I can briefly speak with my companions.
Kigigigigik!
Though I call it creating a small dimension, all I really do is spread attraction force around me and momentarily form the concept of space through powerful attraction force.
Ttak!
Inside the small dimension I created.
When Kim Yeon snaps her fingers, countless particles crash into one another and begin to shape.
At the same time, we instantly find ourselves seated in what looks like a teahouse in Seoul.
"Hmm, a 'gabae(珈琲)'. It's been a while."
[TL Notes: Really old way of saying coffee.]
I let out a sound of admiration as I look around, and Kang Min-hee snaps at me.
"...Why did you forget Earth language?"
"...? They called it gabae on Earth too..."
"Don't say stupid things, Seo Eun-hyun. There's the word 'dabang', so why use such a dumb term?"
[TL Notes: Dabang is any place that serves non-alcoholic drinks. Implication is that Jeon Myeong-hoon is also being stupid because dabang is also an old word.]
But from Jeon Myeong-hoon's words, I realize right away that I'm wrong.
It seems ever since the format of the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections was restructured, there are some issues with retrieving memories.
"Mm, sorry...I must've momentarily forgotten."
For some reason, Kang Min-hee's eyes seem to sigh, but it's not a big issue.
Humming to herself, Kim Yeon heads to the machine that brews gabae and begins to prepare gabae. We breathe in the aroma of the gabae as we reminisce about old times after so long.
After a while, I sip the gabae and speak with a serious expression.
"There's something I need to say. From here on...I'm going to go capture Oh Hye-seo."
The reason I'm trying to abduct Oh Hye-seo in this current situation is clear.
'I must go to the Outer Sea.'
If I'm in the Outer Sea, even the Splitting Heaven Mantra doesn't scare me...
But the issue lies with those who remain in Mount Sumeru.
'If I go to the Outer Sea, I have no idea when I'll return.'
Looking at Kim Young-hoon's case, time seems to warp strangely in the Outer Sea.
If things go wrong, I could return from the Outer Sea and find that millions of years have passed in Mount Sumeru.
So I absolutely cannot overlook the possibility that, in that fleeting time, Oh Hye-seo could be killed by someone.
'If something goes wrong, everyone could die. I need to act before she's killed. I have to create at least a minimum grace period.'
That's the reason I intend to capture her before heading to the Outer Sea.
"Hmm...that traitorous bitch?"
Kang Min-hee's eyebrow twitches as she raises her teacup.
"Why not just let her live by herself? According to Master, she's already suffering in some place called the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain."
—Is there a reason?
The foam in my cup of gabae moves and forms a sentence.
It seems Kim Yeon has tampered with the brewing device to bypass Bong Myeong's restrictions.
Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes twitch as well.
"To be honest, we were close once...but isn't she a traitor now? It isn't just once or twice that she and that Seo Hweol guy joined forces and nearly wiped us out... Honestly, you could say we lost the Wuji Religious Order because she and Seo Hweol joined forces and pushed us into the Nether Ghost Realm."
"...Yeah, that happened."
I smile bitterly and speak.
"But even if she's a traitor, she must not die."
"Why?"
"...Why...huh?"
I don't know how to explain it.
Saying that I'm saving Oh Hye-seo from Seo Hweol's shadow, or that I'm saving her because she has become my niece, is just an extremely personal reason of mine.
Saying I'm doing it for Oh Hyun-seok is difficult, since he's not here right now.
When Kim Young-hoon said he is headed to the future where 'we' challenge the Audience Chamber, I don't know whether that 'we' included Oh Hye-seo or not. Hence, saying why I have to save her is hard to explain to my comrades who don't know about the regression.
'Moreover, even my fate isn't infinite regression, and regression belongs to someone else...'
I still feel a strong intuition that I must not speak of it.
It's quite difficult to talk about Kim Young-hoon's matter without explaining the regression.
After a while of thinking, I speak up.
In the end, I feel it's best to persuade them using the most straightforward method.
"In order to postpone...the destruction of the world."
"Hmm?"
"Listen carefully. Oh Hye-seo is now...the disciple of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity who wiped out the Wuji Religious Order."
I begin persuading my comrades using the most natural facts.
The Great Mountain Supreme Deity is preparing the terrifying world-destroying mantra called the Splitting Heaven Mantra.
And the fastest way to complete it is by killing their disciple, Oh Hye-seo. Oh Hye-seo is fated to be killed by 'someone' in Mount Sumeru through whatever means.
"That's why...we must capture Oh Hye-seo. The best-case scenario would be convincing her to become a true comrade after bringing her back...but that seems unlikely. So we will capture her and seal her."
At the very least, doing so would delay the completion of the Splitting Heaven Mantra by a minimum of one hundred million years.
At most, by a billion years.
"Emm... O-One hundred million years, huh...?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon, being a baby who has not even lived a mere hundred thousand years in this cycle, seems a bit flustered by the time scale of one hundred million years.
"Everyone, remember this. We are now True Immortals. Since we can set our lifespans as long as we wish...even a hundred million years is well within our viewable timeframe."
"Emm..."
"So listen carefully. No matter what we do going forward. No matter what goals we have...we need this grace period."
I speak seriously to my comrades.
"Oh Hye-seo...due to the arrangements of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, is caught in a fate where we don't know when or where she'll die fighting. Even right now...she could die fighting someone. In other words..."
"If we don't want to experience the end of the world...we need to capture and seal Oh Hye-seo."
"Yes. And we need to extend her lifespan through continuous prophecies, so that even death by natural causes is prevented. If she dies of old age while in our custody, it could still be interpreted as murder."
In the end, regardless of how she dies, the Great Mountain Supreme Deity will force the interpretation into murder, so we must never let her die.
"That's why, if we capture Oh Hye-seo, make sure she never dies, and seal her so she can do nothing...we secure at least a hundred million years."
"Hm, got it."
"Good."
—In that case...it can't be helped.
And so, we all agree on the plan to abduct Oh Hye-seo and begin moving to capture her.
Kugugugugu!
Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.
In an Inner Sea near that Heavenly Domain, a single peacock of light is flying.
The Immortal Beast Glass Peacock.
It is the late stage Great Net Immortal, the Ignorant One.
[The Corpse Mountain Blood Sea of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity is the problem. There's almost no opening, is there? And to pierce through what little openings there are, I lack enough firepower alone... If I just force my way through, and the Great Mountain Holy Mother moves the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea borrowing the power of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, I might end up becoming part of it.]
Glass Peacock soars frantically around the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, recording its gaps with a serious gaze.
That's when it happens.
[Hmm?]
From the distant abyss of the Inner Sea, four clusters of light begin flying in.
[Hmm!]
They are four True Immortals.
Heaven-Destroying One Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Madam Ghost Mother Kang Min-hee.
Madam Full Blossom Kim Yeon.
And...
The return of Vast Cold, Seo Eun-hyun.
[Th-That one is...!]
Glass Peacock's eyes flush red.
Seo Eun-hyun, the powerful Immortal Lord-level Great Net Immortal whom Glass Peacock had been unable to devour, is approaching them of his own accord.
However, after glancing at the Heaven-Destroying One and Madam Ghost Mother, Glass Peacock then turns to Kim Yeon.
'Aside from Madam Ghost Mother, the rest are unfamiliar.'
Even so, the fact that Glass Peacock knows of their Immortal Titles and names is thanks to their clone sealed within Seo Eun-hyun's body.
That clone has been interpreting their wisdom and transmitting it to the main body.
'One seems to be of Do Gon's Immortal Dao lineage? And the other...carries the scent of the Liberation Supreme Deity and also of Vast Cold... Seems like a True Immortal under the Liberation Supreme Deity. Hmm, with those three and the Madam Ghost Mother together, I won't be able to eat Seo Eun-hyun now. A pity, but I'll have to wait for another chance.'
Quickly finishing their calculations, Glass Peacock suppresses their lust and speaks.
[What matters do you have with me, Seo Eun-hyun?]
[We have matters not with you, but with the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.]
[Hngh, such a shame... Since you've come all this way to the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, can't you copulate with me for just a million years?]
[...Not necessary.]
[So cold. Then, while it's regrettable, let us meet again next time.]
Smacking their lips, Glass Peacock spreads their wings to distance themself from Seo Eun-hyun's group.
But then, an unbelievable voice reaches Glass Peacock's ears.
[I want to join hands with you.]
[What...!? You want to do it with my hand!?]
Glass Peacock trembles and turns back to Seo Eun-hyun.
[...We also have to enter the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain and meet the Great Mountain Holy Mother. Because of that, we want to join forces with you, who is trying to enter the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain. Well? Will you accept the proposal?]
[Uuuwu, you want to join with me... Fine...]
Outwardly acting like a crazed sex demon, Glass Peacock begins a cold calculation inside.
'They want to cooperate with me to do something involving the Great Mountain Holy Mother inside the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain? Good. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The odds of safely abducting the Great Mountain Holy Mother have increased, and while they're distracted by her, if I backstab them with Glass Avidyā Advancement Light, I might be able to take a chance at them too.'
Their eyes blaze.
'Of course, I won't be able to kill them in a single strike...but that much is enough. My goal isn't to barbarically kill and be killed anyway. Even if I can just turn them into fools for a bit, say, a thousand years, that's more than enough to enjoy copulation. All of them are True Immortals I have no acquaintance with. Which means none of them will understand my Glass Avidyā Advancement Light or my behavioral patterns.'
Of course, the fact that they are a 'mad sex demon' is known across the entire universe.
But very few know that the true nature of Glass Peacock is that of a 'cold-blooded lust maniac merely acting the role of a mad sex demon'.
It is a truth known only to those strong and resilient enough to maintain their reason while copulating with Glass Peacock for over a hundred thousand years.
'So...this is actually a good opportunity.'
[Alright! I'll do it! If I can become one with you, I'll do anything! Do you need my help? What should I do?]
[It seemed you were investigating a way to enter the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain?]
[Yes. Right now, the Great Mountain Holy Mother is sealing off the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain through the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea, making it impossible for outsiders to intrude. But I've been looking for a gap in that watertight barrier.]
[I see. Lead us to the largest of those gaps.]
[Alright!]
Glass Peacock, concealing their sly intentions, guides Seo Eun-hyun's group to one of the gaps they previously observed.
'My firepower may be lacking, but with the five of us, we can definitely break through.'
Then, upon arriving at the gap, Glass Peacock explains how to penetrate it, and thus Seo Eun-hyun, Glass Peacock, and the rest begin launching attacks toward the gap.
Kwagwgwgwang!
The dimensional veil of the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.
Reinforced by the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea infused by Oh Hye-seo, that dimensional veil finally collapses, and Seo Eun-hyun and Glass Peacock's party gain entry into the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.
'At last!'
Glass Peacock lets out a cry of joy and immediately begins guiding Seo Eun-hyun's group.
[Let's go that way. That direction leads straight to the Great Mountain Holy Mother.]
Kugugugugu!
The five True Immortals move toward the location of the Great Mountain Holy Mother Oh Hye-seo.
How long do they traverse through the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, where ominous devilish energy runs rampant?
At last, they arrive in front of a massive palace.
[It's the palace of the Great Mountain Holy Mother! She should be inside.]
[Is that so? Thank you for guiding us.]
[Well then, I'll let you handle your matters with the Great Mountain Holy Mother first. Go ahead, Seo Eun-hyun.]
Glass Peacock takes a step back as if offering a favor, smiling at Seo Eun-hyun's group.
Seo Eun-hyun looks at them and nods.
[Come out Oh Hye-seo!]
At Seo Eun-hyun's call, a familiar figure rises above the palace.
The one Glass Peacock has dreamed of all this time, and the key component needed to carry out their Azure Peng kidnapping plan.
It is Oh Hye-seo.
"Ahaha, hello Seo Eun-hyun? And who are all these people? What nostalgic faces!"
She forces a laugh.
In truth, she is suffering, using that exaggerated smile to mislead those around her.
Glass Peacock sees through her.
The wounds she carries are different from Azure Peng's, yet she too bears deep scars.
'I, I want to heal her. Through sensual pleasure, I want to show her how vast and beautiful the world truly is!'
Looking at her, Glass Peacock drools sticky spiritual energy from their mouth.
Kuuuung!
And around Oh Hye-seo, a mountain of corpses begins to emerge.
The remnant of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
Yet even the mere presence of the remnant fills the space, and ghostly wails begin dividing Heaven and Earth.
"It's so good to see you...and yet, so foolish. Seo Eun-hyun...I don't know what you were thinking coming here."
As more Corpse Mountain Blood Seas gather, Oh Hye-seo's aura begins to surge.
Glass Peacock breaks out in cold sweat.
'As expected...'
Her realm remains merely at the early stage of True Immortality, but within the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, filled with the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea, she becomes strong enough to threaten even Glass Peacock, who is at the level of Immortal Lord.
Strictly speaking, it is the remnant of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity that possesses such power.
"Today, I will incapacitate you and carry out the orders of my master, the Great Mountain Supreme Deity. Do you understand?"
Wiiiiiing!
Countless Corpse Mountain Blood Seas wail as they emit ghostly cries.
At the same time, the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy of the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain begins to gather before her.
[Now, let me show you. What I've been taught by the Great Mountain Supreme Deity...]
Immediately after,
Blink—
Everyone except Glass Peacock blinks.
'Huh...?'
Glass Peacock and Oh Hye-seo stare blankly at the [something] that appears before them.
It is a Wheel.
A Wheel of starlight.
And the [being] carrying that wheel on its back begins to reveal itself.
The being's body blazes with fire of glass.
It wears a white round collared robe, each thread of which is forged from glass swords.
Horns sprout from the being's head, a tail like a dragon's at its feet, its hands and feet jagged like those of a vicious beast.
Within the Wheel on its back, a Pure-White Three Great Ultimates rotates.
It is...
Seo Eun-hyun's main body.
Seo Eun-hyun, revealing his main body while trampling across countless star clusters, opens his mouth.
: : H A V E Y O U B E E N T A U G H T T H E
So overwhelming is his rank, even Glass Peacock cannot properly hear Seo Eun-hyun's voice.
And upon hearing what follows, Glass Peacock's eyes fill with horror.
'Wh-What...!?'
Seo Eun-hyun raises both hands.
Within his palms, the jade of Yin-Yang and Five Elements begins to gather.
The moment they see it, Glass Peacock instinctively starts to retreat.
Heaven and Earth and all Above.
: : I S H A L L T E A C H Y O U P R O P E R L Y : :
The will of the mountain spirit clothed in a white round collar robe of sword mountains begins to spread throughout the world.
: : P H E N O M E N A E X T I N G U I S H I N G M A N T R A !!! : :