Oh Hye-seo blinks.
'What is this, really?'
What in the world is going on.
What in the world happened for that lunatic Seo Eun-hyun to have mastered the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra so completely?
It's simply too baffling.
It is simply too bewildering.
However, the sword mountain spirit standing before her gives her no time to think about such things.
: : I S H A L L T E A C H Y O U P R O P E R L Y : :
Why does the opponent's will feel so distorted?
Why did the opponent's rank suddenly soar so dramatically?
There's no time to think about any of it.
Only the voice that resounds through Heaven and Earth and all above spreads across 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 !!! : :
Thus, Seo Eun-hyun, the monster wearing a human mask that Oh Hye-seo knows of, begins to truly exert his power.
The Corpse Mountain Blood Seas of the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain begins to resonate.
'So that's how it is.'
As I scatter my consciousness throughout the entire Heavenly Domain in order to unfold the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, I come to an understanding.
'Great Mountain Supreme Deity... So that's why you tried to feed me the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea.'
Truly unexpectedly, the act of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity trying to make me consume the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea was nothing more than a goodwill gesture, given by one who walks ahead on the Immortal Dao of Repentant Enlightenment.
Because the remnant of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity that fills this Earth Axis Heavenly Domain,
The essence of his Corpse Mountain Blood Sea, is quite literally, lumps of repentant enlightenment.
The beings the Great Mountain Supreme Deity has consumed until now remain neither dead nor alive, half-forced to undergo repentant enlightenment.
In endless suffering.
'So that's why the Judges reacted that way when speaking of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity's crimes.'
That strange reaction—saying they could not tell whether the crimes of Great Mountain are great or not.
Back then I couldn't understand, but now I finally do.
'Yes... It's laughable and absurd, but what the Great Mountain Supreme Deity is doing is forcibly injecting enlightenment into others.'
If a master were to beat a disciple with a club to teach a lesson, would that master be guilty of assault?
If a parent punishes a child for stealing or admonishes a child for lying, is that abuse?
If someone higher gives pain in any form for the sake of the future of someone lower, is that higher person a heinous criminal?
Even the Judges probably could not dare to measure the boundary between sin and punishment.
Though the Great Mountain Supreme Deity may be known as a Devil God, they haven't captured and killed by the Heavenly Venerables of the Underworld like the Five Cruels Supreme Deities.
As much as how the Judges could not determine if Great Mountain is guilty or not...
The Great Mountain Supreme Deity, with pure goodwill, forces pain and despair upon the living beings of all phenomena to implant enlightenment.
'I see...'
Placing their accumulation upon others so that others too may enjoy the enlightenment they have achieved—a violent, yet certain principle of repentant enlightenment.
That is precisely the repentant enlightenment of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
The Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra engraves one's heart across the entire universe, turning the whole universe into one's ally.
And the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea is created by filling the universe with the pain of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity and the enlightenment they gained through the hearts of those souls.
'Back then...on Penglai Island too, it was the same.'
They sincerely thanked the marine creatures and humans who allowed them to perform their spells.
It must have been true.
Though insane, they truly felt gratitude, which is why the lingering thought of the Salt Sea Being at the time did not harshly reprimand them.
—Do you dare reject my principle?
Wo-woong—
Oh Hye-seo, who tries to borrow the power of the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea, does not even register in my eyes.
Only the will left behind by the Great Mountain Supreme Deity through the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea clearly shouts before me.
—Life is suffering. The greatest teaching in this world is pain, and only through pain can enlightenment be gained.
It feels as if Gwak Am is sneering in front of me.
As if asking whether someone like me dares to deny this principle.
—Do you dare deny this truth? The heart of a teacher who strikes with love for an unworthy disciple. My enlightenment of inflicting pain on worthless living beings with the heart of a senior—can you dare to deny that? Will you say there exists something in this world that can grow without suffering?
Kiiiiiiing—
The jade of Yin-Yang and Five Elements gathered in my hand begins to shine.
At the same time, my consciousness instantly soars into the domain of untainted, and once again draws near to Araya Consciousness.
'Gather.'
I begin to connect the hearts of all beings in this Earth Axis Heavenly Domain with myself.
I gather the existences of the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea, who endlessly groan within the principle of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, and begin to pull at the principle that has bound them in a state of neither life nor death.
—Answer me, Seo Eun-hyun!
And then...
I lift my head toward the voice of Gwak Am shouting at me.
"A long time ago, someone once said this."
Life is suffering.
It's true.
It's also true that there is no growth without pain.
But...
The absolute teaching of one person within my heart has allowed me to step aside from that absolute proposition.
"That even if life is suffering, that's not all it is."
Just like how even if life is a curse, when you look at it from another angle, it's also boundless blessing,
"What we give and receive is not just suffering alone."
Indra's Net begins to bend around me.
The principle left behind by the Great Mountain Supreme Deity begins to be torn away under my will.
"Suffering can surely be called a teacher of life that gives enlightenment. But...that's not the end. For life isn't made of just that."
Just as blessings and curses combine to form the light called life.
"If one wishes to live in this world, learning only suffering is meaningless."
As I speak these words, I realize why, after becoming a True Immortal, the powers of the Immortal Dao and the pathways of Fate and History intertwine to form a Taiji.
Because perhaps the Taiji contains the true principle of this universe.
Through Indra's Net, I begin pulling in the spirits of the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea that are trapped within the Great Mountain Supreme Deity's principle toward me.
'Let's not pull...too tight, nor too loose.'
The Corpse Mountain Blood Seas,
The entire Earth Axis Heavenly Domain begins to converge around me.
"I will show you, Gwak Am. This is...the Mountain Dao I am accumulating!"
At the same time, the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra erupts in brilliant light and begins to activate properly.
Oh Hye-seo opens her mouth.
The jade of Yin-Yang and Five Elements encases and entraps her.
Not only her, but Glass Peacock fleeing in the distance—
And Jeon Myeong-hoon, Kang Min-hee, and Kim Yeon also become trapped within Seo Eun-hyun's jade.
And then...
It begins.
In front of Seo Eun-hyun, who has been constantly whispering something toward the void.
Something begins to gather.
At first, she thinks it is simply the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy of Yin-Yang and Five Elements.
After all, it follows the same flow as the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra she learned from the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
However, she gradually realizes something.
Something is steadily gathering more and more.
No, beyond that.
The attraction force of the world is going berserk.
The authority over the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea, which the Great Mountain Supreme Deity granted her ownership of, leaves her hands and is caught up in Seo Eun-hyun's attraction force.
Oh Hye-seo recalls the utmost completion of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra she heard from the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
When the attraction force of the Heavenly Domain reaches its peak—
The End begins.
Kugugugugugugu!
The entire world outside the jade of Yin-Yang and Five Elements that confines her begins to intensify in attraction force.
Centered around the sphere of Yin-Yang and Five Elements energy in front of Seo Eun-hyun, the attraction of the entire Heavenly Domain starts converging.
The universe begins to contract.
Are those...stars? A Decaying Corpse Realm?
Ah, it's a galaxy.
Amidst this surreal spectacle, as she watches countless stars, Decaying Corpse Realms, and galaxies all pulled toward a single point, she forgets even to scheme and simply stares blankly.
The Heavenly Domain begins to narrow.
Gradually, the world heats up, becoming filled with light and heat.
Oh Hye-seo opens her mouth wide as she watches countless Decaying Corpse Realms being dragged to the front of the Great Mountain.
Someone's toe, leg bones, soles, grotesque eyeballs, various blood vessels, flesh, toenails, and more—
Countless Decaying Corpse Realms enter inside, and galaxies and galaxies collide.
And then—
"...!"
Oh Hye-seo widens her eyes, trying to confirm what she is seeing.
'Th-The Corpse Mountain Blood Seas...!'
The Corpse Mountain Blood Seas that Oh Hye-seo had barely been managing until now are following Seo Eun-hyun's lead and being sucked toward him.
Some beings seem to try fleeing into the distance, but without exception, they are pulled in.
That is not all.
[——————!]
[—————————————————!]
[——!——!——!——!——!——!]
[——————!!!!!!!!!!!]
Devils.
The devils that resisted her and fed off the energy of the Corpse Mountain Blood Seas, as well as the Entering Nirvana-level devils that had been shapeshifted into planets and quietly slumbering, all awaken and try to flee in the opposite direction of the attraction force. However, not a single one succeeds and they are all drawn in.
The situation is so surreal it feels like a dream.
Soon, the world filled with light and heat contracts down to the size of that sphere in front of the Sword Mountain.
That is, all galaxies, Corpse Mountain Blood Seas, Decaying Corpse Realms, and devils contract into the size of that sphere.
No, the contraction doesn't end there.
The Heavenly Domain continues to contract even further, finally becoming a single point of white light.
The being clad in the white round collar robe of sword mountains looks at that point and seems to ponder for a moment, then brings both hands together as if in prayer and firmly compresses it.
The point of light that is the compressed Heavenly Domain is thus—
In the grasp of the terrifying mountain divine spirit wearing a white round collar robe of sword mountains, caught and destroyed.
There is no light, nor anything left, so nothing can be seen clearly anymore.
Standing before the Seo Eun-hyun who has become so strong that she no longer even feels the will to resist,
All Oh Hye-seo can do now is despair.
: : T H I S I S T H E T R U E F O R M O F W H A T Y O U U S E D : :
Yes.
The Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
The Immortal Art that gathers all things of Heaven and Earth, of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, to bring about the End.
It is the true power and enlightenment of the Immortal Art she learned from the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
And she has believed only the Great Mountain Supreme Deity could perform such a feat.
Of course, it is only because the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra is unfolded by someone of Supreme Deity weight class that it holds such power.
That's what she thought.
But now, as she watches Seo Eun-hyun perform the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra on the same level as the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, despite not being them himself, she realizes amidst shock, panic, and fear.
'I see... That is...the true Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.'
A terrifying secret art that compresses everything, refining it into a single pill and devouring the Heavenly Domain.
That is the teaching the Great Mountain Supreme Deity had given her.
"...How enviable, Seo Eun-hyun...to just somehow stumble into such power by sheer luck."
In the total darkness where nothing can be seen, Oh Hye-seo sneers at the vast mountain spirit she knows is standing ahead.
She knows, too.
Now, she will never be able to get revenge on Seo Eun-hyun.
The difference in power has become absurdly vast.
'But...I can't give up.'
She grits her teeth as she recalls Seo Hweol's bones, which she has refined into a dharma treasure and stored within her body.
"To have cultivated the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra like this, just how many people have you killed by now? A hundred? A thousand? No, sorry. It's a massacre so massive that something like that couldn't even begin to measure it, right? Isn't that right? Kukuk... You really are...beyond saving..."
The gap in power no longer holds meaning.
So the only resistance Oh Hye-seo can muster is to irritate Seo Eun-hyun's mind a little to plant Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens within him.
After inheriting it from Seo Hweol, her Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens has changed.
It no longer seizes any target and brainwashes them into identifying with her.
Instead, it implants a yoke into the heart of the one she chooses.
A yoke that never changes, one that becomes a rule etched into that being's life.
That is how her Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens has twisted since she inherited it.
'I will leave a yoke in your heart.'
Even a faint yoke is fine.
Even a sound that very slightly unsettles his mind is fine.
Because someday, Seo Eun-hyun too will face a formidable enemy—and in the midst of that battle, at the final moment, this faint yoke she implants will obstruct him.
'Even if revenge is meaningless, I'll survive within you as a Heart Demon...and struggle to the very end.'
That is Oh Hye-seo's resolve.
But then...
Oh Hye-seo widens her eyes as radiant light that blinds the eye begins to burst from within Seo Eun-hyun's clasped hands.
"You're really a vil—huh?"
Crystal Glass to Treading Sea
Twin Flowers Reaching the Heavens.
The power of curse and blessing that has reached the domain of Immortal Arts dwells within my two hands.
Now, curse and blessing go beyond mere curse and blessing, becoming the power of negation and affirmation themselves.
And as I manifest that Yin-Yang Taiji within my joined palms, I begin reversing the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
My Twin Flowers Reaching the Heavens draws a Taiji, within which countless principles of the Five Elements begin to rotate.
Starting from the principle of Yin-Yang and Five Elements, endless transformations unfold from within.
This is not a power like the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique that tears an opponent apart.
This is...
'A power to tell all beings of the world—that there is a way to live that is not just suffering!'
My Immortal Dao.
It is that itself.
'Rise.'
: : My connections of all phenomena. : :
Paaaaaatt!
I spread my palms wide from their prayer position, unleashing a massive explosion of light before my eyes.
At the same time, the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain, which had been compressed into a single point and met the End, begins expanding outward with the explosion.
Kwaaaaaaaaang!
A massive explosion erupts.
Jeon Myeong-hoon gazes at the scene as if entranced, Glass Peacock sheds streams of tears both up and down, and Kang Min-hee utters a word as if in a daze.
"Big Bang...?"
Kwagwagwagwagwag!
An overwhelming surge of Heaven and Earth spiritual energy bursts forth, and the universe begins expanding at the speed of light.
At some point, it is bound to surpass even the speed of light.
Kaaaaaaaaang!
At that time, I sense that the name of the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain is changing.
No longer Earth Axis (地軸), but Axle (車軸).
It's not something I changed. It feels like this was the 'original' name of this Heavenly Domain all along.
And...
As the Heavenly Domain is recreated, we all can't help but shed tears.
Ah.
Aaaah.
Aaa.
Ah.
Aaaah...
Souls drift across the Heavenly Domain.
These spirits who were devoured by the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, turned into Corpse Mountain Blood Seas, and suffered without being able to live or die while repeating repentant enlightenment—now rejoice.
Joy and happiness overflow throughout the entire Heavenly Domain.
—Thank you.
—Thank you so much...
—Truly, thank you...
They all express deep gratitude and begin to lay their bodies down as they fall into the Underworld.
The sight of these spirits—far surpassing millions or billions, nearing six hundred sextillion in number—trembling in ecstasy as they all head toward the Underworld in unison...
...is indescribably beautiful.
"It's true that life is suffering. I acknowledge that suffering is a profound enlightenment and great teacher. But though suffering may be a great teacher, it is not the greatest teacher."
This, is my Dao.
Paaaaaat!
And at that moment.
The lingering scents of joy left behind by the spirits turn light pink, and those scents begin to connect with Kim Yeon.
I check to see what is happening.
'Vast Cold Heavenly Lord...'
It is the 'Law of Heavenly Domain's End' that the previous Ender, Tridacna Vast Cold Heavenly King, overturned.
Through the process of destroying and recreating a Heavenly Domain, I come to understand exactly what law Vast Cold has changed.
The law before Vast Cold's alteration enters my mind through the whispers of the Heavenly Domain.
Long ago,
Before Vast Cold appeared, the Heavenly Domains were like sandcastles that could be collapsed at any time as long as its owners willed it.
But after the emergence of Vast Cold,
The condition for the End of the Heavenly Domains changed, such that only when the hearts of the living beings within the Heavenly Domain reach their peak does it bring about the End.
Back when Hyeon Mu or the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld collapsed a Heavenly Domain, it was because their power momentarily surpassed Vast Cold's.
Ordinarily, Supreme Deities or Heavenly Venerables cannot destroy a Heavenly Domain directly without using something like the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
Vast Cold essentially placed a powerful shackle around the necks of all Governing Immortals and left the stage.
Kim Yeon, seemingly aware of this truth, gently caresses the light pink lingering scents gathering around her.
Tuuung—
Along with a cool sensation, I feel a Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flag being extracted, and I realize.
'...I see'
Kuuuuung!!
The scene before my eyes shifts, and before I realize it, I arrive once more in a space filled with Corpse Mountain Blood Seas.
'I've really arrived so quickly to the point it's absurd.'
This is the sanctuary of the Mountain.
The Origin Essence of Repentant Enlightenment.
The sacred ground of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
Yes...
What stands before me now is the essence of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity themself.
"First, let me offer congratulations. You've reached the reference point."
Through the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra just now, I have pierced through the gate leading to the Origin Essence of Repentant Enlightenment.
Yes.
I have finally reached the late stage of Great Net Immortal.
And now, I see for the first time the bare face of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, who has taken on a human form before me.
-x-X-x-
Above a mountain of countless corpses.
He is there.
Perhaps to speak with me, he sits on a rather low peak on the corpse mountain, and the mountain of corpses behind them seems to support him like a throne.
His Transformation form is extremely tall.
He appears to be about six chi plus three or four cun tall (around 190 cm/6'3"), similar in height to Oh Hyun-seok during his mortal days.
'Fighting Ghost Race?'
Looking at him, I get a feeling reminiscent of the Fighting Ghost Race, but the impression passes so quickly that I cannot be sure.
His shoulders are broad, yet his facial features are unexpectedly delicate.
With eyes closed and an expressionless face, he might even look like a woman due to his fair face.
However, his eyes are four-white eyes (四白眼), with unusually small pupils and a fierce gaze.
[TL: Eyes big enough or pupils small enough that whites are visible on all 4 sides.]
Moreover, when he makes an expression rather than remaining emotionless, the muscles of his face contort significantly, and now, as he looks down at me with a twisted smile—
His fair face turns into a cruel, vicious, and ferocious visage.
His hair is straight and deep navy-blue, and unlike the time when it was wrapped in bandages, it is now neatly groomed, falling past his waist and lightly tied at the end.
In contrast to his hair, however, the clothes he wears are a dark-red robe reminiscent of Yuan Li.
On the blood robe, perhaps meant to symbolize the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea, are faint embroideries of wailing specters.
It is a blood robe even more chilling than that of Blood Yin or Yuan Li.
One of his legs is folded in a lotus position, while the other extends downward, stepping on the heads of corpses below, and on one of his knees lies the golden mask I had seen previously.
'...I see.'
That is the face of Gwak Am's Transformation form.
Most likely, his face during his mortal days was the same.
"It's been a while, Senior Brother."
"Show some respect. Before I tear out your tongue."
"The greatest respect I can give you is calling you senior brother. If you want to take my tongue, go ahead. Do you think I won't be able to speak without it?"
"No one is your senior brother. Don't be so displeasing."
"...Is it because I still look inhuman to you?"
"How could that be? Though I don't want to admit it, you are an Ender who gained a soul through your own strength. You are not like the trash I've seen until now."
Gwak Am chuckles, then plucks off the head of one of the nearby corpses and tosses it toward me.
"Eat it. Regardless of what happened, if you've reached the point of connecting with the Origin, then you just understand, correct? This too is a kind of repentant enlightenment. If you dared to say you'd defeat me, then you should also have the attitude to learn and study another's repentant enlightenment as well."
I pick up the corpse's head that falls near my feet.
This person is suffering.
Neither dead nor alive, bound by Gwak Am's principle, they are shedding tears of blood.
Pasasa—
But instead of eating it, I immediately compress it with the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, remove Gwak Am's principle, and release the spirit.
Aaaah...
The soul flies away, shedding tears of gratitude, and I glare at Gwak Am and speak.
"Since we've met, I'll say one thing, Senior Brother. Release the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea immediately. Guarantee their freedom and stop torturing them."
That's when it happens.
Hahahahahahaha—
Uhahahahaha!
Kikikikikikikik—
Kkukkakkakkak!
Ihahahahaha!
Kkiiyaaahahahaha!
Many of the corpses on the corpse mountain where Gwak Am sits begin to laugh while shedding tears of blood.
Gwak Am also wears an even more twisted smile as if something is assuming, and glares at me.
"You know nothing...and yet you babble on and on after seeing only the surface of pain."
"What...?"
"This is a stepping stone toward true awakening (正覺). We all can gain enlightenment through suffering! So, what right do you have to drive out these ones who practice repentant enlightenment?"
"...Are you saying that was Master's repentant enlightenment? That just because he beat you with a six-sided club to teach you, now you too inflict suffering on everyone under the guise of love? Are you really saying this is the will of the Salt Sea Supreme Deity!?"
"...Who knows."
Gwak Am erases his smile at my question and stares at me.
"I don't know about that. In the end, Master has fallen into slumber. There is no way to know the will of the dead. But one thing is certain."
Tudukuduk...
Gwak Am places his hand on one of the corpses, tears it from the other corpses, and lifts it in one hand as he speaks.
"I have certainly upheld at least Master's last will."
"Master's...last will?"
"Yes. Originally, none can enter beyond the Audience Chamber and return. Even the Golden Divine, who left many things behind in the Head Realm, like the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, only did so before attempting to enter the Audience Chamber. But Master...created a miracle. He went beyond the Audience Chamber and, even after being defeated by the Owner of Fate...managed to pass his will to me."
Then, as I hear the last words of the Salt Sea Supreme Deity spoken from Gwak Am's mouth, my eyes open wide.
"'Make all things of all phenomena undergo repentant enlightenment. If every living being in the Three Heavens Great Thousand World can come to know their own heart, then even fate can surely be overcome. Use every means, and cleanse the hearts of all. If it's you, you can do it. If it's you...'"
"..."
"He spoke thus and disappeared. Toyed with by fate, chewed up by the Head Realm, and condemned to humiliation that eternally repeats—that was his end... Do you understand?"
"...What?"
"Master...believed in me to make everyone undergo repentant enlightenment, even by my own methods."
Gwak Am's face contorts.
I look at him and shout.
"What do you mean by your own methods!? Isn't it how Master said to teach and help steadily...to inspire beings through preaching even if it takes longer, so they come to repentantly enlighten on their own and cleanse their own hearts!? Just what idea did this Corpse Mountain Blood Sea come from!?"
"...Silence. Using whatever means necessary was his will. In any case, the vast majority of the living beings in this Three Heavens Great Thousand World are bugs."
"What...?"
"They don't know their own fate, don't know why they were born, have no interest in the meaning of life, and simply live each day to barely extend their lives... Such animals are the majority. How do you plan to inspire and touch the hearts of those animals in a single day?"
Kwaduduk!
Gwak Am clenches the corpse fragment in his hand tightly.
Blood and pus squeeze out of the corpse, and an overwhelming scream sweeps across the area.
"There is only one way. If they cannot seek repentant enlightenment on their own, then I will do it 'on their behalf'."
"...What are you even talking about...?"
I stand dumbfounded before Gwak Am's madness, my mouth agape.
"Crack open the skulls of these bug-like beings, look back on their lives for them, and connect the entire reflected life to them so they are forced to reflect on their lives and their hearts. Again, and again, and again! If I keep doing so...then everyone in this world will one day attain enlightenment and reach true awakening."
Kikikikikik—
Ihihihi—
Suffering is the path to enlightenment.
Suffering is enlightenment...
Suffering...suffering...
Many corpses within the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea repeat those words, giggling.
Just as Gwak Am says, these seem to be ones who have undergone forced repentant enlightenment, attained their own realizations, and begun to perceive their own hearts.
"Hovering endlessly close to death, yet unable to die, spending ages akin to eternity and gaining insight into the domain of purity... Pursuing the principle of the domain of purity my Master once sought to challenge, and uncovering the principle of life itself. That is the privilege enjoyed by those of the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea."
"..."
"Do you dare strip them of their privilege?"
I am so dumbfounded by that mindset that I cannot continue speaking.
Yes.
Killing plants, insects, beasts, civilians, and low-level cultivators—those unable to attain repentant enlightenment—and connecting them to oneself to perform repentant enlightenment in their stead.
That is the true nature of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity Gwak Am's Corpse Mountain Blood Sea, and the true identity of the violent mantra he has accumulated.
Only now do I understand the Underworld's statement that the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea is no mere sacrificial offering.
Each and every one is someone forcibly made to undergo repentant enlightenment by Gwak Am, becoming essentially his disciples.
And that means...
"...Then right now, how is this any different from you using your disciples as offerings whenever needed? You're not going to say that's something you learned from Master, would you?"
"To say they were used as offerings—how unpleasant. I gave them a 'chance'."
"What...?"
"Haven't you done the same all this time?"
Gwak Am throws the corpse in his hand aside with a sneer and points at me.
"I saw what you did in the Bright Cold Realm. You sought the disciples under that guy Jang Ik, then killed all your senior brothers and senior sisters with your own hands, didn't you? They, too, were delighted to get the 'chance' to challenge you."
"..."
"They too, under me, experience the boundary between life and death through countless ages, and yearn earnestly for the chance to reach the true heart—that is, the true death, the domain of purity. To give such people a 'chance' to reach the domain of purity, allowing them to charge toward purity. That is...the way of 'sacrificial offering' you speak of. I ask again. What difference is there between my 'offerings' and your use of your senior brothers and senior sisters as 'offerings'?"
"..."
It's sophistry.
How can one's self-will and a will designed by others possibly be the same?
"Self-will? Are you saying that true self-will exists in this world? In this hell where an Owner of Fate exists?"
"...!"
Seeing from how my thoughts have been read, I realize that Gwak Am has also risen to Araya Consciousness.
Of course, he is the God of Repentant Enlightenment who cleans the heart. It's not strange that his mind has reached such a stage.
"Everyone's life is designed beneath fate anyway. Unless one is a Supreme Deity, one can't even speak casually of self-will. No! Even among Supreme Deities, most are beings with leashes around their necks. Other than me and the Underworld, the rest are nothing but slaves. They are no different from those disgusting slaves who, despite being dragged along their leashes, can't even think of breaking free!"
Why is it?
Gwak Am's words grow more agitated, more enraged.
But for some reason...
I can't help but feel that the object of his anger is not the Supreme Deities or mortals he speaks of, but rather himself.
"In this world, something like self-will has no meaning. Therefore...whether it's self-willed or imposed, if one can know the heart through repentant enlightenment, that alone is a blessing."
"..."
Through those words, I understand.
Gwak Am cannot be persuaded.
He is a true madman.
Gwak Am reads my thoughts again and speaks with a sneer.
"Those who relentlessly push their own beliefs can't help but be madmen."
"Are you saying that repentant enlightenment can only be achieved through the way of a madman? You mean to truly remain as nothing more than a lunatic?"
"...Yeah. Maybe that's how it is. So what? In a mad world, if we don't become madmen, what are we supposed to do? You and I—neither of us knows the answer to that, do we?"
Finishing his words, Gwak Am speaks with a serious expression.
"In the end, we cannot know the answer. That is why I will keep pushing forward with my beliefs, as I always have."
"...Then..."
I look up at Gwak Am and spit out my words.
"All I can offer you is death."
"I've been waiting to hear those words."
In response, Gwak Am grins so wide that his molars show, and he spreads his arms wide.
"Come to me. Try to challenge me. Try to defeat me. Before I destroy Mount Sumeru, climb up here and let's settle this. I am the only disciple of Master. There is no need for a junior brother."
With eyes full of madness, he rises to his feet and shouts.
"Make your way through the chaos of the Salt Sea and reach me—then try to kill me! With the Seat left behind by Master as the stake...let us collide. If you want to defeat me, then use whatever means necessary to soar up...crash into me, and win. Prove that the mountain you have accumulated is bigger, taller, and has deeper valleys than mine. Only that..."
"Is the way of mountain spirits."
"...Yes. That is the way of the Mountain God."
Kugugugugugu!
Within the sanctuary of Origin.
From beyond that far-off place, a massive lump-like something rises.
It is an 'arm' formed of a mountain of corpses and sea of blood numbering in the Ganges's Sands.
That arm descends toward me.
"Come before me and prove it. That your mountain can stand higher than mine! Come now, rise to the Outer Sea. Come...and let us compete."
Kwaurururururung!
I stretch out my arm to resist the arm of the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea.
The moment that enormous palm presses down on me, I feel my bones shatter throughout my entire body and vomit divine blood.
Roughly three seconds.
That is how long I endure beneath that hand.
Kudududuk!
After three seconds, I am brutally crushed and dying, and along with the words of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity Gwam Am that echoes in my ears, my consciousness begins to blur.
"Justice without power...cannot accomplish anything. So prove it. That your justice has power..."
Somehow, those words sound powerless.
With Gwak Am's strangely bitter face as the last thing I see, I return to reality.
Blink—
As I come to my senses, I find myself once again inside the newly recreated Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.
Kugugugugugu!
Throughout the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain—
No, the Axle Heavenly Domain—spirits are still flowing toward the Underworld, and my comrades all wear dumbfounded expressions.
Not even a single moment has passed since I met the Great Mountain Supreme Deity Gwak Am.
Kwaduk!
I reach my hand into the void toward Oh Hye-seo, who looks up at me with a stunned expression.
Kwajijik!
She, who is trapped in the jade of Yin-Yang and Five Elements I created, chuckles and smiles within her dazed expression.
Her emotions transmit vividly to me.
Just moments ago, she had been sharpening her blade of revenge toward me, but now, I feel not even a trace of vengeance from her.
All that remains is a sense of awe and reverence.
"...How...could you become so...strong...?"
Oh Hye-seo's stunned face soon turns to one of self-loathing and despair.
"Why is it...that I can't become that strong...?"
"...It's nothing special."
I speak calmly as I seal her.
"It's just that the depth of life we've lived is different."
Kiiiiing!
The jade of Yin-Yang and Five Elements containing Oh Hye-seo transforms into a small bead and enters my body.
From now on, Oh Hye-seo will remain sealed.
After sealing her, I release my comrades and speak.
"Now, all preparations are complete."
I've done everything I can.
All that remains is...
"Now the only thing left is to succeed. I will leave for the 'outside,' obtain what I desire, and definitely return."
All that remains for us is to leave for the Outer Sea, complete the Underworld's mission, and return.
I turn into my Transformation form and approach my comrades, embracing them as I close my eyes.
"Let's succeed...no matter what. Everyone."
And so, we begin the final stage of preparations to head to the Outer Sea.
===
Author's Note:
At last, the first meeting with the final boss of the Great Boundary arc, the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, has taken place. It feels like the prologue of the True Immortal Realm arc has come to an end.
-x-X-x-
The Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, Bright Cold Realm, Heavenly Lotus Mountain.
We gather there, in front of Baek Woon, and begin a meeting.
"So...you're saying you'll go to the Outer Sea alone?"
At Jeon Myeong-hoon's question, I shake my head.
"More precisely, it'll be me and Oh Hye-seo, I suppose?"
"...Why does it have to be Oh Hye-seo?"
Kang Min-hee glares at me and rolls her eyes, and everyone, including her, looks at me with eyes full of suspicion.
The reason is simple.
'Damn... Back on Earth, I did chase after Oh Hye-seo for a bit.'
And unlike with Kang Min-hee, there were quite a few times we used to laugh openly together.
But from my perspective, that's something that happened over a hundred million years ago. I no longer have any particular interest in Oh Hye-seo.
However...
'From their perspective, that was only a few ten thousand years ago, so maybe they still think I'm trying something with Oh Hye-seo.'
It's quite understandable.
'...Still, it feels a bit unfair. Was there even a single male employee in our company that Oh Hye-seo didn't try to seduce?'
Anyway, I sigh and begin explaining the reason seriously.
"Bringing Oh Hye-seo along isn't for the reason you all are thinking. It's because of her Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens... With that Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens, the Great Mountain Supreme Deity could exert influence on you."
Great Mountain had once extracted and eaten Seo Ran, the core of Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens.
As mentioned in Penglai Island,
Rather than it being just because Seo Ran looked delicious, given Great Mountain's cunning nature, the more plausible reason is that Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens is useful to him and he tried to take it for that reason.
The Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra is an Immortal Art that engraves one's heart across the universe.
And Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens, too, from the perspective of 'engraving the heart', is an Immortal Art that has overlapping parts with the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
Therefore, at this moment, Oh Hye-seo, who can be considered a disciple or even an Immortal Treasure of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, carries a strong possibility of becoming his medium.
I sip spirit tea brewed from the leaf of Sacred Master Baek Woon and speak.
"And as I explained earlier...the Great Mountain Supreme Deity has arranged things so that the Splitting Heaven Mantra is completed the moment Oh Hye-seo dies. So...it's better for me to take her to the Outer Sea while keeping her sealed."
"Mmm!"
At those words, Kim Yeon asks with a puzzled expression.
Originally, I should be unable to hear anything due to the restriction of the Liberation Supreme Deity Bong Myeong.
But after rising to Araya Consciousness...
—Then why aren't you taking us?
Bong Myeong's restriction has now become virtually meaningless.
Her thoughts and heart echo from the domain of principles, and her will penetrates through the restriction and reaches me.
'Of course, you still have to elevate your consciousness to the domain of untainted to hear it...but compared to before, the restriction has clearly weakened.'
"You're asking why I'm not taking you all...? You already know. In the Outer Sea, time is all scrambled. Even if it's only a fleeting moment here, no one knows how long it'll be there. And in the Outer Sea, there's nothing. More importantly...the teachers who will guide your growth are here."
That's right.
Even until recently, Bong Myeong—who released Kim Yeon to us—had still been guiding her growth.
For her to follow me now is no different from giving up on her own growth.
"My Immortal Treasures will also remain here."
That includes even Hong Fan.
Hong Fan, Yeo Hwi, Yu Hwi, and Ham Jin will stay here and periodically communicate with me, assisting in the process of refining the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity into my Immortal Treasure with the help of Kang Min-hee and the Underworld.
"So...I'm sorry, but I can't take you to that dangerous and chaotic Outer Sea. I really am sorry. But there's no need to worry too much."
In front of my comrades, I sever a portion of my consciousness domain and create an external incarnation.
In an instant, my split soul is born, flaring with a bluish glow in my palm.
Huarurururuk!
"This is an Immortal Art I received from Bong Myeong."
This Immortal Art, called Celestial Lord Incense Burning (天公焚香), literally tears off a facet of myself and leaves it in a distant world, allowing communication with those in that world.
"Through this Immortal Art, it will be no different from me always being with you. Even if I head to the Outer Sea, I can communicate with you through this Immortal Art, and it can even serve as part of the Great Net Immortal cultivation. So...don't worry too much about not being able to see my main body."
Eventually, my comrades are all persuaded by my words.
"Huu... If you're going to say that much, fine."
My comrades each take a piece of Heavenly Lotus Fruit offered by Golden Shaking Bird and nod.
The true Heavenly Lotus Fruit, aside from having spiritual nature, also bears a powerful fortune atop that nature, making it one of the foods commonly eaten by True Immortals.
Surprisingly, there are a whole pile of Heavenly Lotus Fruits in Yang Su-jin's treasure vault, and so, happily enjoying the fruit I hadn't been able to taste before, I explain to my comrades what needs to be done going forward.
"First, for me to go to the Outer Sea, I have to activate the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade."
And as I mentioned before, I need their help to do so.
"The leap to the Outer Sea has already been promised by the Naming Supreme Deity...they will assist with that. What you all need to help with is the 'run-up' to that leap."
I explain each of their roles.
"Kang Min-hee, please stabilize the entire 'path' for the run-up using your ability."
While I don't know the full extent of her ability, I've figured out by now that her power has something to do with 'rules'.
Using the 'rule' she creates, the path of Mount Sumeru for the leap into the Outer Sea will be stabilized.
"Jeon Myeong-hoon, the 'path of Mount Sumeru' for the run-up must pass through the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain. And as I explained before...the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade requires 'acceleration' midway."
"If Kang Min-hee builds the path, you need me to accelerate you at the midpoint."
"That's right. In the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, the 'platforms' prepared by the Ancient Force True Lord will accelerate me...but in the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain, I'll need your help. The Radiance Eight Immortals of the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain will especially try to obstruct me, but you should be able to shake off their interference, assist me, and then smoothly exit the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain through the Great Desolate Path."
After explaining Jeon Myeong-hoon's role in further detail, I turn my gaze to Kim Yeon.
"And Yeon-ah, you'll need to assist in accelerating me between the Naming Supreme Deity and Jeon Myeong-hoon."
"Mmm!"
"Beyond the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain...the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain is where I just used my power, so I can use the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra there to accelerate again... We don't need to pass through the Bearing Tree, Good Sight, or Twin Holding Heavenly Domains, but at least one more Heavenly Domain needs to be crossed before reaching the Naming Supreme Deity."
Kim Yeon will help me with the run-up from the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain and accelerate me.
"You'll help me there."
The task is relatively less important than that of the other comrades, but it is undoubtedly essential.
'There's no great concern about reaching the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables.'
After all, once I activate the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade from Mount Sumeru—assuming it activates properly—I can arrive directly at the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables. That is the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
In other words, this task is less about reaching the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables, and more about the far greater difficulty of 'returning from the domain where the disgrace lies' to Mount Sumeru.
'If I were an Immortal Lord like the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords or the Radiance Eight Immortals, it would've been easier to return to Mount Sumeru using the power of the Origin...'
But the reality is that while my weight class is at the very top level of Immortal Lords, I am not actually one. So I must carve my way through the Outer Sea with my own strength to return to Mount Sumeru.
'If I'm lucky, I might ride the currents of chaos and return instantly...but if I'm unlucky, I might have to endure for several ten billion years like Kim Young-hoon.'
Because of that, I decide to take every possible precaution.
'I have to ensure my comrades can grow even without me.'
"Baek Woon. From now on, the Bright Cold Realm will be transferred to the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain, and Kim Yeon will oversee the realm from there."
I first decide to give Kim Yeon the body of Vast Cold, laying the foundation for her to grow as much as possible.
"You wouldn't happen to have any complaints about this, do you?"
I eat a piece of Heavenly Lotus Fruit and question Baek Woon, who has offered the White Jade Pavilion and is kneeling and serving us tea.
In response to my question, Baek Woon answers with a reluctant expression.
"...It is I who should be grateful...for being released from the position of Sacred Master."
—This return of the Golden Divine madman. Just what in the world did he eat to reach late Heaven-Earth Great Net right after advancing to True Immortal? Don't tell me that after fighting Blood Yin, he really ate Blood Yin using the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra... Ever since the Owner of the Underworld expressed support, all connections to Radiance Hall have been severed as well... Damn it. Every one of those from the Head Realm are strange and freakish...
Baek Woon hides her fear and confusion toward me behind a polite expression as she answers.
Seeing her like that, I feel a vague, inexplicable emotion rise in me, and I let out a chuckle.
According to what I've read in history, Baek Woon is about six million years old.
Looking back now, she too is still quite young.
"...Baek Woon, you've had several conflicts of opinion with us, haven't you?"
It was Baek Woon as well who tried to immediately gather all the Entering Nirvanas and annihilate us when I began to recite the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.
—That lunatic, could it be he's planning to use that as justification to boil me down into a pill and eat me? I had a hunch since the moment he suddenly asked to brew tea using my leaves. So this is where this life ends... Even so, before I go, I'll burn those clueless Tall Tree Race fools who only pollinate into firewood before I leave.
"...I ask for forgiveness for failing to recognize the Great Immortal."
Baek Woon calmly accepts her death and bows her head before me, and I shake my head as I look at her.
"I am not trying to harm you. Though we had our disagreements, you have managed the Bright Cold Realm well as its Sacred Master, and you've shown us mercy on more than one occasion. Of course, there was the incident of you renaming the Bright Cold Realm and ruling it under the surveillance of Light, but...that was the will of Radiance Hall, something you could not defy it. So...I intend to show you mercy."
"...Pardon?"
At my words, a hint of joy appears in Baek Woon's eyes.
And seeing that, I offer her sincere advice.
"Enter the Underworld. I don't mean to die. Just stop pledging loyalty to Radiance Hall."
I explain to Baek Woon about the Splitting Heaven Mantra, and how in no more than a billion years, Mount Sumeru will be destroyed.
And...I tell her the true will of Radiance Hall.
"Th-That's..."
"The Radiance Eight Immortals will join hands with the Great Mountain Supreme Deity. In the end, extinction of those who follow the Immortal Cultivation system is their ultimate goal. You can't escape from that either. Normally, even if they had that kind of intent, you could have followed them for the sake of justice.
"After all, even if they have such a goal, achieving it would be endlessly far away with many obstacles to overcome. But if they join hands with the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, then the situation naturally changes."
"..."
"Mount Sumeru will truly be destroyed. For those who follow the Immortal Cultivation system, they will be destroyed whether they are evil or good. The Radiance Eight Immortals...simply believe that a being with emotions having great power is a violation of justice in itself."
I offer sincere advice to Baek Woon, who is, in her own way, our acquaintance.
Yu Oh of the Nether Ghost Realm and Hae Lin of the Ancient Force Realm, when it comes down to it, both belong to the Underworld.
The new Sacred Master of the True Devil Realm too, inevitably belongs to the Underworld...
I honestly don't know much about Ban Ta, but judging by how well he maintains his position as Sacred Master, he'd likely turn his heart to the Underworld if others advise him. Right now, the only Sacred Master still loyal to Radiance Hall is Baek Woon.
'Truthfully, it's not like she was fully on our side.'
Still, she has shown us mercy many times in her own way.
From the start, the position of Sacred Master is one that bestows grace upon all living beings of the Middle Realm after all.
All the good and joyful things that happened in the Bright Cold Realm took place under her governance, so I truly offer her my sincere advice.
Hearing my advice, Baek Woon nods gloomily with a serious expression.
"...Thank you for the advice."
"Thank you for accepting it."
I nod and rise from my seat.
"Well then..."
In response, my comrades also rise from their seats.
"Let's go. Toward the Outer Sea..."
Kwarururung!
Golden Shaking Bird, now one with the Great Desolate Path, turns into lightning and instantly engulfs the entire Bright Cold Realm in lightning.
Pabatt!
My comrades immediately leave the Bright Cold Realm, and I take a moment to look around.
The inner region of the Bright Cold Realm, the Human Race territory.
There, the grounds of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect in Azure Cold Island.
I gaze at that place for a long time.
Woo-woooong—
Ever since arriving in the Bright Cold Realm, I have replayed the history of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect site over and over again.
'...It's the same again.'
No matter how many times I replay the history, it's always the same.
'This time too, a [White Stag] took Azure Tiger Saint away.'
This time, it even happens earlier than when Azure Tiger Saint faces the Heavenly Tribulation.
Even so, he vanished, taken by a stag that suddenly appeared.
'No matter how far back I go into the past, that's not what matters.'
As I read through the history, I come to understand something.
'It's similar to Kim Young-hoon's True Attainment...or the previous Golden Body's ability.'
[A being from another timeline] intervening in the past [regardless of spacetime] and fixing the result.
In other words...
'As long as there exists someone who sends the [White Deer] from the future, it's impossible for me to save Azure Tiger Saint at this point in time.'
It's something that has been fixed as a kind of 'result'.
'Damn it...'
I can only feel frustrated not knowing who it is that sends that [deer].
'At the very least, it's not me.'
The white deer that saves Azure Tige Saint is a [white deer with magnificent antlers].
My Flower Soul Filling the Heavens right now is a [white stag without antlers].
It's not just the appearance that differs.
'The [heart] within that deer wasn't mine.'
Being able to read even hearts to some extent through history is the current me.
I can partially read the hearts of those from the past, and it is because I feel all too clearly that the heart within that deer is not some 'heart of my future self' that I feel frustrated.
'It was the heart of someone I've never seen before.'
It doesn't belong to any of my companions either, and because it's the heart of someone entirely unfamiliar, I cannot let my guard down.
'That unidentified being... Just why did they kidnap Azure Tiger Saint?'
I have no answer.
'Is it...the Future King?'
I bite my lip as I speculate about the one who abducted Azure Tiger Saint.
No matter how I think about it, the one who abducted Azure Tiger Saint across all time and space with an authority in the shape of a deer can only be explained as the Future King.
'If the heart isn't mine, and it belongs to a completely unknown being, yet still transcends spacetime...then it should be that.'
I look up at the sky and think quietly to myself.
'...Wait for me, O Fate. To save my master, I will definitely rise...all the way to the heavens.'
I will rise above the heavens and finally seize the hope that lies in our path ahead.
With that vow toward our future path, I turn around to activate the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
-x-X-x-
Pabat!
I find myself outside the Bright Cold Realm in an instant.
The moment I emerge, Jeon Myeong-hoon activates the Great Desolate Path and shifts the entire Bright Cold Realm somewhere else in an instant.
He has moved it to the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain, where Kim Yeon had planned to be.
Huarurururuk!
I hand my split soul to Kang Min-hee.
"I'll leave the Celestial Lord Incense Burning technique to you."
"...Leave it to me. I'll scatter it across every Heavenly Domain so you can definitely return... I will make it so you can always stay in contact."
"Thank you."
She accepts my split soul and places it in her bosom.
"And...Yeon-ah."
I turn my head to say something to Kim Yeon.
But in that moment, Kim Yeon is gone.
"...?"
I understand where she has disappeared to.
She's flown to the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain, resonating with the power of the Bright Cold Realm that's been sent there.
'Maybe it's because she's not used to farewells yet...'
Guessing her feelings, I turn my gaze elsewhere.
Kwarururung!
The Great Desolate Path and Jeon Myeong-hoon appear before me again, and he hands me something.
"Take it, Seo Eun-hyun."
"This is...?"
They are two flags.
Each flag is embroidered with the characters Heavenly Black (天玄) and Earthly Yellow (地黃).
"Ah...!"
They appear to be the Immortal Treasures that Golden Shaking Bird used once before.
Heavenly Black Banner, Earthly Yellow Banner.
"I asked Golden Shaking Bird... She said they are among the ancient Immortal Treasures obtained from the Bright Cold Realm. I heard that Baek Woon once possessed them but Yang Su-jin robbed them from her."
"..."
"They are said to draw upon a portion of the power of fate and history. Baek Woon apparently used these to rename the Bright Cold Realm."
"Hm...!"
"When I heard that the Celestial Lord Incense Burning Immortal Art draws upon the power of fate and history, these came to mind. With these, you'll be able to communicate with Mount Sumeru even better using that technique."
"...Thank you."
I accept the Heavenly Black Banner and Earthly Yellow Banner and smile.
Jeon Myeong-hoon watches me and strikes my shoulder with his fist.
"Seo Eun-hyun."
"Mm?"
"...Don't die."
"...You're saying the obvious."
A red light flickers in both his eyes.
"I hope this...is your last life."
"Mm...?"
"If we could...avenge the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect in this life...that would be nice."
"..."
"So...make sure you come back alive."
Through Araya Consciousness, I can read Jeon Myeong-hoon's heart.
—Don't push it to the next cycle... Come back. Regressor Seo Eun-hyun.
"...!"
I detect his true thoughts and flinch in surprise, and Jeon Myeong-hoon grins.
"The 'culture' I built up on Earth counts for something, doesn't it? I started noticing when your cultivation kept suddenly spiking out of nowhere."
"..."
"So, come back, get revenge with me...and someday...explain everything you've seen and experienced."
"...I...will."
At some point, Jeon Myeong-hoon had figured it out.
'Regression' is a power that appears in countless media on Earth after all.
And if it's someone like Jeon Myeong-hoon, who consumed a lot of such stories...it's not surprising he could figure it out.
"Then I'm off. Come back soon. I'll...be waiting for your return."
Kwarurung!
Finishing his words, Jeon Myeong-hoon rides the Great Desolate Path and vanishes to somewhere in an instant.
I watch the scene for a moment, then slowly begin preparing to activate the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
Kugugugugu!
A massive attraction force forms around me, starting to shift the constellations of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
"Now then...shall we begin."
Paaatt!
As I move my will, I am instantly transported to the Ancient Force Realm.
The Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade is an Immortal Art created so that the Ancient Force True Lord Hae Nyeong could always unfold it around themself.
Therefore, the starting point can only be their physical body.
"It's been a while, Hae Lin."
"Sacred Master Hae Lin greets the Great Immortal."
"No need for excessive courtesy."
I wave off Hae Lin's greeting and reply.
"I never told you this, but...somehow, I happened to obtain the original version of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade."
"Hmm, it seems it was received from the Underworld."
I originally received it directly from Hae Lin, but I can't say that, so I nod.
"Let's go with that. In any case, right now...I intend to activate the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade to reach the 'disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables' your ancestor hid in the Outer Sea."
"...You're saying you need my help."
"That's right. Help me."
"...Understood."
Hae Lin nods.
"That, too, must be the will of the Imperial Venerable. I, Hae Lin,"
With a solemn face, he kneels before me and declares,
"In accordance with the will of my ancestor, I shall obey the command of Great Immortal Seo Eun-hyun, who has received the will of the Imperial Venerable, and aid in the activation of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade!"
Kugugugugu!
Along with Hae Lin's oath, the entire Ancient Force Realm begins to respond.
Countless ancient forces hidden within the realm begin to tremble.
Wo-woong!
I transmit my Immortal Treasures inside me toward Kang Min-hee.
"Master. Are you truly sure you do not need me to come along?"
Hong Fan asks me.
Even setting aside the possibility that Hong Fan, presumed to be the first Radiance Supreme Deity, could regain his memory upon seeing the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables, the immediate issue is that it would be too difficult for him to withstand the pressure of the Outer Sea in his current state.
"Hong Fan. If you go with me to the Outer Sea now, you will undoubtedly be unable to endure the pressure of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade and explode. I can't guarantee I'll be able to protect you."
"Even so..."
"As I told you before, you have a more important mission."
It is to cooperate with the other Immortal Treasures to refine the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity.
'Strictly speaking, the Obsidian Devil Heavenly King who currently holds the Ender authority is Hong Fan...so it's best for him to be present for the refinement of the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity.'
Moreover, if Yu Hwi and Kang Min-hee, who have learned the Flawless Mantra, assist, then the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity could truly become the Immortal Treasure perfectly suited to me.
'If I want to defeat the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, I now have to use everything I can.'
In the past, I subconsciously thought external artifacts were of no use, so I never considered needing dharma treasures or Immortal Treasures.
But now, things are different.
'I've reached every realm I can rise to.'
I seized Triple Divinity, reached the limit of the Immortal Dao and engraved my domain onto the True Immortal Realm, and rose to the late stage of Great Net Immortal, even piercing through the [gate] that leads directly to Gwak Am.
Unless I abandon the Immortal Dao I've accumulated until now and walk a different Immortal Dao, there is no further realm for me to rise to.
'The realm known as the ultimate of Martial Arts... As the Underworld stated, I won't be able to reach it so easily. In that case, there's only one way left.'
In the end, I must borrow the power of a divine external artifact.
'If I succeed in making the Supreme Deity into an Immortal Treasure, the odds of defeating Great Mountain may rise by even ten percent. It's something that must be done.'
"...If you insist, then I understand."
"Thank you for understanding, Hong Fan."
"It is nothing. I only regret that I will not be able to continue watching over you, Master."
"Do not worry. Through Celestial Lord Incense Burning, we will still be able to communicate."
"...Understood. Until the day we meet again...farewell."
"Good."
With those words, Hong Fan is transported to Kang Min-hee's side.
Woo-woong!
I can feel Kang Min-hee's ability being applied over the entirety of Mount Sumeru.
Many divine spirits sense this and turn their gazes toward her.
Kugugugung!
As Kang Min-hee's ability spreads throughout Mount Sumeru, it begins to stabilize the [path] through which the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade will pass.
'Thank you, Kang Min-hee!'
I express my gratitude to Kang Min-hee and everyone else, and at last, I begin to activate the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
The formula of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade links with the formula of Flower Soul Filling the Heavens, and before my eyes appears a [White Deer Without Antlers].
The deer's form suddenly changes of its own accord and begins resonating with the surrounding ancient force.
Kugugugugu!
Ancient Force Realm.
In that place where countless ancient forces boil over, my Flower Soul Filling the Heavens resonates with the ancient force and transforms into a gigantic being in an instant.
Hae Lin, who was assisting in the activation of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, prostrates on the spot and bows toward the figure of the being.
It is a phantom of a Xiezhi whose entire body's scales reflect the traces of the 'Deep Sea'.
I recognize it instantly.
This is the lingering will of the former Deputy Judge of the Netherworld, the Ancient Force True Lord Hae Nyeong.
[Do you seek the truth, and thus head toward the Salt Sea, O junior?]
"Yes."
[That truth is more grotesque and terrifying than any truth I have ever uncovered. Can you truly endure the horror of that truth? Can you withstand the weight of any truth, no matter how heavy?]
Kugugugugu!
Hae Nyeong's lingering will glares at me and speaks.
I look into Hae Nyeong's lingering will and smile.
"I am...the disciple of the Great Salt Sea Supreme Deity. And...the junior brother of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity Gwak Am."
At my words, Hae Nyeong's lingering will widen its eyes as if surprised.
"As the disciple of the one who came closest to the Heavenly Venerable of Purity, I make this request. Grant me...the right to approach the secret history of the Heavenly Venerables!"
[...You are that person's disciple.]
Paaaatt!
The lingering will of Hae Nyeong takes on a Transformation form.
They have a bright navy-blue ponytail, and the appearance of a sturdy, bronze-skinned man.
His physique is nearly the same as Gwak Am's Transformation form, and overall, he has the appearance of a handsome and dignified man.
[To have activated the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade as that person's disciple...means you have either received the Imperial Venerable's permission or the acknowledgement of my descendant. Either way, you are a trustworthy being. In that case...one who has gained trust. I, the former Deputy Judge of the Netherworld, the Seat Holder of Health, the Ancient Force True Lord, Hae Nyeong, shall guide you to the Salt Sea!]
Kugugugugu!
As he says those words, he approaches me and overlaps with the position where I am standing.
His lingering will momentarily unifies with me through the power of Flower Soul Filling the Heavens.
I feel Hae Nyeong's heart within my chest.
An endless curiosity like the Great Sea, driven by the desire to uncover every hidden secret in this world. And the turbulent, storm-like heart of a scholar who bears the historical duty to reveal the truth.
[Activate Purple Soul Filling the Heavens and walk the 'path'. The teachings of the Salt Sea Supreme Deity will assist the activation of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.]
The Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, true to its name, appears to have been created from the teachings passed down by the Salt Sea Supreme Deity.
And so, to take the first step toward the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables, I activate the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
Kuuuuuung!
Hae Lin opens the dimensional gate of the Ancient Force Realm.
At the same time, the power of the Ancient Force Realm pushes me strongly into the Astral Realm of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, and I begin to soar in that direction through its power.
Paaaatt!
I change into my main body and take the first step, carried by the power surging from the Ancient Force Realm.
The first step lands on Cedarwood Painting.
It is the thigh of a former Golden Body.
Jjeoeeong!
Before my eyes, the [Path of Stars] begins to unfold.
As I start to deploy the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, I understand why Lofty Dragon True Person once created the 'Path of Stars'.
'Hae Nyeong's arrangement...I see now, Imperial Venerable. When you said you too could use the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, it was merely to test me.'
It was not simply an emergency route for living beings to evacuate during the End someday, but a foothold prepared for a descendant who would one day carry out Hae Nyeong's will and activate the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
That is the true identity of the [Path of Stars] spread out within the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
And unless one expends the [Path of Stars], the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade does not activate at all.
Would the Underworld have had the Tribunal 'suffer' wandering the Outer Sea in search of Penglai Island during the Sunlight Hunting cycle for no reason?
With the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, one could lock coordinates and quickly determine Penglai Island's position.
Back then, the Underworld was merely testing me.
The Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, which allows free directional control in the Outer Sea, must go through such a complex process before it can be used.
'Now, let's go!'
Kwaaaang!
The power of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade reacts with Cedarwood Painting and begins to accelerate me.
Paaatt!
Beyond Cedarwood Painting, the [Path of Stars] formed by Entering Nirvana True Persons draws a spiral and begins to receive me.
Puhwak!
Thus, I activate the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade as I step one by one on the Entering Nirvana True Persons, and those True Persons I tread upon begin their True Immortal advancement, having fulfilled the duty they've awaited over countless years as part of the [Path of Stars].
Even Jinlu Gok makes contact with me and accelerates me forward, and through that brief contact, he uses my wisdom to begin his True Immortal advancement.
Puhwak, puhwak, puhwak, puhwak!
Along with the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, Hae Nyeong's arrangement embedded in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain activates.
The summit of Mount Sumeru, the Thirty-Third Heaven, the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
From the tip of the inverted cone, a pure white beam of light spirals upward to the lower part of Mount Sumeru.
That is, it begins rising toward the [Above].
It looks just like...
[A spiraling white snake soaring upward].
As the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, embodying the symbol of the Salt Sea Supreme Deity 'Ryeong,' truly activates, the symbol of the [spiraling snake] begins to coil around Mount Sumeru.