The center of the newly reconstructed Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
Inside the Palace of Radiance.
There, the Radiance Eight Immortals who have just recreated the Heavenly Domain gather to replenish their strength.
It is at that moment.
The Torch Candle Heavenly Lord is the first to notice the anomaly in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
: : ...! Wait, the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade has activated! : :
At the shout of the Torch Candle Heavenly Lord, the eyes of the Radiance Eight Immortals simultaneously flare and they tremble.
: : What! : :
The Great Forest Heavenly Lord clenches their fist in shock, while the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord's eyes blaze with light.
: : The inheritance ritual has activated!? Torch Candle! Observe who is initiating it! : :
: : It is...Seo Eun-hyun! The Ender said to be protected by the Underworld! : :
At the Torch Candle Heavenly Lord's words, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord flinches.
The Great Forest Heavenly Lord reveals their fury and shouts.
: : Rain Dew! Do not block it this time. Even if the Underworld protects him, the inheritance of the Salt Sea Supreme Deity through the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade must be stopped! : :
: : That goes without saying. This time, even if the Underworld descends directly, I have no intention of stopping. : :
The Radiance Eight Immortals begin to rise from their seats with tension.
They all know.
The Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade is not simply an Immortal Art that finds the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables.
Finding the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables is only the surface authority of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
Its true ability is something known only to the Radiance Eight Immortals, who possess the sole authority to interfere with the Head Realm in the Three Heavens Great Thousand World.
An almost exclusive truth, unknown to the Underworld but known to the Radiance Eight Immortals.
The true function of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade is as follows:
After activating the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, if one finds the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables and then activates the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade again when entering the Head Realm, it then becomes an 'Immortal Beast King advancement ritual' and... 𝙧ΆΝȪᛒЁš
...grants the authority to command all ancient force in this world.
That is the very truth behind how the Salt Sea Supreme Deity was able to fix the form of all ancient force into the form of 'salt,' and the reason why the previous Immortal Beast King before Hyeon Rang was the Salt Sea Supreme Deity.
: : That one is already aligned with the Underworld. : :
: : Hae Nyeong lacked the qualification, and even though Hyeon Rang became Immortal Beast King, it was fine since he was on our side and could be restrained... : :
: : But in addition to possessing the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, he is an Ender who is a native of the Head Realm like Hyeon Rang. If this return of Vast Cold rises to the realm of Immortal Beast King...! : :
: : ...Together with the [Oldest One] who is the Underworld, the control authority of the Emptiness Supreme Deity held by Radiance Hall may be stolen. : :
: : If that happens, the nightmare of that time will be reenacted. : :
: : Seo Eun-hyun and the Underworld will join forces and create the [Wheel] just like in the time of Salt Sea! : :
: : A new terrifying principle controllable by the Underworld will be born. If that happens, the purpose of Radiance Hall will once again be cast beyond the eternity of time! : :
The Radiance Eight Immortals simultaneously erupt in seething light around them and cry out in rage.
: : We absolutely cannot allow that to happen. Therefore, all Radiance Eight Immortals, rise! The fact that the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade has activated in Seo Eun-hyun's hand is the worst possible development for Radiance Hall, and we must stop it at all costs! : :
The Rain Dew Heavenly Lord spreads their hardened will and throws open the gates of Radiance Hall.
: : Block it! O Radiance Eight Immortals! Let us show that the will of the Radiance Supreme Deity is the rightful master of Mount Sumeru! : :
Responding to the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord's will, the Radiance Eight Immortals depart the Palace of Radiance.
Above them, the Seat of Radiance.
The symbol of [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] flashes, but beneath it, the silver-white snake.
Only the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's response is faint.
And so, the inverted cone begins to spin from its apex, and the Radiance Eight Immortals begin to exert their power toward the form of a snake spiraling upward in flight.
Thus, toward the spiraling white snake rising from the vertex of the inverted cone, the Radiance Eight Immortals begin to exert their power.
Kugugugugu!
At the edge of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
There, a [White Deer Without Antlers] is running.
Merged with Flower Soul Filling the Heavens, it is Seo Eun-hyun, who accelerates while sending countless True Persons into True Immortal advancement.
With each acceleration, Seo Eun-hyun's body transforms further into the very form of Flower Soul Filling the Heavens that is the [White Deer], and the moment he exits the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, he becomes one with his Flower Soul Filling the Heavens and the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections itself.
At the same time, the size of the White Deer becomes vastly greater than Seo Eun-hyun's main body.
Having transformed into the very history he has accumulated, he reaches the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain at the midpoint of Mount Sumeru, beyond the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
Kugugugugu!
The White Deer soars upward, spiraling around the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain, following the path of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade stabilized by Kang Min-hee.
Already having been endlessly accelerated within the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, the Deer's speed now surpasses light itself and reaches the level of the Akashic Records, allowing it to naturally spiral around even the vastest of the Heavenly Domains, the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
It is then,
Flash, flash, flash!
Countless beams of light flash, and the symbol of [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] rises across the entire Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
: : You, O Ender. The Radiance Supreme Deity forbids the activation of that Immortal Art! : :
At the same time, within the symbol of [Black Snake Biting Its Tail], eight giant gods of light larger than anything else reveal themselves.
This time, the Radiance Eight Immortals appear as if they have fully made up their minds. The size of each of their Immortal Bodies rivals that of a Supreme Deity.
Cheolkeong!
At that moment, across the entire Heavenly King Heavenly Domain, all Immortal Arts not affiliated with Radiance Hall are sealed, and following the will of the Radiance Eight Immortals, thirty-three lights form a constellation that wraps around the entire Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
The spell 'Light-Speed Enforcement' unfolds.
Kigigigik!
For an instant, the speed of the White Deer seems to be restricted.
But then,
: : What is this! : :
Kwagwaaaang!
Above the head of the White Deer.
A single human figure appears there.
That figure, smaller than the Radiance Eight Immortals and barely the size of a speck of dust compared to other True Immortals, is Seo Eun-hyun's Transformation form.
Seo Eun-hyun begins to perform a sword dance.
Watching the dance, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord reads its name and ability through the domain of war and combat that they govern.
: : Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains...? : :
Seo Eun-hyun's martial ultimate technique, which constantly clashes against the opponent's power and uses the enemy's strength to reinforce his own.
The decisive technique that, in theory, allows him to obtain infinite power, now unfolds in front of the Immortal Art of the Radiance Supreme Deity.
: : That's...? : :
: : A trick of those called the Heart Tribe. Not worth responding to... : :
It's when the Great Forest Heavenly Lord and the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord look down on Seo Eun-hyun's dance.
: : I, the representative of the martial force of the Radiance Eight Immortals, command in the authority of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord. From this moment on, the Radiance Eight Immortals shall follow my instructions. : :
At the words of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, the Radiance Eight Immortals discard all personal emotions and line up behind them.
: : First command. Do not underestimate the technique of Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains. : :
Now, in the midst of battle, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord becomes their representative.
The Radiance Eight Immortals follow their orders, completely erasing stray thoughts and emotions, and begin to move under their command.
Tstststs!
The Radiance Eight Immortals link together, taking on the form of a colossal Black Snake.
The vast Black Snake, large enough to fill the universe, is not outmatched even compared to the size of the Heavenly Venerables of the Underworld or the Gandhara of Hyeon Mu, and its gaze is dyed with a silver-white light.
: : From now on, we annihilate the enemy before us with full force. : :
Under the judgment of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, all the power of the Radiance Eight Immortals moves in accordance with their decision.
Flash!
The entire Heavenly King Heavenly Domain becomes engulfed in [light].
In the next moment, the Radiance Eight Immortals, now in the form of the Black Snake, charge toward Seo Eun-hyun who uses Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains to resist their Immortal Art.
And then, it happens.
Kwarururung!
In the gap of a fleeting instant.
Jeon Myeong-hoon appears in the scene.
Kururururung!
Behind Jeon Myeong-hoon, a red taenghwa depicting three heads, three eyes, and eight parables rises.
He is unleashing the full extent of his authority as an Ender.
Originally, Jeon Myeong-hoon should never have been able to intervene between the Black Snake and Seo Eun-hyun, but by displaying the miracle of an Ender to its fullest extent, he has reached this place.
'Seo Eun-hyun.'
Shrouded in lightning, Jeon Myeong-hoon reaches out toward Seo Eun-hyun, following the formula Seo Eun-hyun taught him.
'Come back no matter what. And...one day, let's pour a drink together at the grave of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.'
The Ender authority Jeon Myeong-hoon discovered.
Its truth is not the voice of lightning.
The true nature of that ability is Flux of Birth and Annihilation (生滅變化).
Birth and annihilation (生滅).
In other words, it is the power to cycle the direction of causality of all things that possess cause and effect into the state he desires.
In short, the name [Causality Induction (因果誘導)] is most fitting.
The so-called voice of lightning, the Heavenly Tribulation Body—those were all merely afterimages reflected as the authority of Causality Induction descended into lower planes.
'Seo Eun-hyun. I don't know for sure...but you must've helped me, helped us endlessly through regression, haven't you?'
Jeon Myeong-hoon firmly believes such causality exists.
Because no matter how he thinks about it, with his talent and personality, there's no way he could've reached this realm on his own.
It's more reasonable to believe Seo Eun-hyun guided and pulled them along by turning back time.
In a way, his authority resembles the 'Retribution' of Seo Eun-hyun's Immortal Art Impermanence Sword.
However, while Seo Eun-hyun's Retribution can only return exactly what was received by the law of cause and effect, with a small touch of his personal interpretation, Jeon Myeong-hoon's Causality Induction is different.
'If I've received something, depending on the size of what I received, I can gift whatever reality I want.'
That is Jeon Myeong-hoon's ability.
Until now, he has never once been able to control it properly, but for some reason, this time feels different.
The taenghwa resonating in his chest whispers to him.
That he has 'accumulated enough rank'.
If it's now, he feels he can sufficiently control it.
Kwarururururung!
Around Jeon Myeong-hoon, immense red lightning rages.
At the same time—though he is not aware of it—Indra's Net ripples and begins to rewrite the principle of reality.
The truth that Seo Eun-hyun is about to be captured and killed by the Radiance Eight Immortals vanishes completely, and only the truth Jeon Myeong-hoon desires becomes reality.
Kwarururung!
The reality in which Seo Eun-hyun accelerates within Jeon Myeong-hoon's lightning and soars through the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade is realized.
Jjeoooong!
The being within the taenghwa in the form of Vajra (金剛).
The being of three heads, three eyes, and eight parables blocks the Black Snake's attack with its eight arms, and Seo Eun-hyun, unshattered by the strike, continues rising through the acceleration of Jeon Myeong-hoon's power.
Kwarururung!
Having succeeded in saving Seo Eun-hyun once, the Great Desolate Path rises behind Jeon Myeong-hoon, and in the blink of an eye, it disappears from the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
The will of the Black Snake tries to seize Jeon Myeong-hoon, but in that fleeting instant, time distorts on its own accord, and as space trembles, Jeon Myeong-hoon completely escapes.
: : Yeong Seung! : :
The Radiance Eight Immortals, realizing who assisted the Great Desolate Path in Jeon Myeong-hoon escape, explode with rage.
Kwaduk!
Immediately after the Radiance Eight Immortals become enraged.
Yeong Seung's main body, embedded in the Source River, is swept away by an overwhelming beam of light and suffers an immense blow.
The Radiance Eight Immortals have exacted punishment upon Yeong Seung.
They try once again to capture the fleeing Jeon Myeong-hoon, but he has already fled with Kang Min-hee to the deepest depths of the Underworld, so they are unsuccessful.
Kugugugugu!
In the end, the [Spiraling White Snake] shakes off the restraints of the [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] and continues to soar upward, coiling around the upper part of Mount Sumeru.
Paaaatt!
The White Deer escapes from the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain and reaches the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.
Kurururung!
The Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.
Now the Axle Heavenly Domain, the power of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra unleashed by Seo Eun-hyun resonates and accelerates him.
Shwishwishwik—
And behind Seo Eun-hyun, a giant snake of light chases after him.
However, perhaps because he accelerated through the True Persons in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, through an Ender in the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain, and through the power of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra in the Earthly Axis Heavenly Domain—
The eyes of the Radiance Eight Immortals flash.
: : We can no longer catch him with speed. Disperse. Unleash your respective authorities! : :
Paaatt!
The Radiance Eight Immortals, who had merged into a single Black Snake, quickly disperse again and respectively join palms.
The representative of the Radiance Eight Immortals.
The Great Forest Heavenly Lord fires an arrow of light at Seo Eun-hyun as he departs the Axle Heavenly Domain.
And above the head of the White Deer—
Appearing at the size of his Transformation form, Seo Eun-hyun holds an arrow in his hand.
As the bowstring of the Immortal Art Sunlight Hunting is drawn, the 'strength' gathered through Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains collides with the Great Forest Heavenly Lord's arrow, repelling its power.
The healer of the Radiance Eight Immortals.
The Flower Plant Heavenly Lord uses an Immortal Art on Seo Eun-hyun as he enters the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain.
The entire Twin Holding Heavenly Domain is instantly engulfed in a massive flower bud of light.
In the next moment, a white circle symbolizing Flawlessness rises behind Seo Eun-hyun's back and resonates with the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity.
Kugugung!
The flower bud covering the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain bursts apart under the power of the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity.
The regulator of Heavenly Domains.
The Great Sun Heavenly Lord adjusts the fates between Heavenly Domains with the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain at the center, pulling Seo Eun-hyun back.
Seo Eun-hyun, exiting the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain, uses the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra to deflect the attraction force between the Heavenly Domains.
The administrator of the Heavenly Void Furnace,
The Torch Candle Heavenly Lord draws power from the Head Realm and attempts a revision across the entire Heavenly Domain.
: : This one life, I offer to the Radiance Supreme Deity! : :
☯
The distortion that begins from the Head Realm spreads across the entire Heavenly Domain.
It is a distortion of Mount Sumeru that no one can perceive, but when Seo Eun-hyun takes out a Royal Bestowed Flower in the shape of a paper flower around himself, that distortion has no effect on him.
: : W H A T !!?? : :
Kuaaaang!
The Torch Candle Heavenly Lord screams, and at the same time, having forcibly drawn upon the power of the Heavenly Void Furnace, explodes on the spot and is annihilated.
It is a sacrifice that holds no meaning.
The vanguard of the Radiance Eight Immortals,
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord gathers power as though preparing for a major decisive move.
The quartermaster of the Radiance Eight Immortals,
The Pearl Jade Heavenly Lord extracts light from the Seat of Radiance in the rear, amplifies and reflects it within an Immortal Art in the form of a jade pearl, and transmits it to the other Radiance Eight Immortals.
The advisor of the Radiance Eight Immortals,
The Great Sea Heavenly Lord stirs the waves of the Inner Sea of Mount Sumeru.
A massive wave of abyss crashes toward Seo Eun-hyun.
But Seo Eun-hyun, having arrived at the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain, has already met with Kim Yeon, who has seized control of the Bright Cold Realm there.
Kugugugugu!
Kim Yeon, who flung all living beings of the Bright Cold Realm into the Middle Realms existing within the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain, stretches out her hand with all her strength and begins accelerating Seo Eun-hyun.
Tridacna Vast Cold Heavenly King.
Empowered by the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord, Seo Eun-hyun begins to accelerate to the extreme.
The power of the Great Sea Heavenly Lord fails to reach Seo Eun-hyun.
But next, the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord steps forward.
The enforcer of Radiance Hall begins to exert power.
The many Immortal Arts of Radiance Hall that blanket all of Mount Sumeru activate and begin pulling Seo Eun-hyun in.
The countless Immortal Arts forming the Immortal Cultivation system that exist to enforce judgement on all who oppose the will of Radiance Hall, starting from the Immortal Art Spiritual Root, begin suppressing Seo Eun-hyun.
It is at that moment.
Kigigigigig!
From within Seo Eun-hyun's body, an overwhelming force of circulation erupts, pushing away the Immortal Cultivation system that binds him for a moment.
Upon seeing this, the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord cries out in a desperate wail.
: : V A S T C O L D !!! : :
The newly added Immortal Cultivation system by the Tridacna Vast Cold Heavenly King.
The power of the formula of the Vast Cold Heavenly Circle is infinitely amplified by the power of the Bright Cold Realm, pushing back the Immortal Cultivation system for a moment.
Then, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's eyes gleam.
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's gaze begins to reach Seo Eun-hyun, who has finally exited the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain and arrived at the Elephant Nose Heavenly Domain.
The [Spiraling White Snake] now nearly blankets the entirety of Mount Sumeru.
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's gaze touches the faint pink light flashing around Seo Eun-hyun, who has repelled the authority of the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord.
Kugugugugu!
I can feel it.
At this moment, I have accelerated to the point where I can just about follow the toes of Hyeon Mu's Void Speed.
'If I leap with the help of the Naming Supreme Deity...it would only be for just one moment, but I should be able to reach the speed of Undying.'
Of course, compared to Hyeon Mu, who can reach the domain of Undying through Eternal Step whenever she desires, I am doing it in a far more complicated way.
But I can instinctively tell that this experience will be of enormous help in reaching the ultimate of Martial Arts from here on.
However, within this overwhelming acceleration, I can't fully concentrate on such thoughts.
"What are you doing, Kim Yeon!!??"
That's right.
The moment I deflected the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord's attack using the Vast Cold Heavenly Circle—
Kim Yeon, using the power of the Bright Cold Realm, resonated with me and clung onto me.
She grips my waist with immense strength and clings tightly to my Transformation form, getting dragged along.
She seems to be using an Immortal Art.
I shout in confusion at this unplanned event.
"Let go right now! You know where I'm trying to go!"
Having once been trapped in the emptiness by Hyeon Mu, I know just how terrifying an incommunicable emptiness truly is.
And the Outer Sea I'm heading to now is a similarly lonely space like Hyeon Mu's emptiness.
That dreadful solitude...I can't let Kim Yeon experience it.
Oh Hye-seo is so steeped in evil that she can suffer alongside me while practicing repentant enlightenment, so it doesn't matter.
But...not Kim Yeon.
I dare not inflict such pain on her. That's why I planned to explore the Outer Sea only with Oh Hye-seo.
'No. If this continues...'
She's going to get dragged into the dreadful loneliness of the Outer Sea as well.
'Just like what happened to Kim Young-hoon...it might take several tens of billions of years!'
Is she saying she can endure that time with me!?
If time flows quickly and we arrive soon, that'd be a relief, but I always prepare for the worst-case scenario.
"Kim Yeon! I told you! Even if I go out to the Outer Sea, you can still communicate with me using the Immortal Art of Celestial Lord Incense Burning! So let go! I've already explained well enough what kind of place the Outer—"
"I know!"
"...!!!"
Huarurururuk!
Kim Yeon's entire body blazes in light pink flames.
She draws forth the maximum power from the Bright Cold Real, and through Immortal Art, she forcibly breaks free from the constraints of Bong Myeong for a moment.
"I...know too, Seo Eun-hyun!"
Kim Yeon continues to resonate with my Vast Cold Heavenly Circle and shouts as she clings and follows me.
We enter the Elephant Nose Heavenly Domain.
In the distance, a massive giant god of vapor awaits us.
If we pass through Hyeon Rang, with one final acceleration, we will exit Mount Sumeru and reach the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables in the Outer Sea.
Now, it truly is a critical moment.
From far below Mount Sumeru, a massive silver-white sword energy, seemingly unleashed by the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, chases after us as it surges along the path of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
Now, it truly is the moment to decide.
I try to shake Kim Yeon off, not wanting her to suffer, but the more I push, the more she draws power from Vast Cold's body and tightens her grip around my waist.
I shout.
"What do you even know!? You...how could you know what kind of place the Outer Sea is!? You don't know, Kim Yeon! You don't know what solitude is. How...how deep and painful it truly is...you don't know! Have you lived through an eternity? Have you ever been trapped in emptiness for endless ages? Have you ever suffered alone, unable to tell anyone the truth, for an unimaginably long time? That's what I'm asking you!"
This is my pain.
The solitude of the curse of regression I have endured, and an origin that no one dares claim to understand.
"I'm asking, can you even understand me!?"
Ah...
At that moment, I feel deeply ashamed and pathetic.
I know of Seo Hweol's end because I have seen the history through the senses of the Earth Tribe.
That moment when he, unable to hide his painful essence in front of Oh Hye-seo, screamed and vomited his hatred. It is an appearance I know as well.
I am the same as Seo Hweol.
Seo Hweol...
He truly resembled me.
Just as he, in his final moment before Oh Hye-seo, unleashed only hatred and pain—
I, too, in this critical moment, can only expose my painful essence in front of Kim Yeon.
If Seo Hweol's essence was hatred and pain,
Then mine, after countless regressions through infinite time, has only pain remaining as well.
Even though I have to understand that life is a blessing thanks to Buk Hyang-hwa, the current me is one who absolutely cannot deny this pain either.
I admit that life is a blessing, but I also cannot deny the pain.
Therefore, even if I regard Kim Yeon as my blessing, I cannot help but expose my pain in front of her.
'...How pathetic. I really am...'
I smile bitterly, resolving to detach Kim Yeon even if it means using force.
That's when it happens.
Taat!
Kim Yeon grabs my shoulder and pulls herself up as she shouts.
"I don't know! You bastard! I don't understand! I won't!"
"...!"
Droplets of tears fall from Kim Yeon's eyes.
As the power of the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord settles around us, the world slows down.
It feels as if time has stopped.
"I hated you at first! You acted like some stuck-up old man, trying to teach me every little thing from the way I acted to my habits, and when you worked, you would become like an emotionless machine. When I talked to you while you were focused, you would glare at me like the whole world was bothering you! The worst part is that you even said you were bad at work when you were a newbie too!"
"N-No, when did I ever—"
"You think you know everything, don't you? You arrogant Seo Eun-hyun! I know you worked hard and have lots of experience, and that you're skilled! I know you always pushed yourself like life or death just to make a project work, even without a mind for it! And now, in this world, I know you act like you've mastered everything, like you know all the answers, dragging us forward like you're pulling us up by the collar! I know it all!"
...!
"During the times we don't remember, you probably worked so hard to the point you bled! I don't know enough to say I understand your efforts, but I know that you did work hard! But...there are things you don't know too!"
Kim Yeon's power steadily grows stronger.
'I-Is this...the power of the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord...?'
But I sense something strange.
'No...this is...!'
"Do you know what? You're really arrogant! Arrogant! You don't always know everything! Sure, you're right most of the time, but sometimes there are things you also don't know!"
In the time frozen by the light pink energy.
Only three are moving.
Me and the White Deer, accelerating through the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade toward the Naming Supreme Deity.
Kim Yeon, who is holding me.
And the silver-white sword light that has almost caught up to us from afar.
But in the next moment, I open my eyes wide.
A scent begins to spread from Kim Yeon's body.
It is the fragrance of quince, so pleasant it feels like I could get intoxicated for a moment.
"You say the Outer Sea is a lonely place? That I'll suffer because of it? That I might not be able to endure the chaos and could get hurt? Then...you comfort me. If I'm in pain, you be the one to comfort me! You did back then too!"
"..."
"Why do you think I like you, who is arrogant, oblivious, old-fashioned, boring, and obsessed only with food!? Because you're handsome? Don't make me laugh! You're average. But...even with all those flaws, the reason I like you is...because you always looked out for those below you! Even when you seem arrogant...when it matters, you're the one who takes care of others. Even when you seem like all you know is work, you are the only one who lends a shoulder when it's needed..."
Pasasasasa—
Around her, burning with light pink energy, flower petals appear.
They are quince petals.
Countless petals scatter behind her.
And on the back of those petals, countless scenes are depicted.
It seems that Kim Yeon's memories are blooming, having become Immortal Art in a way similar to my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
Within those memories, I can catch glimpses of her memories of me.
It was when Kim Yeon and I went on a business trip to Uijeongbu.
During the time when we went to an orchard to procure natural fragrance materials for soap, I heard her grandmother, who had been like her real parent, had passed away.
At the time, Kim Yeon was in a panic, unable to collect herself.
In her shock, she couldn't tell what was a priority, and insisted on helping proceed with the contract at the orchard.
Seeing that, I quickly asked the orchard for their understanding, persuaded her, and drove her all the way to her grandmother's funeral hall in Daejeon.
The memories of that time are now scattering in the shape of petals within Kim Yeon's memories.
I immediately understand.
That moment was when her feelings toward me within her heart were rooted with the seed of love.
"At first, I thought it was just admiration for a good superior. But as time went on, I kept missing that shoulder you lent me, kept recalling the time you pushed me forward, and kept focusing only on your voice... I even talked to Min-hee Unnie about it and realized. I...like you. I really like you. I don't even know what to call it. Sometimes it feels like love, sometimes like pity, sometimes like motherly care. I can't explain it.
"You always thought I was hopeless, right? I think that too. I'm just stupid Kim Yeon who doesn't even understand her own heart. But one thing is certain. I like you. I can't endure without you."
The silver-white sword has followed us right to our backs.
Within it, I sense a familiar will.
"I can't dare to understand the pain you spoke of. You've always been right, so that pain must be really big. But...I've always leaned on you to get through. So...I can't let you go alone this time either. Let me carry your pain with you. Let me share your pain. For me, definitely..."
Shwiriririk—
The silver-white sword finally catches up to the Deer's hooves.
"I can overcome the pain if I lean on you. So...you lean on me too."
I don't understand what she's saying.
Honestly, it's disorganized, and the situation is complicated, so her reasoning feels a little awkward.
Maybe I just can't understand because the situation is too complicated right now.
But...
Even in this chaotic moment, one thing is certain.
'Ah...I see.'
I am arrogant.
Because in this world, there are still things I do not know.
Though I am someone who has mastered every kind of pain...
This feeling is new to me.
My first time with Buk Hyang-hwa felt too surreal, but this time, it feels far too real.
Without any need for logic, explanation, or understanding,
As I feel the softness on my lips, I realize it is utterly impossible to push her away.
The light pink petals bursting from Kim Yeon's body form wings, and as those wings flap, they emit a terrifying [power].
It is not the power of the Bright Cold Realm.
It is the power of love surging from Kim Yeon herself, amplifying infinitely and sweeping away everything but us.
The silver-white sword that had nearly caught up to us shatters against Kim Yeon's wings, scattering into pieces, and Yang Ji-hwang's scream echoes in my ears.
At last, I reach the place of the Naming Supreme Deity.
I arrive at the upper edge of Mount Sumeru and, together with the power of the Naming Supreme Deity Hyeon Rang, succeed in leaping toward the distant Salt Sea.
The Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade is completed, and I experience the true speed of Undying as I move away from Mount Sumeru.
In the distance, something resonates with the coordinates engraved in the Immortal Art Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
As I feel the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables approaching right before my nose, I dive into the sea of chaos, tightly holding Kim Yeon in my arms.
The entirety of Mount Sumeru is surrounded by the trajectory of the [Spiraling White Snake] created by Seo Eun-hyun.
The Radiance Eight Immortals are brimming with rage, each about to unleash their own fit. Only the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord and the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord remain calmly in place.
The Rain Dew Heavenly Lord forcibly suppresses the emotions of the Radiance Eight Immortals by applying the rules and Immortal Arts that bind them, while the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord stares blankly up at the edge of Mount Sumeru, where Seo Eun-hyun leapt with Kim Yeon.
: : ...At last, I've caught it. : :
And...
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord smiles beneath the mask.
Kim Yeon's wings shattered the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's authority.
But in the final moment, a single fragment of the silver-white sword mixed and slipped into the Immortal Treasure 'Earthly Yellow Banner' that Seo Eun-hyun obtained.
That final strike was not only a single strike delivered at the cost of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's life, but also one that drew upon the fate of 'Mountain God Subjugation' that had been bestowed upon them.
Confirming that the will contained in that last strike has been delivered to Seo Eun-hyun, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord Yang Ji-hwang calmly acts out her rage.
Originally, she should have reported this fact to the other companions of the Radiance Eight Immortals, but instead, she tells no one and keeps it as her own secret.
'...Seo Eun-hyun...'
She hears the Great Sea Heavenly Lord speak of needing to quickly find a successor to the deceased Torch Candle, but lets the words go in one ear and out the other, thinking of Seo Eun-hyun.
'No matter who you love, it doesn't matter. All I need...is an answer.'
What is this 'feeling' raging inside her heart?
And...what exactly are these [memories of events that never happened] that keep appearing in her mind?
Feeling that she may discover the answer from Seo Eun-hyun, through a single thread of the split soul she infused into Seo Eun-hyun's Immortal Treasure...
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord uses the Immortal Art of 'Celestial Lord Incense Burning' from within Mount Sumeru toward the Outer Sea.
Thus...the story of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord begins to be engraved, without anyone in the Three Heavens Great Thousand World knowing, into Seo Eun-hyun's body.
-x-X-x-
Hwiiiiiiiii—
I push forward through the long, long world of chaos.
Kugugugugu!
I feel it.
The power of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade accelerates Flower Soul Filling the Heavens, and I sit stiffly atop the deer of Flower Soul Filling the Heavens.
The time remaining until reaching the 'coordinates' pointed to by the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade is probably about a month.
Originally, it would have passed in the blink of an eye...
But ever since the kiss with Kim Yeon and heading toward the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables together with her, it feels unbearably long.
'It feels like...time has stopped.'
I don't know what to say.
Let alone Kim Yeon's confession, even her kiss...
'Ah...'
I realize at some point, without knowing, I've been brushing my lips.
'Damn it...'
Kim Yeon is right.
There truly are things I don't know.
I've always considered myself well-versed in pain...
But when it comes to joy and love, how knowledgeable have I ever been?
I know nothing.
"Mmm..."
Kim Yeon also lets out a sound once. After the sudden kiss and once the excitement calmed down a bit, perhaps she began feeling embarrassed. She simply sits quietly behind me with her face bright red.
"..."
I spend time slowly with her, calmly thinking about my feelings toward her.
'...Have I ever liked Kim Yeon?'
Thinking about it, it's always been like this.
The emotions I felt toward Kim Yeon, back on Earth, were like those for a junior I needed to mentor.
In this world, she became a pitiable younger sister I had to save from the Mad Lord.
After that, when she confessed to me, I think I accepted her as just one of the connections I would eventually have to accept.
Before I advanced to True Immortal,
That is, during the fight with Blood Yin, I accepted her feelings because I did have some affection for her, however...
It was also because she was helping in the fight against Blood Yin, and there was a 'need' to raise her morale.
Perhaps all this time, I've thought I could use Kim Yeon's feelings to make use of her.
And only now do I realize—
'I've been...so arrogant.'
The very thought that I could dare 'control' someone's heart is overwhelming arrogance.
'Not just Kim Yeon's heart...but even my own...'
What on earth is going on?
Ever since I heard her cry out, I felt my heart pounding uncontrollably.
The mere fact that Kim Yeon is sitting behind me bothers me immensely, and my chest feels hot.
And I remember exactly when I last felt this way.
'Ah...I see.'
The 10th cycle.
Several years after living with Buk Hyang-hwa.
At that point, when I realized I liked her.
This feeling I have now is the same as what I felt back then.
Yes.
I...like Kim Yeon.
And I now understand why I haven't tried to form a proper relationship with anyone until now.
'...I was afraid.'
Unconsciously, without knowing it, I've been afraid of loving Kim Yeon, or anyone at all.
To fall in love, to share affection, to build happy moments together.
And then to regress.
Everything disappears.
The time I loved, the history I accumulated, the heart I exchanged.
Because I believed all of that would vanish beyond the timeline without meaning...
Unconsciously, I must have feared giving and receiving love more than anything else.
'Back then, with Buk Hyang-hwa, I tried to overcome that and confess...'
In the end, when Yuan Li killed Buk Hyang-hwa in that cycle, her existence itself became a kind of reverse scale to me.
'Yeah...I was afraid.'
Afraid that if I love someone like Kim Yeon, her existence might one day vanish.
Afraid that if I accept her feelings, those feelings might end up meaningless...
That's what I've been fearing.
'Damn it...How many times has this happened now?'
I grow sick of this repetitive agony of mine.
I've told myself countless times that the heart doesn't vanish, that it remains within my own.
And yet, haven't I been fearing that only 'love' would vanish easily?
'...Well, if you think about it...love is one of the most intense emotions after all.'
Maybe it's natural I feared it subconsciously.
After all, joy, pleasure, and all positive emotions at their peak approaches love.
'Love' is practically the pinnacle of all positive emotions, standing in contrast to 'pain'.
It's while I am lost in these thoughts.
Squeeze, squeeze...
"Hmm?"
From behind, Kim Yeon tugs at my collar.
I turn around to see what's going on.
"Mmm..."
"What is it, Kim Yeon?"
The last time she was able to speak briefly was because she temporarily broke through Bong Myeong's restriction with her full strength. Now, it seems she can't speak immediately again.
But even so, I feel like I immediately know what she wants.
"Ah...!"
Since she can't speak again, she expresses her intention through action.
Once more, her soft lips touch mine.
I freeze in place for a moment, and Kim Yeon pulls her lips away.
It's when my mind is frozen.
Kim Yeon presses her lips to mine again.
"...!"
And again, and again.
She keeps pressing her lips against mine.
Not long after, drawing from who-knows-what knowledge, she even tries using her tongue, kissing passionately.
Even without words, even without something like Araya Consciousness, I understand.
At last, I stop Kim Yeon as she tries to collide her lips on mine again, and I speak.
"Yeah. Kim Yeon. Stop worrying."
"Mmm...?"
"...Now, truly...without any hesitation, I like you too."
Upon the massive White Deer.
Atop its head, I seat Kim Yeon in front of me and embrace her.
"I'm really not putting on an act. I truly...like you. So...you don't have to worry."
"...!"
At my words, Kim Yeon trembles and blushes, starting to look shy again as if she hadn't just kissed me so passionately.
Why is that?
'Was she always...this cute?'
Seeing her shyness, I gently pull her chin and kiss her.
Now that I think about it, Kim Yeon's face is actually quite pretty.
She doesn't have the 'otherworldly' appearance of someone like Oh Hye-seo, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, or the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, but by human standards, she is very much a beauty.
It's just that until now, because of our positions and circumstances, I never thought she's pretty when I looked at her.
Back on Earth, it was because of Kang Min-hee and Oh Hye-seo.
And after coming to this world, it was because of Buk Hyang-hwa.
After that, people like Seo Hweol kept pressing me nonstop, and I kept running around trying to save all my comrades, which left me no leisure to really consider anyone's face.
I kiss her cheek, hold her hand, and embrace her...
Accepting her completely, I move forward toward the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables.
At first, I thought the month would feel long...
But after Kim Yeon kisses me again, we completely lose any sense of awkwardness toward such acts between us.
And so, for about a month, Kim Yeon and I leave traces on each other's bodies with our lips instead of words, and the month passes by incredibly quickly.
Kugugugugugu!
"Huu...huu..."
Far ahead, I sense the 'coordinates' drawing near.
Just 15 minutes more, and we will arrive at the target point.
"Yeon-ah. We're here now. Let's get ready."
I speak to Kim Yeon, who's crouched down with her ears burning red, trying to calm herself.
"...Mmm."
She covers the shoulder I bit so many times and tidies her clothing.
Kugugugugugu!
Just as Kim Yeon finishes adjusting her clothes and regaining her composure—
At last, the objective I've been seeking reveals itself.
Kugugung!
It is a massive Salt Crystal (鹽晶).
Upon seeing it, my eyes open wide.
'Hyeon Mu?'
The Salt Crystal resembles a 'Three Great Ultimates formed of pure white snakes clustered together'.
Because it resembles a reversed-color version of Hyeon Mu's Gandhara, I tense up at first, thinking Hyeon Mu has appeared here.
But it seems it's just a Salt Crystal that looks like Hyeon Mu.
That Three Great Ultimates floats in the chaos in the form of a disc as large as a continent, and from within, an intensely ominous aura radiates.
Shiiiiiiii—
Finally, the moment Flower Soul Filling the Heavens reaches this 'disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables,' it loses the power of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade and scatters.
Holding Kim Yeon's hand, I step onto the land formed by this massive Salt Crystal.
Kuuung!
The moment my foot touches the Salt Crystal, I can tell.
'...A scream. Yes...I feel a scream.'
The 'pain' the Heavenly Venerables must have felt throbs faintly, transmitted through the Salt Crystal.
"...Kim Yeon. From now on, I'm going to peer into the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables that lies within this Salt Crystal. What will you do?"
At my question, Kim Yeon seems to ponder for a moment, then grips my hand tightly.
"You want to see it with me?"
Nod—
"...Got it. Then I'll take that you made your resolve."
Woooooong.
With that, Kim Yeon and I hold hands and begin to read the ancient memories sealed within this immense Salt Crystal.
Paaaatt!
The Salt Crystal, composed of a Three Great Ultimates formed of ominous snakes, emits light and begins pulling our consciousness somewhere.
Most likely, it is a moment from the distant past.
Hwiooooooo—
'Where is this?'
When I regain my senses, what appears before me is the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
The very edge of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
The front of the Head Realm.
And...astonishingly, the 'Head Realm' has a faint crack where part of its head is split.
In front of that crack, [something] is gathering.
'That is...'
They are beings familiar to me.
Hyeon Mu's Gandhara.
[Three Great Ultimates composed of black snakes].
The Gandhara of the Heavenly Venerable of Time I saw in the 19th cycle.
[Taiji formed from the overlapping of countless starlight trajectories].
The Gandhara of the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable I saw 998th cycle.
[An enormous something made of countless flowers of light].
The Gandharas of each Heavenly Venerable have gathered in one place.
'The Three Heavenly Venerables all gathered with their Gandharas...and caused that tiny crack in the Head Realm...?'
I understand the circumstances and feel chills over my body.
'Even after gathering their Gandharas and unleashing an attack, all they did was make a crack?'
What in the world is the Head Realm?
Just as I'm about to get lost in that thought—
Shwiiriririk—
Hyeon Mu's body shrinks, and a familiar form appears.
It is the Transformation form of a girl with ponytails clad in black martial attire.
Next, Time and Sal Tree also reveal their Transformation forms and approach the crack in the Head Realm.
[At last...]
[We've managed to leave a crack in the Head Realm and glimpse the wisdom of the Akashic Records!]
[Good. Now we can finally learn the reason for our birth and the meaning of our existence. We can learn the truth!]
All of them, filled with anticipation, step closer to the crack and begin reaching toward the golden light emanating from it.
Even Hyeon Mu's eyes fill with anticipation, as if truly believing they can find the 'meaning of their existence' in the Akashic Records.
Then, when the Three Heavenly Venerables simultaneously reach their hands into the crack of the Head Realm—
[Huh...? Wh-What...?]
[W-Wait a moment... What is this? What in the world is this...!?]
[You mean...the meaning of our existence...is this...?]
A deep despair begins to cloud the eyes of the Three Heavenly Venerables.
Then, the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable begins to scream.
[Aaaaaaaagh!!! Aaaaaaagh!! Uwaaaaagh!! I, I...I...!!! Just why...!!?? Why was I even born!? Just what kind of life is this!? Why was I born!? Are you saying my life had no meaning at all!!??]
From the eyes of the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable, blood-colored spiritual energy begins to stream out.
The same happens to the Heavenly Venerables of Time and Void.
The Heavenly Venerable of Time, the True Ultimate Eternal Life Great Emperor, begins to wail in misery.
[The reason we were born into this world...was merely to block the Underworld from becoming the Life Supreme Deity...merely to serve as checks. The very meaning of our existence was nothing more than...keeping Bong Hwa in check...]
[So this is what it was. The Flower Field parasitizing the power of the Underworld, the Source River parasitizing the Akashic Records, Void trying to kill Underworld... It was all just this. Chess pieces to keep the Underworld in check to prevent the seizing of the Akashic Records. Are we Heavenly Venerables merely chess pieces...?]
While listening to the cries of the Heavenly Venerables, Void lets out a scream.
Seemingly on the verge of madness, Void, overcome with pain, starts wildly tearing apart the entire Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
The Heavenly Domain begins to collapse.
[All the history we believed we had built. The accomplishments. Our pasts were all...[overwritten] history. Ah, ahahahahaha! Sal Tree! Time! You were lucky. Weren't you both at least [someone who once existed]? Even if only mortals! But I!!! I have nothing!! I am just a fabricated personality!]
[What, are we comparing who is suffering more? Even if we had pasts, are you saying we aren't 'fabricated personalities'? We too...are just personalities made from [someone] else's imposed history.]
[We thought we overcame all adversity and ascended as Heavenly Venerables. But in the end, we were just 'delusional lunatics who mistakenly believed they've reached Heavenly Venerable'! Just what...was our life even about...?]
'...!'
[We were...nothing more than clay dolls created by the Future King to keep the Underworld in check...]
As I witness the screams of the Heavenly Venerables, I feel chills spread over my entire body.
This is it...
The disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables they so desperately wanted to keep hidden!
The secret and hidden story that torments them the most.
At the same time, the truth of their birth.
Hyeon Mu and the Heavenly Venerables were either a being that was once nothing that had a personality imposed onto a lump of authority,
Or they were once mere mortals into whom the memories and personalities of Heavenly Venerables were implanted, thus becoming Heavenly Venerables.
'This is...the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables...!'
As I feel the intense despair and pain radiating from the Heavenly Venerables, I understand just how insane Hae Nyeong must have been to insist that this should be spread across the whole world for all to know.
[I see. It was the [names]...From the beginning, everything was already decided by our [names].]
The Heavenly Venerable of Time screams and tears out his own heart.
[It is not just us... Look at the Supreme Deities. All of them, do they not all have the symbol of the Future King in their names!?]
The names of the Supreme Deities from that time float before my eyes.
It seems that even the Salt Sea Supreme Deity had not yet become a Supreme Deity at that point.
But even so, they are similar to the current Supreme Deities.
Each and every one of them has a character in their name signifying Heaven, Black, or Fate.
And at their following cries, I feel my heart sink.
[Now that I think about it, it has always been that way! After becoming a Supreme Deity, not a single one has ever received a separate Immortal Title. Only those who were granted characters related to [Heaven], [Black], or [Fate] from the start were able to become 'Supreme Deities'!]
[Only those to whom the Naming Supreme Deity Hyeon Rang gave such names rose to Supreme Deity. And...if you consider that Hyeon Rang's Naming Immortal Dao is simply 'receiving and bestowing' a name through name divination to the heavens…there is only one answer.]
[Whether Supreme Deity or Heavenly Venerable...all except for Bong Hwa...are nothing more than slaves of fate!! Even Governing Immortals! They are all nothing but clay dolls molded by fate!]
Kuuung!
'...!'
As I hear those words, my complexion turns pale.
[From the beginning, none of the beings in this Sumeru Three Heavens Great Thousand World were ever truly people. The only existence in this world that is not a slave is but the Underworld alone...]
Drip, drip...
Chiiiiii—
From the eyes of the Heavenly Venerables, terrifying tears, no different from curses, fall.
Their tears spread throughout all of Mount Sumeru, beginning to destroy its various Heavenly Domains.
Following the anguish of the Heavenly Venerables, Mount Sumeru begins to be destroyed.
[Should we...entrust our hope to the Underworld...?]
The Heavenly Venerable of Void mutters while gazing at the Head Realm with a pained expression.
And as I look at her, I feel a sense of doubt.
'...?'
Hyeon Mu's reaction is strange.
Even after learning this new truth...
There's a sense that 'not everything is revealed'.
The reason I feel this way is simple.
'When Hyeon Mu met Hong Fan...that was when it truly felt like everything was 'laid bare'.'
Yes.
Hyeon Mu still knows [something] that not even she herself can fully recall.
And even after all the Heavenly Venerables have learned the secret of their birth from the Akashic Records, it still feels like Hyeon Mu's memory has not completely returned.
I watch the Heavenly Venerables go on a rampage after realizing that their very existence amounts to nothing more than being the clay dolls of the Fate Supreme Deity.
The Heavenly Venerables continue to rampage endlessly, collapsing all the Heavenly Domains of Mount Sumeru.
A while later, only after all of Mount Sumeru, except for the Underworld, is destroyed, do they finally regain some of their rationality.
[We cannot continue like this.]
[We must pursue the truth even further.]
[But...how can we do that?]
Having regained their sanity, the Heavenly Venerables continue their cries as they share their wills.
[Our entire lives have been fabricated, we are manufactured personalities, and we are nothing more than clay dolls—how are we supposed to carry this in our hearts and remain sane!?]
At Void's shout, the Heavenly Venerable of Time speaks while shedding tears of blood.
[Let's seal it.]
[What?]
[I will extract the memories of every living being in this time point, hide it deep within the chaos of the Outer Sea, and seal it. Let us all erase these memories from our minds, leaving only in our heads the 'process' of arriving at this memory and the 'conclusion' we reached after obtaining it. Let us seal away all truths related to this memory.]
[But...is there not the Underworld?]
[Even if we must kneel before the Underworld...let us plead.]
At those words, the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable flinches in shock.
[No matter what, we are still Heavenly Venerables...]
[What Heavenly Venerables!? We are beasts (畜生)!!]
[...!]
[We are clay dolls with personalities, slaves of fate. What pride, what dignity do slaves have? Let us go to the Underworld right now, fall to our knees before her, and beg. Plead with her...to seal these memories of this timeline together with us. If we don't...we will go mad!]
[...]
[...]
At the Heavenly Venerable of Time's proposal, the Heavenly Venerable of Void and the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable eventually agree.
And so, the Three Heavenly Venerables who agree to the proposal kneel down and bow toward 'where I am' and beg.
[We humbly report to the great Underworld!]
[O Oldest One...]
[Please...please seal the memories of this time...together with us... We earnestly beg of you...]
Thus, the three Heavenly Venerables seal their disgrace along with a portion of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld's memory.
Paaaatt!
With that, the memory cuts off.
Woo-woooong!
As I return to reality, I understand.
'So the speaker of that memory was the Underworld.'
It is when I realize this.
Woo-wooong!
Above the Salt Crystal disc, two silhouettes rise.
"...!"
They are the Heavenly Venerable of Time, the Great Ultimate Eternal Life Great Emperor Cheon Woon.
And the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable, the Flower Monarch Gwan Myeong.
The Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable speaks to me.
[...Now...do you understand...?]
"...!"
I flinch in shock, realizing it is a projection of the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable.
'He sent this projection all the way from Mount Sumeru to here? Is it because this memory served as the medium?'
It seems that the moment I viewed this memory, they recovered it as well.
Drip...drip...
From the eyes of the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable's projection, streams of blood-colored spiritual energy begin to flow.
[Heavenly Venerables and Supreme Deities...all of them reach their positions solely through the will of fate. The Heavenly Venerables may be said to manage Mount Sumeru, but they merely exist to keep the Underworld in check. And the Supreme Deities, after rising, either resist within Radiance Hall or create a mess trying to leave beyond the Audience Chamber, only to be defeated by the Future King and end up as a special dish served at the [Supreme Deity Assembly]. That is the end.]
Shudder, shudder...
At the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable's words, the projection of the Heavenly Venerable of Time beside him also begins to shed tears of blood, as if in agony.
[The term made by the Golden Divine truly pierces the essence. All of us...except for the Underworld and Salt Sea, are [non-human]. Yes...the Supreme Deities are nothing but livestock, fattened by the Future King to be captured and devoured, and we are nothing more than dogs trained to bark at the Underworld...]
As the cries of the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable continue, I come to understand why Yang Su-jin considered everything in the world as 'non-human' and treated it so lightly.
It was because he believed only he himself was human.
[This world...is nothing more than a massive pen for livestock, a fish tank. It is a fence that traps the herd of sheep, a fish farm. Yes...this Mount Sumeru is...]
The Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable clutches his chest in misery and wails.
[A vast Beast Realm (畜生道)!]
-x-X-x-
"Livestock...you say...?"
[...]
The projection of the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable simply gazes past the chaos with sorrowful eyes.
[...The Underworld. And Salt Sea, who is now dead but in life once cast aside their Immortal Title. Except for those two, everyone else is no different from livestock or clay dolls. We just...couldn't bring ourselves to accept that truth...]
The Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable continues in a gloomy voice.
[Keep the promise... White-Winged Heavenly Pegasus will tell you my weakness. Strike my Gandhara...and make me faint...]
I look at the gloomy Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable and answer in a strained voice.
"...Understood. I will...do so without fail."
Upon hearing my words, the projection of the Sal Tree Heavenly Venerable immediately collapses on the spot and vanishes.
Only the projection of the Heavenly Venerable of Time remains within the hall.
"...It has been a long time, O God of Time."
[...God of Time, you say? That is excessive. I am merely...a lunatic who has deluded himself into believing he was the Owner of Time.]
The Heavenly Venerable of Time speaks, clutching his head with a tormented gaze.
[I have come here because there is something I must tell you.]
"What...is it?"
[Back then, I did witness it...but in the midst of panic, I had no time to think, and the moment I saw the truth, I sealed it away, so I had forgotten a critical clue until now. I want to share that with you.]
"A critical...clue, you say?"
The Heavenly Venerable of Time nods.
[First...have you heard why the Underworld, despite countless Enders passing through, never once tried to challenge the Audience Chamber, no matter what hope appeared?]
"Pardon...?"
I am startled by those words.
'What is this about now?'
It is different from what Hyeon Mu said.
But it doesn't seem like a joke, either.
"What do you mean by that...? Hyeon Mu clearly said...the Underworld 'returned every time'..."
[...? You're saying strange things. Do not put too much faith in Hyeon Mu's words. Her mind is filled with suicidal urges, making her extremely unstable. She spouts nonsense quite often.]
"Pardon...? B-But..."
[Regardless... Even if I am someone who merely clung to and misunderstood my position, I am one who has still set the calendar (曆法) and observed the passage of time in my own way. Even if I trace back through time and examine every timeline, I cannot find a single 'history' where the Underworld ever challenged the Audience Chamber.]
"...!"
'Whose words am I supposed to believe...?'
If it had been just Hyeon Mu's words, I might have believed the Heavenly Venerable of Time.
But the problem is...
'The Underworld never exactly denied that she 'returned every time' either...'
[It seems like you are inclined to believe Hyeon Mu's side. But what I am telling you is the truth...I am someone who can observe time. In no timeline I have observed has the Underworld ever truly challenged the Audience Chamber.]
"...I understand for now."
[Hmm...it does not seem like you are fully convinced...but just know this. Everyone in Mount Sumeru, myself included, understands it that way.]
"...Yes."
[Anyway, continuing from before... The reason the Underworld has never attempted to challenge the Audience Chamber is partly because they want to preserve their life until their true objective is fulfilled...but it's also because while the Enders challenge the Audience Chamber, they want to assist the Enders from the outside.]
"From the outside...you say?"
Time nods.
[All fate in this world flows from the Absolute of Fate. It flows from the Fate Supreme Deity, but conversely, it can also be reversed the other way around. If the Fate Supreme Deity could be driven into a corner...it's possible that the Fate Supreme Deity could instead draw power from the 'fate' that envelops all of Mount Sumeru.]
"If that is the case..."
[Yes. The Underworld's very existence, by remaining within Mount Sumeru, serves to obstruct and restrain the power of fate that would otherwise gather to empower the Fate Supreme Deity when they are driven to the brink.]
"Is that the truth that the True Ultimate Eternal Life Great Emperor uncovered through the Head Realm?"
[No. Such things can be known simply by sharing a few cups of tea with the Underworld. What I have discovered is this.]
The eyes of the Heavenly Venerable of Time grow serious.
[The Immortal Cultivation System that supports this Mount Sumeru all originates from the Radiance Supreme Deity.]
"...So it really was 'all' of it."
[Seems you had some inkling. That will make the explanation easier.
[Let me ask you one thing. If the Immortal Cultivation system originates from the Radiance Supreme Deity, then if the Radiance Supreme Deity so wills it, could all cultivators lose their cultivation ability?]
"..."
I ponder over his words for a long moment.
Then I answer.
"All Immortal Cultivation systems except Immortal Arts would lose their power if the Radiance Supreme Deity so desires."
[Then, do you think losing power is the 'end'?]
"...No."
I speak in a heavy voice.
"If the Radiance Supreme Deity is truly the Owner of Immortal Cultivation...then they could collect a 'debt' from every being who followed the Immortal Cultivation system."
[Yes...exactly. That is why every being in Mount Sumeru has their very existence mortgaged to the Radiance Supreme Deity. And that is also why all living beings and True Immortals in Mount Sumeru unconsciously act 'in favor of Radiance Hall'. For that behavior itself is the only way they can repay the cost of their mortgaged existence to Radiance Hall, even if just a little at a time...]
"..."
[Immortal Cultivation is wisdom. And wisdom is light. That is why, even though the Radiance Eight Immortals are incompetent and not all-knowing, Radiance Hall does not bow to the Underworld and continues to reign as the foremost faction in Mount Sumeru. Because...the 'light' of the Radiance Supreme Deity does not merely refer to literal 'light'...but also to the radiance of Immortal Cultivation. The 'light' of the Radiance Supreme Deity permeates throughout all of the Three Heavens Great Thousand World.]
"...I see."
A let a silent sigh.
That is the truth.
Why, even when the Radiance Eight Immortals are imperfect in their duties, do True Immortals always flock to Radiance Hall, and they always maintain their place as the number one faction in Mount Sumeru?
It is because the very Immortal Cultivation system they possess influences every being of Mount Sumeru.
"...I have a question... Isn't the Immortal Cultivation system the Radiance Supreme Deity possesses that of the 'Heaven Dao'?"
[...No. The Immortal Cultivation system of the Radiance Supreme Deity is the Heaven-Earth Immortal Dao.
[It is all Immortal Cultivation systems. It is just that their grip on the Heaven Dao is particularly strong.]
"...If that is true, does it not mean that all beings, starting from the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, cannot go against the Radiance Supreme Deity?"
[The Judges under the Underworld perhaps not...but the Underworld is an exception. Their Immortal Cultivation system is different. They follow a Primordial Origin (始原) Immortal Cultivation system not created by Radiance.]
"Pardon...? Are you saying such a system exists?"
When I express my confusion, the Heavenly Venerable of Time points at Kim Yeon.
[...That child is following the Immortal Cultivation system of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld. If you are curious, ask her.]
"...!"
I am startled by his words and look at Kim Yeon.
So the mysterious cultivation system Kim Yeon has followed all this time turns out to be that of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld.
[And...perhaps it is because you are a disciple of Salt Sea? It seems you, too, are practicing the Immortal Cultivation system of Primordial Origin beneath that of Radiance, though you are not aware of it yourself. Ask that child later so you can awaken to it.]
"...!"
I tremble at the words of the Heavenly Venerable of Time and nod.
[Anyway, to continue what I was saying. You asked, 'Can one dare to go against the Radiance Supreme Deity while following their Immortal Cultivation system?', no?]
"That's right."
[There is no need to go against them.]
"Pardon...?"
A smile forms on the lips of the Heavenly Venerable of Time.
[From the start...do you believe the Radiance Supreme Deity is your enemy?]
"...Is that not obvious? The Radiance Supreme Deity is known as the being who hunts us down as the pawn of the Future King. Even now, Radiance Hall constantly tries to capture and annihilate us."
[Hahaha...I suppose that is the only way you could see it. But can't you consider a different perspective?]
"...?"
[The possibility that the so-called Owner of Light...also has a leash tightened around their neck, forced to obey the Fate Supreme Deity.]
"...! Was that what you saw in the Akashic Records?"
[No... What I saw back then was a different truth. But from that truth, I was able to infer this.]
The Heavenly Venerable of Time continues speaking.
[What I saw in the Akashic Records is first, the disgrace of us Heavenly Venerables, the truth of this miserable world. And the reason for our existence.
[But aside from that, I discovered 'other truths' as well. The second thing I saw in the Akashic Records is...]
He speaks with a solemn face.
And at the words of the True Ultimate Eternal Life Great Emperor Cheon Woon that follow, my eyes widen.
[The Emptiness Supreme Deity Myeong Woon. In other words, the being we call the [Head Realm]...is made of the 'same substance' as the [First Radiance Supreme Deity].]
"...!"
Once one becomes a True Immortal, they become a world unto themselves, so things like genetic information are meaningless.
Instead, when investigating True Immortals, it is not their genetics, but the 'history' and 'composition' within them that is analyzed.
And Cheon Woon's words mean—
"The First Radiance Supreme Deity and the Emptiness Supreme Deity Myeong Woon...that is, the Head Realm, are made of the same substance?"
[That is right. That is how it was recorded in the Akashic Records. In other words...the First Radiance Supreme Deity and the current Emptiness Supreme Deity Myeong Woon are highly likely to be the same being.]
"..."
[And the third truth I learned from the Akashic Records. The Emptiness Supreme Deity Myeong Woon is not in a living state. Like the case of the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity, it was originally just an inanimate object, but as the Akashic Records were forcefully embedded into the Head Realm, 'life' took root, and it became a Supreme Deity. In other words...it is an entity with no personality. No, beyond personality or lack thereof, it is more accurate to say it is a lump of information with the rank of Supreme Deity.]
"Wait...'forcibly embedded'?"
[...That is right. The result that was born someone forcibly embedded the Origin Essence of Life, Omniscience, into what appears to be the corpse of the First Radiance Supreme Deity, the Head Realm, is the Emptiness Supreme Deity Myeong Woon. And that someone is highly likely to be the Future King.]
'The current Emptiness Supreme Deity Myeong Woon was born from the corpse of the First Radiance Supreme Deity by shoving in the Origin Essence of Life, Omniscience...and the one who created the Emptiness Supreme Deity is highly likely to be the Fate Supreme Deity...huh.'
Only then do I understand why the Emptiness Supreme Deity's Seat is in a state of [a ring without a throne].
'The ring is a symbol of Divine Descent. The Seat is a symbol of the self. But the Emptiness Supreme Deity is merely a Decaying Corpse Realm divine descending the power of the Akashic Records, so only the ring was visible, not the seat. However, even in the state of only having a ring, the power and rank itself reached the level of 'Supreme Deity', because it accepted an Absolute.'
[The fourth truth learned from the Akashic Records.]
I organize the information received from the Heavenly Venerable of Time and listen attentively.
[The current Radiance Hall. That is, the 'Seat of Radiance' on which the Radiance Eight Immortals sit upon, is receiving power from the Fate Supreme Deity. In other words, the current Radiance Hall is practically an Immortal Treasure of the Fate Supreme Deity.]
"..."
This, too, is something I had expected.
'To the Future King, the Radiance Supreme Deity is just an Immortal Treasure...'
I let out a low breath at the overwhelming power of the Future King, and continue listening to Cheon Woon's words.
[Up to here is all the information I discovered from seeing the Akashic Records back then, but sealed away along with the memory of our disgrace. If you put all this information together...doesn't a rather interesting conclusion emerge?]
Cheon Woon smiles faintly as he begins to compile the pieces of information one by one.
[The First Radiance Hall, as you know, had a different goal compared to the present one. Back then, they were not merely slaves to fate. But at some point, the First Radiance Supreme Deity died, leaving only their head. Into that corpse, someone embedded the Akashic Records, and it became the Emptiness Supreme Deity. And now, the current Radiance Supreme Deity has become the Immortal Treasure of the Future King. When you put all this together...it is highly likely that the First Radiance Supreme Deity was an enemy of the Fate Supreme Deity.]
"...I see, is that how it is?"
[Yes. Furthermore...the Origin Essence embedded into the Emptiness Supreme Deity is the Origin Essence of Life. The source of all birth and resurrection, history and Heaven and Earth spiritual energy. That means...if someone were to seize control of the Akashic Records and ascend to the position of 'Life Supreme Deity' that rivals the Fate Supreme Deity...then using the Head Realm as a medium, it might be possible to resurrect the 'First Radiance Supreme Deity'!]
"...!"
[If that happens, and we can resurrect the First Radiance Supreme Deity, then we could bring the Radiance Supreme Deity, who is the 'Owner of the Immortal Cultivation System', over to our side, and together with all of the Sumeru Three Heavens Great Thousand World, stand against the Fate Supreme Deity.]
Clench!
The Heavenly Venerable of Time grabs my hand.
Wo-woong!
Something flows into me through his hand.
'This is...!'
It is the coordinates of the edge of the Outer Sea, where the Heavenly Venerable of Time currently resides.
[If you take this to the Northern Dippers or Yeong Seung, you will be able to release a Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flag. Now, go. Go and tell the Underworld that I support them. Tell them that now is finally the time to challenge the Audience Chamber together and seize the Origin Essence of Life. If it is you...you who ripped the Radiance Mantra from the envoy of the Fate Supreme Deity, the Underworld will surely stand with you!]
"...!"
Kwaduk!
The next moment.
I realize that my entire body is being crushed at a speed I cannot even perceive.
'My, my prophecies...'
All my prophecies and histories vanish, and I begin to die.
'Th-The Heavenly Venerable of Time...!'
The projection of the Heavenly Venerable of Time is using the most extreme method to immediately return me back to Mount Sumeru.
To kill me and make me regress.
That, perhaps, is the best method in his mind.
[Once the Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flag is completely undone...you will surely be able to remember. The 'promise' from back then...I will be waiting, counting the days in anticipation for the moment you remember...]
"...!"
At Time's words, I realize that even the Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flags being embedded in me was part of his plan.
'Remember? When the Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flags are fully released? Remember what? Could it be...'
I realize what the Heavenly Venerable of Time is referring to.
'Once all my Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal Flags are undone, he has arranged a prophecy so that the memories from the 16th cycle will return!'
As I perceive my death approaching at rapid speed, I am swept away in the flood of countless information and meet my death in confusion.
Like that, I am struck down by the single strike of the Heavenly Venerable of Time without a chance to resist and fall into death.
That, is my 1006th ret—
: : Don't make me laugh! : :
Kwaduduk!
I roar, raining the Wheel behind my back.
: : You're telling me to die now just so information gets delivered faster? Don't talk nonsense, Time! No matter what happens, I will make my way through the Outer Sea with my own strength. My life...is not some message service for the sake of all of you! : :
[Hmm...]
The eyes of the Heavenly Venerable of Time harden coldly.
[You fail to grasp the greater cause. But in time, you will understand.]
Kiriririk!
Time begins to flow rapidly.
At the same time, my death accelerates even more, and as I feel it, I grit my teeth and begin to resist.
The Outer Sea.
The place where the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables lie.
There, to avoid becoming a messenger for the Heavenly Venerables and being pushed into the next cycle, I begin to desperately resist the Heavenly Venerable of Time with everything I have.