Chapter 311: Have You Been Well (1)
Hwiiiiiii―
A barren desert.
A place filled with not golden sand, but strangely unpleasant gray sand.
This is the Dead Earth Domain (死土域), one of the regions within the Chaos Realm (亂界).
A group of faint lights appear there.
They all wear black robes embroidered with golden thread, depicting an ascending Flood Dragon.
The leader, a youth at the Heavenly Being stage, looks around with a faint smile.
The member of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect, Hyeon Gwi, scans the surroundings with a grin."Let's see...Cultivator Seo asked to meet here..."
At that moment, his gaze fixates on a point.
"Ah, there you are. Haha, have you been well, Cultivator Seo? You've...changed in quite the remarkable way."
Rustle―
Hyeon Gwi's gaze lands on the gray desert.
From beneath the sand, a Ghost King with eighteen heads emerges, shaking off the sand.
[Have you been well, Cultivator Hyeon?]
It's Seo Li.
I take a deep breath and revert my Ghost King Transformation back to human form.
Hyeon Gwi watches this transformation with keen interest.
"Impressive. Were you perhaps hiding your true strength the last time we met...? Well, that curse wasn't something a mere Nascent Soul stage cultivator could handle...but to think you were a Four-Axis stage senior."
He bows respectfully, assuming me as a 'senior'.
"No need for such formalities. After all, I'm merely at the mid Four-Axis stage. And..."
I glance at the three men in black robes standing behind Hyeon Gwi and smile.
"The ones behind you seem quite formidable as well. Leading such individuals makes you even more impressive, Cultivator Hyeon."
Behind Hyeon Gwi stands three cultivators, appearing to be at the Grand Perfection of Heavenly Being.
But I don't underestimate them just because they are at the Heavenly Being stage.
'The Four Symbols Nascent Soul of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect...'
I know very well the prowess of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect cultivators from the Human-Devil War.
The sect's cultivators can use the blood of Hyeon Eum within them to wield the power of the immortal beast bloodline and are masters of techniques that draw external power through the Four Symbols Nascent Soul method.
'Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect cultivators always borrow power from the outside with that Four Symbols Nascent Soul, allowing them to leap beyond their stage.'
The three behind him aren't just at the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage; they are practically at the early Four-Axis stage.
Moreover, the seven Nascent Soul cultivators who follow Hyeon Gwi showed no signs of fear or tension even after seeing me.
While they paid their respects to me as a Four-Axis stage cultivator, their intents didn't convey any true respect or fear.
'Eleven members of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect, including Hyeon Gwi...these guys are hiding a lot.'
I remain vigilant while exchanging greetings with Hyeon Gwi, ready to distance myself from their range at any moment.
"By the way, what were you doing in the sand, Cultivator Seo?"
"Ah, this Dead Earth Domain is suitable for practicing my method."
The Dead Earth Domain, composed of gray sand, is a perfect place to practice Great Desert to Dead Sea.
While Great Desert to Dead Sea is a spell that turns the surroundings into a desert, it also trains the power of death.
The Dead Earth Domain, saturated with death, is the perfect place to hone the Great Desert to Dead Sea.
"Ho, I see. As expected of a Four-Axis senior. To seek the path of cultivation even in such a place is admirable. It reassures me greatly."
"Haha, there's no need for such praise."
Laughing together, we take off and fly to the western part of the Dead Earth Domain.
"Hmm, as expected, the celestial energy in the Chaos Realm is chaotic."
I stop using the Flying Escape Technique and start manipulating attraction force instead.
"I intend to use the ground-shrinking technique from now on. How about you and your sect members, Cultivator Hyeon? Will you join me?"
At my question, they exchange glances and nod.
Hyeon Gwi conveys their decision with a smile.
"We would be most grateful. Thank you."
I use attraction force to bind Hyeon Gwi and his sect members, then activate the Wealth Virtue I had built.
Wo-woong!
A powerful attraction force emerges from the axis, and space begins to fold.
I take a step.
Paaaatt!
Each step I take with the ground-shrinking technique covers 500 li.
Our destination is the far western edge of the Dead Earth Domain.
The celestial energy becomes more chaotic as we move further from the Stable Realm.
'In the Chaos Realm, those below the Heavenly Being stage will find their combat power greatly limited.'
The Bright Cold Realm is divided into the Chaos Realm (亂界) and the Stable Realm (安界).
The Stable Realm refers to the land where celestial energy is stable and normal living beings can thrive.
In contrast, the Chaos Realm has celestial energy so twisted it makes it hard for normal living beings to live, and the laws are so twisted it resembles a fiendish place.
Generally, the term 'Bright Cold Realm' refers to the Stable Realm, which is vast beyond measure.
Yet even that is like a speck compared to the Chaos Realm.
'Roughly speaking, the entire Stable Realm is about the size of the solar system on Earth...no, maybe larger. In comparison...the Chaos Realm might be about the size of a galaxy.'
Regions like the Heaven-Earth Palace, the Human Race territory, and the True Dragon Alliance are all within the Stable Realm, while the rest of the regions are part of the Chaos Realm. So, it might indeed be that vast.
I compare the size of the Bright Cold Realm in my mind.
'The Heart Tribe territory is...said to be quite far even within the Chaos Realm. I wonder how they manage to live in such a place.'
It's said the further one moves from the Stable Realm into the Chaos Realm, the more the laws distort, making it nearly impossible for life to exist.
As I ponder the structure of the Bright Cold Realm, I suddenly have a question and ask Hyeon Gwi.
"Come to think of it, Cultivator Hyeon, have you never had such thoughts?"
"What thoughts do you mean?"
"They say there is only one Stable Realm within the immense Chaos Realm, and most people don't even think about exploring the Chaos Realm. But couldn't there be other Stable Realms within the Chaos Realm? Why doesn't anyone consider exploring it?"
At my words, Hyeon Gwi puts on a serious expression.
"Hmm, now that you mention it, that does seem to be the case."
'Hmm?'
I realize that Hyeon Gwi is pretending to be serious outwardly but is actually mocking me inwardly.
'Is this common knowledge?'
"Come to think of it, other Middle Realms also only have one Stable Realm. And the information that 'there is only one Stable Realm' comes from the Star Shattering Esteemed Ones and the Sacred Vessel Sacred Masters. Perhaps these great figures are hiding some secret."
"Hmm..."
'This guy...'
He's running his mouth as if revealing a great secret to me, yet his intent showing that he's belittling and mocking me grows stronger.
I glance at the other members of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect.
'Those guys aren't like that...'
Perhaps there's something only Hyeon Gwi knows.
I remain cautious of Hyeon Gwi as we move towards our destination.
About 15 minutes later.
We arrive at the edge of the Dead Earth Domain using the ground-shrinking technique.
"This place is..."
"Yes, it's the entrance to Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll. Ah, and there are guests already here."
The entrance we arrive at is a large basin.
'This place...'
I look around the basin, trying to discern its true nature.
'Judging by the remaining water energy, there must have been a celestial pond here before.'
However, there are no visible spatial rifts or alternate dimensions in sight.
I send a question through telepathy to Hyeon Eum.
[Is there really an entrance to the storage scroll here?]
[Haha, there are indeed definitely more people who don't know than those who do. But at night, this celestial pond fills with water. And in three days, during the Black Night (暗夜) of the New Moon (朔月) that happens once in thousands of years, when all stars lose their light, Lofty Dragon True Person's legacy will reveal itself. There's no need to be impatient.]
I nod and descend to the ground.
Looking around, I see several Heavenly Being cultivators who had arrived earlier and secured their spots.
About fifty cultivators have arrived before us, most of whom are from the Demon Race, with only about ten being from the Heaven Tribe.
Among them are the lizardmen of the Leaf Race, whose territory borders closely with the Human Race, the Spirit Scale Race, with green scales on their skin, excelling in clairvoyance and concealment arts, and the Cold Spirit Race, which had recently been destroyed by the Mad Lord.
'Leaf Race, Cold Spirit Race, Spirit Scale Race...'
The Leaf Race are Heaven Tribe members who live watching the reaction of the Human Race, and the Cold Spirit Race had once been friendly with the Human Race. However, the Spirit Scale Race has a history of enmity with the Human Race after losing a war against them.
As I glance at them, they all seem startled and gradually move away from me.
"Damn, those greedy Human Race bastards. Bringing a Four-Axis stage old monster..."
"As expected of the vicious Human Race. The ghostly energy emanating from the old monster is terrifying."
"It's an evil Human Race devilish cultivator. How many countless living beings must they have devoured to reach that level."
"..."
They murmur among themselves, and move further away from me in clear fear.
'...Well, that's the typical impression of the Human Race. No need to explain myself.'
I sigh lightly and sit down cross-legged, starting to cultivate via Great Desert to Dead Sea.
Kuaduk Kuaduduk!
Transforming back into an 18-headed Ghost King, I refine my ghostly energy with the abundant death energy of the Dead Earth Domain.
Seeing my Ghost King Transformation, the other races tremble in even greater terror.
"That crazy Human Race Four-Axis old monster...he has eighteen heads mounted on his shoulders."
"What a vile creature. Let's avoid that old monster at all costs."
"Those Human Race bastards are known for eating other races, and now they keep the heads of other cultivators as trophies...?"
"Shh, be quiet. Don't make eye contact...!"
The Heaven Tribe shuts their mouths in fear, and the Demon Race, thinking I can't understand their language, frantically express their fear of me openly.
I consider explaining but decide against it, thinking it won't help.
We wait at the entrance of the storage scroll for some time.
More cultivators arrive, including three at the Four-Axis stage.
Based on the information Hyeon Gwi gave me, I identify them.
Early Four-Axis cultivator of the Blood Shark Race from the Earth Tribe, Gyo Yeom.
Late Four-Axis cultivator of the Paired Wings Race from the Heaven Tribe, Baek Wi-ik.
Mid Four-Axis cultivator of the Tall Tree Race from the Heaven Tribe, Nok Ju.
[Please be careful, senior. The Blood Shark Race and Paired Wings Race may not match the Human Race in combat power, but the Tall Tree Race...]
[I know.]
I respond to Hyeon Gwi's telepathic message with a glint in my eye.
The Tall Tree Race (丈木族).
It's the race to which Nok Gab, the wooden person always kidnapped by the Mad Lord, belonged to.
Though they seem weak due to their history of being kidnapped, it's actually because the Mad Lord is an outlier. They are indeed a strong race.
If the Earth Tribe has thirteen major races, the Heaven Tribe has six major races, which are:
Tall Tree Race (丈木族).
Paired Wings Race (比翼族).
Human Race (人間族).
Fighting Ghost Race (鬪鬼族).
Rotting Owl Race (腐鵂族).
Fungal Bone Race (菌骸族).
These races are divided into three categories: Two Heads (二頭), Two Difficulties (二難), and Two Evils (二惡).
Two Heads refer to the Tall Tree Race and Paired Wings Race, known for their excellent judgment and symbolism, leading and uniting the Heaven Tribe.
Two Difficulties refer to the Rotting Owl Race and Fungal Bone Race, known for their unique lifestyles and being the most challenging to deal with among the six races.
Two Evils refer to the most ferocious and terrifying among the six races, the Fighting Ghost Race and Human Race.
In particular, the Fighting Ghost Race and the Human Race are so ferocious, cruel, and exceptionally skilled in combat that some even refer to the two combined as the Asura Race (修羅族).
Among them, the Tall Tree Race has a high reputation in the Bright Cold Realm for being the race that produced Scared Master Baek Woon of the Sacred Vessel stage. They have high pride due to producing a Sacred Master and that symbolism makes them the Heaven Tribe’s center, one of the Two Heads.
However, rumors suggest that Sacred Master Baek Woon cares little for her race, punishing them severely if they dare intrude on her Heavenly Lotus Mountain under the pretense of worshiping her.
'Still, the Tall Tree Race has been a central force of the Heaven Tribe since the beginning of the Bright Cold Realm. If they team up with the Paired Wings Race, it will be troublesome.'
I remain vigilant against the cultivators of the Paired Wings Race and Tall Tree Race.
At the same time, I continue to cultivate through Great Desert to Dead Sea while my eighteen pairs of eyes blaze with ghost fire, always ready to activate attraction force at a moment's notice.
Finally, the time arrives.
[Is it today...?]
I expel ghost fire from my eyes and gaze at the sky.
It's the day of the Black Night, occurring only once in several thousand years, when the stars of the Bright Cold Realm lose their light for a brief period.
And coinciding with it, the New Moon.
As the sun sets, the sky gradually darkens.
Simultaneously, as night falls, water begins to fill the basin.
I watch the slow but gradually increasing at a surprisingly fast pace water level of the celestial pond with my illuminating ghost fire.
[It's almost time...]
I glance around to keep an eye on the other Four-Axis cultivators from the other races.
Strangely, unlike when they first arrived, they have moved far away from me, glancing at me nervously while sweating.
'Hmm, what's up with them?'
I tilt my eighteen heads, expelling ghost fire from my eyes.
In front of the entrance to the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person.
There, the most noticeable figure is Seo Li, who is exuding blue ghost fire from his entire body as he absorbs the yin energy of the New Moon.
His terrifying appearance, rumored to have the heads of seventeen fellow cultivators mounted on his shoulders, his powerful ghostly energy, and his unique aura built on the Orthodox Axis Foundation.
Though Seo Li is unaware, every race present considers him the top priority for caution.
Nok Ju, the Four-Axis cultivator of the Tall Tree Race, is already exchanging telepathic messages with Baek Wi-ik, the Four-Axis cultivator of the Paired Wings Race
[Cultivator Baek, once we enter the storage scroll, we must join forces. The Human Race, along with the Fighting Ghost Race, is notorious for their savage and powerful techniques. We don't know what kind of devilish arts that grotesque Human Race old monster will show.]
[I agree, Cultivator Nok. If that greedy Human Race old monster ambushes us, we must counterattack together!]
The two Heaven Tribe Four-Axis cultivators form an alliance, and Gyo Yeom, the Four-Axis cultivator of the Blood Shark Race, sends a telepathic message to all the gathered Demon Race cultivators.
[Who knows what the treacherous Heaven Tribe might do. Especially that monstrous Human Race old monster, rumored to carry the heads of his kin on his shoulders. If we encounter him in the storage scroll, do not approach him alone. Contact me immediately. It seems he has mastered some sinister Ghost Path Method. If caught, you could lose more than your Demon Core being extracted and turned into an elixir; even your soul might be enslaved! We must unite against these fearsome Heaven Tribe old monsters to survive!]
Around Gyo Yeom, the Demon Race Heavenly Being stage cultivators gather tightly.
Suddenly, four factions emerge around the celestial pond.
The Human Race faction consisting of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect centered on the old monster Seo Li, who has mastered devilish arts.
The Tall Tree Race and Paired Wings Race faction, with the mid and late Four-Axis stage cultivators.
The Demon Race Faction centered on the early Four-Axis stage Blood Shark Race cultivator, Gyo Yeom.
And a few scattered Heaven Tribe members who didn't belong to any faction.
They all watch the rising water and Seo Li with tension-filled eyes, waiting for the time to come.
And the moment finally arrives.
Rippling―
The celestial pond's water fills the basin completely.
Above the celestial pond, a Black Night devoid of any stars is reflected on the clear water.
"It's coming. Once we enter the storage scroll, we'll be scattered by spatial storms. I'll take measures to bind us together."
Hyeon Gwi from the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect takes out a talisman and recite an incantation.
From his talisman, white ropes emerge, binding the members of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect and Seo Li.
The white ropes that briefly bind them soon glows brightly and disappears.
The other factions also begin to prepare for the entry into the storage scroll.
After a while, a faint moon slowly rises in the black sky reflected on the surface of the celestial pond.
Seo Li looks up at the sky as if in wonder and then back down at the celestial pond.
A mysterious moon that appears only on the water's surface.
After a while, a faintly glowing ancient palace is drawn on the moon's surface.
The door of the ancient palace on the moon then slowly opens.
Creak―
"It's now! Let's go!"
With Hyeon Gwi's lead, the gathered cultivators all simultaneously jump into the pond as if on cue.
Thus begins the exploration of Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll.
Paaaatt!
I use attraction force to shield myself from the spatial storm sweeping over me.
The white ropes used by Hyeon Gwi emit a faint attraction force, keeping me and the members of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect together.
'How incredible. Creating an entrance to another dimension within a reflection on the water's surface.'
I marvel at the wonder, not fully understanding how it was achieved.
How long do we push through the spatial storm before we land in a vast desert beyond countless rays of light?
[This is...Dead Earth Domain?]
As I look around in confusion, Hyeon Gwi, shaking off the dust, speaks next to me.
"It looks similar, but it's not. This is the land reflected on the moon's surface. In fact, it's not even the moon. This land is an illusion created by the Entering Nirvana True Person. It doesn't exist in reality."
[Hmm, you say this is an illusion?]
I pick up some sand from the ground, examining it closely.
The texture is incredibly realistic.
Even after awakening all my senses—Heaven, Earth, and Heart—it still feels and looks like 'real' sand.
Hyeon Gwi smiles faintly.
"It's the technique of a Quasi-Immortal. Moreover, Lofty Dragon True Person was once a Great Net Divine Immortal who fell to the Entering Nirvana stage. It's said he was much stronger than other Entering Nirvana True Persons. Now, let's move on. We need to find the Ancient Palace we saw earlier to truly enter the storage scroll."
Hyeon Gwi points to the sky.
"There are many ways to escape an illusion formation like this, but the most orthodox are two: either put yourself in a false state of death to find a flaw in the illusion and exploit it, or...read the constellations. Any illusion with a 'sky' can't exclude the constellations, so interpreting the path of the stars is the best way."
I look up at the sky.
However, the sky here is just like the sky in the Dead Earth Domain before entering this place, a black night with no stars visible.
As if sensing my confusion, he continues.
"Senior, read the celestial energy."
[Celestial energy? Ah...]
My eyes light up.
Indeed, while there are no visible stars, I can read the celestial energy.
By tracing the celestial energy, I can interpret the attraction force and deduce the constellations even without visible starlight.
Perhaps even the Earth Tribe can interpret the attraction force through the flow of Heaven and Earth spiritual energy even if they can't read celestial energy.
'The method is simple, but the idea is not.'
It's a method that would be hard to think of unless one is a very experienced cultivator..
Feeling an inexplicable depth from Hyeon Gwi, I heighten my vigilance towards him.
Reading the constellations, I follow Hyeon Gwi's guidance and fly through the desert.
Before long, we arrive at a place that seems to be the center of the desert, based on the constellations.
"The end of the Ladle star points here. Let's proceed a bit further."
Hyeon Gwi skillfully reads the constellations and leads us, and soon I feel a sensation like passing through a 'veil.'
Paaatt!
[Hmm...!]
Suddenly, we find ourselves in front of a grand ancient palace where there had been nothing but desert.
"It seems we are the first to arrive. Let's go in."
Hyeon Gwi smiles and walks towards the entrance of the ancient palace.
I look up at the plaque above the entrance of the ancient palace.
The inscription reads, "Scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person, the Envoy of Health and Care" (康寧奉養使者嶒龍之圖).
['Care' refers to taking care and supporting one's parents]
'The Envoy of Health and Care?'
It's an interesting title.
But my eyes shine as I focus on the "Health" (康寧) part, associated the True Orthodox Axis Foundation.
'Could this be related to an Axis?'
Given the Ritual Worship Scripture of Wealth Virtue from Hyeon Gwi was obtained here, it seems likely.
Step, step...
As we enter the palace, we feel a twist in space, and we are suddenly in a vast river.
Under a clear sky, a clear river flows, and spiritual creatures resembling fish leisurely swim everywhere.
The river is incredibly wide, and beyond it, another river stretches endlessly.
But I sense something wrong.
'It's hot...?'
The scene is incredibly peaceful. However, instead of a cool river breeze, there's a sweltering heat that instinctively strikes the soul.
Hyeon Gwi looks around and hands me a talisman.
"The Otherworld of Lofty Dragon True Person consists of four layers, excluding the outer illusion. The first layer is the Water Flow Layer (水流層), the second is the Dao Departure Layer (道去層), the third is the Care Layer (奉養層), and the fourth is the Xiezhi Worship Layer (廌祭層). Originally, it's said that the Water Flow Layer, where we stand, used to be as vast as the sea due to the dense water energy, just like the scene before us. But...it was completely transformed when Lofty Dragon True Person fought a certain entity from the True Devil Realm. Try using the talisman."
When I activate the talisman given by Hyeon Gwi, I feel a boiling sensation in my blood and sense Taiji embedding itself in my eyes.
Simultaneously, a scene opposite to the peaceful view before me unfolds.
Hwarurururuk—
Bright red flames are blazing everywhere.
The river that had been flowing just moments ago is now completely dried up, and instead, living flames flow like lava in its place.
The sky is not clear but filled with black smoke, and a pungent odor naturally stimulates my sense of smell.
I'm startled by the illusion that even my Heaven, Earth, and Heart senses couldn't detect, and once again, I am impressed by Hyeon Gwi's ability to penetrate this illusion with just a talisman.
[What is this talisman?]
"It's nothing special. It's a talisman that temporarily grants the power of an immortal beast bloodline to the user. It focuses the principle of Taiji in the eyes to temporarily open a Spiritual Eye. It's a minor trick that anyone with an immortal beast bloodline can perform. It's just that only those who know, know about it."
Looking around, all the members of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect have drawn out their Black Dragon True Blood, revealing Taiji in their eyes.
'It's similar to Hon Won's.'
Hon Won's Spiritual Eye also felt similar to theirs, excluding the surveillance (監) aspect.
'Does Hon Won also have some immortal beast bloodline?'
I ponder this while exuding a cold aura around me.
Chiiiiii—
The surrounding flames briefly subside due to the ghostly energy I emit.
"Thank you, senior. Now, let me explain our objective. For us, the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect, to escape from Hyeon Eum's grasp, we need the Heavenly Lotus Fruit and the Recognizing Sin Taenghwa (識罪幀畫圖) drawn personally by Lofty Dragon True Person in the third Care Layer. However, just reaching the Care Layer is an immense challenge on its own, and as you can see, these flames grow stronger as we move up. Especially at the passage to the third layer, there is a 'living flame' called the Calamity Flame (災炎)."
He continues.
"Calamity Flame is a life form born from a disaster in the form of flames. It's said to be a powerful curse born from the malice and hatred of the entity from the True Devil Realm who once fought Lofty Dragon True Person. Senior, if you can suppress the Calamity Flame with your curse techniques, we will extinguish it with our spells."
[Is suppressing the Calamity Flame my task?]
"Yes, it is. Although there are quite a few curses left in the third layer, requiring some effort from senior's end, the main task is suppressing the Calamity Flame."
[Understood. I'll give it a try.]
We begin to make our way through the river of flames.
In front of the grand ancient palace.
The true entrance to the storage scroll.
One by one, others begin to gather at the place where Seo Li and Hyeon Gwi's group had passed.
The Heaven Tribe's Four-Axis stage cultivators, Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik, are the first to arrive and survey the surroundings.
"It seems we're the first to arrive."
"Indeed. The Earth Tribe can't read celestial energy directly, so it will take them a while, and the other Heavenly Tribe members don't know how to read constellations, so they are probably going in and out of a coma."
Baek Wi-ik snickers, mocking the others.
Nok Ju of the Tall Tree Race crosses his arms and laughs.
"Only the Heaven Tribe's Two Heads, our Tall Tree Race and your Paired Wings Race, and only those of noble bloodlines within the two races have learned this method. Who else would arrive as quickly? Most wouldn't even know how to interpret the constellations of this formation."
"Haha, of course. Fortunately, that terrifying Human Race old monster hasn't arrived yet, so let's hurry inside. With the Ghost Path Method he mastered, he will probably enter false death quickly, find a flaw, and come this way."
"Indeed. Let's go quickly."
Soon after the two Four-Axis stage cultivators enter, Gyo Yeom and the Demon Race arrive at the front of the grand ancient palace.
Most of the Demon Race appear pale and injured, with visible bloodstains.
"Now then, let's go in quickly. We need to secure the artifacts inside."
At the Gyo Yeom's command, the Demon Race members groan.
"Elder, we apologize, but many of us are severely weakened from repeatedly entering and exiting false death. Please allow us a half-day's rest before we proceed."
"Yes, elder. We've all entered false death as you've commanded, so if you can give us a little time..."
Hearing this, Gyo Yeom's eyes emit a bright red blood flame.
"You rebellious brats...are you blaming me?"
"No, that's not what we meant..."
"Silence! Didn't I already say it? For our Earth Tribe to survive against those treacherous Heaven Tribe old monsters, we must unite! The fact that you're trying to disrupt our unity to make us fall to the Heaven Tribe shows you're a spy from the Heart Tribe!"
"No, elder. That's not what..."
"Die, Heart Tribe spy!"
Crack!
Bang!
With one move from Gyo Yeom, the two protesting demons are instantly reduced to mere chunks of flesh.
Terrified by his ferocious demeanor, the Demon Race falls silent and cowers.
Gyo Yeom bares his sharp teeth, characteristic of the Blood Shark Race, and growls.
"From now on, anyone who disrupts our unity will be considered a Heart Tribe spy and executed immediately. This is for the protection of our Earth Tribe from the Heaven Tribe old monsters, so understand this great cause! Do you understand!?"
"Yes, elder!"
The Demon Race's reply echoes, mixed with fear.
Satisfied, Gyo Yeom leads the Demon Race into the ancient palace.
Other Heaven Tribe members, including the Leaf Race, Cold Spirit Race, and Spirit Scale Race, arrived at the location half a day later.
Chiiiiii—
As I cool the surrounding heat with the cold energy emanating from my ghostly energy, I walk at the forefront with Hyeon Gwi.
Around us, the Heavenly Being stage cultivators of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect use the Black Dragon True Blood to cool the heat with their yin energy.
However, the flames and heat flowing throughout the Water Flow Layer shows no signs of abating, and as we cool the heat and move forward, the flames immediately fill the space we pass through.
The Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect cultivators seem unsatisfied with just that and lay numerous traps in their wake as they advance.
'I understand now why the Human Race is called greedy and ruthless.'
The other cultivators of different races following behind us will not only have to endure the heat of the Water Flow Layer but also navigate the traps set by the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect, which will undoubtedly make them bleed.
I consider asking what kind of traps they are but decide it isn't necessary for me to know and ignore it.
The entire Water Flow Layer is under some restriction, making it difficult to use the Flying Escape Technique or to fly through attraction force, forcing us to walk. I'm curious about how the other races will react after stepping on those traps.
[Kieeeeek!]
Burning amorphous monsters lunge at us from all directions, spitting flames.
"They're called Fire Corpses (火尸). They are said to be ancient demonic beasts, but in reality, they are pieces of Lofty Dragon True Person's flesh."
[I've seen something like this before...]
"Haha, the fierce beast guarding the entrance to the sect you saw before, Bi (泌), was created by studying these Fire Corpses. Most of the Vestiges (尸/Shi) floating around the Interdimensional Void are of little use, but these Fire Corpses..."
Pook!
Hyeon Gwi waves his hand, bursting a Fire Corpse.
The Fire Corpse screams and dissipates.
'They're very different from the Vestiges in the Interdimensional Void. Those didn't die even after subduing them multiple times...'
It seems the yin energy from Hyeon Gwi's immortal beast bloodline makes them easy to subdue.
Yin energy is definitely their weakness.
Then, I notice something in the center of the dissipated Fire Corpse.
'Hmm?'
Chiiiiii—
The dead Fire Corpse left behind something like a small cloud.
Before the cloud evaporates into the surrounding smoke, Hyeon Gwi quickly retrieves a gourd dharma treasure from his storage scroll and opens its lid, bringing it close to the cloud.
Shururuk—
The cloud is compressed into a small drop of liquid and sucked into the bottle.
Hyeon Gwi explains after absorbing the cloud.
"These Fire Corpses here contain the primal force of water that the Water Flow Layer originally held. We call this power, that was contaminated from the entity from the True Devil Realm, Turbid Devil Liquid.. Although it's tainted with devilish energy, demonic energy, and turbid energy, it's the best material for devilish cultivators. Our Bi was also made by injecting this Turbid Devil Liquid."
He smiles and offers me the bottle.
"Would you like to try it? It's rumored to grant special abilities to cultivators who practice devilish arts."
[Hmm, I'll pass. It doesn't seem to suit my method.]
Sensing the malicious intent and turbid energy within the liquid, I decline.
Even though it might be beneficial for devilish arts, recklessly absorbing such contaminated liquid could cause mental issues.
At my refusal, Hyeon Gwi smiles again and says,
"Then we'll take this Turbid Devil Liquid for the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect. Is that alright?"
[Do as you wish.]
We continue advancing, killing Fire Corpses and collecting Turbid Devil Liquid as we go.
[This is Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll, but is there nothing like artifacts around?]
"Haha, the Water Flow Layer is like the Peach Garden Painting, originally a place where Lofty Dragon True Person raised their subordinates and pet races. Now, all that's left are the remains of spiritual creatures and the pet races, consumed by the Fire Corpses and reduced to ashes. However..."
Hwarurururur―
As we follow Hyeon Gwi through the Water Flow Layer, we eventually reach a large basin-like area.
The entire basin is engulfed in flames, with several collapsed stone buildings visible inside.
"In the dwellings of Lofty Dragon True Person's pet races, there are still the artifacts and spiritual medicines they used. When we investigated last time, we found that this place was where the Fighting Ghost Race was domesticated and raised."
We enter the stone buildings.
Inside, the flames are not burning, and it's quite cool.
The formations set up in various places seem to be preventing the flames from invading.
"We searched this place once before, but there might be something we missed. Let's search thoroughly."
At Hyeon Gwi's command, the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect cultivators scatter to search the stone buildings, and I also begin to look around separately.
However, it seems true that they had searched this place before, as there isn't much to find.
'Hmm, there's nothing that really catches my eye...'
Then, it happens.
I suddenly notice strange cracks in various parts of the stone building.
'What is this? Cracks? Gaps? Just natural aging and splitting?'
However, I realize there's some pattern to these cracks.
I approach a cultivator from the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect who's scratching and searching the interior of a room that looks like a bedroom.
[Hey, do you know what these cracks are? Maybe some kind of formation or something...they seem to have a bit of a pattern.]
"Ah, are you referring to that? We don't know much about it either. We've tried flowing spiritual energy through them and drawing formations according to the gaps, but it was hard to discover anything...I feel it's just the last desperate act of some Fighting Ghost Race who lived here."
[Hmm...I see.]
Judging by his intent, he genuinely didn't seem to know what they were.
Following the lines, I see that these lines are etched throughout the entire stone building.
'What in the world is this?'
I can't make sense of it no matter how much I look.
I reach out to one of the lines, attempting to connect it with another.
That's when it happens.
[...Wait.]
Chiiiiii—
I immediately dispel my Ghost King Transformation and revert to my human form.
"...These lines..."
Tsz tsz tsz—
I gather ghostly energy, creating a ghost sword.
Then, I begin to move the sword's tip along the lines.
'Ah...'
The structure of the stone building and the layout of the lines are already etched in my mind.
I stop moving the sword and instead create a Gang Sphere.
Focusing my consciousness, I move the Gang Sphere along the corridors of the stone building.
'I see, this is...'
It's a sword formation (劍陣).
The traces of a sword formation utilizing flying swords.
However, I can tell that this sword formation, like Hong Su-ryeong's, is in harmony with the enlightenment of martial arts.
'No, it's beyond martial arts. This is...'
Heart Tribe.
The Fighting Ghost Race who used this stone building was undoubtedly from the Heart Tribe.
I wander through the stone building with the consciousness avatar made of Gang Sphere, envisioning myself executing the sword formation.
Swords intertwine
The swords twist together, forming a formation, entangling the path and dominating the space.
Interestingly, this sword formation is specialized for confined, narrow spaces.
It's designed to be used in corridors and rooms.
In my mind, I imagine the power of this sword formation when deployed.
I can see the entire corridor, each room, being engulfed in a storm of light.
Anyone entering this building would never easily escape.
They would be swept away and shredded by the storm of light formed by the swords.
The sword energy would collide with the walls and bounce back.
It would split in the void, reflect, and amplify.
I feel the flow of intent within this sword formation.
'Ah...'
Zzzt, zzzt...
It seems like something is about to be deciphered.
Whoever left this sword formation was trying to convey some message through the flow of intent created by this formation.
But I can't read that message.
'Damn it! Why can't I understand!?'
I still possess the vision of the Tribulating Heavens.
Yet, it isn't enough!?
I mutter in frustration, and somehow, a sense of injustice and anger wells up inside me, causing a tear to fall without my knowing.
A Sword Mountain made of glass.
At the peak.
A man in white half-opens his eyes.
Suruuung—
Sword energy surges around him.
His sword energy is astonishingly identical to the sword energy of the sword formation Seo Li had seen.
The man in white, Seo Eun-hyun, slowly lifts his head to look at the sword formation.
Although it's a sword formation, to Seo Eun-hyun's eyes, it appears entirely different.
It manifests as a muscular old man with a pinky-sized horn on his head.
―Successor, I don't know when it will be, but if you see me, it means a Heart Tribe member of my level has been born again.
The sword formation unfolds following Seo Eun-hyun's will.
Simultaneously, the old man continues his message.
―Though the Fighting Ghost Race's lineage will continue thanks to the True Person's grace despite the invasion of the Fallen Judge, our Heart Tribe. That’s right, our Skill (技). I don't know what you may call it, but our soul (魂) will undergo repeated cycles of rise and fall, and our lineage will eventually be severed.
Word that are hard to understand.
However, Seo Eun-hyun understands.
Martial Arts (武).
Or what some may call Fighting Spirit (鬪魂).
Seo Eun-hyun interprets the old man's words as referring to martial arts.
The old man was worried about the cessation of martial arts.
―Though I didn't know, according to the True Person, the rise and fall of martial arts has been repeating for a long time. When a catalyst appears, Heart Tribe members spring up like bamboo shoots. When the catalyst disappears, they vanish one by one, declining. Hence, the Heart Tribe never obtains successors and quickly declines. And now, I realize the 'catalyst' is disappearing.
The old man's expression turns bitter.
―The power of the Heart Tribe, from its foundation, has been 'blocked' at some point. It's no longer possible to use Fighting Steps. From the first step, to the second step, the third step, and even the fourth step reached after a lifetime.
The old man's voice grows melancholic.
However, despite his sadness, his eyes remain undimmed.
―Successor, you might pity me. And perhaps fear that this might happen to you. But successor, do you understand why I left this sword formation?
The melancholic voice gradually fades, and his eyes become even more bright.
―The Heart Tribe's power, martial arts (武)! It's not a power borrowed from anyone else. Just because the roots are blocked doesn't mean everything I've dedicated my life to for martial arts disappears!
At first, the old man seems like an illusion separate from the sword formation, but gradually he begins to merge with it.
―Even if the Heart Tribe declines, my martial arts will not die! Even if the heavens do not permit it...
Tsutsutsutsutsut!
The old man melts into the sword formation.
He becomes the sword formation.
―Our will shall never die!
"Good."
Seo Eun-hyun calmly leaps towards the sword formation.
Though it's a formation definitely created by Seo Eun-hyun's own hand, it charges at him as if it has a will of its own.
Seo Eun-hyun and the sword formation collide.
The sword formation shatters upon impact with Seo Eun-hyun.
However, the sword intent (劍意) within the formation seeps into the Glass Sword Mountain.
I close my eyes and pay respects to a giant of the previous era.
Yang Su-jin had once said,
The Heart Tribe is proof that we are all slaves to fate and non-humans.
They appear only when the Enders appear and disappear when the Enders disappear.
If that's true, do the Heart Tribe lose their power after the Enders are gone?
Can they no longer reflect their heart essence?
Perhaps.
But I take the old man's words to heart.
―Our will shall never die!
Even after the Enders disappeared, he remained a proud and dignified martial artist (武人) who honed martial arts.
Even if it was not called martial arts (武) but another name, it proved that a person's will, a person's heart does not simply end.
The Heart Tribe are slaves to fate?
What nonsense.
No one in this world is a slave to fate.
Only 'people' living their lives exist in this world.
"So, Seo Hweol. You won't be able to enslave my heart forever."
I look up at the sky and mutter towards Seo Hweol, who is still babbling this and that to himself while struggling hard.
"Wait for me. I will soon break free."
Translator Notes: Here we have it. The very first treasure/legacy hunting arc that's a staple in Xianxia! Chunky chapters to come.
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