At my words, Jang Ik narrows his eyes.
[...You, did you perhaps come into contact with...the being I encountered in my memory?]
I nod quietly.
Jang Ik, after contemplating something seriously, speaks.
[Shake it off quickly. How can you be sure that the entity you encountered in the memory is truly the Martial God?]
[...I have no choice but to be certain. What I saw at the end was...]
I feel my body trembling uncontrollably and struggle to steady my posture.
However, I fail to regain my stance.
Compared to that sacred yet ominous circle I glimpsed at the end, all the martial arts I have mastered up to this point feel utterly insignificant.The martial arts I have trained in feel like trash, to the point where the very thought of displaying them further fills me with shame.
Jang Ik, perhaps reading my heart essence, lets out a low sigh.
[...It seems like you need a break for now.]
With that, Jang Ik grabs my head and heads towards a nearby star.
The other Esteemed Ones also follow Jang Ik.
The place Jang Ik heads towards is a star near the Lightning Sacred Sea.
It's the place Ham Jin once briefly visited and where he ended up with dozens of wives.
"Tsk. Your heart essence is shaken to the point where you can't hold a conversation. I'll need to use some shock therapy to snap you out of it..."
As he enters the planet with an atmosphere, he speaks aloud while stroking his chin. At that moment, Jin Wol-ryeong approaches and says,
"If that's all it takes, it's quite easy. Hey, Human Race Esteemed One. Mate with me."
She approaches me and gently slaps my face.
Kwarurung!
I'm driven straight into the ground, buried down to the lava layer of the star.
All around the star, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions ensue, with tsunamis rising.
"You drained fellow! Now, let me give you a proper education!"
Just as she prepares to charge at me again, Jang Ik grabs her by the hair and tosses her into the distant sky.
Flash!
From Jang Ik's body, dozens of podaos seem to shoot forth, spreading across the planet to suppress the ongoing disasters.
Kugung!
Watching this, Gyu Wol-jin lets out a sigh and stamps their foot.
The crust of the planet rises, and I emerge from the lava layer back to the surface.
"Those crazy muscle-brained lunatics."
Jang Ik shakes his head and clicks his tongue.
"Isn't there anyone with a more proper solution?"
He glares around, but all the Esteemed Ones, except for those of the Bright Cold Realm, avoid his gaze.
I speak with a weary expression.
"...It's alright, Master. I just...want to be alone for a bit."
"Hmm..."
Jang Ik seems to peer into my heart essence for a moment, then lets out a sigh and says.
"...Very well. Do as you wish. But you must return to the Bright Cold Realm. And..."
He looks at me and asks.
"We were just discussing the Path of Stars earlier, but...you. When you came here last time, didn't you use the Path of Stars?"
At Jang Ik's words, the other Esteemed Ones all open their eyes wide.
"Is that true, Esteemed One Seo?"
"That's impossible! H-How on earth did you use that path!?"
I weakly take out a jade plaque from my sleeve and briefly explain what happened in the Peaceful Cloud Realm.
"...I see. Since it's been some time since we left, the seal that Yin Ghost Esteemed One placed over the Path of Stars must have weakened."
"With the seal and the energy that the Yin Ghost Esteemed One held both dispersed...his body, which we once needed combined efforts to penetrate, was easily breached."
"This means we can all return through the Path of Stars!"
The Esteemed Ones are all filled with expressions of joy.
Then, Wi Mu-cheon of the Sea King Race laughs heartily as they accept the jade plaque from me and says.
"Thank you very much, Esteemed One Seo. If it weren't for you, our return to the Middle Realms would have been delayed by a thousand years. As you've saved us Esteemed Ones a thousand years, we will make sure you're properly compensated for that. Since we can reach the Ancient Force Realm in just a few days through the Path of Stars, we can even directly petition the Sacred Master to lift the Exile Order placed on you."
Jang Ik approaches me and says.
"Then, we'll be returning now. We'll also keep the Path of Stars activated for five hundred years at the far end. That way, even without that jade plaque, you'll be able to use the Path of Stars to reach the Ancient Force Realm during that period. I hope you can find peace of heart within that time. And..."
He turns around as if to leave, but then pauses momentarily, meeting my gaze with a grin.
"When you come back to the Bright Cold Realm after you've regained your composure, that ultimate of Martial Arts. I'm expecting you to recreate that for me."
"...Yes. I will do so."
Among the Esteemed Ones preparing to rise into the sky, I look at Black Fog Esteemed One of the True Devil Realm and speak up.
"Black Fog Esteemed One, Oh Mu."
They jolt in surprise at my call and stop in place.
"Wh-What is it, Esteemed One Seo?"
"Distinguished one was the one who grabbed and tore this Esteemed One last time we met, correct?"
That's right.
Black Fog Esteemed One Oh Mu was the one who had viciously ripped me apart and attempted to devour me when I visited the Lightning Sacred Sea with Jang Ik previously.
They avoid my gaze and clear their throat.
"I apologize for that incident back then. You see...our Black Smoke Race originates from the Blood Yin Realm's Heavenly Demons. However, we're a race that rejected Blood Yin's rule and broke away. Since we were originally Heavenly Demons, we carry an innate savagery...so when I saw Esteemed One Seo at that time, I couldn't restrain that savagery. I deeply apologize for what happened then, and...I will provide proper compensation."
"...Understood. I accept your apology. And...you are called the Star Seeking Esteemed One, I believe?"
I turn to look at Star Seeking Esteemed One Yo Un.
"I've heard you're from the Batwing Race. I know a child among the Batwing Race in the True Devil Realm, and I would appreciate it if you could look after her. Also, they have a partner from the Horn Devil Race who is set to become her husband, so if you could watch over him as well..."
[TL: Qi Wing Race was previously translated as Batwing Tribe so just gonna make it Batwing again.]
I entrust Yo Un with a request regarding Su In and Hong Yeon, and Yo Un nods silently.
"Then, we'll be off now. Take care."
The Esteemed Ones who joined the Lightning Sacred Sea expedition wave to me as they rise into the sky.
The ones remaining are Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One, Jang Ik, and Slaughtering Heaven Esteemed One, Geuk Gwang.
"What are you doing, Heaven-Collapsing?"
"...I feel a strange sense of discomfort. It's as if something sticky is clinging to my soul... Hmm...I suppose it would be better to go to the Bright Cold Realm and then investigate. I can't figure out why...I feel this filthy. If I focus a bit more, I think I might be able to identify the source, but..."
He summons his podao and glares into the void while radiating killing intent.
Geuk Gwang clicks their tongue as they watch him.
"Do it later. It would be best to have the Sacred Master examine your soul."
"...Understood. Let's get going quickly, then."
Jang Ik shakes his head at Geuk Gwang's words and follows the other Esteemed Ones.
Finally, only Geuk Gwang remains in place, looking at me with an expression that seems to convey, 'I understand everything.'
"I understand the feeling when one's purpose in life gets broken. Though I don't like you, your situation oddly resembles one I faced in the past, so I can't help but give you some advice.
"Even if your life's purpose has become meaningless, never give up. Even if the other person doesn't acknowledge you, continue to strengthen yourself and strive to reach the same vision as them.
"When you finally rise to the same vision as the other, sharing the same scene—that is when the true beginning starts. You haven't even started yet, so don't despair so soon!"
Leaning against a rock, I look up at Geuk Gwang and respond.
"...Those are good words. Thank you for the encouragement. The 'other person' you speak of...is it Sacred Master Baek Woon?"
I ask, recalling Geuk Gwang's behavior towards Baek Woon.
They nod.
"That's right. I've already been striving for tens of thousands of years to bear fruit between that person and myself. Though that person doesn't even look my way, I do not give up. Even when I reached the Grand Perfection Integration stage, even during the Star Shattering advancement ritual...
"I kept thinking that I'm in a much more advantageous position than other members of the Tall Tree Race, being truly part of that person's family, and with that determination and hope, I condensed my Origin Star. As a result, I was able to reach the rank of a Star Shattering Esteemed One. You, too, even if your goal feels meaningless, should keep looking forward and soar. Because until you reach the same vision as the other, all the rejections you've faced so far are meaningless!"
"..."
It is certainly admirable and rather comforting, but I notice something strange mixed in the words.
"...What do you mean by 'truly part of Sacred Master Baek Woon's family'?"
"Ah. My mother's grandmother, in her youth, received the pollen Sacred Master Baek Woon scattered and was pollinated. As a result, my mother's father inherited the Sacred Master's lineage and was born as their descendant. So...Sacred Master Baek Woon would be, in your Human Race's terms, my 'maternal great-grandfather.'"
"..."
A deep silence fills the space between us for a moment.
Geuk Gwang frowns as they see the look in my eyes.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that? Don't try to judge the Tall Tree Race using your Human Race kinship standards! In the first place, many of us in the Tall Tree Race don't even have gender distinctions, and our concept of parents, offspring, and ancestors is entirely different from you mammalian races!"
"..."
"No one else hears these things from me, but I shared this to console you out of special consideration, but how ridiculous. You foul-tempered Human Race. Enough. I'm leaving!"
Geuk Gwang, irritated by the look in my eyes, turns and follows the other Esteemed Ones onto the Path of Stars.
I look up at the spot where Geuk Gwang disappeared with an incredulous expression, and suddenly realize something.
"...Ah."
Geuk Gwang's words were so absurd that, in the shock of it, I seem to have partially recovered from the overwhelming shock of the ultimate of Martial Arts that Hyeon Gwi had shown me.
"...I really wasn't in the right mind either."
The Esteemed Ones who had been fighting blow for blow with me just moments ago suddenly started treating me well, and that Geuk Gwang fellow even shared a story he'd never told before to comfort me.
Sure, maybe they want to strengthen ties with someone as powerful as me, but...
I stand up and draw the Colorless Glass Sword with a grim expression and perch on the rock.
"You must be close by. Come out. Before I scatter Sub-Heart Swords all over this star."
Wriggle, wriggle...
In front of me.
A shadow beneath a tree seems to writhe, and soon, a familiar face emerges from within.
Black robe.
Black horns.
And the naturally spreading gloomy spiritual energy.
"So it's you. The one who orchestrated those Esteemed Ones to comfort me."
The figure with the face of the Black Dragon King Hyeon Eum just smiles softly with a kind expression.
"Hoho, Daoist Seo."
"I heard Hyeon Eum died at the hands of the Mad Lord and jumped to another body somewhere, but...it seems you managed to take over it, Seo Hweol."
"It's all thanks to Daoist's help. Due to Blood Yin suffering a devastating blow they could have never imagined, they had no time to pay attention to a mere clone like Hyeon Eum. Truly...I owe Daoist Seo a debt of gratitude for your completely unimaginable assistance."
"...By the way, is this Esteemed One a daoist to you? Call me senior."
"..."
I spit out Glass True Fire, surrounding the area.
This is to ensure that if he tries any tricks, I can make him experience the torment of hell through the power of the Avīci Hell Star Body.
I watch Seo Hweol with vigilance and ask.
"Even if you brainwashed the stars and infiltrated various parts of the Astral Realm...how did someone like you, who hasn't even become an Esteemed One, manage to manipulate other Esteemed Ones?"
"I understand you've hidden Seo Ran in an alternate space. If you bring him out for a moment, I can show you exactly how that was possible."
"I see. Hyeon Eum, was it?"
A Taiji (太極) appears in my vision.
The extreme of the Earth Tribe senses that Wol-jin taught me just moments ago.
Pararararak!
Like pages flipping backward, the Taiji reverses, revealing the split soul of Hyeon Eum that Seo Hweol has taken over.
I read into Hyeon Eum's past.
"I wondered why a being who was the clone of a True Immortal was nothing more than a mere Dragon King in the Integration stage...so it was because of that."
As I read into Hyeon Eum's history, I leisurely expose Seo Hweol's scheme in front of him.
"The being known as Hyeon Eum was never a single entity to begin with. Similar to the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent...a certain conceptual being manifested part of its existence in the material world."
If the fate of the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent manifests in the form of talent,
Then 'Hyeon Eum' is a 'collection of information' created by Blood Yin through intertwining part of the histories of the Immortal Beast Black Dragon and Lofty Dragon.
That collection of information manifested in the material realm, becoming the living beings known as the Black Dragon Race.
"And...the true origin of this conceptual entity was in the Astral Realm from the start. So that's how it is."
I realize why Seo Hweol suddenly fled to the Astral Realm.
I understand the reason he brainwashed the stars of the Astral Realm, as well as how Blood Yin was able to bind the True Persons in the Astral Realm through contracts.
I understand why They, while being in the Interdimensional Void, were able to transmit 'information about me' to the True Persons in the Astral Realm in an instant.
"It's the constellation. Blood Yin created an informational entity by gathering the histories of the Immortal Beast Black Dragon and Lofty Dragon, and then engraved that entity in the Astral Realm as a constellation. Through the constellation, They connected to the True Persons in the Astral Realm and established contracts. And by descending the power of the constellation into the Bright Cold Realm that reflects the Astral Realm's starry sky, he created the Black Dragon Race. The mechanism that moderately instills consciousness and controls the slightly superior individuals among the Black Dragon Race was 'Hyeon Eum.'"
I comprehend how Seo Hweol managed to take over Hyeon Eum's body.
"[The Fifth Seat of the Radiance Eight Immortals, Sword Spear Heavenly Lord] used Their authority to shatter a corner of the universe, dispersing part of the constellation's power and severely wounding Blood Yin. Taking advantage of that moment, you swallowed up Hyeon Eum through the stars you had brainwashed. Isn't that right, Seo Hweol?"
"Hoho...you've become a little frightening, Daoist Seo."
He smiles as he meets my eyes that are swirling with Taiji.
It seems he's already well aware of the information regarding the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, as he doesn't appear particularly shocked.
"The more I use it, the more familiar I become with it. This thing called Earth Tribe senses..."
Reading Seo Hweol's history through the Earth Tribe's senses, I click my tongue.
'If the Earth Tribe possessed these senses from the Qi Refining stage like the Heaven Tribe...perhaps the Heaven Tribe would have been at a significant disadvantage against them.'
The senses that read history.
This perception allows me to read parts of the target's history that I want.
Just as I did with Jang Ik, I can enter a scene of history that the individual permits and observe it, or, as I did with Seo Hweol just now, I can instantly read only the information I need.
However, it's not omnipotent. I can't read 'history in which I am not directly involved.'
As I've traveled through the Head Realm, Bright Cold Realm, and Ancient Force Realm, I've investigated the relationships between Seo Hweol, Blood Yin, Hyeon Eum, Purple Soul Filling the Heavens, Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens, and more. The reason I could immediately read the hidden truth of Seo Hweol devouring Hyeon Eum is because it is deeply connected to my own actions.
'As for the past concerning Seo Hweol himself...it's hard to read.'
Realizing that I can't read the history of 'Seo Hweol' himself, I click my tongue.
Is it due to his Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens? His past is wrapped in something dark and murky, blocking me from reading entirely.
'This is probably Oh Hye-seo's authority.'
Just as Kim Yeon gained an incredibly vast consciousness domain, it seems she obtained the senses of the Earth Tribe from at least the Star Shattering stage.
'Judging by her higher level of application than mine...it might even be Earth Tribe senses that surpass the Star Shattering stage. The legend of the Noble Blood True Sea Radiance Body or whatever among the Fighting Ghost Race seems to originally lean that way as well.'
Speculating about Oh Hye-seo's authority, I look at Seo Hweol with eyes that bear the Taiji symbol.
He raises both hands with a faint smile.
"I really can't compete with Daoist Seo. As expected, I've been completely seen through. Hoho...well, it's fine. After all, Daoist Seo is the one who provided immense assistance in helping me devour Hyeon Eum."
I look at Seo Hweol with transparent eyes and ask.
"What's your purpose? Why did you guide the Esteemed Ones to wake me up?"
His goals are completely unreadable.
"I should be a harmful existence to you. If anything, if you're able to influence the Esteemed Ones to a certain extent, shouldn't you use them to press me even further?"
To understand his true meaning, I read through history and ask questions to make him reveal any gaps.
Seo Hweol responds with a smiling face.
"There's a slight correction to be made. As it has not been long since I devoured Hyeon Eum, I am not yet on par with genuine Esteemed Ones. I have only attained powerful authority over the Black Dragon Race, the Sea Dragon Race, and the Heavenly Fiends of the Blood Yin Realm. 'For now,' I can't manipulate the Esteemed Ones at will. The reason the Esteemed Ones comforted Daoist Seo was because they already had some intention to strengthen their connection with Daoist Seo to begin with."
"..."
I interpret through Seo Hweol language, while at the same time, try to read his intention through the senses of the Earth Tribe.
'Not readable.'
It's all lies.
"And...Daoist Seo is not a harmful existence to me."
"...What?"
I flinch at his words.
Because the result from reading him with the senses of the Earth Tribe and the Heart Tribe is...
Seo Hweol's statement is 'sincere.'
"Didn't Daoist Seo just say it himself? Daoist Seo is like a shield protecting me, so he isn't someone who is a threat to me."
'...This is unreadable too.'
But if I were to deduce from context, it seems he is saying that because my act of deploying the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord at Blood Yin allowed him to gain benefits like devouring Hyeon Eum from behind, hence, he considers my actions as a shield.
"...So, are you saying you're going to help me?"
"There's no reason I can't. As I see it, there are currently two things that Daoist Seo needs most. One is Daoist Seo's comrade, the Ghost Guiding Holy Mother. And the other is..."
He points up to the Lightning Sacred Sea floating in the sky.
"Trapped in the Lightning Sacred Sea, currently undergoing sexual torture through soft feet, Daoist Seo's comrade, Jeon Myeong-hoon. Aren't those the two things?"
"...!"
I flinch in surprise at his words and ask.
"...You, do you know Jeon Myeong-hoon's situation right now?"
"Hoho. I apologize to Daoist Seo, but...among Daoist Seo's comrades, there isn't a single one who hasn't been infected by me."
"...[Seventh Seat of the Radiance Eight Immortals, Great Sea Heavenly Lord]!"
"...! Kuuuuugh!"
"Kuuuugh!...!"
Seo Hweol and I both collapse, blood flowing from our seven orifices.
I get up a little earlier and glare at him.
"This is the punishment for recklessly planting Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens in my comrades. Normally, I would have stuffed you with Sub-Heart Swords and poured Glass True Fire all over you, but...today, even if it's you, I'll hold back."
I approach Seo Hweol, grip his shoulder, and press down as I question him.
[Speak. Can you help Jeon Myeong-hoon escape from the Lightning Sacred Sea?]
He looks up at me with a smile.
Now, he no longer appears to me as terrifying and immense as before.
'I can control him. At least someone like this bastard...'
In that case, accepting his help shouldn't be a problem.
Even if I have to rely on his help...
Let's get Jeon Myeong-hoon out as quickly as possible, before he is broken.
"If you grant me one request, I will help you."
[If you're going to bring up Seo Ran...]
"After rescuing the Ghost Guiding Holy Mother and Jeon Myeong-hoon...the 107th floor of the Tower of Trials within the Lightning Sacred Sea, known as the treasure vault of Yang Su-jin. Please confirm what lies beyond it."
[What did you say?]
"If Daoist ascends to the 108th floor of the Lightning Sacred Sea, I will give Daoist my full support. How does that sound?"
I remain silent for a moment.
Then, I speak.
[Fine.]
Thus, in order to save Jeon Myeong-hoon,
I join hands once more with the snake-like Seo Hweol.