Duduk, dududuk, gududududuk!
The Sacred Masters who are beginning to draw upon the power of the Middle Realms,
These beings, who are virtually no different from True Immortals, begin to exude their rank.
The sheer intensity of their rank alone causes the celestial energy in the vicinity to flicker and distort countless times.
'As expected, I can't defeat the Sacred Masters of Middle Realms.'
Sacred Masters of star systems and those of the Middle Realms are similarly formidable within their respective domains.
Of course, even when they are said to be similar, the Sacred Masters of the Middle Realm have a slight edge.
However, it's a different story when it comes to external attacks.
Sacred Masters of the Middle Realms can perfectly unfold a defensive battle by drawing on the complete corpse of the True Immortal that constitutes their Middle Realm when external attacks come. Additionally, they can open a pathway to outside the Middle Realms through the [symbols], enabling them to counterattack even against True Immortals in case of emergencies.But Sacred Masters of star systems are different.
If a True Person at the Entering Nirvana stage were to attack from the outside the star system, the star system would crumble from the periphery, leading to inevitable defeat.
This is because the defensive power of the star systems, which they are harmonized with, lacks the absolute quality.
'To overcome the Sacred Masters, it would be better to...'
I recall the move of Kunlun.
Unless I can unleash an attack that approaches the domain of 'pure death' on the level of Kunlun, there is absolutely no chance of victory against the Sacred Masters of the Middle Realms.
Suddenly, a thought regarding Jang Ik crosses my mind.
'Jang Ik...never feared Baek Woon.'
Perhaps, if it's Jang Ik, who has reached the pinnacle of the Second Step Before the Throne, he might have a single move capable of seizing victory against such Sacred Masters.
It might very well be the hidden something I sensed from him the last time we met.
Of course, I'm not overwhelmed by Baek Woon either, but to a certain extent, that's because of the Immortal Arts and names of True Immortals I know.
It is thanks to that incomprehensible knowledge that I have.
If I were to face Baek Woon relying solely on my own abilities, I wouldn't remain as Seo Eun-hyun but instead 'Seo the Firewood'.
That's why I've always harbored an instinctive fear towards Baek Woon, born from a fundamental difference in weight class.
'Even when I tortured Baek Woon last time, it was only possible because I had the asymmetrical advantage of Yang Su-jin's Thunder Spears and Jeon Myeong-hoon. If it had been me alone, I wouldn't have dared.'
Shaking my head, I feel cold sweat running down my back as I stand before the Sacred Masters, whose momentum grows ever stronger.
As long as one isn't a vegetable, one can understand.
These individuals are not simply trying to 'invite' me.
'They're...trying to capture me and turn me into a Sacred Master!'
In truth, aside from Ban Ta, the other Sacred Vessel Sacred Masters also harbor significant desires for successors.
However, I never expected them to be this zealous.
Ban Ta growls.
[Five hundred thousand years. Five hundred thousand years! I've endured this accursed Purple Gold Realm for five hundred thousand years, pretending to be a king and even naming my castle Ban Ta Castle! Baek Woon! Back then, you were one of the True Persons who captured me and made me the Sacred Master of the Purple Gold Realm. How can you be so shameless!?]
At this, Baek Woon sneers.
[What does five hundred thousand years matter? After all, as cultivators, we must all become accustomed to eternity! It's not even a long time, so don't make such a fuss. And captured to become the Sacred Master, you say? Weren't you the one who agreed willingly? You even said it was necessary for your cultivation, so I gave you the entire Purple Gold Realm. Yet how is it now my fault for your failure of not being able to raise a successor? I, on the other hand, even willingly lowered my realm by one step to become a Sacred Master for the sake of the greater good!]
At those words, Ja Eum lightly interjects.
[Apologies, Sacred Master Baek Woon, but wasn't the so-called 'greater good' you speak of simply the decree of the Radiance Eight Immortals? At the time, I don't recall there being any particular reason for the Sacred Master to take charge of the Bright Cold Realm. It was simply a command from the Radiance Eight Immortals that happened to benefit you personally, was it not? Calling it for the 'greater good' or whatever is...is a bit unbecoming to look at.]
[This brat thinks he can say whatever he wants just because he has a mouth...!]
What starts as a mere argument between the Sacred Masters begins to escalate as their auras swell.
Their intensifying auras swell to the point of nearing an explosion.
Then, just as their auras reach the brink of exploding—
[Let's not do this. I have a good solution.]
[What is it?]
At Ja Eum's words, the Sacred Masters collectively stop their quarrel.
He smiles faintly before turning his gaze towards me.
[That is to simply...]
Then, just as he seems about to say something, he suddenly reaches out towards me quickly.
Chwaaaa!
It feels as though a colossal sea dragon is flying towards me!
I narrowly evade Ja Eum's strike, and the other Sacred Masters immediately catch on to what's happening.
The classic 'first to catch wins' situation!
[Kugh!]
Startled by this incredulous turn of events, I quickly retreat.
But the Sacred Masters, their eyes now ablaze, rush after me.
[Wait, wait, Seo Eun-hyun. Where are you going?]
[Come now, Cultivator Seo. Just stop by Ban Ta Castle for a moment. I've even prepared a feast for you. Drop by Ban Ta Castle and enjoy some food before you leave!]
[Hoho, Cultivator Seo. I have some important information to share with you. Won't you listen for just a moment? It's about Purple Soul Filling the Heavens...]
They push and shove each other with attraction force and spells as they close in on me.
Then, they begin quickly hurling 'something' constructed of consciousness towards me, and I can't help but be struck by some of them.
'These are...Sacred Vessel cultivation methods!?'
These are Sacred Vessel cultivation methods unique to each Sacred Master of the Middle Realms.
[Look, Seo Eun-hyun! The cultivation method of our Bright Cold Realm is the most superior!]
[No, look at the Purple Gold Realm! Do you know what I've been doing for the past 500,000 years?! This is the Sacred Vessel stage cultivation method I've spent five hundred thousand years researching in the Purple Gold Realm. It is by far the most superior Sacred Vessel stage cultivation method!]
While throwing their Sacred Vessel cultivation methods at me, they beckon me to come to them.
Finally, when they chase me down to the point where they are once again right before me,
'As expected... Now is not the time to become a Sacred Master.'
Starting from the role of protecting the Middle Realm during the End, it's not something a novice Sacred Master like me can accomplish properly
'This is the time to lay the foundation! Even if I do become a Sacred Master, it should be after the End, during the era of creation!'
With a faint smile, I speak to the Sacred Masters.
[My apologies, but this junior feels it is still a bit too early to take on the position of a Sacred Master of a Middle Realm. I will wander the Astral Realm for a little longer and decide then.]
With those words, I immediately draw the Colorless Glass Sword and slash towards the void.
Hidden Heavens Beyond the Path!
Paaatt!
In the blink of an eye, I vanish from the Sacred Masters' sight like a mirage.
The Sacred Masters, unable to grasp the situation for a while, erupt into fury.
[Y O U !!! ]
[Y O U D A R E E S C A PE !!??]
Unleashing the power of the Middle Realms, the Sacred Masters begin to devastate the surroundings with terrifying authority.
'Quick judgment.'
Upon seeing me disappear in an instant, they seem to have deduced that this is not a teleportation spell or ground-shrinking technique, but some form of stealth technique, and they respond by unleashing wide-area attacks.
'But it's unfortunate for them.'
If there is one problem, it's that their opponent isn't an ordinary beginner at the Sacred Vessel stage, but me—someone who has risen to the Sacred Vessel stage through the Three Great Ultimates.
Piiiitt!
I retreat to the most concealed place within the Plane of Soul, distancing myself far from them.
My All-Heavens Sword, which already allows me to traverse planes, has now been enhanced with Hidden Heavens Beyond the Path.
Not only can I send myself into the Plane of Soul, but I can also shift all my traces and all premonitions regarding me into the depths of the Plane of Soul, allowing me to temporarily vanish completely.
Temporarily, no history, no foresight, can locate me.
This feat is an extraordinary technique that even Jang Ik can not replicate, only made possible because of my advancement to the Sacred Vessel stage significantly enhancing my control over the Plane of Qi and my power within the Plane of Fate.
I swiftly escape from the grasps of the Sacred Masters and head towards the Path of Stars.
'First, I need to head to the Lightning Sacred Sea and inform the Esteemed Ones that the search for the symbols has concluded... After arranging for them to return through the Path of Stars, I'll have to make contact with that guy.'
Wo-woong!
The celestial energy in the vicinity shifts.
It seems the Sacred Masters are performing divination.
However, when even foresight fails to reveal my presence, they appear flustered.
'I've temporarily hidden myself from foresight using Hidden Heavens Beyond the Path. But as soon as that technique wears off, they'll pinpoint my location immediately.'
I need to proceed quickly.
Paaatt!
I arrive in the Peaceful Cloud Realm, leaving behind an incarnation to both observe the Sacred Masters' movements and to ensure that I'll notice any anomalies occurring in the realm. With that arranged, I immediately activate the Path of Stars and head towards the Lightning Sacred Sea.
Wo-woong!
I quickly move along the Path of Stars.
Unlike when I had activated it as an Esteemed One, activating the Path of Stars now at the Sacred Vessel stage allows me to pass through far more bases at once and activate teleportation arrays with much greater speed.
In what feels like an instant, I arrive at the Lightning Sacred Sea.
'For now...directly entering the Lightning Sacred Sea is absolutely out of the question.'
Doing so would result in an immediate confrontation with Golden Shaking Bird.
I send an incarnation into the depths of the Lightning Sacred Sea.
Not long after, several figures emerge.
It's the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One Jang Ik and the Lightning Sacred Sea expedition team.
After explaining the situation to them, I inform them that the Path of Stars has been reactivated and that they can immediately use it to return.
At first, they appear slightly suspicious, but as those deeply connected to the Middle Realms, they seem to vaguely sense that the [symbol] have returned to the realms and show signs of acceptance.
[Understood. Someone of the Sacred Master level wouldn't deceive us for fun. Then, let us meet again in the Middle Realm.]
With that, they step on the Path of Stars.
Then, Jang Ik locks eyes with me.
"You, just what exactly did you do?"
His eyes widen—not at anything else, but at my realm.
"No matter how much we of the Heart Tribe grow rapidly with just enlightenment, there's still a certain degree of gradual cultivation (漸修) that must take place... Just how did a brat at the First Step Before the Throne reach the Second Step Before the Throne in just a few hundred years...and that too while cultivating Heaven and Earth Dual Cultivation alongside it?"
He seems to find it a bit absurd.
I lift the Colorless Glass Sword with a grin.
"Would you care for a match?"
"Hmm..."
In my past life, I was paralyzed with fear by the 'perfect circle' shown by Hyeon Gwi and couldn't raise my sword.
Because of that, my exchanges with Jang Ik were limited to the chopstick fight, and we never truly fought head-to-head, leaving a sense of regret.
But it's possible in this life!
As I stare at Jang Ik with a faint expression of anticipation, he speaks again.
"...Let's save it for later."
"...Pardon?"
Slightly taken aback, I question him again.
'The Jang Ik is holding back?'
From a fight with me?
A fight with a strong opponent?
However, I immediately understand from Jang Ik's next words.
"It seems that for the two of us to truly exchange enlightenment, we would have to stake our lives. In other words, if we were to fight, one of us would have to die. It's not a situation where one side can hold back against the other."
He smacks his lips and says,
"Before dying, shouldn't I at least leave some final words for Cedar Wood Grove and visit the graves of my other disciples you've killed? So, as much as it pains me, let's postpone our duel for now."
"...Understood."
Since it's a reasonable suggestion, I slightly smack my lips and decide to settle things with him at a later time.
Jang Ik turns around, about to step onto the Path of Stars, but suddenly stops and looks back at me.
"You. Do you know why our Heart Tribe's territory is called Cedar Wood Grove?"
"Pardon? Isn't it simply because there are a lot of cedar trees?"
"And...why do you think there are so many cedars planted in the Heart Tribe territory? With my abilities, I could have easily cleared them all in an instant and planted any other crop that would be more useful. Why do you think I deliberately created a cedar forest?"
"Is there some reason for it?"
"Of course there is. The details are..."
As though recalling something, Jang Ik furrows his brows.
But he shakes his head and says,
"...Go visit the Peaceful Cloud Realm. The Fighting Spirit of the Small Green Race there...you Human Race call it martial arts, right? Anyway, if you trace back the origin of Peaceful Cloud Realm's Fighting Spirit and martial arts, you'll find something interesting."
Something interesting?
The origins of martial arts?
'Could this be related to why Hyeon Gwi blocked them specifically in the Peaceful Cloud Realm?'
"Yes, I will look into it if I get the chance."
"Good. Look for it at least once. What there is in the Peaceful Cloud Realm...greatly helped me in conceptualizing the realm of Three Steps Before the Throne."
With those words, Jang Ik disappears beyond the Path of Stars.
'Was there such a secret hidden in the Peaceful Cloud Realm...'
I feel a bit of surprise at Jang Ik's words and gaze momentarily toward the Lightning Sacred Sea.
'The Esteemed Ones have all been sent back. Now, the various forces of the Middle Realms should remain stable until the End.'
The Lightning Sacred Sea, too, will not be entered anytime soon.
'No, until I reach the Entering Nirvana stage with the Three Great Ultimates, I absolutely must not go in.'
Even if I do enter, it will only be through an incarnation.
Now, there's only one thing left to take care of.
"...Come out."
I murmur while gazing into the darkness of the Astral Realm.
"Seo Hweol."
It's been long and even longer.
Now, the time has come to bring this to a conclusion.
From within the darkness of the Astral Realm, a familiar face suddenly emerges.
'As I thought...'
He, who had fallen to become a blue earthworm in the previous life, has now been restored in this one.
When the White Wheel reversed, my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections that felt a 'twisting' sensation when Seo Hweol was erased, became comfortable again, leading me to suspect his restoration.
"It's truly astonishing, Daoist Seo. Hoho, to think that in just 800 years, you would elevate the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Heart to the level of Immortal Arts and reach the Sacred Vessel stage. From mocking Blood Yin, to defeating a True Person, to eluding all the Sacred Masters of the Middle Realms...such divine feats are truly..."
"Seo Hweol."
I cut off his words.
I pull out Seo Ran, who resides within my body, before Seo Hweol.
Seo Ran looks around the surroundings, as if unable to grasp what's going on. Meanwhile, I can feel Seo Hweol's excitement as he senses Seo Ran's aura.
"Oh, Ran-ah. What's this? It's truly been a long..."
And, just as Seo Hweol begins moving toward us,
I firmly grip Seo Ran's neck and shove his soul and body directly towards the Netherworld.
Among the four worlds overlapping the Astral Realm, Seo Ran's Nascent Soul and spirit tremble towards the Netherworld.
Seo Ran, with his low cultivation, doesn't even understand what's going on. However, Seo Hweol and I both know that his soul could fall into the Netherworld at any moment.
This is a technique only possible after reaching the Sacred Vessel stage.
Anything I hold in my grasp, I can now cast into the Netherworld, Source River, Eastern Heaven Flower Field, or Interdimensional Void at will.
"Don't move. I might 'drop' Seo Ran by accident."
Of course, I have no intention of doing so.
Seo Ran is, in the end, my friend.
I truly feel sorry for doing this to him, but...there is no other way to see Seo Hweol's most genuine face.
To be honest, anyone who knows me well would understand that I would never throw Seo Ran into the Netherworld.
'I absolutely cannot do it.'
Because he is my friend.
Because even if, to the current Seo Ran, I am just a senior held in high regard...to me, he is someone I feel a deep connection with.
In short, what I'm doing now is nothing more than an obvious bluff.
A cheap bluff that even third-rate villains wouldn't stoop to.
However...
Seo Hweol wipes the smile off his face completely in response to this petty, almost laughable bluff.
"...What are you trying to do?"
"I already know. Seo Ran's true identity...I believe I told you not to move!! If you activate even the slightest bit of Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens, I'll let go immediately!!!"
I can feel 'gazes' from all corners of the universe.
They are the gazes of the Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens entities unleashed by Seo Hweol.
Distant stars.
Nearby stars.
All living beings dwelling in those places stop what they are doing with solemn expressions and turn their attention towards me.
"...S-Senior? What are you...saying?"
Seo Ran looks at me with slight confusion and asks.
However, I remain silent. Seo Hweol, too, doesn't say a word.
Then, a moment later.
Finally, Seo Hweol casts aside all his masks and speaks to me with a solemn expression.
"What do you want, Seo Eun-hyeon?"
"Everything of yours."
For the first time across 999 lifetimes, I have grasped Seo Hweol by the throat.
For the first time in nearly a thousand lifetimes, I have gained the upper hand in my confrontation with Seo Hweol and demand what I want.
"All your secrets—confess them. Seo Hweol."
Now that your main body has been exposed, I hold absolute superiority over you.
"I won't negotiate. I won't make any deals. If you utter even a single sly word, Seo Ran will be 'disposed of' immediately."
Wo-woong!
I distort the space around us, forming a small dimension on the spot.
Just as Blood Yin had done to me, it serves both as a reception chamber to hear Seo Hweol's words and as a barrier to prevent him from escaping.
As if it's a part of the Colorless Sword Enclosure, it is a world bristling with swords protruding everywhere,
And then, in the next moment—
Thud!
Seo Hweol, his face devoid of expression, kneels before me for the first time.
This yearned-for reunion with Seo Hweol no longer makes him seem as towering as before.