Seo Ran is trembling.
I look at Seo Ran's heart essence and step forward, momentarily pulling him back.
"Don't meet Seo Hweol's gaze, Seo Ran."
Beyond that empty nothingness, those hollow eyes that draw the opponent into their eerie emptiness.
It's not as if he's using any sort of enchantment or a special technique, yet anyone who meets his gaze starts to feel their mental strength deplete.
'Perhaps this too...is a kind of Immortal Art.'
If wielding the heart is considered an Immortal Art, then those eyes, stripped of emotion yet seeking for a sense of feeling, could perhaps also be categorized as such.
Since I am still not at the level where I can properly utilize Immortal Arts, I can't say for certain.
Blocking the space between Seo Ran and Seo Hweol for a moment, I question him."This is strange. If what you say is true...wouldn't it have been easier to just send one of your subordinates to kill Seo Ran?"
At my question, Seo Hweol responds with an expressionless face.
"I've tried. Over six hundred million times."
"..."
The number is far beyond what I expected.
"But all of them failed."
"What's the reason?"
"It's partly because of you. But the biggest reason is that Seo Ran, as the core of Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens, unconsciously wields it himself."
His words spark something in my mind.
"When I sent subordinates to assassinate Seo Ran, every time, other forces 'coincidentally' invaded the area and caused wars that killed my subordinates. When I took all precautions and sent subordinates again, they failed to kill Seo Ran for truly absurd reasons. They either mistook a Sea Dragon Race in the next room for Seo Ran, or they got distracted and lost their minds coupling with a passing Sea Horse maiden. Or, while dealing with the Mad Lord, they died after randomly touching a puppet trap. Or, inexplicably, they realized the futility of life while standing before the sleeping Seo Ran, discarded their weapon, abandoned the assassination, and decided to become a wandering hermit."
There's also the time when someone like Yuk Rin, who initially had no interest in Yuk Yo, suddenly became obsessed with her 'as Seo Ran desired,' relentlessly tormenting both she and Baek Rin.
Is this not a situation where the world seems to revolve around Seo Ran?
"Seo Ran, however faintly, knows how to use [Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens]. Because of that, it's impossible to 'use' someone to kill Seo Ran. Even accidental deaths caused by layered coincidences are impossible. 'Someone' nearby will always 'coincidentally' end up being the one harmed 'instead of Seo Ran'. That is Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens."
"...Then, in the end, why don't you just kill him with your own hands?"
"..."
At my words, Seo Hweol looks up at me.
Grin—
He gives me that peculiar grotesque smile of his again.
"The [main body], the [core], the [pillar] of Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens... Do you know why I call that thing by those names?"
As his words continue, I feel an inexplicable unease.
"It's because it's important. I have no emotions, no heart. But...I have 'memories.' The memories of how precious the emotions during my childhood were remain in me. All the 'configurations of Seo Hweol' spread across the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain are united by the 'central point' of cherishing those emotions. If the core is lost, then we will all scatter as 'separate entities that happened to share the origin called Seo Hweol.' If that happens, it's over. Each and every 'Seo Hweol' will regain their memories, ego, and emotions, while all the preserved memories and vows of 'Seo Hweol' will be forgotten. Therefore...from the very start, the configurations derived from [Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens] must be bound by the absolute rule that the entity containing the 'most precious thing' cannot be attacked directly."
In other words, for Seo Hweol to erase the existence of Seo Ran, he can only guide the collapse of Seo Ran's personality.
The only one who can kill Seo Ran is Seo Ran himself.
"...For now, let's continue this conversation...elsewhere."
The time for Hidden Heavens Beyond the Path is running out.
Soon, the Sacred Masters will rush to this place.
"Provide me with a place to hide from the Sacred Masters, Seo Hweol."
In truth, I doubt there's such a place in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
After all, the Sacred Masters of the Middle Realms are practically True Immortals.
It's only normal for there not to be a place to escape from five True Immortals.
However...for some reason, I feel like Seo Hweol might know of such a place.
And as expected, Seo Hweol gives me an immediate answer.
"Go to the Peaceful Cloud Realm. If it's there, you'll be able to hide sufficiently."
"...Understood."
Paaat!
After ejecting Seo Hweol outside, I quickly take only Seo Ran with me and board the Path of Stars to return to the Peaceful Cloud Realm.
Woo-wooong!
After shutting down the teleportation array in the Peaceful Cloud Realm, I ask Seo Hweol again.
"So, just hiding here won't be enough... What should I do, Seo Hweol?"
Woo-woong—
Seo Hweol's figure emerges once again in the darkness and speaks to me.
"Why do you think the Sacred Masters are chasing only you and not those Sacred Vessel sisters from earlier, Seo Eun-hyun?"
"Why?"
"It's because you're a freshly advanced, new Sacred Vessel. To appoint a successor for the Middle Realms, the Sacred Vessel must first be in a 'non-Sacred Master' state. That is, they must not already be governing a domain such as a star system or a Middle Realm. Sacred Vessels who have built experience to a certain extent can travel the Astral Realm and quickly harmonise with a fixed star using their own accumulated experience to become Sacred Masters of stellar systems. But you're different. Since you've never been a Sacred Master, they can capture you and immediately make you the Sacred Master of their Middle Realm."
I notice something strange in Seo Hweol's words.
"Becoming a Sacred Master of a star system seems to require special experience. But...becoming a Sacred Master of a Middle Realm is something that can happen 'instantly' if they want it to?"
"That's right. To be precise, Sacred Masters who manage the 'corpses of True Immortals' can make the appointment instantly."
Seo Hweol avoids saying 'Middle Realms' and instead uses the term 'corpses of True Immortals'.
From that, I feel like I can understand what he's implying.
"You...don't tell me you're suggesting I become the Sacred Master of this Peaceful Cloud Realm?"
I ask again, slightly taken aback.
"No, is it even possible to become a Sacred Master of a Decaying Corpse Realm? I thought it was only possible for Middle Realms!"
In the past, I wouldn't have acted so 'ignorant' in front of Seo Hweol.
Revealing my lack of knowledge to him would have been akin to exposing my weaknesses.
But now, it doesn't matter.
I have control of his main body, so what could he possibly do?
Seo Hweol nods at my words.
"Decaying Corpse Realms can indeed serve as a training ground for Sacred Masters. If you become the Sacred Master of the Peaceful Cloud Realm and hold a defensive battle here, even the Sacred Masters of the Middle Realms will only be able to scream in frustration and stomp their feet, unable to do anything."
"...That's strange. But I've never heard of any Sacred Master cultivation methods involving the Decaying Corpse Realms. Surely there's a reason why no one uses it! What are the side effects of cultivating as a Sacred Master through a Decaying Corpse Realm?"
"If, during your cultivation in the Decaying Corpse Realm, you fail to properly supply the realm with energy...the Sacred Master can dissolve into the realm itself and become its nourishment."
"..."
'As expected... This guy is someone I can't let my guard down around.'
If I hadn't asked, he clearly wouldn't have uttered a single word about the 'side effects.'
Even now, when his lifeline is in my hands, this guy is subtly trying to pull his tricks.
'Seo Hweol is Seo Hweol. Just because I've got him by the throat doesn't mean I can let my guard down.'
"Are there any other side effects of the Decaying Corpse Realm cultivation that you haven't told me?"
"That's all I know as of currently."
"...Are there any other side effects with the 'Peaceful Cloud Realm'? As far as I know...the Path of Stars is formed by Entering Nirvana True Persons disguising themselves."
Annoyed by his subtle attempts to gloss over the truth of the Peaceful Cloud Realm, I press him further.
"...The Peaceful Cloud Realm, strictly speaking, is not an Entering Nirvana True Person."
"What?"
"It's just...a fragment of a True Immortal's corpse that developed 'consciousness'. When the power of that consciousness combines with the power of the Peaceful Cloud Realm, it reaches a level equivalent to that of a True Person, becoming the starting point of the Path of Stars."
"Wait. So...you're telling me to become the Sacred Master of the Peaceful Cloud Realm, which 'still has consciousness'? And what do you think that consciousness will do to me?"
"It will show a favorable reaction. That I can guarantee."
"...What?"
At his following words, I can't help but flinch in surprise.
"The Peaceful Cloud Realm was originally one of the cultivation locations I found for Oh Hye-seo for after she advances to the Sacred Vessel stage. From the beginning, the will of the Peaceful Cloud Realm seemed to show joy to Oh Hye-seo, saying it had been waiting for 'someone like her, a Heavenly Rejected', for a long time. It even said that when she or 'anyone like her' becomes a Sacred Vessel, they should come find it anytime. It claimed...it would embrace them."
"...Swear it upon Seo Ran."
"...I swear it upon my 'childhood' in Seo Ran. This story is true. Moreover, I swear upon my main body that the Peaceful Cloud Realm is safe."
I nod and receive some additional information from Seo Hweol.
'For now...rejecting the Sacred Masters' proposals temporarily would be the most appropriate course of action.'
The Sacred Masters of the Middle Realms cannot relinquish their positions until a successor is chosen.
However, in cases of Sacred Masters of Decaying Corpse Realms Sacred Masters or star systems, according to Seo Hweol, they can step down anytime within an appropriate time frame, even without successors.
I have no intention of taking on the role of a Sacred Master until I overcome the End.
'Preparing for the End within the Middle Realms is a task the Sacred Masters should do. It's not something a fledgling Sacred Vessel like me can do.'
Rather, if I try to do so as a novice, I could lead countless living beings to their deaths.
Therefore, taking over the position of Sacred Master of a Middle Realm must be postponed until at least ten thousand years later.
After the beginning of the world starts.
Honestly...even after the new world begins, I'm not sure if I'll take on the Middle Realm Sacred Master position.
'I do feel a bit sorry for Ban Ta, but...'
I clearly saw it.
The [symbol] of the Purple Gold Realm, inscribed with 'Radiance Hall'.
'Whether the Purple Gold Heavenly Lord is a traitor or not, they were still part of the forces of Light.'
It feels as unsettling as when Baek Woon gave me an Esteemed One title.
'Becoming the Sacred Master of the Purple Gold Realm might naturally give the forces of Light a pretence.'
As long as there is no telling when the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord might reappear and molest my shoulders, it won't hurt to remain cautious.
'Therefore...after becoming the Sacred Master of the Peaceful Cloud Realm, I will expand my options before taking on the Middle Realm Sacred Master position!'
While the Sacred Masters desperately searching for successors seem a little pitiful, I can't become their replacement out of mere sympathy!
Wo-woong!
My celestial energy completely frees itself from the influence of Hidden Heavens Beyond the Path.
And I also become aware that the Sacred Masters searching for me have succeeded in locating me through divination.
"Very well. I shall become the Sacred Master of the Peaceful Cloud Realm right now!"
Woo-woong!
I then begin to synchronize my consciousness with the Peaceful Cloud Realm.
Far off in the Astral Realm, I can sense five Sacred Masters crossing spacetime like mad to reach me.
They have realized what I am doing.
I reveal my main body.
Woo-woong—
Having become the [flow] of the universe itself, I unveil my main body that is the 'orbit', surrounding the sky above the Peaceful Cloud Realm's Peaceful Continent.
'Synchronize the flow of the Peaceful Cloud Realm with my own.'
I look at the Sacred Vessel formula handed to me by the two sisters.
The Sacred Vessel cultivation formula is as follows:
Through the activation of the Five Epochs and Three Virtues, awaken the attraction force of the fate of Eight Paths.
Year (歲), Month (月), Day (日), Hour (辰), and Calendar (歷).
And Correctness (正), Strongness (剛), and Mildness (柔).
The Sacred Vessel formula is based on these eight principles, supplemented by the commentary annotations of the Sacred Vessel Immortal Treasure sisters.
The early Sacred Vessel stage is the rotation of the nebula.
Most Sacred Vessel Sacred Masters during this phase focus on the Five Epochs: Year, Month, Day, Hour, and Calendar.
One must acquire these five laws from the world, seize control of them, and establish them with one's own hands.
Once the establishment of these laws is complete, the nebula condenses toward the center of the rotating 'ring,' and light begins to emerge.
The Sacred Master's main body gradually transforms into a fixed star, advancing to the mid-stage.
The mid stage is the Fixed Star.
At this stage, the Sacred Master cultivates the attraction force of Correctness (正), realizing the correctness and straightforwardness (正直) of attraction force.
The late stage is the Red Giant Stage.
At this stage, the Sacred Master cultivates the attraction force of Strongness (剛), realizing the strong rule (剛克) of attraction force.
Grand Perfection is the Dwarf Star.
At this stage, the Sacred Master cultivates the attraction force of Mildness (柔), understanding the mild rule of attraction force.
Throughout this entire process, the Sacred Master oversees the eight necessities of life for the living beings within the world they govern.
Food (食; sustenance),
Wealth (貨; economy),
Sacrifice (祀; ritual worship),
Minister of Works (司空; territory),
Minister of Education (司徒; education and enlightenment),
Minister of Justice (司寇; law and order),
Diplomacy (賓; guests and foreign relations),
Army (師; general).
Using these eight essentials for living beings and through their own life, the Sacred Master gradually elevates the principles to the Plane of Fate, or in the case of the Earth Tribe, completely descends to the Plane of Qi.
Once the Eight Paths (八道) are completed, adding the Royal Perfection (皇極) results in what is called an Entering Nirvana stage True Person.
In other words, the key to the Sacred Vessel stage is cultivating the Eight Paths through the Five Epochs and Three Virtues.
Wo-woong!
I begin to synchronize Crystal Glass to Treading Sea with the Peaceful Cloud Realm.
Crystal Glass to Treading Sea Great Star seems to divide into eight directions, revealing the eight domains of the Eight Paths I will cultivate in the future.
Establishing the laws of the Peaceful Cloud Realm through the Five Epochs and Three Virtues, and then cultivating the Eight Paths.
This is precisely what I must accomplish moving forward.
Woo-woong!
—Master, is there anything I can assist with?
Hong Fan sends me a heart message.
Although he hasn't reached Entering Heavens in this lifetime, he still seems to be at the level of sending heart messages.
After replying that I am fine, I refocus my consciousness.
Kugugugugu!
Before long, I sense the Sacred Masters of the Middle Realms approaching quite closely.
They've already entered within 6,000 light-years.
'In half the time it takes to drink a cup of tea (~7.5 mins), they'll probably pinpoint my location and arrive in an instant. I need to hurry with the synchronization.'
Kwarururung!
Sure enough, giant totem poles the size of planets come hurtling from the distant expanse, relentlessly striking the Peaceful Cloud Realm.
Kugugugugu!
The world flickers and shakes violently.
As I begin synchronizing with the world, I feel as though my internal organs are being churned, and I shake my head to dispel the sensation.
I can feel Ban Ta desperately trying to stop me.
If he arrives here, he will undoubtedly cease any pretense of a 'polite invitation' and attempt to capture me, throwing me into Ban Ta Castle.
Kwarururung! Kwa-rung! Kwarururung!
Ban Ta hurls totem poles madly once again.
The totem poles embed into the Peaceful Cloud Realm repeatedly.
However, it seems he cannot pinpoint the exact location, as they occasionally embed themselves in other planets near the Peaceful Cloud Realm.
I can feel Ban Ta's 'will' from the totem poles he throws.
Through that 'will,' I can sense Ban Ta desperately sending me a message.
—Haha, Daoist Seo, calm down and listen to me for a moment. First, let me explain the dignity of our Purple Gold Realm...
—The Purple Gold Realm possesses a magnificent civilization that has flourished remarkably under my reign for 500,000 years of history. Are you perhaps interested in reproduction? If so, the males and females of the Purple Gold Realm would make excellent choices.
—You Human Race may claim that the Devil Race cuisine you make is the best delicacy in the entirety of the Middle Realms, but the Purple Gold Realm's flame-grilled sea cucumbers does not fall short even a bit. The taste is truly divine!
'What does it taste like to be that good...?'
Ban Ta's voice is genuinely desperate, and it begins to intensify.
—Heyheyheyheyheyheyheyhey, calm down, Daoist Seo. I don't know which star system you're conducting the synchronization ritual right now, but pleaselistentomywordsjustforameoment!
—Please just wait! I'll give you my Sacred Master position, Ban Ta Castle, and even my jade seal, so please just wait!
—Wait! Stop! I said stop! Stoooop!!!
—There isn't a single dharma treasure that the Purple Gold Realm doesn't have. And this isn't an exaggeration. Even the other Sacred Masters acknowledge this. The dharma treasure techniques of our Purple Gold Realm are the best in the Middle Realms! I can even strengthen your dharma treasure!!!
—I'm saying there are a lot of people in the Purple Gold Realm with the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent! I've heard there's one among your comrades. I'll give a method suitable for the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent!
—What do you want? I'm asking how much will it take!? How much!!??
—The Purple Gold Realm even has an Immortal Arts Library! I'll teach you any Immortal Art you wish to learn!!!
—Wait, please, just wait! Let's share a conversation for just the time it takes to drink a cup of tea (~15 mins)!
—Seo Eun-hyun! Seo Eun-hyun!!! Stop for a moment, just for a moment!!!
—Haaaaaaaah!!!
Kwaaaaaaang!
As if drawing forth even his true origin energy while hurling his totem pole spell at me,
The purple light emanating from the totem poles grows darker and more powerful.
As I become synchronized with the Peaceful Cloud Realm, every time a totem pole strikes the Peaceful Cloud Realm, the impact is transmitted as pain to me.
'It hurts...'
In this state, it'll be difficult to continue the synchronisation ritual.
Moreover, if I were to 'respond' to the consciousness imbued in those totem poles, Ban Ta would immediately pinpoint my exact location—thus, I absolutely cannot respond.
However...using my unshakeable heart, I close my eyes.
Even in this state, I remain vigilant against Seo Hweol, protecting Seo Ran, and while enduring the worst synchronization ritual...I melt into the Peaceful Cloud Realm.
'I can do this.'
This level of pain is nothing to me.
Paaaaatt!
Internally reciting the formula of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, I calm and focus my mind.
The furious roars of Ban Ta, which sounds like the cries of a wicked Heart Demon trying to disrupt my concentration, no longer reaches me at some point amidst my continued focus.
'Here I go.'
Woo-woong!
The 'orbit' I unfold splits into eight domains, seeping into the sky of the Peaceful Cloud Realm and begins to absorb the 'light' of the realm.
'The Sacred Vessel stage is ultimately...the position of managing the world's light.'
Without light, no living beings can survive.
Starting with Baek Woon and Hae Lin, to Yu Oh and Ja Eum, who oversee the Nether Ghost Realm and True Devil Realm—all of them.
In truth, they preside over the light of the Middle Realms.
Only now do I understand how the vast Bright Cold Realm managed to maintain nearly uniform cycles of 'day and night' across all its lands.
'Baek Woon has been managing the sunlight, moonlight, and starlight of the Bright Cold Realm, aligning its day and night.'
It's the same for the Ancient Force Realm.
There, they have no sun or moon. Instead, something resembling a 'ring' manages day and night.
The True Devil Realm, the Nether Ghost Realm, and the Purple Gold Realm are all likely the same.
Paaaaatt!
The 'light' of the Peaceful Cloud Realm completely seeps into my body.
And in an instant...!
Kwarurururung!
The Heaven and Earth spiritual energy of the Peaceful Cloud Realm converges into a single place.
At the forefront of Peaceful Cloud, in the center of the sea known as the Peaceful Cloud Great Sea!
At the exact center of this Peaceful Cloud Realm, a space begins to form for me.
Just like the Heavenly Lotus Mountain of the Bright Cold Realm, the Blood Sacrificial Altar of the True Devil Realm, the Black Palace of the Nether Ghost Realm, the Sea King Hall of the Ancient Force Realm, and Ban Ta Castle of the Purple Gold Realm, this world is preparing a palace to accept me.
Chwararararak!
In the case of the Sacred Master Palace, the palace reflects the heart essence and preferences of the respective Sacred Master.
And what emerges from reflecting on my heart essence is...a familiar mountain.
A mountain made of glass!
It resembles the image within my heart essence quite closely.
However, is it perhaps due to the influence of the Peaceful Cloud Realm's energy?
For some reason, instead of just ordinary glass swords embedded in the mountain like in my heart essence, the mountain is covered with glass blade-like 'trees'.
I look at the shape of those trees and immediately recognize what they are.
'Cedarwood.'
I recall Jang Ik's words, saying that once I visit the Peaceful Cloud Realm, I would understand why the Heart Tribe territory is called Cedar Wood Grove.
Indeed, the Peaceful Cloud Realm seems to have some sort of connection with cedarwood.
I briefly ponder over a name.
'Eun-hyun Great Mountain? Eun-hyun Castle? Eun-hyun Palace? Triple-Headed General Seo Divine Palace? No...'
After deliberating for a while on the most dignified name, I finally decide on the name for my Sacred Master Palace.
"Glass Cedarwood Mountain (琉璃杉木山). That shall be your name."
Kugugung!
The moment I name Glass Cedarwood Mountain, I feel that I am now completely connected to the Peaceful Cloud Realm.
Simultaneously, I feel as though I have become one body with this Decaying Corpse Realm, can now borrow the power of the Peaceful Cloud Realm, and subtly adjust the fates within it through my authority.
Woo-woong!
At the same time, the 'will of the Peaceful Cloud Realm' whispers something into my mind.
"...So it wasn't the Peaceful Cloud Realm."
As I sit atop the summit of Glass Cedarwood Mountain, I speak the 'true name' of this world aloud.
"Cedarwood Painting (杉木圖). That is...the name of this place."
Kwoong!
The moment I utter that true name—
A stele made of Salt Crystal crashes down before me.
On the stele, the world's name, Cedarwood Painting (杉木圖), is engraved.
Woo-woong!
I imbue the stele with my consciousness.
At the same time, the five Sacred Masters of the Middle Realms at last encircle this world.
Paaatt!
I send a colossal projection outside the world.
It is a projection created using the power of Cedarwood Painting.
The expressions of the Sacred Masters shift continuously as they gaze upon my projection.
[Greetings, seniors. This surname Seo finds this world to his liking...I have decided to act as the Sacred Master of this Decaying Corpse Realm for the time being. Please allow me to reintroduce myself.]
I bow to them, introducing myself.
[Sacred Master of Cedarwood Painting. I am Seo Eun-hyun.]
Then, Ban Ta's horrific wail echoes across the entire universe.
Thus, amid Ban Ta's anguished cries, I rise proudly as the Sacred Master of Cedarwood Painting.