Chapter 517: Festival Of The Eve (前夜祭) (3)
Captured by the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld and nearly taxidermized for all eternity.
Captured by the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, leading to the total annihilation of the Wuji Religious Order.
Entangled with Blood Yin, and endlessly repeating death.
In the end, witnessing Seo Hweol reduced to an earthworm and the Supreme Deities and Heavenly Venerables laying dead.
As I witnessed these events, I reflected.
This world is a place where one can never let down their guard.
'Regression is not absolute.'
Though it is undeniably a powerful ability, one could experience endless death, as with Blood Yin or Yeong Seung.One could be caught while regressing, as in the case of the Underworld.
And against absolute beings, it is not usable as a direct offensive ability.
Fortunately, in the cases of Blood Yin, the Underworld, and Yeong Seung, I was able to rise again.
However, among those True Immortals above, the one who strikes me with the most fear and suffocating dread is...
Without a doubt, the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
'No one knows better than I, who observed closely...just how persistently They exploited the fates of Hon Won and Yeon Wei.'
They are meticulous, overwhelmingly powerful, and domineering.
Moreover, They are a being who consumed countless lives to build a mountain—a Corpse Mountain!
Thinking about that mountain, it can't be more certain that They are truly an abominable Devil God to the point it makes one's teeth clench.
In the world of Penglai Island, They did show me a slightly kind side.
However...
That was it.
'I am now at the Sacred Vessel stage.'
My true strength is at the Entering Nirvana level, and by interrogating the Entering Nirvana True Person Yeo Hwi, whom I captured alive, I was able to learn the truth about the Entering Nirvana advancement and True Immortal advancement.
True Immortality is right before me.
'They said to settle things above.'
I know Their nature very well.
Great Mountain is never fair or just.
Only in matters related to Their master do They occasionally act with a semblance of fairness.
In essence, They are a colossal evil (巨惡).
'Given Their words about meeting above, it wouldn't be strange if They immediately attacked me with full force the moment I succeeded in the True Immortal advancement.'
Of course, there could be additional conditions implied in 'meeting above', but based on my interpretation of Their character, I cannot afford to dismiss such a possibility.
Thus...
I can not afford to relax and idly pass the time playing as a Sacred Master.
'I must prepare. At the very least...I must be able to put up some resistance in front of Great Mountain after becoming a True Immortal.'
Never again!
Never again will I experience a horrific event like the Wuji Religious Order catastrophe!
Thus...
What I must do now is refine and temper myself with everything I have!
In order to do so, I explained my plan to my comrades.
My comrades each added their own ideas to help me.
Whenever Yeo Hwi occasionally muttered that it was impossible, I would hang her upside down and continue listening to the opinions of my comrades.
Together with Kim Yeon, we devised a plan for an artificial Middle Realm.
The plan involved gathering the entirety of the Decaying Corpse Realms of the Heavenly Domain, refining them, and merging them with Cedarwood Painting, thereby forging an artificial Middle Realm.
To be honest, I was personally skeptical about whether something like an artificial Middle Realm was even possible...
But if it's Kim Yeon, who inherited the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent and evolved it into something entirely new, it seemed feasible.
Of course, even so, it is impossible for it to compare to a true Middle Realm. However, in times of emergency, it could draw in the living beings of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain for protection, and it also seemed to be a significant help in safeguarding Cedarwood Painting until I complete my plan.
Kim Young-hoon also discussed martial arts with me and greatly helped in exploring the Mandala of Cedarwood Painting.
Hong Fan also supplemented various parts of my plan, offering numerous pieces of advice to ensure its success.
I came to realize that it is possible to 'extract and use' the authority of Oh Hye-seo, who eternally wanders within my heart essence, by exercising my authority as a Sacred Vessel. With this, borrowing the strength of all my comrades, I proceeded with the plan to save my comrades and all the living beings of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
Kugugugugu!
Amidst the Karmic Fire, the Cedarwood Painting that burns as it shields itself with the Clear Scale Armor.
When that Cedarwood Painting fully connected to the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person, the eyes of the True Persons and Sacred Masters widened.
Given their own lifetimes of experience and accumulated insight, they immediately recognized what Seo Eun-hyun is planning.
[He's...creating a Middle Realm!?]
[Insanity...! Even the Heavenly Craftsmen only attempted such a feat after reaching True Immortality...!]
[Stop him at all costs! That madman's Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra is growing even stronger!]
It's exactly as the last True Person said.
As much as Seo Eun-hyun's Cedarwood Painting continues to expand, and the absoluteness of its dimension grows stronger,
The power and authority of Seo Eun-hyun, who is embedded in Cedarwood Painting, intensifies, and the attraction force of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra grows slightly stronger.
Although the speed at which the End approaches is only marginally faster, it nonetheless increases.
Everyone trembles in shock and horror at Seo Eun-hyun's insane actions.
[That insane madman...! Fine, if it's war you want, then so be it...!]
[But what can we do? Don't you know about the Karmic Fire? We absolutely cannot make direct contact with him. Touching the Karmic Fire means pain worse than death! Even if we endure it and attack, what about the Clear Scale Armor?]
[All physical attacks will be blocked by the Clear Scale Armor.]
[Ja Eum! Contact your main body. Tell it to reclaim the Karmic Fire!]
The True Persons jump around wildly as they search for a means to penetrate Seo Eun-hyun's defenses.
Ja Eum lets out a bitter smile and shakes his head.
[If it's Blood Yin, he would have realized by now. But...for some reason, Blood Yin shows no reaction even after seeing the Karmic Fire. Do not count on his help.]
[Hae Lin! It's the tears of your ancestor. As a direct descendant, you should be able to control the Clear Scale Armor. Hurry and open it now!]
[I apologize, but I lack the authority to control that Clear Scale Armor. For some reason, even with my abilities as a direct descendant, it does not elicit a response. There is only one explanation for this. Someone higher than my ancestor, the Deputy Judge, has granted Seo Eun-hyun the [authority] to handle the Clear Scale Armor...]
At Hae Lin's words, the True Persons rampage.
[Blood Yin! It must be that bastard! He is the root cause of all this!]
[Claiming to be the former Chief Judge, he must have granted that bastard the authority to use the Clear Scale Armor and the Karmic Fire! Without a doubt, he's colluding with the tyrannical Devil God (魔神)!!!! I realised it ever since he occasionally borrowed the power of the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea!!!]
The True Persons seethe with rage as they glare at Seo Eun-hyun.
[Then, it cannot be helped.]
[As direct contact is impossible, we must break through with authority!]
The True Persons begin to exert their powers.
[Hear us, stars of the nations!]
Jinlu Gok steps to the forefront and shouts with a hardened and solemn face.
[We declare: The star veins of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain shall obey only our command. The authority of the wicked shall never encroach upon the domain of the True Persons.]
Woo-woong!
The formation formed by the star veins controlled by Seo Hweol begin to transform.
But in the next moment, Seo Eun-hyun's illusion smiles and raises a finger.
Wiiiiiing!
Behind Seo Eun-hyun's head, the [Wheel] rises.
[——————!]
[———!!!]
[!!!!!!!!!!]
The True Persons go berserk with madness, sealing their own vision to avoid directly gazing at the [Wheel].
[I rewrite: O formation of stars, become the threads that pull in the outer realms.]
Kiiiiing!
Simultaneously, Seo Hweol's Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens and Seo Eun-hyun's [Wheel] begin to move.
The formation of star veins, which the True Persons and Jinlu Gok had seized control of, instantly transforms into a formation obedient to Seo Eun-hyun's command.
The [Wheel], the attraction force of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra and Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens exert their power, pulling an immense mass from beyond the universe.
Kugwagwagwa!
In the shape of an [Eye], a Decaying Corpse Realm enveloped in a dimensional barrier leaps through space at an immense speed and merges with Cedarwood Painting like Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll.
Once again, Kim Yeon's artificial star enters the [Eye] Decaying Corpse Realm, fully fusing Cedarwood Painting and the outer Decaying Corpse Realm.
[O formations of stars, become the threads that pull in the growing realms.]
Once again, from the far reaches of the universe, beyond the Interdimensional Void, yet another body part of a True Immortal begins flying towards this location.
Baek Woon solemnly stretches out her hand.
Kwaaaaang!
Immediately after, the incoming Decaying Corpse Realm explodes, instantly annihilating all living beings within it.
Kugugugugu!
The universe quakes violently.
Excluding Yo Oh, Baek and the other Sacred Masters of the Middle Realms.
The four of them, exuding an aura akin to that of True Immortals, glare at Seo Eun-hyun.
Baek Woon opens her mouth.
[Such rampage will not be tolerated any longer. Summon the Decaying Corpse Realms a hundred, a thousand times if you will. I will destroy them all before they even arrive!]
[...It must have been a realm where billions of living beings resided, yet you destroyed it without hesitation.]
[If it's to prevent the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain from entering your stomach, I would do worse.]
[Have I not already said it? This will bring no harm to you all. Moreover, my intent is not to devour the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain. Nor is it to offer it to the current owner of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, as you suspect! Do you want me to swear upon the Black Ancient Paper before the [Owner of Names]?]
[That won't be necessary. The fact that you're involved with True Immortals is already indisputable. For someone of your caliber, I'm sure you've prepared a sufficient escape route already. Yang Su-jin was the same! Do you intend to continue!?]
Seo Eun-hyun locks eyes with Baek Woon.
The being standing here now is not the one who used to exchange opinions with Seo Eun-hyun in passing or jokingly pursued him to push the Sacred Master position onto him.
No, this is a being resolved to obliterate the existence known as Seo Eun-hyun with all their strength and to prevent every single one of his actions.
A being who crushes the small without hesitation for the sake of the great.
That, is the Sacred Master Baek Woon who stands here now.
Seo Eun-hyun meets the eyes of Yu Oh, who appears to be withholding her actions.
[Sacred Master Yu Oh. Are you planning to step aside?]
[...I will remain neutral.]
Yu Oh calmly takes a step back from where she stands.
[As I cannot take any other actions without the commands of the Reapers, I hope everyone understands my stance.]
The True Persons and Sacred Masters nod, and Seo Eun-hyun nods as well.
In any case, one Sacred Master stepping aside is already a great help.
Seo Eun-hyun then turns to another.
He looks at Hae Lin, who shows a slightly ambiguous heart essence, and asks.
[Sacred Master Hae Lin seems to be hesitant. What will the Sacred Master do?]
However, Hae Lin, after appearing to deliberate over his question, hardens his expression and speaks.
[...I am...the Sacred Master of the Ancient Force Realm. I have resolved...to protect the living beings of the Ancient Force Realm!]
Hae Lin steps forward and shouts at Seo Eun-hyun.
[Stop the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, Seo Eun-hyun! Even if it's you...you cannot stop us all...!]
A tone that carries a hint of pleading.
But Seo Eun-hyun only gives him a look that says he understands his will.
He does not back down.
[Is that all?]
Yet all the remaining True Persons and Sacred Masters.
They only stare coldly, with no one stepping back further.
Only Baek Woon speaks coldly again, merely informing Seo Eun-hyun of reality.
[Summon the Decaying Corpse Realms as many times as you wish. Call forth the stellar systems as well. I will crush them all, no matter how many times they come.]
At that, Seo Eun-hyun smiles.
[...Then, as you wish...!]
Immediately after.
Next to Seo Eun-hyun's projection, another massive projection appears.
It is a woman clad in a navy-blue robe, her hair dyed azure blue.
[By my authority as the Holy Mother who guides the dead, the deceased shall come to my embrace.]
Kang Min-hee, who has reached the Sacred Vessel stage, raises one hand and extends it towards the remains of the Decaying Corpse Realm that Baek Woon had just destroyed.
[The recently slumbering dead shall return to the embrace of I, the incarnation of Nether Crossing.]
Kiiiiing!
At Kang Min-hee's proclamation, the souls of the living beings from the Decaying Corpse Realm that Baek Woon destroyed are sucked into her like beams of light.
That's not all.
Woo-wooong—
In this world, everything possesses a soul.
This applies even to pebbles, simple winds, dust, and flames. When such souls lose their place, they head toward the Source River after death.
And the same is true for a 'world'.
The soul of the Decaying Corpse Realm being pulled into the Source River can be seen.
Yet, at Kang Min-hee's call, the soul of the Decaying Corpse Realm stops abruptly and is instead sucked into her.
It seems her authority over the 'dead' slightly surpasses the laws of the Source River.
Whether this is because the owner of the Source River is absent or because her authority is intertwined with the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, often referred to as the true God of Death, remains unclear.
Wo-woong!
Kang Min-hee places the souls of the destroyed Decaying Corpse Realm and its living beings into Cedarwood Painting.
Seo Eun-hyun immediately places those souls into his heart essence and replicates them within the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
'A portion of Oh Hye-seo's authority, which summons the power of beings from the past.'
Combined with the 'Sacred Master's authority to extract what exists in the heart essence into reality and make it permanent,' he manifests the 'bodies that the souls once possessed in the past' inside his heart essence and extracts them into reality through the Sacred Master's authority.
Thus, through the combination of Kang Min-hee, Seo Eun-hyun, and Oh Hye-seo, all the deceased living beings are brought back to life with their physical bodies restored.
Tststststststs!
That is not all.
Oh Hyun-seok begins to exert his strength.
[Haaaaaaaaaa!!!]
Although he is still the lowest in cultivation realm among Seo Eun-hyun's group, being only at the Grand Perfection Integration Stage, he was able to find his authority when he exited Penglai Island.
The dense power of Primordial Chaos saturates his entire body.
Within the purple mist, Oh Hyun-seok grasps the soul of the Decaying Corpse Realm that Seo Eun-hyun absorbed.
Wo-woong—
Everything intertwines.
In the midst of chaos, reality and illusion seem to blur and shift faintly, and the remains of the Decaying Corpse Realm, which should have been outside, are drawn by the soul of the Decaying Corpse Realm and suddenly appear inside Cedarwood Painting.
Paaatt!
As Kim Yeon's consciousness domain moves, the artificial stars combine the shattered remains and the soul of the Decaying Corpse Realm, reconstructing the Decaying Corpse Realm inside Cedarwood Painting.
This is the power of the Liberation Law Talent.
The Decaying Corpse Realm, reassembled within Cedarwood Painting, soon melts into it, expanding the size of Cedarwood Painting once more.
After completing this sequence of events, Seo Eun-hyun's attraction force has grown even stronger.
Seo Eun-hyun meets Baek Woon's gaze and speaks.
[How many times did you say you would destroy it? Go ahead. No matter how many times you destroy, it's useless. To us...]
Seo Eun-hyun looks back at his comrades and smiles.
[We have the Wuji Divine Demon. Lightning Harbinger. Ghost Guiding Holy Mother. The hope of the great Azure Heaven Creation Sect. Including the Owner of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, countless heroes stand here. Give up.]
Baek Woon stares at Seo Eun-hyun with an expressionless face, before exchanging transmissions with the True Persons and Sacred Masters.
After murmuring amongst themselves in cosmic voices, they soon reach a decision and fix their gazes on Seo Eun-hyun.
[Very well. Then, we shall engage you in the proper manner of a Middle Realm invasion strategy...]
Chichichichichi—
A strange sound resounds, and Baek Woon, along with the True Persons and Sacred Masters, simultaneously begin to unleash their domains.
[Even if it takes hundreds, no, thousands of years, we will stop you, Seo Eun-hyun.]
The domains of the True Persons become imbued with the power of Immortal Arts.
Simultaneously, some kind of mark seems to be engraved within the domains of all the Sacred Masters and True Persons.
Beyond that mark, a certain 'scene' begins to materialize.
Baek Woon's eyes seem to burn fiercely.
The colossal forms of the True Persons collectively begin to heat up.
[I, as the sovereign of a world, designate calamity upon the entirety of Cedarwood Painting...]
The True Persons and Sacred Masters combine their powers, constructing something within their domains.
It is a star.
Seo Eun-hyun understands what they are doing.
It is something he experienced once before in the Nether Ghost Realm.
The True Persons are combining their powers to interfere with the Plane of Fate.
[I prophesize this: The defense enveloping Cedarwood Painting will inevitably reveal a flaw in 400 years, and through that flaw, Cedarwood Painting shall collapse.]
Before Seo Eun-hyun's eyes, something is reflected.
The barrier of Clear Scale Armor and Karmic Fire, and the dimensional veil of Cedarwood Painting, created through the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens, and the absoluteness of the Decaying Corpse Realm itself.
It is a scene showing a small crack forming 400 years from now in that barrier, though the circumstances are unknown.
Tstststst!
Beyond the world formed by the combined domains of the True Persons and Sacred Masters.
There, a new star appears!
The star begins to cross into 'reality' under Baek Woon's will.
Jiiiiiing—
The star crosses into the Plane of Fate in reality and connects with the star veins of the entire universe.
At the same time, Seo Eun-hyun feels it.
That a prophecy of fate, like the time with Blood Yin, has been inscribed upon his Cedarwood Painting.
A prophecy and the designation of calamity.
And through fate and history, a true battle of the Immortal Family, one that may span thousands, even tens of thousands of years, begins.