Chapter 664: Path Toward Secret History
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Chapter 664: Path Toward Secret History
The center of the newly reconstructed Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
Inside the Palace of Radiance.
There, the Radiance Eight Immortals who have just recreated the Heavenly Domain gather to replenish their strength.
It is at that moment.
The Torch Candle Heavenly Lord is the first to notice the anomaly in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
: : ...! Wait, the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade has activated! : :
At the shout of the Torch Candle Heavenly Lord, the eyes of the Radiance Eight Immortals simultaneously flare and they tremble.: : What! : :
The Great Forest Heavenly Lord clenches their fist in shock, while the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord's eyes blaze with light.
: : The inheritance ritual has activated!? Torch Candle! Observe who is initiating it! : :
: : It is...Seo Eun-hyun! The Ender said to be protected by the Underworld! : :
At the Torch Candle Heavenly Lord's words, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord flinches.
The Great Forest Heavenly Lord reveals their fury and shouts.
: : Rain Dew! Do not block it this time. Even if the Underworld protects him, the inheritance of the Salt Sea Supreme Deity through the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade must be stopped! : :
: : That goes without saying. This time, even if the Underworld descends directly, I have no intention of stopping. : :
The Radiance Eight Immortals begin to rise from their seats with tension.
They all know.
The Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade is not simply an Immortal Art that finds the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables.
Finding the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables is only the surface authority of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
Its true ability is something known only to the Radiance Eight Immortals, who possess the sole authority to interfere with the Head Realm in the Three Heavens Great Thousand World.
An almost exclusive truth, unknown to the Underworld but known to the Radiance Eight Immortals.
The true function of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade is as follows:
After activating the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, if one finds the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables and then activates the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade again when entering the Head Realm, it then becomes an 'Immortal Beast King advancement ritual' and... 𝙧ΆΝȪᛒЁš
...grants the authority to command all ancient force in this world.
That is the very truth behind how the Salt Sea Supreme Deity was able to fix the form of all ancient force into the form of 'salt,' and the reason why the previous Immortal Beast King before Hyeon Rang was the Salt Sea Supreme Deity.
: : That one is already aligned with the Underworld. : :
: : Hae Nyeong lacked the qualification, and even though Hyeon Rang became Immortal Beast King, it was fine since he was on our side and could be restrained... : :
: : But in addition to possessing the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, he is an Ender who is a native of the Head Realm like Hyeon Rang. If this return of Vast Cold rises to the realm of Immortal Beast King...! : :
: : ...Together with the [Oldest One] who is the Underworld, the control authority of the Emptiness Supreme Deity held by Radiance Hall may be stolen. : :
: : If that happens, the nightmare of that time will be reenacted. : :
: : Seo Eun-hyun and the Underworld will join forces and create the [Wheel] just like in the time of Salt Sea! : :
: : A new terrifying principle controllable by the Underworld will be born. If that happens, the purpose of Radiance Hall will once again be cast beyond the eternity of time! : :
The Radiance Eight Immortals simultaneously erupt in seething light around them and cry out in rage.
: : We absolutely cannot allow that to happen. Therefore, all Radiance Eight Immortals, rise! The fact that the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade has activated in Seo Eun-hyun's hand is the worst possible development for Radiance Hall, and we must stop it at all costs! : :
The Rain Dew Heavenly Lord spreads their hardened will and throws open the gates of Radiance Hall.
: : Block it! O Radiance Eight Immortals! Let us show that the will of the Radiance Supreme Deity is the rightful master of Mount Sumeru! : :
Responding to the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord's will, the Radiance Eight Immortals depart the Palace of Radiance.
Above them, the Seat of Radiance.
The symbol of [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] flashes, but beneath it, the silver-white snake.
Only the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's response is faint.
And so, the inverted cone begins to spin from its apex, and the Radiance Eight Immortals begin to exert their power toward the form of a snake spiraling upward in flight.
Thus, toward the spiraling white snake rising from the vertex of the inverted cone, the Radiance Eight Immortals begin to exert their power.
Kugugugugu!
At the edge of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
There, a [White Deer Without Antlers] is running.
Merged with Flower Soul Filling the Heavens, it is Seo Eun-hyun, who accelerates while sending countless True Persons into True Immortal advancement.
With each acceleration, Seo Eun-hyun's body transforms further into the very form of Flower Soul Filling the Heavens that is the [White Deer], and the moment he exits the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, he becomes one with his Flower Soul Filling the Heavens and the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections itself.
At the same time, the size of the White Deer becomes vastly greater than Seo Eun-hyun's main body.
Having transformed into the very history he has accumulated, he reaches the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain at the midpoint of Mount Sumeru, beyond the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
Kugugugugu!
The White Deer soars upward, spiraling around the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain, following the path of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade stabilized by Kang Min-hee.
Already having been endlessly accelerated within the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, the Deer's speed now surpasses light itself and reaches the level of the Akashic Records, allowing it to naturally spiral around even the vastest of the Heavenly Domains, the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
It is then,
Flash, flash, flash!
Countless beams of light flash, and the symbol of [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] rises across the entire Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
: : You, O Ender. The Radiance Supreme Deity forbids the activation of that Immortal Art! : :
At the same time, within the symbol of [Black Snake Biting Its Tail], eight giant gods of light larger than anything else reveal themselves.
This time, the Radiance Eight Immortals appear as if they have fully made up their minds. The size of each of their Immortal Bodies rivals that of a Supreme Deity.
Cheolkeong!
At that moment, across the entire Heavenly King Heavenly Domain, all Immortal Arts not affiliated with Radiance Hall are sealed, and following the will of the Radiance Eight Immortals, thirty-three lights form a constellation that wraps around the entire Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
The spell 'Light-Speed Enforcement' unfolds.
Kigigigik!
For an instant, the speed of the White Deer seems to be restricted.
But then,
: : What is this! : :
Kwagwaaaang!
Above the head of the White Deer.
A single human figure appears there.
That figure, smaller than the Radiance Eight Immortals and barely the size of a speck of dust compared to other True Immortals, is Seo Eun-hyun's Transformation form.
Seo Eun-hyun begins to perform a sword dance.
Watching the dance, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord reads its name and ability through the domain of war and combat that they govern.
: : Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains...? : :
Seo Eun-hyun's martial ultimate technique, which constantly clashes against the opponent's power and uses the enemy's strength to reinforce his own.
The decisive technique that, in theory, allows him to obtain infinite power, now unfolds in front of the Immortal Art of the Radiance Supreme Deity.
: : That's...? : :
: : A trick of those called the Heart Tribe. Not worth responding to... : :
It's when the Great Forest Heavenly Lord and the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord look down on Seo Eun-hyun's dance.
: : I, the representative of the martial force of the Radiance Eight Immortals, command in the authority of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord. From this moment on, the Radiance Eight Immortals shall follow my instructions. : :
At the words of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, the Radiance Eight Immortals discard all personal emotions and line up behind them.
: : First command. Do not underestimate the technique of Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains. : :
Now, in the midst of battle, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord becomes their representative.
The Radiance Eight Immortals follow their orders, completely erasing stray thoughts and emotions, and begin to move under their command.
Tstststs!
The Radiance Eight Immortals link together, taking on the form of a colossal Black Snake.
The vast Black Snake, large enough to fill the universe, is not outmatched even compared to the size of the Heavenly Venerables of the Underworld or the Gandhara of Hyeon Mu, and its gaze is dyed with a silver-white light.
: : From now on, we annihilate the enemy before us with full force. : :
Under the judgment of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, all the power of the Radiance Eight Immortals moves in accordance with their decision.
Flash!
The entire Heavenly King Heavenly Domain becomes engulfed in [light].
In the next moment, the Radiance Eight Immortals, now in the form of the Black Snake, charge toward Seo Eun-hyun who uses Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains to resist their Immortal Art.
And then, it happens.
Kwarururung!
In the gap of a fleeting instant.
Jeon Myeong-hoon appears in the scene.
Kururururung!
Behind Jeon Myeong-hoon, a red taenghwa depicting three heads, three eyes, and eight parables rises.
He is unleashing the full extent of his authority as an Ender.
Originally, Jeon Myeong-hoon should never have been able to intervene between the Black Snake and Seo Eun-hyun, but by displaying the miracle of an Ender to its fullest extent, he has reached this place.
'Seo Eun-hyun.'
Shrouded in lightning, Jeon Myeong-hoon reaches out toward Seo Eun-hyun, following the formula Seo Eun-hyun taught him.
'Come back no matter what. And...one day, let's pour a drink together at the grave of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.'
The Ender authority Jeon Myeong-hoon discovered.
Its truth is not the voice of lightning.
The true nature of that ability is Flux of Birth and Annihilation (生滅變化).
Birth and annihilation (生滅).
In other words, it is the power to cycle the direction of causality of all things that possess cause and effect into the state he desires.
In short, the name [Causality Induction (因果誘導)] is most fitting.
The so-called voice of lightning, the Heavenly Tribulation Body—those were all merely afterimages reflected as the authority of Causality Induction descended into lower planes.
'Seo Eun-hyun. I don't know for sure...but you must've helped me, helped us endlessly through regression, haven't you?'
Jeon Myeong-hoon firmly believes such causality exists.
Because no matter how he thinks about it, with his talent and personality, there's no way he could've reached this realm on his own.
It's more reasonable to believe Seo Eun-hyun guided and pulled them along by turning back time.
In a way, his authority resembles the 'Retribution' of Seo Eun-hyun's Immortal Art Impermanence Sword.
However, while Seo Eun-hyun's Retribution can only return exactly what was received by the law of cause and effect, with a small touch of his personal interpretation, Jeon Myeong-hoon's Causality Induction is different.
'If I've received something, depending on the size of what I received, I can gift whatever reality I want.'
That is Jeon Myeong-hoon's ability.
Until now, he has never once been able to control it properly, but for some reason, this time feels different.
The taenghwa resonating in his chest whispers to him.
That he has 'accumulated enough rank'.
If it's now, he feels he can sufficiently control it.
Kwarururururung!
Around Jeon Myeong-hoon, immense red lightning rages.
At the same time—though he is not aware of it—Indra's Net ripples and begins to rewrite the principle of reality.
The truth that Seo Eun-hyun is about to be captured and killed by the Radiance Eight Immortals vanishes completely, and only the truth Jeon Myeong-hoon desires becomes reality.
Kwarururung!
The reality in which Seo Eun-hyun accelerates within Jeon Myeong-hoon's lightning and soars through the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade is realized.
Jjeoooong!
The being within the taenghwa in the form of Vajra (金剛).
The being of three heads, three eyes, and eight parables blocks the Black Snake's attack with its eight arms, and Seo Eun-hyun, unshattered by the strike, continues rising through the acceleration of Jeon Myeong-hoon's power.
Kwarururung!
Having succeeded in saving Seo Eun-hyun once, the Great Desolate Path rises behind Jeon Myeong-hoon, and in the blink of an eye, it disappears from the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
The will of the Black Snake tries to seize Jeon Myeong-hoon, but in that fleeting instant, time distorts on its own accord, and as space trembles, Jeon Myeong-hoon completely escapes.
: : Yeong Seung! : :
The Radiance Eight Immortals, realizing who assisted the Great Desolate Path in Jeon Myeong-hoon escape, explode with rage.
Kwaduk!
Immediately after the Radiance Eight Immortals become enraged.
Yeong Seung's main body, embedded in the Source River, is swept away by an overwhelming beam of light and suffers an immense blow.
The Radiance Eight Immortals have exacted punishment upon Yeong Seung.
They try once again to capture the fleeing Jeon Myeong-hoon, but he has already fled with Kang Min-hee to the deepest depths of the Underworld, so they are unsuccessful.
Kugugugugu!
In the end, the [Spiraling White Snake] shakes off the restraints of the [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] and continues to soar upward, coiling around the upper part of Mount Sumeru.
Paaaatt!
The White Deer escapes from the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain and reaches the Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.
Kurururung!
The Earth Axis Heavenly Domain.
Now the Axle Heavenly Domain, the power of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra unleashed by Seo Eun-hyun resonates and accelerates him.
Shwishwishwik—
And behind Seo Eun-hyun, a giant snake of light chases after him.
However, perhaps because he accelerated through the True Persons in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, through an Ender in the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain, and through the power of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra in the Earthly Axis Heavenly Domain—
The eyes of the Radiance Eight Immortals flash.
: : We can no longer catch him with speed. Disperse. Unleash your respective authorities! : :
Paaatt!
The Radiance Eight Immortals, who had merged into a single Black Snake, quickly disperse again and respectively join palms.
The representative of the Radiance Eight Immortals.
The Great Forest Heavenly Lord fires an arrow of light at Seo Eun-hyun as he departs the Axle Heavenly Domain.
And above the head of the White Deer—
Appearing at the size of his Transformation form, Seo Eun-hyun holds an arrow in his hand.
As the bowstring of the Immortal Art Sunlight Hunting is drawn, the 'strength' gathered through Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains collides with the Great Forest Heavenly Lord's arrow, repelling its power.
The healer of the Radiance Eight Immortals.
The Flower Plant Heavenly Lord uses an Immortal Art on Seo Eun-hyun as he enters the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain.
The entire Twin Holding Heavenly Domain is instantly engulfed in a massive flower bud of light.
In the next moment, a white circle symbolizing Flawlessness rises behind Seo Eun-hyun's back and resonates with the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity.
Kugugung!
The flower bud covering the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain bursts apart under the power of the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity.
The regulator of Heavenly Domains.
The Great Sun Heavenly Lord adjusts the fates between Heavenly Domains with the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain at the center, pulling Seo Eun-hyun back.
Seo Eun-hyun, exiting the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain, uses the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra to deflect the attraction force between the Heavenly Domains.
The administrator of the Heavenly Void Furnace,
The Torch Candle Heavenly Lord draws power from the Head Realm and attempts a revision across the entire Heavenly Domain.
: : This one life, I offer to the Radiance Supreme Deity! : :
☯
The distortion that begins from the Head Realm spreads across the entire Heavenly Domain.
It is a distortion of Mount Sumeru that no one can perceive, but when Seo Eun-hyun takes out a Royal Bestowed Flower in the shape of a paper flower around himself, that distortion has no effect on him.
: : W H A T !!?? : :
Kuaaaang!
The Torch Candle Heavenly Lord screams, and at the same time, having forcibly drawn upon the power of the Heavenly Void Furnace, explodes on the spot and is annihilated.
It is a sacrifice that holds no meaning.
The vanguard of the Radiance Eight Immortals,
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord gathers power as though preparing for a major decisive move.
The quartermaster of the Radiance Eight Immortals,
The Pearl Jade Heavenly Lord extracts light from the Seat of Radiance in the rear, amplifies and reflects it within an Immortal Art in the form of a jade pearl, and transmits it to the other Radiance Eight Immortals.
The advisor of the Radiance Eight Immortals,
The Great Sea Heavenly Lord stirs the waves of the Inner Sea of Mount Sumeru.
A massive wave of abyss crashes toward Seo Eun-hyun.
But Seo Eun-hyun, having arrived at the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain, has already met with Kim Yeon, who has seized control of the Bright Cold Realm there.
Kugugugugu!
Kim Yeon, who flung all living beings of the Bright Cold Realm into the Middle Realms existing within the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain, stretches out her hand with all her strength and begins accelerating Seo Eun-hyun.
Tridacna Vast Cold Heavenly King.
Empowered by the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord, Seo Eun-hyun begins to accelerate to the extreme.
The power of the Great Sea Heavenly Lord fails to reach Seo Eun-hyun.
But next, the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord steps forward.
The enforcer of Radiance Hall begins to exert power.
The many Immortal Arts of Radiance Hall that blanket all of Mount Sumeru activate and begin pulling Seo Eun-hyun in.
The countless Immortal Arts forming the Immortal Cultivation system that exist to enforce judgement on all who oppose the will of Radiance Hall, starting from the Immortal Art Spiritual Root, begin suppressing Seo Eun-hyun.
It is at that moment.
Kigigigigig!
From within Seo Eun-hyun's body, an overwhelming force of circulation erupts, pushing away the Immortal Cultivation system that binds him for a moment.
Upon seeing this, the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord cries out in a desperate wail.
: : V A S T C O L D !!! : :
The newly added Immortal Cultivation system by the Tridacna Vast Cold Heavenly King.
The power of the formula of the Vast Cold Heavenly Circle is infinitely amplified by the power of the Bright Cold Realm, pushing back the Immortal Cultivation system for a moment.
Then, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's eyes gleam.
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's gaze begins to reach Seo Eun-hyun, who has finally exited the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain and arrived at the Elephant Nose Heavenly Domain.
The [Spiraling White Snake] now nearly blankets the entirety of Mount Sumeru.
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's gaze touches the faint pink light flashing around Seo Eun-hyun, who has repelled the authority of the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord.
Kugugugugu!
I can feel it.
At this moment, I have accelerated to the point where I can just about follow the toes of Hyeon Mu's Void Speed.
'If I leap with the help of the Naming Supreme Deity...it would only be for just one moment, but I should be able to reach the speed of Undying.'
Of course, compared to Hyeon Mu, who can reach the domain of Undying through Eternal Step whenever she desires, I am doing it in a far more complicated way.
But I can instinctively tell that this experience will be of enormous help in reaching the ultimate of Martial Arts from here on.
However, within this overwhelming acceleration, I can't fully concentrate on such thoughts.
"What are you doing, Kim Yeon!!??"
That's right.
The moment I deflected the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord's attack using the Vast Cold Heavenly Circle—
Kim Yeon, using the power of the Bright Cold Realm, resonated with me and clung onto me.
She grips my waist with immense strength and clings tightly to my Transformation form, getting dragged along.
She seems to be using an Immortal Art.
I shout in confusion at this unplanned event.
"Let go right now! You know where I'm trying to go!"
Having once been trapped in the emptiness by Hyeon Mu, I know just how terrifying an incommunicable emptiness truly is.
And the Outer Sea I'm heading to now is a similarly lonely space like Hyeon Mu's emptiness.
That dreadful solitude...I can't let Kim Yeon experience it.
Oh Hye-seo is so steeped in evil that she can suffer alongside me while practicing repentant enlightenment, so it doesn't matter.
But...not Kim Yeon.
I dare not inflict such pain on her. That's why I planned to explore the Outer Sea only with Oh Hye-seo.
'No. If this continues...'
She's going to get dragged into the dreadful loneliness of the Outer Sea as well.
'Just like what happened to Kim Young-hoon...it might take several tens of billions of years!'
Is she saying she can endure that time with me!?
If time flows quickly and we arrive soon, that'd be a relief, but I always prepare for the worst-case scenario.
"Kim Yeon! I told you! Even if I go out to the Outer Sea, you can still communicate with me using the Immortal Art of Celestial Lord Incense Burning! So let go! I've already explained well enough what kind of place the Outer—"
"I know!"
"...!!!"
Huarurururuk!
Kim Yeon's entire body blazes in light pink flames.
She draws forth the maximum power from the Bright Cold Real, and through Immortal Art, she forcibly breaks free from the constraints of Bong Myeong for a moment.
"I...know too, Seo Eun-hyun!"
Kim Yeon continues to resonate with my Vast Cold Heavenly Circle and shouts as she clings and follows me.
We enter the Elephant Nose Heavenly Domain.
In the distance, a massive giant god of vapor awaits us.
If we pass through Hyeon Rang, with one final acceleration, we will exit Mount Sumeru and reach the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables in the Outer Sea.
Now, it truly is a critical moment.
From far below Mount Sumeru, a massive silver-white sword energy, seemingly unleashed by the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, chases after us as it surges along the path of the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
Now, it truly is the moment to decide.
I try to shake Kim Yeon off, not wanting her to suffer, but the more I push, the more she draws power from Vast Cold's body and tightens her grip around my waist.
I shout.
"What do you even know!? You...how could you know what kind of place the Outer Sea is!? You don't know, Kim Yeon! You don't know what solitude is. How...how deep and painful it truly is...you don't know! Have you lived through an eternity? Have you ever been trapped in emptiness for endless ages? Have you ever suffered alone, unable to tell anyone the truth, for an unimaginably long time? That's what I'm asking you!"
This is my pain.
The solitude of the curse of regression I have endured, and an origin that no one dares claim to understand.
"I'm asking, can you even understand me!?"
Ah...
At that moment, I feel deeply ashamed and pathetic.
I know of Seo Hweol's end because I have seen the history through the senses of the Earth Tribe.
That moment when he, unable to hide his painful essence in front of Oh Hye-seo, screamed and vomited his hatred. It is an appearance I know as well.
I am the same as Seo Hweol.
Seo Hweol...
He truly resembled me.
Just as he, in his final moment before Oh Hye-seo, unleashed only hatred and pain—
I, too, in this critical moment, can only expose my painful essence in front of Kim Yeon.
If Seo Hweol's essence was hatred and pain,
Then mine, after countless regressions through infinite time, has only pain remaining as well.
Even though I have to understand that life is a blessing thanks to Buk Hyang-hwa, the current me is one who absolutely cannot deny this pain either.
I admit that life is a blessing, but I also cannot deny the pain.
Therefore, even if I regard Kim Yeon as my blessing, I cannot help but expose my pain in front of her.
'...How pathetic. I really am...'
I smile bitterly, resolving to detach Kim Yeon even if it means using force.
That's when it happens.
Taat!
Kim Yeon grabs my shoulder and pulls herself up as she shouts.
"I don't know! You bastard! I don't understand! I won't!"
"...!"
Droplets of tears fall from Kim Yeon's eyes.
As the power of the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord settles around us, the world slows down.
It feels as if time has stopped.
"I hated you at first! You acted like some stuck-up old man, trying to teach me every little thing from the way I acted to my habits, and when you worked, you would become like an emotionless machine. When I talked to you while you were focused, you would glare at me like the whole world was bothering you! The worst part is that you even said you were bad at work when you were a newbie too!"
"N-No, when did I ever—"
"You think you know everything, don't you? You arrogant Seo Eun-hyun! I know you worked hard and have lots of experience, and that you're skilled! I know you always pushed yourself like life or death just to make a project work, even without a mind for it! And now, in this world, I know you act like you've mastered everything, like you know all the answers, dragging us forward like you're pulling us up by the collar! I know it all!"
...!
"During the times we don't remember, you probably worked so hard to the point you bled! I don't know enough to say I understand your efforts, but I know that you did work hard! But...there are things you don't know too!"
Kim Yeon's power steadily grows stronger.
'I-Is this...the power of the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord...?'
But I sense something strange.
'No...this is...!'
"Do you know what? You're really arrogant! Arrogant! You don't always know everything! Sure, you're right most of the time, but sometimes there are things you also don't know!"
In the time frozen by the light pink energy.
Only three are moving.
Me and the White Deer, accelerating through the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade toward the Naming Supreme Deity.
Kim Yeon, who is holding me.
And the silver-white sword light that has almost caught up to us from afar.
But in the next moment, I open my eyes wide.
A scent begins to spread from Kim Yeon's body.
It is the fragrance of quince, so pleasant it feels like I could get intoxicated for a moment.
"You say the Outer Sea is a lonely place? That I'll suffer because of it? That I might not be able to endure the chaos and could get hurt? Then...you comfort me. If I'm in pain, you be the one to comfort me! You did back then too!"
"..."
"Why do you think I like you, who is arrogant, oblivious, old-fashioned, boring, and obsessed only with food!? Because you're handsome? Don't make me laugh! You're average. But...even with all those flaws, the reason I like you is...because you always looked out for those below you! Even when you seem arrogant...when it matters, you're the one who takes care of others. Even when you seem like all you know is work, you are the only one who lends a shoulder when it's needed..."
Pasasasasa—
Around her, burning with light pink energy, flower petals appear.
They are quince petals.
Countless petals scatter behind her.
And on the back of those petals, countless scenes are depicted.
It seems that Kim Yeon's memories are blooming, having become Immortal Art in a way similar to my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
Within those memories, I can catch glimpses of her memories of me.
It was when Kim Yeon and I went on a business trip to Uijeongbu.
During the time when we went to an orchard to procure natural fragrance materials for soap, I heard her grandmother, who had been like her real parent, had passed away.
At the time, Kim Yeon was in a panic, unable to collect herself.
In her shock, she couldn't tell what was a priority, and insisted on helping proceed with the contract at the orchard.
Seeing that, I quickly asked the orchard for their understanding, persuaded her, and drove her all the way to her grandmother's funeral hall in Daejeon.
The memories of that time are now scattering in the shape of petals within Kim Yeon's memories.
I immediately understand.
That moment was when her feelings toward me within her heart were rooted with the seed of love.
"At first, I thought it was just admiration for a good superior. But as time went on, I kept missing that shoulder you lent me, kept recalling the time you pushed me forward, and kept focusing only on your voice... I even talked to Min-hee Unnie about it and realized. I...like you. I really like you. I don't even know what to call it. Sometimes it feels like love, sometimes like pity, sometimes like motherly care. I can't explain it.
"You always thought I was hopeless, right? I think that too. I'm just stupid Kim Yeon who doesn't even understand her own heart. But one thing is certain. I like you. I can't endure without you."
The silver-white sword has followed us right to our backs.
Within it, I sense a familiar will.
"I can't dare to understand the pain you spoke of. You've always been right, so that pain must be really big. But...I've always leaned on you to get through. So...I can't let you go alone this time either. Let me carry your pain with you. Let me share your pain. For me, definitely..."
Shwiriririk—
The silver-white sword finally catches up to the Deer's hooves.
"I can overcome the pain if I lean on you. So...you lean on me too."
I don't understand what she's saying.
Honestly, it's disorganized, and the situation is complicated, so her reasoning feels a little awkward.
Maybe I just can't understand because the situation is too complicated right now.
But...
Even in this chaotic moment, one thing is certain.
'Ah...I see.'
I am arrogant.
Because in this world, there are still things I do not know.
Though I am someone who has mastered every kind of pain...
This feeling is new to me.
My first time with Buk Hyang-hwa felt too surreal, but this time, it feels far too real.
Without any need for logic, explanation, or understanding,
As I feel the softness on my lips, I realize it is utterly impossible to push her away.
The light pink petals bursting from Kim Yeon's body form wings, and as those wings flap, they emit a terrifying [power].
It is not the power of the Bright Cold Realm.
It is the power of love surging from Kim Yeon herself, amplifying infinitely and sweeping away everything but us.
The silver-white sword that had nearly caught up to us shatters against Kim Yeon's wings, scattering into pieces, and Yang Ji-hwang's scream echoes in my ears.
At last, I reach the place of the Naming Supreme Deity.
I arrive at the upper edge of Mount Sumeru and, together with the power of the Naming Supreme Deity Hyeon Rang, succeed in leaping toward the distant Salt Sea.
The Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade is completed, and I experience the true speed of Undying as I move away from Mount Sumeru.
In the distance, something resonates with the coordinates engraved in the Immortal Art Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade.
As I feel the disgrace of the Heavenly Venerables approaching right before my nose, I dive into the sea of chaos, tightly holding Kim Yeon in my arms.
The entirety of Mount Sumeru is surrounded by the trajectory of the [Spiraling White Snake] created by Seo Eun-hyun.
The Radiance Eight Immortals are brimming with rage, each about to unleash their own fit. Only the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord and the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord remain calmly in place.
The Rain Dew Heavenly Lord forcibly suppresses the emotions of the Radiance Eight Immortals by applying the rules and Immortal Arts that bind them, while the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord stares blankly up at the edge of Mount Sumeru, where Seo Eun-hyun leapt with Kim Yeon.
: : ...At last, I've caught it. : :
And...
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord smiles beneath the mask.
Kim Yeon's wings shattered the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's authority.
But in the final moment, a single fragment of the silver-white sword mixed and slipped into the Immortal Treasure 'Earthly Yellow Banner' that Seo Eun-hyun obtained.
That final strike was not only a single strike delivered at the cost of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's life, but also one that drew upon the fate of 'Mountain God Subjugation' that had been bestowed upon them.
Confirming that the will contained in that last strike has been delivered to Seo Eun-hyun, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord Yang Ji-hwang calmly acts out her rage.
Originally, she should have reported this fact to the other companions of the Radiance Eight Immortals, but instead, she tells no one and keeps it as her own secret.
'...Seo Eun-hyun...'
She hears the Great Sea Heavenly Lord speak of needing to quickly find a successor to the deceased Torch Candle, but lets the words go in one ear and out the other, thinking of Seo Eun-hyun.
'No matter who you love, it doesn't matter. All I need...is an answer.'
What is this 'feeling' raging inside her heart?
And...what exactly are these [memories of events that never happened] that keep appearing in her mind?
Feeling that she may discover the answer from Seo Eun-hyun, through a single thread of the split soul she infused into Seo Eun-hyun's Immortal Treasure...
The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord uses the Immortal Art of 'Celestial Lord Incense Burning' from within Mount Sumeru toward the Outer Sea.
Thus...the story of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord begins to be engraved, without anyone in the Three Heavens Great Thousand World knowing, into Seo Eun-hyun's body.