Kuguguguung!
Heavenly King Heavenly Domain, Heroic Spirit Realm.
From the main hall of the Radiance Spirit Sect in the Heroic Spirit Realm, a massive warship rises into the void.
Its sheer size alone equals the continent of a decent-sized planet, and inside it, spatial spells are even set in place, making the warship no different from a small moon.
It sails upon interstellar winds rather than ordinary breezes, and when needed, it possesses large-scale spatial transmission functions through attraction force. It is the warship of the Radiance Spirit Sect, the Radiance Spirit Ship.
"Another Heavenly Domain..."
"Does that mean there's another universe besides this vast cosmos?"
"Couldn't they just be referring to another galaxy cluster?"
Even the cultivators of the Integration stage, who usually roam across entire stellar systems as if they are their homes, cannot hide their excitement this time and chatter together in groups.
And toward them, the Esteemed Ones participating in the subjugation growl.
"It will take about ten years to reach our destination, the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain. During that time, information about the Heavenly Domain will also be released, so stop chattering and go study!"
At once, the Integration stage cultivators of the Radiance Spirit Sect shrink under the growls of the Esteemed Ones and quickly retreat into the ship.
Those left on the deck are the three Esteemed Ones Baek Geom, Baek Eun, and Baek Jin, along with Baek Geom's disciples Wol Ryeong, Seo Gyeong, and Pal Jin.
"You three...would it not be better for you to go inside as well? The reason I purposely sent the other disciples in is because soon the Heaven Immortal who will bless us is descending. I thought it might be too much for you to endure."
Baek Eun asks carefully toward Wol Ryeong and the others, and Baek Geom frowns.
"They can handle it. Do you dare think my disciples are unable to endure something like that?"
"N-No, Baek Geom...elder...!"
Baek Eun and Baek Jin tremble at Baek Geom's anger, averting their eyes from her disciples.
When those disciples first entered under Baek Geom's tutelage, the fact that a certain high Heaven Immortal, a being the Star Shattering stage Esteemed Ones could never imagine, was possessing their fellow disciple Baek Geom was an open secret among the upper echelons of the Radiance Spirit Sect.
No, if it were merely a case of possession, perhaps they would not be afraid.
They could simply report it to the overseeing Law Protecting Immortal of the nearby galaxy.
But perhaps because Baek Yeong received some warning about Baek Geom's matter, they sternly instructed that they must never report or even pretend to know regarding the existence possessing Baek Geom.
Thus, those who once were fellow disciples of Baek Geom can only keep their mouths shut and act as if they know nothing.
Even the Law Protecting Immortal Wol Woon of Radiance Hall must know of this being, and yet they pretend not to. That can only mean this being is an unimaginably high existence.
'Perhaps not merely a Heaven Immortal, but a true Great Net Immortal...or even an Envoy of the Final Age of Dharma...ugh. Better not think of it.'
The Esteemed Ones try to reason about Baek Geom's true identity, but thinking too much of high existences causes them to feel divine fervour, so they hastily shake off such thoughts.
Before long, a vast moonlight gathers at the bow of the Radiance Spirit Ship and takes the shape of a giant hound.
"Radiance Spirit Sect Esteemed One Baek Eun greets the Ancestor of the Celestial Dog Race."
"Radiance Spirit Sect Esteemed One Baek Jin..."
"Greetings."
Baek Eun, Baek Jin, and Baek Geom bow in turn to Wol Woon. In that process, seeing Baek Geom half-heartedly bow and greet with little care makes Baek Jin and Baek Eun feel an even greater fear.
And the Heaven Immortal, Wol Woon, who sent their projection onto the Radiance Spirit Ship, also tries their utmost to avoid meeting Baek Geom's gaze while blessing their ship.
: : I, the Moonlight Immortal Wol Woon, grant my blessing... The light of all moons shall swiftly push your ship forward. : :
Chwaaaaa—
Multiple Immortal Arts cover the Radiance Spirit Ship.
Beginning with the representative Immortal Art of 'Light-Speed Enforcement', which 'pulls up' the basic speed of the ship to light speed, countless other Immortal Arts add favourable winds to the vessel.
Soon, gentle moonlight envelops the Radiance Spirit Ship, and Wol Woon, finishing the blessing, turns their gaze toward their distant descendant Wol Ryeong and smiles as though proud.
Tstststss—
Wol Woon's projection vanishes, and Wol Ryeong, who meets Wol Woon's eyes, gains dozens of divine powers related to moonlight.
Esteemed One Baek Geom frowns deeply as if displeased but says nothing on the spot.
"...From now on, the Radiance Spirit Ship will pass three planets, sailing through the galaxy cluster, until it reaches the teleportation formation leading to other Heavenly Domains. First, we will directly sail to the first target point, where the first planet lies, using lightspeed sailing. From that first point, we will perform a large-scale spatial transmission to arrive near the second target. Prepare yourselves for the impact of the lightspeed voyage that is about to begin. I need to step away for a moment to offer counsel to 'Lord Heaven Immortal'."
Finishing her words, Baek Geom immediately uses the ground-shrinking technique and rushes in a single strike into the nebula where Wol Woon resides,
Baek Eun and Baek Jin both know that no Star Shattering stage could possibly use a ground-shrinking technique of that level, but they all pretend not to see it, clear their throats awkwardly, and begin to set the Radiance Spirit Ship in motion.
"Th-Then, since Esteemed One Baek Geom will catch up on her own, let us depart first. Baek Jin, summon the interstellar winds from the rear!"
"Understood. All of you, get inside the ship. Experiencing a large-scale lightspeed voyage for the first time could make you fall off completely."
Esteemed Ones Baek Eun and Baek Jin each move to the stern and bow of the Radiance Spirit Ship and begin to activate Immortal Arts. Seeing this, Pal Jin's voice trembles as he hurries inside.
"I-I'll be inside, everyone. My body's strength isn't enough yet to endure something like lightspeed sailing."
"Alright, Pal Jin. Gyeong-i and I will stay here a while longer. I'm curious about how light-speed sailing feels."
Wol Ryeong pats Seo Gyeong's back as she speaks, and Pal Jin, watching, nods before heading inside.
Kugugugugu!
From the stern, Baek Jin drives in the interstellar wind and begins to launch the ship, which gradually accelerates.
Standing upon the accelerating ship, Wol Ryeong looks at Seo Gyeong.
'This is a rare chance.'
It is one of the few times Seo Gyeong and Baek Geom are apart.
"Seo Gyeong, did you know? In the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain we are heading to, there is a Middle Realm called the Bright Cold Realm. Rumors say it is the birthplace of the Evil God's followers. Perhaps we will have to go all the way there to sweep them away."
"R-Really? That sounds frightening."
"Don't be too afraid. There may be times you must carry out missions alone, but I will protect you. You are our master's cherished disciple, after all."
At Wol Ryeong's words, Seo Gyeong scratches his head as though embarrassed, and Wol Ryeong strokes his hair.
She no longer dares to pat his shoulder as before, for Baek Geom has placed a protective spell upon Seo Gyeong's shoulder. If anyone besides herself touches it, a teleportation spell will trigger to summon that person before Baek Geom.
'Hmph...that damned shoulder.'
One of Wol Ryeong's goals is that someday, right in front of her master's eyes, she will madly mess up Seo Gyeong's shoulder.
She herself has no special feelings toward shoulders, but her desire is to defile with her own hands what her master treasures most.
Kugugugu!
Flash!
At last, by the Immortal Art of Light-Speed Enforcement, the Radiance Spirit Ship's speed is pulled up to light speed.
The Immortal Art of Light-Speed Enforcement not only drags down beings faster than light to light speed, but also pulls those below up to it.
And unless one is like the Star Shattering stage Esteemed Ones who can travel light-years by attraction force, the speed of a light is a velocity that only Quasi-Star Shattering stage cultivators can normally reach.
And now, on the deck of the Radiance Spirit Ship that has reached light speed, Wol Ryeong casts a protective spell around herself and Seo Gyeong, smiling warmly.
"I will protect you, Seo Gyeong. Don't worry."
"Thank you, Ryeong-ah."
Several years have passed since her twisted resolve toward Esteemed One Baek Geom arose.
That span of time is more than enough to turn the once-pure maiden 'Wol Ah' into the Wol Ryeong consumed by vexation.
By now, she also realizes why Seo Gyeong receives favoritism.
'Seo Gyeong must be Master's night attendant.'
She knows it too.
She has learned that cultivators of certain realms treat some of their disciples as concubines, and she comes to think of Seo Gyeong's role as such.
'Most likely...he is nothing more than Master's furnace cauldron.'
Perhaps Seo Gyeong's future is to be found drained of his essence by Baek Geom, left a corpse.
'That is why...'
And for that reason, her eyes shine.
'It is all the more worth stealing.'
She no longer feels jealousy toward Seo Gyeong, nor does she feel inferior to him.
'To steal away Master's cherished furnace cauldron...and for that to be me...'
"R-Ryeong-ah? What are you doing all of a sudden?"
Wol Ryeong buries her nose in the youthful Seo Gyeong's hair, savoring the scent of his youth.
"Mm? Nothing really. I'm just checking your cultivation realm through your Baihui point. If there's any stagnation in your realm, as your senior sister I ought to guide you properly."
"Mm, I see. If that's the reason, then..."
Seo Gyeong innocently accepts her excuse, and Wol Ryeong lifts the corners of her mouth as she smells the scent of Baek Geom from Seo Gyeong.
Seo Gyeong still says that Baek Geom bathes him and dresses him.
It could be said that this is because his body is still that of a child, but by now Wol Ah also knows.
'There's no way she's just bathing and dressing him like that. She must have done everything.'
Imagining the figure of Baek Geom doing this and that to Seo Gyeong, Wol Ah inhales the scent of Baek Geom and smiles.
'Someday...if I hang Seo Gyeong in front of her...and mess up Seo Gyeong with my own hands, what would that feel like? Just thinking about it...'
She trembles as she imagines the future ecstasy.
And inside Seo Gyeong, Seo Eun-hyun naturally reads her inner thoughts and makes a sour expression.
'Sword Spear never did anything like that...Why on earth is she thinking such things...?'
Seo Eun-hyun contemplates whether to protect this child's privacy, or whether to reveal these lewd thoughts to Sword Spear.
'From the beginning, there were times when I drew attention away from my clone and pulled out the split soul for a while, leaving the body entirely in Sword Spear's hands...but Sword Spear's heart was always clean.'
Seo Gyeong's body may outwardly look young, but his inner self is that of an old monster who's lived through several kalpas.
Washing and dressing are things he knows how to handle on his own, so whenever his consciousness is in his clone, he always washes, dresses, and eats by himself.
'It seems she's misunderstood Sword Spear keeping my clone clean when my mind leaves the body...tsk.'
Since it is difficult to clear up the misunderstanding, Seo Eun-hyun simply decides to divert her attention elsewhere.
Shwik!
Seo Gyeong's body squirms slightly in Wol Ah's embrace, as if feeling suffocated, and with one hand, he secretly forms a mudra that no one notices.
[Editor: Mudras are symbolic/ritual gestures, such as hand seals.]
And, responding to Seo Gyeong's seal...
Several individuals already beneath the deck of the Radiance Spirit Ship begin to respond.
The Radiance Spirit Ship is not carrying only the disciples of the Esteemed Ones.
There are also those who aim to trade with other Heavenly Domains, those who seek to establish branches of the Radiance Spirit Sect in other Heavenly Domains, and even disciples at the Four-Axis stage, Heavenly Being stage, and Nascent Soul stage who serve as attendants for the disciples of the Esteemed Ones.
And among those lower disciples, one named Ju Ho bites his nails as he leans against a wall inside the ship with his eyes trembling.
"Hey, Ju Ho! Are you alright? You don't look so good..."
"...Yeah, I'm fine. Get lost."
"Tch, I was trying to show concern and you bite back. Didn't you say you quit the Blood Devil Arts? What, going through withdrawal or something?"
Some disciples had come to check on Ju Ho's condition, but at his cold response, they leave grumbling. Ju Ho keeps gnawing at his nails and mutters under his breath.
"Wol Ah, Wol Ah, my Wol Ah..."
The moment he first saw Wol Ah, she stole his heart.
He thought she must be a celestial maiden.
Of course, he called her that since he doesn't know the truth about the beings actually called celestial maidens, such as Glass Peacock, Granny Samsin, or Zhengli, but...
In any case, Ju Ho decided to regard Wol Ryeong as his celestial maiden.
He offered up all the wealth he has, and doesn't have, to approach her.
There were even moments when he breathed the same breath as her, from up close.
Because Wol Ryeong is always kind and gentle to everyone, to Ju Ho, who is steeped in inferiority and defeat from the endless competition within the Radiance Spirit Sect, she became salvation itself.
But getting close to her proved to be far from easy.
She entered as a disciple of a Star Shattering Esteemed One, reaching Nascent Soul within a few months and becoming a Heavenly Being within a few years. The gap between her and Ju Ho only continued to widen.
To chase after her, Ju Ho sought a way to rapidly raise his realm, and he even turned to Blood Devil Arts, which use human blood and brains as materials, grinding and devouring hundreds of humans.
But such things were useless.
What actually proved to be 'truly' useful is...
The revelation of a God that came to Ju Ho several years ago.
It is the 'blessing' of that being.
Because of that 'blessing,' Ju Ho instantly overcame the stagnation that even Blood Devil Arts could not break through and reached the Heavenly Being stage.
Moreover, he even recently learned and secretly practiced a powerful formula called the [Vast Cold Heavenly Circle] in order to reach the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage.
Compared to others who cultivate the standard Heavenly Being formula of Acceptance at Fate's End, he can grow several times stronger.
But...
In those few years, Wol Ah became an adult and directly reached the Four-Axis stage.
Furthermore, rumor has it that she already possesses all the materials and rituals necessary to build the axes, but she deliberately remains at the early Four-Axis stage in order to achieve a more special strengthening.
In other words, while Ju Ho is coughing up blood just to reach the Four-Axis stage and stand at her level, she could finish that 'special strengthening' in an instant and leap straight to the Grand Perfection Four-Axis, or even reach the Integration stage.
'Why...why must you only grow farther away? Wol Ah, my Wol Ah. My celestial maiden...'
Buduk, bududududuk!
Just then, when is he gnawing his nails like a madman.
[Do you need power?]
Kkeruk, kkeruk...
Ju Ho's pupils shrink as he hears the squirming sound from inside his chest and the spiritual waves flooding into his mind.
Thump, thump, thump, thump...
He has two hearts.
One is the original lump of flesh he was born with.
The other is the heart of 'blessing' he gained after encountering God.
Since obtaining that heart of blessing, he no longer needs to practice Blood Devil Arts.
The heart of blessing continuously bestows new cultivation methods, formulas, and divine powers, leading him forward.
Ju Ho wonders what triggers the heart of blessing to grant him power, but in the end, he is unable to figure it out.
It doesn't matter.
What he needs is the 'power' to follow after Wol Ah, not the circumstances of the heart of blessing.
"P-Power...I need it... Please grant me power...the power to get closer to Wol Ah..."
With bloodshot eyes, Ju Ho clutches his chest, and suddenly—
For some reason, he feels a power welling up from within his chest that is incomparable to anything until now.
"Wh-What...? Th-This is... Haha... Hahahaha! With this power...with this power, I..."
The power surges.
"I can make Wol Ah mine..."
The power...continues to surge.
"...Huh? W-Wait..."
The power surges endlessly, and glass-like coral begins sprouting from Ju Ho's forearms.
"Ah, aaaaaagh! Kuaaaaaaagh!"
Only then does Ju Ho realize something is wrong, and he screams.
From his whole body, corals of glass are sprouting.
[Your fate has ended.]
The heart of blessing he had received.
From it, a creature of charcoal begins to spew glass flames, compressing itself into a Vajra—
And from its center, it begins eroding an entire corner of the Radiance Spirit Sect ship through Ju Ho.
[But do not worry. It is not as if you are perishing within the power gained by massacring hundreds of millions of mortals as your original fate dictates. The karmic sin you bear will be endlessly lighter. You won't taste Avici Hell in your next life.]
And so, Ju Ho—who carries both [the fate of falling into the Devilish Path and perishing] and [the fate of being growth material for a candidate of the Radiance Eight Immortals]—under the power of the wicked Mountain Divine Spirit...
...feels himself bound by the phantoms of the mortals he killed with his own hands, and dies screaming.
And using his death as a medium, the wicked God begins stretching its hand into the world of Light.