Chapter 412: /Soar

Kugugugugu!

The attraction force grows stronger.

It's the attraction force of misfortune.

The power of misfortune, touched by the Mountain God, slowly pulls us down as if trying to drag us into a quagmire.

Kugugugugu!

After just escaping the Ancient Force Realm and entering the Interdimensional Void, I can feel terrifying Vestiges gathering ahead of us.

'This is insane...'

The entire Interdimensional Void is filled with Vestiges at the Four-Axis stage.

Not a single Heavenly Being Vestige is in sight.

Even Vestiges at the Integration stage are swarming by the thousands.

But that isn't the real problem.

Kuung—

Far in the distance,

Sensing the presence of three beings from afar, I begin to sweat coldly.

Truly overwhelming auras!

While the powers held by the Mountain God, the God of Light, the Heavenly Venerable of Time, or Yeong Seung are terrifying because of their sheer magnitude that I can't even comprehend,

The presences emerging from afar are even more overwhelming precisely because their magnitude is comprehensible.

I can never defeat those beings.

Kuung—

The presence of three entities.

They are, in fact, three Vestiges at the Esteemed One-level.

Kuung—

Though they haven't even revealed themselves, their mere presence is terrifying.

The Vestiges in the Interdimensional Void are the corpses or husks of True Persons.

Their vulnerability to Heavenly Tribulation is precisely because of this.

They are symbols of defying the heavens, but at the same time, they are entire worlds in themselves.

When the entities meant to receive Heavenly Tribulation and those meant to inflict it become one and the same, Heavenly Tribulation that enters the bodies of the Vestiges will amplify uncontrollably, ultimately causing them to explode and perish.

But I can sense it.

When thinking of how the Esteemed Ones who emerged after the creation of the Heavenly Domain are responsible for generating Heaven and Earth spiritual energy and spitting out cosmic nebulae, it's likely that even if Heavenly Tribulation is to amplify within the bodies of the Esteemed One-level Vestiges, they will be able to withstand it for a long time by continually producing Heaven and Earth spiritual energy and nebulae.

They could just spit out Heaven and Earth spiritual energy or nebulae as much as they are damaged by the Heavenly Tribulation.

'Damn it...'

At this rate, isn't it still the same situation even when we managed to expel the Mountain God?

While I'm confident that I can break through and escape the thousands of Integration-level Vestiges, I know I can't handle those.

Not against them!

As I stand with a stunned expression, feeling the presence of the Esteemed One-level Vestiges.

Kwaa-jik, kwa-jijijik!

A hole is torn open in my Integrated Dao Domain, and from inside, a giant body of lightning and thunder bursts forth.

Jeon Myeong-hoon emerges from within.

"Jeon Myeong-hoon..."

His eyes are gloomy.

Not as much as mine, but his face clearly shows considerable pain.

But despite groaning in agony, he opens his mouth.

[I've come this far always believing in you.]

"..."

[Ever since that day, no matter how many times. No matter what you said. No matter how suspicious it seemed.]

"...I..."

[And I still trust you.]

Red light flows from his eyes.

[So, [this time too], lead us.]

"..."

The red light becomes red lightning, pulsing under Jeon Myeong-hoon's face as if dripping down.

It looks as if crimson tears of lightning are streaming down.

[No matter how many times, no matter how many times we've failed, haven't you always led us in the end?]

He stands before me.

As his Integrated Dao Domain unfolds, Kim Young-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok, Kim Yeon, Buk Hyang-hwa—all those who can fight immediately—emerge.

[Find the answer! Right now!]

With those words, my comrades turn their backs to me and begin to protect me.

As if to buy me time to think.

Watching them, I clench my fists.

'He's right.'

I have to come up with an answer.

Whether it's returning to the Ancient Force Realm, descending to the Lower Realms, or doing whatever it takes, I have to find the answer!

Saying there's no answer is just an excuse.

I have to do whatever it takes!

Woo-woong—

And as I wrack my brain with a desperate will, something begins to enter the views of my eyes.

"...That..."

It's a Star Vein.

"..."

Currently, there are a total of three threads of star veins in the Interdimensional Void around us.

They are star veins emanating from the Star Shattering-level Vestiges.

The Esteemed One-level Vestiges are connected by these star veins.

But isn't that strange?

Three beings at the Star Shattering stage.

Yet, there are also three threads connecting them.

It's not like the star veins of the three Star Shattering creatures are forming a triangle.

Like constellations, the star veins of the Vestiges are connected to somewhere.

First Vestige to second Vestige to third Vestige.

In that manner.

And the third Vestige is connected by a star vein to 'somewhere.'

For a star vein to be connected means that there is a star at the other end.

'Seeing that the Esteemed Ones are connected by star veins, it seems that the Esteemed Ones are treated as stars.'

In other words, there might be one more Star Shattering Vestige here, or perhaps even a Vestige of a higher level.

However, after scrutinizing the end of that star vein for a while, I realize the identity of the final star vein connected to the Esteemed Ones.

'Ah...I see.'

Crunch—

I let out a hollow laugh.

It's such an obvious thing when I think about it.

I should have realized it from the moment I was bestowed misfortune.

I want to sit down right here and now, and cry out of sheer frustration and disbelief.

But I can't afford to do that.

I need to calm my mind and body, and though I should spend a long time preparing before taking on this challenge, there's no time.

I have to go up now right now and cut it down.

Failure means annihilation.

I speak to my comrades.

"Immediately, right now! We're going to the Esteemed One-level Vestige down below!"

[What?]

Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at me as if I lost my mind.

But after meeting my gaze, he seems to ponder for a moment before nodding his head.

[...Understood. But that can't possibly be the end of it, right?]

"Right, I'll explain the detailed plan."

I quickly send a heart message to my comrades, explaining my plan.

"After moving to the very lowest Esteemed One, following my lead, we'll use the star veins...you can think of them as attraction force. We'll use the attraction force between the Esteemed Ones to gradually move upward to the next Esteemed one right above. Then, from the very last Esteemed One, we'll have to leap even higher beyond!"

There's no time to fully explain the exact details of the plan, nor do they yet understand our ultimate objective.

But my comrades nod in agreement, their eyes shining with determination.

"Escaping between the Esteemed Ones...it might be possible, even if just for a moment. But the problem is that we likely only have enough power to do it once..."

[Don't worry about that.]

Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes glint as he extends six arms toward Kim Young-hoon.

In an instant, Kim Young-hoon is surrounded by six massive hands, but as Jeon Myeong-hoon's red lightning flows into him, something begins to change.

Kwa-jijijik!

The Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation transforms into Golden Divine Heavenly Lightning.

[I don't know the reason, but my Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method reacts and changes when I use it on you. I confirmed this back in the Head Realm as well.]

"...Indeed, this golden lightning...is perfectly suited for my use."

Kim Young-soon seems amazed as he feels the golden lightning for a moment, then begins to compress it within his saber.

[If the two of us combine our strengths, moving between the Esteemed Ones won't be an issue. But the problem is reaching them. We can't afford to waste any power until then.]

In response to Jeon Myeong-hoon's words, Buk Hyang-hwa shouts and sends a voice transmission inside my domain.

A moment later,

Kugugugugu!

Seo Ran, who had been hiding inside my Integrated Dao Domain, emerges with the Nether Crossing Ship.

"There's so much I want to ask...but this is urgent, so I'll follow for now!"

Seo Ran speaks hurriedly, quickly transferring command of the Nether Crossing Ship to Buk Hyang-hwa.

Buk Hyang-hwa speaks to Oh Hyun-seok and Kim Yeon.

"I'll need the two of you to assist me! Soul Extinguishing Ghost King, please replenish power in the Nether Crossing Ship's power space with Sir Seo Ran's help. When I make the Nether Crossing Ship go berserk, Mysterious Bizarre Ghost King will need to control it. With the Nether Crossing Ship's strength we will surely make it to the front of the Esteemed One!"

We quickly exchange opinions and set off.

Kugugugugu!

Oh Hyun-seok becomes the power source for the Nether Crossing Ship, activating it, while Seo Ran, using the owner's authority, unlocks the ship's functions.

Through this authority, Buk Hyang-hwa pushes the Nether Crossing Ship into a berserk state, while Shi Ho protects Seo Ran and Buk Hyang-hwa on the deck.

Meanwhile, Kim Yeon's consciousness threads seep into every part of the Nether Crossing Ship.

The Nether Crossing Ship, which has risen to the Four-Axis stage through going berserk, begins to rise even further in level as it comes under Kim Yeon's control.

Originally, the Nether Crossing Ship isn't exactly a combat dharma treasure.

Back during the Black Ghost Valley era, I heard from a Ghost King that the true purpose of the Nether Crossing Ship is the collection and storage of souls,

And their transmission to the Netherworld.

The Nether Crossing Ship can use its transmission function to temporarily shift the ship itself to the outskirts of the Interdimensional Void or the Netherworld, and then perform spatial movement.

Kugugugugu!

As ghostly energy seems to engulf the surroundings of the Nether Crossing Ship, we instantly enter a very shallow area of the outskirts of the Netherworld.

A place close to reality.

Is it because it's such a shallow area?

The surroundings only became slightly hazy, with the Vestiges remaining around as they were.

But I know all too well.

Why are ghosts such terrifying beings?

Because they are unfair existences whose attacks can reach you, but your attacks pass right through them.

Hoo-woong, hoo-woong—

The Four-Axis Vestiges launch attacks at us, but in our semi-transparent state, we evade all of them.

Kim Young-hoon, Jeon Myeong-hoon, and I conserve our strength for the right moment, while Kim Yeon pilots the Nether Crossing Ship quickly towards the Esteemed Ones.

Kugugugugu!

Grand Cultivator-level Vestiges come flying at us.

Each and every single of their strikes carry the power of a dimension, so even in the outskirts of the Netherworld, they have a certain mass as they fly toward us.

And then, Kim Yeon moves her hand.

Flash, flash!

The main cannon of the Nether Crossing Ship fires.

The main cannon of the Nether Crossing Ship, amplified significantly by the ghostly energy of the couple Wei Shi-hon and Eum Wa, fly forth, piercing through the Vestiges.

Our attacks land with amplified force, while theirs barely affect us.

Wo-woooong!

"We're going!"

Kim Yeon aggressively steers the Nether Crossing Ship, rapidly charging toward the Esteemed One-level Vestige.

Wo-woong—

In the distance, the Esteemed One-level Vestige can be seen.

I know instinctively.

Regardless of whether we are in the outskirts of the Netherworld, it would be of no use against an Esteemed One-level Vestige.

But that doesn't matter.

We have already arrived!

Paaaatt!

I expand my domain, pulling Kim Young-hoon and Jeon Myeong-hoon, and put the entire Nether Crossing Ship within my domain. I then join forces with them.

[Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation!]

Kwazi-jijijik!

Red lightning cycles and touches Kim Young-hoon, transforming into golden lightning, with the words Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder appearing on his back.

It's a situation similar to what happened in the Head Realm.

The Esteemed One raises a gigantic arm in front of us.

"Go!!!"

I shout, and Kim Young-hoon raises his saber.

The next moment, we see a golden bird formed from thunder and lightning.

The golden bird carries me and instantly dodges the Esteemed One's hand.

I open my Star Vein Eye and guide the golden bird towards the path of the Esteemed One's star vein.

Pa-jijijik!

Through the star vein, the golden bird flies towards the next Esteemed One.

A Vestige resembling a snake opens its mouth wide.

The golden bird forms a trail of thunder and lightning, evading the snake-like Vestige in the void. Once again, under my guidance, it flies towards the final Esteemed One.

Woo-woong!

I heighten the perception of the Star Vein Eye even further.

The star vein is peculiar.

The more I traverse the star vein, the closer I get to its essence, the more my consciousness ascends to a certain world.

I have a rough idea of what it is.

Just as cultivating the Ghost Path Method gradually draws one's consciousness closer to the outskirts of the Netherworld.

The more I perceive the star vein and traverse its path, the closer my consciousness comes to the 'domain of the Heavenly Venerable of Time.'

[Next!]

I draw forth the power of my domain and shout in mental speech.

Finally, Kim Young-hoon and Jeon Myeong-hoon escape the grasp of the last Esteemed One and follow the star vein connected to an unknown place.

As the star vein and my consciousness assimilate, my consciousness and vision elevate to a world of a higher plane.

'Ah...'

I can see it.

Far in the distance.

A star connected to the Esteemed Ones.

Kugugugugu!

That star is emitting an attraction force.

The identity of that attraction is misfortune (厄運).

Tststststss!

It's that.

That is the identity of the misfortune that slowly started to manifest in the Ancient Force Realm and tormented me.

The unknown misfortune that is constantly chasing after me.

'Now that I think about it, when the Wuji Religious Order entered the Ancient Force Realm, there was an enormous shockwave that spread and vibrated throughout the entire world.'

It's a ridiculous occurrence.

The combined mass of the Wuji Religious Order, the Twilight Domain, Jeon Myeong-hoon, and I amounted to at most five or six Integration stage cultivators, so how could the entire Middle Realm shake just because of that?

It makes no sense at all.

The shockwave that swept across the entire Ancient Force Realm wasn't caused by us.

It was caused by that [star] that followed us into the Ancient Force Realm.

The reason I saw attraction force in the Ancient Force Realm, which has no sky, is obvious.

A star entered the Ancient Force Realm.

Those in the Lower Boundary use curse dolls when casting a curse.

Beings in the Greater Boundary use stars when bestowing misfortune.

In that case, who gifted me that star?

Who granted me that misfortune?

It's clear at first sight.

The Malice (惡意) of fifty-some beings emanating from the star.

It's the malice of the Quasi-Immortals from the Nether Ghost Realm who had peeked on the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.

On top of that, the malice of the Owner of Great Mountain is added to it, creating a powerful mass of misfortune which has been bringing misfortune upon me from a higher plane.

Surung—

Kim Young-hoon and Jeon Myeong-hoon became my foundation.

They don't seem to understand what I am trying to do since they lack the Star Vein Eye, but I can tell they trust me.

That is enough.

I compose my will.

Then, squeezing out every last bit of my lifelong will and energy, I prepare the martial technique that partly severed the authority of Yeong Seung.

Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.

The Thirty-first Move.

Accumulating Dust Forms a Mountain!

Starting with a horizontal slash, a vertical cut, and a thrust, all the techniques of my Heaven, Earth, Heart, and Puppet converge into one.

The Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections, which contains my history, shines purely as a hazy mist settles on my sword.

But I can tell.

This won't be enough.

I don't unleash Accumulating Dust Forms a Mountain. Instead, I hold it in my hand, focusing my soul.

Kiiiiing—

'More.'

Kiiiiing!

'More!'

Paaaatt!

"More!!!"

I compress it.

I compress the All-Heavens Sword, formed by compressing the Formless Sword, crazily compressing it with the weight of my entire history.

The All-Heavens Sword begins to thin.

What lies before me is a star, but at the same time, it's a concept.

To cut through a concept, what I wield must also transform into a concept.

Kiiiiing!

The All-Heavens Sword gradually begins to thin.

I recall a memory from long ago.

It's from when I was very young.

The time I fought against a 3rd star Qi Refining cultivator in the royal palace and gained enlightenment on Sword Silk.

Sword energy is assimilated into Will (意)

In doing so, energy is compressed like a thread in the same way intent is.

I compress the All-Heavens Sword in my hand with my Will (意).

The pressure required is on a completely different level from compressing sword energy.

Like the thread of intent, I transform and manifest my sword.

Swordsmanship consists of three fundamental actions.

Slashing, thrusting, and blocking.

Slashing forms a line, thrusting forms a point, and blocking forms a surface.

And the most optimal form to perform these three actions is something else entirely.

I close my eyes, then half-open them.

Something is in my hand.

It's something extremely thin but stronger than anything else in the world.

It's a form that closely resembles the thread of intent that a martial artist first sees when they begin to enter the world of martial arts.

This is no longer a sword.

Its name is...

"Immortal cultivation is repentant enlightenment."

I feel the gaze of the Owner of Great Mountain watching me from [Above].

But it doesn't matter.

I have already found my purpose. External pressure doesn't scare me.

On the contrary, I will sever Their gaze right here and now!

The line-turned All-Heavens Sword begins to blaze white.

"Like tiny grains of salt gathering to form a sea...build mountains through repentant enlightenment."

Tstststststsst!

I raise the All-Heavens Sword.

In the world of star veins, the All-Heavens Sword shines brighter than anything else.

"Building a mountain of salt is perhaps the fastest way to reach the heavens..."

Learning this mantra, everyone was annihilated.

I can still feel it.

This mantra is the power that calls upon Great Mountain.

Through the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, I can feel the gaze of the Owner of Great Mountain growing stronger, and an attraction force between us begins to form.

If this continues, I will become nothing more than a puppet dancing and dying under the Owner of Great Mountain for the rest of my life, just like Hon Won.

"Each to one another holding hands, with everyone at sea, drink salt, and with the wind, soar."

The attraction force between Great Mountain and I grows stronger.

If this continued, Great Mountain might descend once more.

However, at this point, I twist the mantra.

"Like combining all intents turn them colorless..."

Kiiiing—

The proper sequence of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra is twisted, causing the attraction force to skew greatly.

The white hue of the All-Heavens Sword remains, but most of the tyrannical energy (覇氣) felt from the sword evaporates.

I don't care.

I never intended to rely on someone else's power anyway.

What I have built up from the beginning is more than enough.

Instead, I infer the mantra's formula and focus my intent even further.

The white light seems to shine closer to colorlessness.

Taatt!

I leap from the golden bird that is supporting me, raising the All-Heavens Sword even higher.

'Is it still lacking?'

I can't know for sure.

Can I cut down a star?

If I melted the star over decades with curses, perhaps it might be possible. But to cut it in a single strike, no matter how strong I am, is a daunting task.

The distance is...ambiguous.

If only, just a little closer, I can definitely cut it down!

And then, at that moment.

Ta-aht!

Hong Fan, who has emerged from my domain, pushes me from behind.

"Please show me, Master."

"..."

I smile.

"Embrace all connections and become impermanence."

Twisting the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, I swing what is in my hand.

"That is,"

I can feel it.

Great Mountain is eager to descend and crush me at any moment.

But I will sever it here.

Great Mountain's gaze.

The misfortune left to us.

Even whatever fate that may come in the future.

I see my masters flash before my eyes.

And I embrace their words into my chest and speak them aloud.

Before my eyes, I see a pure giant who sacrificed himself, singing of goodwill.

—Believing thus, reach for the star.

"The way to reach the star."

The Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra twists.

Simultaneously, the star in front of me splits apart.

The power of Great Mountain that placed some attraction force and gaze upon me is completely erased by the twisted Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra that nullifies attraction force.

Salt Mountain leaves my embrace.

Though it's a natal dharma treasure I refined over countless years, I have no intention of holding onto it.

How can I rely on such an external object?

What I have built up is already within me.

The misfortune that surrounded us has now disappeared.

Even the gaze of Great Mountain was severed along with our single strike.

Now, all that remains is to carve our way forward.

Thud!

With my domain, soul, and body all in tatters, I vomit blood while supported by Kim Young-hoon, Jeon Myeong-hoon, and Hong Fan.

"I-Is it done, Seo Eun-hyun!?"

Jeon Myeong-hoon asks urgently.

I smile faintly.

"...It will be."

"No, damn it...The Esteemed One-level Vestiges are still perfectly intact! And what about those thousands of Integration-level Vestiges!? Damn it! Just what did you do!"

"Some...how...it will..."

I can barely speak.

My whole body feels shattered.

But we will be able to escape.

The misfortune that surrounded us is gone.

Kugugugung!

I see the star of misfortune that I have cut down explode before my eyes.

As the misfortune dissipates, the wind from the explosion blows forth.

It's the fair wind of fate.

And then,

Paaat!

From within my domain, Yuk Yo emerges.

She glances at me and my comrades, then bows her head.

"...Thank you for everything."

Recognizing her intention, I ask.

"Will you be alright?"

"...For me, that place is home."

After bowing to us, she quickly flies towards the Salt Mountain.

As she reaches the Salt Mountain, it shines brightly.

At the same time, the previously miniaturized Salt Mountain and Salt Crystal Palace become huge once again.

She reaches the summit of the Salt Mountain.

"...Will you be alright?"

I ask once more.

This time, it's directed not at Yuk Yo, but at Baek Rin.

Baek Rin, who has emerged from my domain, gives a faint smile.

"...Please take good care of Shi-hon and Eum Wa."

"I will. Go."

"I am eternally grateful for your Majesty's grace"

With those final words, Baek Rin quickly flies over to stand beside Yuk Yo.

Baek Rin is a beloved presence.

Not only by Shi-hon and Eum Wa, but also by the followers.

By the former disciples of the White Vein Gate who became followers.

But now, they are no more.

So, he is merely following the one he loves even more among those who remain.

I understand Baek Rin's resolve.

Even if the world he is heading towards is an illusion, he believe his feelings for Yuk Yo are real.

Baek Rin takes Yuk Yo's hand in front of the palace and looks back at us.

Then, the two demon spirits, who are smiling at each other.

No, the two people, enter the palace.

In that final moment.

In my eyes, the two appear not as a ghost reduced to bones and a demon who lived indulgently, but as a tidy young man and a pure princess.

Flash!

The two cross into another world, and the fair winds of fate blow us away as the Penglai Island's formation activates.

[Kiyaaaaaa!]

[Kigeggegegek!]

[Kwengeeeee!]

The Esteemed One-level Vestiges and Grand Cultivator-level Vestiges are all sucked into the formation and disappear.

They no longer pursue us.

In a world that may be an illusion or may be real, they will live on forever.

"I will...never forget you all..."

Seeing my friends who are once again leaving us, but did not meet an entirely tragic end, I smile with tears.

With the fair winds of fate, and until we finally reached the Bright Cold Realm,

I laughed and cried, filled with loss, joy, and emotions that words could never dare express.

Thus, I finally placed a period on our long pilgrimage through the Middle Realms.