Chapter 131: Mad Lord's Grasp (2)

I bite my lip.

'First, the Mad Lord ascends in a few days.'

That means, if I can escape his grasp for just a few days, I can survive.

Boooom!

Kuaaang!

As the wasp-winged puppet opens its mouth, a massive explosion occurs, creating a mushroom cloud in the desert.

'I’m not sure if I can last even a few days…'

In fact, in the case of the Mad Lord’s puppets, they can be quickly neutralized by severing their circuits with the Formless Sword.

However, I refrain from rashly doing so, wary of arousing further interest from the Mad Lord.

'Even if he isn't interested, if he gets enraged about his creation being damaged and starts chasing me personally…'

That alone is a terrifying prospect.

Buzz Buzz Buzz!

I dodge the puppets' attacks, flying over the Heaven-Treading Desert day and night for three days.

The puppets are indeed troublesome.

They don't tire.

Although I have some confidence in my stamina,

It’s not enough right now.

'It hasn’t been long since I underwent complete transformation. I didn’t have time to train, nor have I reached the Qi Building stage to fortify my endurance.'

I grit my teeth.

'I hope the Mad Lord leaves as soon as possible…'

And then, seven more days pass.

Boom!

The number of Mad Lord’s puppets chasing me has doubled.

I grit my teeth even harder.

The Mad Lord is still pursuing me, even past the original time he’d ascend.

'Damn, this won’t work.'

I need a way to completely shake him off.

Flash!

Before I knew it, I had left the Heaven-Treading Desert, passed small tribes beneath the desert, and finally arrived at the Black Wind Sea.

And then, I begin to see puppets in the shape of fish chasing me from the sea.

'Right, I feel sorry for Song Jin but...'

I think to myself as I face the wind of the Black Wind Sea.

'I need to borrow the Nether Crossing Ship for a while.'

If it’s the Mad Lord, Song Jin will understand given the circumstances, right?

I fly towards the sea area where the Nether Crossing Ship is hidden.

Just like that, another three days pass.

Boom!

Dodging the bombardment from the swarm of puppets behind me, I twist my body and force my way through with the Formless Sword, heading towards the location where the Nether Crossing Ship is sealed.

Just then.

The puppets, that have been silently chasing me for days, suddenly echo the Mad Lord’s voice.

[Hmm. Unfortunately in twenty days, the Ascension Gate will completely close. It's about time for me to pursue other matters, so I shall leave.]

'Finally…!'

Finally, it seems the Mad Lord is giving up on me and preparing for ascension.

But his next words are beyond my imagination.

[However, she said your story is too touching, and she really wants you to join us. Therefore…]

Kiiik Kikikiik Kiiiiiik

Suddenly, far away.

The sky is tearing open.

[She and I have decided to work together to capture you. We will definitely, definitely invite you!]

Click!

And what appears through the crack.

Is a white, human-like finger.

Just a finger!

Kuuuuung!

As the finger moves, the sea splits, and the earth seems to flip upside down.

“…!”

The clouds in the sky split, and the winds of the sea stills.

'What is this…'

[She is wanting for you. Come here at once.]

I realize the identity of that finger.

The Mad Lord's [Her]!

Zap Zap….

'The main energy source of the Nether Crossing Ship, implanted inside a puppet, the Mad Lord's greatest creation…!'

Whirrrr!

Starting with [Her] finger, a slender white hand gradually crosses over through the crack.

Shiver!

'This is madness, this won’t do.'

From that one hand.

From just the palm, am I feeling the same pressure as I did from Song Jin?

I realize now.

The Mad Lord's [Her] is no ordinary Heavenly Being puppet.

Even though I’m just a beginner in the Core Formation Realm with limited insight,

Even with my ignorance, the intuition developed over 900 years of life is not to be underestimated.

[She] is probably…

'A Four-Axis puppet!'

The prowess of the Mad Lord sends chills down my spine.

Can this monster, from whose palm I feel the same pressure as Song Jin, be anything but a Four-Axis puppet?

I made up my mind.

'Fleeing this insane genius for up to 20 days?'

Impossible.

Boom!

Through the spatial rift, not just [Her] slender hand but hordes of puppets begin to cross over.

Before I know it, the sky over the sea is filled with the Mad Lord’s puppets, creating an illusion that the spatial rift is pouring them out.

I grit my teeth.

I made a mistake.

I shouldn't have told the Mad Lord and Her my story, trying to gain their sympathy.

What should I do now?

I ponder for a moment, then open my eyes.

'This life will probably be the shortest.’'

I imagine being captured by the Mad Lord, trapped in a body unable to die or decay for thousands of years, turned into a living puppet.

Even with an extraordinary mental state, I can't bear such madness.

'I should commit suicide.'

The thought of abandoning this precious life is excruciating, but the conversation with Yuan Li helped me solidify my understanding of life.

Life is not a blessing in itself. It becomes a blessing when hearts are given and received within it.

Following this belief, since I haven’t formed significant connections or shared hearts with anyone yet, I can forsake this life.

I steel my resolve.

'I will die.'

Dying is far simpler than figuring out how to live.

There are countless ways to die immediately.

It’s when I’m about to blow up my head to end this cycle.

‘...Wait.’

I suddenly remember the Colorless Glass Sword sleeping in my Inner Core.

'What happens to this Colorless Glass Sword if I die now?'

Will it follow me in regression even if I die again, since it recognized me as its owner?

Or, since it didn't connect with the White-Red Wine in this timeline, will it just remain and disappear here if I die?

Jolt!

A worst-case scenario flashes through my mind.

‘That can never happen.’

Suicide is easy.

But I can’t just kill myself right now.

‘I need to consume White-Red Wine first!’

Yes, at least I should drink White-Red Wine before dying!

I frantically dodge the puppets' attacks and fly towards the Nether Crossing Ship as originally planned.

Kugugugugugu!

[Her] slender hand only reveals up to the wrist, occasionally launching immense ranged attacks at me.

Since the hand doesn't have eyes, its accuracy is incredibly low.

Of course, the just aftermath is nearly lethal.

'Damn it.'

I grit my teeth and enter the sea area where the Nether Crossing Ship is sealed.

I see the barrier of the Nether Crossing Ship.

Wo-woong!

Using the Formless Sword wrapped around my body, I break through the barrier and charge towards the Nether Crossing Ship.

And then.

Boom!

I finally land on the deck of the Nether Crossing Ship and quickly move to the control room.

I haven't touched the helm of the Nether Crossing Ship for a long time, but I remember it clearly.

"Nether Crossing Ship, start!"

Rumble!

Following my will, the Nether Crossing Ship begins to rise into the sky.

'I must go to Serving Command Palace!'

Just when I’m clenching my teeth.

[This… bastard…!]

Kugugugugu!

From below the Nether Crossing Ship, a familiar face appears.

It’s Song Jin.

[How dare this thief! What are you planning to do with the Nether Crossing Ship…?]

Without saying much, I sail the Nether Crossing Ship into the sky and reply.

"The Mad Lord is chasing me, senior. While fleeing and dodging him, I ended up coming here. I beg for your understanding."

[What…?]

Hearing the name 'Mad Lord,' Song Jin's eyes blaze furiously.

And then.

Boom!

Finally, Mad Lord’s puppets break through the barriers of the sealing area of the Nether Crossing Ship and reach us.

Kuakuakuang!

Countless puppets of the Mad Lord swarm in.

Seeing them, Song Jin’s eyes flare with blue fury.

[This… Mad Lord…! Bastard..! How dare you come here again! Haven’t you stolen enough from the Nether Crossing Ship!?]

His voice Is laced with mixed wrath.

Song Jin looks as if he would devour the Mad Lord on the spot, descending to the deck of the Nether Crossing Ship to confront the puppets.

And when countless puppets try to board the Nether Crossing Ship.

Swoosh!

Dark ghostly mist surrounds the Nether Crossing Ship, and it enters the void.

"Phew…"

I sigh and speak.

“I apologize, senior. As I mentioned…"

[Enough! You're being chased by the Mad Lord, aren't you?]

"Yes, yes."

His eyes blaze with blue fury.

[As insane as the Mad Lord is, he wouldn't abandon ascension to chase you… In this period when the Ascension Gate is opened, just hold on a bit longer.]

"Then…."

Just then.

Whirrrr!

On one side of the void.

A spatial rift connected to the mortal realm opens.

A familiar slender hand emerges from it.

Seeing this, Song Jin shouts.

[This damned thing! Why didn’t you say [She] is chasing you too!?]

"Uh…?"

[Damn it, it's all over. If Mad Lord brought out even that puppet to capture you, then you're done for. I can't help you anymore.]

The situation is serious enough for even Song Jin to say so.

‘As expected….’

I ask Song Jin while looking at him,

"Senior, perhaps suicide is the right choice?"

[Oh, what an ingenious method. If you die, your soul will be sealed in the Nether Crossing Ship to pay for sailing it without permission, so be aware of that.]

Regardless of Song Jin's growling, I grab the helm of the Nether Crossing Ship. I already know the coordinates of Serving Command Palace at this time.

"Then, if I'm going to commit suicide, I might as well use the Nether Crossing Ship a bit more before I do."

[What…!?]

Flash!

I glance at the dazzling, space-distorting slender hand in the distance and move the Nether Crossing Ship.

Flash….

The Nether Crossing Ship enters the space in the mortal realm, and from there, I direct it towards the coordinates of Serving Command Palace.

'What a tumultuous time in such a short duration.'

I click my tongue, seeing Serving Command Palace floating in the void in front of me.

Whirr!

I weave Pure Spiritual Force and create the barrier-breaking scroll.

When I finish creating the scroll…

Whirrr!

Again, a space rift connected to the mortal realm opens, and [Her] slender hand stretches out.

Boom!

After annihilating the prohibition, I enter the interior of Serving Command Palace.

'The floor with White-Red Wine…!'

I frantically ascend to the upper floors of Serving Command Palace, searching for the immortal wine.

'I found it…!'

Kuang! Kuang!

Using the Formless Sword, I cut all the main circuits inside the barrier and furiously hammer it.

And then.

Crackle!

One side of Serving Command Palace begins to crumble.

Shiver!

What appears, as the wall of Serving Command Palace crumbles, is [Her] slender hand, which has already emerged up to the wrists!

I feel a chill from the explosive force emanating from [Her] slender hand.

'Quickly, quickly!'

Snap!

[She] spreads her hand.

And then.

Kuang!

My Formless Sword finally breaks the barrier.

I already know which jar contains White-Red Wine.

Pop!

I hastily open the lid of the White-Red Wine and gulp it down directly from the jar.

Whirr!

Once again, the dharma treasures placed inside my body buzz, deepening their connection with me.

‘Certainly…’

I distinctly feel the connection between my soul and the dharma treasures.

It’s then.

Whirr!

A tremendous gravitational force is felt from [Her] hand.

It feels like I’m being directly sucked in!

‘Ugh…!’

Indeed, my body is being drawn towards [Her] hand.

Resistance is impossible!

‘Damn, no, this won't do!’

I need another method!

Rumble!

In the distance, Song Jin-ho holds the helm of the Nether Crossing Ship and crosses into the mortal realm.

I clench my teeth and take the Starting Form.

In the life before last, I followed Kim Young-hoon's footsteps, discovering Treading Heaven Beyond the Path.

And in my last life, I finally killed Yuan Li, fully reaching Treading Heaven Beyond the Path.

Certainly, I have entered a different path than Kim Young-hoon.

That's why, instead of his space-transcending Surpassing Radiant Saber, my Formless Sword evolved to cut only what I want.

But….

‘I’m certain, my Formless Sword cut through space that one time.’

For a moment, it became Kim Young-hoon's Surpassing Radiant Saber!

That means.

Perhaps….

‘Can those who have reached Treading Heaven Beyond the Path mimic others’ Treading Heaven Beyond the Path?’

Think it through…!

Find a way in your mind…!

Whirr!

I ignite the upper dantian with Gang Qi, awakening it.

The flow starts from my Baihui point, heading towards the Yin Tang point, igniting the upper dantian with Gang Qi.

“Uoooooh!”

I recall that sensation.

The Formless Sword originates from Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, and the Surpassing Radiant Saber from Severing Vein Saber Method.

And the root of both martial arts are actually one.

Then, tracing back the Formless Sword, is it truly impossible to temporarily reach the space-cutting Surpassing Radiant Saber?

Of course, it’s impossible to completely obtain the Surpassing Radiant Saber.

However, if it’s just mimicking the ability for a brief moment…

Flash!

Simultaneously with my focused diligence, [She] suddenly looms before my eyes, her hand gripping something.

I, with all my strength in the empty void, slash down with what is held in my hand.

Swoosh!

The Formless Sword, for an instant, shines with a brilliant golden radiance.

At the same time.

Flash!

I escape the void and reach the mortal realm.

Wo-woong!

Far off, Song Jin, who had just escaped the void like me, is seen grasping the helm of the Nether Crossing Ship.

Thump!

I fly towards the Nether Crossing Ship and catch my breath.

[What is this, didn't you say you were going to commit suicide? If you're going to kill yourself, do it after getting off the Nether Crossing Ship…!]

Song Jin shouts, seemingly afraid of [Her] pursuing us again.

Gasping for air, I suddenly become curious about something.

"…Perhaps, do you know any techniques that can attach a ghost to the depths of the soul?"

[Hmm? I do know something like that.]

"Can you perform it on me?"

[Why should I do that for you?]

'Damn it…'

I forgot that to Song Jin, I’m a stranger who briefly hijacked his Nether Crossing Ship.

Just then..

Wo-woong!

A spatial rift tears open, and [Her] slender jade hand emerges once again.

This time, as if determined not to let go, her arm extends up to the elbow.

[Damn it! Get off the Nether Crossing Ship now! Hurry! Alright, fine! I'll perform that spell for you!]

Wo-woong!

Song Jin takes out a ghost from the Nether Crossing Ship and injects it directly into my upper dantian.

―Kiyaaaaa!

With an unpleasant foreign sensation, I feel the ghost's soul attach to me, guided by Song Jin's power.

For a moment, the ghost and I are connected.

[Get off now!]

And, as if obeying Song Jin's command, the ghost, now linked with my soul, forcibly controls my body and makes me jump off the Nether Crossing Ship.

Kugugugugu!

[Her] hand reaches out towards me, and at the very last moment, I concentrate the energy of the Formless Sword towards my head.

Boom!

That is my twelfth return.