Chapter 516: Festival Of The Eve (前夜祭) (2)
Kugugugugu!
The entire universe trembles.
The True Persons shake with anger as they scour every corner of the universe.
[Has there been any response from Blood Yin!?]
[No reply has come!]
[Damn it all! What in the world is it!? What is bringing forth the End!?]
[Contact the Sacred Masters immediately!]
All the Entering Nirvanas run wild, stirring the universe to uncover the reason the End is approaching faster.
And, in the Middle Realms.
Baek Woon is praying to the Radiance Hall, while Yu Oh and Hae Lin are praying to the Underworld.
Ja Eum, too, frantically tries to contact Blood Yin, but Blood Yin remains silent.
Everyone is thrown into confusion, desperately seeking answers!
However...strangely enough, the answer comes from the one least interested in the matter.
[Hmm?]
Ban Ta, who is observing Cedarwood Painting, where Seo Eun-hyun, Kang Min-hee, and many others with the potential to advance to the Sacred Vessel stage are gathered, senses something amiss.
'What on earth is this?'
As he observes Cedarwood Painting, he notices that its attraction force has become unusual.
[That... What is going on? The celestial energy of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain is converging around Cedarwood Painting?]
Kikikikikik—
As he observes the celestial energy, he senses something suspicious.
'This is...! Wait, the movement of that attraction force...!?'
As Ban Ta discerns the true nature of the celestial energy's flow, he is struck with shock.
Comparing the flow of the accelerating End and the attraction force emanating from Cedarwood Painting, he becomes completely certain of its nature and trembles.
The eyes of Ban Ta, who until now has been solely focused on the True Person advancement, are now clouded with horror.
Being over 700,000 years old, Ban Ta knows.
This is undoubtedly a flow he witnessed once before.
The terror he felt the first time he witnessed it is something Ban Ta has never forgotten even until now.
[Ph-Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra!!!]
Ban Ta's eyes roll back in shock.
Woo-woong!
The entire Purple Gold Realm vibrates.
Immediately afterward, Ban Ta lets out a shout.
: : Hear me! I, Ban Ta, have uncovered the cause of this strange phenomenon! : :
Ban Ta's voice reverberates throughout the entirety of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
All eyes of the True Persons and Sacred Masters are drawn to Ban Ta's voice, which sounds intensely startled.
: : It's the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra! The Sacred Master of Cedarwood Painting, Seo Eun-hyun, is [using] the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra!!! : :
After Ban Ta's desperate proclamation.
The entire universe falls silent for a moment.
Perhaps it is because it's taking a little time for the Sacred Masters and True Persons of the universe to grasp the meaning of those words.
After all, no one could understand how a mere Sacred Master could [use] the mantra that only the tyrannical Mountain God could utter.
However, after a brief moment of processing.
When everyone finally grasps the meaning of those words.
The entire Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain quakes.
————————!!!!
———!!
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——————!!
————!!!!!
Bright Cold Realm, Heavenly Lotus Mountain, White Jade Pavilion.
There, Baek Woon is frantically sending transmissions to the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.
The rulers of the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain, who usually pay little attention to Baek Woon's reports,
For today, the Radiance Hall opens an ear to Baek Woon's words.
: : Is there someone [using] the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra? : :
[Yes, there is. It is the current Sacred Master of Cedarwood Painting, Seo Eun-hyun. He was once a disciple of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect in the Bright Cold Realm. After the authority of the Owner of Heavenly Punishment led to the destruction of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, he wandered from place to place for 800 years before advancing to the Sacred Vessel stage. His origin...as I reported, is the Head Realm. I humbly request the descent of the Heavenly Lords.]
: : Impossible. The Heavenly Lords of the Radiance Hall are currently all focused on the movements of the Great Mountain Supreme Deity. : :
[But...]
: : Instead, we will request assistance from Yeong Seung and the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords as allies. As direct descent is impossible due to the Lightning Sacred Sea, have their disciples prepare the ritual for divine descent. : :
[...! Thank you. However...one of the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords' disciples, Yeo Hwi, is currently captured by the Sacred Master of Cedarwood Painting. The descent may not be perfect.]
: : As long as they are not the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord in their youth, an imperfect descent will suffice. : :
[...Yes, certainly... No matter what, he could not possibly wield the strength of the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord in their youth...]
Baek Woon nods as if understanding.
[How long will it take for the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords to descend?]
: : I do not know. : :
[Pardon!? What on earth does that mean!?]
: : They are currently in the Outer Sea (外海), trying to save their master. Contacting them is uncertain. Everything depends on fate. You should seek assistance from Yeong Seung. : :
Crackle...
The True Immortal of Radiance Hall, having finished delivering the divine oracle to Baek Woon, soon conceals their presence.
Baek Woon grits her teeth, letting out a low groan.
'Those fools who only know how to flaunt their arrogance!'
But there is nothing she can do for now.
[O great agent of calendrical methods and chronicles. Apostle of the Lord who governs the passing of time. I, Baek Woon, Sacred Master of the Bright Cold Realm and Saint of Light, humbly request your assistance.]
Woo-woong!
In an instant, Baek Woon's mind is pulled beyond the distant sky, to some unknown place.
She whispers something in prayer to Yeong Seung.
Her wish is for the current crisis to be resolved.
However, at that moment,
Pajiijijik!
[Kuuuugh!]
Baek Woon's mind abruptly returns to her body, and she opens her eyes wide in disbelief as she shouts.
[Unbelievable! What do you mean by this!? Are you saying you will not assist the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain!? Are you turning your back on Radiance Hall!? The Radiance Hall will not stand idly by!!!]
However, despite Baek Woon's cries, there is no one to answer her.
Baek Woon's expression darkens.
She sends her will to Yu Oh of the Nether Ghost Realm to inquire about the situation, but the only response she receives from Yu Oh is, 'The Underworld, too, offers no answers.'
[The South Polar Ritual Treasure...has betrayed Radiance Hall!? And the Underworld side used the Ghostly Yin Transformation Immortal Root to create the Ghost Guiding Holy Mother...and even though there is someone [using] the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, the tyrannical Mountain God does not take action...?
[Just what in the world is going on!? How could something like this happen!?]
Letting out a deep groan, Baek Woon lets out a burst of lament.
[Great chaos...will descend upon the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain...! The chaos of forty thousand years ago will be nothing in comparison. No, this...might be comparable to the great chaos during the era of the Golden Divine...!]
Ancient Force Realm.
Sea King Hall.
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Seated on the throne within, Hae Lin's eyes tremble.
[...Unbelievable. It was possible to [use] the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra? And that too by a mere Sacred Master who hasn't even lived for ten thousand years!? For a Sacred Master to wield it, one would need to chant the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra continuously for at least 330,000 years while deeply understanding Immortal Arts... Even then, that would assume direct tutelage from that being. How on earth is such a thing possible!?]
Hae Lin lets out a low groan, as if unable to comprehend it at all.
[...What should I do? Should I fulfill my duty as a Sacred Master? Or should I repay the debt as a descendant of the Immortal Beast Xiezhi? What should I do...Father?]
True Devil Realm.
Blood Sacrificial Altar.
There, Ja Eum gazes at Cedarwood Painting with an expression full of unease.
[...What madness is this, Seo Hweol? Why are you assisting him with Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens? Isn't that not our goal?]
Huarurururuk!
The power of Purple Soul Filling the Heavens ripples around Ja Eum.
[...As expected, those born of the Head Realm cannot be trusted. In the end, did you completely lose your mind...Seo Hweol? If it's come to this...am I to proceed with my plan without Seo Hweol's aid...?]
Letting out a small sigh, Ja Eum's expression turns bitter.
Astral Realm.
Around Cedarwood Painting, numerous entities begin to appear.
Quasi-Immortals!
All the Quasi-Immortals of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain leap across thousands of light-years in their main bodies and encircle Cedarwood Painting.
Among them, Jinlu Gok, a member of the same race as Seo Eun-hyun, is present as well.
Chuuuaaak!
Jinlu Gok, assuming a human form, speaks.
[I thought highly of you because we are from the same race. But what is it you are doing now? Stop this at once!!!]
However, the attraction force radiating from Cedarwood Painting remains unyielding.
It continues to distort the surrounding space, slowly but steadily bringing the entire Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain closer to the End.
Finally, the True Persons erupt in fury.
[There's no need to speak any further!]
[Cease the use of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra!]
[How you acquired that ominous and evil mantra, avoided retribution, and are now able to wield it is unknown. However, that mantra is dangerous! Stop using that vile devilish art at once!!!]
The True Persons, who had been observing Seo Eun-hyun since the Nether Ghost Realm, speak with a mix of anger and fear in their eyes.
[He is the one who grasped the true meaning of the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique in the Nether Ghost Realm.]
[Does this mean he traced back the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique to obtain the true Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra?]
[Was what he was using until now not just an imitation of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantras power, but the 'real' mantra?]
[Even with the recognition of the mantra's owner, it would take hundreds of thousands of years of repentant enlightenment to use the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra at the level of a Sacred Master. How could such an anomaly exist!?]
However, as the True Persons clamor among themselves—
Paaaaaatt!
Five colossal lights blossom around Cedarwood Painting.
Simultaneously, five dimensional gates open, and countless figures emerge from within.
Bright Cold Realm Sacred Master Baek Woon, accompanied by six Esteemed Ones of the Bright Cold Realm.
True Devil Realm Sacred Master Ja Eum, accompanied by three Esteemed Ones of the True Devil Realm.
Ancient Force Realm Sacred Master Hae Lin, accompanied by four Esteemed Ones of the Ancient Force Realm.
Nether Ghost Realm Sacred Master Yu Oh, accompanied by four Esteemed Ones of the Nether Ghost Realm.
Purple Gold Realm Sacred Master Ban Ta, accompanied by four Esteemed Ones of the Purple Gold Realm.
As they step forward, all of them speak to Seo Eun-hyun with stern, hardened expressions.
Yu Oh and Baek Woon step to the forefront.
[Seo Eun-hyun, listen. The Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra you are currently chanting is among the most dangerous mantras in existence. We knew you had been cultivating with it, but...we never thought you'd be able to wield and unleash its true power. We weren't even certain if it was the 'true' Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, yet to think it was to this degree...I implore you—please stop using the 'true' Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra. You've only been cultivating with it, so you likely don't understand the full extent of its power.
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[The true power of that mantra is truly terrifying. It is enough to threaten the entirety of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain! So stop it at once!]
[I have personally witnessed the power of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra from afar.]
Yu Oh desperately tries to persuade Seo Eun-hyun.
[Using it will cause countless living beings to perish. Many will be sent to the Netherworld, unable to find rest, and instead will be absorbed by the mantra's user and suffer eternal torment. I implore Sacred Master Eun-hyun to listen. The Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra is an utterly horrifying devilish art. Please stop using it.]
And then...Seo Eun-hyun's reply is heard from within Cedarwood Painting.
[For all the countless beings who have been observing me until now to fail to realize that what I was using was the 'real' thing...how unfortunate it is. Without even being able to discern between the true and fake Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, how can seniors simply label it as a horrifying devilish art? Depending on how I use it, could it not become the starting point to saving everyone?]
At those words, one of the True Persons shouts angrily.
[You! A brat not even 5,000 years old dares to judge us with your meager experience!? This Immortal has seen the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra once before. Do you have any idea what happens when it is unleashed!?]
Baek Woon, too, reveals her anger at Seo Eun-hyun's and speaks sharpy.
[Most of the True Persons have witnessed the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra! Just recalling that horrifying and gruesome devilish art is enough to make one shudder. You have never even seen the true face of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, so how can you so arrogantly claim you can control it? Save everyone? That is nothing but a path to total annihilation!]
At Baek Woon's voice, laughter can be heard from within Cedarwood Painting.
[To think you dare to speak before me of having seen the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra from afar, that it's terrifying, and question whether I understand its nature. It truly makes me laugh.]
Woo-wooong!
Above Cedarwood Painting, a massive projection of Glass Cedarwood Mountain rises.
Standing at the summit of Glass Cedarwood Mountain, Seo Eun-hyun looks down upon the True Persons, Sacred Masters, and Esteemed Ones and speaks.
[Through the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, I intend to save everyone in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain from the End. As for the details of how I plan to do so, I cannot reveal them since those here would be connected to True Immortals and suffer greatly if I did. However...I swear upon the Immortal Arts that constitute my essence: no one here will be harmed. Furthermore, the End will still come in 8,000 years as scheduled. At most, it might be brought forward by a week. There is nothing for anyone to worry about.]
[Stop this at once! Even mentioning the connections to True Immortals is suspicious! You! Did you receive some kind of instruction from the Mountain God? The Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra accelerating the End is not the problem. The problem is that the mantra is [properly] used during the End!]
[...Heh, think what you will...I expected opposition, but it's quite severe.]
Seo Eun-hyun smiles faintly and raises one hand.
[Move the stars, Seo Hweol!]
Dudududududu!
The True Persons and Sacred Masters glare in unison at Seo Eun-hyun and Cedarwood Painting.
Under Seo Hweol's Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens, the star veins twist, forming some kind of formation centered around Cedarwood Painting.
Kuuuuung!
At the same time, a certain [small dimension] is extracted from the Bright Cold Realm, crossing spacetime to attach itself to Cedarwood Painting!
Kwaaaaang!
It's the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person, which had been lodged in the Bright Cold Realm!
[I, the rightful owner of the tears and armor of Hae Nyeong, the Clear Scale Armor, hereby declare.]
Woo-woooong!
At Seo Eun-hyun's declaration, who was granted the authority of ownership by the Nether Devil True Lord Yu Hao Te, the lake of the Clear Scale Armor, buried beneath the Melia tree, is drawn out from Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll and envelops the entirety of Cedarwood Painting.
Simultaneously, bright-red Karmic Fire erupts from the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person, dyeing the entire universe.
The Sacred Masters and True Persons retreat in shock, escaping the range of the Karmic Fire.
Baek Woon shouts in astonishment as she watches Seo Eun-hyun burning brightly at the center of the Karmic Fire.
[Th-That...lunatic! How can he remain composed in the center of the Karmic Fire!? It's impossible for a living being to be free of sin. Did he undergo judgement in advance!?]
Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle...
The entire cosmic space seems to be cooking under the heat of the Karmic Fire.
Wiiiiiing!
Then, just as the True Persons and Sacred Masters retreat,
One of the 28 artificial stars within Cedarwood Painting enters the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person attached to the world.
[Now, Kim Yeon!]
As soon as Kim Yeon forms a hand seal, the artificial star that entered Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll begins to glow brightly, connecting with Seo Eun-hyun within Cedarwood Painting.
Wiiiiiing!
The artificial star resonates with Seo Eun-hyun.
Cedarwood Painting and Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll begin to completely fuse (融解)!
The dimension of Cedarwood Painting devours the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person, becoming one and expanding even further.
Simultaneously, on the other side of the Peaceful Cloud Continent, another continent emerges.
[From now on...]
Seo Eun-hyun, relishing in his strengthened authority and the absoluteness of Cedarwood Painting, declares.
[The Artificial Middle Realm Plan shall begin!]
Thus begins the 8,000-year-long war between Seo Eun-hyun and all the beings of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
Festival Of The Eve (前夜祭) (3)
Captured by the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld and nearly taxidermized for all eternity.
Captured by the Great Mountain Supreme Deity, leading to the total annihilation of the Wuji Religious Order.
Entangled with Blood Yin, and endlessly repeating death.
In the end, witnessing Seo Hweol reduced to an earthworm and the Supreme Deities and Heavenly Venerables laying dead.
As I witnessed these events, I reflected.
This world is a place where one can never let down their guard.
'Regression is not absolute.'
Though it is undeniably a powerful ability, one could experience endless death, as with Blood Yin or Yeong Seung.
One could be caught while regressing, as in the case of the Underworld.
And against absolute beings, it is not usable as a direct offensive ability.
Fortunately, in the cases of Blood Yin, the Underworld, and Yeong Seung, I was able to rise again.
However, among those True Immortals above, the one who strikes me with the most fear and suffocating dread is...
Without a doubt, the Great Mountain Supreme Deity.
'No one knows better than I, who observed closely...just how persistently They exploited the fates of Hon Won and Yeon Wei.'
They are meticulous, overwhelmingly powerful, and domineering.
Moreover, They are a being who consumed countless lives to build a mountain—a Corpse Mountain!
Thinking about that mountain, it can't be more certain that They are truly an abominable Devil God to the point it makes one's teeth clench.
In the world of Penglai Island, They did show me a slightly kind side.
However...
That was it.
'I am now at the Sacred Vessel stage.'
My true strength is at the Entering Nirvana level, and by interrogating the Entering Nirvana True Person Yeo Hwi, whom I captured alive, I was able to learn the truth about the Entering Nirvana advancement and True Immortal advancement.
True Immortality is right before me.
'They said to settle things above.'
I know Their nature very well.
Great Mountain is never fair or just.
Only in matters related to Their master do They occasionally act with a semblance of fairness.
In essence, They are a colossal evil (巨惡).
'Given Their words about meeting above, it wouldn't be strange if They immediately attacked me with full force the moment I succeeded in the True Immortal advancement.'
Of course, there could be additional conditions implied in 'meeting above', but based on my interpretation of Their character, I cannot afford to dismiss such a possibility.
Thus...
I can not afford to relax and idly pass the time playing as a Sacred Master.
'I must prepare. At the very least...I must be able to put up some resistance in front of Great Mountain after becoming a True Immortal.'
Never again!
Never again will I experience a horrific event like the Wuji Religious Order catastrophe!
Thus...
What I must do now is refine and temper myself with everything I have!
In order to do so, I explained my plan to my comrades.
My comrades each added their own ideas to help me.
Whenever Yeo Hwi occasionally muttered that it was impossible, I would hang her upside down and continue listening to the opinions of my comrades.
Together with Kim Yeon, we devised a plan for an artificial Middle Realm.
The plan involved gathering the entirety of the Decaying Corpse Realms of the Heavenly Domain, refining them, and merging them with Cedarwood Painting, thereby forging an artificial Middle Realm.
To be honest, I was personally skeptical about whether something like an artificial Middle Realm was even possible...
But if it's Kim Yeon, who inherited the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent and evolved it into something entirely new, it seemed feasible.
Of course, even so, it is impossible for it to compare to a true Middle Realm. However, in times of emergency, it could draw in the living beings of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain for protection, and it also seemed to be a significant help in safeguarding Cedarwood Painting until I complete my plan.
Kim Young-hoon also discussed martial arts with me and greatly helped in exploring the Mandala of Cedarwood Painting.
Hong Fan also supplemented various parts of my plan, offering numerous pieces of advice to ensure its success.
I came to realize that it is possible to 'extract and use' the authority of Oh Hye-seo, who eternally wanders within my heart essence, by exercising my authority as a Sacred Vessel. With this, borrowing the strength of all my comrades, I proceeded with the plan to save my comrades and all the living beings of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.
Kugugugugu!
Amidst the Karmic Fire, the Cedarwood Painting that burns as it shields itself with the Clear Scale Armor.
When that Cedarwood Painting fully connected to the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person, the eyes of the True Persons and Sacred Masters widened.
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Given their own lifetimes of experience and accumulated insight, they immediately recognized what Seo Eun-hyun is planning.
[He's...creating a Middle Realm!?]
[Insanity...! Even the Heavenly Craftsmen only attempted such a feat after reaching True Immortality...!]
[Stop him at all costs! That madman's Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra is growing even stronger!]
It's exactly as the last True Person said.
As much as Seo Eun-hyun's Cedarwood Painting continues to expand, and the absoluteness of its dimension grows stronger,
The power and authority of Seo Eun-hyun, who is embedded in Cedarwood Painting, intensifies, and the attraction force of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra grows slightly stronger.
Although the speed at which the End approaches is only marginally faster, it nonetheless increases.
Everyone trembles in shock and horror at Seo Eun-hyun's insane actions.
[That insane madman...! Fine, if it's war you want, then so be it...!]
[But what can we do? Don't you know about the Karmic Fire? We absolutely cannot make direct contact with him. Touching the Karmic Fire means pain worse than death! Even if we endure it and attack, what about the Clear Scale Armor?]
[All physical attacks will be blocked by the Clear Scale Armor.]
[Ja Eum! Contact your main body. Tell it to reclaim the Karmic Fire!]
The True Persons jump around wildly as they search for a means to penetrate Seo Eun-hyun's defenses.
Ja Eum lets out a bitter smile and shakes his head.
[If it's Blood Yin, he would have realized by now. But...for some reason, Blood Yin shows no reaction even after seeing the Karmic Fire. Do not count on his help.]
[Hae Lin! It's the tears of your ancestor. As a direct descendant, you should be able to control the Clear Scale Armor. Hurry and open it now!]
[I apologize, but I lack the authority to control that Clear Scale Armor. For some reason, even with my abilities as a direct descendant, it does not elicit a response. There is only one explanation for this. Someone higher than my ancestor, the Deputy Judge, has granted Seo Eun-hyun the [authority] to handle the Clear Scale Armor...]
At Hae Lin's words, the True Persons rampage.
[Blood Yin! It must be that bastard! He is the root cause of all this!]
[Claiming to be the former Chief Judge, he must have granted that bastard the authority to use the Clear Scale Armor and the Karmic Fire! Without a doubt, he's colluding with the tyrannical Devil God (魔神)!!!! I realised it ever since he occasionally borrowed the power of the Corpse Mountain Blood Sea!!!]
The True Persons seethe with rage as they glare at Seo Eun-hyun.
[Then, it cannot be helped.]
[As direct contact is impossible, we must break through with authority!]
The True Persons begin to exert their powers.
[Hear us, stars of the nations!]
Jinlu Gok steps to the forefront and shouts with a hardened and solemn face.
[We declare: The star veins of the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain shall obey only our command. The authority of the wicked shall never encroach upon the domain of the True Persons.]
Woo-woong!
The formation formed by the star veins controlled by Seo Hweol begin to transform.
But in the next moment, Seo Eun-hyun's illusion smiles and raises a finger.
Wiiiiiing!
Behind Seo Eun-hyun's head, the [Wheel] rises.
[——————!]
[———!!!]
[!!!!!!!!!!]
The True Persons go berserk with madness, sealing their own vision to avoid directly gazing at the [Wheel].
[I rewrite: O formation of stars, become the threads that pull in the outer realms.]
Kiiiiing!
Simultaneously, Seo Hweol's Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens and Seo Eun-hyun's [Wheel] begin to move.
The formation of star veins, which the True Persons and Jinlu Gok had seized control of, instantly transforms into a formation obedient to Seo Eun-hyun's command.
The [Wheel], the attraction force of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra and Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens exert their power, pulling an immense mass from beyond the universe.
Kugwagwagwa!
In the shape of an [Eye], a Decaying Corpse Realm enveloped in a dimensional barrier leaps through space at an immense speed and merges with Cedarwood Painting like Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll.
Once again, Kim Yeon's artificial star enters the [Eye] Decaying Corpse Realm, fully fusing Cedarwood Painting and the outer Decaying Corpse Realm.
[O formations of stars, become the threads that pull in the growing realms.]
Once again, from the far reaches of the universe, beyond the Interdimensional Void, yet another body part of a True Immortal begins flying towards this location.
Baek Woon solemnly stretches out her hand.
Kwaaaaang!
Immediately after, the incoming Decaying Corpse Realm explodes, instantly annihilating all living beings within it.
Kugugugugu!
The universe quakes violently.
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Excluding Yo Oh, Baek and the other Sacred Masters of the Middle Realms.
The four of them, exuding an aura akin to that of True Immortals, glare at Seo Eun-hyun.
Baek Woon opens her mouth.
[Such rampage will not be tolerated any longer. Summon the Decaying Corpse Realms a hundred, a thousand times if you will. I will destroy them all before they even arrive!]
[...It must have been a realm where billions of living beings resided, yet you destroyed it without hesitation.]
[If it's to prevent the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain from entering your stomach, I would do worse.]
[Have I not already said it? This will bring no harm to you all. Moreover, my intent is not to devour the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain. Nor is it to offer it to the current owner of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, as you suspect! Do you want me to swear upon the Black Ancient Paper before the [Owner of Names]?]
[That won't be necessary. The fact that you're involved with True Immortals is already indisputable. For someone of your caliber, I'm sure you've prepared a sufficient escape route already. Yang Su-jin was the same! Do you intend to continue!?]
Seo Eun-hyun locks eyes with Baek Woon.
The being standing here now is not the one who used to exchange opinions with Seo Eun-hyun in passing or jokingly pursued him to push the Sacred Master position onto him.
No, this is a being resolved to obliterate the existence known as Seo Eun-hyun with all their strength and to prevent every single one of his actions.
A being who crushes the small without hesitation for the sake of the great.
That, is the Sacred Master Baek Woon who stands here now.
Seo Eun-hyun meets the eyes of Yu Oh, who appears to be withholding her actions.
[Sacred Master Yu Oh. Are you planning to step aside?]
[...I will remain neutral.]
Yu Oh calmly takes a step back from where she stands.
[As I cannot take any other actions without the commands of the Reapers, I hope everyone understands my stance.]
The True Persons and Sacred Masters nod, and Seo Eun-hyun nods as well.
In any case, one Sacred Master stepping aside is already a great help.
Seo Eun-hyun then turns to another.
He looks at Hae Lin, who shows a slightly ambiguous heart essence, and asks.
[Sacred Master Hae Lin seems to be hesitant. What will the Sacred Master do?]
However, Hae Lin, after appearing to deliberate over his question, hardens his expression and speaks.
[...I am...the Sacred Master of the Ancient Force Realm. I have resolved...to protect the living beings of the Ancient Force Realm!]
Hae Lin steps forward and shouts at Seo Eun-hyun.
[Stop the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, Seo Eun-hyun! Even if it's you...you cannot stop us all...!]
A tone that carries a hint of pleading.
But Seo Eun-hyun only gives him a look that says he understands his will.
He does not back down.
[Is that all?]
Yet all the remaining True Persons and Sacred Masters.
They only stare coldly, with no one stepping back further.
Only Baek Woon speaks coldly again, merely informing Seo Eun-hyun of reality.
[Summon the Decaying Corpse Realms as many times as you wish. Call forth the stellar systems as well. I will crush them all, no matter how many times they come.]
At that, Seo Eun-hyun smiles.
[...Then, as you wish...!]
Immediately after.
Next to Seo Eun-hyun's projection, another massive projection appears.
It is a woman clad in a navy-blue robe, her hair dyed azure blue.
[By my authority as the Holy Mother who guides the dead, the deceased shall come to my embrace.]
Kang Min-hee, who has reached the Sacred Vessel stage, raises one hand and extends it towards the remains of the Decaying Corpse Realm that Baek Woon had just destroyed.
[The recently slumbering dead shall return to the embrace of I, the incarnation of Nether Crossing.]
Kiiiiing!
At Kang Min-hee's proclamation, the souls of the living beings from the Decaying Corpse Realm that Baek Woon destroyed are sucked into her like beams of light.
That's not all.
Woo-wooong—
In this world, everything possesses a soul.
This applies even to pebbles, simple winds, dust, and flames. When such souls lose their place, they head toward the Source River after death.
And the same is true for a 'world'.
The soul of the Decaying Corpse Realm being pulled into the Source River can be seen.
Yet, at Kang Min-hee's call, the soul of the Decaying Corpse Realm stops abruptly and is instead sucked into her.
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It seems her authority over the 'dead' slightly surpasses the laws of the Source River.
Whether this is because the owner of the Source River is absent or because her authority is intertwined with the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, often referred to as the true God of Death, remains unclear.
Wo-woong!
Kang Min-hee places the souls of the destroyed Decaying Corpse Realm and its living beings into Cedarwood Painting.
Seo Eun-hyun immediately places those souls into his heart essence and replicates them within the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.
'A portion of Oh Hye-seo's authority, which summons the power of beings from the past.'
Combined with the 'Sacred Master's authority to extract what exists in the heart essence into reality and make it permanent,' he manifests the 'bodies that the souls once possessed in the past' inside his heart essence and extracts them into reality through the Sacred Master's authority.
Thus, through the combination of Kang Min-hee, Seo Eun-hyun, and Oh Hye-seo, all the deceased living beings are brought back to life with their physical bodies restored.
Tststststststs!
That is not all.
Oh Hyun-seok begins to exert his strength.
[Haaaaaaaaaa!!!]
Although he is still the lowest in cultivation realm among Seo Eun-hyun's group, being only at the Grand Perfection Integration Stage, he was able to find his authority when he exited Penglai Island.
The dense power of Primordial Chaos saturates his entire body.
Within the purple mist, Oh Hyun-seok grasps the soul of the Decaying Corpse Realm that Seo Eun-hyun absorbed.
Wo-woong—
Everything intertwines.
In the midst of chaos, reality and illusion seem to blur and shift faintly, and the remains of the Decaying Corpse Realm, which should have been outside, are drawn by the soul of the Decaying Corpse Realm and suddenly appear inside Cedarwood Painting.
Paaatt!
As Kim Yeon's consciousness domain moves, the artificial stars combine the shattered remains and the soul of the Decaying Corpse Realm, reconstructing the Decaying Corpse Realm inside Cedarwood Painting.
This is the power of the Liberation Law Talent.
The Decaying Corpse Realm, reassembled within Cedarwood Painting, soon melts into it, expanding the size of Cedarwood Painting once more.
After completing this sequence of events, Seo Eun-hyun's attraction force has grown even stronger.
Seo Eun-hyun meets Baek Woon's gaze and speaks.
[How many times did you say you would destroy it? Go ahead. No matter how many times you destroy, it's useless. To us...]
Seo Eun-hyun looks back at his comrades and smiles.
[We have the Wuji Divine Demon. Lightning Harbinger. Ghost Guiding Holy Mother. The hope of the great Azure Heaven Creation Sect. Including the Owner of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, countless heroes stand here. Give up.]
Baek Woon stares at Seo Eun-hyun with an expressionless face, before exchanging transmissions with the True Persons and Sacred Masters.
After murmuring amongst themselves in cosmic voices, they soon reach a decision and fix their gazes on Seo Eun-hyun.
[Very well. Then, we shall engage you in the proper manner of a Middle Realm invasion strategy...]
Chichichichichi—
A strange sound resounds, and Baek Woon, along with the True Persons and Sacred Masters, simultaneously begin to unleash their domains.
[Even if it takes hundreds, no, thousands of years, we will stop you, Seo Eun-hyun.]
The domains of the True Persons become imbued with the power of Immortal Arts.
Simultaneously, some kind of mark seems to be engraved within the domains of all the Sacred Masters and True Persons.
Beyond that mark, a certain 'scene' begins to materialize.
Baek Woon's eyes seem to burn fiercely.
The colossal forms of the True Persons collectively begin to heat up.
[I, as the sovereign of a world, designate calamity upon the entirety of Cedarwood Painting...]
The True Persons and Sacred Masters combine their powers, constructing something within their domains.
It is a star.
Seo Eun-hyun understands what they are doing.
It is something he experienced once before in the Nether Ghost Realm.
The True Persons are combining their powers to interfere with the Plane of Fate.
[I prophesize this: The defense enveloping Cedarwood Painting will inevitably reveal a flaw in 400 years, and through that flaw, Cedarwood Painting shall collapse.]
Before Seo Eun-hyun's eyes, something is reflected.
The barrier of Clear Scale Armor and Karmic Fire, and the dimensional veil of Cedarwood Painting, created through the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens, and the absoluteness of the Decaying Corpse Realm itself.
It is a scene showing a small crack forming 400 years from now in that barrier, though the circumstances are unknown.
Tstststst!
Beyond the world formed by the combined domains of the True Persons and Sacred Masters.
There, a new star appears!
The star begins to cross into 'reality' under Baek Woon's will.
Jiiiiiing—
The star crosses into the Plane of Fate in reality and connects with the star veins of the entire universe.
At the same time, Seo Eun-hyun feels it.
That a prophecy of fate, like the time with Blood Yin, has been inscribed upon his Cedarwood Painting.
A prophecy and the designation of calamity.
And through fate and history, a true battle of the Immortal Family, one that may span thousands, even tens of thousands of years, begins.