Chapter 354: Devilish Cult (7)
Translator: TranslatingNovice
Editors: Z0Rel, BlueMangoAde
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Kugugugugug!
Under the dark sky of the Nether Ghost Realm.
At the northern end of the Stable Realm, bordering the Chaos Realm.
In that vicinity, a colossal cloud of dust rises.
"Chief Law Protector, another Grand Cultivator level Ghost King has arrived."
"Yeah, I see."
Jeon Myeong-hoon, standing at the edge of the Twilight Domain with his arms crossed, receives reports from the ghostly creatures, gazing at the distant dust cloud rising.
"They're releasing an incredible killing intent."
He speaks calmly, sitting down and caressing the hand of Jin So-hae.
Her hand, fried and devoid of moisture, is still preserved exactly as it had been, thanks to Jeon Myeong-hoon's special preservation treatment.
Watching the nonchalant Jeon Myeong-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok and Kim Yeon approach from behind.
"By the way, Myeong-hoon, is this okay? Including the Grand Cultivator-level Ghost King who just arrived, there are now 30 Integration stage ghost cultivators."
It's true.CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m
Six months have passed since they established themselves in the area where the True Person's devotee resided.
During the time Seo Eun-hyun was in seclusion, forces from all over the Nether Ghost have gathered.
It looks as if the entire Nether Ghost Realm is amassing forces to wage a full-scale war against the Wuji Religious Order.
"There's no need to worry from now on. It seems the Four Great Factions of the Nether Ghost Realm are preparing for a full-scale war, and in a few months, there might be hundreds of Integration stage cultivators gathered."
Seeing him laugh heartily, Oh Hyun-seok's worried expression deepens.
"Hmm, how about calling that Yeon Wei person back now? Are you sure this is alright?"
"Well...our ancestor is knowledgeable in many areas, but sometimes she can be quite careless. Sometimes it's better to trust Seo Eun-hyun over the ancestor."
"What if he makes a wrong decision?"
"Even if it seems like a mistake, it's better to trust him."
He clenches Jin So-hae's hand tightly as he mutters.
"If I had only trusted my colleague's words back then...perhaps So-hae might not have died...!"
Seeing this, Oh Hyun-seok looks a bit sympathetic.
"...Alright. I will trust him too."
At that moment.
Flash!
Bo-oong!
From the camp of the Four Major Factions Alliance, a spear of light shoots towards the Twilight Domain.
The spear of light, imbued with the energy of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness, burns through the ghostly energy of the Nether Ghost Realm as it flies towards them.
Oh Hyun-seok takes a step forward upon seeing this.
"Hah, they're finally starting to pick a fight."
A purple aura begins to rise from his entire body when suddenly,
Kim Yeon steps past Oh Hyun-seok and moves forward.
Wo-woong!
With her pink robe fluttering, she takes her stance.
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at Kim Yeon with a slightly startled expression and asks cautiously.
"Hey, Kim Yeon, you okay?"
But Kim Yeon does not answer.
Instead, she chews her lips anxiously and mutters with unstable eyes.
"No...I can't forgive this. Seo Eun-hyun is mine. I can't forgive anyone who tries to harm Seo Eun-hyun...!"
Chuarak!
She stomps her foot and soars into the sky, raising her left hand towards the spear of light.
Kuang!
The spear of light, imbued with the energy of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness, bounces into the sky and spins around.
Kim Yeon shifts her stance in midair, pulling back her right hand imbued with overwhelming strength.
As the spear falls downwards, it reaches Kim Yeon's eye level.
She then precisely swings her pulled-back right hand towards the hilt of the spear.
Kuaang!
A pinkish wave ripples through the air, and the spear of light is shot back towards its origin.
Kugwagwagwagwang!
The light of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness explodes from the direction of the Nether Ghost Realm alliance's camp, spreading an atmosphere of chaos.
Tak!
After demonstrating this series of martial prowess, Kim Yeon lands back on the ground, biting her lips as she glares towards the enemy camp.
But no further attacks follow.
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at Kim Yeon with uneasy eyes.
'The cycle of her madness is shortening.'
There had been previous instances of Kim Yeon's madness flaring up.
However, it always seemed to subside when Seo Eun-hyun was nearby, so it had never been a major problem.
But now that Seo Eun-hyun is in seclusion.
Kim Yeon's condition has rapidly deteriorated.
Jeon Myeong-hoon observes Kim Yeon.
Having nearly gone mad himself after losing Jin So-hae, he understands.
Kim Yeon is in a very dangerous state.
But he can't understand why.
'Just why is her madness acting up? There were no issues on Earth...'
It wasn't as if she lost a lover like he did, nor had she absorbed numerous ghosts like Kang Min-hee, nor is she undergoing intense training like Seo Eun-hyun or Oh Hyun-seok.
Though the time when she was captured by the Mad Lord was tough, she had said it wasn't that difficult thanks to Seo Eun-hyun's remote support and comfort.
'It's strange.'
To him, Kim Yeon's madness appears very out of place.
It's as if someone implanted the madness.
But Jeon Myeong-hoon doesn't delve too deeply.
'If there was a problem, Seo Eun-hyun would have taken action.'
The fact that Seo Eun-hyun went into seclusion while leaving Kim Yeon unattended indicated that he believed she could overcome it on her own.
'Since Seo Eun-hyun trusts Kim Yeon, I should trust her too.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon caresses Jin So-hae's hand and closes his eyes.
'Right, So-hae?'
He trusts his colleagues.
Even if they seem unstable on the surface, trusting them means leaving the results to them.
He trusts Seo Eun-hyun, Kim Yeon, and Oh Hyun-seok. He trusts the Guardian Ghost Kings and also the Wuji Religious Order.
'So, instead of worrying about Kim Yeon, my job is to protect the order with all my strength until Seo Eun-hyun's seclusion ends.'
A faint red lightning flows from his eyes.
"...As the Chief Law Protector of the Wuji Religious Order, I, Jeon Myeong-hoon, command you. Do not intercept attacks like the one just now, Kim Yeon. Instead, leave them to the Right Law Protector Oh Hyun-seok. Kim Yeon, you are responsible for mobilizing puppets to block large-scale offensives and counter major attacks."
Jeon Myeong-hoon gently places Jin So-hae's hand back into the wooden box and puts it inside his robe before standing up.
"Creating confusion and poisoning the enemy's camp is Hong Fan's role. Intercepting long-range attacks is Oh Hyun-seok's, large-scale offensives are Kim Yeon's, and I will handle the Grand Cultivator-level Ghost Kings who attack directly. Remember your roles well from this point on!"
Kim Yeon stares at Jeon Myeong-hoon for a moment, then nods, seemingly accepting it even within her madness.
And several days pass.
Kugugugugu-
From all across the Nether Ghost Realm, more and more Grand Cultivator-level Ghost Kings begin gathering at the opposing camp.
As their numbers increase, so does the frequency of attacks towards the Twilight Domain.
Kuang!
Oh Hyun-seok, transformed into a giant of stars, swings away a green talisman with Azure Wing Heavenly Shatter, clicking his tongue.
"My hands are numb. Is this the strike of an Integration stage cultivator?"
His face is deeply troubled.
"Are you really sure we can handle this? There seems to be more than 50 Integration stage cultivators now..."
"It's fine. If I use 'that,' I have the confidence to hold them off for a moment."
"Y-Yeah...you have 'that,' don't you?"
But even as Jeon Myeong-hoon speaks, his expression does not look good.
'Finish your seclusion quickly, Seo Eun-hyun.'
In a short-term battle, Jeon Myeong-hoon can unleash power comparable to that of 50 Integration Grand Cultivators using a special method.
But this method poses significant risks even for Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Moreover, if the Grand Cultivators continue to gather, even Jeon Myeong-hoon will run out of options.
"B-but..."
Woo-woong―
"...!"
However, before Ham Jin can ask further,
Infinite Fighting Ghost turns into a gust of wind and disappears from Ham Jin's sight.
His voice echoes in the ears of the anxious Ham Jin.
―Do not worry. I have already entered the realm, and I have enough power to save you alone...
A cryptic statement.
But Ham Jin, feeling the confident tone of that voice, can only bite his lip and wait in belief.
Kugugugugu!
Nether Ghost Realm.
Twilight Domain.
At the forefront, the Law Protectors and Guardian Ghost King of the Wuji Religious Order stand in formation, watching the other side.
The ground is shaking.
The stars are emitting ominous light, and sinister glows visible to the naked eye are spilling from the opposing camp.
Oh Hyun-seok swallows hard, and Kim Yeon reveals an ominous insanity.
At the center stands Jeon Myeong-hoon, his eyes gleaming.
"Ninety-six Integration stage cultivators...and seven devotees corrupted by True Persons..."
In the distance, seven Ghost Kings, each with multiple heads and resembling Seo Eun-hyun, float in the air.
Jeon Myeong-hoon can sense it instinctively.
"Everyone, be alert. They are all here now."
Even though all the factions of the Nether Ghost Realm designated them as public enemies, not all of their forces can come.
They need manpower to guard and manage their own domains, so each faction probably sent as many as they could within their limits.
Seeing no more Integration Ghost Kings gathering, this seems to be all of them.
But even so, there are 108 Integration Grand Cultivators.
'Seo Eun-hyun could barely perish together with about ten Grand Cultivators. Can I...protect the Twilight Domain from them...?'
Jeon Myeong-hoon shakes his head.
There is no room for doubt.
He has to protect at all costs.
At that moment, Kim Yeon's eyes flicker.
"They're coming."
Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes flash at those words.
It's exactly as she said.
Those who had been launching spells from afar until now begin to move towards them.
The faces of everyone present, including Jeon Myeong-hoon, are filled with tension.
But despite the tension, Jeon Myeong-hoon grits his teeth and moves forwards.
'Protect me, So-hae.'
Koong, koong, koong, kwa-jijijik!
With each step he takes, his stature seems to grow larger, and before long, Jeon Myeong-hoon transforms into a Six-Armed Giant.
The four axes built through the Five Elements Axes tremble within Jeon Myeong-hoon.
[Attack!]
And from afar, the seven 'devotees,'
The True Persons' Corrupted Bodies begin to exert their power.
Kiyaaaaaaaaaa―
Aaaaaaaaah―
The Ghost Kings resembling Seo Eun-hyun with multiple heads simultaneously open their mouths, unleashing numerous beams of light towards the Twilight Domain.
Some charge in with their own bodies, while others pull out Ghost Kings from their mouths and throw them forwards.
And Jeon Myeong-hoon, with his eyes shining, brings his six hands towards his dantian.
Wiiiiiing―
Behind his head, a circular halo appears.
From his dantian, four axes emerge.
Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings!
[I will begin Heaven and Earth Unity!]
Kwa-jijijijik!
As lightning flashes, Jeon Myeong-hoon's Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings unite.
Simultaneously,
Kwarurururung!
An enormous Heavenly Tribulation pours down towards Jeon Myeong-hoon like a waterfall from the sky.
The Ghost Kings of the Four Great Factions wear incredulous expressions at the sight.
"This lunatic...I've heard he handles lightning divine powers, but he's advancing right before a fight? Is he insane?"
"He must have a death wish. Everyone, attack!"
The Ghost Kings, without revealing their emotions, launch their attacks towards Jeon Myeong-hoon.
And then,
Kwarurururung!
The Heavenly Tribulation curves, redirecting from Jeon Myeong-hoon towards those attacking him.
Kwaaaang!
Even the devotees who have been corrupted by the True Persons flinch and halt at the overwhelming aura of the Heavenly Tribulation.
And, from the center of the Heavenly Tribulation storm, Jeon Myeong-hoon smiles.
[My apologies, but I become strongest when facing the Heavenly Tribulation.]
Kwa-jijijijik!
The Heavenly Tribulation is imbued with colors.
From blue and gold.
The Dual-Colored Heavenly Tribulation begins to turn red.
The sky turns crimson.
[This is my elixir and dharma treasure.]
Kwa-jijijijik!
The Heavenly Tribulation which is crashing down towards Jeon Myeong-hoon condenses calmly in his hand, transforming into a spear of lightning.
[In other words, it shall be by my will.]
Kwarurururung!
The spear of lightning pierces through the clouds and soars into the sky.
It appears almost like a sacred light connecting Heaven and Earth.
As it ascends, continuing until it seems it will reach the stars, Jeon Myeong-hoon grips the elongated spear of lightning and grins.
[Come at me. You shall never set foot in the Twilight Domain!]
Kwa-jijijijik!
Jeon Myeong-hoon swings the spear of lightning.
The Heavenly Tribulation spear, boasting a colossal length, is swung towards the Ghost Kings.
In the darkness.
I open my eyes to the voices of countless beings.
What is the true name of the Four-Axis stage?
'It's so simple.'
If it's called Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings,
Why is the stage after Heavenly Being called Four-Axis?
Shouldn't the stage following Heavenly Being include the name Earth (地)?
Earth Axis (地軸).
Yes, the first stage of the Middle Boundary should be called Earth Axis, not Four-Axis!
The Earth Axis stage.
"Then...shall I properly enter the Earth Axis stage?"
Finally.
I have gathered the lifespan of 10,000 years.
All that remains is to obtain the true Longevity Axis!
I begin preparations for the Longevity Axis ritual, while Jeon Myeong-hoon enters Heaven and Earth Unity.
The conclusion of all the events in the Nether Ghost Realm is now imminent.
***
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