Chapter 479: Sacred Sea (4)

Chapter 479: Sacred Sea (4)

Chapter 479: Sacred Sea (4)

I look up at the ceiling for a moment, rubbing my face with my hand.

'...No matter how I explain it, she won't believe me anymore.'

She has reached a conclusion all on her own.

Even if I were to cruelly torture her, saying, 'Say that I am Seo Eun-hyun, not a True Immortal!'

Or if I were to gently persuade her, saying, 'I am not True Immortal.'

On the surface, she might seem convinced, but deep down, she would still believe I am a True Immortal and treat me as such.

'What should I do?'

I am Seo Eun-hyun.

I am not some True Immortal; I am simply Seo Eun-hyun.

How exactly am I supposed to prove myself?

"...I am."

Raising Yeon Wei, who looks as if she's about to lick my feet, I say,

"Seo Eun-hyun. I am not a True Immortal."

"..."

Yeon Wei listens to my words with utmost respect.

"No matter how you think of me...well, to be honest, if you don't know me, you wouldn't understand. I admit it. I may look like a True Immortal at times. But regardless of what you think, I am not a True Immortal."

"Howe..."

"But."

I cut off her words and speak firmly.

"If you believe me to be a True Immortal...then think of me that way. After all, I, too, aim to become a True Immortal someday, and if that day ever comes, I won't forget the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect."

At my words, her eyes light up.

"Thank...thank you! Thank you so much!"

She bows down and continues to kiss my feet.

Unable to forcibly stop her, I can only clear my throat and step back.

"Please stop. And...I would appreciate it if you treated me as you used to..."

"As you command!"

Thud!

She answers, bowing her head with enough force to make a thud, and then steps back.

Watching Yeon Wei's display, I sit in a lotus position in Jeon Myeong-hoon's quarters for a moment.

Crack, crackle...

Gradually, I feel it.

My consciousness is once again reversing back to the Lightning Sacred Sea, and this brief moment of Divine Descent is about to end.

I speak into the void.

"Are you watching, Jeon Myeong-hoon?"

And immediately, a reply comes.

—Yeah.

"When did you wake up?"

—From the very beginning. It's just that until now, I couldn't react inside you because the presence of your soul was so overwhelming... Should I say I was flattened? Something like that. When you raised your consciousness to the Immortal Domain using my body to block the Sacred Master's attack, the intensity of the stimulus was so strong that I had no choice but to awaken forcefully. But thanks to you, I got to experience the Immortal Realm early... it wasn't bad.

"...What do you think about Yeon Wei's behavior?"

—What do you mean, what do I think? Just accept it. Our ancestor, after all, despite how often she misses the mark, does put in the effort in her own way.

"The problem is that she misses the mark far too often."

—That is true.

I check on the awakened Jeon Myeong-hoon within me to see if he's alright, and he surprisingly doesn't seem to have any major issues.

It seems that anyone who has mastered the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method can maintain their consciousness and resist even during a Divine Descent.

In this case, however, my consciousness is so overwhelming that Jeon Myeong-hoon's consciousness was flattened without a chance to resist.

—So then, what's the problem? Yeon Wei swore to follow you faithfully, didn't she?

"I just...want her to treat me as me."

Jeon Myeong-hoon bursts into laughter inside me at that.

—Hahaha! How funny. What does it even mean to treat you as 'you'?

"Well, that is..."

—Are you asking to be treated as 'human Seo Eun-hyun'? Give it up. That's impossible. Being treated like a human...honestly, even reaching the Qi Building stage is enough to begin shedding that part. The moment one enters the path of Immortal Cultivation and surpasses the Qi Building stage, we are no longer humans but rather 'cultivators who resemble humans'.

"...Still, as a fellow sect member..."

—I get what you're trying to say, but that's impossible too. This isn't just an issue of being a cultivator or the realm...it's because the 'subject is you'.

"Just what about me?"

—Do you want me to be blunt?

Pajijik!

As my presence starts being drawn back into the Lightning Sacred Sea, Jeon Myeong-hoon seems to regain some energy.

He creates a clone with lightning in front of his body and speaks through it.

[You, you know...have been acting strange lately.]

"...That's because of the Star Shattering stage. In Star Shattering, the heart gradually transforms into attraction force..."

I explain to him about the realm of Star Shattering, and after listening, Jeon Myeong-hoon nods immediately.

[It's clear now. What I'm about to say has nothing to do with that kind of attraction force in the Star Shattering stage. Just Seo Eun-hyun, it's about your fundamental state.]

"My fundamental state?"

[That's right. I'm talking about you... Honestly, as time goes by, you're paying more attention to your shoulders.]

"..."

[It's not because your shoulders are an erogenous zone or because you've learned some technique that makes them more sensitive, right?]

"...Of course not."

[The reason your shoulders have been getting more sensitive and why you keep focusing on them...in my perspective, it's because you're carrying too much weight on them.]

"What?"

[...When I look at you, you know...]

He reaches toward my chest, pulling out the hand of So-hae from within and gently strokes it.

[Sometimes, it seems like you're excessively abusing yourself. It feels like, because of the burdens you carry on your back, you're being crushed by the weight and dying a little each day.]

"..."

[Fortunately...in the world of Penglai Island, that world resembling the Head Realm, after you spoke with the reincarnation of Buk Hyang-hwa, you seem to have stopped some of that self-punishment.]

"That's true."

I heard from Baek Ran about 'how to forgive myself.'

Simultaneously, I extinguished the flames of abuse that had been tormenting me, capturing the starting point of my Immortal Art and completing Crystal Glass to Treading Sea.

"Back then...I forgave myself a lot."

[Yes. Since then, your complexion has improved significantly. But...]

He strokes Sohae's hand and looks at me.

[Even if you've forgiven yourself, it seems you're still driving yourself too hard.]

"...What?"

[It's exactly as I said. There's too much weighing on your shoulders. I'm saying you try to take responsibility for everything all by yourself.]

He speaks with a serious expression.

[Of course, I understand. Honestly, the Enders you mentioned? It's because among us Enders, you're the most capable. It's a good attitude to have. But because you put too much burden on your shoulders and push yourself too hard, at some point, it seems like you stopped caring about others' opinions and perspectives.]

"..."

[Ancestor Yeon Wei's attitude also reflects this. Haven't you been judging her solely from your own perspective? It's not necessarily a bad thing. After all, the majority of our fates rest on your shoulders. But...sometimes, listen to the views and perspectives of those weaker than you. I don't mean to pay attention or be considerate of the weak.]

He places Jin So-hae's hand down momentarily, then rises from his seat and puts his hand on my shoulder.

I don't brush it off.

[It's not about paying attention to the weak...just trust us a little more. I will always believe in you and follow you. But...also remember that we, too, have our own perspectives, views, and the heart to be of help to you. That person has also found a solution that she believes will benefit us most, based on her own judgment.]

"...I'll think about it."

Pajijijk!

It seems the duration of Divine Descent has reached its end.

My consciousness scatters directly from inside Jeon Myeong-hoon's body.

Pasasasasa!

The sound of murmuring echoes from all directions.

'This is...'

I immediately recognize what they are.

They are voices.

The voices of those who have 'learned the Lightning Path Method.'

Pajik, Pajijijik...

I savor the sensation of lightning swirling inside my mind, identifying their identities.

'I see. These are...all those who were taught by Yang Su-jin!'

Those who learned the wisdom of lightning from Yang Su-jin and inherited his teachings.

However, the majority are Qi Building stage and below.

'I see. That time...'

The day the Owner of Heavenly Punishment sought out Zhengli and erased the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.

The Owner of Heavenly Punishment not only wiped out the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect but almost all those who had received Yang Su-jin's teachings.

The ones who survived were the extreme cases.

Jeon Myeong-hoon, with the highest talent among them.

Or unaffected by the Owner of Heavenly Punishment's power due to their powerful strength, the fewentitiesinthevastandevenmoreimmenseUpperWorld.

'Kugh...'

It seems a few of Yang Su-jin's disciples who are presumed to be True Immortals also survived.

I erase their presence from my mind and survey others.

Aside from the True Immortals, the majority are below the Qi Building stage.

They were likely deemed unworthy of being killed directly by the Owner of Heavenly Punishment.

In other words...

The vast majority of Yang Su-jin's disciples remaining in this world are either at the Qi Building stage or True Immortals.

'The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect in the Head Realm is unique.'

According to Yeon Wei's occasional reports, it seems that in the Head Realm's Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, a few Nascent Soul cultivators have emerged, completely seizing dominance over the continent.

With the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect controlling the Head Realm, it's likely that within a few years, they will gather the continent's resources and produce someone who will reach the Heavenly Being stage.

'I see. So in the Lightning Sacred Sea, if someone who is thought to continue the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's, or in essence, Yang Su-jin's legacy, enters, they are given the chance to observe Yang Su-jin's connections in the Lightning Sacred Sea.'

I fully condense my consciousness and examine my surroundings.

My surroundings are dark.

I sense the attraction force around me shifting as some phenomenon approaches.

While waiting for it to draw near, I reflect on my conversation with Jeon Myeong-hoon.

Compared to when we first came to Ascension Path, he really has changed a lot.

'...Yes, I've definitely been thinking too much from my own perspective lately.'

Perhaps it's because I've experienced death too many times in such a short span.

At times, I even confuse my own death with that of my comrades, and once, thinking that since I can endure the titles of True Immortals, an Entering Nirvana True Person naturally would be able to do so as well, I recklessly dropped the titles and names of True Immortals like a bomb on Jinlu Gok, who had given me grace.

The distinction between self (我) and others (他) has grown blurred through so many deaths.

Because of that, I think I've become confused about the difference between 'the me I see' and 'the me others see.'



Then, I move on to the next world beyond the hot spring world.

The next world is a place where the light is extremely dim, almost completely shrouded in darkness. As I sweep through with the consciousness of the Star Shattering stage, I find it's a world where fruits and flowers made of protein bloom.

It seems this is where Jang Ik had picked up that meat apple.

Simultaneously upon entering this world, a marker enters the rage of my attraction force.

[First Floor.]

'It seems the hot spring world was like a waiting area, and this is where the Tower of Trials actually begins.'

However, there doesn't seem to be anything like a trial here.

'The Star Shattering expedition team must have already cleared this trial.'

Most likely, the expedition team is stationed on the upper floors.

Kurururung!

Once again, I manipulate attraction force and break through to the next floor.

Second floor, third floor, fourth floor...

Twenty-seventh floor, twenty-eighth floor, twenty-ninth floor, thirtieth floor...

Fortieth floor, fiftieth floor, sixtieth floor, eightieth floor...!

Finally, when I reach the ninety-fifth floor,

Kugugugugu!

I find myself in a place resembling outer space and survey my surroundings.

As I try to pierce through the space with attraction force, a counterforce appears, restoring the space.

'This must be an uncleared floor. Then the expedition team should be here.'

I extend my consciousness domain and begin to explore into the distant reaches.

Then, beyond the cosmic space, I see a colossal entity being pursued by several beings.

Kwa-jijijijik!

It's a beetle the size of a satellite.

The beetle, scattering golden lightning, flies toward me, thrusting its mandibles in my direction.

It seems intent on splitting me apart.

But in the next moment.

The Three Great Ultimates rise behind my back.

Wiiiiing!

The Three Great Ultimates begin to spin, and I reach out towards the lightning beetle.

Kwa-jijik!

The beetle's mandibles are caught in my hand.

I tighten my grip on the beetle, and after a moment, it bursts apart and dies.

Kwaang!

In the place where the beetle exploded and died, a small golden fragment remains.

I reach out and grab the golden fragment.

Simultaneously, I become aware through my attraction force that 'I can now proceed to the next floor.

It seems this creature was the master of this floor.

And it's when I've caught the floor's master.

Flash!

A group of Esteemed Ones with vast presences assembles around me.

There are a total of 21 of them.

Among them, I smile slightly when glancing at a green-hued figure before turning to observe the rest of the Esteemed Ones.

[Greetings, seniors. This unworthy junior is Seo Eun-hyun, a Star Shattering Esteemed One who has recently emerged from the Bright Cold Realm and a practitioner of the Human Race. I have come here under the guidance of the Sacred Master to assist in the conquest of the Lightning Sacred Sea. I hope you will allow me to be of assistance.]

Then, amidst my polite greeting, an unexpected voice shouts in fury.

[You filthy thing. Are you that Human Race madman!?]

[Pardon...?]

I turn my head, and there, a Star Shattering stage Esteemed One who appears to be from the Tall Tree Race is glaring at me with a face flushed red.

[You've come well! You son of a scoundrel! You dare to defile my Sacred Master! I'll rip your main body to shreds and scatter it across Heaven and Earth!]

[...There seems to be a misunderstanding, Daoist. And besides, why is Sacred Master Baek Woon 'your' Sacred Master?]

[Silence! I have nothing to explain to a molester like you! Esteemed Ones of the Bright Cold Realm, let us all attack this vile menace!]

At his words, several Esteemed Ones from the Bright Cold Realm surround me.

[Look here, Daoists. Why are you all following the words of this Tall Tree Race Daoist? There's no point in exhausting ourselves here in pointless conflict. How about moving on and tackling the next floor quickly?

However, an Esteemed One of the Yellow Dragon Race speaks, their eyes gleaming.

[There's no use denying it, evil breed. Everyone here has already heard that you tortured the Sacred Master and provided the opportunity for the Owner of the Blood Yin Realm to descend upon the Bright Cold Realm. You are no better than a traitor to the Bright Cold Realm!]

Standing beside them, a Fighting Ghost Race Esteemed One flexes their muscles and grins.

[Torturing the Sacred Master? Just how powerful are you? And on top of that, a member of the Heart Tribe!!! I'm already looking forward to how exciting it will be when we fight...]

[TL: A reminder that excited can also mean aroused.]

It seems they are divided.

Those who simply want to fight me, and those who resent me for allegedly torturing the Sacred Master and enabling the descent of Blood Yin.

But it doesn't end there.

[Heh heh. I don't like allying with those from the Bright Cold Realm...but if it means I can legally beat down on a Human Race, I'm more than willing to join anytime.]

The Esteemed Ones from the True Devil Realm also join in, encircling me.

[Our Ancient Force Realm has business with him as well. We need to find out why he's been issued an [Exile Order] from Sacred Master Hae Lin. After assisting with the capture, we will handle the interrogation.]

The Esteemed Ones of the Ancient Force Realm surround me for an absurd reason.

Adding to that, the Esteemed Ones of the Bright Cold Realm address the remaining Esteemed Ones who are standing back and just watching.

[Look here, Purple Gold Realm Daoists and Mountains and Rivers Daoists! If you assist us in capturing this one, we will make it worth your while! Please lend us your aid!]

Purple Gold Realm Esteemed Ones and Mountains and Rivers Esteemed Ones also surround me.

[TL: Mountains and Rivers as in miscellaneous factions, hermits, etc. I might have translated it as Independent or Hermit in the past, but I’ll be using Mountains and Rivers from now on.]

I observe the Esteemed Ones encircling me.

Five from the Bright Cold Realm.

Three from the True Devil Realm.

Four from the Ancient Force Realm.

Four from the Purple Gold Realm.

Four Mountains and Rivers Esteemed Ones roaming the Astral Realm.

A total of twenty Esteemed Ones have encircled me.

As I observe the Esteemed Ones around me, I notice the only one who hasn't joined the ranks of the attackers.

I look at Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One Jang Ik and say,

[This disciple Seo Eun-hyun has seen Master.]

[Good.]

[But, will Master not be joining in the joint attack?]

The Esteemed Ones' eyes widen when I address Jang Ik as my master, and they all start watching him warily.

However, Jang Ik lays down in the cosmic space and closes his eyes as if he has no interest.

[Anyway, I heard you either killed or put into a comatose state all my top disciples.]

[...]

[For now, wait. I'm drained from clearing this floor, so know that I'll face you when I'm in my best condition. I'm going to sleep for a bit. All of you, handle things as you see fit until I wake up.]

After saying this, Jang Ik adjusts the surrounding environment, ensuring that no one can approach his vicinity, and falls asleep just like that.

With looks of relief, the Esteemed Ones collectively let out sighs of relief.

[It's a relief that Heaven-Collapsing hasn't betrayed us.]

[So he isn't on your side either, human wretch.]

[Blame your fate.]

They begin tightening their encirclement.

And I smirk.

[Oh dear, that's the wrong answer.]

[Wrong answer?]

I speak to the one who seems to represent them—the Yellow Dragon Race Esteemed One.

[It's not that Jang Ik didn't betray you. Rather, he should have joined forces with you to pressure me.]

[Ha, looks like you're relying on something because he's your master...]

[Alright, that's enough. Let's cut the chit-chat...why don't you come at me?]

To be honest, even I am somewhat curious about the extent of my own abilities.

Since reaching the Star Shattering stage, all my opponents have been beings like Blood Yin, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, Sacred Master Baek Woon who merged with the Bright Cold Realm, and the Entering Nirvana Quasi-Immortal Jinlu Gok—each of them far above my level.

'I need an objective assessment of my strength.'

In that sense, the twenty Star Shattering stage Esteemed Ones have shown up at just the right time.

Among the Esteemed Ones who seem incredulous at my declaration, one Esteemed One from the Purple Gold Realm lets out an enraged shout and charges at me.

[Arrogant fool!]

The Colorless Glass Sword bursts forth from within my body.

Wududuk!

With the power of Crystal Glass to Treading Sea, my right hand holding the Colorless Glass Sword transforms into Glass True Fire, merging with the Colorless Glass Sword.

The Three Great Ultimates appear, and I, merged with the sword, raise it and slash.

Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.

Ascending Vein.

Tukwang!

The energy of the Three Great Ultimates flows into the sword, sending the Purple Gold Realm Esteemed One tearing through the space and up to the next floor.

Kwang, Kwang, Kwang!

Even after piercing through the next floor, the Purple Gold Realm Esteemed One continues to break through the subsequent floors above.

The 96th, 97th, 98th, and 99th floors are pierced through all at once.

From these four floors, powerful presences surge down upon the 95th floor.

The owners of those presences all express their anger at me for recklessly punching holes through their floors.

Hwarururururuk!

Enveloping myself in Glass True Fire, I take out my main body and begin transforming it.

Crystal Glass to Treading Sea.

Full Release (全開).

Origin Star (本源星) Combat Technique Form (鬪法形) Open.

My Origin Star changes, taking on a combat-optimized form.

The Glass True Fire envelops the entirety of my Origin Star.

I distort attraction force and place Hong Fan and Seo Ran, who are within the Origin Star, into a suitable alternate space, then transform my body.

Hwarururuk!

The Glass True Fire blazes across the entire Origin Star, reshaping its form.

As the Origin Star compresses, I assume the appearance of 'Human Seo Eun-hyun.'

Glass True Fire blankets my entire body, transforming into the robes of immortals, with parts of the flames trailing down my back to form winged garments.

As my consciousness accelerates, part of it reaches the Immortal Domain.

From within the flames of glass, I look down upon the Esteemed Ones with arrogance and speak.

: : C O M E A T M E. : :