Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
Han Baekryeong seemed utterly bewildered by my request. I had already sensed Fire Dragon Immortal's condition beforehand and knew he was in a comatose state to shield himself from the Sea God's demonic power, so I handed Hwayo over to her.
'The Fire Dragon Immortal dwelling within Hwayo won't harm Han Baekryeong.'
As soon as Hwayo rested in Han Baekryeong's hands, she stared down at the sword in silence before speaking.
'The incarnation of the Fire Dragon. Do you even know what Flame Spirit Soul Fusion is, and yet you ask this of me?'
'I know it's a way to wield the immense power of flames.'
'......'
Han Baekryeong let out a sigh for some reason before saying,
'The Leader mentioned you wield the Thunder God Style's martial arts. Is that true?'
'... Yi Cheongun's Thunder God Soul transforms the self into a thunder spirit and synchronizes with it, becoming lightning incarnate. In the same vein, I've spent years striving to turn this human body into a flame spirit.'
'Was there a problem?'
'I confirmed the gap in talent between Yi Cheongun and myself. And the difference in our histories...'
She continued with a sorrowful expression.
'Yi Cheongun possessed the greatest martial genius in history, and his predecessors had continually refined the essentials before him. That's why he faced no great difficulty in forming and maintaining the Thunder God Soul. But I began my research from my own generation, and with my lacking talent, Flame Spirit Soul Fusion ended up as an absurd, botched technique.'
'A botched technique?'
'Behold.'
Whoosh!!
Suddenly, massive flames erupted from Han Baekryeong's body, her flesh turning semi-transparent as it birthed enormous illusory wings of fire. The flames shimmered ethereally, creating a spectacular sight, her form shifting as if into a spirit body.
That was Flame Spirit Soul Fusion!
Han Baekryeong held the state for a moment before reverting to human form. Strangely, despite unleashing such tremendous flames, her robes showed no sign of damage.
'As you see, I can maintain Flame Spirit Soul Fusion for only an instant. But... in that instant, it consumed nearly half of my Heavenly Spirit Pill.'
standard realm of Luoyang, was similar to the Thunder God Soul realm. Yi Cheongun's mind-attacks could disable a Sea God Style guardian in a single strike, so she needed to match that domain.
As I pondered inwardly, Han Baekryeong continued.
'When we felled the demonic cultivator in Luoyang, I urgently lent you strength through Flame Spirit Soul Fusion, but I can't guarantee the same power if I use it again.'
'Why not? If it's because you just used Flame Spirit Soul Fusion and your Heavenly Spirit Pill hasn't recovered, then just wait a moment...'
'That's not the issue.'
Han Baekryeong shook her head.
'At some point, my power began to wane. The infinite internal energy capacity of the Heavenly Spirit Pill itself is diminishing. Compared to when I first saw you, my current strength is about seventy percent.'
'......'
'This seems to affect not just me, but the Leader and the other guardians as well. They asked me about the weakening of the Primordial Spirits and Heavenly Spirit Pills. I couldn't answer, not knowing the reason.'
I could guess the reason all too well.
'It's because I defeated the Sea God.'
The Heavenly Spirit Pill draws power from 'Father's' throne through the Sea God as a conduit. The Primordial Spirits do the same. But in this life, I left the Sea God on the brink of death, weakening the pact and gradually sapping the Primordial Spirits and Heavenly Spirit Pills.
The Heavenly Spirit Pill weakens because the Sea God is dying.
If the Sea God fully perishes, won't the Heavenly Spirit Pill next become void?
The Primordial Spirits do the same. But in this life, I left the Sea God on the brink of death, weakening the pact and gradually sapping the Primordial Spirits and Heavenly Spirit Pills.
The Heavenly Spirit Pill weakens because the Sea God is dying.
If the Sea God fully perishes, won't the Heavenly Spirit Pill pact become void?
I thought it over before saying to Han Baekryeong,
'... Even so, we have to try. Please lend me your strength. Without awakening Fire Dragon Immortal, we can't face the foes ahead.'
'No choice, then. I've warned you in advance, so if the Immortal doesn't awaken, don't blame me...'
'Of course. Rest a bit, then let's begin.'
After about half a shichen of ample rest, Han Baekryeong maximally invoked Flame Spirit Soul Fusion and began igniting Hwayo's blade.
Kuuuuu...
It wasn't the usual sound of flames consuming matter. The power of her invoked Flame Spirit Soul Fusion was sucked into Hwayo's blade as if into an invisible void. Considering the flames she emitted could scorch dozens of li, this absorption defied comprehension.
'As expected of the flame's essence...!!'
The time she could sustain Flame Spirit Soul Fusion was short. In my anxiety, I approached her back to channel energy, then flinched.
'Gasp!'
In an instant, nearly eighty percent of my internal energy was sucked away. I recoiled in horror. How much internal energy was she expending at that moment?! The problem was that even after devouring so much of mine, her Flame Spirit Soul Fusion showed no sign of recovery—it
'Gasp!'
In an instant, nearly eighty percent of my internal energy was sucked away. I recoiled in horror. How much internal energy was she expending at that moment?! The problem was that even after devouring so much of mine, her Flame Spirit Soul Fusion showed no sign of recovery—it demanded an inhuman scale of power.
Kuuuuu...!!
But change occurred. After devouring flame power like an abyss for a moment, Hwayo began reacting to the flames, gradually ceasing its absorption. As Han Baekryeong ended Flame Spirit Soul Fusion and staggered, I hurriedly supported her.
'Are you alright?'
'Hah... hah...'
Han Baekryeong was drenched in sweat. She opened her eyes slightly and said,
'Promise... me... protect... Flame Spirit Style...'
'I will. Rest now.'
Once she fainted, I checked her condition via pulse diagnosis. Despite nearly depleting her Heavenly Spirit Pill, her innate internal energy was vast enough that her life was not in danger. Moreover, since this wasn't a temporary state shift due to marrow cleansing but a permanent bodily change, there was no worry of sudden aging leading to death.
I approached Hwayo and picked it up.
Zing—
Suddenly, Hwayo emitted an orange glow. A powerful aura pulsed as if revived. Moments later, a divine energy flowed from the blade, and Fire Dragon Immortal's apparition appeared before my eyes.
[O successor. Did you restore me?]
'Yes. Are you alright now?'
[... No. The Sea God's demonic power is expelled, but I'm not yet fit for battle.]
Fire Dragon Immortal's heavy response carried clear fatigue. Having escaped coma from the Sea God's power, he had just regained vitality—like a human rising from bed after grave illness. Forcing him into battle now would be unwise. I said to him,
'I'll help you recover more strength.'
[ No need. Rather, I wish to speak with the being possessing you, successor.]
'Do you mean Immortal Jang Sambong?'
[ Indeed. Summon that fighting immortal.]
Flash.
Moments later, Jang Sambong descended upon my body. Fire Dragon Immortal said to him,
[ Even in slumber, heavenly realm tidings reached me. Are you the fighting immortal now acting with Cheonwoongbin after Yeo Dongbin?]
Jang Sambong clasped his fists in salute.
[ Jang Sambong greets Immortal Hwaryong, incarnation of the Responding Dragon. What words do you have for me...]
[ As things stand, you and I shall surely clash with the Beauty King ahead.]
[......]
[ Yet the Beauty King is a foe I could scarcely handle at full strength. You must provide great aid.]
Jang Sambong pondered Fire Dragon Immortal's words before replying,
[ That being is called the strongest fighting immortal. Thus, his weight in the heavenly realm is immense, and he acts not rashly. What reason do you have to believe the Beauty King will turn blades upon us?]
[ The successor now plans to fight or persuade the Demon King. Success or failure, the Beauty King also seeks the Demon King's head, making conflict inevitable.]
[ Hmm...]
Jang Sambong replied with a troubled look.
[ Immortal Hwaryong. That information you just shared is heavenly secret. By your station, you must never divulge it.]
[ For an apostle of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, that rule need not apply.]
[... That's far too self-serving an interpretation.]
Jang Sambong seemed inclined to adhere to heavenly principles. Though he already knew of the Beauty King from Fire Dragon Immortal's words, he hadn't shared it with me separately. Jang Sambong groaned before saying,
[ We are all kin of the heavenly realm. Should conflict arise with the Beauty King, the Three Pure Ones will decide, so we cannot presume hasty battle.]
[ Jang Sambong. Can you say that knowing the earth's current state?]
[......]
[ This era is more chaotic than the Age of Ten Thousand Halls. Think hard on what justice truly is.]
[ I shall judge for myself, so know that.]
Flash!
Fire Dragon Immortal then returned to Hwayo. He deemed recovering strength swifter than debating Jang Sambong further. As Jang Sambong's possession lifted, I vehemently protested to him.
[ Immortal Jang! You hid that the Beauty King is active on earth targeting the Demon King Ma Bi-jang?!]
[ Yes.]
I was flabbergasted.
That the fighting immortal Beauty King lurked on earth aiming for Demon King Ma Bi-jang was intelligence among intelligence. It could force me to overhaul all plans, perhaps even trigger a death crisis.
'Fire Dragon Immortal must have learned it as Responding Dragon's incarnation.'
Had he not indirectly informed me now, I'd still be in the dark.
[ Why? You and I share the successor's fate...]
[ Yet you are also apostle of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. The Three Pure Ones of the heavenly realm expressly forbade me from divulging excess heavenly secrets to you.]
[......!!]
[ Understand, successor.]
The Three Pure Ones themselves ordered restraint on me?
Then Jang Sambong's unusual passivity, unlike Yeo Dongbin, stemmed not from personality but heavenly high command?
Unable to comprehend, I said,
[ What... Aren't the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors allied with the heavenly realm?]
[ Successor... It's a deeply complex matter. The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors are vast beings who cherish humanity, yet once great evils, and their view of humans differs from the heavenly realm's. Thus, the heavenly realm cannot fully trust them and has kept a set distance for ages. Hence, I could not wholly share intelligence with you, their apostle.]
[......]
[ Know it was not my intent...]
Jang Sambong's voice darkened, revealing his own frustration with the command. Though
for ages. Hence, I could not wholly share intelligence with you, their apostle.]
[......]
[ Know it was not my intent...]
Jang Sambong's voice darkened, revealing his own frustration with the command. Though anger surged, pressing him was pointless. The ones who issued it deserved my wrath.
Gritting my teeth, I said aloud,
'... Forget it. So how exactly is the Beauty King targeting the Demon King?'
[ Sigh... You demand the information in exchange?]
'Yes. If you truly see me as successor.'
[ No choice.]
Jang Sambong continued.
[ After executing the diviners who leaked heavenly secrets, the Beauty King hid in a human city, amassing intelligence. Master of transformation, he shifts into any form, likely lurking still. And soon, he will raid the Demon King's lair.]
'No matter how strong the Beauty King, the Demon King transcends great celestial immortals. Can he manage alone?'
[ The Beauty King is exceptional. He embodies all gods and demons of the mythic age. Thus, the heavenly realm believes that even in worst case, he will at least seal the Demon King.]
'......'
Immense trust.
Even as strongest fighting immortal, was the Beauty King such a powerhouse?
Unable to grasp as I listened, I asked
......
Immense trust.
Even as strongest fighting immortal, was the Beauty King such a powerhouse?
Unable to grasp as I listened, I asked,
'Then why descend the Heavenly Edict at all? If the Beauty King can solo the Demon King, no need for...'
[ It's not solely for the Demon King.]
'What?'
[ The Sea God's fall massively disrupted causality, heightening chances of potent [Ancient Ruler] incarnations or apostles emerging in the Central Plains. Beings dwarfing the Demon King may appear, leaving the heavenly realm no choice but to issue the Heavenly Edict.]
Sound reasoning.
Considering the power of [Fetal Eternity], the [Ancient Ruler] incarnation in the White Lotus Cult, it made sense. Another such apostle or incarnation would plunge the Central Plains into endless chaos and slaughter. I said to Jang Sambong,
'From now on, hide no information from me. This is a plea as your successor.'
[ Heh... Very well.]
Flash.
Before returning Han Baekryeong to the Han family and heading to base, I visited Physician Sang Gwan-hyeok's clinic. Finding no trace of the bastard, I scowled like I'd bitten a bug.
'It had to be this fucker...'
No doubt.
gain power first.'
Flash!
Soon after, I went with Mangnyang and Cheon Woojin to Mount Song's Heavenly Edict altar. Shaolin's divine monks welcomed us as if awaiting.
'You've arrived.'
'We've come to unseal an essence, so bar all from the altar.'
'Of course.'
The divine monk assured boldly.
'I and my junior brothers, the Eighteen Arhats, Four Vajras, and One Hundred Eight Arhat Formation stand ready. None shall rashly cross Shaolin's threshold.'
Mangnyang and Cheon Woojin then planted all flags at the Heavenly Edict altar, completing the unsealing ritual preparations.
Woooong!!
Soon the ritual began, and I felt a colossal being descending upon Mount Song.
Its sheer scale was immense, exuding suffocating presence even before arrival. Facing its aura, Cheon Woojin paled and cried out.
'Gasp... This is... no way...'
'Cheon Woojin, a problem?!'
'N-no....'
'We placed the Water Essence on the altar as medium! Naturally, Jeon Wook emerges...'
Naturally, summoning my direct superior apostle Jeon Wook, the Water Essence's creator,
'N-no....'
'We placed the Water Essence on the altar as medium! Naturally, Jeon Wook emerges...'
Naturally, summoning my direct superior apostle Jeon Wook, the Water Essence's creator, made unsealing far easier, so we'd set it up for him to appear. Thus, I assumed Jeon Wook would manifest now. But Cheon Woojin's reaction suggested otherwise.
Cheon Woojin shouted.
'I-it says sorcery is impossible! This is absurd...'
'......?!'
'Something outrageous is at this Heavenly Edict altar...'
Boom!!
Suddenly, heaven and earth seemed to halt.
The world's light vanished entirely, turning perfect darkness, even vital presences fading. Not just Mangnyang or Cheon Woojin, but the divine monks and all people—gone.
Similar to Paracheon's blessing scenery, yet different.
This darkness bore an unsettling madness from abyssal depths, gnawing at the mind.
I felt inexpressible despair from this dark air invading my spirit and drew breath.
'This darkness itself is a mental assault...'
What was it?
What had happened?
As I reeled in confusion, something in the darkness slowly took form.
Ooooo—
Only then did I realize.
This was no human realm.
The moment the unsealing ritual unfolded, the colossal being had forcibly dragged me to another dimension.
Thrust into the cosmic void amid original starlight, specifically the darkest dimensional abyss. Realizing my plight, acute terror surged.
The darkness writhed.
A serpent... no, a dragon?
Grotesque yet devouring even gleaming stars, horrific radiance filled my view. So vast a single scale seemed a continent, each motion birthing world-ending gales. Never had I beheld such immensity.
A great existence.
Its [essence].
A feeling akin to witnessing Jeon Wook's colossal dark form.
Rooooar.
The writhing darkness lightly burst my body with mere cry.
I became cosmic dust.
[ Authority manifested.]
Flash.
'......'
Suddenly, I realized I sat in Dragon Tomb Valley. Before me, Mangnyang and Cheon Woojin stared blankly, preparations complete. My sudden cold sweat and collapse startled them.
'Baek Woong, what's wrong?'
'Ughhh...'
Tears welled. Clutching my head,
'... Skip the Water Essence unsealing. One authority left.'
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