Chương 314: Have You Been Well? (4)

(4) (4) Silence lingers for quite a while.

Seo Li stands still, seemingly deep in thought, while Gyo Yeom feels his blood run dry.

"Um... cultivator?"

At Gyo Yeom's words, Seo Li looks at them with eyes flickering with ghost fire.

'Damn it, what is he thinking?'

Despite the significant differences in appearance among the various races, making it difficult to read expressions or interpret body language correctly, living beings generally share some common facial cues, like frowning.

While it was indeed challenging to understand the expressions of the Rotting Owl Race, Fungal Bone Race, and the cultivators of the Insect Race due to their vastly different lifestyles, Gyo Yeom is familiar with the expressions of the Human Race, who frequently trade with the Blood Shark Race.

However, in the case of the madman in front of him, whose face is a skull, it's impossible to discern what he is thinking.

As Seo Li's silence continues, the two Heaven Tribe cultivators, who had been tense, begin to laugh awkwardly.

"Haha, Human Race Daoist. You appear to be a cultivator from the Black Ghost Valley. May I ask why you need the Heavenly Lotus Fruit?"

[...] Seo Li does not respond.

Seeing this, Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik laugh.

"If it's spirit fruits you need, we can compensate you later with fruits cultivated by the Tall Tree Race, such as the Tea Energy Fruit, the Sea Orchid Fruit, the Deep Sea Fruit, the Island Flame Fruit, and such... as a cultivator from the Black Ghost Valley, wouldn't these spirit fruits with deep-sea attributes be extremely useful to you?"

"Our Paired Wings Race will also offer compensation if you yield the Heavenly Lotus Fruit. I've heard that your Black Ghost Valley is recently establishing roots in our race's territory. We are willing to support the Black Ghost Valley at the racial level so, don't listen to that Earth Tribe scum. Let's band together as fellow Heaven Tribe members and kill that Earth Tribe scum. What do you say?"

Finally, Seo Li opens his mouth.

[... No.]

"Hmm!?"

"What did he say?"

"Please say that again."

The three Four-Axis cultivators focus on Seo Li.

Then, Seo Li speaks a little louder.

[I'm saying... I'm not a crazed hedonistic murderer.]

"..."

"..."

"..."

His words bring silence to the room.

Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik laugh awkwardly.

"Ah, ahahahaha!"

"I-I see. That's right. That can be the case. Our Paired Wings Race also has people like you, who call themselves 'artists'. Of course, none are as... tremendous an artist as you. Who called you a hedonistic murderer? Your actions are um...'artistic expressions'."

Laughing awkwardly, Baek Wi-ik especially showers Seo Li with praises to win him over.

And Seo Li falls silent again.

Gyo Yeom smirks as he watches the two Heaven Tribe cultivators laugh awkwardly.

'Pathetic fools.'

They are pathetic.

These guys lack 'determination'.

They only want to escape the current crisis.

They can never compare to someone determined like himself.

Therefore, he will win in this situation!

"That's right. That Paired Wings pigeon is correct. Fellow Cultivator is most definitely an 'artist'! Those things on your shoulders must be your 'masterpieces'. They are undoubtedly excellent 'artistic expressions' of fine form... I understand your artistic expressions."

[...] Up to this point, Baek Wi-ik had said similar things.

But Gyo Yeom ponders over his words and takes it a step further.

"However, do you think those Heaven Tribe fools understand your art? Absolutely not! They are just flapping their gums to escape the current situation! I, Gyo Yeom, dare to say this! As someone who understands your expressions of art, I am willing to become your 'work'!"

[...]

"Please give me the opportunity. Those Heaven Tribe bastards don't have the passion to become your 'work,' so you can't just give them a chance. So, let's join forces to rip off those liars' heads and then turn me into your masterpiece!"

Gyo Yeom smiles bitterly.

'I'll probably die now.'

He will become a 'work' of the mad Human Race devil and be displayed on his shoulders.

But those two Heaven Tribe bastards who stood in his way will die today as well.

At Gyo Yeom's words, Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik's faces turn pale.

The three Four-Axis cultivators' gazes are fixed on Seo Li.

Everyone is waiting for Seo Li's decision.

I'm speechless and stay silent for a long time.

'Damn it, has everyone been looking at me with those kinds of eyes all this time?'

The 'mad hedonistic murderer' that made the Demon Race scream and run away was apparently me the whole time.

'Just how are they seeing me to think that I'm such a depraved being?'

I'm not even Yuan Li, and I feel extremely displeased being treated as such.

'I'm not even the unpleasant-looking bizarre monster General Seo, so what's wrong with me!'

Suddenly, I feel a surge of indignation.

And for some reason, I feel a prickling sensation deep inside my heart essence again.

I press my head, feeling the headache.

'Well, yes... human aesthetics are diverse, and given that these are different races, they might find me frightening due to their different aesthetic senses...'

The main problem seems to be their misconception that I am carrying around the heads of other Four-Axis stage cultivators.

I decide to clarify the misunderstanding.

[This is not... artistic expression.] However, Nok Ju, Baek Wi-ik, and Gyo Yeom nod fervently and respond in strange agreement.

"Of course, fellow Cultivator. It's not just a simple artistic expression."

"The profound meaning is not something ordinary people like us can grasp."

"Look at those Heaven Tribe fools. They don't understand! They lack the courage and will!"

[... First of all, stop calling it an artistic expression. And there's a misunderstanding. These heads are not of others. These heads are... different versions of myself. Understand?]

"..."

"..."

"..."

For some reason, I can see the intent of the other three Four-Axis cultivators rotting away.

I feel like I'm going crazy.

'Damn it, no matter how I explain, they won't get it.'

Just how in the world are they interpreting my words?

I eventually give up on trying to convince these Four-Axis cultivators, whose aesthetic senses are vastly different from humans.

It seems I had expected too much from vastly different races.

[Well, anyway... you asked why I need the Heavenly Lotus Fruit...? I'm here on behalf of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect. They seem to require the Heavenly Lotus Fruit urgently, so negotiations are unnecessary.] At those words, Gyo Yeom's face brightens, while Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik's faces darken.

Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik laugh awkwardly and speak.

"Haha, the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect. That's the sect under the command of Black Dragon King Hyeon Eum, right? I've heard of it. Though I don't know why they need the Heavenly Lotus Fruit, our Tall Tree Race..."

"Yes, and our Paired Wings Race also..."

The two cultivators begin explaining their circumstances.

However, I simply listen in silence, with ghost fire flickering in my eyes.

After hearing their explanations, I turn to Gyo Yeom of the Earth Tribe and ask.

[Why do you need it?] At my words, Gyo Yeom flinches and cautiously replies.

"To cure my wife, I need an elixir called the High Lotus Pill. The most important ingredient is the Heavenly Lotus Fruit. All other ingredients can be substituted, but the main ingredient, the Heavenly Lotus Fruit, cannot be replaced by anything else. Just three drops of its juice will suffice!"

[Hmm...]

"Please, I beg you! Without my wife, my life is meaningless. I am a sinner and a trash-like person, but my wife is an innocent and kind person. Please...!"

I look at the begging Gyo Yeom and the Heaven Tribe cultivators, who have come with important missions for their respective races.

In my heart, I want to use the Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea or Yuan Li's secret technique to quickly cultivate the Heavenly Lotus Fruit, just as I had rapidly cultivated the Longevity Fruit before.

However, even at a glance, the Heavenly Lotus Fruit in front of me possesses such immense spiritual nature that even the Longevity Fruit can be considered insignificant in comparison.

The spiritual energy contained in this small fruit alone is enough to elevate a mortal to the Four-Axis stage, so what more needs to be said?

Moreover, the subtle divine aura I sense instinctively tells me that the Heavenly Lotus Fruit can never be artificially cultivated.

'It's unfortunate. If only there's a way to satisfy everyone...'

But it seems that won't be the case.

Thus, my decision is already made.

[I'm sorry, but from what I've heard, you two seem to have substitutes, but it appears that both I and this fellow do not.] Gyo Yeom's wife.

And the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect.

Both require the Heavenly Lotus Fruit for their purposes.

The Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect also has the significant goal of escaping Hyeon Eum's grasp, so their justification isn't lacking.

Of course, there's no need to explain all this, so I look at Gyo Yeom and speak concisely.

[And, your story moved my heart the most... I will help you.]

"Th-Thank..."

[What is your wife's cultivation stage?]

"... She is in the same Four-Axis stage as I am..."

[Oh, I see. Then, once she recovers, I'll make sure to pay a visit, even if it's only to check up on your well-being. Stories of true lovers always move my heart.] I laugh heartily and pat Gyo Yeom on the shoulder before stepping forward.

No matter how many times I think about it, I'm weak to stories of lovers.

My disciples Kae-hwa and Man-ho.

Su In and Hong Yeon from the Devil Realm.

Jeon Myeong-hoon and Jin So-hae too.

And myself as well.

So, when I heard Gyo Yeom's story, my heart stirred the most.

'Three drops should be acceptable to the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect.'

I find myself hoping for the happiness of Gyo Yeom and his wife.

For some reason, Gyo Yeom's intent seems to cool down and freeze, but having a cold mind in front of an enemy is a good sign.

'He must have a lot of combat experience. Not bad.'

JJeeeoooookk— I open my 18 mouths and spread my arms.

[Now then. It's unfortunate, but come at me.] Kyaaaaaa— Oooooooo— Chilling ghostly wails echo in all directions.

[Cover me. I will finish this in one blow.] Chiiiiiiii— I gather a curse spell in my left hand as I speak.

Having seen my curse before, Gyo Yeom's eyes shine as he blocks in front of me.

Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik exchange glances.

Then, Baek Wi-ik forms a hand seal.

Paaat!

Simultaneously, three pillars emerge around Baek Wi-ik.

Late Four-Axis stage.

The level where the Four-Axis Canopy can be used.

The three pillars connect to form a 'canopy,' which expands, enveloping us and them.

In an instant, the surroundings transform.

We find ourselves moved from the Care Layer to a position in front of a massive stone building atop a high mountain range, among the drifting clouds.

Baek Wi-ik floats above the stone building, spreading six pairs of wings.

The Paired Wings Race is also known as the Heavenly Wings Race.

Most of their abilities come from those wings, and it is said that when light radiates from them, they can repel all devilish arts with the power of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness.

Chiiii— My ghostly energy doesn't mesh well with their abilities.

Additionally, Nok Ju begins to take root, turning the surroundings into a forest.

[One side has Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness, and the other has the wood attribute...] Wood overcomes Earth, so the wood attribute is the worst match for my yin attribute method.

Yin corresponds to Kun, Kun corresponds to Earth.

Moreover, this place is inside Baek Wi-ik's Canopy.

Inside here, Baek Wi-ik is practically no different from a Grand Perfection Four-Axis.

Kugugugugu!

Baek Wi-ik's light shines down on Gyo Yeom, while Nok Ju's summoned forest moves as if alive, restricting Gyo Yeom's movements.

[Guuaaaaaah!] Gyo Yeom transforms into his true form and begins to grow larger.

His true form is a giant blood-red shark, summoning blood-red seawater around him.

On the high mountain range.

A green mountain range and a blood-red sea emerge, flowing down the mountains.

Nok Ju's forest binds Gyo Yeom, and Baek Wi-ik begins descending toward me.

Chiiiiiii— The light from the Grand Perfection Four-Axis Baek Wi-ik bears down on me.

[Orthodox Axis Foundation, huh...] I sense the precise power of the Five Elements within Baek Wi-ik's body and my eyes shine.

It's an Orthodox Axis Foundation obtained through proper rituals, not through killing others.

Although it's a Five Elements Axis, it is definitely far more stable and powerful than the typical Heterodox Axis Foundation cultivator's.

Kuguguguk!

The mountain range's attraction force holds me down.

The attraction force intensifies, crushing me with the light.

As long as I am inside Baek Wi-ik's canopy, the attraction force is entirely under his control.

Resisting Baek Wi-ik's attraction force, I emit my own attraction force and complete the curse spell.

Bathed in light, Baek Wi-ik calmly raises his hand.

Flash!

The radiant light pours down on me.

The curse domain surrounding me shrinks.

[Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness... good. Then, let me try.] I reverse the curse.

Chchchchchchcht The White Orchid Blessing Incantation envelops the surroundings.

The curse transforms into a blessing, shining white and begins absorbing Baek Wi-ik's light instead.

"Wh-What...!?"

Baek Wi-ik looks flustered, but the White Orchid Blessing Incantation has already grown to cover the entire mountain range, devouring his light.

Sensing the crisis instinctively, Baek Wi-ik stops emitting light and binds the blessing with attraction force.

And, as soon as I feel the light of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness disappear, I reverse the curse again.

Paaaat!

The curse spell, which has turned black again, converges into a single point.

The pitch-black curse burns ominously on my hand.

"Damn it...!"

Realizing the danger of my curse, Baek Wi-ik widens the distance between us.

But it's useless.

Woo-woong!

I release Gang Spheres around me and reabsorb them into my body.

Boooong— In an instant, I reach in front of Baek Wi-ik and thrust the curse towards him.

"Ah ahhk! Get away!"

[That'd be difficult.] I dodge the clumps of light he fires and close the distance to him.

Sensing the danger, he urgently projects light from his wings.

Instead of radiating light as before, the wings split into thousands of pieces.

The fragmented wings become hands of light, flying towards me.

I try to dodge, but the attraction force slows me down, and I am eventually caught by the hands of light surrounding me.

"Got you, now die...!"

[Hmm, got me?] With the curse spell still on my left hand, I ignite ghost fire.

Kikigigik— Kikigik— Circuits begin to engrave themselves across my body.

Simultaneously, an enormous power surges through me.

Kuk-kuguguguk!

Ignoring the hands of light with sheer force, I begin approaching Baek Wi-ik.

He shouts in shock.

"Im-impossible! It shouldn't be ineffective against a ghostly being! Stay away!""

Kuaduduk!

In addition to the hands of light, the attraction force also ensnares me.

But I continue to take one step at a time, closing the distance towards him.

Baek Wi-ik looks terrified, but the distance between us steadily decreases.

Since the hands of light binding me are emanating from his back, he can't flee.

'Heavy...'

However, as I get closer, the attraction force grows stronger, slowing my steps.

And when I am about five steps away from him.

Kududuk!

Suddenly, trees sprout from the ground and entangle me.

[Ho...] Gyo Yeom, who had been fighting Nok Ju evenly, seems to be running out of stamina and is being pushed back.

Having found some leeway, Nok Ju sends support in this direction.

Trees, hands of light, and attraction force!

Unable to overcome this combination, I finally fall to my knees.

Crash!

I collapse to the ground.

"Huff, huf huf huu... you were being cocky but is this all? Despite being called the Asura Race..."

Then, I open my mouth.

Jjeeeeooook!

Simultaneously, one of the faces attached to my shoulders retract into my body and emerge from my mouth.

Jjjuuuuuk!

The face that emerges from my mouth becomes a Ghost King, receiving my curse and flies towards Baek Wi-ik, hitting him directly.

"...! GYAAAAAAAAK!"

Baek Wi-ik screams so loudly to the point his eyes roll back, and he begins convulsing after receiving my curse.

At the same time, his hands of light and the attraction force.

And the entire Four-Axis Canopy begins to scatter.

Before I know it, we are back in the Care Layer, with only Baek Wi-ik thrashing before me.

Baek Wi-ik foams at the mouth and writhes in pain.

An excruciating torture for a Four-Axis cultivator that can't easily die from a heart attack!

In the end, unable to endure the pain, Baek Wi-ik disintegrates his own Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings to commit suicide.

After watching Baek Wi-ik's soul drift away through the plane of Soul to its place of resurrection, I turn to look at Gyo Yeom fighting Nok Ju.

Gyo Yeom is being pushed back by Nok Ju, but my joining the fight is inevitable.

Moreover, I see the cultivators from the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect from the distance approaching to join us.

[You're finally here. Help me subdue this Tall Tree Race person.]

"Apologies for the delay. There were a few things to handle below. Let's proceed with the support."

With the aid of me and the cultivators from the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect, Nok Ju gradually begins to be overpowered.

Gyo Yeom endures Nok Ju's attacks from the front, while I launch curses and ghost claws from behind, polluting Nok Ju's forest.

The yin energy of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect devastates the forest.

And strangely, Hyeon Gwi is nowhere to be seen.

Hyeon Gwi is at the lakeside with the Melia tree.

He's examining the Taenghwa attached to the totems around the lakeside.

The Taenghwa all boast of exquisite artistry, but occasionally, there are bizarre ones.

For example, a painting that is so blackened with ink that it appears more like 'black paper' than a Taenghwa.

However, Hyeon Gwi's face lights up with joy as he looks at the black paper.

"Found it! The Western Heaven Taenghwa (西天幀畫圖)...!"

His hand reaches for the black paper and grabs it forcefully.

At the same time, a wave emanates from the center of Hyeon Gwi and the black paper.

It's a wave connected to the oldest existence.

The wave spreads unnoticed by anyone.

From the Care Layer to the Dao Departure Layer, from the Dao Departure Layer to the Water Flow Layer, from within Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll to the Dead Earth Domain.

And from the Dead Earth Domain to the Swiftwind Domain...

The wave is so subtle that no one notices.

Bang!

My curse strikes Nok Ju's arm, causing it to start decaying.

In the end, perhaps having made some decision, he stops fighting Gyo Yeom and me, and starts running towards the altar in the center of the Care Layer, clutching the Heavenly Lotus Fruit.

But I start accelerating.

Paaaatt!

Time slows down.

Simultaneously, I use Mountain Lord's Soaring Flight, dashing towards Nok Ju.

Nok Ju looks back at me, gritting his teeth.

"Kugh, Kuuurghhhl!"

[Come here. Shouldn't you be with your comrades? Come and let's share a talk.] Spewing ghost fire from my eighteen heads, I charge at him. Nok Ju, meeting my thirty-six eyes, shuts his eyes tight and throws the Heavenly Lotus Fruit far away before plunging himself into the altar.

Simultaneously, his body is enveloped in light and disappears.

[Hmm...] I catch the Heavenly Lotus Fruit he tossed and look at the altar.

Hyeon Gwi approaches me and laughs.

"Haha. Originally, the altar in the Care Layer was a gate to the Xiezhi Worship Layer, but unless the proper ritual is performed, it won't lead there but instead expel the target outside. Of course, it can be used simply as an exit, but since it ejects rather harshly instead of through the proper exit, it causes significant strain on one's vitality. If one's life force isn't equivalent to that of the Four-Axis stage, most prefer to use the proper exit gate."

[I see... he escaped, then.]

"It's a good thing. We obtained the Heavenly Lotus Fruit. Haha... now, we only need to get the Recognizing Sin Taenghwa."

[Is that so... is the Recognizing Sin Taenghwa over there?]

"Yes, it's among those totems. However, all those Taenghwa paintings hanging on the totems are directed towards the Melia tree. It's a kind of seal. The power of Karmic Fire that was once possessed by the entity from the True Devil Realm is sealed in the Melia tree, and the Taenghwa paintings are preventing its heat from leaking out. So, we must be careful not to damage the formation while retrieving them. It will take a bit of time."

[Understood. I'll hand over the Heavenly Lotus Fruit first. I just need to help find the Recognizing Sin Taenghwa as well?]

"That would be appreciated."

[Ah, and I have a request.]

"What is it?"

I speak while gesturing towards Gyo Yeom.

[We obtained the Heavenly Lotus Fruit from the Heaven Tribe thanks to his help. How about giving him some of the fruit juice?]

"Of course. Would a cup's worth be sufficient?"

[That should do. How long will it take to find the Recognizing Sin Taenghwa?]

"About one meal's time. Please wait a moment."

[Got it.] I nod.

Hyeon Gwi approaches Gyo Yeom, extracts the juice from the Heavenly Lotus Fruit, and pours a cup into a small gourd flask for him.

Tears flow from Gyo Yeom's eyes as he thanks Hyeon Gwi.

Looking at the juice, he turns his gaze to Seo Li.

'Now it's time to settle the debt...'

Since he made a request to the Devil, it's time to pay the price.

He approaches Seo Li hesitantly.

"... I have one request."

[What is it?]

"Before you turn me into a 'work of art,' please allow me to deliver this juice to my wife."

[...] Seo Li remains silent for a moment and then sighs as if something is unfair.

[Haaaaa...] As blue breath spews from his eighteen mouths, Gyo Yeom flinches.

[I won't turn you into a work of art.]

"Pardon...?"

[Go to your wife. I'll let you go.]

"... Is that... really true?"

Seo Li, attempting to show the warmest expression possible, speaks. Though, being only a skull with no expressions, it only sends chills down Gyo Yeom's spine.

[Didn't I say previously? I enjoy stories of lovers. I wish you and your wife all the happiness. I'll visit you later, even if it's only to inquire about your well-being. Is it fine to look for Gyo Yeom of the Blood Shark Race?]

"..."

[I'm asking you a question.]

"... If I answer, will you let me go...?"

[Well, of course.] Due to the kindness Gyo Yeom had shown, Seo Li had gained many treasures and opportunities in the ancient palace. He also helped in obtaining the Heavenly Lotus Fruit, so Seo Li has grown quite fond of him.

'Though his intent shows a bit of fear towards me, if I meet them often and show them that appearances aren't everything, we might become friends... I wonder what gift would be good when visiting the sick...'

While Seo Li is pondering such thoughts, Gyo Yeom nods slowly with a pale face.

"If you come to the Blood Shark Race territory... I will contact you."

[Good. A promise is a promise.]

"... Yes..."

Exhausted from the fight with Nok Ju, Gyo Yeom bows to Seo Li and walks wearily towards the altar, almost collapsing.

He ascends the altar, and a white light envelops him, transporting him outside.

From then on, Gyo Yeom never went to the Blood Shark Race territory again, nor did he contact Seo Li.

"Hmmm?"

And Seo Li noticed something below the altar when Gyo Yeom was expelled by the white light.

I saw characters briefly shining brightly under the altar.

They resembled oracle bone script.

'This is...'

Having learned the common language of the Heaven Tribe in the Bright Cold Realm, and various basic knowledge, I recognize the oracle bone script.

There were three oracle bone characters.

The first character meant Water (水).

The second character meant Departure (去).

And the last oracle bone script, representing an animal, was read as Xiezhi (廌) in the current Bright Cold Realm.

[Mmm...] While looking at the three oracle bone characters, I recall something.

The three oracle bone characters.

Water (氵).

Departure (去).

Xiezhi (廌).

Combined, they form the character for Law (灋).

At that moment, I realize something.

'Water Flow (水流), Dao Departure (道去), Xiezhi Worship (廌祭). Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll contains the meaning of 'Law' (灋) when combined...'

While contemplating the character for Law (灋) that I know of, a thunderous realization strikes my mind.

The character for law (灋) has 21 strokes.

And in the ancient palace of the priest in the Dao Departure Layer, there are 21 Taenghwa paintings of dragons.

The dragons in the 21 Taenghwa paintings each depict a different movement.

I realize that when combined, these movements form the character for Law (灋).

I look at the altar.

Simply stepping on it will result in being expelled outside.

However, if taken with the proper form, the altar is said to open the gate to the Xiezhi Worship Layer.

Woo-woong— I revert my Ghost King Transformation.

And assume a stance in my human form.

'Let's see if I can recall the Dragon Form Soaring Claw.'

The Dragon Form Soaring Claw, inspired by the movements of the Yellow Dragon Gyu Ryeon.

Recalling the poses of the dragons in the Taenghwas, I adjust them to suit the human form through the Dragon Form Soaring Claw.

By ensuring that each movement reveals a stroke, I make it so that combining all the postures reveal the character for Law (灋), just like in the Taenghwa paintings.

As I already made the Dragon Form Soaring Claw once, it isn't difficult.

I begin to perform the dance depicted by the dragons in the Taengwa Paintings in my human form.

A total of 21 movements.

Ascending the altar, before being expelled outside.

I move fluidly through the 21 movements.

At the same time, I feel my vision split into two.

'This, this is...?'

Thunk!

Simultaneously, I feel my 'body' being expelled off the altar.

Yet at the same time, 'I' am standing on the altar.

"This is..."

I look up at the altar.

Simultaneously, I look down from the altar.

There's a 'me' both above and below the altar.

The 'me' on top of the altar is semi-transparent, and it seems like only I can see it, as the people from the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect don't notice it at all.

Since I have seen this semi-transparent 'me' once before, I'm not too surprised.

"... Dream Body?"

It's the 'Dream Body' that one has to create when passing through the side path to the Nether Ghost Realm if one has not practiced the Ghost Path Method.

I recognized that the flesh of dreams and my body had split.

'Rather than a clone, it feels more like having an extra pair of hands and feet.'

It feels like I have gained a new set of hands.

I try controlling the Dream Body.

Simultaneously, I examine the altar through the eyes of the Dream Body.

"Hah..."

Even the Ghost Path Method couldn't detect this.

"Why is this here...?"

I murmur in disbelief.

Above the altar.

Through the eyes of the Dream Body, I see the entrance to a [Side Path].

It's almost identical to the side path in the Black Ghost Valley, with the only difference being that a large beast with horns is embossed on the gate.

I cautiously enter the Side Path with the Dream Body.

'This place...'

It's calm.

I instinctively realize that this side path is entirely different from the one I had entered last time.

It isn't just a 'different' side path.

'It's deep.'

Literally.

It is overwhelmingly 'deep.'

Despite being the same ashen world, I instinctively know that this side path is far deeper than the side path in the Black Ghost Valley.

Remaining vigilant, I walk through the side path.

How long have I walked?

Finally, I reach the end.

'This is the Xiezhi Worship Layer...'

I open the door on the other side of the side path with the Dream Body.

"Senior, could you please help me for a moment?"

"Hm?"

I ask, looking at the approaching Hyeon Gwi.

"What do you need help with?"

"Since we've extracted the Recognizing Sin Taenghwa, we need to stabilize the seal. Otherwise, the Karmic Fire will escape.

"Alright... what do you need me to do?"

"Please provide us attraction force."

"Oh, I see."

I stand up.

Then, placing a hand on Hyeon Gwi's shoulder, I activate a curse.

Chiiiiii— The curse envelops Hyeon Gwi.

"It feels like you're lying...? Speak honestly. What are you plotting?"

As I glare at him with piercing eyes, Hyeon Gwi smiles faintly.

"Everyone, he's noticed. Attack now!"

At that moment, the cultivators from the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect unleash their Four Symbols Nascent Souls behind them.

Kugugugugu!

Dark power envelops them, and in an instant, three of their Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage cultivators strengthen to the early Four-Axis stage.

Six Nascent Soul stage cultivators became as strong as six Heavenly Being stage cultivators.

"As expected, you planned to betray me all along."

"Haha, even if you are a senior, you can't..."

Boom!

I detonate the curse on Hyeon Gwi.

"Die, you bastard...!"

As expected, they betrayed me.

I immediately kill Hyeon Gwi, who was the most significant threat.

Hyeon Gwi's body below the neck is entirely rotted by my curse, and even his Nascent Soul dissipated completely.

However, I feel a bizarre chill.

Hyeon Gwi's face is filled with shock, astonishment, and fear.

But it's clear.

In his final moments, his intent was not astonishment but 'annoyance.'

I felt the intent of annoyance, relief, and 'indifference' from him.

How could anyone emit the intent of 'indifference' at the moment of their death?

'This guy...'

It feels just as unsettling as when I killed Seo Hweol.

But unlike with Seo Hweol, I didn't remove the skin-mask and completely rotted Hyeon Gwi's remaining head to obliterate it.

And it seems that Hyeon Gwi was quite an important figure to the people of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect, as they are all infuriated.

"You bastard! You killed Cultivator Hyeon!"

"We'll kill you!"

"No matter if you're an old monster of the Four-Axis stage, we won't forgive you!"

[It's laughable. Do you think you can oppose me?] I cast Ghost King Transformation once more.

Then it strikes me.

'Wait, these guys...'

Three at the Heavenly Being stage.

Six at the Nascent Soul stage surrounded me.

Their real strength is one stage higher due to the Four Symbols Nascent Souls, but there are clearly nine of them.

'Weren't there Nascent Soul cultivators?'

I hurriedly look around.

Then, I spot a Nascent Soul disciple of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect holding the Heavenly Lotus Fruit in one hand and a Taenghwa depicting a beast with a large horn in the other, near the Melia tree lake with the totem poles.

The beast depicted is exactly like the one on the gate of the [side path].

[You! What are you trying to do!] The disciple of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect grins and brings the Heavenly Lotus Fruit to the Taenghwa, shouting.

"I beseech thee, Recognizing Sin (識罪), please judge the unjust contract, the unjust oppression, and the unjust abuse done to us by the Black Dragon King Hyeon Eum. I plead thus! If deemed unvirtuous, please dissolve this contract!"

Woo-woong!

As the Taenghwa begins to glow, the entity named 'Recognizing Sin' within it seems to come alive and open its mouth.

The disciple throws the Heavenly Lotus Fruit into the mouth of Recognizing Sin.

Then, the eyes of Recognizing Sin begin to shine, and that light flows into the bodies of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect cultivators.

At the same time, a bright gleam appears in their eyes.

"It worked! We're finally free from that bastard Hyeon Eum!!!!!"

"We're free!"

"Brace yourselves..."

Determination burns in their eyes.

"Now that Hyeon Eum's restraints are gone, we can stake our own lives...!"

Hwarurururu!

I sense the atmosphere growing tense.

They are burning their life force.

Those who were at the Heavenly Being stage now rise to the mid Four-Axis stage.

The disciples who were at the Nascent Soul stage have now each reached the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage.

They form a formation and attack me, and I face them with the Mad Lord's circuits enveloping my entire body.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The entire Care Layer trembles.

Initially, I'm a bit flustered, but I soon start to push them back.

No matter how much life force they burn, our overall skills are on different levels.

[This just tickles. Die...!] I unleash ghost fire all over my body and begin to operate Great Desert to Dead Sea.

Heaven and Earth spiritual energy converges towards me.

And then it happens.

"Now!"

"Activate!"

[What...?] Clang, clang, clang!

Suddenly, thousands of chains spring up from the floor of the Care Layer.

I discover where these chains come from.

'This is... a trap?'

Beneath the Care Layer.

The 1st Water Flow Layer, the 2nd Dao Departure Layer.

Chains connected to the spiritual veins throughout the 1st and 2nd layers intertwine.

At the same time, a powerful attraction force emanates from the lakeside of the Melia tree.

[You, you bastards...! The traps set then weren't for other races...!] The traps set by the disciples of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect in the Water Flow Layer.

I thought those traps were to make it harder for the other races following us.

But no.

Those traps were meant to catch me off guard.

Only now do I understand Hyeon Gwi's self-congratulation.

They had celebrated not because they recruited me, but because they had laid traps to stab me in the back.

I marvel at Hyeon Gwi's thoroughness, while simultaneously looking at the rotting remains of his corpse, who died in such a futile manner.

'Just what's his deal...?'

Clang, clang, clang!

I can't resist.

The chains are one thing, but the attraction force from the lakeside is too strong.

"Now that we've extracted the Recognizing Sin Taenghwa from the seal, the seal will be unstable. Hence, you must become the new axis of this seal."

The disciples of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect glare at me as they speak.

"Consider it the price for killing Hyeon Gwi."

[You damned Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect bastards... you were planning to stab me in the back all along, even without Hyeon Gwi!] I struggle violently, and each time, the chains set up by the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect rattle.

"It's noisy. You've lost, so stop struggling and accept your fate!"

[Damn it...] Splash!

Drawn by the attraction force, I'm pulled into the Melia tree lake, bound by the chains.

'My, my strength...'

The lake water isn't ordinary. As soon as I fall into the lake, I become unable to use any form of strength.

It feels as if all my strength is nullified.

I can use spiritual power, but physical strength itself is ineffective.

However, my spiritual power is bound by the black chains, effectively sealing me completely.

I grit my teeth but soon calm my mind.

'Well, it doesn't matter...'

They will eventually release me.

With their own hands.

"It's over."

"Though we captured the old monster... disciple Hyeon Gwi is dead."

"To think the one who devised the entire plan has died like this..."

"Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect has lost its strategist. What do we do now...?"

"... There were sacrifices, but we have become free. The only witness to our newfound freedom has become the axis of the seal. The seal is intact, and the secret is safe. Hyeon Eum won't know immediately, so let's report to the Grand Elders. Before Hyeon Eum finds out, we need to find a new Grand Cultivator to back us up."

"... Understood."

They mourn Hyeon Gwi's death and gather the Recognizing Sin Taenghwa and the fortuitous opportunities they obtained from the storage scroll.

With that, they descend from the third floor with their newfound freedom.

Unnoticed, Seo Li spread the Mysterious Bizarre Gu among all of them with the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.

Unbeknownst to them, they are being assimilated by Seo Li as they pass through the Dao Departure Layer and Water Flow Layer, exiting the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person.

A Nascent Soul disciple of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect asks a Grand Perfection Heavenly Being Grand Elder.

"By the way, senior brothers, who do you think should be our new Grand Cultivator backer?"

"Hmm... Eung Yeon, Gae Jin, and Hon Won all belong to their respective sects, so they aren't suitable. Wi Ryeong-seon and Wi Su are busy with the Grand Alliance, and Grand Alliance Leader Jun Je cannot favor any one sect. So, that leaves Gol Maek, Tae Yeol-jeon, and the newly appointed Grand Cultivator Seo Eun-hyun."

The Nascent Soul stage disciple nods.

"Among those three, who do you think it will be?"

"Well... Grand Cultivator Gol Maek still hasn't built up a force after all this time, so it will likely be the same this time as well. As for Grand Cultivator Tae Yeol-jeon... it's hard to even know what they're up to, so I don't know. In my opinion, Grand Cultivator Seo Eun-huyn is the most likely."

"Why do you think so?"

"He's the newest, has no power base, and is young. He will likely welcome having a power that was a former Five Great Sects of the Human Race under his command."

"What about Tae Yeol-jeon?"

"Well... I think..."

Trying to forget Hyeon Gwi's death, they enthusiastically and cheerfully rise to the sky from the illusion formation outside the storage scroll.

Soon after.

Swoosh!

The ten members of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect emerge through the sky under the waning moon.

"Then, let's head out... huh?"

And they flinch.

Before the celestial pond.

Someone is standing.

It's a blue-haired man, wearing blue robes and wiping his hands.

Next to the man are the corpses of Gyo Yeom and Nok Ju, whose heads have been severed, with blood splattered everywhere.

Wearing a gentle expression, he wipes his bloodied hands with a torn piece of Gyo Yeom's clothing and tosses the cloth aside.

The blue-haired man with the face of Seo Eun-hyun speaks to the disciples of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect.

"Have you been well, Daoist Seo?"

And the eyes of the disciples of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect flip as the Mysterious Bizarre Gu within them begins to react violently.