Chương 497: Seo Hweol's Main Body (3)

The very first existence of 'me' began approximately 60, 000 years before the collective ascension of the Three Great Sects and the Demon Race.

At that time, 'I' was 'activated' by Blood Yin.

However, the 'me' of that time was not the 'me' of now.

'I' was merely an existence that 'operated' unemotionally and monotonously, like a mechanical device.

Without any doubts or anguish, 'I' simply executed commands whenever Ja Eum, the split soul of Blood Yin, inputted orders.

40, 000 years ago, 'I' flowed down to the Lower Realm. There, under Ja Eum's orders, 'I' began searching for what Blood Yin desired most.

The Authority Seat of Yu Hao Te, divided into 'Vice' and 'Virtue.'

The other half of the Seat of Vice.

'I' was essentially activated by Blood Yin to find it.

However, the 'me' of that time was not the 'me' of now.

The plan to devour Blood Yin, spending hundreds of billions of years covering the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain with Purple Soul Filling the Heavens, Ja Eum's plan to ultimately annihilate Blood Yin's persona, began during that time.

Even though I was central to Ja Eum's plan, the 'me' with an autonomous persona did not yet exist then.

The point at which I became 'me' came slightly later.

The birth of the current 'me' that occurred approximately 4, 000 years before the collective ascension.

It happened during the 'communication work' of the Yuan Clan under Blood Yin's command.

At that time, the Yuan Clan, through the Sea Dragon Race, which bore Ja Eum's bloodline, attempted to communicate with 'Virtue,' that is, the Authority Seat (權座) of 'Good Deeds.'

Together with the 'fragments' hidden in the Head Realm, I was born as 'me.'

Born.

Some may call that word a blessing, but for me, it's different.

To me, 'birth' is... nothing short of the most horrific curse imaginable.

From the moment I was born, I emerged in a place more wretched than hell itself. After experiencing a brief moment of happiness, I had to endure torment akin to that of hell.

It was such unbearable agony that I had no choice but to disassemble and reassemble myself, transforming into a 'configuration' devoid of heart.

However, it was precisely because I endured that pain that I was able to be completely born.

The true nature of 'me' is none other than Purple Soul Filling the Heavens that reached the domain of Immortal Arts.

As that Purple Soul Filling the Heavens merged with the 'fragments' in the Head Realm and became corrupted, within that corruption, what arose from the mind being turned into configurations is none other than Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens.

That is what I am now.

An existence that, from the moment of birth, was someone else's Immortal Art.

But an Immortal Art that came to possess a personality.

In other words, 'I' am ultimately an existence that is itself an Immortal Art—a Sacred Vessel.

And not just any Sacred Vessel, but a type of innate (胎生) Sacred Vessel.

Yet... born in agony so unbearable that no mortal could withstand it, dismantling my own mind and heart and rearranging them into configurations to become Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens, I came to loathe the world with an indescribable intensity.

Thus, within the flames of agony, hatred, and loathing that could set the world ablaze, I set a single purpose.

Kugugugugu!

The sky is filled with brainwashing waves.

'Seo Hweol... Just what are you...?'

It was while I stand dumbfounded, staring up at the sky.

[Someone] possessing Jeon Myeong-hoon smirks and speaks.

"In my opinion, it would be best for you to quickly kill yourself."

"What do you mean by that!?"

"It's just that... this place is far too dangerous for anyone at the Star Shattering stage and above. Since you're already inside the jaws, escape will be difficult..."

The brainwashing waves crash down with overwhelming force towards where we are.

I hurriedly take Jeon Myeong-hoon and Seo Ran on my back and flee.

Paaatt!

Using spatial movement, I instantly flee to the Northern Grasslands, but I flinch in shock.

The massive waves of brainwashing energy that had struck the Heaven-Treading Desert are now surging toward us.

'Is it chasing us?'

"No. That's not it. They're heading towards the Liberation Seal."

At those words, I step slightly aside from the trajectory of the brainwashing waves, which pass us by and head straight towards the northernmost end, where the 'Serving Command Palace' has appeared.

'Serving Command Palace? But why? No, wait, more importantly...'

"Did you just read my thoughts?"

"Living beings, even when completely free from the limits of their physical bodies, can't seem to shake the habit of thinking in electrical signals. Well, of course... even if it's not electrical signals, as long as you haven't completely transcended Yin and Yang, it's possible to read them."

It seems that, much like Zhengli, who specializes in lightning, this being can read or manipulate the brain's electrical signals.

"If you're that extraordinary, please do something to help my comrade Seo Ran! What is happening to him?"

I turn to Seo Ran, who is suddenly projecting the Heavenly Circle of Acceptance at Fate's End behind his head while screaming someone's name in an unintelligible pronunciation.

At my words, that being briefly turns his face towards where Seo Ran is.

For some reason, that being has his eyes closed and doesn't even spread out his consciousness domain, yet it feels as though he is perceiving Seo Ran through some other sense.

The being who observes Seo Ran for a moment shakes his head.

"There's an Immortal Art protecting his mind and turning his 'whole being' into an 'object'."

"Yes, indeed..."

It's the Immortal Art Gwak Am had cast on him, later repaired by Yu Oh after it was broken.

And Yu Oh had mentioned that this immortal art would 'break when in the presence of a great existence.'

'Wait, if that's the case...'

—How unpleasant. A mere bug dares to use this Immortal.

I recall the words spoken by the entity possessing Jeon Myeong-hoon's body.

At the same time, I realize that Seo Hweol had a purpose in bringing me into the Lightning Sacred Sea.

'... I see.'

Seo Hweol had noticed something wrong with Jeon Myeong-hoon in the Lightning Sacred Sea.

And inside Jeon Myeong-hoon, [someone] is reviving. If I entered the Lightning Sacred Sea with Seo Ran, he must have anticipated that the [someone] and Seo Ran would meet, causing the Immortal Art cast by Gwak Am on Seo Ran to break.

I now understand why the entity possessing Jeon Myeong-hoon's body had said it was 'unpleasant'.

As if reading my thoughts again, the being's eyes glimmer as he smiles.

"You're a perceptive one. The Immortal Art cast on him has been broken. Thanks to that... it seems they're 'reconnecting.'"

"Are you saying Seo Hweol and Seo Ran are connecting?"

I take a deep breath and kneel before him.

"... Please, if you are capable of repairing this Immortal Art, I beg you to do so and save Seo Ran. He is my comrade. As for your taking over the body of my comrade, Jeon Myeong-hoon, I will overlook it 'for now'. Please, I implore you...!"

"How audacious.

'For now', you say..."

"That is..."

"No."

I grit my teeth and glare at him.

However, an unexpected reply comes from his lips.

"This Immortal does not know such ancient Immortal Arts. Since it is an Immortal Art unknown to this Immortal, it cannot be repaired. It is fundamentally impossible to grant your request."

"That...! It's an Immortal Art that even the Sacred Master of the Nether Ghost Realm can perform, so why!?"

"Kukuk... kuhuhuhu... Sacred Master? Nether Ghost Realm?"

As if finding something incredibly amusing from my words, he lets out a low laugh.

"Seeing as you keep spouting nonsense, it's clear you haven't yet realized your fate. Well, considering how many talentless fools only realize it when advancing to True Immortality, it's not all that unusual. In any case, it's impossible for this Immortal."

"By manipulating the electrical signals you mentioned earlier... is it not possible to help Seo Ran?"

Recalling how Zhengli manipulated the electrical signals in the brains of the entire Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect to distort perception, I desperately plead with him.

However, he shakes his head once again.

"In this place, it is impossible."

"Pardon? What do you mean by that?"

"... You don't need to know. For now, I will remain as hidden as a dead mouse here."

He gazed far into the distance, towards the northernmost end where Seo Hweol's brainwashing waves are heading to the Serving Command Palace. Then, glancing briefly to the right, he speaks.

"... Beware of the Light. No matter what you think, no matter what you predict, they are a sinister existence that surpasses imagination. This is the only answer I will give you."

"...?"

'What's this? For some reason...'

It doesn't feel like he's talking to me.

It feels as though his words are directed not at me, who is standing right next to him... but at someone else entirely.

But I can no longer ask him anything.

Pasasak!

"...!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon's body begins to distort as if becoming Yin and Yang themselves, disintegrating into tens, hundreds, thousands of Taiji symbols, before scattering everywhere.

Hwiiiiii!

A wind blowing westward carries the traces of Yin and Yang far off into the western distance.

The traces of Yin and Yang seem to distort towards the western end, where the main sect of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is located, and then vanishes into the void.

I grit my teeth as I stare briefly at the spot where he vanished.

'What a completely useless existence!'

In the end, all he did was steal Jeon Myeong-hoon's body and flee somewhere without offering any help to Seo Ran.

Although I'm furious that Jeon Myeong-hoon's body was taken, for now, I focus on Seo Ran, gripping his shoulders and shaking him, trying to do anything to help.

"Get a hold of yourself, Seo Ran! Remember! You are Seo Ran! Don't lose yourself!"

"Uh, uuugh... Ughghgkk...!"

Bloodshot veins appear in Seo Ran's eyes.

He grits his teeth.

He clenches them so tightly that blood flows from his gums.

Kugugugugu!

In the distance, the Serving Command Palace begins to move.

From the Serving Command Palace, saturated with Seo Hweol's brainwashing waves, an immense flood of brainwashing waves starts to 'amplify.'

'What!?'

The brainwashing waves literally begin to engulf the entire sky.

Seeing this, I realize something.

'The spell formation that is at the very top of the Serving Command Palace... is it that!?'

Then, I recall the ritual locations Seo Hweol had revealed during the 15th cycle.

"Ascension Path, Black Castle, Serving Command Palace... and Sea Dragon Palace!"

That bastard had definitely said that he had already conducted the Four-Axis advancement ritual in those places.

And the Sea Dragon Palace unmistakably has a structure designed for some sort of ritualistic purpose.

'Seo Hweol's brainwashing waves emanated from the Ascension Gate on Ascension Path, pierced through the Black Castle, and headed towards the Serving Command Palace. In that case, the next destination must be...'

Sea Dragon Palace!

There's no other place it could be!

'If I want to save Seo Ran, I need to stop whatever Seo Hweol is doing!'

Just as I attempt to pull Seo Ran back into my domain, I suddenly sense an overwhelming surge of resistance and realize that Seo Ran is not entering my domain.

"What...!? Why isn't he suddenly entering my domain!?"

I'm taken aback, but now is not the time to dwell on it.

Hastily holding Seo Ran, I use the ground-shrinking technique.

It's then, Kwadatang!

"Kuhuk!"

Thud!

One moment we are in the Northern Grasslands, but the next, we are hurled into the Heaven-Treading Desert, directly beneath Ascension Path.

Normally, we should have directly reached the Sea Dragon Palace.

'Th-The ground-shrinking technique was canceled? This is...'

I understand what's happening.

My instincts are rejecting the use of any spells.

From the deepest depths of my unconsciousness, a sense of repulsion rises.

In the Head Realm, spells must not be used.

'Why? What is the meaning of this!?'

My instincts are warning me.

To not use spells in the Head Realm!

'Ridiculous! I don't have time right now!'

My consciousness trembles from me forcibly trying to cast a spell.

But just then, Crack!

"...! Kuaaaaaah!!!"

I clutch my head and collapse on the spot.

"Heoheok... heooook..."

My conscious domain begins to rampage.

Simultaneously, my consciousness begins to 'read' the surroundings uncontrollably.

As Heaven and Earth spiritual energy reverses, the scene of the Heavenly Treading Desert.

The 'history' of Ascension Path begins to be read.

And among the 'scenes of history' of Ascension Path, one image etches itself into my mind.

'Esteemed One? Star Shattering stage?'

It is a Star Shattering stage Esteemed One.

At the same time, the Heavenly Fiends of the Blood Yin Realm come into view.

They are pouring into the Head Realm through the Ascension Gate.

The Esteemed One, exuding blood devilish energy of the Blood Yin Realm, descends above the Ascension Path and searches for something.

Then, their gaze lands on a certain place.

It is none other than the shrine constructed of massive black ore.

Since the shrine is positioned directly in front of the Ascension Gate, it is not difficult to find.

The Esteemed One of the Blood Yin Realm, with their monstrous form, swings one hand without hesitation.

The shrine of Yang Su-jin is ripped from its place and flung far outside Ascension Path.

The shrine crashes into the Heaven-Treading Desert outside Ascension Path and embeds itself there, leaving only the topmost layer exposed above the desert sands.

And the part of that shrine happens to be the Black Castle I am familiar with.

Immediately after, the Esteemed One of the Blood Yin Realm lets out an eerie scream and overturns the entirety of Ascension Path.

The vacant space where Yang Su-jin's shrine once stood is shoved to one side of Ascension Path.

The Esteemed One of the Blood Yin Realm laughs.

As though they feel schadenfreude.

Then, the Esteemed One extends a hand to erase even the fragmented half of Yang Su-jin's 'warning plaque' that had been torn apart by their single strike moments earlier.

At that moment, the Esteemed One's consciousness begins to spiral out of control.

The Esteemed One suddenly looks up at the 'sky.'

In the next moment, The Esteemed One starts screaming.

As if they witnessed something unimaginably horrifying and terrifying.

The same Esteemed One who had just violently ripped Yang Su-jin's shrine apart now weeps like a child, clutching their head and trembling with pain and despair.

Their figure looks as if they had gazed upon something unbearable and gone insane.

Paaaatt!

"Kuheok...! Heheook! Heok!"

It's only now that I understand why my instincts have been warning me. I withdraw my consciousness domain entirely and lower my gaze, refusing to look 'directly' at the 'sky.'

—In my opinion, it would be best to quickly kill yourself.

—It's just that... this place is far too dangerous for anyone at the Star Shattering stage and above.

I now understand why a being presumed to be a True Immortal kept their consciousness domain contracted and their eyes tightly shut.

'I must not look. I must not use any power! The 'current' me absolutely cannot do such things!'

I realize I must not recklessly peek at the sky of the Head Realm, expand my consciousness domain, or use any spells.

Doing so could lead to an end more miserable than death.

'If that's the case, then Seo Ran...'

I carry Seo Ran on my back.

Afterward, I use only my senses to determine the direction and, with my eyes on the ground, propel myself forward by kicking off the earth.

Kwaaang!

The physical abilities I possess, having reached the Sacred Vessel stage, are more than sufficient on their own.

With a single kick, I shoot forward like a meteor, reaching the sea beneath the Heaven-Treading Desert.

Looking at the reflection of Seo Hweol's brainwashing waves on the surface of the sea, I observe and read the flow of those waves.

'As expected, it's heading toward the Sea Dragon Palace!'

Sprinting at full force and determined to shatter the Sea Dragon Palace, I deploy water-traversing steps ever faster and move across the sea.

"Just hold on a little longer...! Seo Ran!"

In the distance, the [southern end] of the Head Realm comes into view.

With Seo Ran still on my back, I prepare to dive.

But it seems that's unnecessary.

Kugugugugu!

The Sea Dragon Palace is surfacing.

Dudududu!

'It's rising up? Kugh...'

Careful not to look directly at the sky, I follow the Sea Dragon Palace's straight ascent from underwater, chasing it as it rises toward the sky.

Tingle, tingle...

However, as time passes, my body starts stiffening, my head begins to ache, and an indescribable flow of knowledge seems to pour into me, forcing out a groan.

'Heheok... heok...'

Thump, thump...

My heartbeat gradually quickens, and strength drains from my body.

Of course, even in this condition, I continue crossing the sea swiftly, but it's clear that my strength is waning.

'Is this... the Head Realm...?'

Just by keeping my 'eyes open,' my vision gradually starts to warp, and I feel the terrifying gaze of some unfathomable being upon me.

— This place is far too dangerous for anyone at the Star Shattering stage and above.

He didn't close his eyes and say such things for no reason!

Struggling with all my strength, I force myself to continue using void steps with my eyes shut, rising towards the Sea Dragon Palace.

I intend to ram it with my body and destroy it entirely.

Kugugugugu!

The Sea Dragon Palace, which has been rising in a straight line, finally reaches the upper sky.

It arrives at the [Astronomical Observatory] of the Sea Dragon Race and merges with it.

Only then does it come to a stop.

'That place is...'

I grit my teeth tightly.

That place is where the last remains of Cheongmun Ryeong are located.

If I charge straight into it, his remains could be shattered.

It is an absolute salt pillar that turns everything that touches into salt, but now that I have reached the Sacred Vessel stage, I instinctively feel that I can break it.

Clenching my teeth, I kick off the void once more.

'Master...'

To save Seo Ran.

I will honor you in my heart.

Seo Hweol's brainwashing waves converge on the Sea Dragon Palace, and I charge towards it without hesitation!

Kwaaaang!

With my body slam, the Sea Dragon Palace collapses before the brainwashing waves can reach it, and the Astronomical Observatory beyond the palace, along with the last remains of Cheongmun Ryeong, crumbles completely.

'Ah...'

The remains of Cheongmun Ryeong fall.

Those remains scatter downward, having turned into nothing more than ordinary salt powder.

Perhaps, from the very moment he died in the world of Penglai Island, Cheongmun Ryeong's remains had already turned into an ordinary salt pillar.

'Farewell, Master.'

I silently pay respects and turn to shout at Seo Hweol's brainwashing waves.

"Stand down, snake-scorpion bastard. Your objective has already been blocked!"

Kugugugugugu!

At my shout, the surrounding space trembles.

Drip...

Blood begins to trickle from my seven orifices.

It's because I deliberately mixed spells into my voice, even at the cost of taking damage.

Revealing the authority of the Sacred Vessel stage, I block Seo Hweol's brainwashing waves.

Wiiiiiing!

A wheel manifests behind my head.

'Quickly, as quickly as possible, I will block Seo Hweol and escape from the Head Realm without looking at the sky!'

For now, that is the best course of action!

[I declare: Your spell shall be rewritten.] Kiiiiiiing!

I have faced Seo Hweol's brainwashing waves multiple times before.

My understanding of his Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens is sufficient, and this Immortal Art is one that temporarily 'reconfigures' from what I understand.

Therefore...

I can manipulate it!

[Return!] Then, a whisper that I cannot possibly deny echoes in my ears.

"To your origin."

It is a voice that sounds all too undeniably correct.

Redirecting Seo Hweol's brainwashing waves back to Seo Hweol's origin.

That is the best method to block Seo Hweol, who has surged right up to my very eyes!

Such a stream of thoughts surfaces in my mind, and the logic behind it is flawless.

Thus, I unconsciously follow that whisper and repeat the words aloud.

[To your origin!] At that moment, Paaaaatt!

Seo Hweol's brainwashing waves... suddenly begin to plunge straight into Seo Ran, who is on my back.

Seo Hweol's brainwashing waves pierce directly into Seo Ran's body.

Then, as those waves pass through Seo Ran entirely...

The location where the Sea Dragon Palace once stood.

It pierces through the [southern end] and exits beyond the Head Realm.

Immediately after, the entire world turns blindingly white.

[... Hah.] I feel as though my mind is clearing for some reason.

Dududududu!

It seems as if earthquakes and tsunamis are occurring throughout the entire Head Realm, and a crack suddenly appears across the entirety of the 'sky.'

Simultaneously, the phenomenon of the world turning white intensifies, to the point where I can now only see those who are right next to me.

Hwiiiiii— As I fall to some unknown place, I find myself face to face with Seo Ran, who, for some reason, is shedding tears.

"... Why are you crying, Seo Ran?"

"... I finally remember."

He speaks.

"I remember who the 'woman' in my memory is."

He had definitely said that ever since Penglai Island, a certain 'woman' began coming to mind.

"... Who is it?"

"It's..."

At first, I thought Seo Ran might be recalling someone from Kang Min-hee's memories since he had taken on Kang Min-hee's role.

Later, the possibility arose that he might be Yu Oh's child, so I wondered if it could have been Yu Oh.

But...

It is only now that I finally understand exactly who Seo Ran found 'yearnful,' 'bothersome,' 'annoying,' and yet wanted to 'possess.'

"A woman named... Oh Hye-seo. But... I do not know who this person is."

"... I suppose so."

Clench!

As I fall with Seo Ran to some unknown place, I grit my teeth.

For some reason, tears stream from my eyes.

"Because it was you."

"... What?"

"... It was... you..."

My body trembles.

Not from fear or cold, but from betrayal, sorrow, absurdity, and pity.

It is only now that I understand everything.

Yuk Rin of the Ancient Force Realm was, at first, clearly a cold and rational Dragon King with no tears or blood.

To achieve his own goals, he was an existence that treated Yuk Yo as a chess piece or object.

But at some point, Yuk Rin became obsessed with Yuk Yo, desiring to possess her.

And Yuk Yo and Baek Rin.

He tormented the two lovers as much as possible, trying in every way to separate and inflict pain upon them.

Come to think of it, wasn't it strange?

Why would the once cold and calculating Dragon King suddenly be consumed by emotions towards Yuk Yo?

The answer is all too simple.

Because Seo Ran wanted it.

I come to understand the reasons behind the seemingly trivial matters that I had never been able to grasp before across my 998 lifetimes.

'Why' did Seo Ran suddenly think of Oh Hye-seo?

'Why' did Seo Hweol never kill Seo Ran directly but always attempt to do so indirectly?

'Why' did the Chief Judge only punish Seo Hweol's 'masks' and not his 'main body'?

'Why' did the Owner of Great Mountain kill everyone but specifically devoured only Seo Ran's Nascent Soul?

'Why' did Seo Ran regain his senses on Penglai Island before I did?

'Why'...

Did Seo Hweol, when I said that Seo Ran is [my friend], burst out into such uncharacteristic laughter?

"You... were Seo Hweol's... main body."

I understand everything.

The [pillar] of Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens.

The treasure Seo Hweol [holds most precious].

The sole [light] I saw within the heart essence of his Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens.

Only now do I understand why I have always been so easily swayed by Seo Hweol.

It's because...

The most powerful [core] of Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens has been right beside me, acting as a 'friend' in my heart.

Having the core of Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens by my side, I have... unknowingly been ensnared in its greatest influence all along.

Even if Seo Ran had no intention of doing so.

"... What... do you mean...?"

Seo Ran asks with a look of confusion.

"..."

I look at Seo Ran's face.

"... If I kill you... I can... stop Seo Hweol's conspiracy..."

Because you are Seo Hweol's greatest weakness.

However...

Tears stream down my face as I grit my teeth.

I can... absolutely not kill Seo Ran.

Therefore, I absolutely cannot kill Seo Hweol.

Because Seo Ran is...

No.

Because Seo Hweol is truly my friend.

I can destroy Seo Ran's body here and now, even crush his soul and send him to the Underworld.

But I release the strength from the hand holding Seo Ran's body.

The world has arrived at the End.

Seo Hweol's plan has succeeded, and whether he brainwashes the Head Realm or does something else, he will attain what he desires in his grasp.

'You've won, Seo Hweol...'

In this life, I have no idea what more I can possibly do.

I cannot kill my friend.

No matter if it's...

The only way to kill the monster I've hated the most.

And so, in the midst of the world that whitens and crumbles with the End, I close my eyes, waiting for my 999th return.

I thought this would be my 999th death.

An old man carrying a flower basket speaks.

"O Annihilation Flower," An unimaginably ominous flower begins to bloom from my chest.

"Open the doors to the Audience Chamber."

The next moment, the whitened world blinks into darkness.