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Chapter 199: Betrayal (7)"Ah, it's been a while, senior. We met briefly before, didn't we?"

It seems Hong Guk recognizes me as well.

'So, that's why Hong Guk didn't tell Gyu-ryeon about Seo Hweol taking Baek Nyeong away!'

"…At first, I thought I saw it wrong. But upon further reflection, the projection technique used by the Grand Prince at that time appeared to be very similar, almost identical, to that used by the Heavenly Fiends of the Blood Yin Realm. I know this very well, having fought against them."

"I see."

Cheon Ryang smiles slyly.

"This is our chance to make that Seo Hweol withdraw from that absurd naming project when he returns!"

The Celestial Dog Race, to which Cheon Ryang belongs, is one of the races that disliked having their names managed by the True Dragon Alliance.

Among them, Cheon Ryang particularly despises Seo Hweol, who subtly swayed them to support the naming project, even more than the 13 major clans directly conducting these tasks. He wishes to see Seo Hweol fall from grace and never return to the political arena.

I am well aware of Cheon Ryang's dislike for Seo Hweol, and I also know the situation well as I was there with Hong Guk at the time.

'Hong Guk's testimony is very likely to be true.'

No, it is almost certain that the technique Seo Hweol used to summon his projection by sacrificing his kin was indeed from the Blood Yin Realm.

'The situation is different from when I was the only witness.'

I had no influence for my words to be taken seriously when I alone was the sole witness.

But now, with Cheon Ryang, an elder of the Celestial Dog Race, Hong Guk as a witness, and Seo Hweol's opposition putting all their efforts into proclaiming his connection to the Blood Yin Realm, it can politically damage Seo Hweol significantly.

'Good.'

There's no downside for me, whether it fails or succeeds.

Just shouting that Seo Hweol is a spy is enough.

If it fails, the mere fact that Seo Hweol is tormented by such slander due to his status as a lower realm descendant of the Black Dragon clan's side branch, the Sea Dragon Race, gives me a pretext to push for his marriage.

If it succeeds, pushing him as a spy of the Blood Yin Realm can erase his influence within the Earth Tribe.

'Given Seo Hweol's stature, even if he's proclaimed a spy from the Blood Yin Realm, they'd likely make him swear never to contact the Blood Yin Realm again and then place him under house arrest.'

After all, a Four-Axis stage is a valuable asset.

Either way, it's the outcome I desire.

"Good. However, as much as you dislike Seo Hweol, a single witness's testimony won't have much influence."

"So…?"

"Do you have any evidence? Cultivator Hong?"

At my question, Hong Guk nods solemnly.

"The projection technique used by the Heavenly Fiends of the Blood Yin Realm leaves an impact on the earth. It's not certain, but perhaps if we revisit that Long Spirit farm, we might find evidence."

"Good, order someone to collect evidence."

"However…"

Just as Cheon Ryang is about to signal someone, Hong Guk cautiously speaks up.

"The reason I haven't deliberately collected evidence from the Long Spirit farm until now is partly because I thought a Dragon Race Grand Prince wouldn't do such a thing, but also because the traces of the Heavenly Fiends' projection technique disappear easily when exposed to spiritual energy fluctuations, so I dared not investigate myself. In other words…"

"Bringing evidence will be difficult. We need to go and verify it ourselves; is that what you're saying?"

At Cheon Ryang's words, Hong Guk nods.

"Hmm…"

This makes me feel a bit troubled, whereas Cheon Ryang seems thrilled, sticking out his tongue and panting.

"Excellent! Then let's gather all members of the opposition and head to that farm! If we all verify it, that should suffice!"

However, as he energetically shouts this, I sigh softly.

"That seems problematic."

"Hmm?"

"Have you forgotten? The Long Spirit Farm Hong Guk mentioned is a territory bestowed by the True Dragon Alliance to the Ark Controlling Envoy Gyu-ryeon."

"Hmm…!"

"Taking a bit of soil as evidence might be fine... but for all members of the opposition, both Nascent Soul and Heavenly Being stage cultivators, to swarm there for evidence? What do you think the Ark Controlling Envoy would say to that? Especially when you know the relationship between the Ark Controlling Envoy and Seo Hweol."

"…I see. I was shortsighted."

"Let's make time later, just the two of us, to quietly verify the evidence."

It would obviously be problematic if everyone from the opposition faction were to go, but it should be fine for just Cheon Ryang and I to go and check.

Thus, we decided to find a suitable time when Gyu-ryeon would be occupied with her duties as Ark Controlling Envoy to search for evidence on the farm.

And a month has passed since I told Cheon Ryang to go with me to find evidence of Seo Hweol's involvement with the Blood Yin Realm.

'From today for the next seven nights, Senior Gyu will be organizing spatial rifts at the lowest floor of the Serving Command Ark.'

Tomorrow, she will be immersed in repairing spatial rifts, so it will be the perfect time for Cheon Ryang and me to visit her farm.

Just then, as I am contemplating.

Twang!

A familiar sound of a zither echoes from behind me.

I turn around, startled yet smiling.

"It's been a while, Yu Hwa."

"Have you been well?"

Suddenly appearing behind me is Yu Hwa, the half-human half-spider from the Heart Tribe.

"Your mastery of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts has improved significantly."

"The foundation was so preposterously intricate and detailed that it was easy to learn."

"Your talent must have played a part... So, what brings you here?"

"…It's about my disciple."

A bitter expression crosses Yu Hwa's face.

"I've undone all the brainwashing that the Sea Dragon had placed on my disciple. I also succeeded in dispersing the self-hypnosis that arose due to the Sea Dragon's guidance. However... my disciple says that the Sea Dragon promised him many things."

She continues her explanation.

"Great living conditions for the White Goat Race, rights as the ruling class, his treatment, the treatment of his Mountain Repelling Whip, and numerous rights that Baek Nyeong was promised would be granted to not just him but the entire White Goat Tribe. That's why he was self-hypnotized into thinking the Sea Dragon was a great being."

"Did he fall for Seo Hweol because of those privileges?"

"…Not just that. What Baek Nyeong wants is…"

Yu Hwa's words flow on.

"Do you know of Hong Guk, the boar demon beast?"

"…I'm aware."

Somehow, I've been hearing that boar's name quite a lot lately.

"Hong Guk, during his time as the overseer of the Long Spirit farm, had ordered Baek Nyeong to whip his own elderly parents."

"…"

"Eventually, Baek Nyeong's parents passed away by his own hands, following Hong Guk's orders. Seo Hweol… promised Baek Nyeong that he would allow him to kill Hong Guk in the most brutal way possible."

She continues.

"Baek Nyeong said that if I, in place of Seo Hweol, can tear Hong Guk apart, he will completely let go of his feelings for Seo Hweol."

"…So you've come because of Hong Guk."

"Yes."

"Seeking my help for revenge?"

"Indeed."

"Then…"

I gaze into the void, focusing on the faint flow of consciousness streaming through the air.

"Why didn't you tell me directly with your own mouth?"

Startled by my words, Yu Hwa flinches, and soon after, Baek Nyeong emerges from the void.

"It seems your understanding of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts is much inferior to your master's. Even someone at the Nascent Soul stage would have noticed."

Baek Nyeong is silent for a moment then looks at Yu Hwa, then back at me.

"I intended to tell you myself. But my master prevented me."

"Hmm…"

I look at Yu Hwa and ask.

"So you didn't trust me?"

"I do trust you, but the situation is concerning."

She gives a bitter smile.

"I know you've been in contact with Seo Hweol's opposition faction, and they need Hong Guk."

"That's correct."

"So, thinking you might turn against us since you also need Hong Guk, I had prepared my disciple for an escape if necessary... It seems that was unnecessary."

"Just with the time you and I have spent learning the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, there's a difference... Naturally, teaching that guy the Record would obviously make him full of holes in my eyes."

"My oversight."

I look at the master-disciple pair and ponder over what to do about Hong Guk.

"...I acknowledge the grudge between Hong Guk and Baek Nyeong. However, we need him now."

Baek Nyeong clenches his fists in frustration.

"However, after going to the farm to secure evidence of Seo Hweol's involvement with the Blood Yin Realm and submitting it to the True Dragon Alliance Elder Council, Hong Guk's usefulness will end. I'll arrange for Baek Nyeong to meet Hong Guk alone afterwards."

My suggestion brightens Yu Hwa's face.

Baek Nyeong's intent also calms down.

"Thank you."

"Thank you."

Yu Hwa and Baek Nyeong thanks me in turn.

Yu Hwa asks in a bright voice,

"So, Hong Guk's usefulness ends tomorrow, you say?"

"No, not tomorrow. Tomorrow, Cheon Ryang and I will go to the farm to look for the connection between Seo Hweol and the Blood Yin Realm, and once that's confirmed, we will submit it to the True Dragon Alliance Elder Council…"

"Yes?"

That's when Yu Hwa interrupts me with a puzzled voice.

"Right now, a Heavenly Being stage demon beast named Cheon Ryang, leading all members of the opposition faction, is flying towards Gyu-ryeon's farm with Hong Guk at the forefront… Aren't they trying to secure Seo Hweol's weakness?"

"…!"

Startled, I quickly stand up and inject spiritual power into the communication artifact connected to Cheon Ryang.

Wo-woong!

But the artifact vibrates for a moment before the communication is dispersed by the other side.

'Damn it, I told them to be careful!'

Today is the day Gyu-ryeon enters the lowest level of Serving Command Ark.

Given her nature, once she starts her duties as the Ark Controlling Envoy, she tends to get absorbed in her work and forgets about everything else after a day.

However, a day hasn't passed yet, and if something happens in her territory, she could come out of the Serving Command Ark to check.

"These idiots… I'm sorry I can't entertain you as guests, but I have to go to Gyu-ryeon's farm for a bit."

I leave the office of the Ark Controlling Envoy's Assistant in the Serving Command Ark and soar into the sky.

Yu Hwa and Baek Nyeong also rise beside me.

Swoosh!

Yu Hwa transforms into a crimson river, engulfing Baek Nyeong, and soars into the air, camouflaging their presence with the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.

[Let us accompany you. Since we're asking for your help, if there's anything we can do in this matter, we'll assist.]

"Well, do as you please. Let's talk while we're on the way!"

Whoosh!

I rapidly rise, utilizing Flying Escape Technique, the Gliding Technique of the demon race, and all sorts of methods to traverse the void.

Whoooosh—

Before long, it's night.

In the middle of the night, Gyu-ryeon's territory and the Long Spirit cotton farm began to come into view beyond the mountain range.

Tssssss—

The cotton of the Long Spirit Wood Flower is shining white even under the moonlight, as if ablaze.

And far off, at a corner of the cotton farm, a tremendously chaotic scene is unfolding.

Kugugugugu!

"…!"

I am shocked by the scene.

The place where Seo Hweol had previously conducted the projection technique through the bodies of Sea Dragon Race warriors.

The ground there, along with the dragon vein running through it, is being pulled up.

A part of the Long Spirit cotton farm is being extracted in its entirety.

An area of about 2 to 3 li of the cotton field is being lifted into the sky, and around it, demon races of Nascent Soul and Heavenly Being stages are circulating heaven and earth spiritual energy, lifting the cotton field.

"What madness is this!"

I scream at Cheon Ryang, who is at the center of it all, my face pale with anger.

Didn't I say Senior Guy enters today!? I told you that we should come and investigate tomorrow! Not only did you come without me, but you also brought all these Nascent Soul stage and above demon cultivators. And what are you doing to Senior Gyu's farm!"

To my words, Cheon Ryang crosses his arms and shakes his head calmly.

"I'm sorry, Cultivator Seo. But your method is too cautious!"

"What...?"

"Moreover, I acknowledge that you helped unite our Seo Hweol opposition faction, but there are concerns within our faction about following your plans blindly, given your status as the Ark Controlling Envoy's Assistant..."

"What are you talking about?"

"Every demon beast knows about the relationship between the Ark Controlling Envoy and Seo Hweol. Considering you, Seo Eun-hyun, are the Ship Controlling Envoy's Assistant and closely associated with Seo Hweol, executing your plan directly was deemed risky."

"What in the world... Fine, then what do you intend to do with Gyu-ryeon's farm?"

Not Cheon Ryang but Hong Guk responds to my question.

"There is definitely evidence in the Ark Controlling Envoy's farm of Seo Hweol using the Blood Yin Realm's techniques. But if we just take the evidence to the True Dragon Alliance Elder Council, it will disappear due to the nature of the Blood Yin Realm's projection technique and spiritual energy fluctuations. Therefore, we decided to take this entire area and submit it to the council."

"Ha! Senior Gyu is currently in the lowest level of the Serving Command Ark, and you're planning to take this to the Serving Command Ark?"

Cheon Ryang shakes his head at that.

No, we will not take it to the Serving Command Ark. Senior Gyu's farm will be transported to the Tiger Race Territory. The Supreme Tiger Race will lead the investigation into this matter, and the True Dragon Alliance Elder Council will also convene in the Tiger Race Territory this time."

"…!"

Choosing the Tiger Race Territory, of all places, which has the worst relationship with the Dragon Race.

"Was this influenced by the Tiger Race from the start?"

"Not exactly. Knowing that the Seo Hweol opposition faction was forming, the Tiger Race, eager to tarnish the Dragon Race's honor, approached us."

"…"

So, according to his words, this is no longer just my fight.

It has become a political struggle between the Tiger and Dragon Races.

'This is... not bad?'

Thinking about it, it isn't necessarily bad for this matter to shift towards the Tiger Race.

If the Tiger Race, which are on bad terms with the Dragon Race, wants to strike at the Dragon Race in any way, they will surely concoct the fact that Seo Hweol is related to the Blood Yin Realm.

'It can be an opportunity to more definitively bring down Seo Hweol.'

However…

"…Alright. But... it's too reckless...! What if Senior Gyu notices!"

"Hahaha! We too have our sources. The Ark Controlling Envoy has already started repairing the spatial rifts in the lowest level of the Serving Command Ark…"

"No! Why didn't you trust my information! I work right beside Senior Gyu! We have to wait until tomorrow!"

"That's why it's hard to believe. We needed to act swiftly on our end too. I heard that once the Ark Controlling Envoy starts focusing on repairing spatial rifts, she becomes so engrossed that she doesn't notice anything else outside."

"…Damn it, that's not the issue…"

I press my throbbing head and sigh.

'Damn, I don't know anymore.'

"…Do as you wish. But now that things have come to this, move the farm to the Tiger Race Territory as quickly as possible!"

"We were about to do that. No need to rush us."

I feel a surge of anger looking at Cheon Ryang, who still wears a calm expression after causing such a mess.

"Senior Gyu might have already noticed by now because of you all. We're in a hurry, so we must handle this swiftly!"

"…"

"What are you doing! Hurry and move the evidence to the Tiger Race!"

"…"

"Why are you... so silent?"

"…Be-behind…"

At that moment, I feel a chill run down my spine.

"Seo Eun-hyun."

A familiar voice calls out.

As I slowly turn around, there is a small spatial rift.

No bigger than a palm.

But through that palm-sized crack, familiar golden pupils are starting at us.

"What did you just say...?"

"..."

"And what is this situation now?"

"…"

"Are these not the ones who have recently formed the Seo Hweol opposition faction and blatantly slander him? Why are you with such people? And my farm, what about it? What do you mean by moving it to the Tiger Race territory?"

"…"

For a while, silence lingers among us.

Then, through the gap of silence, I clench my teeth and yell.

"What are you doing, you idiots! If you've already messed it up, at least do what you've started properly! Move it!!!"

"Hmm!"

"Huh!"

Only then do the startled Heavenly Being stage demon races of the opposition faction come to their senses and hastily start using their demon abilities to transport Gyu-ryeon's farm towards the Tiger Race Territory.

Kugugugu!

An immense killing intent flows from Gyu-ryeon.

[You lot… What in the world is happening here… You will have to explain yourselves clearly…!]

Zzzt, zzzt zzzt…!

Feeling the murderous intent enveloping my entire body, I climb atop the moving cotton field and use all my strength to increase the speed of the cotton field with my spells.

"Inject all your spiritual energy with full force! Senior Gyu will be chasing us soon!"

"No, isn't Senior Gyu a Four-Axis stage cultivator? Even if she's at the Grand Perfection of the Four-Axis stage, considering she tore open a spatial rift from inside the Serving Command Ark to her domain, it will take a considerable amount of time to tear through space and chase us with such distance…."

"You idiots! Senior Gyu is no longer just a Four-Axis stage cultivator!"

"What…!"

I urgently shout upon seeing the immense energy swelling up behind us.

"She has already begun Heaven and Earth Unity, advancing into the Integration stage!! Do you now understand why I said we should proceed tomorrow!? Senior Gyu mentioned she might go into secluded cultivation in the lowest level starting tomorrow after repairing the spatial rifts!!"

I scream at these demon beasts who foolishly messed up without listening to me.

"What's coming after us isn't just a peak Four-Axis stage! It's a quasi-Integration stage Demon King!"

Chapter 200: Betrayal (8)Kugugugu!

On a night illuminated with a bright full moon.

Kugugugugu!

On that particularly bright night, a massive chunk of land is soaring through the sky.

Upon this chunk of land, numerous Long Spirit Wood Flowers are blossoming in the moonlight, emitting spiritual energy as they glow white.

And above this field of cotton,

We are infusing the chunk of land with spiritual energy, keeping it afloat in the void as we fly.

Among us, there is shouting and arguing.

"No! Why didn't you say from the start that Senior Gyu is in the midst of entering the Integration stage!?"

"She said she would inform us tomorrow whether she would fully enter seclusion or not, and it wasn't confirmed! If you hadn't distrusted me and made this foolish mistake, none of this would have been an issue!"

But tearing each other down wasn't going to solve anything.

Flash!

A flash of light bursts behind us.

A golden ray grazes over us, narrowly missing.

Chills!

Feeling the hairs on my back stand up, I pour even more spiritual energy into the farm, hastening our flight.

From afar,

From behind, Gyu-ryeon is exhaling her breath towards us.

The thickness and precision of the beam she exhales seems to grow thicker and sharper as time passes.

The reason is simple.

'The spatial rift is nearly open.'

Once the spatial rift fully opens, a quasi-Integration stage Golden Dragon beyond the Four-Axis stage will come flying.

There are no Four-Axis stage cultivators here. The majority are at the Heavenly Being stage, with Cheon Ryang, the highest in cultivation, only being at Grand Perfection of the Heavenly Being stage, not even at the Four-Axis stage.

"Damn it, what do we do now! This is all your fault, you halfwit Dragon Race scum!"

"…Just shut up for a moment."

Clutching my throbbing head, I push Cheon Ryang aside and plunge my hands into the ground.

Avoiding the area where Seo Hweol's involvement with the Blood Yin Realm is evident, I start infusing the entire landmass with spiritual energy.

Kugugugu!

Following the formulas of Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea, the roots of the Long Spirit Wood Flowers dig deep into the earth.

Beneath the surface, the roots of the flowers form circuits reminiscent of the Mad Lord, embedding deeply into the soil.

"In half a moment, I can transform this landmass into a flying artifact capable of high speed."

"What…!"

"Buy me half a moment. Senior Gyu will descend upon us soon."

"…Damn, understood!"

Cheon Ryang, biting his lip as if realizing there is no way out, commands the opposition faction to gather heaven and earth spiritual energy towards where Gyu-ryeon is firing her beams.

Sweating profusely, I hurry to convert the clumps of earth into a flying artifact.

Kugugugu!

Simultaneously, a terrifying wave of spiritual energy roars from behind.

A golden light flickers in the distance as if ablaze.

Gyu-ryeon has finally succeeded in crossing the spatial rift from the lowest layer of the Serving Command Ark to reach us.

[Stop right there…!]

Ziiiing!

At her command, from thousands of li away, the entire heaven and earth spiritual energy ripples and halts the chunk of land flying through the void.

However, as Cheon Ryang and the other Heavenly Being demons attack in all directions, manipulating the heaven and earth spiritual energy, the chunk of land begins to move again.

Flash!

Far away, the golden light flickers again.

As I am transforming the entire landmass, I glance back momentarily.

Wo-woong!

Within golden twilight, a gold-colored silkworm-like creature raises its body from a place that must be about three thousand li (approximately 1,242 km) away.

'I've already distanced myself several thousand li from Senior Gyu and I'm still seeing something like a caterpillar…?'

No, it's not a caterpillar.

'That is….'

Cheonryang urgently shouts.

"Quick, the Ark Controlling Envoy is chasing after us in her true form! Everyone, muster all your strength!"

It's Gyu-ryeon's true form!

Flash!

Once again, a golden beam shoots towards us.

This time, it neither brushes past us nor is its thickness ambiguous.

A beam thick enough to encompass the entire cotton plantation of about 3 li in diameter is shot precisely at our location.

Cheon Ryang and Heavenly Being stage demon beasts hastily create barriers with all their might, infusing the ground with spiritual energy to increase their speed.

The golden light arrives right behind us, spewing brightness as if to engulf us all.

And the next moment.

'Modification complete.'

The cotton plantation moves, and the land beneath it transforms.

The chunks of land move at my will, and through the roots of the flowers, taking on a shape.

It's the face of General Seo.

Soon after, the landmass holding the cotton field transforms into the giant head of General Seo and begins to fly through the sky.

"General Seo, evade!"

Flash!

The landmass, transformed into the head of General Seo, nimbly evades Gyu-ryeon's breath, allowing us to avoid being obliterated by her ray in one strike.

"Everyone! Move to the positions I designate!"

Having transformed the entire chunk of land into a flying form of General Seo in a short time, I point out where to infuse spiritual energy, urging the Nascent Soul stage cultivators.

The Nascent Soul stage demons follow my command, infusing energy into their respective areas, and the head of General Seo blazes through the night sky with its gaze alight.

Simultaneously, the glowing worm-like entity moves from thousands of li away.

Gyu-ryeon is in pursuit.

"Cheon Ryang! When the beam flies towards us, tell me the direction to evade!"

I yell frantically at Cheon Ryang, who then responds.

"Evade to the northwest! Heavenly Being demons, raise the barrier!"

Following Cheon Ryang's commands, I turn the 'head' northwest, and the Heavenly Being stage demons gather Heaven and Earth spiritual energy to erect barriers again.

Once again, the golden beam barely misses the barriers set up by the demon beasts.

Since it merely grazes by, the only burden on the Heavenly Being stage demons is the aftermath.

However, even the aftermath of the beam emitted by Gyu-ryeon is enough to completely collapse the formation and barriers of the Heavenly Being stage demons.

'The Supreme Tiger Race is located to the north of the True Dragon Alliance!'

The remaining distance is about six thousand li!

'If only we can reach there in time….'

Light bursts from the back of General Seo's head, and we gradually speed up.

But gradually, the size of that caterpillar is growing larger.

"To the true north! Heavenly Beings, set up barriers!"

Again, I turn the 'head' to the true north and repel Gyu-ryeon's attack.

On that moonlit night,

I exert all my strength to flee from Gyu-ryeon, managing to deflect her assault.

However, as expected the difference in our realms ends everything.

Kugugugu!

The gap between us, previously spanning thousands of li, closes in an instant.

Her massive dragon body, the size of a small mountain range, suddenly blocks our path.

"…Ha…"

I let out a hollow laugh, and Cheon Ryang too wears a look of resignation.

Kugugugu!

Gyu-ryeon, having scrutinized us solemnly in her true form for a moment, transforms back into her human form and appears at the center of the cotton farm.

"…Seo Eun-hyun, and all of you."

Her stern golden pupils scan everyone.

"What exactly are you doing?"

"…"

She is tremendously furious.

Her vertically slit pupils tremble with rage, and the heaven and earth spiritual energy vibrating around her signals imminent danger.

'Damn it…'

It's over.

Tell Gyu-ryeon that Seo Hweol was associated with the Blood Yin Realm?

She will never believe it.

Cheon Ryang asks me with a trembling voice.

"Cu-Cultivator Seo, what should we do? If we tell the truth… that we initiated this to eliminate a threat for the Earth Tribe, perhaps… we might receive some consideration…"

What nonsense is this?

It's unbelievable.

'No, there is a possibility she might believe it.'

If Cheon Ryang and I had carefully secured the evidence and then gone through the proper procedures to have Gyu-ryeon verify it, she couldn't have ignored it.

Gyu-ryeon loves Seo Hweol, but the fact that Seo Hweol is colluding with the Blood Yin Realm makes him a public enemy of the Bright Cold Realm, forcing her to acknowledge it with tears in her eyes.

But what is this?

This foolish Cheon Ryang had trespassed on Gyu-ryeon's private property without permission, attempting to steal her property and take it to the Tiger Race, which is not on good terms with the Dragon Race, and got caught in the act.

'To say in this situation that Seo Hweol is related to the Blood Yin Ream and that's why we were extracting evidence from Gyu-ryeon's private property to bring it to the Tiger Race? As if Gyu-ryeon would believe that.'

Tsk, tsk….

Currently, Gyu-ryeon has transformed into her human form, but her entire body is covered with golden scales, making her look more like a snake person than a human.

Her teeth are also protruding, and her pupils are slit vertically, showing her murderous intent.

The antlers sprouting from her forehead shine more brilliantly than ever, emitting golden light.

She is extremely enraged.

And when Cheon Ryang asks me, her gaze turns towards me.

'Damned dog…'

Even if the Cheon Ryang right now will be different from the Cheon Ryang in the next cycle,

I still feel the urge to split his head in two if I can go back.

"Seo Eun-hyun."

"Yes."

"I trusted you. I used you as the liaison between the Grand Prince and me, entrusted you with the duties of my Assistant as the Ark Controlling Envoy, and even supported your cultivation… I trusted you."

"…."

To that extent, there seems to be a profound sense of betrayal in her eyes.

The greatest betrayals come from the most trusted individuals.

Seeing the look in her eyes, I realize I can't make any excuses.

'…Let's admit it.'

No excuses.

Gyu-ryeon had shown considerable favor towards me until now.

In front of her, I have no desire to wag my tongue.

"I…."

And what follows is beyond my imagination.

"Explain the situation."

Her vertical pupils focus on me.

"I have trusted you until now, so I will trust you once more. Explain the situation properly. If it is a plausible explanation, I will believe you. Even if this is the last time we see each other, I will trust you once, so speak."

"…."

Truly, she is a shining being in a different sense from Azure Tiger Saint.

Despite her terrifying appearance, covered in scales and emitting a fierce murderous aura, I see in her a thread of trust towards me that she hasn't yet let go of.

'…I'm sorry.'

I apologize to her inwardly.

Until now, I had been plotting against Seo Hweol using her.

But maybe she wasn't someone to be used in such struggles.

I suddenly feel ashamed of myself for manipulating and deceiving her.

'…Yeah, let's confess.'

About Seo Hweol, from the beginning to the end.

Despite showing such an unbelievable side of myself, her willingness to trust me one last time makes me rather disclose the truth openly.

"We undertook this action to investigate Grand Prince Seo."

"Grand Prince Seo…?"

"Grand Prince Seo is in fact…."

And just as I am about to reveal the truth about Seo Hweol.

"In fact… what?"

Tap, tap….

A chilly grip, friendly yet firm, pats my shoulder from behind.

"…Eh?"

Chills!

Why, so soon?

Wearing a blue long robe and sporting jade-colored horns, a beautiful young man emerges from behind me, stroking my head.

'What…!'

Why?

Why is it that this moment feels more terrifying and chilling than when I was being pursued by the Mad Lord in a previous cycle?

Seo Hweol has returned.

"Ah, ah..."

And Gyu-ryeon hastily begins to touch her face.

The scales that had fully emerged on her face recedes, transforming her back into her complete human form.

She, with a flushed face, asks Seo Hweol.

"You, you came back quickly. Last time you sent a letter to Seo Eun-hyun, it said it will take a couple decades more..."

"Ah, there seems to be a misunderstanding."

"Could it be that Seo Eun-hyun somehow tampered with the letter..."

"No, that's not it."

Seo Hweol smiles gently and embraces Gyu-ryeon.

"From the beginning, I never left for another Middle Realm."

Plop!

"...Ah?"

In the next moment.

Seo Hweol's hand pierces through Gyu-ryeon's heart.

"It's a sad truth, senior, But…."

Seo Hweol continues to speak while tenderly stroking Gyu-ryeon with his other hand.

"If I were to honestly tell you one thing, I have never once spoken the truth in front of senior."

"...What...?"

"From the beginning... I never left the True Dragon Alliance's territory. I stayed at the Black Dragon King's residence and completed my cultivation."

Gyu-ryeon trembles in incomprehension, and Seo Hweol turns to me and smiles faintly.

"And in fact, secretly, without senior's knowledge, I sent a clone to the lower realm through the Serving Command Ark's lowest level because I was worried about you."

Puff!

Seo Hweol withdraws his hand from Gyu-ryeon's heart and approaches me.

"It was truly surprising. From the traps left in the Sea Dragon Palace, to my dear Seo Ran, and the Serving Command Palace, and the black castle, everything was smashed to pieces? Even the watchdog I had painstakingly raised… to find out it was all destroyed by your hands. Now then…"

As Seo Hweol slowly approaches me.

[Seo Hweol, you...!]

From behind Seo Hweol, exerting a pressure akin to the Integration stage, Gyu-ryeon gets up while regenerating her heart.

[Why to me…?]

And in the next moment.

Crack!

Seo Hweol grabs her and slams her to the ground.

Crash!

A rain of blood showers on the cotton field.

Blood spurts from Gyu-ryeon's body, dyeing everything around.

The once white cotton field turns red.

Crunch…

Seo Hweol, with a sinister smile, stomps on Gyu-ryeon's neck with his foot.

Gyu-ryeon seems to attempt resistance, but somehow she fails to push Seo Hweol away.

"Do you, Senior Gyu who has accumulated power through the Heterodox Axis Foundation and has not even reached the Integration stage, really hope to resist me, who built up the Orthodox Axis Foundation?"

"You, you...! How...!"

"I've already gone through all the Axis Foundation Rituals in the lower realm, just like I faced the Heavenly Tribulation in advance. Although I couldn't properly accumulate the Axis due to the lack of spiritual energy, it was easy to do so under the Black Dragon King with the help of Miss Hye-seo."

From Seo Hweol, the aura of the Four-Axis stage Grand Perfection is felt.

However, the oppressive aura he emits is more than that of ordinary Integration stage Grand Cultivators.

Seo Hweol was definitely not merely at the Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage even after a thousand years.

He was merely hiding his true skills after reclaiming the title Sea Dragon 'King', a thousand years later.

He was, at the very least, an entity at the Integration stage.

Seo Hweol gives me a cold smile.

"In the Sea Dragon Palace, the Serving Command Palace, the black castle, and the Ascension Path, I had already performed all the rituals in advance. There was no need to foolishly gather the Five Elements. The reason why Heterodox Methods flourish is due to a lack of understanding in building the Axes with the Four Divine Beasts and Four Directions as the Four Axes."

Seo Hweol walks towards me again after stepping on Gyu-ryeon's neck for a while.

"Just as the five Middle Realms symbolize the Five Blessings and not the Five Elements, the Axes to be built in the Four-Axis stage also correspond to them."

Crack!

Seo Hweol's grip lifts me by the neck.

I try to resist, but Seo Hweol in front of me emits an aura akin to that of an Integration stage cultivator.

"Nether Ghost signifies Longevity. Purple Gold is Wealth. Ancient Force is Health. True Devil is Love of Virtue. There's no need to gather the energy that becomes the Axis power from the Five Elements. If you properly understand the symbols of the four Middle Realms and build the 'proper' Orthodox Axis with the approach of Understanding before Breakthrough, it doesn't take that long."

His tone seems probing, as if asking if I knew it too.

"Of course, this method too can only be attempted by someone who has walked that path once before."

Crunch!

Seo Hweol, with his sharp vertical pupils, presses closer and asks me,

"Reaching the Nascent Soul stage in just 7 years, it never made sense to me no matter how much I thought about it. After visiting the lower realm, it became clear. You're not a genius. You must have fallen from that realm, or perhaps from an even higher one…"

Seo Hweol, still with his kind smile, asks me.

"Who exactly are you, Daoist Seo?"