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Chapter 306: For Seo, Towards Seo (1)Chapter 306: For Seo, Towards Seo (1)

Kang Min-hee is looking at me.

No, her gaze is precisely directed towards my soul.

"What exactly happened to you...?"

"..."

Connecting through the Spirit Sealing Bodkin, she and I are linked at this very moment.

Although the connection will soon be severed, thanks to it, Kang Min-hee's Nether Perception can see more clearly into my essence.

"Huuuh..."

She creates an ice chair and collapses into it.

She looks extremely tired.

"You bastard...If you're going to show up, at least do it properly..."

Kang Min-hee curses with her eyes closed.

However, the corners of her mouth are lifted.

And then she falls asleep.

It's the effect of the Spirit Sealing Bodkin.

Kang Min-hee dreamt.

It was a dream about what happened on Earth.

In that dream, she was looking at a shadow in front of her dressing table.

She was glaring at the shadow in the mirror.

The shadow spoke.

―You are me. I am you. A shadow you created to protect yourself. Your talent is so immense that I was born naturally.

Kang Min-hee bit her lip.

Without responding to the shadow, she quickly applied light makeup and left.

The shadow is her talent.

A part of her power.

And she realized it.

Her talent had been fully absorbed when she entered the Black Ghost Valley that very day.

She had learned the Ghost Path Method from Heo Gwak and absorbed everything into herself.

It's a truth she had ignored until now.

The shadow is her own power.

And the shadow is already within her...

Therefore, the shadow can never appear before her again.

As she had awakened her talent and devoured it long ago.

When the memory she had subconsciously sealed was released, it healed her mind.

But was that the price?

Or was it a side effect of the Spirit Sealing Bodkin?

Or perhaps the prank of someone who had lost their mind?

Kang Min-hee, having released one memory, had to seal another.

The memory of seeing Seo Eun-hyun's soul inside Seo Li.

That fleeting memory was completely buried by the Spirit Sealing Bodkin embedded in her soul.

Kang Min-hee opened her eyes again.

Her last memory is that for some reason she had gone berserk, and Seo Li had intervened to stop her.

Although it felt like some memory had been sealed as a consequence, her distorted memory made her believe that the "sealed memory" was the cause of her berserk state.

Thus, Kang Min-hee vowed not to touch this seal until she grew strong enough to overcome her own rampage.

"What, Seo Li?"

After bidding Yeon Wei off, I speak as I return to Heavenly Cauldron Mountain.

Complaints are pouring in from Seo Li.

―Did you seal Kang Min-hee's memory?

"Her knowing your identity won't help her at all."

―It was not your place to meddle with her memory!

"It's to the extent she can undo it herself when she's ready. She'll think about it later when she grows stronger."

―Just why are you delaying the truth?

"I don't see why she needs to know it now. It's more important to send Jeon Myeong-hoon to the Nether Ghost Realm. There's no need to shake Kang Min-hee's mind unnecessarily."

―It's not about necessity.

"Everything in this world is just a matter of necessity."

―...

There's no contact from Seo Li for a while.

I click my tongue, wondering if I should treat Seo Li's paranoia as well.

It's then that I arrive at Heavenly Human Island.

"Master, it has been a while."

"Ah, is it Hong Fan?"

"Yes, the client from the Earth Tribe canceled the creation of the poison, saying something went wrong. Still, I got everything I wanted. Both the cultivation-scattering poison and the antidote. Hehe..."

"That's good. You're indeed useful, Hong Fan."

At my words, Hong Fan bows his head in gratitude before looking at me.

"But Master, you seem different from before?"

"Hmm, you think I've changed?"

"Yes. Are you not feeling well?"

"Hmmhmmmhmm...where do you think I'm unwell?"

"It seems there might be an issue with your consciousness. I can detect anomalies in the consciousness with the Formless Poison I developed that I injected into your upper dantian. But your consciousness waves are different from before."

"..."

I furrow my brows.

Hearing those words, I suddenly feel an overwhelming surge of annoyance and a murderous desire to kill Hong Fan.

But at the same time, I suppress that emotion with reason and thought.

Not only Seo Li but also Hong Fan thinks there's something wrong with me. In that case, there's a chance that I really do have a problem.'

I contemplate using the Spirit Sealing Bodkin on myself.

However, I feel that my mental issue is not merely a matter of a simple mental disorder.

'Well, fine. The reason I sought Tae Yeol-jeon in the first place is to obtain the Buddhist Family Methods to help with my consciousness.'

As I return to Heavenly Cauldron Mountain, I take out the Buddhist Family Method books I had received from Tae Yeol-jeon.

If I learn these methods, I will be able to clearly identify what is wrong with my consciousness.

But then.

Hong Fan, looking at the Buddhist Family Methods, asks with a puzzled expression.

"Master, what are those?"

"Mmm, these are Buddhist Family Methods. These methods incorporate the concept of the Seven Brilliances Kings into their techniques..."

Listening to my explanation, Hong Fan's eyes light up brightly.

"Ho, Master. For some reason, I am greatly intrigued. May I also refer to these methods?"

"Hmm, Hong Fan. But these are Heaven Tribe methods."

"Oh...is that so. Then please tell me where I can learn more about Buddhist Family Methods, as I am very interested in the essence of Buddhism itself."

I feel a bit puzzled seeing Hong Fan suddenly show such a great interest in the Buddhist Family Methods.

'Well, it shouldn't matter.'

I slice through space to the area below Heavenly Human Island.

Arriving at Grand Nirvana Temple.

"This is the Grand Nirvana Temple where Cultivator Tae resides. She is one of the Human Race Grand Cultivators, so treat her with respect, Hong Fan."

"Of course."

I enter Grand Nirvana Temple to introduce Hong Fan to Tae Yeol-jeon.

Tae Yeol-jeon is sweeping the courtyard.

Despite being at the Core Formation stage, where using spells would be quicker, she insists on sweeping with her physical body.

"Another welcome guest has arrived. What brings you here, Cultivator Seo?"

Tae Yeol-jeon greets me warmly.

I introduce Hong Fan.

"Greetings, Daoist Tae. This is my subordinate, Hong Fan. He has a great interest in Buddhist Family Methods..."

Then, I suddenly notice something strange.

An intent that should not be here is blooming beside me.

"...???"

As soon as Hong Fan sees Tae Yeol-jeon, he starts emanating gold and pink intent from his entire body

Hong Fan, with flushed cheeks, stammers.

"M-Master, who is this beautiful person?"

"...??? She's the Grand Cultivator Tae Yeol-jeon whom I mentioned..."

"A-Ah..."

Hong Fan, as if mesmerized, approaches her and abruptly blurts out thunderous words.

"M-Marry me, please. I fell in love at first sight."

"...???"

"...!?"

I blink in confusion, unable to understand, while Tae Yeol-jeon visibly appears flustered.

Her face, usually filled with calmness, now shows a mix of astonishment, disbelief, and a hint of panic.

Hong Fan's sudden confession is so unexpected and bewildering that it causes even the always serene Tae Yeol-jeon to be taken aback.

"Um, my apologies, Daoist Tae. My subordinate has acted rudely out of the blue. Hong Fan, for now..."

"Be quiet!!!"

"...???"

Hong Fan raises his voice in a tone he had never used with me before, a powerful and assertive tone.

"Even if you are my master, I will not tolerate you interfering between me and this person!!!"

I have never seen the usually calm Hong Fan so enraged, so I step back in surprise.

Hong Fan turns his head back to Tae Yeol-jeon and kneels before her, launching into a fervent confession.

"Oh, beautiful lady, please marry me. I've never met someone as beautiful as you. Just looking at you makes my heart come to life. Please..."

What is truly bewildering is that, amidst this ridiculous scene, a light pink intent is blooming in Tae Yeol-jeon's chest.

Though she looks flustered, her cheeks are now also flushed.

"Ah, no...I'm sorry, but I am a nun. I cannot engage in a relationship."

"If you give up being a nun, would you be willing to be with me?"

"That is impossible. I swore never to share affection with anyone after attaining my Dao."

"...Ah...so, there's no chance for me? Please, give me a chance."

"Please cheer me on in completing my Dao. Then, wouldn't that pave a way for us to meet?"

"When you complete your Dao, you will become perfect in yourself. How can I possibly meet you then? Only the imperfect can share love. Please give me a chance..."

Hong Fan prostrates himself before her and begins to sob.

Tae Yeol-jeon, with her previously unbroken calm and mystique shattered, is sweating profusely as she tries to console him.

"Why must you think that way? You haven't seen me complete my Dao. No one but the Future King knows what lies at the end of the Dao, so it cannot be concluded."

"Even if I haven't seen it, if one has wisdom, one can infer the ultimate destination of the Dao. Isn't it true that connections and relationships can only love in an imperfect state? Don't you know that the higher one cultivates, the more unfeeling they become?"

"...Please calm down. Only the Future King determines fate and destiny. Ask them for a connection."

"What are you talking about! I don't know who this Future King is, but is he some omnipotent being? If it's a fate that is thrown to me by begging, would I be satisfied? I want to seek love from you with my own hands, not from the Future King or whatever!"

Hong Fan, completely agitated, clings to Tae Yeol-jeon with bloodshot eyes, and she carefully pushes him away, sweating profusely.

Surprisingly, Hong Fan, who seems like he would cling endlessly, is pushed away helplessly when she gently nudges him.

Hong Fan cries out, tears streaming down his face.

"Am I...not acceptable...?"

"...Please forgive me. Please leave now."

"...Understood. If you ever preach, please let me know. I will watch from afar."

Seeing that his confession is no longer effective, Hong Fan retreats in tears.

Exhausted from the ordeal, Tae Yeol-jeon wipes her sweat and, unable to hide her distress, bows her head to me.

"I apologize, Cultivator Seo. It seems my condition is not good today, so let's meet another time."

"...Ah, yes. Please go inside."

Though I say that, I instinctively feel that Tae Yeol-jeon will not meet me again.

As long as Hong Fan is my subordinate, she will probably avoid me.

'Did I lose a mentor for the Buddhist Family Methods because of that confession...?'

Feeling a bit exasperated, I glance at Hong Fan.

But seeing him lying on the ground, swallowing his tears like a tragic hero, I decide not to question him, fearing he might consume the Formless Poison he made himself.

A little later.

After calming Hong Fan down, I head up to Heavenly Human Island with him.

"...Hong Fan."

"Yes, Master."

"Can I ask why you suddenly made that...confession?"

"I told you, I fell in love at first sight."

"Hmm..."

'Does the beauty standard of the Insect Race differ a lot from humans...?'

While I am bewildered, Hong Fan seems to ponder and then speaks.

"And also...the moment I saw her, something came to mind."

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"...Actually, saying I fell in love at first sight isn't quite accurate. I apologize. For some reason, seeing her surfaced memories I had forgotten. I do not know why, but it feels like I have met her somewhere before.

"Hmm..."

I rack my brains and reach one possible conclusion.

'Could it be Hong Fan's past life...?'

Hong Fan is an ancient soul.

That's why he appears elderly and speaks in an old-fashioned manner.

Maybe Hong Fan had met Tae Yeol-jeon in his past life.

As I sort out my thoughts, Hong Fan suddenly says to me.

"Master, do you have the Buddhist Family Methods she gave you?"

"Uh, yes. I do, but...?"

"Please give them to me. I want to have them. At least, let me smell her scent from them. Please, I beg you."

In a daze from his desperate plea, I hand the Buddhist Family Methods I received from Tae Yeol-jeon to Hong Fan.

Hong Fan, taking all the books from her, holds them close and closes his eyes as if recalling something.

"...Well, I need those methods too, so bring them back to me later."

"..."

Hong Fan doesn't respond.

'I thought he was a useful person, but to be so swayed by emotions like that.'

I feel a strange sense of disgust towards Hong Fan and return to my cave residence.

Then, I frown as I see someone standing in front of my cave residence.

"...What is it? Why are you here?"

It's Seo Li.

He used a spell to change his face to look like mine and is waiting for me in front of my cave residence.

Seo Li looks at me and speaks.

"You seem to be in a bad mood, main body."

"...Yes. I suffered a loss because Hong Fan acted out of line."

"Then shouldn't you be making an annoyed face?"

"What about my face?"

Seo Li glares at me and says.

"Aren't you smiling?"

"...I'm smiling?"

Tststst!

Seo Li conjures a mirror with a spell and shows it to me.

In the mirror, despite my bad mood, I am wearing a surprisingly gentle smile that even shocks myself.

"Main body, don't you think something is strange at this point? Both Hong Fan and I felt something strange about you. And even though we have never made such an unpleasant face when feeling bad, you are now."

"...They say smiles bring good fortune."

But even I can tell that is a flimsy excuse.

'Why am I like this?'

I'm perplexed.

Seo Li looks at me with a cold expression and says,

"Main body. I will seal you in your cave residence."

"...What?"

Chuarurng, Chuarung!

Around Seo Li, sealing spells like the Spirit Sealing Bodkin, Five Elements Blood Curse Banner, and Black Ghost Curse Banner appear.

"Since you need to enter secluded cultivation to reach the Four-Axis stage anyway, consider it as secluded cultivation in your cave residence. I will handle your external activities with my clone body. I will also reach the Four-Axis stage first in Black Ghost Valley and share my insights, so don't engage in any activities from now on."

"...Who are you to tell me what to do?"

"I am yourself."

"..."

I ponder for a long time.

Indeed, I have been acting strangely lately.

"Wouldn't it be better for me to move around and find consciousness methods?"

"Well. I think it's better for you to observe yourself in a sealed state."

"Hmm..."

I think it over rationally.

Indeed, Seo Li's words make sense.

Logically, it's the right move.

But for some reason, I don't like it.

However...

'What does it matter if I don't like it? Emotions are...'

After organizing my thoughts, I smile gently and spread my arms.

"Alright. That seems like the best course of action. Seal me. Please carry on with the plans I intended to execute in my original body."

"...Understood."

"Then I shall go inside."

I enter my cave residence obediently, and Seo Li calls out to me from behind.

"Main body."

Bo-woong—

Seo Li draws out the Formless Sword and performs a sword dance before speaking.

"Draw out the Formless Sword."

I smile and draw the Formless Sword, mimicking Seo Li's simple sword dance.

"...I see. Then, stay sealed for about a thousand years."

"I shall."

Clang, clang, clang!

Spirit Sealing Bodkin, Five Elements Blood Curse Banner, Black Ghost Curse Banner, and various other sealing spells made with devilish arts envelop my cave residence.

Before the seal is completed, I hand over a token indicating full authority to my clone and then I am completely confined.

Judging by the structure of the seal, it will be released in a thousand years.

I will have enough time to slowly challenge the Four-Axis stage within the seal.

I sit cross-legged in the darkness, smiling brightly.

After sealing him, I use the clothing spell to completely change my clothes to white.

Only after seeing that disgusting expression of his did I realize.

That thing is no longer the main body.

"Seo Hweol, what have you done?"

That thing is now Seo Hweol.

For the next thousand years, I need to find a proper way to kill Seo Hweol.

Chapter 307: For Seo, Towards Seo (2)Chapter 307: For Seo, Towards Seo (2)

I lift the Formless Sword.

As Yuan Yu's Blood Body is not yet accustomed to it, it can't unleash the full power of the Formless Sword.

It can probably only use about 80 percent of its strength.

In other words, my main body has already become "accustomed."

And perhaps because of that.

Seo Hweol, who absorbed me, surprisingly used the Treading Heavens Formless Sword.

'However, he couldn't communicate with the Formless Sword.'

He couldn't show the enlightenment of Tribulating Heavens.

Yet despite that, he used the Formless Sword which is a technique related to my heart essence.

I am utterly horrified by this fact.

How in the world did he manage to parasitize in such a way that makes such a thing possible?

To prevent any potential risk of being overtaken, I severed even the slightest connection with my main body.

Afterwards, I used the transmission talisman to call Hong Fan.

Hong Fan quickly comes running at my call and kneels.

"You called for me, Master."

"Summon Kim Yeon and Jeon Myeong-hoon. And...inform the Grand Cultivator Assembly that I will be entering secluded cultivation. Let them know that I will be in seclusion for about a thousand years, and if there are any messages, they should be delivered to my clone."

"Understood. By the way, Master..."

"Yes?"

"Are you the clone?"

"Indeed, is there a problem?"

"No, not at all."

Hong Fan, who had been looking at me intently for a moment, shakes his head.

"Ha, boring. Go on."

After bowing his head once, Hong Fan disappears from in front of me.

Shortly after, Kim Yeon and Jeon Myeong-hoon stand before me.

Kim Yeon has just returned from the Cold Yin Marsh.

She looks at me and tilts her head as if puzzled

'She didn't possibly realize that this body and the one at Cold Yin Marsh are the same, did she?'

I sweat internally while asking Kim Yeon to explain what she heard from Kang Min-hee.

Kim Yeon relays Kang Min-hee's words to Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"Well, it doesn't matter. I'll do whatever I'm asked."

Jeon Myeong-hoon nods and accepts readily.

I ask Kim Yeon for a favor.

"Yeon-ah, Chief Oh Hyun-seok will be coming back soon."

"Huh? Chief Oh, too?"

"Yes."

As a Grand Cultivator, I am well-informed of information from the Grand Cultivator's meeting.

Among the shared information is that a person named Oh Hyun-seok from the Azure Heaven Creation Sect is currently knocking on the gate of the Bright Cold Realm from beyond the dimension.

We will soon be able to meet Oh Hyun-seok in about three or four days.

'With this, I have achieved my goal of gathering my colleagues.'

The remaining goals are reaching the Four-Axis stage,

Acquiring the technique formula of the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique,

Exploring the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person,

And living for over a thousand years and completely killing Seo Hweol.

'Seo Hweol seems to have accepted seclusion under the pretense of reaching the Four-Axis stage in my body...'

I guarantee, no matter how cunning and clever Seo Hweol is, he will realize something is wrong after 300 years and scream to the heavens from within the cave residence.

No one knows my main body's talents better than I do.

And a few days later.

We reach the entrance to the True Devil Realm and encounter a familiar face.

"Chief Oh!"

"..."

It's Oh Hyun-seok.

He looks up at Kim Yeon with weary eyes, then turns his gaze to me and Jeon Myeong-hoon standing behind her.

"How have you been, Hyun-seok Hyung-nim?"

"I have...been...fine."

I greet him casually, while Jeon Myeong-hoon greets him with a face that looks like he wants to die from awkwardness.

Oh Hyun-seok stares at us for a moment, then plops down on the spot.

"...It feels like a dream. To think I actually survived that battlefield..."

He sighs deeply, catching his breath.

Oh Hyun-seok, who has reached the Grand Perfection Nascent Soul stage, laughs as he pants.

I smile at him as he sighs with relief.

"Yes, congratulations."

In this life, he has not been mentally broken by the Black Dragon King or the Blood Yin Esteemed One.

Azure Tiger Saint is also not dead, and there is only room for growth in the future.

I look at him while inwardly smiling bitterly.

'Though the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's fate relating to True Immortals was twisted...'

Just changing the situation of one person like Oh Hyun-seok was enough to alter fate.

'If I had been a bit stronger, could I have saved the entire Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect?'

Maybe, just maybe, that could have been the case.

'Let's become stronger quickly.'

With the Great Desert to Dead Sea spell I created, I am confident I can reach the Four-Axis stage.

After enjoying a reunion and sharing stories with Oh Hyun-seok, I send him back to the Azure Heaven Creation Sect.

"Alright, so you're telling me to come back after reaching the Four-Axis stage?"

"Yes, well...I'd appreciate it if you could do that."

"Haha, alright. I understand. I also learned a lot from this Human-Devil War."

He boards the giant flying magic artifact heading toward the Azure Heaven Creation Sect, looking back at the entrance to the True Devil Realm with bitter eyes.

The entrance to the True Devil Realm is now completely blocked by the Grand Cultivators of the True Devil Realm.

At least for now, the Human Race won't be able to invade the True Devil Realm recklessly.

"Are we humans...good or evil?"

Oh Hyun-seok mutters, looking at the True Devil Realm with a muddled gaze.

"I've been thinking a lot about that. If I ask my master at the Azure Heaven Creation Sect, he'll probably give me a very clear answer. He's that kind of person...But what do you all think?"

He asks us with a confused look in his eyes.

"Are humans good or evil? It's been nearly 100 years since we came to this world. Each of you must have your own experiences, so please tell me what you think."

In response, Kim Yeon answers immediately.

Her eyes are filled with a certain conviction.

"I think...the theory that humans are inherently evil is more correct. Pure humans are ultimately just great evils."

It's an answer only she, who has experienced the 'Pure Human' Mad Lord, could give.

Contrarily, Jeon Myeong-hoon gives the exact opposite answer.

He caresses the wooden box in his chest and speaks.

"Well, I'd rather believe in the theory that humans are inherently good. If humans aren't good, how could they care for others when facing death?"

It's an answer only he, who has heard the dying words of Jin So-hae, could give.

"Interesting. If we were back at the company, you two would probably have given the opposite answers..."

"There have been many incidents, after all."

"...Yes. Many...things have happened."

At Oh Hyun-seok's words, the two show bitter expressions.

Truly, we have experienced too many things.

"Then Eun-hyun, what do you think?"

"..."

However, I can't answer Oh Hyun-seok immediately.

"...I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"Yes. You might think it's foolish, but I truly don't know. No matter how much I ponder, it's a question I can't answer."

"...I see. I understand. All of your answers have been helpful. I'll keep them in mind."

Having witnessed the Human Race's ugliness during the Human-Devil War, Oh Hyun-seok seems to be deeply troubled by the nature of humans.

He hugs each of us one by one and then departs for the Azure Heaven Creation Sect.

I have a feeling we will meet again soon.

After sending Oh Hyun-seok off.

I ask Kim Yeon to take Jeon Myeong-hoon to the Black Ghost Valley.

"Eun-hyun oppa, aren't you going? Don't you need to meet Min-hee unnie too?"

"...I'll...meet Kang Min-hee later."

I feel I need more courage to face Kang Min-hee with my original face.

Although the main body had sealed her memories arbitrarily, it seems somewhat fortunate now.

Kim Yeon nods and heads to Black Ghost Valley with Jeon Myeong-hoon.

After watching them disappear, I change back to Seo Li's face and quickly head to Black Ghost Valley.

For now, it's time to be with Kang Min-hee as Seo Li, not Seo Eun-hyun.

Black Ghost Valley.

Inside the office of the Ghost Soul Hall in the Nether Crossing Ship.

"Hey. Long time no see. you rascal."

Kang Min-hee taps the ashes out from her pipe, extinguishes the embers, and then greets Kim Yeon and Jeon Myeong-hoon.

I stand beside Kang Min-hee with Seo Li's face and greet the two.

Jeon Myeong-hoon briefly makes eye contact with me, his expression becoming strange.

Thinking back, this guy knows about Yuan Yu's Blood Body.

Fortunately, he seemed to catch on quickly as he was about to say something but closed his mouth.

Kang Min-hee glances at Jeon Myeong-hoon with her eyes gleaming.

"Ho. To be honest, I didn't expect anything, but you've changed a lot, haven't you? That delinquent?"

At her words, Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at Kang Min-hee with an expressionless face and speaks.

"It seems like you're trying to get on my nerves, but I'll apologize for what happened on Earth. I'm sorry."

"..."

"Anyway, how do we use the Side Path?"

Kang Min-hee's eyes widen in surprise at his response.

"...You've really grown. Alright, sorry for trying to test you. Then for now...I can let you use the Side Path. But, what will you offer to the Black Ghost Valley as compensation? Even the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect who used the Side Path before all paid the usage fee."

Jeon Myeong-hoon nods at this.

"I'll put it on Seo Eun-hyun's tab. Since he became a Grand Cultivator of the Human Race, he'll be getting tons of support."

Kang Min-hee and I both let out a wry smile at Jeon Myeong-hoon casually sticking the bill on me.

She does so outwardly, while I do so inwardly.

"It seems your love for credit hasn't changed much..."

'You sly bastard. Aren't you doing it a bit too naturally?'

Kang Min-hee clicks her tongue and nods.

"Well, fine. I'll get the payment from Seo Eun-hyun. You have proof, right?"

Jeon Myeong-hoon hands over a recording talisman with my voice to Kang Min-hee.

It's a talisman containing my voice promising any assistance when heading to the Nether Ghost Realm.

Kang Min-hee nods.

"Good. Then I'll let you use the Side Path. But, as Yeon must have already told you, you must follow my orders without question. Otherwise, you can't enter."

"I'll do so."

With that, Kang Min-hee nods and leads us out of the Nether Crossing Ship.

I, having reached the Heavenly Being stage and assumed the position of Ghost Soul Hall Chief, follow them in that capacity.

Outside the Nether Crossing Ship,

In one of the valleys of Black Ghost Valley,

In a valley with terrain resembling a basin filled with yin energy,

At the bottom, there's a red pattern that looks as if it was drawn with blood.

And surrounding the pattern are long totem-like posts, pointing toward the center.

"There are a few ways to enter the Nether Ghost Realm. The easiest is to become an Integration stage cultivator, wrap your body with your domain, and break through the boundary of the Nether Ghost Realm. This is the most stable method. With your domain protecting you, your body won't be harmed by the Nether Ghost Realm's energy, and it'll be the safest way to return as well."

She continues.

"Another way is to die and become a ghost, then enter before being dragged into the Netherworld. The Nether Ghost Realm is connected to the Netherworld, after all. And a method linked to this is to practice Ghost Path Methods and become a ghostly entity. Or, you can transform your body into a jiangshi or other undead. This method makes using the Side Path overwhelmingly easier and allows you to be unharmed and even grow stronger after entering the Nether Ghost Realm. But for someone like you, who has no connection to Ghost Path Methods, there are only two options."

Wo-woong!

As she forms hand seals, the red pattern begins to glow.

"First, enter the domain of an Integration stage cultivator and be protected by them. Second, use a side path like this. For someone with a living body like you to use the Side Path, one thing is necessary."

Kang Min-hee points to the center of the pattern, looking at Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"Stand there. No matter what happens, don't leave that spot. If you move during the process, the great spell will be disrupted, and you might lose your body."

"Alright."

Jeon Myeong-hoon calmly walks to the center of the pattern and stands there.

Kang Min-hee continues to form hand seals while resuming her explanation.."

"We will temporarily make your body a 'dead body.' Then, we will separate your soul from your flesh and put your soul through a trial. The soul that passes the trial will obtain an illusory form called the 'Dream Body'. You can then enter the Nether Ghost Realm with that Dream Body."

"Well, that's all fine but...I can return to my original form, right?"

"Of course. How many people do you think have taken the Side Path?"

Wo-woong!

As she completes the hand seals, she focuses her consciousness.

"Now, the preparations are complete. Shall we begin?"

"Go ahead."

Right away, black bandage-like things shoot out from the mouths of the eight totem poles.

The bandages fly towards Jeon Myeong-hoon, wrapping around his limbs.

"...!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon grits his teeth.

As the bandages wrap around his body, he gradually shrivels, turning into something like a mummy.

"The bandages store your life force. You'll return to normal later, so just accept it. Don't move from your spot, and endure!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon gris his teeth, enduring the pain of his life force being forcibly extracted without uttering a sound.

Apparently, it seems getting beaten up by me to the point of his body exploding helps.

Soon, Jeon Myeong-hoon completely transforms into a mummy-like form.

In this state, the bandages that have been unraveling from the totems are completely severed and wrapped around Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"Now I'll extract your soul. Endure this as well."

Kudududuk!

As Kang Min-hee reaches out her hand, it transforms into a massive ghostly hand.

Her ghostly hand reaches through the void, grabbing the head of the mummified Jeon Myeong-hoon.

Immediately, she applies force, and Jeon Myeong-hoon's Nascent Soul is seen being extracted from his head.

The pain appears immense as Jeon Myeong-hoon fails to hold back his scream.

[Kuaaaaargh!]

Kang Min-hee quickly places Jeon Myeong-hoon's Nascent Soul into the red pattern.

After some time, Jeon Myeong-hoon, who is now inside the maze-like pattern, begins to find his way out.

Finally, Jeon Myeong-hoon's Nascent Soul emerges from the maze-like pattern and stands atop of it in a semi-transparent form.

It seems this is the 'Dream Body' Kang Min-hee had mentioned.

"Now, I'm sending you off, Jeon Myeong-hoon. When you arrive, a guiding ghost will attach to you, but never reveal that you're alive. Got it? Even though you're going with the recommendation of the Black Ghost Valley, revealing that you have a living body will attract all sorts of trouble, so remember my words. Understood?"

[Alright.]

"For any other precautions, get them from the guiding ghost. Well then, safe travels."

Paaaatt!

As the red pattern emits a red light, Jeon Myeong-hoon who stands atop of it suddenly sinks down.

I realize that the pattern is connected to the Side Path.

"It's done. Through this, Jeon Myeong-hoon has gone to the Side Path. He should arrive at the Nether Ghost Realm."

"I see..."

A question arises in my mind, so I ask Kang Min-hee.

"Grand Elder, may I ask one question?"

"What is it?"

"Can anyone else enter the Side Path? For example, someone like me who has learned the Ghost Path Method and can attempt to become a Ghost King..."

"Hm, it's not possible right now. You'd need to wait at least 50 years. Jeon Myeong-hoon's consciousness is quite large, which would have put a strain on the Side Path."

"I understand. Thank you."

I smack my lips.

If it was possible to enter within a year, it would've been great to accompany Jeon Myeong-hoon until the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person opened.

But 50 years...

It will take another 50 years to return as well.

Moreover, there's no guarantee that others wouldn't use the Side Path, which could extend the time even further.

'Well, it can't be helped.'

I have saved Oh Hyun-seok.

Jeon Myeong-hoon has gone to the Nether Ghost Realm.

So, the remaining tasks are...

'Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll. And...'

Reaching the Four-Axis stage.

I look at my body and observe the energy of the Great Desert to Dead Sea swirling inside me, making a resolution.

'Before Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll opens, I will reach the Four-Axis stage.'

With this body, and its compatibility with the Great Desert to Dead Sea, it is definitely possible.

Of course, deep down, I want to immediately find a way to kill Seo Hweol.

'But, I am still weak.'

Thus, it's better to find a way after reaching the Four-Axis stage.

Just like I couldn't save anyone when I was weak but managed to save Oh Hyun-seok as I grew stronger.

The more powerful I become, the more people I can save, and the wider that scope will be.

I need to get stronger.

To rise higher.

'Until I can know and achieve much more.'

Therefore, until I enter Lofty Dragon True Person's storage scroll.

I resolve to fully devote myself to reaching the Four-Axis stage.

Humans are foolish creatures.

They always regret only after losing something.

I feel the same way.

I open my mouth in the pitch-black darkness.

"It's disgusting, Seo Hweol."

And then, 'my' mouth opens again.

"What do you mean by that, Daoist Seo?"

"..."

Quite some time has passed since Seo Li sealed me.

Seo Li had severed our connection, leaving me alone in the darkness to endure solitude.

At some point, I realized that 'someone' is taking control over 'me.'

It's Seo Hweol.

It wasn't until more than 80% of the control had passed to Seo Hweol that I recognized him.

Sitting in a lotus position, I concentrate my efforts on escaping Seo Hweol's encroachment by operating the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.

"...Was it that killing you would cause you to parasitize on me?"

"Haha, who knows."

"..."

He answers vaguely, never providing any clear information.

'Damn it...'

In the end, my judgment was foolish, and Seo Li's judgment was correct. If I had roamed around openly, I would have eventually been replaced by Seo Hweol and driven those around me to ruin.

"Do I have about a thousand years...?"

"Something like that. Your clone's judgment was excellent."

"...Now I can somewhat understand your way of speaking a bit better."

'Something like that' implies I have less than a thousand years to get out.

'Your clone's judgment was excellent' means that Seo Li has acted foolishly.

This is the extent of my interpretation.

'There's less time than I thought.'

My physical body is already immobilized.

Only the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections connected to my soul can move, but that is all.

Even that is gradually becoming uncontrollable.

Techniques are gradually leaving me, and I can feel even the ownership of the Colorless Glass Sword shifting towards him.

The human being that is 'me' is gradually being replaced by 'Seo Hweol.'

I can move only one thing.

Bo-oong!

A transparent blade moves through the void, cutting my body.

Pukuak!

The entity occupying my body smiles faintly and heals the wound.

"As expected, the power of the Heart Tribe cannot be dealt with no matter what."

The Formless Sword.

The remaining 20% of 'me' that Seo Hweol has not yet taken over.

That is the only barrier protecting 'me.'

"But shall I tell you something interesting? The power of the Heart Tribe is meaningless whether it exists or not. Sealing it is simple."

Wo-woong!

With those words, I feel Seo Hweol's filthy heart essence rising inside me.

I can feel his heart essence suppressing the power of the Formless Sword within my own heart essence.

I am completely trapped within the innermost part of my heart essence world.

Seo Hweol stands outside my heart essence world, smiling broadly at me.

"Just stay seated here. As long as you remain quietly within your heart essence, I will ensure your existence is maintained."

"...How is this possible?"

I ask with a hardened face, looking at Seo Hweol outside my heart essence.

"What do you mean?"

"How is it possible to use the 'heart essence' like a tool?"

I ask, observing how Seo Hweol had fragmented his own heart essence to envelop mine like a barrier.

He is manipulating his heart essence like a puppet.

"It's an obvious matter. Emotions (heart) are merely the movement of substances in the upper dantian and some electrical signals. Once you understand the principle, 'using' them is possible."

He smiles and turns away.

"It seems that Daoist Seo doesn't fully understand yet. Do not worry. As long as you stay quiet, I will leave you a small part of your domain."

With those words, Seo Hweol disappears from the outskirts of my heart essence with a smile.

I sit comfortably atop the Glass Sword Mountain, gazing at the sky.

"...Wrong, Seo Hweol."

My eyes gleam brightly.

"I understand your speech now...You're not 'leaving me' a portion of my domain. You simply 'cannot enter' this place, can you?"

Ssss...

I can feel it.

Though he might be able to subdue human thoughts,

He cannot easily invade the heart.

I lie down among the swords piercing me on the Glass Sword Mountain, focusing my mind.

'I don't know what you're planning.'

But...

Seo Hweol.

I won't go down easily.

Kiiiiing—

I practice using the Formless Sword, drawing on the power of Tribulating Heavens.

'Compress.'

I recall the memory of the spar with Tae Yeol-jeon in my mind.

What she had shown is undoubtedly the First Step Before the Throne.

The power that the Heaven and Earth Tribes call the Fourth Stage of Manifestation.

Beyond Tribulating Heavens!

I recall the divine power Kim Young-hoon had shown.

Kiiiiing—

Compress.

Compress and compress, imbue the essence of my heart entirely into this sword.

Within my heart essence, I connect to the 'essence' of the Formless Sword, focusing all my consciousness.

Whether it takes hundreds of years or thousands.

Seo Hweol...

I will definitely escape!

Chapter 308: For Seo, Towards Seo (3)Chapter 308: For Seo, Towards Seo (3)

I stand in front of Kang Min-hee.

It's been five years since Jeon Myeong-hoon left for the Nether Ghost Realm.

Bi Yul, who had been serving to me, has returned to the Grand Tomb Domain, and the time has come for Kang Min-hee to head back to the side path she manages.

"You know, I always feel like time flows faster in this world. When I first saw you, you were only at the Grand Perfection Nascent Soul stage, and now you're an Elder at the late Heavenly Being stage."

Currently, I have carved away the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage cultivation base built with the original formula to rebuild it with the newly discovered formula.

Thus, my current cultivation is late Heavenly Being stage.

However, despite deliberately reducing my cultivation base, I have confidence that this won't pose a significant problem.

"Next time you see me, I will be in the Four-Axis stage."

"When I come out next time, it will probably be...50 years from now? Do you think you can reach the Four-Axis stage in 50 years?"

"Well…won't it be possible if I work really hard."

"Who knows. No matter how talented you are, the Four-Axis stage isn't a game of poker."

"Poker?"

"There's something like that."

Kang Min-hee gives a wry smile and pats me on the shoulder.

By now, I have grown quite close to her as Seo Li.

Not because she suspected me of being the Ghost King and was pretending to be close, but she genuinely is opening her heart to me.

And the closer I get, the more guilty I feel towards her.

"Well, then. I'm off. Do your best, Elder Seo."

Kang Min-hee waves at me and turns around, walking towards the red pattern.

Kugugugugu—

Transforming into the form of a 2.4m tall ghost spewing dark ghostly energy, she descends beneath the pattern.

I watch her for a moment before forming a hand seal to close the door of the pattern.

In fifty years, Kang Min-hee will emerge once again.

'Let's train. Earnestly.'

I take out the token given to me by the main body, the storage scroll.

From within the storage scroll, I pull out a pitch-black skull.

It's the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body method.

Inside the skull resides a minor spirit, and as a Ghost King, I command it.

[Recite the technique formula!]

Startled by my command, the minor spirit crawls out of the skull and begins reciting the technique formula of the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body.

Though the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body seems to be quite effective, I have been suspicious since Seo Hweol had hinted about it to Heo Gwak, so I haven't practiced it.

But now, having familiarized myself with the methods of Black Ghost Valley, I can immediately detect any suspicious points if there are any.

Returning to my cave residence, I listen to the entire technique formula of the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body, and finally understand Heo Gwak's intention behind passing it to me.

'Heo Gwak, that person is also subtly malicious.'

The Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body can be practiced starting from the Core Formation stage and is divided into seven stages.

However, it's only from the second stage at the Nascent Soul that one can truly exert its power. In the first stage at Core Formation, one can only accumulate Yin Lightning but cannot control it.

Furthermore, as time passes, the amount of Yin Lightning will increase. If one does not rise to the Nascent Soul stage in time to control the Yin Lightning, they will either explode from their Golden Core or succumb to Qi Deviation, making it a dangerous method.

And Heo Gwak had given me only the first stage technique formula of the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body.

'If I had recklessly practiced the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body, I'd have been in for some trouble by now…'

It's structured in a malicious way such that one has no choice but to join the Black Ghost Valley to receive the latter stages of the technique formula.

It seems this was also Seo Hweol's intention when he whispered to Heo Gwak back then.

'That damn Seo Hweol, as disgusting as a beggar's foot cloth.'

After cursing Seo Hweol, I head to the Method Repository to find the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body.

Hearing the merit points required for the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body from the repository keeper, Song Gil, I feel like my eyes might pop out.

"…A thousand merit points, you say?"

"Indeed. The Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body is an outstanding method developed ambitiously by the geniuses of the Black Ghost Valley to counter the Taiji Quaking Lightinng Body of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. It provides resistance against the power of thunder and lightning, which is almost the antithesis of the Ghost Path Method and offers considerable resistance against Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness methods. It also provides immense benefits when dealing with other ghostly entities using Yin Lightning. Theoretically, it's a method without weaknesses."

"..."

'In the records of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, it's harshly criticized as a paper tiger that crumbles before the Taiji Quaking Lightning Body…'

Honestly, Seo Li's body has already mastered the Taiji Quaking Lightning Body.

Originally, it was Yuan Yu's body, and it had once been forcibly elevated to the Heavenly Being stage by Yeon Wei with the Taiji Quaking Lightning Body.

So is it necessary to bother learning the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body, which supposedly crumbles before the Taiji Quaking Lightning Body?

After some contemplation, I decide to give it a try.

'A thousand merit points, it better be worth it.'

Having completed many missions after becoming a Heavenly Being stage Elder, I have accumulated a considerable amount of merit points.

I receive the Six Extremes Yin Thunder Body and begin practicing it, merging it with Great Desert to Dead Sea.

'...How much time has passed?'

I ponder quietly while focusing within my heart essence.

Thinking about it, I have never sat in meditation for such a long time before.

'This feels unfamiliar.'

I have always practiced dynamic cultivation.

Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Formless Sword, and various other methods.

I have always trained in motion, growing stronger.

In contrast, I rarely practiced static cultivation.

How long has it been since I forced myself into deep contemplation within my heart essence?

I focus my consciousness and sense my heart essence, feeling the Formless Sword.

My body has already opened the path to the Formless Sword.

Martial arts cannot be separated from the physical body, and because of that, Seo Hweol could use the Formless Sword through my body.

Of course, this will become impossible as I solidify my heart essence.

'I will completely take over the Formless Sword and my heart essence.'

No one else can touch it.

It belongs to me alone.

Only I achieved it, and only I can wield this sword.

This is my sword.

As I expanded this concept, I realized I can connect my heart essence to the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections and regain control over my physical body.

But I chose not to.

'Let's not be hasty.'

Reflecting on my life, I realized I had always been in a rush.

There was always too much to do!

To keep up with geniuses, to claw out even the smallest of gains amidst a harsh fate.

Taking even a moment's rest was a luxury.

Thus, I had to be in a hurry.

For me, effort meant urgency.

Not being urgent, taking a rest was a great luxury and a sin.

'It's not a sin.'

It isn't evil either.

Humans are neither inherently good nor evil at birth.

What humans should seek is not good or evil, but growth.

Is it fine to die in the evening if one discovers the Dao in the morning?

Humans always live this way.

They die in the evening and are reborn in the morning, progressing step by step every day.

Living life itself teaches us many things.

The notion that only through relentless effort can one achieve something might be my arrogance.

The belief that only I, who put in the effort, can improve might deny everyone else who doesn't strive as hard as I do.

So...

'Let's not be hasty.'

Slowly but surely, I will grasp what I can.

I solidify my control over the Formless Sword and my heart essence.

Connecting with its essence, I gradually aim to fully grasp the Formless Sword.

Fifty years pass.

Kwa-rung, kwarururung!

Enduring the Heavenly Tribulation, I finally reach the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage anew.

'A strange feeling.'

The new formula for the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage is quite long.

And very simple as well.

Yet, its simplicity makes it feel just as powerful as it is long.

However, I feel a peculiar sensation.

'If I were to attain a True Orthodox Axis Foundation, it might be incompatible with this formula.'

I wonder if this really is the correct formula.

Though curious, it isn't odd enough to dwell on, so I stabilize my cultivation.

Now, the only thing left is advancing to the Four-Axis stage.

'I can definitely reach it before the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person opens...!'

With confidence, I continue my cultivation.

'...Speaking of which.'

I suddenly feel something is amiss.

'Kang Min-hee should have come out of the Side Path by now, shouldn't she?'

But Kang Min-hee hasn't emerged yet.

Feeling strange, I head to her office at the Ghost Soul Hall to question her clone.

"Do you know what happened to your main body?"

Kang Min-hee's clone, puffing on a pipe, replies.

"Seems you don't know…being secluded for 50 years."

"What?"

I'm startled by her continued words.

"There were attackers from the Nether Ghost Realm and the Blood Yin Realm. Those who were outside and active knew about it, but you didn't, I see."

"I had no idea."

"Stop staying locked up in cultivation all the time and make some friends."

"Hmm..."

'To hear that from Kang Min-hee.'

She's advising me despite only having one friend, Kim Yeon, back on Earth.

It's quite amusing.

"So, the Grand Elder is currently...resting in the Side Path?"

"That's right. Normally, she'd have to come out to the Bright Cold Realm once every 50 yeas to get some fresh air…Well, listening to the other Black Grand Elders, with my talent, I can stay sane in the Side Path for not just 50 but 100 years. I think so too."

"...I see."

I feel a slight unease.

"Even so, wouldn't it be better to come out to the Bright Cold Realm to rest? If someone from the Nether Ghost Realm were to attack the Side Path..."

"Ah, it's fine. The Nether Ghost Realm attacker last time came through a different side path to the Bright Cold Realm, then re-entered our Side Path in the Bright Cold Realm to attack me. Normally, there's no way for an attacker from the Nether Ghost Realm to come through our Side Path."

"...But the Grand Elder isn't a deceased."

"That's true, but I'm more accustomed to ghostly energy than most deceased".

I grow worried as I watch her brush everything off with a nonchalant 'I'm fine.'

'Ghost Guiding Holy Mother…'

I still remember vividly.

Her appearance, leading a horde of millions of ghosts, screaming madly, wielding her ghost claws and splitting the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress in half.

"When will your main body return?"

"Hmm, she'll probably be back in the Bright Cold Realm in about thirty years."

"I see."

'Then, I should help take care of her mind with the Sea of Righteousness and Mountain of Grace at that time.'

Although I used the Spirit Sealing Bodkin to mend her spirit, lessening my worries about the Ghost Guiding Holy Mother compared to my previous life, I still can't completely shake off the ominous feeling.

Deciding to wait for her return, I return my cave residence.

"…Wait"

Suddenly, I feel a strange sensation and adjust my stance.

Wo-wooong!

I conjure a Gang Sphere in the void, rotating and merging it.

I attempt to create the Formless Sword, but at some point, the Formless Sword that is forming above my hand disintegrates back into natural energy.

"…?"

'What's happening?'

For some reason, the Formless Sword is no longer manifesting.

The Formless Sword is created by shaping the Gang Sphere into a form and reflecting my heart essence to manifest it into existence.

But oddly, my heart essence is no longer reflecting.

'Damn it, what's going on…?'

Sweating, I try several times to manifest the Formless Sword again.

And I fail every time.

Whiiiiing―

Lying halfway up Glass Sword Mountain, I close my eyes and focus my will on my hand.

Above my hand, the Three Great Ultimates are rotating.

Curiously, the more I grasp the Formless Sword and make my heart essence more solidly mine, the more I begin to witness a certain phenomenon.

My will (의/意) naturally divides into three parts, forming the Three Great Ultimates.

'Three (三)…'

With a martial artist's intuition, I feel that the number 'three' is more significant than the concept of the Great Ultimate (태극/太極, Taiji).

Recalling the feeling of being 'completed as myself' when I first formed the Three Great Ultimates, I focus my consciousness even more.

The Formless Sword, the plane of Soul.

I approach the essence of myself.

Grasping the essence of the heart (心).

More.

More!

Piiiiitt—

Rotating the Three Great Ultimates transformed from the Formless Sword above my hand, I feel like I am beginning to understand something.

'Did the separation from my main body cause this?'

But I can't jump to conclusions.

After much deliberation, I decided to use Sea of Righteousness and Mountain of Grace.

Since the Sea of Righteousness and Mountain of Grace is part of the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, not the Formless Sword, there's no issue in using it.

'Yes, this should work.'

As long as I can use the Sea of Righteousness and Mountain of Grace, I am confident I can stabilize Kang Min-hee's mind.

That's what I thought.

Thirty years pass.

Kang Min-hee, who was in the Side Path, did not return.

And at some point, her clone also vanished from her office.

"What do you mean!?"

At my outburst, Heo Gwak and the other Black Grand Elders cough awkwardly.

"The Side Path is blocked? Isn't managing the Side Path the main objective?"

Heo Gwak clears his throat and speaks.

"It seems Grand Elder Kang Min-hee did something inside the Side Path, Grand Elder Seo."

I, too, have earned the title of Grand Elder of Black Ghost Valley over the past 80 years.

Being a talent on the verge of reaching the Four-Axis stage in less than a hundred years since entering the Black Ghost Valley, I was recognized as a significant asset.

"Is it impossible to open the Side Path?"

"We've tried using our sect's spells and artifacts, and even cooperated with the senior Four-Axis Ghost Kings in the Grand Tomb Domain and the Black Grand Elders of the sect. However, all our attempts failed. It's not a matter of strength but a structural issue. It's firmly sealed from the inside, making it impossible to open.

"So...there really is no way?"

I ask, feeling a deep sense of unease.

"Hmm…there is one method we can try."

At Heo Gwak's words, I look at him with bright eyes and ask,

"What method is that?"

"There's a place far from the Human Race territory in the Bright Cold Realm…called the Swiftwind Domain. It's said to be a place where the yin energy is so strong that it can create another side path. If we create another side path there and then cross from side path to side path, we might be able to pull out Grand Elder Kang."

"Is it possible to cross from one side path to another?"

"Yes, if they are created with the same power. Both the side path here and the one we create there will be based on the power of the Nether Crossing Ship, so we should be able to cross."

"I see… By the way, did you say Swiftwind Domain?"

"Yes."

'Swiftwind Domain…'

I feel like I heard that name somewhere before.

'If I use the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections, I could remember right away, damn it…'

The Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections is imprinted on the Colorless Glass Sword, which is currently with my main body as it's transforming into Seo Hweol.

As I rack my brain, I get the feeling I heard the name Swiftwind Domain somewhere before.

"Ah, Swiftwind Domain."

It's next to the Dead Earth Domain, where the storage scroll of Lofty Dragon True Person is hidden.

'It's the place I'm supposed to meet with the Mystical Scared Fish Commanding Sect members in 420 years, before heading to the Dead Earth Domain.'

This is actually good news.

I can create a side path in the Swiftwind Domain and meet up with the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect members at the promised time before heading to the Dead Earth Domain.

Moreover, since the Black Ghost Valley's fleet is nearby, I can receive help in case of an emergency.

'But what is this feeling?'

I feel an inexplicable sense of foreboding about the Swiftwind Domain.

I can't pinpoint why.

Wo-woong―

Within the darkness.

Inside Seo Eun-hyun's cave residence.

A gentle smile graces Seo Eun-hyun's face as he is surrounded by the faintly rising misty fog of the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.

With a warm smile, Seo Eun-hyun—or rather, Seo Hweol, who has taken over his body—prods at the mist.

"Hehe, it's a technique similar in principle to my Tainted Soul Killing Life." (This is subject to change as it's not clear if it's fate or life)

He strokes his chin thoughtfully, looking at the misty fog.

"As expected…this is dangerous. If I delve in recklessly, I might get brainwashed by Daoist Seo in reverse. Haha…it must be frustrating for Daoist Seo to have created such a terrifying technique and not be able to use it properly, only to suffer from me. Daoist Seo… Now, then…"

Kuguguk―

Seo Hweol's finger pierces the misty fog of the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections.

"Let's find the pillar of this technique, shall we? If it's similar to my Tainted Soul Killing Life, finding the source pillar should reveal the hidden secrets."

With a sly smile, he speaks to Seo Eun-hyun, who should be listening inside his body.

"I'll borrow a bit of your body's talent, Daoist Seo. With the talent of your body, finding the pillar of this spell should be an easy task."

A technique to trace the source of another technique using their physical talent.

"Art of Tainted Soul Killing Sight (濁魂煞目)."

By Seo Hweol's standards, someone with talents capable of producing Integration stage strength at the Heavenly Being stage should be able to find the pillar in one go.

"To use your own talent to reveal your biggest secret… how pitiful. Hahaha…"

Seo Hweol laughs.

And Seo Eun-hyun, deep in concentration within his heart essence, doesn't pay attention to his words.

Translator Notes: Six Extremes Yin Thunder Spirit changed to Body.