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Chapter 196: Betrayal (4)Chapter 196: Betrayal (4)

The next day.

I bid farewell to Seo Hweol, who transforms into his true form and flies away to another realm, from in front of the Sea Dragon Palace.

[Then, I shall take my leave. Please, take good care of the Sea Dragon Palace in my absence.]

Whoosh!

Immediately afterward, Seo Hweol rides the dark clouds and quickly flies far away.

'It's done….'

Finally, I exhale deeply and smile.

Seo Hweol has finally left.

Realizing this fact made me feel like I can finally breathe.

The past seven years have been days when it was hard to even breathe properly.

'Now, I've finally got some breathing space.'

Of course, just because I've got some breathing space doesn't mean I'm going to stupidly just breathe.

'Seo Hweol might not have left any schemes against me, but who knows what he's left behind in the Sea Dragon Palace.'

Not just the Sea Dragon Palace but also the Sea Dragon Race and even the surrounding aquatic demon race are all subjects of concern.

Everything under Seo Hweol's influence is not to be trusted.

"Upon his departure, the Grand Prince instructed to leave his true blood with Seo Eun-hyun and bestow an official title."

After Seo Hweol left, the elders of the Sea Dragon Palace summoned me.

"Now that you have received the true blood of both the Grand Prince and an Immortal Beast, having reached the Nascent Soul stage, you will be granted the title of Great Leader of Many according to tradition. This is the Grand Prince's command, and refusal is not permitted."

"I accept the Grand Prince's decree."

"Thank you, Great Leader."

Following Seo Hweol's command, I receive an official title from the Sea Dragon Palace.

And, as expected, what Seo Hweol left behind isn't just his blood.

"Since you are now of noble status, Sea Dragon Palace warriors will be assigned to guard you at all times."

Ten Nascent Soul stage Sea Dragon warriors are assigned to monitor me around the clock.

"Additionally, as you have received an official title from the Grand Prince, you must fulfill the duties laid out in the decree he left behind."

"What duties?"

"Primarily, it involves internal management of the Sea Dragon Palace, as well as assisting in several rituals."

"How should I proceed?"

"First, we will provide you with the techniques needed for the rituals. Learn these techniques and follow their flow during the rituals."

"…"

Now, instead of dealing with Seo Hweol's tactics, I have to learn the techniques provided by the elders of the Sea Dragon Palace.

"Also, the Sea Dragon Palace's sea ritual is in a month, so please quickly master the Sea Moon True Dragon Transformation we provided within a month."

"…Understood."

Seo Hweol didn't just stop there. He imposed all sorts of social restrictions on me, making it impossible for me to step outside the Sea Dragon Palace while he is away.

'Heinous indeed.'

But, amusing.

Kee-ing―

I fiddle with the circuits of the Mad Lord laid out in the Sea Dragon Palace.

The Mad Lord's circuitry isn't merely for creating puppets.

The circuitry spread throughout the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, interconnected with his Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon.

In other words, the amalgamation of all puppeteering technologies utilized throughout the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress is the Mad Lord's circuitry I control.

With the Mad Lord's circuitry installed.

This Sea Dragon Palace is no different from my own puppet.

'Of course, to use it as a real puppet, it will need much more modification, but for now, I'm satisfied with having control over the Sea Dragon Palace's seals, barriers, and various enchantments placed around it.'

The greatest utility of the Mad Lord's circuitry is its ability to forcibly convert the opponent's magic artifacts or dharma treasures into puppets of the Mad Lord.

Therefore, I freely manipulate the entire Sea Dragon Palace, now virtually a puppet, and secretly send a message to someone without the other elders of the Sea Dragon Palace knowing.

'A ritual in a month?'

Surely, there will be more than one or two constraints prepared by Seo Hweol for me.

But whatever scehmes he prepared will be futile.

Because, in a few days, not even a month, the Sea Dragon Palace will be in chaos.

Three days after I sent the message.

I use the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts to evade the 10 guards assigned to me and arrive at a certain location in the Sea Dragon Palace.

"It's been a while since we last met."

"What do you mean a while? It's only been a few days."

I welcome Yu Hwa, who has entered the Sea Dragon Palace by bypassing all its seals with my help.

"By the way, this time of day would be the peak of activity at the Immortal Demon Tower. Is it really okay for you to come?"

"Well… My colleagues willingly let me go when I said I was meeting you."

"…? Why would they let you go to meet me? Did they figure something out?"

"Hmm… I'm not sure. It didn't seem like they figured out we're from the Heart Tribe. Rather, they even encouraged me, saying to do my best. Hmm. Perhaps it's because you generously donated spirit stones last time. Maybe they think you might donate more?"

"Ah, it must have been that."

"Well, those kinds of matters aren't really important. After all, my main job isn't as a musician at the Immortal Demon Tower, but as a Heart Tribe espionage agent."

She says with a light smile.

"Then, will you lead me to Baek Nyeong now?"

"…Let's do that."

I nod with a reluctant face.

"As I said, I'll control the Sea Dragon Palace's seals to help you get out. But taking Baek Nyeong with you is purely your responsibility."

"Yes, of course."

I lead her, undetected by the elders of the Sea Dragon Race, to a village spread with corals where Baek Nyeong and his White Goat Race are living.

Baek Nyeong and the White Goat Race reside in a village made of coral reefs next to the Sea Dragon Palace.

The corals serve as pillars for the barrier, covering the entire village with a large bubble of air, and most of the White Goat Race adorn themselves with expensive corals and live luxuriously.

Yu Hwa seems startled by their opulent and peaceful appearance.

"What is this…."

"…Currently, Baek Nyeong and his White Goat Race are living well... under whatever Seo Hweol has cooked up."

Yu Hwa looks bewildered as she observes the luxurious and affluent White Goat Race and the other enslaved races being exploited throughout the village.

"…Is Baek Nyeong here?"

"…Yes. The most luxurious estate over there belongs to Baek Nyeong."

I point towards a grand estate within the coral village.

She then strums her zither.

Woong!

Crimson rivers swirl around her.

Soon after, she completely merges with the sunset, becoming one with the sunset herself.

It's like she fuses with her own melody, similar to my Treading Heavens.

Transformed into a river of twilight, she swiftly infiltrates Baek Nyeong's estate.

I also follow her.

What greets me and Yu Hwa is Baek Nyeong, standing in the estate clad in blue attire, wielding a whip made of dragon scales.

"Welcome, Miss Yu Hwa. And Great Leader."

The yin and yang flow emanating from the collar around his neck naturally translates his speech into the demon language.

Yu Hwa, appearing bewildered and in the form of a crimson river, swirls around him and initiates a conversation.

[What on earth has happened...? I came here to rescue you.]

"Ah, Miss Yu Hwa. There's no need for that. I am very content serving under the Grand Prince right now."

[You're content serving under the Earth Tribe? I saw your kin outside abusing other enslaved races. What's going on?]

"What do you mean what's going on? According to the law of the survival of the fittest, we, now being the superior race, are merely enjoying our rightful privileges."

[What sort of nonsense is that... Have you forgotten the memories of being whipped at the cotton plantations?]

"That was because we were weak then. Oh, anyway, I truly am grateful to you, Miss Yu Hwa. If you hadn't approached me when I was just awakening my intent and guided me, I would never have reached Last Quarter."

[Last Quarter... You call it Last Quarter while you go against my teachings and abuse innocent enslaved races?]

"Innocent? They are guilty."

[What...?]

Yu Hwa, incredulously, shoots a piercing intent at Baek Nyeong from within the river.

"They are weak. Isn't that a crime in itself?"

[What... are you saying?]

"Miss Yu Hwa, you are like a master to me. You led me to this stage so you should understand more than anyone! How much blood and sweat I have shed to reach here! How much effort I put in, what obsession and longing I had to become strong!"

[Yes. You did work hard. However….]

"Then! Aren't those who are weak the ones who did not work hard!? Currently, those serving under our White Goat Race are from races known for their laziness. We, the White Goat Race, have taken up the whip with tears to reform them!"

Stunned by Baek Nyeong's twisted logic, Yu Hwa appears to be at a loss for words.

[So, before you appeared, your White Goat Race was abused because they were also considered lazy?]

"Yes. Sadly, that's the truth. The law of this world is the survival of the fittest! Only that!"

[…I see.]

Swoosh….

Yu Hwa reverts from the river's form, standing before Baek Nyeong. The upper half of her body remains undulating like the river, not fully revealed.

Baek Nyeong squints at the sight.

Yu Hwa speaks to him.

[You have been brainwashed. Someone has subjected you to severe brainwashing and suggestion. The owner of the Sea Dragon Palace... the one who kidnapped you, was it Seo Hweol?]

However, Baek Nyeong responds with an even more distorted face, retorting,

"Brainwashing? Don't talk nonsense, I have sworn loyalty to the Grand Prince of my own will!"

[What...?]

"Honestly, you have never shown me your true face, even now, Miss Yu Hwa.

[That's because... Heaven and Earth Tribes can torture souls to read memories, and it will be troublesome if my face is revealed... Didn't I say I would reveal my face and form a proper master-disciple relationship once we reach the heartland of the Heart Tribe!?]

Given that Yu Hwa was the one who led Baek Nyeong to reach Beyond the Path by contacting him when he awakened his heart essence, their relationship seems akin to that of a master and disciple.

"Ha, speaking of forming a master-disciple relationship, what did you do when I was captured by the Grand Prince, Miss Yu Hwa? You kept saying you were harboring the Heart Tribe Esteemed One's strike within your heart essence but you never used it once, did you? If you had used the Esteemed One's strike when I was captured, perhaps I could have reached the Heart Tribe Territory with you, just as you said!"

Baek Nyeong's rebuke is met with silence from Yu Hwa.

"Ha! I even think it's fortunate that I didn't go with you. Unlike you, who never showed your face until the end, that person welcomed me with a smile from the start and did not hesitate to teach me the techniques for controlling intent, even though I am from a lowly race. Moreover, unlike you, who was always just talk, the Great Prince liberated my White Goat Race and even gave us a position of dominion near the Sea Dragon Palace!"

[…]

"Even now, do you say I'm brainwashed!?"

A moment of silence falls between them. Then Yu Hwa speaks.

[…I'm sorry.]

"Ha. Now you say…"

[But!]

Twang!

She strums her zither.

Simultaneously, crimson rivers overflow in all directions.

[You are indeed brainwashed.]

"With nothing left for excuses, you resort to calling me brainwashed."

[Not brainwashed, you say? Then let me ask you one thing. What did you see in Seo Hweol's heart essence?]

"Grand Prince's heart essence? I saw an idyllic paradise, fragrant and clean, much like the legendary Peach Blossom Land!"

[…]

Crack….

My jaw drops at Baek Nyeong's response, and Yu Hwa, too, is momentarily speechless in disbelief.

Shockingly, neither I, who have reached the realm of Treading Heavens, nor Yu Hwa can detect any intent of lying in his eyes.

He truly believes that Seo Hweol's heart essence is an idyllic paradise.

[…Indeed, you have been brainwashed.]

"To me, it seems like you, Yu Hwa, have been brainwashed by that Heart Tribe Esteemed One!"

"Well…"

Unable to listen anymore, I interrupt Baek Nyeong's rant.

"I too have once met a remnant of the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One. Though powerful, he didn't seem like someone who would go around brainwashing others."

"Ah, right. Great Leader, you were here too. Haha, you also reached the mid-stage of Last Quarter, right? Now that I see it was you, Great Leader, who brought Yu Hwa, the Heart Tribe spy, to the Sea Dragon Palace?"

Baek Nyeong continues, looking at me.

"The Grand Prince instructed to closely watch over you, Great Leader, in his absence, and here you are bringing Yu Hwa, a Heart Tribe spy, right to the Sea Dragon Palace. Are you betraying the Sea Dragon Race?"

"You…"

That's when it happens.

Boom!

The crimson river surge, sweeping Baek Nyeong away and hurling him far into the distance of the estate.

"Kr... ugh…!"

Baek Nyung struggles to stand, barely keeping his eyes open as if resisting 'sleep' after being hit by Yu Hwa's sunset wave.

[…Is it not you who is the traitor, Baek Nyeong!]

"What…?"

Yu Hwa's voice, filled with rage, echoes in all directions.

[Once... you swore to save all the enslaved races from abuse... to ensure no race like yours would ever exist again! Where is the Baek Nyeong who made those vows! You have betrayed yourself!]

"Me… a traitor? Don't make me laugh! You are the traitor, Yu Hwa! You always acted so high and mighty, claiming to possess the Esteemed One's strike, yet when it came down to it, you did nothing and left me to fend for myself!"

[Enough… there's no need for long speeches. If that's how you see it, as the one who led you to Last Quarter, it's my responsibility to deal with this.]

"Ha, now you want to act as the master?"

[…As an unworthy master, I'll beat the brainwashing out of you if I must.]

Twang, Thump!

She strums her zither, and Yu Hwa's performance begins.

Her music is directed solely at Baek Nyeong.

Thus, it has no effect on me, with all its power focused on Baek Nyeong alone.

Normally, Baek Nyeong should have succumbed to sleep and wandered into a world of dreams in an instant.

However, one of the ornaments Baek Nyeong wears emits light.

Flash!

A faint spiritual energy flows into Baek Nyeong's Baihui, swirling around his upper dantian before bursting out from his forehead.

'Mental awakening…!'

Baek Nyeong, who was about to fall asleep, uses a magic artifact to regain his composure.

Yet, seeing that technique, I shout.

"You…! That's a dangerous technique!"

It isn't a simple mental awakening technique.

It resembles the technique I used to burn my upper dantian or the one used by the Jin Clan to infuse resentful souls into the upper dantian.

A technique that, by igniting one's own mind, grants an immense consciousness in an instant!

Kee-eeng!

The size of the consciousness domain surrounding Baek Nyeong instantly expands, merging with his energy and infusing into his whip.

Chalak!

Last Quarter, Mountain Repelling Whip!

Kugugugung!

The name he coins resonates through consciousness, swirling around in all directions.

Yu Hwa continues her performance with the zither, but Baek Nyeong, in the midst of mental awakening, resists her music and lashes out wildly with his whip.

I too want to join their fight, but Yu Hwa stops me.

[Do not interfere, this is our matter!]

Her will is so firm that I merely control the aftermath of their battle and stay put.

Kugung, Kugugugung!

Baek Nyeong is sacrificing his own lifespan to resist Yu Hwa.

'Did he receive a longevity pill from Seo Hweol?'

It seems he is burning through his life, thinking a little reduction in lifespan is fine as long as it can be extended again.

Whether it's because she is facing her own disciple, or because Yu Hwa's technique isn't effective against someone who has overcome the sleep demon, Yu Hwa fails to exert much force against Baek Nyeong, who is burning his life.

In a prolonged battle, Yu Hwa will naturally have the advantage.

The problem is, this place is the village right next to the Sea Dragon Palace, the territory of the Sea Dragon Race, and the commotion here will soon attract the elders of the Sea Dragon Race.

No matter how much I try to control the aftermath, it's impossible to completely evade the eyes of the Sea Dragon Race's Heavenly Being warriors within their territory.

'Well, that works out.'

Since the commotion has already started, I plan to blow up the Sea Dragon Palace entirely, draw their attention, secure some time for the two, and use that as an excuse to escape the various restrictions placed by the Sea Dragon Palace.

Just then.

[Are you planning to help us?]

Yu Hwa's mental message reaches me.

[There's no need for help. As I've said, this is a matter between me and my disciple.]

"But soon, the Heavenly Being elders of the Sea Dragon Race will come here."

[…This is a matter between my disciple and I. No intervention from anyone else is needed.]

"Realistically speaking…"

[Moreover, I am a spy of the Heart Tribe. My primary mission is to recruit awakening Heart Tribe members in the Heaven and Earth Tribes' Territories and bring them to the Heart Tribe's Territory. You are also a target of that mission.]

She continues.

[But you, being of both the Heaven and Earth Tribes, might not be interested in the studies of the Heart Tribe. So, if I can burn down this filthy territory of the Earth Tribe while dealing with my disciple, and at the same time show you the possibilities that the Heart Tribe can achieve, maybe you will become interested in the Heart Tribe?]

Twang, Thump!

She grimly reveals her true self completely.

Her face, which she has never shown to Baek Nyeong, is fully exposed.

[I advise you to escape to the outskirts of the Sea Dragon Race's lake. I will now show you Last Quarter, the Final Moon. The realm called the third stage of Manifestation.]

It's a declaration to show the next realm above Treading Heavens, and under normal circumstances, I would have done anything to witness that spectacle.

But why is it that the moment I hear her words, I feel chills all over my body and see the celestial energy suddenly shift?

'The heavens…'

They are revealing the fate of calamity.

I must flee immediately.

Otherwise, I will face a great disaster.

My instincts are telling me so.

The spiritual energy of heaven and earth begins to vibrate ominously, warning me.

Escape from the range she mentioned immediately.

At the same time, the Heavenly Being Sea Dragons of the Sea Dragon Race begin to appear outside the coral village's bubble.

[What is happening here!]

[Who are you to cause such a disturbance in the territory of the Sea Dragon Race!]

They growl at Yu Hwa, baring their teeth and gathering spiritual energy, preparing their spells.

However, she calmly strums her zither once more and advises me again.

[I'll say it again. I'm about to perform the third stage of Manifestation, so please leave the domain of the Sea Dragon Race's Cloud Heart Lake.]

I look up at the sky for a moment, considering escape.

It's the right choice.

However.

"…No, I'll watch from the side."

[…You are reckless. I'm telling you. You who are both a Heart Tribe and a member of the Heaven and Earth Tribes, will suffer significant loss.]

I want to see the next realm with my own eyes, no matter what the cost.

"I'm curious, though. Were you always someone of the third stage of Manifestation?"

[I was at the extreme of the middle phase of Last Quarter, and indeed, I was on the verge of entering the Final Moon of Last Quarter.]

She opens her eyes, which she had been keeping closed.

Her eyes are tinged with the color of sunset, much like the crimson rivers she controls.

[With this state, using the strike implanted by the Esteemed One as a beacon, I will burn my life and unfold the third stage of Manifestation with my own hands for a brief moment.]

She looks at Baek Nyeong with her eyes tinged with sunset.

[It's enough to show this power to only my disciple and the filthy dragons of the Earth Tribe. I advise you again, stay far away. Since it's not performed with my own power, I cannot control it even if you are near.]

"It does not matter."

My eyes shine as I speak.

"If I can see the next realm, I don't particularly cherish my life."

"Well, if that's what you wish."

Kugugugu!

Beyond the bubble barrier, the Heavenly Being Sea Dragons try to restrain her with their spells.

In an instant, the surroundings are filled with water.

And she, with her eyes wide open, begins to strum her zither.

[Last Quarter, the Final Moon.]

The realm beyond Treading Heavens.

The power of the Heart Tribe known as the third stage of Manifestation unfolds.

That day.

I understood why the Heaven and Earth Tribes sought so desperately to exterminate the Heart Tribe and feared them.

And why a minor tribe with fewer than ten thousand experts could compete for dominance in the Bright Cold Realm against the Heaven and Earth Tribes and earn an independent title.

The entire world began to fill with the glow of sunset.

Chapter 197: Betrayal (5)'Am I being impulsive?'

Waking up from a state of wandering in her dreams for the first time in decades, Yu Hwa ponders if her decision is the right one.

Even if it is the opportunity to sway more than two members of the Heart Tribe.

Even if she can strike a blow to the filthy territory of the Earth Tribe.

Even if the attack she is unleashing now will aid her when she properly reaches the third stage of Manifestation later on.

Is it really right to consume more than a decade's worth of her already short lifespan as a member of the Heart Tribe for that purpose?

However, the moment her hand touches the zither she had played for years,

Her worries melt away like snow.

It's the zither she has plucked for decades.

And the figure before her, Baek Nyeong, is her disciple whom she had guided over the years.

It is not pointless.

Nor is it impulsive.

Because, as the one who provided guidance, it is only right to take responsibility if one's disciple ends up in this state.

She realizes the nature of the brainwashing that Baek Nyeong is under.

A powerful self-brainwashing!

She doesn't know how that sinister dragon had boiled her disciple alive.

But Baek Nyeong strongly believes in his own brainwashing.

Even if it's false, he 'wants to believe' it is true.

To break such a powerful brainwashing, an even more powerful shock is needed.

'My power alone is insufficient.'

To shock the heart essence of the Heart Tribe, an even more powerful force is necessary.

What is needed now is the third stage of Manifestation!

The Heart Tribe members who have reached the third stage of Manifestation are at best around ten thousand.

But in other words, those who have achieved the third stage of Manifestation are indeed entities that the Heaven and Earth Tribes fear and feel threatened by.

'Here I go.'

And then, she begins to play.

Everything under the heavens turns a crimson red.

Kurung, Kururung!

At Cloud Heart Lake, where the Sea Dragon Race resides,

There, a strange thunderous roar rumbles.

No, it's not the sound of thunder but something else.

Yet, despite not being the sound of thunder, the numerous Nascent Soul stage demon races living near Cloud Heart Lake perceive it as thunder.

Because the 'force' emanating from Cloud Heart Lake is astonishingly similar in nature to the Heavenly Punishment's force that the demon races face numerous times during their cultivation upon reaching the Nascent Soul stage.

In Cloud Heart Lake, a crimson Heavenly Tribulation is raging.

Strangely enough, this Heavenly Tribulation is not coming from the sky but from the bottom of Cloud Heart Lake.

Originating from the performance of an enslaved race.

"…!"

I circulate my spiritual energy, revealing the realm of Treading Heavens and resisting the crimson force striking down at me.

Such a familiar force.

Heavenly Tribulation!

This is a Heavenly Tribulation!

The heavenly wrath I have faced numerous times over several lifetimes!

It's then I realize why.

Why, after seeing Jeon Myeong-hoon's attacks last time, I recalled the strike of the Heaven-Collapsing Esteemed One.

Jeon Myeong-hoon's lightning reminded me of Heavenly Lightning.

And the third stage of Manifestation of the Heart Tribe.

This power, presumed to be beyond the realm of Treading Heavens, astonishingly resembles Heavenly Tribulation.

"…!!!"

With all my might, I stand against Yu Hwa's Heavenly Tribulation, trying to capture 'how' she unfolded the third Manifestation.

Of course, even merely capturing it with my eyes is overwhelming.

But, reading spiritual energy, reading intent,

Using the Lightning Predicting eye,

I capture the power of the third stage of Manifestation that Yu Hwa uses.

'That is…'

Is that so….

The method to step beyond Treading Heavens is….

Kurururung!

Her zither melody is undoubtedly beautiful, but to me, it sounds like thunder.

No, from the perspective of the Earth Tribe, it is clearly the sound of thunder.

However, to me, who possesses both the vision of intent and of the Earth Tribe, it appears as nothing but beautiful art.

'Beautiful….'

Such perfection that spontaneously evokes admiration.

A skill that inspires inspiration just by watching.

And the will of Yu Hwa!

I feel enveloped in a strange ecstasy as I admire the 'beauty' she manifests.

Though it feels like my whole body is burning, I disregard it and endlessly watch her art.

Tssssss….

"…Huh!"

I suddenly came back to my senses.

"Wha, what?"

It's hard to regain consciousness.

It feels like suddenly my sense of reality has become strange.

'It seems like something from my memory was cut off while facing the Heavenly Tribulation….'

I am in a daze.

It's hard to regain my senses, as if I had dozed off momentarily.

"Have you come to your sense?"

"…!"

The next moment, thanks to Yu Hwa speaking next to me, I shake my head and stand up.

"Where is this…"

I look around.

"…Ah!"

I can't help but let out a bitter laugh.

The coral village has disappeared.

No, not just the coral village, but the Sea Dragon Palace as well has turned to dust, becoming merely 'what was once the Sea Dragon Palace.'

All around, Sea Dragon Race elders and warriors are collapsed and unconscious.

The same is true for the White Goat Race from the coral village.

And there, Baek Nyeong is kneeling.

Everyone at Cloud Heart Lake, except for her and me, is 'asleep.'

Yu Hwa has a more haggard face than before with her eyes closed.

"I put everyone to sleep as part of my musical performance. For the Heavenly Being stage cultivators, it will take a day to wake up on their own, for the Nascent Soul stage, ten days. For those below that… needless to say."

"…Terrifying."

I must have fallen asleep without a chance to resist, my memory cutting off at some point.

Such a terrifying Heart Tribe member, if she travels with other powerful members of the Heart Tribe, no one will survive in their presence.

Even more terrifying is that she had single-handedly put to sleep over 20 Sea Dragon Race elders at the Heavenly Being stage residing in Cloud Heart Lake.

There are sixty-two Heavenly Being stage cultivators among the Sea Dragon Race, but the rest are following Seo Hweol's orders, active in various parts of the Earth Tribe.

The number remaining in the Sea Dragon Palace is only a third, yet she has managed an absurd feat of exchanging one for twenty.

"Reaching the third stage of Manifestation of the Heart Tribe… can you really suppress even Heavenly Being stage practitioners in such an unbelievable manner?"

"How can that be possible. The Heavenly Being and Nascent Soul stage members of the Earth Tribe here have all come to the Immortal Demon Tower a few days ago and listened to my music in advance, so it was overwhelmingly easy to infiltrate the heart essence of those who remembered the melody."

"…."

Indeed, sound techniques are like a poison that's hard to escape once their melody has been heard.

The difference between Yu Hwa's performance and general sound arts is that, typically, the influence of sound techniques ceases once the vibration of the music ends.

However, her musical performance can amplify and put opponents to sleep at any time as long as the influence of the melody remains within their heart essence, not relying on the music's vibration.

And true to her words, some Nascent Soul stage demon races nearby, who had never heard Yu Hwa's performance before, are twitching, trying to get up.

Of course, they pass out again as soon as she plucks the strings a few more times.

"…So, what are you going to do?"

"We need to escape. The Sea Dragon Race was caught off guard because they are not familiar with the Heart Tribe, but those of the Earth Tribe nearby who know about the Heart Tribe would have realized that there is a Heart Tribe member here after witnessing that strike."

"…Right."

I smirk bitterly, looking at the unbelievable strike that mingled with my fate.

Looking up at the sky, my fate has changed due to her strike.

And not for the better.

"Now I understand why the Heaven and Earth Tribes despise and fear the Heart Tribe."

"…."

"The third stage of Manifestation of the Heart Tribe is almost identical to Heavenly Tribulation. And…."

I look at Yu Hwa incredulously.

"I'm not sure if what I confirmed while looking at the celestial energy is correct, but facing the Heart Tribe's Heavenly Tribulation adds an additional type of tribulation for the Heaven and Earth Tribes in the future, doesn't it?"

"…That's correct. That's why the two major tribes make such efforts to eradicate us."

Indeed.

An additional type of Heavenly Tribulation has suddenly been added to my fate.

Previously facing only blue and golden Heavenly Tribulations, I now also have to face a crimson Heavenly Tribulation.

"According to the seniors of the Heart Tribe, a strike from a third-stage Manifestation Heart Tribe member is almost identical in nature to Heavenly Tribulation, causing the heavens to be confused."

Her explanation continues.

"Since a strike from the third stage of Manifestation is also almost identical to Heavenly Tribulation, the heavens do not react if the person who receives the strike overcomes it successfully. However, if they fail to overcome the strike, the heavens perceive it as failing to overcome a Heavenly Tribulation and, upon their next ascension, send down a tribulation of the same nature as the strike from the Heart Tribe, but only once."

"…."

Fortunately, the number of Heavenly Tribulations I have to face hasn't increased forever.

But even if it is limited to once, the thought of having to face an additional type of Heavenly Tribulation is terrifying and horrifying.

Fighting against a third-stage Manifestation Heart Tribe member means the types of Heavenly Tribulations one has to face increase by one, limited by once.

It's truly a dreadful affair, fitting the reason why the Heaven and Earth Tribes would want to eradicate the Heart Tribe by any means possible.

"That's why I was trying to warn you because you also belong to the Heaven and Earth Tribes…."

"Well, it doesn't matter."

I chuckle and shake my head.

Having one more type of Heavenly Tribulation to face is dizzying, but I am satisfied having glimpsed the next realm.

"Anyway, do you have a plan on how to escape?"

"If I use my original power of the second stage of Manifestation to fuse my body with my melody and escape…."

"That's reckless. Since you showed me a realm beyond, let me return the favor."

I concentrate my consciousness and then execute the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts in front of her, cutting off her perception.

Flash!

The moment I disappear from her view and reappear in front of her, she gasps in realization of the significance of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.

"What, what is that?"

"This is the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts. You might be able to use it as well."

Shocked by the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, her hands visibly tremble as she holds the zither.

"Did you… create this technique?"

"No, I also learned it."

"Who created this technique?"

"…My master, who led me to this realm."

"Please, could you introduce me to them?"

"…They reside in the Lower Realm."

"The Lower Realm…."

At those words, she wears a meaningful expression.

"I should report this to the Esteemed One later. If we can invite such a person, our Heart Tribe can take a step further."

"Hmm… That might be true."

I can't help but think that Kim Young-hoon might indeed transform the Heart Tribe into an even more unbelievably powerful force, on par with the Heaven and Earth Tribes.

After repeating and trying out the method of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts a few times, Yu Hwa incorporates it into her performance, instantly transforming it into her own style.

Having the talent to awaken as a member of the Heart Tribe, it seems incorporating it isn't too difficult for her.

Tsststsst!

Having hidden herself in the form of her melody between perceptions, she bids me farewell and rises, taking the form of a river.

I see Baek Nyeong's body being carried up along with the river.

"Are you only taking your disciple?"

[I've forcibly undone the brainwashing. Unless that dragon does it again, no further brainwashing should occur. If, despite all this, Baek Nyeong chooses to stay… I will respect his will and send him back. However… if Baek Nyeong wishes to take the remaining members of the White Goat Race with him, then he will return to the Sea Dragon Palace with me, and we will take all the remaining members to the Heart Tribe territory.]

"I see, understood."

After bidding farewell to her as she disappears using the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts,

Like the other dragons, I lay down and close my eyes.

Kugugugu!

From afar, outside Cloud Heart Lake, a tremendous surge of heaven and earth spiritual energy is approaching.

It's obviously the Earth Tribe's Four-Axis stage cultivators flying over, having seen Yu Hwa's third stage of Manifestation and convinced that the Heart Tribe has invaded.

With my eyes closed, pretending to be unconscious like the other Heavenly Being stage elders, I sink my consciousness to the very bottom using the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon.

Kugugugugu!

The water of Cloud Heart Lake is entirely sucked upwards, and the cold air hits my skin.

The vast consciousness of the Four-Axis stage cultivator sweeps across Cloud Heart Lake, thoroughly searching everywhere.

[Where are you, you damned Heart Tribe scum! Come out this instant!]

'With this…'

I smile inwardly.

My objective is achieved.

From the moment Yu Hwa appeared, I intended to cause a disturbance. However, thanks to her causing an even bigger commotion than I expected,

The Sea Dragon Palace is now reduced to dust, and the entire Sea Dragon Race Territory is thrown into chaos, ensuring the Sea Dragon Race elders will no longer have the leisure to assign me tasks.

I have escaped the social constraints left by Seo Hweol.

'Now, what's left is to freely contact some representatives of the demon races who had grievances against Seo Hweol.'

This is the real beginning of the betrayal aimed at the back of Seo Hweol.