Chương 232: Black Snake (10)

"Uh…."

Jeon Myeong-hoon can't comprehend the current situation as all.

"Why…?"

He merely asks dumbfoundedly into the air.

'Me, an elixir?'

He has heard that when making elixirs, the vitality of a living being is extracted to accumulate medicinal properties with life force.

He has also heard that humans are used when making elixirs such as Qi Building Pills by Jin So-hae.

―Of course, to enter the sect and have been chosen to be taken along during ascension, it would be impossible unless one's qualities are outstanding enough to reach the level of Qi Building without Qi Building Pills, so there aren't many who have actually taken such pills.

He remembers Jin So-hae saying that there will hardly be any need to see such elixirs as Qi Building Pills in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, as there are numerous Heavenly Spiritual Roots.

Jeon Myeong-hoon himself thought that he would never consume barbaric pills made from humans.

'But… me, an elixir?'

Jeon Myeong-hoon looks around.

Inside the Thunder Prison where he has been captured by his master, Jin Jin-chan.

―In 13 hours from now, once the master alchemist has aged all the auxiliary ingredients, the process of refining you into a Heavenly Golden Thunder Pill will begin. Be mentally prepared by then.

Jeon Myeong-hoon still fails to come to his senses after Jin Jin-chan's last words.

'Am I, going to die here like this? After only living like a dog for 10 years?'

He feels wronged.

Angry.

But above all, scared.

'Fuck... Am I really going to die like this? For real?'

Jeon Myeong-hoon clenches his head with a stiff expression inside the Thunder Prison.

His hair, which he has grown for a little over 10 years, slips through his grasp.

'Damn it… why does it have to be like this…'

Just when he is in despair.

Kududuguk…

The wall behind Jeon Myeong-hoon.

A part of it suddenly starts to fall away.

At the same time, Jin So-hae appears from inside.

"…! So-hae…!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon is shocked and gets up from his spot.

Jin So-hae frowns and puts her finger to her lips.

"Shh! Be quiet! I made it here dodging the guards' eyes… Come this way quietly."

Jeon Myeong-hoon swallows his saliva.

Even a fool can tell.

This is his only chance now that Jin So-hae has come.

He quietly moves towards Jin So-hae.

"So-hae, me, save me…"

"I came to save you. Please, just be quiet. Come this way."

Soon, the inside of the Thunder Prison where Jeon Myeong-hoon was confined becomes completely empty.

Then, Jin Jin-chan walks into the now-empty Thunder Prison.

"Hmm, So-hae will handle it well."

Behind him, Hong Su-ryeong walks out and says,

"Now, Grand Elder Jin should start the next plan."

"Understood. Grand Elder Hong, make sure to disable the sect's grand formation on time, and if the kid manages to escape, activate the array."

"Of course."

Jin Jin-chan nods and glances at the stone wall Jeon Myeong-hoon had exited through before stepping outside the Thunder Prison.

Before leaving the Thunder Prison, he glances at Hong Su-ryeong and asks.

"By the way, Grand Elder Hong seems to be in poor health recently. Anything wrong?"

"Hmm, I've come to know a rather uninteresting fact."

"An uninteresting fact, you say? I've heard rumors lately that there's no dual cultivation between Grand Elder Hong and Elder Seo… Could it be that there's a problem with Elder Seo's lower dantian…"

"Shut your mouth before I cut off your lower dantian."

"Hemhem…"

At Hong Su-ryeong's fierce remark, Jin Jin-chan coughs awkwardly and quickly leaves the Thunder Prison.

Inside the Thunder Prison, Hong Su-ryeong looks into the void for a moment before letting out a hollow laugh.

"To the Ancestor of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect… what exactly were your descendants…"

"So-hae, really, thank you. Truly!"

Having completely escaped the Thunder Prison building, Jeon Myeong-hoon wipes off his cold sweat and thanks Jin So-hae gratefully.

Jin So-hae sighs softly.

"Enough. Right now, all the elders and grand elders are in a meeting with the master alchemist. It seems like the elixir they are making is an extraordinary one that even the Supreme Sect Master must attend along with the grand elders. Thanks to that, there's about an hour's gap when the elders and grand elders won't be around…"

She leads Jeon Myeong-hoon to where the flying magic artifacts are gathered.

The departure peak of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is a place where flying magic artifacts in the shape of ships are anchored in abundance.

She infuses her spiritual power into one of the flying magic artifacts, a small vessel-type that can carry 500 disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect at once.

"Get on. It's a magic artifact for long-distance travel. Thanks to the Flying Escape Technique cast on the artifact itself, it can traverse thousands of li without difficulty. Take this and leave Thunder Spirit Island."

"... Thank you. But… aren't you coming with me?"

"I'll stay behind and lie to the Supreme Sect Master that you are hiding near the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. That should buy us some time."

Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at Jin So-hae and asks.

"So-hae… why are you doing all this for me?"

"... You don't need to know. Hurry up and get on."

Jin So-hae, with an annoyed expression, loads Jeon Myeong-hoon onto the ship artifact.

Being in the early Core Formation stage, Jin So-hae forcibly loads Jeon Myeong-hoon, who is unable to resist.

"Wait, I don't know how to pilot this…"

It's when Jeon Myeong-hoon is worried.

Tstsstsst!

A giant shadow surges up from behind Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"You are… Hong Fan?"

It's the giant black centipede, Hong Fan.

Kugugugu!

Jeon Myeong-hoon is astonished by the spiritual energy wave and consciousness emanating from Hong Fan.

"Wait, you…! Have you already reached the Core Formation stage?"

[It's only the early stages of Core Formation, just like Miss Jin So-hae. If Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon hadn't experienced Heavenly Rejection during your Seven Stars Ritual, you would have surely surpassed me.]

"... You really have tremendous talent… But why are you here?"

[I've come to pilot the ship in your stead.]

"You, you know how to pilot a flying magic artifact? How?"

[My master taught me how to pilot the ship.]

"Wow…"

Jeon Myeong-hoon is about to exclaim but then suddenly has a doubt.

"Wait, if you're the pet demon beast of an elder… Aren't you bound to your master? Moving with me would…"

He looks at Hong Fan with suspicion, and Hong Fan begins to explain calmly.

[My master supports Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon's escape. From the start, someone with a talent like the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body isn't someone who should become an elixir just because they faced a bit of Heavenly Rejection. Not just my master but also several grand elders and elders of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect share this view.]

"What…!"

[You don't have to run away forever. If Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon evades capture for just a few weeks, after that, the grand elders and elders who support you will come to rescue you.] Hearing Hong Fan's explanation, Jeon Myeong-hoon finally lets go of his suspicions.

"…Sorry for doubting. And, thank you too."

[It was just the elders' order.] Hong Fan speaks, reducing his size.

Hong Fan's large body shrinks, grabbing the helm of the ship Jeon Myeong-hoon is on.

"Then, Jeon Myeong-hoon."

Jin So-hae, with her arms crossed, looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon and says,

"Let's see each other in good health later."

"…Thank you, So-hae."

He bites his lip.

'I'm ashamed of myself.'

He had always treated Jin So-hae as a 'target to conquer' or a 'potential dual cultivation partner' and flirted around.

And whenever he had a chance, he would shift his attention to other female disciples of the sect.

But at this moment, Jeon Myeong-hoon makes a promise to himself.

'If I safely escape from the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, and if I safely return here again… I will only look at Jin So-hae.'

With Hong Fan's control, the flying magic artifact soars into the sky.

Under the night sky of the Bright Cold Realm, filled with countless stars, The ship Jeon Myeong-hoon is on smoothly passes through the sect's grand formation and flies away.

Jeon Myeong-hoon looks back at the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and thinks.

'I will definitely return…!'

As Jin So-hae watches Jeon Myeong-hoon waving his hand as he leaves, A sigh escapes her lips.

"Ha… That fool…."

Even though they have become quite close over the last ten years, Jin So-hae does not see Jeon Myeong-hoon in a romantic way at all.

She only sees him as a brother she needs to look after, one a bit lacking in brains from her perspective.

"Isn't it strange that the sect's grand formation didn't activate even as he left on the ship? Tsk…"

She clicks her tongue while looking at Jeon Myeong-hoon's ship, now far away.

And next to her, a man in white descends.

"Don't be too hard on him, Miss."

"Oh, Elder Seo?"

She blushes, looking at 'Elder Seo,' Seo Eun-hyun, who has approached her.

'Grand Elder Hong is really lucky. Not stuck with someone like Jeon Myeong-hoon but being Dao Companions with Elder Seo…'

Seo Eun-hyun smiles briefly at where Jeon Myeong-hoon has disappeared.

"Now that Jeon Myeong-hoon has left, shall we activate the grand formation?"

"Yes, I'll go inform my great-grandfather."

Jin So-hae uses the Flying Escape Technique to fly to where Jin Byuk-ho is staying, in the Golden Thunder Hall, and Seo Eun-hyun stands on the departure peak, smiling faintly.

'You're really lucky, Jeon Myeong-hoon.'

Whooosh― Jeon Myeong-hoon sighs as he looks at the night sky.

"Damn it…"

Everything seemed perfect, but everything went awry in just a short 10 years.

Even if he cried out to the heavens for 10 years, the heavens did not permit him.

His expectations of becoming dual cultivation partners with Jin So-hae was cruelly shattered, and the elders of the sect gradually turned their attention away from Jeon Myeong-hoon, seeing that he could not overcome the Heavenly Rejection.

In particular, the infamous incident where Jin Byuk-ho, known for his explosive temper, came to insult him is a well-known story.

―Seo Eun-hyun managed to break through Heavenly Rejection as soon as he extended his hand, but why can't you?

―Why can't you? You are the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body! It's absurd that you can't do what Seo Eun-hyun can! Unless you're unimaginably dull, you should be able to do it!

―Heo Gwak, Cheongmun Sunwoo and I could use Qi Building stage techniques even when we were at Qi Refining! Seo Eun-hyun could also do it, so why can't you?

―Damn it! To waste time on such a fool! What a waste of time! Aaaaaaah!

Especially being directly compared with Seo Eun-hyun, who he has always looked down upon, and being subjected to such rage is one of the worst memories he has in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.

'Damn it….'

Thinking back on the incident with Jin Byuk-ho, Jeon Myeong-hoon feels as if the little affection he has for the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is crumbling away.

"... Really, if it weren't for you, Jin So-hae, and a few friends, I would have left the sect long ago. Why would I suffer trouble for staying unnecessarily. Thinking about it, starting from the Supreme Sect Master, they've only ever expressed anger and disappointment towards me."

Jeon Myeong-hoon speaks as he looks at Hong Fan, who had shrunk to the size of a human torso and is operating the helm of the ship.

Hong Fan calmly replies.

[There's a saying that the opposite of love is not anger or hatred, but indifference. The anger shown to Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon might be proof that the elders don't want to let go of you.]

"Hmph, funny. Even that anger was initially depressed in abundance but eventually subsided when things didn't work out, didn't they? Look, even my master didn't come to see me for a long while until he decided to make me into an elixir and finally came to lock me up in the Thunder Prison. When have they ever…"

Kururung!

It's when Jeon Myeong-hoon is venting his anger to Hong Fan.

Urrurrung!

An immense clapping of thunder rumbles, and a massive storm of lightning energy surges from behind Jeon Myeong-hoon.

Jeon Myeong-hoon is startled and looks back.

Something like a ghastly lightning is chasing the ship they are on, trailing along the clouds.

"Ho-Hong Fan!"

[I will ascend. Hold on tight.] Boooong!

Hong Fan maneuvers the helm, and the ship they are on begins to rise.

Whoosh!

The ship artifact carrying Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hong Fan pierces through the clouds above.

And, whatever is chasing them also rises into the sky.

Kugugugugu!

"Ah, m, master…!?"

It's the giant figure of Jin Jin-chan.

Kwajijijik!

A giant body formed from ghastly lightning reveals itself.

It looks like a storm of lightning has transformed into the shape of a giant!

"Ho, Hong Fan! M, my master is chasing us!"

[Do not worry, I do not sense the power of the Heavenly Being stage. It seems like a consciousness separation using Externalizing Spirit. At most, it's the power of a remnant soul of the Heavenly Being stage.]

"H, Heavenly Being stage remnant soul, how powerful is that! Can you handle it?"

[Well… Normally, the remnant soul of a Heavenly Being stage cultivator is around the late Core Formation to Grand Perfection stage.] Hong Fan says calmly.

[Of course, if I were to face it, I'd end up as Fried Hong Fan.] At the same time, the lightning giant in the form of Jin Jin-chan extends its finger towards the ship.

Kugugugugu!

An immense power of lightning gathers and shoots towards the ship.

Kwarurung!

The clouds are torn apart, and a storm rages across the area.

Jeon Myeong-hoon screams, holding onto the ship's railing.

"Haaaaaaa! Qu-quickly run away! Please!"

[Yes!] Boooong!

At the same time, the speed of the ship also increases.

However, Jin Jin-chan's Externalized Spirit continues to chase them at a rapid pace.

Rumble, rumble, rumble!

Kurung, Kurung, Kururung!

"Haaaaaaa!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon is terrified and trembling, holding onto the railing as lightning strikes aim at them.

Urrung!

Amidst that, a part of the lightning strike falls towards Jeon Myeong-hoon.

Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at the incoming lightning bolt and screams.

"Haaaaaaa! Save… huh?"

Pazik, Pazijik….

Surprisingly not feeling any pain, Jeon Myeong-hoon looks puzzled.

The streak of lightning is naturally absorbed into Jeon Myeong-hoon's body, and he exclaims as he sees the lightning bolt inside him transform into spiritual power.

"Whoa… this…"

Watching him, Hong Fan speaks, [Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon, you may be immune to lightning, but this ship is not. If a situation like before occurs again, it will be troublesome, so please go to the rear and block the attacks from the Externalized Spirit.]

"Um…! Got it!"

Realizing that small lightning strikes don't have much effect, confidence surges in Jeon Myeong-hoon's face.

He runs to the rear and raises his Accumulating Lightning Technique.

At the same time, Jeon Myeong-hoon also stirs up the anger in his chest.

Pazijijik!

Red lightning surges around Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"Taaaat!"

As he forms a hand sign, the red lightning streak collides with the remnants of lightning bolts flying towards the ship.

The remnants of small lightning strikes shot by Jin Jin-chan's Externalized Spirit are all neutralized by Jeon Myeong-hoon's Accumulating Lightning Technique and begin to dissipate.

However, even though they are just remnants of lightning shot by the Externalized Spirit, the Externalized spirit has the power of the Core Formation Grand Perfection and Jeon Myeong-hoon is merely at the Qi Refining 6th Star.

Kwajijijik!

"Ugh…"

In an instant, Jeon Myeong-hoon's spiritual power is depleted.

However, Jeon Myeong-hoon grits his teeth and extends his hand.

"Come!"

Kwajijijik!

One of the lightning strikes shot by the Externalized Spirit hits the ship directly.

However, the ship is unharmed.

Jeon Myeong-hoon extended his hand.

Inside his hand, all the lightning streaks are being absorbed.

Pazijijik!

In an instant, Jeon Myeong-hoon's spiritual power surges again, and he continuously emits endless red lightning bolts.

Kururung!

As if annoyed by Jeon Myeong-hoon blocking his attacks, Jin Jin-chan's Externalized Spirit starts chasing them even faster.

[Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon, I will increase our speed. You must not disengage the Accumulating Lightning Technique even for a moment from now on!]

"Ye, yes!"

Piiiiit!

Enveloped in a halo, Jeon Myeong-hoon begins to move forward amidst an immense radiance.

'Damn, I feel nauseous.'

But, following Hong Fan's advice, Jeon Myeong-hoon never releases the Accumulating Lightning Technique.

After all, Jin Jin-chan is growing even closer.

The giant face of the lightning giant is only three zhang (33 feet) away from the rear of the ship, shooting lightning at them.

Kwajijijik!

Jeon Myeong-hoon continuously absorbs the lightning and releases it.

It looks as though red lightning is bursting from the rear of the swiftly moving ship.

"Ugh! Damn it! Leave your disciple alone! Hong Fan, how much longer do we have to do this!?"

[We will soon reach the barrier of Thunder Spirit Island. Once we cross the barrier, even the Externalized Spirit will have a hard time following us!]

"Okay!"

Kwajijijik!

Jeon Myeong-hoon feels like he is going to vomit from maintaining the Accumulating Lightning Technique, but he clenches his teeth and endures.

'Finally…!'

Jeon Myeong-hoon finally sees that the ship has reached the edge of Thunder Spirit Island and his eyes light up.

Now, they just need to cross the barrier and it will be over.

[Just hold on a little longer!]

"Alright…!"

Just then.

[You!!] Kurururung!

At the edge of Thunder Spirit Island where Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hong Fan are heading, another giant made of lightning appears.

[How dare you try to leave!!!] It's the form of Vice-Sect Leader Jin Hwi.

[You dare to flee and leave the sect!] Kwarururung!

An immense level of lightning strikes the ship, drenching Jeon Myeong-hoon.

[Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon!] Hong Fan's urgent voice is heard, and Jeon Myeong-hoon faces the lightning coming at him.

'My body feels like it's going to explode!'

Jeon Myeong-hoon's body converts the absorbed lightning into power, but there is a limit in doing so.

If he infuses more lightning than his limit, his spiritual power can overflow and explode.

Now, Jeon Myeong-hoon feels like his dantian is about to burst.

'To die like this…'

That's when it happens.

Hong Fan's voice rings in Jeon Myeong-hoon's mind.

[Release it! You must indiscriminately release your power while using the Accumulating Lightning Technique!]

"…!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon clenches his teeth and follows Hong Fan's instruction.

Simultaneously, red lightning bursts forth from Jeon Myeong-hoon's entire body.

"Haaaaaaaa!"

In an instant, a giant lightning bolt erupts from Jeon Myeong-hoon's body.

The area is enveloped in red lightning, and from there, the ship carrying Hong Fan and Jeon Myeong-hoon emerges.

[Keep using the Accumulating Lightning Technique! You can't stop, Jin Jin-chan is still chasing you!]

"Ye, yes!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon responds with a face as if his soul is about to leave his body.

He shakily aims the red lightning of the Accumulating Lightning Technique towards Jin Jin-chan, who is chasing from behind.

[There are four weak points in the barrier of Thunder Spirit Island, one in each direction of east, west, south, and north. We must escape through one of these. Since we just encountered Sir Jin Hwi in the east and were blocked, this time we will head towards the northern end to escape Thunder Spirit Island! We'll go faster, so please hang in there a bit longer!]

"Yes…!"

Rumble, rumble!

At the eastern end of Thunder Spirit Island, where Jeon Myeong-hoon just escaped from.

There, the red lightning released by Jeon Myeong-hoon does not disappear but remains in abundance.

It looks as if someone has intentionally captured those lightning bolts.

Above the lightning, Jin Hwi's Externalized Spirit forms hand signs.

[Horn, Neck, Root, Room, Heart, Tail, and Winnowing Basket.] Kugugugu!

Simultaneously, the lightning released by Jeon Myeong-hoon turns into a red pillar and strikes down at the eastern end of Thunder Spirit Island.

From the red pillar struck at the eastern end, a faint red path rises toward the north, where Jeon Myeong-hoon is flying towards using the Accumulating Lightning Technique.

Northern end.

[You, Jeon Myeong-hoon! How dare you attempt to flee and abandon the sect!]

"Damn it, weren't you the ones trying to turn me into an elixir?!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon yells at the grand elder blocking him at the northern end.

Kwarururung!

Once again, a tremendous bolt of lightning strikes Jeon Myeong-hoon, frying him.

[Even if the sect decides to do so, you must accept it!]

"Nonsense!"

Kwajijijik!

Jeon Myeong-hoon absorbs the lightning shot at him until his stomach is about to burst and then releases it using the Accumulating Lightning Technique, following Hong Fan's advice.

[Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon, since the northern end is also blocked, we will head to the western end!]

"Alright!"

Hong Fan maneuvers the ship carrying Jeon Myeong-hoon to move again.

The Externalized Spirit of the grand elder that appeared at the northern end again gathers the red lightning bolts released by Jeon Myeong-hoon to form a red pillar.

Koong!

A red pillar forms at the northern end of Thunder Spirit Island and strikes the ground.

Simultaneously, the red path that started from the eastern end arrives.

[Ladle, Ox, Girl, Emptiness, Rooftop, Chamber, Wall] As the grand elder guarding the northern end chants, the red path that arrived from the eastern end connects with the pillar at the northern end.

As the grand elder extends his hand, an even more intense red path extends out, paving the way towards Jeon Myeong-hoon who has fled using the Accumulating Lightning Technique.

The western end is the same.

"Damn it! Hong Fan, the east, north, and west are all blocked!!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon curses and yells at Hong Fan after releasing lightning towards the grand elder guarding the western end with the Accumulating Lightning Technique.

[My apologies… Let's try heading south, just to the south!]

"Don't give me that crap! It's obvious that it's probably blocked there too! We need to think of another way to escape…."

Kwarururung!

It's when Jeon Myeong-hoon shows signs of heading elsewhere.

Jin Jin-chan begins to indiscriminately shoot spells of different attributes at Jeon Myeong-hoon, not just lightning techniques.

Jeon Myeong-hoon shouts in alarm.

"For now! Just go somewhere! Anywhere!!!"

The ship Hong Fan is controlling begins heading south.

Jin Jin-chan, chasing them, nods at the grand elder guarding the west.

Boooong!

The red path that started from the north reaches the west.

[Legs, Bond, Stomach, Hairy Head, Net, Beak, Triple Star] Kugugugu!

A red pillar emerges at the western end and strikes the ground.

From the pillar at the western end, a beam of red light unlike any before chases after Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"…Look here, Hong Fan."

[Yes, Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon.]

"Over there, besides Master's avatar, I think something else is chasing us?"

Jeon Myeong-hoon asks with a foreboding feeling, looking at Hong Fan.

Right behind the ship they are on, Jin Jin-chan's Externalized Spirit is pursuing them. Further behind Jin Jin-chan, a 'path' like red line is being created, pursuing the ship carrying Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hong Fan.

Hong Fan glances back.

[It's a dragon vein. No need to worry. Using spells that manipulate dragon veins require a considerable amount of preparation time. Unless it's a Four-Axis stage cultivator who is highly skilled in handling dragon veins, it's impossible to do something with the dragon vein in a short period time.]

"But, that dragon vein is chasing me! What's going on!"

[Hmm, that I am not sure…]

"Damn it! I'm going to end up being turned into an elixir! Do something!!!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon curses out of fear, and Hong Fan calmly continues to steer the ship.

Finally, the ship carrying Jeon Myeong-hoon and Hong Fan reaches the southern end of Thunder Spirit Island.

And Jeon Myeong-hoon's face falls into despair.

Southern end.

There, his master, Jin Jin-chan, is waiting.

"Myeong-hoon-ah, where are you going in such a hurry?"

Before Jeon Myeong-hoon can respond, a massive lightning bolt strikes him.

Kurururung!

It's like a pillar of light.

Jeon Myeong-hoon absorbs the lightning to the point of bursting within the pillar of light and barely manages to endure it by releasing it through the Accumulating Lightning Technique.

"Why are you trying to flee the sect?"

"Be… cause… I…"

Veins pop in Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes.

After repeating the cycle of consuming lightning and transforming it into power, Jeon Myeong-hoon took on the form of a spirit of red lightning.

"I don't, want, to die!"

Kwarururung!

Jeon Myeong-hoon's red lightning repels Jin Jin-chan's lightning.

Jin Jin-chan reaches out towards Jeon Myeong-hoon's red lightning.

The lightning released by Jeon Myeong-hoon gathers into Jin Jin-chan's hand from the void.

Jin Jin-chan sculpts the lightning into a pillar and asks,

"If I wasn't trying to kill you, would you have stayed in the sect?"

There seems to be a hint of remorse on Jin Jin-chan's face, but Jeon Myeong-hoon, whose eyes are rolling back in rage, shouts loudly,

"Of course, I would escape this dogshit sect right away! For the past 10 years! Haven't I been ignored, despised, and treated like a fool here? Even if you weren't trying to kill me, I wouldn't want to set foot in such a place..."

Kwajijijik!

Jeon Myeong-hoon curses, spewing out red lightning.

"No more!!!"

Kurururung!

Simultaneously, the red dragon vein path following Jeon Myeong-hoon finally reaches underneath Jin Jin-chan.

Jin Jin-chan plants the red pillar into the ground.

[... Well, Ghost, Willow, Star, Extended Net, Wing, and Chariot.] Kugugugu!

Jeon Myeong-hoon shudders.

The atmosphere of Thunder Spirit Island changes.

All around Thunder Spirit Island, red light begins to bloom in various places.

"... Hong Fan, return to the sect."

[Yes.] Upon Jin Jin-chan's command, Hong Fan turns the ship.

Jeon Myeong-hoon is startled by how natural the movement is.

"Wa, wait! What are you doing, Hong Fan!!!"

Boooong!

Hong Fan silently steers the ship, and in an instant, Jin Jin-chan lands beside Jeon Myeong-hoon at the speed of lightning.

Jeon Myeong-hoon's pupils shake.

"Ma, Master…!"

"... Myeong-hoon-ah."

And Jin Jin-chan grasps Jeon Myeong-hoon's shoulder.

"I'm sorry for everything up until now."

"... Yes?"

Kugugugu!

Beneath the ground, the red dragon vein boiled up.

But it's not just any dragon vein.

It's lightning.

More precisely, lightning that is all too familiar to Jeon Myeong-hoon.

It's the lightning of the Accumulating Lightning Technique that Jeon Myeong-hoon himself had released!

"How did this happen…."

As if recognizing the power he had unleashed himself, Jeon Myeong-hoon is plunged into confusion.

It seems as though the entire Thunder Spirit Island is boiling with Jeon Myeong-hoon's power.

Jin Jin-chan, seeming apologetic, scratches his cheek and says,

"For the past 10 years, we've been conducting construction work throughout Thunder Spirit Island."

He begins to explain.

I sit at the departure peak, waiting for Jeon Myeong-hoon to return.

Hong Su-ryeong manipulates the sect's grand formation, gathering Jeon Myeong-hoon's scattered lightning across Thunder Spirit Island to the main peak of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.

At the summit of Thunder Cloud Peak, Jin Byuk-ho personally assists in the ritual.

During the ritual, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect becomes, for a moment, a gigantic altar.

"You're quite blessed, aren't you, Jeon Myeong-hoon. From the Supreme Sect Master down, all the senior brothers, senior sisters, and disciples spent 10 years working on construction throughout Thunder Spirit Island and laying out formations to create an altar for the Seven Stars Ritual. All just for you."

Today is the day Jeon Myeong-hoon will conduct his Seven Stars Ritual.

I look up at the night sky.

This plan originated from me.

Remembering the time when Cheongmun Ryeong gathered dragon veins to ripen the longevity fruits, I started this plan.

'The phenomenon of Heavenly Rejection must be surpassed by 'one's own' power.'

Then, how far does 'one's own' extend?

If one holds a magic artifact and shoots it towards the sky, is that still considered 'one's own'?

Then, if one is provided a regular, available magic artifact that even they with spiritual power at the 6th Star of Qi Refining can use, is that considered 'one's own'?

"Considering the cases of me, Kim Yeon, and Oh Hyun-seok..."

Simply using a regularly available magic artifact to push through Heavenly Rejection didn't work.

Just as Kim Yeon 'directly' manipulated the puppets to overcome Heavenly Rejection.

It is impossible to overcome Heavenly Rejection with an external magic artifact.

If that were possible, Cheongmun Ryeong would have asked his friend, the artifact craftsman Gongmyo Cheon-saek, to make an artifact for me to use at that time.

The point is, only with 'one's own will and life force' can one overcome Heavenly Rejection.

Thus, this complicated and grand plan was conceived.

Kugugugu!

Beyond the red dragon veins, the lightning that Jeon Myeong-hoon had shot from all directions across Thunder Spirit Island gradually amplifies, enhancing 'Jeon Myeong-hoon's own aura.'

Up high, Jeon Myeong-hoon's ship arrives at Thunder Cloud Peak.

'First, amplify one's energy with the dragon vein and gather it on the altar. Then, shoot that energy into the sky with one's will.'

That way, the Heavenly Rejection should be pierced through.

'For this formation, Jin Byuk-ho and countless grand elders of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect spent 10 years digging through Thunder Spirit Island.'

The role of the formation is to amplify Jeon Myeong-hoon's energy and assist him in manipulating the vast energy when conducting the ritual.

'There's no way he can properly control and shoot this massive energy on his own.'

All the formation masters of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect were mobilized.

All for one person.

"Everyone has such strong will… for the sake of one disciple."

I mutter, watching Jeon Myeong-hoon descend to Thunder Cloud Peak.

Who knows. Perhaps in a cycle without me, the grand elders of the sect also mobilized their power to help him in some way.

"If it's for the reincarnation of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, the Golden Deity Yang Su-jin, what can't be done?"

Hong Su-ryeong says as she approaches me.

"What brings you here?"

"I came to stand guard."

She replies, crossing her arms.

"You, you're about to enter the mid-stage of Nascent Soul, aren't you?"

"…You caught me."

"Everyone is focused only on Jeon Myeong-hoon, but since I'm your dual cultivation partner, I thought I'd care for you. Be grateful and form your Yang Spirit without worry."

"Thank you."

"... So that's what it was."

Jeon Myeong-hoon, having heard Jin Jin-chan's explanation, finally understands.

'... It wasn't indifference.'

"Come here, Jeon Myeong-hoon."

Jin Byuk-ho beckons to Jeon Myeong-hoon.

Above Thunder Cloud Peak, an altar for the Seven Stars Ritual is set up.

'Everyone, for me…'

"... Now, we will begin the Seven Stars Ritual. Within which of the Four Constellations will you reside?"

"... Given my meager talent."

'All this time, they had been preparing. Everyone…'

"I will conduct the ritual under the Spirit of the Azure Dragon…"

'You were all thinking of me.'

A decade of construction work.

A grand plan just for Jeon Myeong-hoon that he alone was unaware of.

The Seven Stars Ritual begins.

Jeon Myeong-hoon performs the ritual under the Azure Dragon, symbolizing the East and corresponding to the stars of Horn, Neck, Root, Room, Heart, Tail, and Winnowing Basket.

And just before he is to receive the celestial energy from the heavens.

Kugugugu!

Dark clouds cover the sky.

Simultaneously.

Kugugugu!

The red dragon veins spread throughout Thunder Spirit Island surges up to Thunder Cloud Peak.

Seo Eun-hyun initiated it, and with the elders and formation masters of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect materializing it, the plan was finally completed by everyone.

Cheongmun Ryeong and Seo Eun-hyun could not have attempted this in the Head Realm where spiritual energy is scarce. It is only possible in the Bright Cold Realm that is overflowing with spiritual energy.

The entire spiritual energy of Thunder Spirit Island is gathered, amplifying a human's crude spiritual power.

Through the formation, the spiritual energy is refined, leaving only the pure qualities that originate from 'Jeon Myeong-hoon' from the amplified spiritual power.

After refining and more refining, the remaining energy is an incredibly minute fraction of the originally amplified energy.

But even if it is just a fraction of a millionth of the original amplified energy, it can easily surpass the Qi Building stage given the scale of the formation that covers the entire Thunder Spirit Island!

Jeon Myeong-hoon draws in his 'own' energy swirling around him into his body.

After circulating the energy within once, he shoots it towards the sky.

Kwarururung!

Jeon Myeong-hoon's Accumulating Lightning Technique does not reach the heavens.

It withers away mid-way, losing its momentum.

However, Jeon Myeong-hoon incessantly absorbs the limitless power swirling around him.

'This is completely different from simply absorbing lightning to convert into spiritual power!'

The consumption of power when transforming lightning into spiritual power is practically nonexistent!

Jeon Myeong-hoon continuously draws upon this infinite power, shooting lightning towards the heavens.

The once withered momentum of his Accumulating Lightning Technique infinitely amplifies, and strands of red lightning begin to ascend gradually reaching the sky.

And finally.

At the edge of Thunder Cloud Peak, Jeon Myeong-hoon shouts towards the heavens with all his might.

"Heavens above!!!"

Kwarurururung!

The red lightning tears through the clouds in the sky, forging a path between the stars and man.

Jeon Myeong-hoon stretches his hand towards the sky, receiving the celestial energy.

With that, Jeon Myeong-hoon successfully completes the Seven Stars Ritual and enters the 7th Star of Qi Refining.

Kurung, Kururung!

In a corner of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.

While everyone's attention is on Jeon Myeong-hoon, the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, one person is attempting to advance to the mid-stage of Nascent Soul.

It's Seo Eun-hyun.

Kurururung!

The sky trembles, dropping dual-colored Heavenly Lightning.

Seo Eun-hyun, with eyes closed, operates the Lightning Path Methods.

Kugugugu!

From the Nascent Soul stage onwards, all cultivators face Heavenly Tribulations.

Rising from the Core Formation stage to the Nascent Soul stage brings a single bolt of lightning.

From the early to mid-stage of Nascent Soul, two bolts of lightning fall.

The Dual-colored Heavenly Lightning strikes Seo Eun-hyun.

However, Seo Eun-hyun, fortifying his body with lightning, is unharmed.

Kururung!

The second Heavenly Lightning for entering the mid Nascent Soul stage strikes, more fierce than ever.

Kwarururung!

Seo Eun-hyun faces the second Heavenly Lightning.

The scene looks as if a pillar of light is striking down on Seo Eun-hyun!

Within that pillar of light, Seo Eun-hyun closes his eyes and introspects within himself.

How could I, a dullard, learn over 9, 000 cultivation methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect in just 10 years?

It's partly due to the curse given by the owner of the Heavenly Lightning Banner, granting me knowledge and talent in lightning, but there is another reason.

'All 9, 000 methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect were originally one.'

As I gradually mastered the methods, I discovered that there are 'connecting' techniques among them.

When I managed to master about 40 methods up to the 2nd or 3rd Star, I could discern the 'original text' of these 'connecting' techniques.

The original text is something I had already long known.

Knowing the original text beforehand, understanding its meaning, and being able to apply it to the Lightning Path Methods allowed me to master all 9, 000 lightning methods in a short time!

The original text of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's methods is as follows: ―Chapter 1. All beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

―Chapter 2. Every being is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as Race, Plane, Vision, Cultivation, or Origin or any other category such as the physical world, Netherworld, Immortal Realm, Decaying Corpse Realm, or other Realms.

Furthermore, regardless of whether the fate or history to which a being belongs is subject to constraints by higher beings, there shall be no oppression based on the fate, birth state, or planar status of that being or soul.

―Chapter 3. Every being has the right to liberty and preservation of life and fate.

―Chapter 4….

This is less a method formula and more of a kind of blessing prayer recited during rituals.

And I know this formula's original text.

'The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.'

Words from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights seen on Earth, adapted to this world, imbued with magical power so that the sentences 'hold power.'

That is the formula that appears when mastering all methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.

Crackle!

I recite Chapters 1 through 29 internally, operating my spiritual power according to the magical power and force contained within the formula.

Thus, knowing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and having an understanding of the laws of lightning due to the backlash from the curse given by the owner of the Heavenly Lightning Banner, I succeeded in mastering all 9, 000 methods within 10 years.

'Was Yang Su-jin really someone from the same world as me?'

Now I am certain.

That Yang Su-jin, the Enders, are beings from Earth.

Pazijijik!

As I recite Chapters 1 through 29, I realize the power of lightning has reached its limit.

And in an instant.

Boom!

The power of lightning at its limit shakes off the oppressive Heavenly Tribulation!

Woo-woong!

Simultaneously, a surge of cultivation hits me like a flood.

My Nascent Soul, previously glowing with a faint blue light, splits in half, and the other half begins to turn red.

A line forms from my forehead, dividing the domain of the Yin Spirit and the domain of the Yang Spirit.

'Finally….'

I have successfully created both the Yin and Yang Spirits.

However, I brace myself for the backlash that will follow.

The formula formed by combining 9, 000 methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect indeed maximizes the power of heavenly lightning for a moment.

Thanks to this, I was able to amplify the lightning power flowing within me and reach the mid-stage of Nascent Soul.

But, once the heavenly lightning reaches its peak….

Hiss….

The lightning energy swirling around me gradually begins to fade.

The abundance of lightning power in my dantian starts to feel flimsy, dissipating into colorlessness.

Soon, I revert back to my state from before I completely mastered all the Lightning Path Methods.

The 'power' in my dantian confirms I am indeed at the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul.

The cultivation I have built up through the Lightning Path Methods remains.

However, after combining the 9, 000 methods, the lightning attribute of the Lightning Path Methods becomes completely attribute-less and utterly untraceable.

That's right.

By unifying all the methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, I successfully reached the mid-stage of Nascent Soul using that power.

But the method formed by unifying all of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's methods can no longer be called a method of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.

"Congratulations on reaching the mid Nascent Soul Stage."

Hong Su-ryeong comments with a click of her tongue, seemingly regretful.

"However… to choose to recite such an absurd formula that completely gives up the advantages of the Lightning Path Method, converting it all into ordinary spiritual energy instead… Why would you do that? Jeon Myeong-hoon also succeeded in performing the Seven Stars Ritual, and he could have resolved the disharmony among the methods after reaching the Nascent Soul stage…"

"Well, it's not like my cultivation has decreased, has it?"

I laugh it off as if it's no big deal.

"Now that it's come to this, let's research this nameless method further."

"What more is there to research? The reason why the previous Supreme Sect Masters kept it hidden becomes obvious. It's a foolish technique that makes you unable to handle the lightning attribute once practiced."

"Well, that's true, but…"

"What do you mean 'that's true', you fool! Enough, I'm going to congratulate Jeon Myeong-hoon. You just stay here and really think about whether what you did was actually wise."

For some reason, Hong Su-ryeong seems displeased that I lost the Lightning Path Methods and flies off to Thunder Cloud Peak where Jeon Myeong-hoon is.

However, I sit quietly and ponder over this nameless formula.

'This is with 100% certainty left by Yang Su-jin.'

Moreover, a technique formula based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

There must be something to it.

Having encountered Yang Su-jin's arrangements twice, mastering this formula is not a choice but a necessity for me.

I operate the nameless formula from the beginning once more, now devoid of any attributes.

'Hmm, no change?'

But operating the attribute-less spiritual power brings no changes.

Even the speed at which spiritual power accumulates is unbearably slow.

'Is this formula... even a technique?'

As I ponder this and recite the last 29th chapter of the formula, I suddenly feel something odd.

'The Universal Declaration of Human Rights consists of 30 articles...'

The nameless formula, plagiarizing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, converting one article to one chapter, only has 29 chapters.

I recall the final article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in my mind.

'Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.'

In other words, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights cannot be interpreted maliciously.

As I recall the last article, something happens.

Wo-woong!

"…!"

As soon as I contemplate it, the nameless formula starts moving on its own.

'I, what's happening...!'

Despite my attempts to control it, it's unyielding.

The attribute-less spiritual power surges like a flood, filling my entire body.

Then, the spiritual power flows into my upper dantian, from the upper to the middle dantian, from the middle to the lower dantian.

It rushes crazily into the Nascent Soul within the Golden Core.

And at that moment.

Flash!

I realize I have entered a strange space.

'This place is…'

Whoosh!

It's dark.

Deep, profound darkness.

And it's cold.

Much like when I met [Him] in the lowest level of the Serving Command Ark.

As I tensely survey my surroundings, it happens.

"Are you a later generation?"

"…!"

Suddenly, someone speaks to me in a physical voice right in front of me.

"You are…!"

I try to look up but flinch.

Then, cautiously looking down I ask,

"Are you… the Golden Deity?"

"Yes. I asked if you are a later generation."

"Yes… I have entered the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and…"

"If you're not an Ender, you could not possibly have entered here. Cut the pretense."

I face the being in front of me.

I cautiously ask the Golden Deity, Yang Su-jin.

"The formula that appears when all the methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are combined… Is it…?"

"Yes, you should know it well enough."

"…"

"What's important is not that. Shouldn't I tell you why I asked the Master of the Netherworld to create a place for the later generations at the bottom of the Netherworld, where no [Light] enters, and left my thoughts there?"

I tense up.

"Let me warn you about one thing before we begin."

The Founder of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.

The one who stole the Heavenly Lightning Banner from its owner.

The entity that caused countless upheavals.

My conversation with Golden Deity Yang Su-jin began like this.

"Be wary of [The Light]. Following the Emperor's will, that being lurks around you, anytime, anywhere, in any manner. In ways beyond your imagination."