Chương 299: Protection (護) (1)

Kugugugu!

It's as if Heaven and Earth are boiling.

A truly ominous sight as the spiritual energy everywhere bubbles up and turns into dark black water.

And as the black water overflows in all directions, the Mad Lord suddenly realizes that he and his Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress have entered within this vast black sea.

Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.

Inside the control room.

There, the Mad Lord continuously marvels aloud.

"Hoh, instead of unfolding a domain from within oneself, it's using Heaven and Earth spiritual energy to assimilate the surroundings with the domain, then unwittingly swapping the domain with the environment at some point. Is this the power of the Grand Perfection Integration stage? Amazing, amazing. This makes for a very good reference."

Kugugu!

Then, a massive figure surges from the depths of the black sea.

It's the Black Dragon King, Hyeon Eum, who had been struck on the head by the Mad Lord.

[You... dare to stand against me? So, you came looking for Seo Hweol, which means you are not a great being. Just a mortal who accidentally obtained the power of Vast Cold. Now that I think about it, I've heard of you. The Mad Lord Jo Yeon, who kidnapped the Heaven-Earth Palace's inspector right after ascending from that place? Yes. If it's the homeland of Vast Cold, it's not strange that Vast Cold left their power behind!] Crrrack!

Hyeon Eum opens his mouth and shouts.

[Die, you wretched creature worth less than leftovers!] Flash!

A dark energy gathers in his mouth and shoots out towards the Mad Lord like a beam of light.

The dark line flies straight towards the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.

But the next moment, Bo-oong!

[Her] right arm from within the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress deflects Hyeon Eum's beam.

However, immediately after, Another Hyeon Eum bursts out from under the Black Sea's surface and charges at [Her], and from inside the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, six Integration stage puppets spring into action to assist [Her].

[Despicable fakes. I am not afraid of those who are merely imitations and not truly accomplished.] The six Integration stage puppets move in flawless coordination around [Her].

Encompassing Heaven and Earth, the puppets block the six directions, and [She] battles with Hyeon Eum in the center.

However, Hyeon Eum is not pushed back by the seven Integration Stage puppets.

Instead, he freely draws upon power from within his domain, using its force to suppress the puppets and control the power of the black sea.

Kwaaaang!

Hyeon Eum's horn collides with [Her] body.

[She] is knocked back, and as Hyeon Eum charges in with his mouth open— Kiiiiiing!

Startled!

Hyeon Eum suddenly senses an overwhelming force converging from the direction of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress and frowns.

'What is this magnitude of power?'

It's an overwhelming 'power'.

Not merely the power of breath used by the Dragon Race.

Though far below the Star Shattering Stage, it is clearly beyond the power scale of the Grand Perfection Integration stage.

If he were to get hit by that, even Hyeon Eum would suffer a critical wound.

'If I attack this puppet, I'll be in a perfect position to get hit by that. I'll withdraw for now.'

Of course, the best strategy against the Mad Lord would have been to capture [Her] and start a hostage play, but unaware of that fact, Hyeon Eum retreats back into the black sea.

The beam of light centered at the three roofs of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress pierces into the depths of the black sea, creating a massive shockwave that evaporates all the black water within a radius of a thousand li, revealing Hyeon Eum who had been hiding inside.

[Damn it. Even if I've fallen, how can you evaporate the water of the black sea, which embodies the Netherworld's waters? How is that possible!?] Hyeon Eum glares at the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress with eyes full of hatred.

Kugugugugu!

The black energy around Hyeon Eum begins to surge violently.

[This insect... you dare trample on my pride? Unforgivable. Do you even know what kind of water you've touched!?] Hyeon Eum's body swells, his scales grow larger, and his body bulges.

Simultaneously, dark energy spews from between his scales, coloring the surroundings.

[I will make you aware of your crime!] Flash!

Hyeon Eum shoots towards the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress like a beam of light.

Led by [Her], the Integration stage puppets block Hyeon Eum.

Hyeon Eum's horn strikes [Her].

[She] manages to block it but is flung away as a result.

The next Integration Stage puppet is shattered into two pieces, and the third has its upper body blown away.

The remaining puppets also fall, one by one, unable to withstand the rampaging Black Dragon King's assault.

Once more, light begins to condense above the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.

Hyeon Eum's eyes blaze.

'That's dangerous. No matter how much I've forcibly drawn out my power, getting hit by that can be disastrous. But twice? Twice? Can it really be fired twice with just a mere puppet or dharma treasure? Unless it's an immortal treasure....'

He further compresses the power he had drawn out and surrounds his body with it.

With his defenses solidified through this state, Hyeon Eum calculates the time.

The speed at which the strange monstrous beam from the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress was previously fired.

Calculating that power, he captures the exact moment of the beam's release!

Flash!

The strange, monstrous beam is fired.

And Hyeon Eum uses all his strength to dodge the beam.

Kugugugugu!

An explosion occurs behind him, creating a hole in Hyeon Eum's domain.

Hyeon Eum spits out a mouthful of blood but clenches his teeth and presses forward.

Now only two puppets remain.

A Supreme Tiger Race puppet charges at Hyeon Eum, but he crushes it with his pure energy.

A Cold Spirit Race puppet exhales cold air, but Hyeon Eum ignores it and devours the puppet with an open mouth.

Crunch!

Crack!

Finally, Hyeon Eum arrives in front of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress and swings with one foot.

Kwaaaang!

Part of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress's wall is torn away, revealing the control room where the Mad Lord is controlling the fortress right in front of Hyeon Eum's eyes.

[Finally, I see your face. You rat-like creature…] Hyeon Eum's pupils dilate as he sees the Mad Lord inside the control room.

Then, he starts probing the inside of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress with his consciousness.

'What kind of structure can produce such power? Is it because of Vast Cold's power?'

Hyeon Eum's consciousness extends everywhere, and reaches the topmost layer of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, a place created solely for the Mad Lord's ideal.

And Hyeon Eum's eyes widen.

[This, this is... an Immortal Art (仙術)...?] He takes a breath, distancing his face a bit from the Mad Lord.

[I see…it's utilizing the power of Immortal Arts. I suspected it was infused with Vast Cold's power, but it turns out it was cultivated using the power of Immortal Arts directly. Hmm, yes. My apologies. No, I apologize. It's a type of Immortal Art I've never seen before.... so it means it's a personally developed Immortal Art...] Hyeon Eum begins to laugh heartily, as if the anger he had shown earlier was all a lie.

[Haha. I was shocked, thinking the Nether Crossing River was shaken by a mere insect, fellow Daoist. Indeed, shaking the Nether Crossing River would be difficult without someone of equal standing. But you really confused me, suddenly attacking while spouting nonsense. Well, it's no wonder I initially perceived you as at least of equal standing since you harbored the power of Vast Cold from the beginning...] His expression softens as he continues to speak.

[That aside. If you haven't come to convey a message from those above, then it must mean you came to meet me of your own will. A fellow Daoist, who dared to expose himself to the Light and brave this treacherous place, wielding an Immortal Art that handles the power of Vast Cold, and came to meet me…you must indeed be one of the Daoists from the Netherworld. I think I know who you are. Hoho…] Hyeon Eum smiles, wanting to continue the conversation with the Mad Lord.

Meanwhile, the Mad Lord is frantically pressing buttons in the control room, spitting out a short remark.

"What the hell have you been babbling about since earlier, you wordy bastard?"

Click-click-click-click-click-click-click...!

Kugugugu!

And around Hyeon Eum, 28 Integration stage puppets appear.

[... Eh?]

"Just one question. Where is Seo Hweol?"

[Ah, no…]

"Alright, alright. You're such an impatient one. Fine, if that's what you really want, I'll let you choose between [Black General] and [Black King]. Black Emperor is too cool to be an option, so take that into consideration."

Chiiiii As the forcibly drawn-out power dissipates, Hyeon Eum, eyes wide, looks at the 28 Integration stage puppets rushing at him from all directions.

[This…what…you…we're not…?] Craaaaack!

His entire body begins to be torn apart.

[A mere insect... a mortal lower than dust... you, who are just a toy among us... developed the true principles of the Immortal Family (仙家)...? Ridiculous. I can't believe it. How could that be…?] Boooom!

The Black Dragon King, gazing at the 28 Integration stage puppets and the sphere of light condensing above the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, mutters absentmindedly.

But then he laughs emptily, as if realizing something.

[I see. Being born there means this. What a pitiful creature...] Flash!

A gigantic ray of light covers Hyeon Eum's entire body.

"Stop! Everyone stop!!! All external missions currently underway by the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect are hereby halted, and all personnel who have come from outside must stop whatever they are doing and leave immediately!"

I frown at the disciple of the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect who suddenly entered the curse room, interrupting the curse spell production.

"Hey, if we leave now, the structure of this curse will completely collapse, rendering it nothing but a heap of useless energy."

The other curse sorcerers nod in agreement at my words.

However, the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect disciple replies indifferently.

"It doesn't matter. We've taken all that into account. An issue has arisen within the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect that cannot be overlooked, so please leave immediately."

"... Fine. But when you call us back, you'll have to pay us from scratch."

The Heavenly Being curse sorcerers, Geub Un and Wi Hon from Black Ghost Valley, firmly state to the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect disciple.

The disciple grimaces as if having a headache but nods.

"Understood. If it really doesn't work out, we'll also pay a penalty, so please just leave."

Eventually, we leave the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect.

"What's going on? Does anyone know anything?"

"I'm not sure."

The curse sorcerers each express their curiosity, and I eavesdrop on the conversation through a circuit I had secretly planted in the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect.

And then I learn the whole story.

'I see. The Mad Lord attacked Hyeon Eum, leaving his cave residence in ruins and forcing Hyeon Eum to flee somewhere in a miserable state, nearly dead. The Mad Lord then pulverized Hyeon Eum's cave residence to dust, searching for something, and has been wreaking havoc across the True Dragon Alliance's territory ever since... Well, it's not surprising anymore.'

It's just the Mad Lord being the Mad Lord.

'With the founder missing, the Black Scaled Fish Commanding Sect has temporarily ceased operations. In the worst case, we might not even get the payment we were promised...'

And, most likely, the Mad Lord is searching for Seo Hweol.

Testimonies about seeing Seo Hweol and the Mad Lord looking for Seo Hweol.

These facts are enough to plant the idea in Gyu Ryeon's mind that 'maybe Seo Hweol is still alive.'

In the Earth Tribe True Dragon Alliance's Serving Command Ark.

At the lowest level of Serving Command Ark, Gyu Ryeon, having recently become an Integration stage Dragon King, was relieved from her duties as Ark Controlling Envoy and is handing them over to her successor.

"Gyu Ryeon-nim, have you heard? The madman who wrecked elder Hyeon Eum's cave residence is searching for Grand Prince Seo Hweol."

"Yes, I've heard."

Gyu Ryeon's eyes waver.

'Could he really be alive?'

However, the rescue signal Seo Hweol sent her at the last moment and his final moments still linger in Gyu Ryeon's mind.

'He was clearly killed by that vile man called Daoist Seo. I even saw the scene where his path to resurrection was cut off.... But... it feels like he's still alive.'

Recent news from the Human Race.

The madman called Mad Lord searching for Seo Hweol.

And... Gyu Ryeon's 'woman's intuition.'

All seem to suggest that Seo Hweol might still be alive in some form.

"By the way, Gyu Ryeon-nim, have you heard what that madman named the Mad Lord is shouting as he goes around? I think you should hear this..."

"What is he saying?"

"He's been shouting 'Seo Hweol! Come out! I heard you're getting married! I came to bless your marriage with your lovely bride, so come out now!' as he wanders around."

"…?"

A look of puzzlement crosses Gyu Ryeon's eyes.

"That's strange. I knew he was secretly preparing for an engagement ceremony long ago... but because of that I haven't cast the Vast Cold Oath, so we haven't even gotten engaged yet…."

She recalls sneaking a peek at Seo Hweol preparing for the engagement ceremony at the Sea Dragon Palace.

Of course, Gyu Ryeon didn't know that Seo Hweol had anticipated her snooping and prepared the scene to show her.

However, Gyu Ryeon's successor, her close Yellow Dragon Race sister, Gyu Hwa, speaks with a sly face.

"Gyu Ryeon-nim. No, Gyu Ryeon unnie. I'm speaking as a family member, not in terms of Yellow Dragon Race hierarchy, so please listen carefully."

"Okay, tell me."

"The sudden message that Grand Prince Seo sent saying he died, the rumors of him being seen in the Human Race territory, the madman's words about him getting married, and the engagement ceremony he was preparing.... Considering all this together."

With a serious face, Gyu Hwa grabs Gyu Ryeon's shoulders and says

"Grand Prince Seo might…be cheating."

"What, what?"

"He's definitely with another woman right now!"

"N-no way. How could Grand Prince Seo…? He's such an upright..."

However, as she speaks, Gyu Ryeon can't prevent an image from flashing through her mind.

'That human pet…'

The human woman who walked around the Serving Command Ark holding Seo Hweol's hand.

As she thinks of her, Gyu Ryeon grounds her teeth without realizing it.

'Now that I think about it, when he first saw that Daoist Seo guy, it was on the Flying Immortal Platform. He seemed to have some potential but didn't quite meet my standards... and they seemed to know each other from the Lower Realm. They didn't look like they had a bad relationship at first.'

Her mind begins to race.

'They didn't meet after that, but suddenly this Daoist Seo comes and kills him in a way that prevents resurrection? And Seo Hweol sent me that scene?'

Perhaps, Seo Hweol was trying to make Gyu Ryeon believe that he was dead.

Such thoughts spin in her mind.

'Then, he goes to the Human territory with that pet... and cheats...!'

Crunch....

Unconsciously, Gyu Ryeon emits a force that distorts the space around her.

Everything seems to click into place.

'Maybe... the engagement preparations back then were not for me but for that pet? And the rumor about him marrying that pet spread, making the madman search for him? Yes. That must be it!'

Her instincts as a woman are telling her.

Seo Hweol is still alive.

And, he must be with that woman from the Human Race.

'Seo Hweol!!!'

Regardless, Seo Hweol, who supposedly died at the hands of Seo Eun-hyun, could not answer her.

The dead, after all, do not speak.

I exclaim in astonishment.

"Amazing. This place is the Grand Nirvana Temple…"

The Grand Nirvana Temple, where Tae Yeol-jeon resides, is beneath Heavenly Human Island.

It's a small temple situated at the bottom of a valley under the Cloud Island Archipelago.

However, what's astonishing is that the entire valley where the Grand Nirvana Temple is located is covered with enormous Taenghwas.

I fail to close my mouth as I observe this majestic sight.

"Hm, so Oppa. Are there cultivation methods here that can aid with consciousness?"

I came down here with Kim Yeon.

After finding some consciousness methods that she and I can use, all I have to do is ask Kim Yeon to contact Kang Min-hee and my part will be done.

"Yes. And there's also a Grand Cultivator of the Integration stage here. One whose martial arts seem to match especially well with yours."

I think of the Fighting Spirit of Tae Yeol-jeon.

Her enlightenment is clearly centred on the Heart Method.

However, in the Bright Cold Realm, there haven't been any specific internal energy methods developed.

That means, her Fighting Spirit is [a Fighting Spirit founded on the Immortal Path Method].

I had never known it was possible to reach Entering Heavens through refining Immortal Path Methods, but thinking she can greatly aid Kim Yeon, who substituted martial arts achievements with consciousness methods, I brought her along.

We cross the valley decorated with majestic Taenghwas and finally arrive at a small temple.

However, unlike other temples, where the main hall is called Grand Hero Hall, this one is called Grand Nirvana Hall (Written and pronounced the same way as Tae Yeol-jeon).

Creeeak— The door of Grand Nirvana Hall opens, and Tae Yeol-jeon walks out from inside.

"Welcome, both of you."

At her gesture of joining palms, not only do I respond instinctively, but so does Kim Yeon next to me.

It seems likely that this too is a function of her Heart and Heaven Taenghwa Painting.

Kim Yeon and I enter the Grand Nirvana Hall.

"It seems this building is called Grand Nirvana Hall."

"Yes. The names are a bit unique because we are a minor sect. And as you might have guessed, my name is also derived from this Grand Nirvana Hall."

We head to the Buddha shrine and pay respects to the Seven Brilliances Kings, the Bodhisattvas of this world, and then move to the guest hall to sit.

Tae Yeol-jeon herself brings the tea leaves, kindles the wood, lights the fire, and brews the tea for us.

"It's clear and pure."

I remark on the fragrance of the tea and the aura I feel in this temple.

"It seems like a good place for solitary cultivation."

"Solitary? There are many people here. It's always bustling."

At Tae Yeol-jeon's words, I look around.

'Now that I think about it, this guest hall…'

Indeed, there are large Taenghwas hanging everywhere.

"Are you interested in Buddhist Family Methods?"

"I'm interested for secular reasons. I need methods related to consciousness."

At my words, Tae Yeol-jeon smiles faintly.

"There are plenty of consciousness methods. Especially the Seven Brilliances Kings lineage methods are mostly consciousness methods."

"There are things I'd like to ask about those Seven Brilliances Kings as well."

My eyes meet the Bodhisattvas in the Taenghwas.

The Bodhisattvas in the Taenghwas all wear benevolent smiles.

"What would you like to know?"

"I'd like you to tell me everything."

"Everything…I'll tell you what I know."

Tae Yeol-jeon excitedly brings over one particular Taenghwa.

"To explain the Seven Brilliances Kings, I first have to explain the Future King."

The Taenghwa depicts a being.

He is seated on a lotus in a meditative pose, dressed in a black kasaya (monk robes) and smiling benevolently.

Below the lotus are seven Bodhisattvas.

The Seven Brilliances Kings that resemble those in the Taenghwas hung around are looking up at the being in black kasaya, raising their hands high up.

It's as if they are praising the virtue of this being.

The being extends one hand as if inviting the Seven Brilliances Kings to his side.

"The Future King signifies salvation that will come someday. Some say he represents hope, or tomorrow and the future itself. In terms of the Immortal Path, he represents the True Immortality, or the shedding after Entering Nirvana. He is also of great significance in the origin of Buddhist Family Methods, embodying the essence of Buddhism itself."

"…"

"And the Seven Brilliances Kings are Bodhisattvas and Heavenly Kings who teach to reach the Future King. It is said that once their role is complete, they will follow the path set by the Future King, rise to sit beside him, and enjoy the true Dharma in the Eternal Paradise."

Kim Yeon says with sparkling eyes.

"That's a wonderful story. They seem like remarkable beings. I used to occasionally attend Buddhist lectures back in my hometown…"

"Huhu, it seems your hometown also practices Buddhist Family Methods. I already feel a kinship."

"…"

She seems to find Tae Yeol-jeon's story quite fascinating.

"However, such a Future King is too vast a concept that it hardly appears in the methods. It's mentioned once or twice in the scriptures at most. Essentially, it's the personification of the entire Three Thousand Great Thousand Worlds itself. Therefore, what's usually mentioned in the methods are the Seven Brilliances Kings, who are practically disciples of the Future King. Among them…Tridacna Vast Cold Heavenly King…Cultivator Seo?"

Suddenly, Tae Yeol-jeon's gaze turns towards me.

Kim Yeon also notices something strange about me and asks with concern.

"Oppa, are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?"

"…."

I can't answer.

For some reason, I feel a strange sense of déjà vu.

At the same time, I feel unbearably nauseous.

'I feel like I'm going to vomit...'

Since reaching the Core Formation stage, I have never been sick or felt like this due to health reasons.

But for some inexplicable reason, I feel like I am about to throw up and feel so dizzy that I want to lie down.

I feel terrible.

I examine my body but can't find the cause at all.

My mind feels extremely sluggish.

I ponder deeply and realize when I had last felt this sense of déjà vu.

'Ah, right. It's when I vomited on the mass-produced Nether Crossing Ship during ascension...'

It's a similar feeling to that time.

Feeling like parasites are wriggling in my brain, I eventually can't endure it any longer and, with all the strength I can muster, I force the feeling of vomiting towards Seo Li.

—Main body! Main bodyyyyyyyyy!!!!!! Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!

I hear a scream of agony from Seo Li's side, but I can't afford to pay attention.

My head feels foggy and painful.

It's as if bugs have entered my brain and are causing fits of madness.

I apologize to Tae Yeol-jeon and ask,

"I'm really sorry. I feel strangely ill. May I rest a bit?"

"Ah, yes. Of course. I'll prepare a room in the monks' quarters for you."

Supported by Kim Yeon, I head to the monks' quarters of Grand Nirvana Hall, pondering.

'What in the world? That Taenghwa...'

Seeing the Taenghwa, I can't bear it any longer.

But I can't understand the reason at all.

'Main body!!!!!'

Cursing oneself is a peculiar feeling.

The present me curses the future me, and the future me curses the past me.

That's how people often curse themselves, and it always feels peculiar.

Because such cursing only happens when everything goes completely wrong.

I look at the vomit in front of me.

Who knows what Yuan Li had done to his Blood Body, but my stomach is filled with blood instead of stomach acid, so what I vomited is bright red blood.

And, I had just met Kang Min-hee after leaving the Black Ghost Valley.

Kang Min-hee is staring at me with wide eyes as I vomit in front of her.

'I'll kill you, main body.'

Of course, it's a meaningless phrase like 'I'll kill you, past me,' so it's something I just have to bear inside.

The bigger issue is that I had vomited in front of Kang Min-hee, a Grand Elder of Black Ghost Valley and a former colleague from the past.

I need to fix this.