Chương 461: The Place The Snake Cannot Find (3)

"Is this the place called Byeokra?"

"Yes, this is Byeokra's Cheon-saek City..."

"Are you from the East? Welcome to Cheon-eum City!"

"They're saying it's Cheon-eum City."

"Ah, looks like the name has changed."

I awkwardly smile and stop the demon beast we're riding on in front of the place called 'Cheon-eum City.'

[TL/N: Cheon-saek City could mean Heavenly Colors City. Cheon-eum City could mean Heavenly Yin City.] Dududu...

The Heaven-Treading Desert is so vast that mortals cannot cross it on foot, and so it is said that those passing through the Heaven-Treading Desert ride on demon beasts that move incredibly fast in the desert.

What we rode on is a pet demon beast used for desert crossings, a Crossing-Desert Crocodile (接漠鰐), which we had stolen from a tribe in the East. It was quite useful.

"You can tie up the desert-crossing demon beast here! Oh! By the way, would you be interested in selling it?"

At Cheon-eum City, which is located at the extreme edge of Byeokra and adjacent to the Heaven-Treading Desert, one can easily see groups of demon beasts and cultivators raising these beasts.

'Most of them seem to be around the 2nd or 3rd star of the Qi Refining stage.'

After selling the Crossing-Desert Crocodile we rode on, I take a look around.

"This place dresses a bit better than those in the East."

"Haha, Myeong-hoon would be disappointed, wouldn't he? Or maybe, since there are many pale-skinned people here, he might like it even more... What do you think, Jeon Myeong-hoon?"

Kim Young-hoon marvels as he looks around Cheon-eum City, while Oh Hyun-seok chuckles and teases Jeon Myeong-hoon.

However, Jeon Myeong-hoon's reaction is unexpectedly lukewarm.

"Hmm... not really impressive."

"Hoh... really no interest at all?"

"Yeah, well... they're all pretty, but for some reason, I'm just not drawn to them... Or rather, it feels like my heart gets pricked whenever I look at a woman... something like that."

I glance at my comrades.

Even now, except for me and Seo Ran, the others haven't fully gained awareness yet.

"Hah, this brat. Is this really the same Jeon Myeong-hoon from Earth?"

"I don't know. Who knows? Maybe there's someone fated to be my wife in this world..."

As Oh Hyun-seok continues to tease him, Jeon Myeong-hoon responds as if annoyed, and I bitterly smile as I look at him.

It seems even though he's lost his memory, his feelings for Jin So-hae remain unchanged.

But for now, that isn't what's important.

I, along with my comrades, enter one of the alleys of Cheon-eum City.

In the original world, this was where White Magic Lotus used to be.

"... It's not here."

But for some reason, White Magic Lotus no longer exists.

I squint my eyes.

'This is strange.'

I have already known for a while that this world is strange, but coming to Cheon-eum City made it even more clear.

'A hundred thousand years have passed, but the buildings and even the layout of the alleys are exactly the same?'

I can accept that Ascension Path is still the same.

The fact that the language of the Eastern Manli I learned one hundred thousand years ago is the same as the current Manli's language is something I can also make sense of.

I can even somewhat understand that the power structures of the mortals, including Manli, the Great Grasslands, Shengzi, Yanguo, and Byeokra, are all still the same.

After all, such things can persist for tens of thousands of years.

But...

'Cheon-eum City and Cheon-seek City are not only identical in appearance but even the structure of the alleys is exactly the same?'

It makes no sense that the appearance of a single city would remain completely unchanged for one hundred thousand years.

'And if the city's appearance is the same, then why is White Magic Lotus missing?'

I'm confused.

I rub my forehead and leave the alley.

"Why did you go into the alley?"

"Ah... I thought I saw something, but I was mistaken."

I shake my head at Jeon Myeong-hoon's question and then go find some cultivators of Cheon-saek City cultivators to ask.

"Cheongmun Ryeong? Are you asking about the Salt Sea Master Cheongmun Ryeong?"

At my question, a cultivator at the 1st star of Qi Refining seems to think for a moment before speaking.

"Hmm, from what I recall... I think there's a rumour that they were last seen somewhere around Shengzi."

"Shengzi...? Thank you."

"Yeah, you must be trying to hear the Salt Sea Master's teachings... but be careful. There are a lot of ruffians around the Salt Sea Master, so it's easy to get into trouble."

"Ah, yes. Thank you for the advice."

After giving my thanks to the cultivator, I turn around and realize something odd.

'... What's this? A cultivator giving advice to a mortal?'

Even though Cheon-saek Cit—no, Cheon-eum City—is said to be a city where cultivators and mortals live together harmoniously, but that doesn't mean cultivators aren't arrogant.

Originally, even in the Head Realm, unless it was someone like Buk Hyang-hwa or Buk Joong-ho, the cultivators of Cheon-saek City had a subtle but prevalent tendency to look down on mortals.

In places like Eastern Manli, where manpower is scarce, there were quite a few kind cultivators, and I was treated well because my name was well-known.

However, I never expected to receive such treatment from a cultivator in Byeokra, so it's a little surprising.

Hiding my bewilderment, I set off toward Shengzi.

We arrived at Shengzi after passing through Yanguo.

Along the way, we heard quite a few rumors about Cheongmun Ryeong, making it easy to pinpoint his location.

Also, his current situation can be grasped.

'He occasionally settles in a quiet valley and gives sermons... and around him are groups of ruffians eager to become his disciples, but Cheongmun Ryeong doesn't seem to mind them much...'

It seems like his disciple is controlling the thugs and preventing them from causing trouble for Cheongmun Ryeong.

'Good. For now, let's go meet him quickly, whatever the situation may be.'

We head towards the far western edge of Shengzi, where Cheongmun Ryeong is said to reside.

Beyond Shattered Heaven Peak, towards the coast facing the archipelago region.

The westernmost coast of Shengzi.

It's famous for its clear skies and has developed through trade with ships coming from the west.

Today, the already bustling coast is even more crowded and lively.

"Hey, have you heard the rumors? Salt Sea Master is recruiting disciples."

"You mean Salt Sea Master Cheongmun Ryeong, known as the Continent's Greatest Sage and the one with the deepest enlightenment?"

"Yeah, that's right! Let's hurry to the site of the dharma assembly!"

"Tsk tsk, my friend. This isn't the first time Salt Sea Master has recruited disciples, and it won't be the last. He's always been recruiting disciples! But up until now, only one person has become his official disciple, and all the others are just followers who revere him. Recently, those followers have grown unruly and vicious, becoming known as a gang of thugs. The test is bound to be difficult, and if you fail, you might end up getting robbed by those wicked followers!"

"Bah, what are you talking about! No matter what the test is, you won't know until you try. And even if the followers are thugs, if you befriend them, you'll end up getting acquainted with a useful martial force!"

Many people, filled with dreams and hopes, gather at the location of Salt Sea Master Cheongmun Ryeong's dharma assembly.

The place where Salt Sea Master preaches is on the coast of the western extreme, atop an abandoned ship.

Salt Sea Master Cheongmun Ryeong stands atop the abandoned ship, gazing at the sky while feeling the sea breeze.

"Master, the wind is cold. Please wear something warmer."

Someone approaches from behind Cheongmun Ryeong and respectfully offers him a thick garment.

Cheongmun Ryeong smiles faintly and says,

"Judging by the wind, it seems that I might find a proper disciple today. Am-ah, perhaps you'll soon have a junior brother or sister."

[TL/N: Am is the name, -ah is the added term of endearment.] At Cheongmun Ryeong's words, the person grits their teeth ever so slightly and asks him,

"... Master, is this disciple lacking to inherit your legacy?"

"What are you saying, Am-ah? I would love for as many people as possible, including you, to understand my will. Anyone who accepts my will inherits my legacy. You are the same."

"... Understood. I will go prepare for the sermon..."

After placing the clothes they brought in front of Cheongmun Ryeong, they step back.

Cheongmun Ryeong glances at the garment left behind and gives a bitter smile.

"What am I to do with that child...?"

At the western end of Shengzi, in the Huai Sea Province.

We arrive at a place called Clear River County and hear the news that Cheongmun Ryeong's dharma assembly will soon begin.

"Is Seo Ran okay?"

"Yes, after her seizure yesterday, she gradually calmed down, and today, she's completely settled."

"Is that so...? Got it."

I thank Kim Yeon, who has been caring for Seo Ran at the inn, and decide to quickly go find Cheongmun Ryeong.

"Then, I'll be off."

After greeting Kim Young-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok, and the others, I leave the inn.

Outside the inn, Jeon Myeong-hoon is standing, adjusting his clothes.

He seems to be feeling like something is missing.

'He used to always hold Jin So-hae's hand. Now that its gone, he must be feeling that absence keenly.'

It seems that Jeon Myeong-hoon will regain his memories soon.

"What are you staring at? Hurry up and get going."

He waves at me with an irritated look on his face.

'It doesn't feel right to say anything to him now while he doesn't remember anything. Once his memory returns, I'll have to give him a good beating.'

I chuckle at Jeon Myeong-hoon's attitude and then swiftly head towards the place where Cheongmun Ryeong is said to be holding his dharma assembly.

How long have I run using Mountain Lord's Soaring Flight?

In the distance, I see a place where people are gathered in droves.

'Good. For now, I'll get as close to the front as possible and...'

Just as I'm about to move towards the front to meet Cheongmun Ryeong as quickly as possible,

"Hey, who are you?"

Cultivators at least at the 4th or 5th star of Qi Refining, and some burly men trained in martial arts block my way.

"All the regular seats for Teacher Salt Sea Master's assembly are already full. If you want to catch a glimpse of him from afar, just stand around here."

"Hmm. By any chance, how can one get the regular seats?"

"What do you mean how? It's obviously first come, first served. After the assembly, Salt Sea Master conducts a disciple recruitment test for those in the regular seats, so competition for those spots are fierce."

"First come, first served, huh...?"

I glance at the people sitting in the 'regular seats.'

They're all either wealthy or have high-level martial skills or spiritual power.

I glare at them while hearing the sound of silver coins jingling in their pockets.

"Does the great Salt Sea Master know you're selling his assembly seats for money?"

"Know? Watch your mouth. Do you think I'm your friend..."

Just as he reaches out to grab me.

Clench!

Someone grabs the thug by his clothes from behind and shoves him aside.

It's when I offer my thanks to the person.

"Haha, thank you for stepping in..."

They place their hand on my shoulder and says,

"Do not cause a scene at Master's dharma assembly."

I glance up slightly at the one who suddenly intervened to stop our quarrel.

'Quite tall.'

Their entire body is wrapped in loose rags, making it impossible to tell if they are a man or a woman. They are covered in white bandages from head to toe, leaving no skin exposed.

'Not a single bit of skin is showing. How do they breathe? And... they called him 'Master'?'

That means this person must be Cheongmun Ryeong's only disciple at present.

I grin and respectfully perform a fist and palm salute.

"Greetings, elder brother. Or... is it elder sister? I'm not sure, but anyway, I wasn't trying to cause a scene. It's just that these guys seem to be selling seats for Elder Cheongmun Ryeong's dharma assembly for money, so I..."

"You were about to rip the guy's arm off."

"..."

I pause and look at them.

The only visible part of the bandaged monster's face is their eyes.

They have small pupils, giving them a four-white-eyes look, and their sharp gaze alone makes them seem rather unsettling.

[TL/N: Four-white-eyes refers to a particular eye appearance where the whites of the eyes are visible above, below, and to both sides of the iris. Search up 사백안 on Google if you want a visual image. It basically looks like someone with their eyes wide open starting at you.]

"Do not add screams to Master's dharma assembly. If you disturb him, I will not forgive you."

Crack!

They tighten their grip on my shoulder.

'This person...'

I meet the gaze of the bandaged disciple of Cheongmun Ryeong.

'The Qi Building stage. And they mastered external martial arts to a high level, too.'

I grab their wrist and pull their hand off my shoulder.

"... Touching someone's shoulder without permission is rude, elder brother."

"I am not your senior. In any case, the seats are full, so come back next time. Now get lost."

"Haha, that won't do. I have a matter to seek Elder Cheongmun Ryeong's help with today... and I've already made up my mind to become his disciple."

"... You."

The bandaged monster's eyes twitch at my words.

It seems something about what I said made them feel displeased.

In an instant, killing intent fills their eyes.

"Scram immediately. Before I kill you."

"You told me not to add screams to your master's dharma assembly, didn't you?"

"Do you think I can't kill you without making you scream?"

I smirk and reply.

"I doubt you can."

"..."

The next moment, they kick me.

Pabang!

Despite it being just a kick, the sound of a bomb exploding echoes, and I'm suddenly sent soaring high into the sky. At the same time, spells bind me, preventing any sound from escaping.

'They mastered external martial arts to this degree? This isn't just external martial arts, it's practically a body refining method, isn't it? I see. Could it be that they have learned the Azure Heaven Creation Sect's methods?'

As I look at my body, which has been launched up to the cloud level with a single kick, I begin to take out my weapons.

Clink, clink, clink, clink!

As the bandages unwind, dozens of bizarre weapons I had brought begin scattering in the sky.

Paaatt!

I see the bandaged monster flying towards me using flying spells.

"You want to have a go...?"

Flash!

And just as I'm about to say something, They kick off the air and launch a punch towards me.

Tukwang!

I am blasted from the sky above the coastline to far away into the sea, well beyond the area where Cheongmun Ryeong is holding his dharma assembly.

"What kind of brute strength...?"

I twitch my eyes, clicking my tongue.

I remember how they kicked off the air just now.

That wasn't a step using the realm of Five Energies Converging to the Origin to read the flow of the air and step on the void.

They just kicked the air with sheer brute force to leap forward.

In that state, they used a spell to cancel the shockwave noise, producing an effect similar to air-stepping.

That is what this bandaged monster is.

Paaaatt!

The bandaged monster flies toward me.

Booong!

As they rush in and throw a punch, a shockwave explodes, splitting the nearby sea and sending waves crashing.

Kugwang!

Though I can no longer fully read the air's flow due to the absence of my consciousness domain, I, too, step on the air based on my experience and shout.

"Hey, wait! Why are you so intent on killing me?"

"One disciple is enough."

I create a pseudo-Formless Sword through the Heavenly Silkworm Controlling Ghost Art to counter their strike, feeling puzzled.

"There must be plenty of people who want to be his disciple besides me, no?"

"Sure. But someone like you seems qualified to become his disciple, so it's better to eliminate you in advance."

"What kind of dogsh—" Thinking back, it's strange.

'I was thinking about ripping that thug's arm off earlier, but I hadn't let out any killing intent. I only thought about it, and yet they noticed. And how did they know I intend to become Cheongmun Ryeong's disciple and are charging at me so confidently? Who is this person?'

Honestly, I have no idea.

There's no one that comes to mind.

As I clash with them using the Heavenly Silkworm Controlling Ghost Art, we fly over the sea.

Their attacks are so overwhelmingly aggressive that I have no choice but to be pushed back at first.

It's while I'm dodging their firsts and strikes that I notice something.

'Hm? A merchant ship?

A ship passing below suddenly appears before my eyes.

And in that moment, while I glance at the merchant ship.

"Can you not focus? Incompetent fool! Someone like you can never become Master's disciple!! Do you understand!!??"

Suddenly, the bandaged monster shouts furiously and flies straight toward the merchant ship.

I flinch in shock and shout.

"Wait! You crazy bastard..."

Kugwagwagwang!

The bandaged monster crashes directly into the merchant ship, shattering it to pieces.

I stand there, stunned, my mouth hanging open.

'Just because I glanced at the ship for a second during our fight, they destroyed the merchant ship?'

From the look in their eyes, it's clear they're not doing this to make me focus on the fight or to enjoy the battle.

It's just pure, insane behavior meant to piss me off.

I stare at the bandaged monster, unable to comprehend them at all.

And at that moment.

"S-Save... me... Urgh, gurgle..."

The crew members of the merchant ship start swimming up to the surface of the water.

Seeing them, I shout.

"Please hold on a bit! I'll deal with this lunatic and save you..."

Clink!

As I draw my treasured sword from the East, it happens.

"... Wait."

I stop focusing on the bandaged monster and snap my gaze towards the merchant ship's flag.

"... Why is that...?"

The emblem on the merchant ship's flag.

It's the national flag symbolizing the royal family of Penglai Kingdom.

I quickly launch an attack at the bandaged monster and, in that brief moment, descend to the surface of the sea and ask one of the crew members.

"You all! From where do you sail from, and who owns this vessel!?"

At my words, the sailors, clutching nearby floating debris, shout out.

"Walking on the sky... i-is it a Sir Immortal? W-We are the crew of the royal trading ship from Penglai Kingdom! We're sailors of the ship trading between Penglai Kingdom and Shengzi. The owner of this vessel is none other than Her Majesty, the great Queen of Penglai Kingdom!"

"..."

I'm too shocked to speak for a moment, but I gather my composure and ask.

"... This Penglai Kingdom you speak of. In which direction is it from Shengzi?"

The sailor points west.

"If you sail endlessly westward, you will reach the territories of our Penglai Kingdom!"

"... No, that's nonsense... If you go further west from Shengzi, all you reach is the World's End, guarded by the World Shield Force. This... this world is flat, so if you go to the end of the sea, all you'll find is the end of the world..."

As I mutter in confusion.

Tukwang!

The bandaged monster lands on the water's surface where I am.

Chwaaaaa!

A massive column of water shoots into the sky.

I barely manage to dodge it, but the sailor I had been talking to is split in half and dies instantly from the bandaged monster's attack.

The bandaged monster sneers at me and says,

"This idiot. The world is flat? Everyone knows the world is round. It's common knowledge. The country on the other side of this continent is none other than Penglai Kingdom. You fool...!"

Through them, I learn a shocking truth.

This world is connected to the world of Penglai Island.

And...

"The world... is round...?!"

Filled with confusion and terror, I look up at the sky and shout.

"T-The Head Realm is round...? That's nonsense! That... that can't be...! This world is flat!"