Chương 546: Sealing Immortal (封仙) (1)

'A... name, huh.'

I fall into thought as I hear those words.

The mention of a name suddenly brings back an old memory.

The time when Sacred Master Baek Woon tried to bestow upon me a title that didn't suit me at all.

'Back then, I threatened Baek Woon and refused, but...'

I gaze into the world of vapor before me.

'... From this being... refusal doesn't seem like an option.'

Opposition itself is impossible.

Previously, Oh Hye-seo briefly borrowed the power of this being, and I was able to overwhelm that power.

However... now that I face it directly I understand. Oh Hye-seo hadn't been able to draw out even a fragment of this being's power.

'If this being so desires... even with a mere projection rather than Their main body, They could obliterate someone like me in an instant...'

Honestly, the names presented by Hyeon Rang all feel much closer to my essence, unlike those from Baek Woon. They all feel like they truly fit me.

'If the titles she tried to give me felt like ill-fitting clothes... then the names Hyeon Rang offers feel like perfectly tailored garments. Names that could truly benefit me.'

But then, I recall Bong Myeong's warning.

True Immortals can bring us nothing but misfortune.

Even if they grant blessings to all living beings in all phenomena, To us, the Enders, To those who are the Seven Brilliances Kings designates, They can bring nothing but disaster.

That is the nature of True Immortals.

'Refusing would be the right choice. But...'

I stare into the unknowable world of vapor.

'Unlike Baek Woon, I can't even grasp a fragment of this being's will.'

There's no other choice.

This time, I'll just have to face it head-on.

:: I wish to ask the Naming Supreme Deity. If I do not accept that name, what will happen?:::: To refuse a name...:: At my words, the world of vapor stirs.

Then, a question comes from Hyeon Rang.

:: Do you know that water from above flows downwards?:::: Yes, I do.:::: Then, do you know what influence cultivators from higher realms have on those lower realms?:::: Do you mean higher realm cultivators... impact those... of lower realms?:: Paaaatt!

It's just when I ask back.

The vapor seems to part, and countless scenes flash before my eyes.

It is a scene of an Entering Nirvana True Person advancing to become a True Immortal.

The True Person advances.

Then, they advance again to become a Vestige Liberation Immortal, and once more to become an Earth Immortal.

It happens right then.

The descendants of that Earth Immortal begin to change all at once.

The authority of history becomes embedded in the blood of the descendants of the Earth Immortal, in other words, the one who advanced to become an Immortal Beast, transforming the descendants into a noble Demon Race possessing Immortal Beast True Blood.

The blood of the Earth Immortal itself becomes a living history and spiritual nature, enriching all of Heaven and Earth.

The [Path] chosen by the Earth Immortal, their domain, allows the entire universe to operate more vibrantly.

:: A cultivator who reaches the Star Shattering stage produces spiritual energy, those who reach the Sacred Vessel stage stabilize the world, and those who reach the Entering Nirvana stage establish the principles of the universe. High-level cultivators inherently aid the entire universe. Therefore, the more high-level cultivators—especially Supreme Deities at the pinnacle of cultivation—that exist, the 'easier' cultivation becomes for all.:: Kurururung!

Taiji spins before my eyes, showing me a distant scene from the past.

Living beings are advancing and facing Heavenly Tribulations.

'Th-That's... a Heavenly Tribulation...?'

Golden lightning is striking down as if it will annihilate the world.

Within that storm, several of the Demon Race burn and vanish, and only one barely manages to survive, gasping for breath.

Thunder and lightning so overwhelming that it could be believed to be a Heavenly Tribulation for the Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage.

Yet, the surviving Demon Race who underwent Transformation is only at the Nascent Soul stage.

A mere Nascent Soul demon beast faced a Heavenly Tribulation meant for the Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage.

It feels like witnessing Hong Fan's Nascent Soul advancement.

:: In the time before the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity Do Gon, everyone faced such Heavenly Tribulations. However, after Do Gon became a Supreme Deity, all living beings across the Three Thousand Great Thousand Worlds became able to face tribulations that they could endure appropriate to their respective realms.

:: In the absence of this Immortal, it was far more difficult for everyone to walk their [Path] through a fitting Immortal Title. The name of this Immortal is an unparalleled blessing to you. Receive a name from this Immortal, and walk the path of an Immortal more firmly.::::...:: The more high-level cultivators there are, the easier the path of Immortal Cultivation becomes.

Even just in the Star Shattering stage, the more Esteemed Ones exist, the more Heaven and Earth spiritual energy accumulates.

It's a reasonable statement.

But...

I am an Ender.

I cannot receive a 'gift' from a True Immortal.

:: I am grateful for the Supreme Deity's goodwill. However, I do not believe that goodwill ever comes without a price.:::: A price... If bugs were to scavenge and eat the crumbs you left behind and survive, would you demand payment from them?::::...:::: The gap between you and this Immortal is as vast as that between a bug and a human. This Immortal expects no compensation from someone as small as you.:::: Yet, even without expectation, retribution finds its way back.

Therefore, I cannot lightly accept grace from the Supreme Deity.:::: Are you saying... you can refuse this name?:: Woo-woong!

The Naming Supreme Deity brings the seven names slightly closer to me.

At that moment, I am struck by an overwhelming impulse unlike anything I've ever felt before.

It's an impulse stronger than sexual desire, stronger than hunger, stronger than the urge to sleep.

It's a [desire for a name], more intense and consuming than any other desire or yearning.

Yes, this is...

It's practically lust.

I am lusting after those names.

'I want them, I want them, I want them—no, I must have them. I must have those names. Those are names made solely for me, created by the Supreme Deity just for me...! I must have them. I must have them. I must have the name made just for me...!'

My entire body trembles.

Refusal is impossible.

I realize how foolish I've been.

This isn't a matter of defiance or resistance.

It would mean rejecting the very laws of the world itself.

Having lived my entire life with a [name], it's impossible to refuse the naming of the Owner of Names.

'I must have it. I must have it. I must...!'

And so, I— Reach out my hand, Plunge it into my own body, And begin, To [extract it].

Buduk.

Bududududuk...!

Budududuk...!

:: KUAAAAAAA!!!:: It is a [concept].

I am extracting an entire [concept] from within me.

That concept is like a [tongue] that can speak, like a precious [heart], or even like [testicles] that one cannot imagine being without.

Budududududuk...!

My scream echoes within the world of vapor, and my willpower pushes back against the vaporous world.

At the same time, I manage to partially escape the world of vapor and return to the True Immortal Realm above.

In other words, I am back under the [Black Sky].

Before my eyes lies the hazy, dream-like world of vapor that had momentarily swallowed me whole.

I extract the [desire for a name] surging within me and extend it before the Naming Supreme Deity.

:: I am certainly grateful for the grace of the Supreme Deities. However, this is my will. If the Supreme Deity's will clouds my own and compels me to choose a name driven solely by lust, I will not accept that name.:: An enraged Hyeon Rang can have me crushed immediately.

Like during the time with Blood Yin or Yeong Seung, They can leave me neither dead nor alive.

However, it cannot be helped.

This is something I do not want!

Then...

:: Ha...

:: Ha ha ha ha.

:: Ah.

:: Ha ha ha.

:: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!:: Kurururururu!

::...!!!::

'This insane...'

It feels as though the entire True Immortal Domain is shaking.

I stagger, unable to steady myself amidst the laughter of the Naming Supreme Deity.

It feels exactly as if I have become a candle before a typhoon.

:: V E R Y W E L L. I A P O L O G I Z E F O R M Y D I S C O U R T E S Y.:: Dududududu!

With that, I can feel the projection of the Naming Supreme Deity becoming more tangible before my eyes.

Ziiiiing!

At the same time, I see something glowing within the depths of that world of steam, something like the sun and the moon.

It is an [eye].

The Naming Supreme Deity is, through the projection, properly directing Their [gaze] at me.

And for some reason, I feel as though I have seen that eye somewhere before.

:: P R O V E I T.:: Kurururururu!

The authority of the Naming Supreme Deity begins to crash over me like waves.

:: I F Y O U C A N N O T P R O V E I T, I S H A L L N A M E Y O U A S I P L E A S E.:: I sit in a lotus position.

The storm of vapor sweeps over me.

My candle-like domain feels as though it could be extinguished at any moment by the authority of the Naming Supreme Deity.

However, I steel my will and recall the time when I received a plum from Cheongmun Ryeong.

Even after hundreds of days had passed, I did not spit out the plum.

Through willpower alone, I twisted [death].

Just as I did back then, I endure with my will.

The waves crash and swallow the candle.

But my flame does not go out.

The storm of vapor shakes the candle violently.

Yet my flame remains unextinguished.

Puhwak!

Just then, the hand of the Naming Supreme Deity, made of vapor, strikes down upon me.

However...

I do not collapse in the end!

Kwaaaang!

The hand of vapor strikes me and scatters.

Yet, I remain steadfast, maintaining my lotus position without bowing my back.

'Recall it.'

That moment when I did not spit out the plum.

A wave of power so immense that the likes of Qi, Soul, and Fate cannot even compare tries to trample me.

But...

I endure!

Budududududuk!!

At that moment, I feel an immense [chest pain] spreading from deep within me.

Yet, I endure.

The chest pain tortures me, but at the same time, it helps me focus my mind in this world of vapor.

And just when that chest pain gradually spreads throughout my entire body, dyeing me entirely in agony—

"Ah...!"

I let out a voice.

This pain is familiar.

The advancement Heavenly Tribulation I received from Gwak Am.

That same feeling as when I was under a Supreme Deity's gaze!

As the pain that started from my chest takes over my entire body, I finally feel my consciousness fully settling into the True Immortal Realm.

Now, the words leaving my mouth no longer feel like [will] surpassing Qi, Soul, and Fate, but exactly like the [voice] I uttered as a human.

Just when I realize that— Puhwak!

The storming world of vapor disappears in the blink of an eye.

And before me lies a humanoid mass of vapor, sitting in the same lotus position as me.

:: Have you realized it?::

"... Yes. This must be the beginning of proper Immortal Arts."

:: Excellent.:: They quietly express Their admiration, and I quietly let out a sigh.

Even after understanding Immortal Arts properly at the True Immortal rank while opposing Hyeon Rang's authority, and becoming accustomed to the True Immortal Realm, Hyeon Rang's voice still feels like hearing the will of a True Immortal as a mortal being.

:: Originally, I intended to crush you with the intent to truly kill, not to grant enlightenment... but you overcame it. Indeed, this Immortal truly wishes to grant you a name.::

"... If it's a gift, I must refu—":: What if it's not a gift, but a transaction?::

"Pardon...?"

:: I imposed a trial upon you with the intent to kill. By overcoming it, you have proven yourself as someone who can 'trade' equally with this Immortal. If you offer something of yours, I shall grant you a name you desire.:: At those words, I swallow hard.

Though I had previously refused a gift, even if it meant tearing away a part of the depths of my soul...

If it's a transaction, the situation changes.

'What immense greed I feel. That must mean the Naming Supreme Deity's [name] is unimaginably essential to the cultivation of a True Immortal.'

After much contemplation, I make my decision.

"If it's a 'transaction,' I will comply. What does the Supreme Deity desire?"

:: Offer something you consider precious. Then, I shall grant you a name.::

"... Understood."

Without hesitation, I offer what I hold in my hand.

Something that resembles a tongue, a heart, or perhaps even testicles.

A writhing thing that's formed of candle flame or glass, flies towards the being of vapor.

It is the [desire for names] that I had just extracted.

"I will accept the name, but I will not be swayed by it. Instead, please accept this."

At my words, Hyeon Rang remains silent for a moment before starting to laugh again.

:: Ha ha ha ha ha.

:: Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!:: For some reason, it is a laugh that sounds pleased.

:: Good. Take it. The name you desire...:: I reach out to one of the seven Immortal Titles that float before me.

End to Crystal Glass True Immortal.

:: That is also a fine name...:: And then, Grasping one part of that name, I immediately use an Immortal Art.

Split!

Through the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique, which has risen to the domain of Immortal Arts, the characters of [End to Crystal Glass True Immortal (終命玻瓈成眞仙)] split into seven pieces.

Among them, I do not covet anything else, only accepting the two characters 'Crystal Glass (玻瓈).'

"These two are enough."

::...:: The Naming Supreme Deity, who remains silent for a while at my behavior, lets out a clear laugh once more.

:: Excellent. Not a name given by another, but a name chosen by oneself is it... Very well. That will henceforth be your Immortal Title as a True Immortal.:: The human of vapor points a finger towards me.

The two characters seep into the place in my chest where the [desire for names] had been extracted.

:: Crystal Glass Being (玻瓈子) Seo Eun-hyun. From now on, that name will be your designation.:: Kiiiing!

At that moment, I feel something powerful settle into my mind.

Thus, I receive my Immortal Title from the Naming Supreme Deity Hyeon Rang, the progenitor of the Human Race, and finally receive my Immortal Conferment as a True Immortal.

:: What I received from you... I will plant as a seed, and when you surpass Immortal Lords, I will return it to you as a new name...:: Finished speaking, the human of vapor scatters with the wind and vanishes.

Leaving Their final words behind, the Naming Supreme Deity Hyeon Rang returns to where They originally came from.

:: Beware of the snakes. For they are after you...:: Their will carries meaning, and I instantly understand what They mean.

At the word [snakes], the meaning of [Radiance Hall] is imprinted into my mind.

'Radiance... It seems Immortals often refer to the forces of light as [snakes].'

With that, I realize something.

'Does light... symbolize [wisdom] in the Plane of Fate?'

Light is deeply connected to spiritual roots and Immortal Cultivation.

Light is wisdom itself.

Furthermore, those who directly behold higher existences often gain special constitutions or spiritual roots, enabling them to achieve rapid advancement in cultivation.

'Perhaps the reason Kim Young-hoon gained Core Formation cultivation after gazing upon the Great Mountain Supreme Deity was due to this...'

Tingle, tingle...

Shaking my head, I descend towards the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.

'First, let's gather information in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.'

Before advancing to True Immortality, Blood Yin had bathed my soul in [light], infusing wisdom into me.

That wisdom was none other than a rough overview of the power structure and information regarding the True Immortal Realm.

'Mount Sumeru... is divided between the Radiance Hall and the Underworld. In fact, except for the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, the other three Heavenly Venerables, and except for the Great Mountain Supreme Deity and the Swallowing Heaven Supreme Deity, all the other factions are allied with Radiance Hall. What a powerful faction...'

Though it seems that although the Supreme Deities and Heavenly Venerables are nominally allied, they also maintain connections with the forces of the Underworld behind the scenes, walking a delicate tightrope.

'So they're aligning themselves with whichever side offers them even the slightest greater advantage...'

I also understand what the Naming Supreme Deity meant when They said that Radiance Hall would target me.

'The problem was defeating the Northern Dipper Seven Heavenly Lords alone.'

Because of that, Radiance Hall, which had once been driven to the brink of annihilation by the Vast Cold Heavenly Lord, is now terrified and seeks to capture me.

Woo-woong!

Descending from the Plane of Fate, past the Plane of Soul, and into the Plane of Qi where the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain lies, I organize the power structure of Mount Sumeru in my mind, along with essential terminology and common knowledge necessary for a True Immortal.

'Still, thanks to Blood Yin instilling so much knowledge before departing, I've avoided the situation of being clueless about everything. So this Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain is considered a 'closed dimension' and is typically managed by the Radiance Hall, huh. Even most True Immortals cannot casually enter here. Only True Immortals affiliated with the Radiance Hall, those permitted by the Radiance Hall, the Reapers of the Underworld, and the Heavenly Venerables can enter...'

I now understand why the True Immortals who are said to often meddle with the world are nowhere to be seen in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, except for Blood Yin.

'And beyond the entrance to the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain blocked by Yang Su-jin... the Heavenly Domain directly connected to it is...'

At last, I descend fully into the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.

But the moment I arrive, I freeze in place.

'... Heavenly King Heavenly Domain. The Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain is directly connected to... only the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain...?'

The wisdom from Blood Yin had already informed me who governs the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain.

It is directly ruled by the Radiance Hall.

That's right.

Yang Su-jin blocked the entrance with his ring finger to prevent the forces of light from directly interfering with the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain.

Because of this, I had assumed that no beings from the Heavenly King Heavenly Domain would be here.

Or, at most, they would descend through projections, like the Great Sun Heavenly Lord had done previously.

But...

'Why... on earth...?'

The moment I descend into the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, I cannot move as my mind freezes upon seeing the being approaching before my eyes.

That being, who has appeared as if predicting that I would arrive in the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain on this day and this moment, is a giant god wearing a silver mask.

Radiance Eight Immortals.

Fifth Seat.

Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.

That being has come with their main body.

::... Seo Eun-hyun.:: The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord calls my name.

And...

::... How strange. I sensed that you would descend here after completing the advancement ritual.::

"...?"

The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord unfolds something in their hand.

It is my Vestige, carrying my familiar aura.

'My Vestige...! The physical body I shed... So it really did fall into the hands of the Radiance Hall...!'

:: I see. Being also of the Heart Tribe, you did not descend all the way to the Plane of Qi but are moving through the Plane of Soul. In that case, shall I visit a place worth exploring...?:: I can feel it.

The powerful greed emanating from the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.

That being covets me.

Paaat!

With a flash of silver light, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord disappears from the spot.

"... Huuuu..."

Only then do I exhale a breath filled with spiritual energy and land on a nearby planet.

An altar, seemingly prepared by someone, embraces me gently.

As I sit atop the altar, I realize what has just happened.

The Immortal Title, Crystal Glass Being, bestowed upon me by the Naming Supreme Deity Hyeon Rang, has shielded me from the gaze of light.

I have become a being who can pass through the gaze of light like crystal glass.