Chương 657: Heaven's Key (5)

"O High Spirit Grand Dao Nine Heavens..."

I immediately adopt a respectful posture, praising the Naming Supreme Deity and preparing to state my purpose.

However, at that very moment—

"Enough with the empty formalities. First... you have come to find Oh Hyun-seok, haven't you?"

"Pardon? Yes, that is right, but..."

"He is currently facing a critical juncture, so it's difficult to let him out. But once he overcomes it, I will send him your way."

"Hmm, does that mean I cannot even speak with him?"

"Apologies. It is such a serious juncture that even sharing a conversation is difficult..."

"Hmm, in that case..."

"I've heard about you from the Underworld. You're looking for someone to help activate the Salt Sea Returning Dew Jade, right? I'll help you. Hahaha!"

"...?"

At those words, I do feel pleased, but I can't shake off the sense of randomness.

'Even if he was asked by the Underworld... this is too kind, isn't it?'

I feel overwhelmed by the endless, inexplicable sense of affection radiating from Hyeon Rang.

'He wasn't like this in the past life.'

I wonder if Hyeon Rang is a hidden Heavenly Venerable rank who remembers the past life, but even in my past life, my relationship with Hyeong Rang had only been that of briefly being taught how to handle ancient force. We weren't close enough for him to show such friendliness.

That fact makes me uncomfortable enough that I ask.

"May I... ask why the Supreme Deity is showing such kindness to someone like me?"

"Hahaha, what do you mean? If you are a distinguished guest specially requested by the Imperial Venerable, of course I must show kindness."

"...."

'Strange.'

Hyeon Rang's odd reaction gives me a feeling that goes as far as chilling.

Paaaatt!

Hyeon Rang Transforms from a giant god of vapor into a human.

Now appearing as a handsome young man in purple clothes with vapor-like hair, he smiles faintly and extends his hand to me.

"You seem curious why I'm being kind for no reason. Correct?"

"Yes... To be honest, I am."

"If I have to give a reason, then, I don't know either!"

"...?"

At those words, I grow even more wary.

"For some reason, I feel an unknowable, infinite affection toward you. As if... meeting a long-lost sibling. And when it comes to intuition on the level of a Supreme Deity, this absolutely is not a coincidence."

"... Pardon?"

"Our minds reside in the domain of untainted. Though we haven't formally reached Araya Consciousness, our intrinsic rank as Supreme Deity connects the depths of our unconsciousness to Araya Consciousness. In other words, our intuition touches Araya Consciousness. Such intuition tells me that you are like a sibling to me."

"...."

"So, you are truly a sibling I never knew I had. Or... a being very close to my own origin."

At those words, I instinctively realize what is happening.

Just like Hyeon Rang, ever since reaching Araya Consciousness, my own consciousness partially overlaps with it at all times.

'Because... I became aware of the Radiance Mantra?'

Instinctively, I feel that is the answer.

Because I have taken control of the Radiance Mantra that clings to me, Hyeon Rang feels affection toward me.

'If that's the case... then is Hyeon Rang also a being connected to Heuk Sa...?'

Well, I had guessed as much ever since I saw that he looked nearly identical to Hong Fan.

"When I'm with you, I get the intuition that I'll eventually find a clue related to my origin. If I explain that this is why I feel affection toward you... would that make sense?"

"... Understood. I do not know how I can be of help to the Supreme Deity... but if that is what you say, then I understand. I will gratefully accept your kindness."

In any case, I am under the protection of the Underworld in this life.

'I'm not receiving goodwill from all the Governing Immortals for no reason.'

As long as the Underworld protects me, unless the Underworld herself decides to hunt me, I am practically completely safe.

'At this point, the only real threats remaining to me are Radiance Hall and the Great Mountain Supreme Deity? Other than them, there aren't any Governing Immortals who can oppose the Underworld, so I suppose I can relax a little...'

Of course, I don't completely let down my guard.

Through Bong Myeong, I've come to experience firsthand just how terrifying an existence called a Supreme Deity can truly be.

'I must not let down my guard with Naming, either. No matter how kind he may be...'

For now, I decide to gratefully accept Hyeon Rang's goodwill.

"... In any case, I thank you for your kindness. I will make contact when the time comes."

"Very well. I, too, shall be waiting, brother."

With that, we leave Hyeon Rang's Heavenly Domain, having received his support in place of Oh Hyun-seok.

"Brother, huh? Do you have some kind of hidden birth story, Seo Eun-hyun?"

Jeon Myeong-hoon asks curiously, and I let out a bitter smile.

'Well, all of us do have our own secret birth stories, in a way.'

And so, to bring along our final comrade, Kim Yeon, we head to the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain where the Liberation Supreme Deity Bong Myeong resides.

Kugwaang!

The moment we enter the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain, I immediately feel a familiar gaze pouring down on me.

It belongs to Bong Myeong.

And the moment I perceive Bong Myeong's consciousness, I sense the laws of the Heavenly Domain begin to shift.

Paaatt!

As soon as we enter the Heavenly Domain, we are instantly teleported into the interior of a grand and extravagant palace.

Bong Myeong has invited us.

"This place is..."

"It appears to be the palace of the Liberation Supreme Deity Bong Myeong. Let's go."

I lead Jeon Myeong-hoon and Kang Min-hee through the palace corridor, heading toward the place where an immense presence can be felt.

Before long, we arrive at a massive grand hall.

Kugugugugu!

There, seated on a jade throne composed of countless mechanical components, is an enormous birdman the size of a nebula. With feathers of seven colors, the birdman gazes down at us with an imposing stare.

"We greet Your Majesty, the Liberation Supreme Deity."

As I directly face the Liberation Supreme Deity Bong Myeong, I finally come to understand the power of what it means to be a 'Supreme Deity'.

'I see... It's infinite. Perhaps because they are a newcomer among the Supreme Deities, they don't display the level of 'infinity' shown by Hyeon Mu, Kim Young-hoon, or the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, but... infinite is still infinite, even if it flows from a bucket.'

The Underworld was not exaggerating when she said that even fighting the weakest Supreme Deity, Bong Myeong, would result in my limbs being torn apart and my death.

Of course, that was before I attained Araya Consciousness.

"Welcome, Enders. What brings you suddenly to my palace?"

"... Did you not hear from the Imperial Venerable?"

"Well. I respect the Imperial Venerable, but I have become independent from them. They and I share different meanings, so I could not accompany them to the end. Did the Imperial Venerable send you to me?"

"Hm, if the Supreme Deity has not received word, then it cannot be helped. I am the Ender now under the protection of the Imperial Venerable, Seo Eun-hyun."

"I see. So you're one who has reached the standard? What is your fate?"

"I have been taught not to speak lightly of such matters, so I cannot divulge that now. In any case... the reason we have come seeking Your Majesty, the Supreme Deity, is simple."

I look up at Bong Myeong and state our purpose.

"We have heard that the Supreme Deity is currently teaching our comrade, Kim Yeon. We understand it is to help her grow her Liberation Law Talent, but her assistance is needed at this moment. So we humbly ask that the Supreme Deity release her."

I make my request as respectfully as I can, and Bong Myeong chuckles and replies.

"How strange. I'm keeping an Ender? What do you mean? While it's true I granted her Liberation, I am not the one holding her."

"Would the Supreme Deity be willing to swear on your pride as a craftsman?"

"You are impudent. Even if you are an Ender, I am still a Supreme Deity. You dare demand such an oath?"

"...."

I look at Bong Myeong, who feigns ignorance, and sigh, raising both my hands.

"Immortal Cultivation is..."

Kiiiiiiiing!

A pure white glow gathers between my hands.

At the same time, I concentrate my consciousness into the mental domain of untainted, and from above Indra's Net, I begin to directly bend the principles of the world.

"... repentant enlightenment..."

I feel it.

It's different from before.

Now that I've realized the true meaning of the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra, I can unfold the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra at its utmost completion.

The entire world.

The entire Heavenly Domain begins to respond, centered around the attraction force within my hands.

Kugugugugugu!

The principles of the world begin to twist around me.

Only then does Bong Myeong speak in a subdued tone.

"Stop! I understand. I will release the child. It was my mistake. I simply pretended not to know because the child still has more to learn."

"Like tiny grains of salt..."

But I do not stop, continuing to recite the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.

'I still don't have the confidence to fight and defeat Bong Myeong.'

That infinite power itself is something I can bear.

I am even confident in avoiding Supreme Deity-level authorities or Immortal Arts.

With Araya Consciousness, I could put up quite the fight.

But still, a Supreme Deity is a Supreme Deity.

Through Araya Consciousness, I am able to foresee that if I fight Bong Myeong, I will come out in a terrible state.

If Bong Myeong brings out their trump cards, or if their 'creations' start to act in earnest, then I won't be able to defeat them with my current strength.

'However, even if I can't win against a Supreme Deity... I can still turn the Earth Boundary Heavenly Domain into a wasteland.'

That alone would deal a fatal blow to Bong Myeong, and for a Supreme Deity at Bong Myeong's level, suffering a fatal wound could bring them down to the level of an Immortal lord, so they wouldn't want to fight me.

And even if they do want to confront me, behind me stands the Underworld.

With the Underworld protecting me, Bong Myeong, once a former servant of the Underworld, cannot dare to threaten me harshly.

"... gathering to form the sea..."

"Enough! I'll bring Kim Yeon here immediately. Stop this!"

But I still do not stop, continuing to recite the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra.

Finally, Bong Myeong admits fault and begins to beg me.

"Damn it, Ender bastard! Fine. I will pay the price for deceiving you. What do you want?"

"I would appreciate it if the Supreme Deity could teach me an Immortal Art or something of the sort."

Only then do I stop reciting the Phenomena Extinguishing Mantra and state my request.

Bong Myeong sighs and speaks again.

"What kind of Immortal Art do you want?"

"I will soon head out to the Outer Sea. I would like an Immortal Art that allows passage into the interior of Mount Sumeru from the Outer Sea."

"Huu. It's a precious Immortal Art, but I do have such a thing."

At my request, Bong Myeong sighs and gestures toward the void.

Then, something appears above Bong Myeong's hand.

It is a massive book of light.

This book, seemingly forged from the starlight of the universe, contains Immortal Arts that True Immortals personally imbued with their will.

"It is one of the Immortal Arts I obtained long ago by capturing some True Immortals from Radiance Hall. It's said to be modeled after the original authority of the Torch Candle Heavenly Lord."

"It is not an Immortal Art that borrows power from Radiance Hall, is it?"

"Definitely not. It is a kind of Immortal Art that operates using the powers of both fate and history, so what you're worried about won't happen."

"I will use it well. Now then, please return Kim Yeon."

"...."

At my words, Bong Myeong, who looks down at me for a moment, suddenly disappears from in front of my eyes.

The massive figure that had filled the jade throne vanishes, and now, only a speck of dust-like presence rests upon the throne.

Looking closely, it is Bong Myeong, who has Transformed into a human form.

Paaatt!

Arriving in front of me in that Transformation form, Bong Myeong speaks.

"I intended to show you consideration by bestowing misfortune upon you before returning your comrade. Yet you have rejected that. If your comrade becomes a misfortune, I will not be responsible."

With those words, I realize that Bong Myeong has truly cut ties with the Underworld.

"There is no need to worry. In any case, I appreciate the consideration."

I look at Bong Myeong's Transformation appearance.

Bong Myeong has pointed ears, slightly tanned skin, and long hair seemingly made of white light.

That form appears both female and male at the same time.

They wear a long robe of violet and navy blue, and chains of seven colors are wrapped around their arms, legs, and neck.

And...

Bong Myeong's face has a feeling that faintly reminds me of Buk Hyang-hwa.

Ttak!

With a snap of their fingers, Kim Yeon suddenly appears before us.

She seems a little flustered by her abrupt arrival, looks around, then meets my eyes and runs to embrace me in a hurry.

As I stroke Kim Yeon's back, I look at Bong Myeong.

"The Supreme Deity seems to have something to say."

"... You have no Immortal Title. Did the Naming Supreme Deity not give you one?"

"Hmm..."

I recall having severed the Immortal Title of Crystal Glass Being under the teachings of Hyeon Mu in the past life.

"Well, let's say that is the case."

"Judging by how you dodge the question, you must have broken it through an Ender's authority; isn't that so?"

I only smile at their words, and seeing this, Bong Myeong makes a bitter expression.

"Well done. And... I envy you. If only we too could break free from that shackle."

"Are you referring to Immortal Titles?"

"... Yes. We are all bound to the world by the shackle called Immortal Title. We are no different from livestock. Among the Governing Immortals who are not bound by an Immortal Title, there are only two: the Imperial Venerable and Gwak Am!"

They continue while brushing the chain bound around their neck.

"Only those two alone possess their own true names. If Gwak Am is the only Supreme Deity who removed their Immortal Title by their own strength... then the Imperial Venerable is one who, when the first Naming tried to bestow the name 'Yang Hwe,' rejected it with their own strength. That is why... only those two possess the right to escape Mount Sumeru."

"Mm...!"

I flinch when I realize that 'Bong Hwa,' which I thought was the Immortal Title of the Heavenly Venerable of the Underworld, is actually her true name.

"And... the same applies to all of you as well."

"... Pardon?"

"You too have chains around your necks. But they are of a different name than our Immortal Titles."

"What exactly are they?"

"Do you wish to know?"

"... I would be grateful."

"Then, in exchange, grant me one favor."

Bong Myeong extends a hand to me with a request.

"What kind of favor?"

"It is a simple one. If you promise to accept it, I will tell you the identity of the shackles that bind you all."

"... Is it something that can be handled at my level?"

"It is easier than breathing and will bring you no harm. I swear it before the Imperial Venerable."

"... Understood. I will do it. Please tell me the identity of the shackles."

At my words, Bong Myeong smiles brightly and opens their mouth.

"The [Guide]..."

"Guide...?"

"You Enders are all fated to encounter those who [guide] you into your fates. That is part of your fate itself."

"Such beings... exist?"

"Yes. That is the reason why I 'bestowed' the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent to one of your comrades, to the one known as Buk Hyang-hwa."