chpater 4

Chapter 189: The Tribe of the Earth (9)Chapter 189: The Tribe of the Earth (9)

Zing, zing, zing…

My whole body tingles.

However, this isn't the same pressure as when I had encountered [Him] before.

The being before me is a remnant will contained in a single drop of blood, and [He] was a split soul, but something feels different.

I wonder why but somehow feel that the distance between the two is different.

Somehow, this Black Dragon seems far more distant than [Him].

'Ah, is that it.'

This Black Dragon might exist in a dimension even farther away from this Bright Cold Realm than [Him].

'The lack of pressure compared to [Him] is because the main body exists in a much farther dimension.'

Of course, it's not that there's no pressure compared to [Him]. Even though this Black Dragon is nothing more than a remnant will in a drop of blood, it still exerts a pressure beyond what any Integration stage Grand Cultivator could.

It's when I'm looking at the Black Dragon.

Sssssshhh!

"...!!!"

Suddenly, my whole body, submerged in darkness, disintegrates in front of the Black Dragon.

'What is this…!?'

Even though it's not the real world but a mental world where I met with the Black Dragon's remnant will, I feel as though my body in the real world is disintegrating.

"Grrrrrgh!!"

I hold back a scream, but the Black Dragon, paying no heed, meticulously disassembles and observes the deepest parts of my body.

Bones and flesh disintegrate.

Blood and organs disintegrate.

Eventually, every single cell disintegrates.

The countless double helices sleeping within each cell, the Yin and Yang of spiritual energy rotating within my body, are laid bare before the Black Dragon.

Despite being in the mental world, my body is manifested as if it's real, and despite having reached Treading Heavens Beyond the Path and mastered the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon, I am powerless before the Black Dragon's gaze.

As the Black Dragon flips through my body, information about Yin, Yang, and double helices that it sees unfolds before my eyes as well.

'This is....'

The scene I saw when I obtained the Nascent Soul.

The scene where Yin and Yang in my body rotated, revisiting my past.

That's right.

I am seeing the scene of obtaining the Nascent Soul once more because of the Black Dragon!

'This is... my history...!!?'

Being born, growing up, entering this world...

Ascending and following Seo Hweol to reach the present, my life of about 30 years pass before my eyes.

'Huh?'

However, I notice something strange.

The usual flashbacks or scenes of life seen at the time of reaching the Nascent Soul stage included the flow of time including regression.

But the flow shown by the Black Dragon does not include regression, and my memory is cut off directly after returning from the original world to this world.

As the memories flash by, finally, the memory of entering the Serving Command Ark and facing [Him] emerges in my mind.

That's when it happens.

Fwoosh!

Suddenly, the flashback ends, and my body returns to its original state.

"...!?"

It's then that I am finally able to move within the space.

"…! Huff, huff…."

I thought I was going to die.

What on earth is going on?

'My body, disintegrated down to the genetic level?'

And those genes were traced by the yin and yang of spiritual energy, drawing double helices and showing the past.

It felt as if I had taken a glance at the history of my life.

Just then.

The Black Dragon's voice hits my ears.

[To think a mortal has accumulated two thousand years, I wondered what was going on, but you had a private meeting with ――――. Since that being does not permit looking into the past, I will stop here.]

"...? Ah...."

Apparently, after seeing the memory of meeting [Him], the Black Dragon seems to have realized something.

"Have you… read all of my memories?"

I ask the Black Dragon in the darkness before me with a trembling voice.

The Black Dragon seems to be silent for a moment, then scatters into the darkness.

The voice of the Black Dragon, dispersing in all directions, echoes throughout heaven and earth.

[I attempted to read them all, but ―― has blocked me, so I dared not read everything. What kind of mortal are you that ―― holds you in such high regard?]

'Hmm?'

I try to listen to what ―― is, but the word itself is incomprehensible.

'...A True Immortal must have done something.'

"...I apologize, but I myself do not quite understand why [He] takes an interest in me."

[Is that so… I see. However, the reason I am concerned about you is not for that. Are you currently trying to refine the true blood of Immortal Beasts?]

"...? Yes, that's correct."

[The legitimate way to refine the true blood of those who inherit the bloodline of Immortal Beasts involves first being driven into extreme environments to verify that one possesses the vitality worthy of receiving the Immortal Beast's true blood. You must have undergone this process, haven't you?]

"Yes."

I definitely underwent the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion.

[Then tell me, what was the highest level of cultivation among those who participated in that Immortal Beast Blood Fusion?]

"The Nascent Soul stage was definitely the highest."

To my recollection, participation was not possible for those above the Heavenly Being stage.

[Why do you think participation was restricted for those Heavenly Being stage and above, even though a Heavenly Being's vitality would be several times stronger than that of a Nascent Soul stage cultivator?]

"That is…"

The voice of the Black Dragon echoes from the darkness.

[A thousand years. The condition to refine and transform the true blood of an Immortal Beast is 'having lived for no more than a thousand years'. Naturally, those Nascent Soul stage cultivators who have lived for more than a thousand years cannot receive the true blood of Immortal Beasts, and the majority of Heavenly Being stage cultivators have lived even longer, thus disqualifying them.]

"...!"

[Yet, you, a mere mortal, have accumulated two thousand years. Attempting to receive the true blood while having accumulated a span of time equivalent to that of a Heavenly Being, that is an impossibility. The remnants of my will left within the Immortal Beast true blood were intended to advise those Heavenly Being cultivators who recklessly attempt to refine Immortal Beast true blood without fear....]

"So, you mean I'm not qualified?"

I ask the Black Dragon incredulously.

Because I've lived for over two thousand years, that disqualifies me from refining the true blood of Immortal Beasts?

As I'm dumbfounded, the entire darkness seems to chuckle.

[It's not that you're unqualified. Rather, you're too qualified. Cultivators above the Heavenly Being stage cannot contain the power of Immortal Beasts. If you try to add something to an already full vessel, it will only overflow.]

"...?"

[Spiritual energy is explosion. Explosion is life. All life follows the structure of Yin and Yang in the form of double helices.]

The Black Dragon continues speaking from the darkness.

[Double helices are the summary of all information and the history of the existence called life. Child, do you know why the races that grow life by exploding spiritual energy are called the Earth Tribe?]

Ugh!

Suddenly, I feel nauseous.

It was the same as when I met [Him].

'This is…'

The Black Dragon, who I thought existed in a distant dimension, is gradually 'approaching' here.

The whole world spins around me.

The Black Dragon is showing 'interest' in me.

Even though he might be in a far-off dimension, just his interest being directed at me conveyed the immense presence of that enormous being beyond the remnant will contained in the drop of blood.

Even though his main body is far away, his interest crosses dimensions, and just that interest alone is crushing my existence.

[If the heavens are fate, then earth is history. History is information, and information is life. Therefore, all those who strive towards the extreme of life are all part of the Earth Tribe.]

Their voice is gentle.

But their essence has already scattered and disappeared into darkness, and I feel as if every gene making up my body is being devoured by darkness, unable to even scream as I melt away.

I am dying, melting away with every syllable of that gentle voice.

[We, Immortal Beasts, are deities frolicking in the domains of life and history, the true representatives of the earth. Therefore, to bear our power, one must not have accumulated too much time. Because, having accumulated a lot of time means that the vessel is already sufficiently full, and attempting to infuse something new into it would likely break the vessel.]

Kugugugu!

"Ahh… Ahhh! Ahh…Ahh…."

[History is an absolute 'one'. Therefore, the power of Immortal Beasts that one being can receive is also one. Hence, child, you originally should not be able to receive my power. You have already far surpassed your own limits by accumulating years....]

Gradually, even screams sink into the darkness.

[However, precisely because you have surpassed your own limits and accumulated such time, perhaps, who knows? Let's observe once more. Can you accept my power?]

Whoooosh….

My whole body is torn apart by the darkness.

I realize I'm turning to dust, and I lose consciousness in the darkness.

"Gah…! Gahah! Gah!"

Gasp!

I suddenly open my eyes, trembling at the strange sound coming from my throat.

'Where is this?'

Right.

I had asked Gyu-ryeon to help me refine the Immortal Beast True Blood, within her domain....

"…Heok!"

I hurriedly try to get up and look around.

However, I have to slump back down due to the terrible foreign sensation in my throat.

No, not just in my throat, but terrible foreign sensations are felt all over my body.

"...!"

It's a blood-red spear!

Spears made of blood are embedded in my neck, limbs, and right above my heart and dantian.

"What, is… this…?"

Cough!

Blood spurts out with each attempt to speak.

Then, from afar, a familiar figure approaches.

It's Gyu-ryeon.

"Have you come to your senses?"

"Senior… Gyu?"

"Normally, when refining the Immortal Beast True Blood, one faces the fragments of the power of the Immortal Beast contained in the blood, causing wildness to erupt. You went so berserk that I had to restrain you within the formation."

"Ah… Thank you. Could you possibly remove them now…?"

She silently approaches me, pulling out the spears embedded in my neck, heart, and above my dantian.

Ching!

As soon as the spears are removed, a majestic energy surges and I can feel the places where the spears had been embedded healing.

'The regeneration… is on a different level…?'

I am amazed by the change in my body's condition.

This level of regeneration is something one will only expect to see in the Core Formation stage.

"Could… Could you also remove the spears in my arms and legs?"

"It's not over yet."

"Excuse me…?"

"You've just begun to experience the remnants left by the Black Dragon's power and awakened."

"What… Huh!!!"

I clench my teeth against the pain that hit me with those words.

Cold!

It's as cold as when I was thrown to the bottom of the Serving Command Ark!

This is….

"The Black Dragon governs the power of Taiyin. This is the process of melting His power into your body. Accept the Taiyin's authority, passed down from ancient times."

Fwoosh!

Gyu-ryeon's words echo.

With each word, golden life force begins flowing from the blood spears embedded in my arms and legs.

Despite feeling like I am about to freeze solid,

The blood spears drive away my cold, guiding my consciousness.

'This is, Taiyin…'

I clench my teeth, calming the rampaging yin energy throughout my body.

"Hooooooo!"

I must calm down!

Gyu-ryeon, revealing golden horns, suppresses the rampaging yin energy throughout my body, and I press down the suppressed yin energy with my will, preventing it from rampaging.

"Use the demon beast methods you've learned in that state. Guide the flow of yin and yang to embrace the Taiyin!"

'Guide the flow of yin and yang to embrace the Taiyin…'

I operate the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method, guiding the yin energy.

The yin and yang spiritual energies explode, and between those explosions, double helices are formed.

I guide the yin energy between those double helices.

The yin power seeps between the double helices, remodeling my very flesh.

Crack, crackle!

The power of the Black Dragon permeates my entire body!

Buduk, bududuk!

Black deer horns sprout on my forehead, and my teeth become sharp and jagged.

Sharp talons like those of an eagle emerges from my fingertips, and sporadically, black scales begin to appear on my skin.

"Geuaaaaahhhhhhh!"

As I yell, a dragon's roar, not a human's scream, bursts from my vocal cords.

The powerful ferocity given by the power of the Black Dragon seems to dominate my mind.

'My, my mind is….'

The roar of the Black Dragon bursts madly in my ears.

At this rate, my mind seems like it will be devoured by the Black Dragon's wildness.

No, that's not it.

'This is….'

I am facing the wildness hidden within myself.

The power of the Black Dragon seeped into me, dredging up the years of myself that spanned two thousand years.

The negative energies that had accumulated layer by layer within me over two thousand years, the desires that had been strongly suppressed, writhes madly.

'Is that how it is. The longer one lives, the more they are unable to overcome the wildness accumulated within themselves and crumble.'

I clench my teeth as I face the wildness within myself that has been exposed by the power of the Black Dragon.

If left as is, I have no idea what I might do in my insanity.

"Raaaaaaaah!"

I let out a roar.

Now, my roar is indistinguishable from that of a dragon.

The entire chamber of Gyu-ryeon's trembles, but she calmly raises golden energy.

"It's going to hurt a bit. But since you've passed through the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion, you should be able to withstand it, so don't worry."

The next moment, she lifts her foot.

Golden energy gathers in her foot.

And then, her foot brutally stomps on my skull.

"Crack!"

Without a moment to feel anything.

My skull, seized by wildness and desire, is utterly smashed by Gyu-ryeon's foot.

Boom!

The last thing I feel is my skull exploding like a watermelon being smashed before I lose consciousness.

[My power is no different from poison to you. What you will gain from that power is nothing but disaster.]

The voice of the Black Dragon faintly comes through from the darkness.

[Still, do you truly wish to accept my power? Go ahead then. I see you're the type to regret only when facing death.]

Gradually, consciousness blurs again.

In the fading consciousness, I sense that this opportunity might be the last conversation I can have with the Black Dragon in this lifetime.

'I can't, let this go.'

If I miss this opportunity, it will be no different from missing a tremendous opportunity!

Silence prevails in the darkness.

But within the silence, I sense an allowance for my question.

'Is the Black Dragon King, Hyeon Eum, born of your lineage, related to the Blood Yin Realm?'

I decide to ask the Black Dragon directly about the Black Dragon King, Hyeon Eum, and the Dragon Race.

[So that's it. Recently, that entity has been struggling after borrowing my bloodline.]

Somehow, the Black Dragon seems to find my question very amusing.

[How could someone who was a renowned judge in the Netherworld come to such a state, wriggling like a worm after falling into disgrace? There was no one who wouldn't tremble before the judge governing good and evil, but to think True Immortal ◈#■(攸好德/You Hao Te/Love of Virtue) is left as mere dregs, parasitizing on my bloodline like a worm... Ahahaha….]

Zing!

Boom!

The next moment.

As soon as I hear the name of the True Immortal, my head explodes.

There is so much more I want to ask and know from the Black Dragon.

But at that moment, everything is erased from my mind.

Those who recklessly hear the true name of a True Immortal.

Their minds cannot remain intact.

"Aaaaaaaah!"

A name contains part of one's fate.

By overhearing the name of the True Immortal, I had glimpsed into the fate of the True Immortal.

[He] erased [His] name from me, leaving no influence, but the name of the True Immortal carelessly uttered by the Black Dragon throws my mind into turmoil and chaos.

Erase it!

Erase the conversation we just had.

Erase the name I just heard.

If I don't erase it from my mind, ▒▒▒You Hao Te might peer into me.

I feel my consciousness sinking into the darkness and lose consciousness.

"...Huk."

I gasp for air and regain my consciousness.

'Just now, it felt like my head exploded….'

Right, Gyu-ryeon stomped on my head and burst it apart.

But….

'My head regenerated?'

I am still in the Qi Building stage.

Yet my head has already regenerated.

'To regenerate a head, one has to be at least in the Core Formation stage….'

Wriggle….

"...Huh?"

I move my body, startled.

Strange.

This level of energy for a Qi Building stage?

Just then.

"What…!"

The next moment, I am shocked by something inside my dantian.

'A Golden Core? No, that's not it.'

My Inner Core has evolved and grown as large as a Golden Core.

Crack, crackle….

As I move my hand, I feel the blood spears embedded in my limbs crumbling.

"What…!"

"Have you awakened?"

Gyu-ryeon, who is sitting beside me, speaks.

"It seems the true blood of the Immortal Beast has settled well."

"Heok…!"

Crack!

As I hurriedly stand up in shock, the blood spears embedded in my body crumble like pieces of cookies.

"Congratulations. Now, although not completely, you can somewhat be considered a member of our Dragon Race."

Gyu-ryeon looks at me with a sense of pride, crossing her arms.

"Ah, no, Senior Gyu… but my Inner Core, no, my Demon Core…."

"You are now in the Core Formation stage."

"Excuse me…!?"

"Occasionally, there are individuals like you. Those whose cultivation skyrockets because the power of the Immortal Beast true blood enters exceptionally well. Your Demon Core has completed its transformation into a Golden Core, so you are now in the Core Formation stage."

I am dumbfounded by the unexpected advancement in my cultivation level.

My entire body is filled with power.

At this rate, I feel like I can replicate the power of a Core Formation stage cultivator with my bare body, without using any techniques or spells.

But that isn't the end.

The power of Taiyin undulating inside seems like it can directly become a spell and scatter in all directions if I controlled it well.

'No, not a spell.'

The power of Taiyin I wield through obtaining the true blood of the Black Dragon isn't a spell.

It should rightly be called a supernatural ability.

Crunch….

As I clench my fist, a vigorous power along with yin energy gathers around me, rumbling.

'Combining the supernatural ability of the Demon Race and the spells of the Human Race, and using techniques that maximize the power of this body….'

Even with just the capabilities of the Core Formation stage, I'm not afraid of Nascent Soul cultivators at all.

As I am examining the power of my body, Gyu-ryeon points outside her cave chamber.

"Go outside to test your strength. A guest looking for you has arrived."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm quite strained holding off the guest right now, so go and properly greet them."

"Ah…."

I feel like I know who the 'guest' she mentions is.

I slowly walk outside.

Rumble, rumble, rumble!

Dark clouds cover the sky.

And familiar lightning rumbles between the clouds.

However, the lightning does not fall.

A formation depicting a golden dragon covers the entire sky above Gyu-ryeon's cave chamber, trapping the lightning within the formation, only allowing it to rumble.

'She was blocking the Heavenly Lightning from falling while I ascended to the Core Formation stage.'

Rumble, rumble!

Of course, the power raging from the heavens has become much stronger due to being blocked by someone else.

As if daring to challenge the Heavenly Tribulation with another's power is not tolerated, the power of the lightning rumbling in the sky has become greater.

But.

'Somehow, I feel like I can overcome it.'

I smile inwardly and first bow to Gyu-ryeon inside her cave.

"Thank you for your care."

"That's enough, I will now release the Heavenly Tribulation… Try out the newly acquired power of the Immortal Beast."

"Understood."

As she speaks, the formation in the sky dissipates and the lightning falls towards me.

Boom, rumble!

I refine the surging powers within me.

The Heaven Tribe methods like the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation, White Orchid Blessing Incantation, Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea, and Silica Earth Great Wall Practice.

The Earth Tribe methods like the fully demonized Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method by the Vast Cold Formula, the power of the Black Dragon, and other techniques.

And the power of the Heart Tribe, accumulated through martial arts.

There is no need to reveal the Formless Sword.

The apex of martial arts, the Formless Sword, is already integrated into all the techniques I commonly use.

Even without explicitly revealing the Formless Sword, all the trajectories unfolding from my body are under my control.

Just wielding these overflowing powers along the optimal trajectory is all that is needed.

Whoooosh!

Containing the powers of Heaven, Earth, and Heart.

'Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.'

I unleashed it towards the Heavenly Lightning.

'Flowing Ridge!'

Spiritual power and demonic power mix, amplifying the already extreme power of my flesh and launching it in the optimal trajectory towards the sky.

The force shooting towards the heavens naturally contains the energy of Taiyin, and the thrust that targets the sky transforms into the shape of a giant Black Dragon, shattering the Heavenly Lightning!

Boom and crack!

The Heavenly Lightning is shattered to pieces, and the dark clouds above it are torn apart, revealing the blue sky.

Phew….

I manage to withstand this tremendous Heavenly Lightning without directly using the Formless Sword.

Whoosh….

There is a change in my vision as well.

The Earth Tribe's vision, which until now had been limited to merely observing the flow of spiritual energy, now presents a much clearer and broader scene than before.

'This is, yin and yang…'

The sky and the earth themselves are drawing a grand Taiji.

That Taiji is space.

Just as reaching Beyond the Path to Heavens allowed me to see the essence of the heart, and learning the Heaven Tribe methods strengthened my ability to see fate. As a member of the Demon Race, reaching this realm makes the yin and yang flowing through heavens and earth appear even more macroscopically clear and definite.

I can see with the newly evolved Demon Race vision and realize.

'I have now firmly become a part of the Earth Tribe.'

Finally, following Heaven and Heart, I have successfully stepped into Earth.

I feel this truly for the first time.

Translator Notes: We got an editor! Also, I'm gonna be using Netherworld here though it also means the Underworld.

Chapter 190: The One With a Name (1)Chapter 190: The One With a Name (1)

Just as I am looking at the sky with a feeling of refreshment.

"Heavenly Rejection Phenomenon, huh. I've heard it's a very rare phenomenon. Living long enough, it seems I've got to see it myself."

Gyu-ryeon, who has approached me at some point, looks up at the sky with curiosity.

"The legend about the Heavenly Rejection Phenomenon says that those with qualities even the heavens envy receive Heavenly Tribulation earlier than others. It seems you truly are a genius worthy of the Heavenly Rejection Phenomenon."

"Haha…."

Genius….

There can't be a word less fitting for me.

"That's too generous of a praise."

"Generous? I didn't even recognize your talents at first, and it was Seo Hweol who brought you to the Demon Race. Really, some people have an eye for talent…."

Remembering Seo Hweol seems to put Gyu-ryeon in a good mood.

Her cheeks flush with a rosy hue.

I sigh quietly to myself as I watch her.

'Should I tell her….'

But no matter how much I think about it, revealing Seo Hweol's truth right away seems too cruel.

I decide to slowly reveal it over time.

"…By the way, now that you've fully refined the Black Dragon's True Blood, are you planning to return to the Sea Dragon Palace?"

"Yes, of course. When I return, I will definitely arrange for Senior Gyu and Sir Seo Hweol to meet."

"Hem hem, it's not like I must meet him… Well, um…."

Her face turns even redder as she shakes her head.

"Enough about Seo Hweol. Now that you've reached the Core Formation stage, can you return on your own?"

"Yes, of course. I remember the location of the Sea Dragon Palace well."

"Hmm, I see. Then, could you deliver a letter on your way?"

Gyu-ryeon hands me a letter folded in silk.

'This is….'

"It should be delivered to Elder Ho Yeol of the Azure Peng Race."

"Yes, I understand."

"Do you know where Ho Yeol is?"

"I can enter the 7th floor, the Life Floor of Serving Command Ark and inquire there, can't I?"

"Well, alright. As long as the letter arrives within 3 months. I'm counting on you."

"Yes, I understand."

I bow to Gyu-ryeon to express my gratitude and then take to the sky.

Woosh!

'The Flying Escape Technique of the Demon Race feels different.'

But, should I call this a Flying Escape Technique?

The Flying Escape Technique of the Heaven Tribe involves borrowing the energy of stars engraved in the Golden Core to hide in the speed of light and move quickly.

However, the Gliding Technique of the Earth Tribe amplifies life force by rotating the yin and yang energies around the body, then strengthens the flesh to run through the sky recklessly.

Unlike void stepping, it's not about stepping on the air's resistance but creating a platform of spiritual energy by manipulating the flow of yin and yang in the air and jumping on it. That's how the Demon Race flies in the sky.

'It's an efficient form of void stepping.'

Woosh, woosh, woosh!

I fly using both void stepping and the Earth Tribe's movement technique.

Void stepping reduces the consumption of power, and the Earth Tribe's Gliding Technique increases the amplification of power.

I can fly even faster with less energy.

Wo-woong, wo-woong!

Furthermore, as I draw upon the power of the Black Dragon, yin energy gathers around me, creating dark clouds.

Wo-woong!

"Ha, this is quite comfortable."

I ride on the dark clouds, moving at the same speed I was shooting through just before.

Riding the cloud technique taught by the bloodline of the Black Dragon, I continue to move forward steadily.

After inquiring about the location of the Azure Peng Race and Elder Ho Yeol's residence in the Life Floor of Serving Command Ark, I use the teleportation array there to quickly move to the residence of the Azure Peng Race.

The Azure Peng Race lives outside the territory of the Dragon Race, in a valley called Heavenly Heart Valley, and interestingly, despite being birds, they swim and live in the water below the valley.

After briefly exploring Heavenly Heart Valley,

I deliver Gyu-ryeon's letter to Elder Ho Yeol.

Elder Ho Yeol, who is at the same Four-Axis stage as Gyu-ryeon, sighs deeply after receiving my letter.

"This Earth Tribe Naming Project... Who in the world proposed such a plan?"

"…"

I remember what Seo Hweol had told me about this plan.

'A plan to identify all names within the Earth Tribe, and for those without names, to create and manage them with names…'

Since names contain fate, the plan is to read the overall fate of the Earth Tribe based on the movements of those with names.

Though the plan itself is good, I find it a bit absurd.

'All the wild beasts and birds born on the field are part of the Earth Tribe… To manage them all by giving them names?'

It's like saying we should give names to every bug by the roadside.

'Even at the very least, it's a project that will take more than 500 to 600 years.'

As I think so, Elder Ho Yeol of the Azure Peng Race sighs and speaks to me.

"By the way, what do the Dragon Race think about this foolish plan?"

"Ah…"

Is he asking me?

After a moment of thought, I only mention Seo Hweol's stance.

"I am just a low-ranking member, so I do not know much. But Sir Seo Hweol of the Sea Dragon Race, whom I serve, is actively in favor of this plan. He said it is absolutely necessary for the future of the Earth Tribe."

For some reason.

Seo Hweol had indeed shown a very positive response to this 'Entire Earth Tribe Naming Project.'

Hearing my words, Ho Yeol sighs deeply again.

"Managing the names of the entire race by one group, what could be more foolish than that? It seems they think if the Human Race can do it with their Names Registry in the Cloud Island Archipelago, the Earth Tribe can do it too, but the registry established by the Human Race in the Cloud Island Archipelago is possible because they are a single race. The Earth Tribe is not a single race but a collection of numerous demon races, and managing all their names is preposterous… Not to mention, the Earth Tribe already lacks administrative power, how much more will this plan waste…?"

"…"

Since his words are spot on, I nod along in agreement.

After listening to Ho Yeol's complaints, I stay in the Azure Peng Race Territory for a few days, getting acquainted with several of them.

Then, I slowly tour various areas of the Earth Tribe Territory and return to the Sea Dragon Palace over two months.

Swoosh—

Riding on clouds, passing mountains and rivers, I open my eyes wide towards Cloud Heart Lake, where the Sea Dragon Palace is located.

"…Wow, it's changed tremendously in the meantime."

Around Cloud Heart Lake, large coral reefs have grown.

Literally, coral reefs growing on land.

In the coral reefs, much like what I had seen in Gyu-ryeon's cotton farm, numerous slave races are working. Due to their presence, the area outside Cloud Heart Lake is quite noisy.

'Seo Hweol is starting another strange business, huh.'

I glance at the slaves briefly before trying to enter Cloud Heart Lake.

Then, my gaze inadvertently fall on the overseer managing the slaves.

The overseer, managing the slaves with stern eyes, is a bipedal goat.

"...!?"

I look again, thinking I have seen wrong, but it is still the same.

There, as the overseer managing the slaves in the coral reefs near Cloud Heart Lake, stands a bipedal goat.

'Baek Nyeong? No…'

They are goats.

Members of Baek Nyeong's race are managing the slaves in the coral reefs with whips in their hands and stern eyes.

Beautiful coral decorations are wrapped around their necks.

'…How did this happen?'

I will find out the details once I meet Seo Hweol.

I descend and as soon as I reach the barrier of the familiar Sea Dragon Palace, the expressions of the Sea Dragon Race guarding the barrier dramatically change.

"Ah, no…"

"You are…!?"

I reveal my appearance, having refined the Black Dragon's True Blood, showing off black antlers and black scales.

At that sight, the early Core Formation gatekeepers of the Sea Dragon Palace look at me with disbelief and surprise.

"The human Sir Seo Hweol brought…! Ugh, why would someone like you refine the Black Dragon's true blood…"

"If we had received the true blood, we could have become stronger…!"

I look at them and grin.

"Stop the nonsense and open the gate. A human like me needed a recommendation to participate in the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion, but Earth Tribe demons like you can freely apply as you meet all the conditions, right?"

Provoked by my taunt, they grit their teeth but open the barrier of the Sea Dragon Palace.

As soon as I enter the barrier, the space ripples around me.

Wo-woong!

Space opens, and through it, I can see Seo Hweol's office.

He is sitting comfortably and gestures for me to come in.

"Welcome, have you been well under Senior Gyu?"

I approach Seo Hweol and speak.

"Senior Gyu has been very kind, so I've enjoyed my time thoroughly."

"That's good to hear. I didn't expect refining the Black Dragon's True Blood would take this long… You might need some rest. We've built new rooms throughout the Sea Dragon Palace during the expansion. How about taking a rest in one of the new rooms?"

Seo Hweol seems to be plotting to send me to a suspicious room immediately upon my arrival.

"I finished refining the true blood in just one day. However, Senior Gyu entrusted me with delivering a letter, which led me to visit the Azure Peng Race among others, hence the delay."

I preemptively inform him that I have already made acquaintances within the Earth Tribe community, preventing any schemes.

"I hope you've formed good connections. In the path of cultivation, connections are precious. Especially for us who live long, a fleeting moment can forge a connection."

Seo Hweol designates the connections I made as fleeting, questioning if there would be any further meetings with them.

"Though brief, our camaraderie deepened, and I've arranged to meet a few of them again soon at the Serving Command Ark. Especially, many are interested in discussing the Earth Tribe Naming Project you mentioned before."

I firmly inform Seo Hweol that I made plans, preventing him from any further mischief.

"Hmm, Serving Command Ark. You're still at the Core Formation stage. Isn't it dangerous to go there?"

"After fusing with the Black Dragon's true blood and gaining the power of the mighty dragon, I believe there's nothing more in the Earth Tribe Territory that can threaten me."

He seems unwilling to allow me to leave, using my cultivation level as an excuse, but I leverage the name of the Black Dragon.

Seo Hweol chuckles and nods.

"If that's the case, then go ahead. Discussing something as important as the Entire Earth Tribe Naming Project, I'm reassured."

"…Thank you."

'Phew.'

I feel drained from the conversation with Seo Hweol.

A single slip-up can mean being confined to an unknown room, undergoing a transformation by Seo Hweol in a different manner than the Mad Lord.

'I'd rather dance barefoot on blades.'

As I internally break into a cold sweat,

"By the way, you haven't had a chance to greet him."

"…?"

"The one who caused a disturbance at Senior Gyu's farm last time. Introduce yourself."

"…!"

With a flick of his finger, Seo Hweol opens a spatial rift, and Baek Nyeong pops out.

'What's this…'

"Baek Nyeong, you've seen him last time… This is Seo Eun-hyun, one of our late-stage cultivators of our Sea Dragon Race. I hope you two get along well."

"Yes, my lord."

Baek Nyeong kneels naturally in response to Seo Hweol.

"…Is this person not from the Heart Tribe?"

"Correct."

"How come…?"

Has he brainwashed a member of the Heart Tribe?

But Baek Nyeong's intent seems normal, showing no signs of having been brainwashed.

"How? The White Goat Race, including Baek Nyeong, were enslaved and mistreated throughout the Bright Cold Realm. I used my power to buy and liberate his kin from nearby farms. Then, I made arrangements for them to live as a ruling species in the coral reefs operated by our Sea Dragon Race. Though not suitable for cultivation, making it hard for them to learn methods, they seem satisfied with their changed lives."

"…"

I look at Baek Nyeong.

Did he not see Seo Hweol's heart essence?

Or did he see it, but also saw that his people were being saved at the same time?

What is clear is that Baek Nyeong has become loyal to Seo Hweol, influenced over these few months.

I swallow.

'He knows I've manifested my heart essence.'

Did he report that to Seo Hweol?

No, it's obvious.

'There's a 100% chance he did.'

That means, Seo Hweol is aware I am from the Heart Tribe and is conversing with me knowing that fact.

What should I do?

'...Play dumb.'

"…Having acquired a revered member of the Heart Tribe, there will be no one to hinder Sir Seo Hweol's path now."

"Haha, you flatter me too much."

"Not at all, Sir Seo Hweol is surely…"

I feel it while talking to Seo Hweol.

'Seo Hweol, this guy…'

He has become even more difficult to deal with than before.

Previously, it was somewhat possible to guess his intentions as he easily leaked intent.

However, after spending a few months with Baek Nyeong, there is almost no disturbance in his emotions.

'Damn it…'

The already difficult-to-deal-with snake has become even more challenging after taking the Heart Tribe under his tail.

'But I haven't just been sightseeing these past few months.'

I made acquaintances with the Azure Peng Race among a few other races.

I formed connections unknown to Seo Hweol.

Since Seo Hweol wouldn't know whom I've met and what connections I've made, he can't treat me recklessly anymore.

'You might have thought you had me completely under control, but once I slipped through your fingers, controlling me wouldn't be easy as before.'

"By the way, did you say you're heading to the Serving Command Ark in a few days to discuss the Entire Earth Tribe Naming Project?"

"Yes."

"That's great. I'll join you."

"…Yes?"

I look at Seo Hweol, questioning.

He smiles.

"I, too, have a significant interest in the Entire Earth Tribe Naming Project."

And so, a few days pass.

Seo Hweol and I enter Serving Command Ark.

'Damn, he's a tough one to deal with.'

I think about Seo Hweol, who is smiling beside me.

'For now, he hasn't said anything about me being from the Heart Tribe. Given his nature to use anything to his advantage, he's likely keeping the fact that I'm from the Heart Tribe hidden to use when necessary.'

It seems there's no need to worry about that.

'What worries me is…'

That he is following me around, monitoring my every move.

'I did say I'd meet some of the bonds I've formed today…'

Strictly speaking, being of mere Core Formation stage cultivation, I haven't formed strong friendships with the higher-ups of other demon races.

I merely used Senior Gyu's name to barely secure a spot to attend the discussion on the Entire Earth Tribe Naming Project.

'As long as my true foundation doesn't get exposed to Seo Hweol…!'

Together with Seo Hweol, we head to the discussion meeting on the 7th floor regarding the naming project.

"Ah, you've arrived. Oh, and this must be the Sea Dragon Race's…"

"I am Seo Hweol."

"Ah, Noble Seo Hweol. Pleased to meet you, I am Ho Yeol from the Azure Peng Race."

Seo Hweol, being a Four-Axis stage dragon, easily attends the discussion due to his status.

Initially, I was supposed to watch the meeting from a far spot behind Ho Yeol, but unexpectedly, I found myself participating in the meeting right next to Seo Hweol.

'Damn it…'

I manage my expression while sitting next to him, but just the fact of being next to him makes me feel like I am going insane.

After a while, representatives from the 13 Major Earth Tribe Races, all Four-Axis stage cultivators, sit around the round table and commence the meeting.

The representative for the Dragon Race is a Black Dragon named Hyeon Chal, and Seo Hweol and I sit next to Hyeon Chal as observers.

"First of all, this foolish plan called the Entire Earth Tribe Naming Project should not exist!"

Ho Yeol, the elder of the Azure Peng Race, vehemently slams the table.

"It's a waste of administrative effort. And even then, it's doubtful whether it will show any clear effect compared to the act of the Heaven Tribe observing celestial energy!"

On the opposite side, the representative from the Supreme Tiger Race growls in response.

"While I agree it's a foolish plan, it's not useless. Whether it's necessary or not, we won't know until we try, right?"

"Does managing the names of the entire Earth Tribe seem easy to you? It won't even be properly managed!"

Ho Yeol's outcry is met with a nod of concern from the elder of the Yin Ghost Black Turtle Race.

"Although managing names might seem trivial, as you all know, names carry fate within them. What we're trying to manage is the fate of the entire Earth Tribe. Even Grand Cultivators at the Integration stage are unsure of managing the fate of their own race, so how can such a reckless plan be executed?"

"You're right, Elder of the Yin Ghost Black Turtle Tribe, names indeed contain fate. However, what we're trying to do is not to interfere with fate but to observe the flow of fate through the management of names."

Hyeon Chal from the Black Dragon Race counters the Yin Ghost Black Turtle Race elder, and the meeting is filled with heated discussions.

Seo Hweol watches the scene and smiles faintly.

"To the Dragon Race representative, may I, Seo Hweol from the Sea Dragon Race, a branch family of the Black Dragon Race, speak a word?"

When the meeting's intensity reaches its peak, Seo Hweol gently smiles and proposes to Hyeon Chal.

Hyeon Chal seems about to say something but then, suddenly furrowing his brows, allows Seo Hweol to speak.

I observe the scene, frowning.

'What, did they communicate something between them?'

It wasn't telepathy.

Nor did it seem like a spell or supernatural ability as it didn't register on any of my senses.

'Seo Hweol always had some connection with the Black Dragon Race.'

It seems to be a method only Seo Hweol and the Black Dragon Race can use.

Seo Hweol stands up, smiling gently, and looks around the assembly before speaking.

"Good day, I am Seo Hweol, the head of the Sea Dragon Race, a branch family of the Black Dragon Race. Since the atmosphere seems overheated, allow me to briefly summarize the opinions of both sides."

Seo Hweol skillfully summarizes the meeting's opposing views.

He then begins to transform the argumentative meeting into something resembling a debate-like forum.

'…Rules are being established in the meeting.'

A meeting of Four-Axis demon cultivators might seem to be a dignified affair, but the reality is different.

Every participant, relying on their brute strength and brutal instinct from a lifetime of cultivation, believe that the loudest voice and the strongest race's power are the only truths, leading to no productive discussions thus far.

However, Seo Hweol listens to both sides' claims, seemingly organizing their arguments, finding a balance between them, and uses that balance to create rules for the discussion.

"…How about we require permission from the moderator to speak from now on?"

Before long, Seo Hweol takes over the role of 'moderator' from Hyeon Chal, who was initially leading the meeting.

'…Wow.'

I quietly marvel at how Seo Hweol adeptly mediated the demon beasts' disputes and took control.

"Ah, so the opposition to the Entire Earth Tribe Naming Project feels that the plan is not worth discussing."

"That's right."

"Then, may I ask Hyeon Chal, who is aware of the Heaven Tribe's example, to speak…?"

Even after taking control, Seo Hweol doesn't use his position to express his opinions.

Instead, he gives more speaking opportunities to Hyeon Chal or those in favor of the naming project, subtly steering the discussion's atmosphere towards its favor.

Half a day passes.

"Now, the Entire Earth Tribe Naming Project has been decided to proceed under the agreement of the 13 Major Earth Tribe Races. I trust there are no objections?"

"None."

"No, I'm satisfied."

"Noble Seo's suggestion was excellent indeed. Haha, turning those who don't participate in the Naming Project into elixirs and distributing them among the races is brilliant."

Thus, the bizarre plan of the Entire Earth Tribe Naming Project was set to motion as Seo Hweol wishes.

The nauseating proposal to distribute the opposing minor demon races into elixirs or resources among the major races was also disgustingly realized by Seo Hweol.

"…I have a question, if I may."

I ask Seo Hweol as we return to the Sea Dragon Palace.

In places unseen by Seo Hweol, I had been meeting and forming agreements with demon races opposed to Seo Hweol's words, so there should no longer be any risk of being silently eliminated by Seo Hweol.

"May I boldly ask why you pushed so hard for the Entire Earth Tribe Naming Project?"

'I doubt he'll give a straight answer.'

Yet, I am curious.

What exactly is Seo Hweol aiming for with his obsession over uncovering [names]?

Seo Hweol speaks up.

"The Bright Cold Realm is predominantly made up of nameless demon beasts."

"That's right, many among the demon tribes are not born as such from the start."

"Do you know about that?"

"What are you referring to?"

Swoosh!

Seo Hweol arrives above the Sea Dragon Palace, at the sky over Cloud Heart Lake, and points to the heavens.

"There's a legend in the Bright Cold Realm."

"A legend?"

"Do you know that the name of the Bright Cold Realm wasn't originally Bright Cold (광한/光寒) but Vast Cold (광한/廣寒)?"

"Vast Cold…"

I recall the Vast Cold Jade (廣寒玉), polluting and eroding the Devil Realm with spiritual energy, and the Vast Cold Formula (廣寒訣), the basis of demon beast methods.

Both contained the name Vast Cold (廣寒).

'I didn't know the meaning of Vast Cold, but was it the old name of the Bright Cold Realm?'

"I apologize for my lack of knowledge. This is the first time I'm hearing about it."

"That's understandable. This is a legend known only to a few. Long ago, before the Blood Yin Realm and the True Devil Realm were separated... True Devil, Nether Ghost, Ancient Force, Purple Gold, and the Vast Cold Realm were all considered equal Middle Realms. However, after the Ancestor of the Dragon Race ended the war with the True Devil Realm, the Vast Cold Realm lost its ancestor and became a world coveted by the other Middle Realms."

Seo Hweol splits the space, stepping directly into his office within the Sea Dragon Palace, continuing his story.

"One day, the leaders of the Vast Cold Realm convened to discuss their dire situation. They realized that if things continue as they did, the Vast Cold Realm would be completely plundered by the other Middle Realms. So, they decided to rename the realm."

Once inside the office of the Sea Dragon Palace, Seo Hweol uses a communication artifact to call several Sea Dragons to his office.

The summoned individuals are all Nascent Soul stage elders of the Sea Dragon Race.

I stand listening to Seo Hweol's story.

"They sought a divine mandate (fate) from the heavens to bestow the Vast Cold Realm with the most auspicious name… and thus, the Vast Cold Realm was given the name Bright Cold, symbolizing [light]."

'Light?'

"Since the Bright Cold Realm was bestowed with the name [light], it has always been followed by heavenly fortune. After renaming the realm, the Bright Cold Realm became one of the strongest Middle Realms alongside the Blood Yin Realm. This is an ancient tale explaining the importance of names passed down in the Bright Cold Realm."

"…Is this the history of the Bright Cold Realm?"

"Not history, just an ancient tale passed down. Whether it's true or not isn't important. What's important is that names can interfere with fate, and having many with auspicious names is a blessing for the Earth Tribe. In short, giving good names to the countless nameless demon beasts is a duty we must fulfill as members of the Earth Tribe."

"…I see."

Lately, it's been hard to tell whether Seo Hweol's words are true or false.

After incorporating Baek Nyeong, his intent has become even more opaque.

Nor is it easy to judge by looking directly at his heart essence. Doing so feels as if my eyes would rot from the exposure.

"How about it, did that answer some of your curiosity?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Haha, I'm glad to hear that. Do come in. Oh, and since you've refined the Black Dragon's True Blood, you are rightfully a member of the Dragon Race, aren't you?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Then as a rightful member of the Dragon Race, I'll ensure your name is added to the Dragon Register."

"…Thank you."

'The Dragon Register…'

The thought of my name being engraved on the skull of the Dragon Race's ancestors feels strange.

Especially after hearing about the importance of [names], it leaves me feeling uneasy.

"Once your name is on the Dragon Register, you'll be able to officially hold office within the Sea Dragon Palace and live with dignity."

"I am deeply grateful."

After exchanging pleasantries with Seo Hweol, I leave his office.

Exiting, I glance at the Nascent Soul elders entering Seo Hweol's office.

'Seo Hweol rarely holds meetings like this…'

He always speaks to the elders or the council in public spaces.

It's unusual for him to call the elders to his private office.

'Should I listen in to what they're discussing?'

I return to my room and begin eavesdropping on Seo Hweol's conversation through a circuit.

Soon, the words exchanged in Seo Hweol's office are transmitted to me via the circuit.

"…thus, the Entire Earth Tribe Naming Project will now be undertaken across all Earth Tribe territories. Additionally, since administrative personnel will be needed for the Earth Tribe Naming Project, I will select a few administrators from the Sea Dragon Race to recommend as key figures for the project."

'There must be a hidden agenda.'

Honestly, the fairy tale-like story Seo Hweol casually shared didn't seem very believable.

It's unlikely that Seo Hweol would undertake such a public-spirited task as giving good names to the Earth Tribe to lead them to prosperity.

"Your tasks will be in places where you'll verify the [names] pouring in from across the Earth Tribe territories. There's only one thing you'll need to do."

'Now, Seo Hweol, what exactly are you scheming?'

Seo Hweol's words continue.

"Find those with the characters for cause (In/因) and connection (Yeon/緣) in their names."

'Cause and connection?'

What exactly does he want?

"Let me specify the conditions one by one. The names will contain both In (cause/因) and Yeon (connection/緣), one character each. Those bearing these names will live close to each other and if the races have genders, the owners of the names will be divided into male and female."

'…'

Why does this feel familiar?

Hearing Seo Hweol's criteria somehow evokes a sense of déjà vu.

"These individuals are 'fated' to be born near each other, 'fated' to stay close to one another, 'fated' to fall in love, and also 'fated' to die on the same day."

'…Wait.'

As I listen to Seo Hweol's explanation, a certain couple crosses my mind.

"These beings are... uniquely fated individuals, highly likely to be couples or lovers. If you find such individuals, bring their records to me. Even records from thousands of years ago stating the existence of such individuals will suffice. They are 'fated' to reincarnate continuously, repeating their fate eternally. If you find any records, make sure to bring them to me."

'…'

Why is it?

Though it seems improbable, I can't help but think that the ones Seo Hweol is searching for are the ones I know.

"Everything is for the prosperity of our Sea Dragon Race… If you follow me this time, as you did in the Head Realm, prosperity will follow us."