Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 103

The Immortals saw Pachaen off with a few simple words of advice.

“Once you enter, there will be someone to greet you. Whether you gain or not depends on your efforts. I hope you obtain what you desire.” Pachaen pondered what he desired. He thought deeply about what he needed to gain, but nothing immediately came to mind.

To acquire the minimum power to protect himself on his journey to obtain the light. That was the only wish he had at the moment. Pachaen looked at the empty space where the Immortals had been, took a deep breath, renewed his resolve, and turned around.

“I’ll find out when I try.” He decided to put aside his doubts. The smooth surface of the door, like clear water, was chillingly cold. It felt as if his hand would stick to it and not come off if he touched it.

He pushed with force, but it didn’t budge. He put his weight into it and pushed hard again with both hands. Yet, it remained immovable. He was facing an obstacle right from the start.

“Does it even open?” Considering the Immortals hadn’t mentioned anything special, opening the door shouldn’t have been difficult.

“But the fact that the door isn’t opening means… right, that’s it.” Habits are indeed terrifying. It wasn’t easy to deny the things he had taken for granted until now. No, it was almost impossible.

Using mental will, not physical strength, to generate physical power was, when he thought about it, a very tricky and cumbersome thing. If it was always like this, especially in a life-or-death situation, and he panicked like this, the end would come too easily. Instead of bringing back the light, he might end his life, his fate, and his purpose in some unknown, strange place.

“Get a grip. From now on, you’re on your own. Even a small mistake can be fatal.” Pachaen gave himself a strong suggestion again. He tried to cast a spell, telling himself that he was opening the door just like he had rolled the bead with his will.

Slipping open smoothly like ice, the door opened. Pachaen, feeling a bit deflated at how easily it opened, looked inside.

He cautiously stepped inside, staring intently ahead. The new space that greeted him, as if time had frozen, showed no sign of movement. The only sound was his own soft breathing. The entire scene was white, giving the illusion of stepping onto a white snowfield.

Hanging down in the center and swaying its branches was an unknown life form. It was a tree. But even though it looked like a tree, he couldn’t be sure if it truly was one. Pachaen carefully circled it, waiting for someone to respond to his arrival.

“Is anyone there?” “Welcome, Pachaen.” Pachaen was startled by the unexpected reply. He turned his head this way and that, trying to find the source of the voice. But he saw nothing. There was still only him and the tree.

‘Then… did that tree speak? No way… it can’t be.’ He shook his head and spoke again.

“Where are you?” “I am in front of you, Pachaen.” Was that really the case? The situation of a tree speaking was something that could never happen. The knowledge he had gained through long experience, something that shouldn’t be broken or even questioned, made him jump to that conclusion. It was still rolling along with inertia. Pachaen scolded himself for that firmly established knowledge. And then, he looked at the tree again.

“Did… did you speak?” “Were you surprised?” “A little…” “I have been waiting for you here for a long time, Pachaen. I am very happy to see you again.” Pachaen was so busy calming his surprised heart at the fact that the tree was speaking that he didn’t think about the meaning. The tree had clearly said it was happy to see him again, hadn’t it? It was something to keep an eye on.

“I have one question. What is this place, and what am I supposed to do here?” “What you need to do is spend some time with me here.” The branches, reminiscent of a weeping willow, were covered in white snowflakes. Every time a sound came out, the branches swayed. Pachaen didn’t know how to respond, so he paused for a moment and waited.

“I am called Muyeon. Please sit down beneath me.” He decided to put aside his questions for now and do as he was told. He sat down in front of the trunk, which was more than an armful in diameter.

“Calm your mind and do as I say. This place reflects your thoughts as they are. You will be able to resolve some of the questions and your own shortcomings that may arise during your journey. One of the three Great Needles currently inside your head is a part of my root. Focusing will allow you to have a spiritual connection with me.” Pachaen calmed his mind and closed his eyes. Questions about how this was possible kept popping up, but he had to suppress them. If he was to gain something here, no matter what this place was, he thought it was best to focus on that.

He knew his own shortcomings very well. The pressure to gain even the smallest thing was the driving force that kept him focused.

Muyeon’s words echoed from within his heart, as if they were sounds resonating from his soul. He focused and concentrated repeatedly, not wanting to miss a single word.

“Imagine your own appearance.” It wasn’t difficult. A clearer image than he expected appeared in his mind. It was as if he was looking at himself from a distance. It was a new experience.

“Imagine the energy at the center of your body. Feel the energy rushing in from all directions at the same time. Do you see it?” His body spun around and was drawn in detail in his mind. It was more detailed and clearer than what he could see with his eyes. Pachaen saw a red energy, like a blood vessel, running through the center of his body. He also saw blue energies from all directions confronting and opposing it.

‘What are those things?’ “What do you see in your head?” “I see three small, thin blue rods.” “What you have inside your body is your suppressed Primaz [a fundamental spiritual energy], and the energies outside are the original Primaz of the universe. The three Great Needles are spiritual objects made using the original Primaz, and they function to connect the two. As the amount used increases, the Great Needles melt from the inside and gradually become smaller. Eventually, they will all melt away, and at that moment, the suppressed internal Primaz will explode.” “Then… what happens?” “…” “Do I completely disappear?” “Yes. As far as I know…” Pachaen was in shock for a moment and couldn’t recover. It wasn’t just because the Immortals had deceived him. He was saddened by the miserable fate that awaited him.

‘Disappearance. Is it disappearance? Not the death of the body, but complete disappearance. If I keep using the Primaz, eventually…’ But he couldn’t be afraid of that and do nothing.

“Therefore, you must achieve what you desire before the Great Needles completely melt.” In the end, the Great Needles were placed in Pachaen’s head for two purposes. One was to resonate with the Primaz, and the other was to suppress the erupting Primaz. If everything went smoothly as Muyeon said, he would be safe.

But how could he be sure of that? Pachaen was clearly seeing it. The enormous energies that filled his entire body and were fiercely boiling. It was a new form of energy that he had never felt before in his life.

The very basic operation of Primaz, such as moving with will and moving objects, and the influence of the Great Needles embedded in his head, had triggered the latent Primaz. It was a spectacle, like watching a dragon rising.

‘Was such a great power writhing inside my small body?’ “The Primaz that is constantly moving inside you is very unstable. This also means that it has a high potential for danger. You must stabilize the Primaz and be able to control it freely with your will. Currently, because you have a physical body, the Primaz is linked to your will, but it is also easily swayed by your emotions. Especially anger can be fatal. Calm your mind. I will help you.” Pachaen felt a cool, refreshing energy penetrating his body from the outside. Even though it was actually penetrating his skin and entering his body, he felt no pain at all. Muyeon’s numerous branches penetrated Pachaen’s entire body densely and deeply. Gradually, Pachaen was taken aback by the feeling that his whole body was burning like a fire.

“Why, why is my body like this?” “Feel the movement of the Primaz.” Muyeon remained calm despite Pachaen’s urgent cry. Although he could see it, he couldn’t feel the substance of the power. What he saw was also clear, but it was only an image reflected in his mind, not something visible to the eye.

“I don’t feel anything.” “That’s to be expected. Logically, it’s like asking a newborn baby to run. Unfortunately, you don’t have the time to overcome the current situation step by step. I will help you, so focus more. Anything is fine. Think of what you value most. It will help.” ‘If it’s what I value most… what I value most is Seolran and my two children. I want to… see them.’ As he thought of them, he felt a severe thirst. But it was a strange thing. The higher the wave of longing, the stronger his will became.

Pachaen wanted to see them so badly. He wanted to feel their warm body temperature again. He wanted to make eye contact and talk to them. Eventually, Pachaen’s thoughts led to Lucifer, who had caused the current situation, and this made Pachaen go against the river of anger.

The miserable deaths of his subordinates drove him into a frenzy. At that moment, Pachaen could clearly see the Primaz surging violently. The movement was so rough that he himself felt uneasy. The anxiety that it would burst through his skin was completely unfounded, but Pachaen did not have the knowledge to discern such things rationally.

“Subdue your anger. It doesn’t help at all. Sometimes it increases your combat power, but in the end, it ruins you. Especially in your case.” At Muyeon’s words, Pachaen twisted the reins of his emotions, which were rising endlessly. It didn’t cool down immediately, but it became somewhat calmer.

“If you think about it, this is also based on the method of controlling the mind. Will is ultimately rooted in the mind, so the beginning is from there.

The mind is the source where the seeds of desire sprout, and it is also the place where the will to control desire arises. The will of a being is insignificant compared to the entire universe, but pure will is strong enough to penetrate the universe in an instant.

If you can control your mind, there is no need to further refine the Primaz. The commonality of the perfect beings in history is that they have completely subdued their minds. They were considered perfect as humans, and all the spirits called them teachers.

Neither Metatron nor Lucifer could tempt or bring them to their knees. The mind is the only rope that leads to God. The mind resembles the universe. Within it, all forms are created and destinies are determined. All harmony begins and ends within it.” He couldn’t dismiss it as nonsense. The endless repetition. The words Pachaen had heard so many times were all similar. He had heard them from different people, seen them in different books, and realized them in different situations, but their meaning was connected as one.

‘It starts in the mind and ends in the mind. The mind is the universe. The mind is the only path that leads to God. Yes, in the end, all humans, all spirits, are in the process of becoming God. This is not given freely, but is gradually achieved through countless years of patient effort.

There is God in the mind, there is a path in the mind, and in the midst of it is the true me. I must open my eyes. Time and space change, but what does not change is in the mind. It is initially closed and invisible, but you must grasp what is clearly real. To reach that path, you must first… empty yourself. When you empty yourself, you can obtain the shining pure crystal within, and at that moment, you will be closer to the path of perfection.’ Pachaen had wondered if it was possible to completely empty himself. During the ten years he had secluded himself on Mount Tai after suppressing the rebellion of the Ilwol Church [a fictional religious group], he thought he had grown quite a bit and had taken a step closer to an immovable mind that would not be shaken by any difficulties.

But the result was not so. In the face of the pain, misfortune, and death of his loved ones, he had to naturally accept his own anger.

‘Emptying and filling are the same. Whether you fill it to the brim or leave it empty, it leads to the same result. But filling is more difficult. So the only way is to empty it. The first step to properly controlling the mind is to see well, know well, and judge well.

The mind is also me. If I can look at myself from afar, if I can evaluate myself objectively, if I can distinguish between right and wrong and empty what needs to be emptied and fill what needs to be filled, then the mind will gradually be overcome. But… is that really possible?’ Pachaen’s thoughts were also the concerns of all spirits. The journey to perfection was considered impossible for most spirits, a place that could never be reached. That is why there is an outpouring of those who are disappointed, frustrated, and give up. But it was a path that had to be taken. This was the destiny of all existing beings.

‘It’s not so urgent when you’re living in the present. This is because you don’t know. But when you die and become a spirit, when you become a being of the spirit realm and realize the path you must take, you burden yourself with terrible pain.

A weight that cannot be endured. Those who wanted to belong to the Demon Realm are those who have given up on this path. Is it just them? Most spirits may also be wasting time in a state of self-abandonment. What I need to gain now is not to reach this perfection. It is merely a part of the training for this, as it is the nature of the Primaz. Any more than that is actually greed.’ Pachaen found himself wavering amidst the endless stream of thoughts. He felt rather relieved at his own helplessness.

‘Okay, I’m starting anew. I’m going to throw away everything I’ve had until now and jump out naked. Let’s acknowledge the current me, who is the most behind, weak, and lacking. But let’s trust that there is a great potential hidden within me that can reverse all these situations in an instant.

They said everything is in the mind. There is a clear reason why the perfect beings had to live their last lives in the form of the weakest and most foolish humans, and in this regard, I have even greater potential than other outstanding spirits. Yes, let’s believe it. Let’s believe in myself. Now that I have nothing to lose, what is there to fear if I cut off my attachments?’ As he thought this, he felt a sense of relief. A smile began to form on Pachaen’s lips. But Pachaen didn’t notice his own change at all. Even amidst this, Muyeon’s words continued.

“Now, slowly start introducing the external Primaz. Even if you can’t feel it, have faith and think that you are filling your body. Continue without stopping until they meet, mix, and naturally start to move. Endless patience is what will allow you to obtain what you desire. There is no other way.” Pachaen faithfully followed his instructions. No change was detected. But as Muyeon said, he had faith.

Pachaen sat there in an unmoving posture, without getting tired. He was so focused that it seemed nothing could break his concentration, forgetting the passage of time.

There were those who were watching him and Muyeon with quiet gazes. They were Neoul, Gaksi, and a young, handsome man with a clean face. Neoul spoke politely, looking at the person next to him.

“What do you think? Will Pachaen be able to gain something?” “It’s impossible to know.” It was a voice as clean as his appearance. He was a cultivator of the Infinite Realm [a high-level spiritual domain], wearing blue robes. Neoul opened his mouth.

“He’s a fellow I can’t figure out. He’s like this, then he’s like that, and then he shows another side.” “That’s to be expected. That’s who he is. He seems rough and clumsy, but in fact, he has a cleaner and purer heart than anyone else. His greatest strength is that once he makes a decision, he has such a strong will that he will never bend. Perhaps that’s why he was chosen.” “Does Ananda, who is a party to the secret contract, not know about Pachaen’s past life?” “Yes, I don’t know either. In fact, the reason I participated in this and was included among the seven spirits was because I agreed with the proposer’s intention. So far, none of his predictions have been wrong. Our mission is to protect him to the end of the Infinite Realm. I don’t know what will happen after that.” “Hmm… I don’t understand at all. Is Pachaen’s value so great that a famous cultivator of the Infinite Realm like Ananda has to be a mere helper? And who is the proposer that makes even the Heavenly Lords of the Celestial Realm and the Old Lord of the Immortal Realm agree? It’s beyond me.” Ananda replied with a refreshing smile.

Ananda.

There are not many spirits who do not know this name. No matter how vast the Infinite Realm is and how many spirits there are, there are those who hold a special position among them, and they are the cultivators.

The backgrounds of the cultivators were diverse. They included Arhats [enlightened beings] from the Celestial Realm, spirit entities from the Ghost Realm, Immortals from the Immortal Realm, the powerful seven tribes of the Infinite Realm, and even those from the Demon Realm. They were not bound to any one place and freely roamed the various dimensional realms, except for the Demon Realm.

They were essentially high-level spirits, renowned sages, and undeniably powerful. This special status was naturally acquired through the recognition of other spirits. Even the Heavenly Demon, Ramires, who had left the Demon Realm, was a cultivator before coming to Pachaen.

“Ananda,” Gaksi began, gazing intently at Ananda.

“Speak,” Ananda replied.

“Who are the other five spirits who are parties to the secret contract?”

“I do not know either. I only know that Ramires is included. Other than that…” In truth, Ananda knew but could not reveal the information. However, it was also true that he did not know everything.

“Anyway, this journey doesn’t seem like it will be too difficult. If high-level spirits like Ananda and Ramires are accompanying us, it should be much easier,” Neoul said with certainty. Ananda slowly shook his head.

“That is not the case. Just as our preparations are thorough, so too will be theirs. Moreover, we are exposed, while the enemies hidden in the shadows are unknown. Another issue is that no one knows who the spirits involved in this are, except for Ramires and myself. For this reason, we cannot rule out the possibility of an enemy being among our group. Not being able to distinguish friend from foe creates a high potential for chaos.”

“Ah… I see your point. By the way, I heard that the Arhats dispatched from the Celestial Realm will arrive soon. In my opinion, if they, our Immortals, and the spirits of the Seven Stars all join forces, most enemies will be intimidated. Even if Pachaen is a burden, this journey will surely succeed. It must.”

“It must,” Ananda replied. Despite Neoul’s confident tone, Ananda’s expression remained unchanged. His gaze never left Pachaen for even a moment.

“Just as it began, the key is ultimately connected to Pachaen. Whether the Demon Realm’s uprising ends as a rebellion or is remembered as a revolution.”

“A revolution… Is that even possible?” Neoul felt a strange sense of discord with Ananda’s words and reacted against them. Gaksi chuckled lightly at Neoul’s reaction.

“History is kind to the victors. Moreover, this attempt by the Demon Realm isn’t limited to the spirit realm. If their complete rejection of the gods and the existing order bears fruit in any way… it might be called a revolution. If that happens, those on the opposite side will have nowhere to stand… and the universe will be reorganized around them. Those who are weighing their options will side with the heavier weight. The outcome will be decided more quickly.”

“Surely not…”

“We must do our best. If we are to be coldly realistic, our chances of winning are not very high if the Heavenly Palace does not intervene until the end.” Neoul strongly objected to Ananda’s despairing tone.

“Isn’t that because of the division on our side? If that were resolved, would the Demon Realm even dare to attempt this?”

“Perhaps, but Metatron is at the center of that division, so it won’t be easy.”

“Hmm.” Neoul pursed his lips and fell silent.

Pachaen, having absorbed the branches of Muyeon into his body, was in a state of suspended animation. However, his consciousness was clearer and more distinct than ever before. The flow continued ceaselessly, giving rise to countless forms.

He was experiencing something new in a space created by his consciousness, a space that felt real. The illusionary world created by his will had the effect of allowing him to experience various types of battles that could occur in reality. It was the result of Muyeon’s help.

The spirits watching him did not know the specifics of what Pachaen was experiencing. Furthermore, they could not judge how much it would help in actual combat. What they did know was that all of this had been prearranged and would transform Pachaen in some way. In this context, Ananda’s words were significant.

“Those who have fallen to the bottom have their gaze directed upwards. They will either rise again or remain where they are… Pachaen has a great desire to achieve his goals. It might be good to look forward to his transformation.”

The center of the courtyard was surrounded by tall towers arranged in a circle. In between them was a large open space. The once empty plaza had gradually filled with small, low-rise buildings, until it was so crowded that it was hard to find any open space.

The single-story buildings, facing each other or standing side by side, were built in a simple, monotonous style compared to the other unique towers. However, their purpose was anything but ordinary.

Initially, they were valued as rest areas for travelers journeying through the spirit realm. While they still served that purpose, it was also true that they were being used for other purposes. Surprisingly, the heart of the courtyard was occupied by taverns.

Many spirits were moving about the streets. Today, more spirits than usual had gathered in the courtyard, and they were all moving more busily. This was something that only spirits who had resided here for a long time could easily discern. There were two figures closely observing the movements of the spirits coming and going.

“There seems to be an unusual atmosphere,” Bansallet said. He knew why the recent atmosphere of the courtyard had changed, but until recently, he hadn’t paid much attention to it. No matter how he looked at it, he thought it had nothing to do with him. But now, the situation was different.

“Lachio, were you really thinking of getting involved in this? You weren’t joking?”

“I… don’t say things twice. You don’t have to get involved if you don’t want to,” Lachio muttered curtly, which was enough to infuriate Bansallet.

“Is that something you should say to me? Forget it. If I’m doing something dangerous, can you just stand by and do nothing? We’re friends. Honestly, I want to stop you, but if you do it, I’ll do it too. So don’t say that again.” Lachio stared at Bansallet for a moment at the word ‘friend,’ which Bansallet emphasized so strongly.

“Then follow me.” Lachio said briefly, turning his back and walking ahead.

Behind him, Bansallet sighed deeply. He hadn’t expected words like ‘thank you’ or ‘we really are friends.’ But as always, Lachio’s unchangingly cold attitude left him speechless every time.

“Well, who could stop you?” Bansallet, following Lachio, was not at ease. This was no ordinary matter! His mind was filled with the thought that he had to stop him this time. An instinctive sense of danger was flashing and warning him. But this time too, he was silently following, and he felt pathetic for doing so.

Lachio and Bansallet entered a tavern. Their purpose was not to drink. The two sat facing each other at a table and slowly looked around. The tavern was filled with the tension and heat emanating from the spirits. They were always laughing, chatting, and drinking, but they looked different from before.

There are several reasons why people drink. The same goes for spirits. They also drink when they are happy, when they are sad, when they need a serious conversation, or when they want to meet someone new.

The spirits drank only one kind of alcohol. No matter where you go in the spirit realm, there is only this one type of alcohol. It is made by cutting only the very ends of the roots of the Horup tree, extracting the juice, and aging it for a long time. It is called ‘Burr,’ meaning ‘the joy of oblivion.’

Spirits can live without eating anything. Only some of the spirits drink Burr. Drinking Burr is sometimes seen as giving up the pursuit of becoming a complete being. The fact that the tavern, a place for drinking Burr, was located in the center of the Immortal Realm’s courtyard was somewhat incongruous.

Today, as always, the tavern was filled with the worries of the spirits. Bansallet looked at the Burr that Lachio was bringing and recalled the words of Kapo, a cultivator who had once caused a stir in the central region of the Infinite Realm. He began to mutter, a little louder so that the surrounding spirits could hear.

“There are those who carve out their own flesh and squeeze out their blood, dying day by day. Warriors, hunters, and sorcerers. They drink Burr and enjoy themselves, but their minds rot and are carved out every day.

Regression is their only pride, and violence is their only way of expressing themselves. Those who wish to become complete beings should try to avoid meeting them as much as possible, and should never choose to associate with them, even in their dreams.” Lachio, who was about to sit down, flinched at Bansallet’s muttering.

Thump. Lachio slammed the Burr down in front of Bansallet, his face contorted. Kapo was the person he hated the most, and he had habitually said, ‘Someday, I’ll open up that arrogant bastard’s head.’ So this reaction was natural.

Lachio’s eyes also reflected his displeasure. It was a reproachful look, asking why he was suddenly spouting the thoughtless words of such a figure.

“I don’t want to admit it, but… it’s true… what he said…” Bansallet enjoyed the bitter taste of the Burr and wiped the spilled alcohol from his lips with the back of his hand. Just then, a loud voice rang out from behind Bansallet.

“You crazy bastard! You’re opening your mouth and drinking Burr in a tavern, and yet you dare to say such things.” Bansallet reflexively turned his head towards the source of the voice. Only after confirming who had caught his eye did he slowly relax.

“It was you, Boomba. I don’t particularly like Kapo either, but… the things he said are undeniable truths.” Boomba stood up his large body and strode over. He bent down towards Lachio and Bansallet, placing his hairy arm on the table with a grin.

“Bansallet, you’ve become refined since you stopped hunting. You’re imitating the words of the noble cultivators.” Even in the midst of this, Bansallet’s hand and mouth did not stop filling his body with Burr. Everyone was watching the strange tension between the two spirits with interest. Whether he knew it or not, Bansallet leaned back and made absurd remarks.

“This taste is truly exquisite. It’s an irresistible temptation, so even if I were to disappear right now, how could I refuse its touch? Kapo is, in a way, a very unfortunate figure. Don’t you think so, Boomba?” Bansallet’s eyes, slightly raised, flashed sharply for a moment. Boomba had slightly softened his initial aggressive attitude, but he still seemed to want to save face.

“Lachio, Bansallet. It’s fine that you’re not leaving this place and are loitering around, but… let me give you some advice. The reason you’ve been objects of fear among the spirits of the courtyard is purely because of luck.

It’s very unfortunate, but your era is over. So, you should accept this and give up the idea of interfering in everything.

No matter how courageous and experienced you are as veteran warriors and hunters, we have the numbers. This matter has already been entrusted to the respected Shuteure. Also, let me advise you that the Byrom, the largest warrior group in the southern region, has declared their preemption. Knowing your place will be good for your well-being.” Lachio flinched at the mention of Byrom. He asked Boomba with a slightly cautious attitude.

“Is it true that Byrom… has stepped in?”

“You didn’t know yet? Ah, now that I think about it, you were once part of Byrom, weren’t you? Then you know better than anyone how terrifying they are.”

“What, what is it?”

“Byrom shouldn’t have the spare capacity to worry about external matters… That’s strange. The war hasn’t ended yet, and their enemies aren’t easy to deal with, so why are they turning their attention elsewhere? Moreover, I don’t think the core forces that were dispatched have returned yet.

No matter how I think about it, it’s hard to take your words at face value. And, Byrom isn’t as great a warrior group as you think. They may be loud in the southern region, but if you put them in the central region, they’d be dismantled overnight.” Bansallet chimed in, agreeing with Lachio’s words.

“Now that I think about it, that’s right. Then what is it? Is this big, empty-headed guy trying to deceive us, and on top of that, is he threatening or blackmailing us?”

“You, you done talking?”

“Boomba!” Lachio’s calm voice sounded eerie, depending on how you heard it. Boomba instantly regretted why he had confidently stepped forward in front of these troublesome guys.

“If you’re relying on those friends who are watching us with interest, you’re mistaken. No one will help you in your crisis. At least, not those who know even a little about me, Lachio. How about it? It’s not too late, so why don’t you get your smelly body out of here?” Boomba knew well that those words were a clear warning to him.

A day earlier, he would never have done anything as reckless as this. It was only because Shuteure, whom he served as master, had brought in a large number of warriors that he was feeling so confident now.

He was stuck on the idea that if he backed down now, his face would be severely damaged. But honestly, he wanted to retreat as if nothing had happened. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place when a hand reached out to save him from his crisis.

“It seems like you’re having fun with something that’s not a big deal. I can’t understand you at all. Why is everyone so worked up over a human kid who barely managed to survive and crawl in here? Everyone is overreacting. If you’re expecting some kind of change, isn’t that a foolish hope…” Lachio remained calm, but Bansallet’s forehead was deeply furrowed.

“Lachio, isn’t that right? It’s already a given that the Demon Realm has destroyed the human realm… and it’s obvious to anyone who isn’t a fool that they’ll soon move to unify the spirit realm. Nevertheless, no one is taking this seriously.

Isn’t that strange? Well, maybe they’re too rotten to have hope… Even if they unite their strength, it’s questionable whether they can overcome the crisis, but they’re clinging to their own interests and ignoring the immediate danger…

You guys are the same. In this time of upheaval, you’re all so focused on satisfying your own desires, it’s pathetic. It would be wiser to run away. Well, there’s nowhere to run, though…” Bansallet laughed heartily, his lungs filled with air. It was a clear sneer. And then he slowly opened his mouth.

“Don’t act like you’re so great when you’re the same. You may have once been a guide for the cultivator Bangol, but what are you now! You’ve squandered all the Ludin [a type of currency or resource] you gathered back then and are wandering around, trying to find another opportunity, aren’t you? Can you deny it, Luca!” Luca surprisingly agreed.

“Yes, you’re right. I’m currently contracted as a guide for Shuteure, and I hope to become a guide for a cultivator again someday. But you know what? I’ve been thinking. What’s the point of all this once the Demon Realm’s invasion begins?

I felt that even more strongly as I traveled through the central region. The Demon Realm’s influence in the central region proves that the time is not far off. It seems that those who are quick on their feet have already decided to side with the Demon Realm.

At this point, those who think they can gain something through that kid and those who are trying to take advantage of the chaos are all the same.

Who can blame whom?

Lachio, shall I guess what you’re thinking? You want to be compensated for the damage to your reputation in the past. You were actually too ambitious and skilled to be in Byrom. Nevertheless, Byrom expelled you, and you were reduced to a pitiful state of wandering alone. You want to judge them and those who mocked and ridiculed you.

You’ve been waiting for your chance, settling in this backwater place, but now the time you’ve been waiting for has come. What you want is chaos, isn’t it? Chaos, where friend and foe are indistinguishable, is the perfect opportunity to highlight your reputation. Am I wrong?” Luca twisted the end of his silver braid with his fingertips. He stared intently into Lachio’s eyes, trying to confirm his thoughts. But his expectations were in vain. Lachio remained calm, merely wetting the edge of his lips with Burr.

“That’s a very interesting guess. Half right, half wrong. What I want isn’t just simple chaos.” All forty-odd spirits in the tavern turned their gazes to Lachio’s lips. Even Bansallet waited for his friend’s next words.

“What I want isn’t chaos, but… a revolution.”

“Revolution?” Ignoring the noisy murmurs around him, Lachio continued, “Being expelled from Byrom was something I had to accept, as it tarnished my honor as a warrior. The reason I’ve been lying low isn’t because I lacked power, but because nothing has been interesting enough to pique my interest.”

“What is this revolution you speak of?”

“Do I have to explain every little detail to you? Bengal’s guide, you’re not qualified. Maybe if it were Bengal, but not you.”

“How dare you…”

“I don’t know what Shtre is thinking, gathering warriors, but you’d better be careful. According to reliable sources, a select vanguard from the Immortal and Celestial Realms is protecting that kid you look down on. Warriors who are just for show won’t get you what you want.

Especially if what you want is the sleeping relics of the earth. Then again, maybe if you had warriors who were the last survivors of the Penine battle, things might be different.” Luca knew that Lachio’s words were not empty.

‘At least that guy has a considerable number of allies, and I know he gets relatively accurate information through them. If they are powerful figures from the Immortal and Celestial Realms… it might be too much… Does the plan need to be changed? No. We’ll only know by trying. There’s no need to be afraid and think negatively beforehand. Shtre has his limits anyway. I just need to use him appropriately.’

“There are a considerable number of warriors gathering in the taverns around here. Of course, I don’t recognize them as true warriors. In a way, they’re pitiful. They’re powerless, without connections, and unlucky, so how frustrating must they be? But, you know, excessive greed will take away even the minimum rights they enjoy.

As you said, the game has already begun. It won’t be a rosy future, but a fierce hell filled with slaughter. Whatever your intentions, it won’t be easy.” At Lachio’s assertive tone, the expressions of several spirits changed rapidly.

Bansallet didn’t miss those changes. At that moment, Bansallet subtly rose from his seat and went outside the tavern. Luca’s gaze followed him persistently.

“Go tell Shtre. If he shows his tail too early, he won’t even get the sleeping relics of the earth, let alone welcome your king, and he’ll fall flat on his face.” Lachio downed the remaining half of his Burr [a type of alcoholic beverage] in one gulp and slowly got up. Luca quickly followed with a question.

“What do you mean? I understand the Emperor’s Sword, but… our king?”

“Are you really asking me that because you don’t know? Let me give you some advice. Not just you, but most ambitious people are mistaken. The power of the Celestial and Immortal Realms hasn’t weakened, it’s just been lying in wait.

And in my opinion, the current vanguard can’t even be considered a true vanguard. They’re probably just bait to weed out the enemies. Don’t forget who ruled the Infinite Realm before. They are more meticulous and stronger than you. The moment you forget that, the end of the foolish will come silently. Hahahaha.” Lachio also disappeared out of the tavern. Luca sank deep into his own thoughts. A voice from the entrance shook him out of his reverie.

“I announce to those who have come at the invitation of Lord Shtre. You are ordered to enter the palace immediately.” At those words, about a dozen spirits rose to their feet. Luca was among them.

Noreul, Gaksi, and Ananda were sitting together. They were having a serious discussion about various matters.

“In the end, the situation in the central region will be the biggest obstacle in this matter,” Noreul said, and Ananda nodded slightly.

“The central region has always been the place where the intense desires of spirits have clashed most fiercely. The disputes have gone too far, to the point where they don’t recognize each other’s territories, and ultimately, they’ve reached a point where they can’t reach an agreement.

The influence of the Celestial Realm, which was barely alive, has also weakened considerably, and in that gap, the Demon Realm’s lackeys are taking their places here and there. But we can’t even distinguish between the chaff and the grain…”

“Hmm, that’s serious. It wasn’t like that when I went on my training journey before. I didn’t expect the sleeping relics of the earth to be such a strong temptation… It’s a bit unexpected.”

“That’s not the only reason. That’s probably just an excuse. They’re not so childish that they’d risk their lives fighting over a sword for an emperor who hasn’t even appeared.”

“But most spirits believe that the chaos in the central region started because of that. Everyone is so eager to get the treasure that they’re blinded by greed, it’s really pathetic. Even though this is an era that worships power, it’s going too far. When I see those who move based on rumors without knowing the exact source… I even feel a sense of doubt that the weight of time is useless.”

“Desire is not something that’s easy to control. The temptation of the Emperor’s Sword will be the same even for cultivators and the Celestial Realm’s Heavenly Lords. In that regard, the fact that the Immortal Realm readily gave the Divine Tome to Pacheon is something I didn’t expect.”

“Wait, are you saying that… the Divine Tome is one of the sleeping relics of the earth?” Noreul was very surprised by the unexpected fact.

“It seems you didn’t know. Yes, the Immortal Realm’s Divine Tome is definitely one of the sleeping relics of the earth.”

“So that’s not a legend… it’s true…”

“Not all of it, but some parts are based on truth.” The mental shock Noreul received was immense. The fact that the Divine Tome, which had entered Pacheon’s arm, was one of the things that all spirits desired so much, and that such treasures actually existed.

“The situation in the Infinite Realm is changing every day. We can’t even guess who will stand in our way right now. It wouldn’t be surprising if unexpected people appeared as enemies.” At this point, Gaksi opened her mouth.

“Wouldn’t it be better to select a large elite force from the Celestial and Immortal Realms to carry out this mission?”

“Is that really the case?” Ananda’s questioning reply was answered by Noreul, who had calmed his mind.

“That’s out of the question. The Infinite Realm is a free zone. If a large military force is deployed, the entire Infinite Realm will revolt, and that’s not what we want. Some influential figures in the central region are also on friendly terms with us now, but at that moment, they will turn into enemies.”

“You’re right.” Ananda agreed with Noreul’s assessment.

“One of the things we need to pay special attention to on this journey is that we must not get involved in their disputes in any way. Even if there are those with impure intentions, it won’t be easy for them to show their teeth first.

We need to read the subtle flow of power between the forces and deal with it wisely to prevent unnecessary accidents. As you both know, many tribes reside in the Infinite Realm, and they each advocate different ideals.

Especially the central region has long been a battleground for warriors. Those who seek to prove their existence through battle will not want to miss this opportunity. From another perspective, there will definitely be those who think that provoking our group will enhance their reputation as warriors.”

“So you mean that those who stand in our way aren’t necessarily enemies…” It was going to be a difficult task in many ways. Due to the nature of warriors, they might start a fight without any intention. Like most spirits, they have long given up on the journey to become a complete being.

Their only interest is to become the strongest. There was no way they would pass up such a chance. Those who have taken on the path of a warrior would not simply ignore the special group from the Celestial and Immortal Realms, which included even cultivators.

No matter how you looked at it, it was a difficult task. Moreover, if they were warriors who were experiencing fierce battles in the central region every day, even the vanguard from the Immortal and Celestial Realms would inevitably face difficulties.

If organized provocations were added to this, no one could guarantee what kind of situation would arise. Even if there were solid countermeasures in place, unexpected variables were lurking everywhere.

“Ananda.”

“There is someone I would like to include in this journey. They would be a great help to our group.”

“Perhaps… I don’t know if you’ve heard of her. There’s a famous female warrior in this courtyard. She’s usually a beautiful and wise woman, but when she fights, she becomes a warrior more courageous than anyone else. Moreover, she knows the details of the entire Infinite Realm better than anyone else, so she would be good as a guide. She also has many allies in the central region, so she will be helpful in many ways.”

“Oh, there was such a female warrior?” Ananda checked if there was anyone among the names he had heard that matched. It didn’t come to mind easily.

“It’s the Dancing Warrior, Arena. She’s an amazing woman who swallowed the unquenchable flames of Haesesi.” Ananda recalled that he had heard such a name.

“Is she here now?”

“Yes, she is.”

“Hmm…” Ananda had a cautious personality. He was practically in charge of organizing and forming this vanguard, so his responsibility was even greater. Even if someone was reliable and trustworthy, it was only natural to check them again and again.

“Noreul, has she agreed to join our group?”

“I haven’t asked her yet. I plan to persuade her once I get Ananda’s permission.” Ananda was curious how Noreul had come to know her. There was no rule that immortals and warriors couldn’t be friends, but it wasn’t a common occurrence. Did Noreul notice Ananda’s thoughts? Noreul scratched his head and opened his mouth with difficulty.

“Actually… this is embarrassing, but I had a hard time when I went on my training journey in the Infinite Realm before. It was at the point where I was crossing the central region and heading to the northern region when I was ambushed by hunters. She appeared and helped me then. If she hadn’t been there, I might have died then.” Hunters who only inflict death without causing spirit annihilation are a vicious bunch. They move in packs and target spirits who move alone. They rob travelers of everything they have and then kill them without a trace. And then they carry the spirit away somewhere.

She had helped him avoid such a disaster, so his gratitude was immense. For that reason, the two spirits were able to become friends easily despite their differences, and they had continued their relationship until now. Ananda nodded at Noreul’s explanation.

“So that’s what happened. Okay. If she agrees, we will include her in our group. If she’s that kind of person, we should be the ones asking for her help.” The more true helpers, the better. Nevertheless, the reason for limiting the number to a certain amount was to reduce the risk because it was not easy to identify them.

“Thank you. She will probably agree readily. It’s an honor for a warrior to participate in something that everyone is paying attention to. Especially since she is curious and has a strong sense of justice, she is very suitable for this task.” Noreul kept talking as if he was very excited.

Ananda only smiled gently, and Gaksi, who was watching the two of them, was lost in her own thoughts. She changed the subject.

“Is it really necessary for Pacheon to go through the final process he’s going through now?” Gaksi’s sudden words made Noreul shut his mouth. Noreul spoke curtly to Gaksi as if scolding her.

“There must be a reason why it was prepared.” Noreul’s words, which he spat out as if it was nothing, were full of reproaches for Gaksi, who was saying all sorts of things. The highest authorities of the Immortal and Celestial Realms were behind the planning and execution of this mission, but Ananda was the one who actually proposed and executed it. Noreul was embarrassed that Gaksi was speaking with a questioning expression in front of him.

Ananda answered kindly without erasing his gentle smile.

“It may be helpful, or it may be a waste of time. The confusion that Pacheon is experiencing now will make him more mature, and the virtual training will make him stronger.

The difference between the actual time that has passed and the time he feels is significant. A day can become ten days, or a year. I can’t guarantee how much he will grow during that time… but it won’t get worse.

We’ll know if we wait. Whether it will truly be as that person predicted…” Ananda’s last words were very ambiguous for Noreul and Gaksi. They vaguely guessed that ‘that person’ Ananda was referring to was the guardian they were thinking of. At Ananda’s dreamy expression, Noreul and Gaksi closed their mouths, which they had been about to open.

The Female Warrior of the Penine Battle, Arena

Because it was a courtyard close to the Immortal Realm, the training halls were dignified and quiet. Bansallet, who had expected that there would be few spirits sweating in the training hall from midday, was overwhelmed by a scene that was completely different from his expectations.

“This is more impressive than I thought?” What filled Bansallet’s eyes were the serious figures of the spirits who were training. Due to the nature of the courtyard, various races were mixed together, but their attitudes were all serious.

As he went deeper inside, he saw several spirits gathered in one place. Bansallet carefully observed the person who was giving a lecture in a loud voice in front of more than a hundred spirits.

He was a rough-looking man with a physique that seemed to be a head taller than himself, wearing white clothes unique to the Immortal Realm. His eyes shone like torches, and his beard was long and lush enough to cover his chest. Every time he opened his mouth, a loud voice flowed out that shook the entire training hall.

Bansallet went to the back of the group sitting here and there listening to the lecture and sat down.

“The reason why the spirit realm has become so turbid is not anyone else’s fault. We must not deny that it is the result of the mistakes of individuals who have failed to control their desires. It is the duty of spirits to first stand upright, to guide others to the right path by rebuking them, to fill the lacking, to care for the weak, and to move forward with great aspirations, but they are all caught up in their own selfish desires, losing their original selves and only focusing on fulfilling their greed, so a chaotic era like this has come.

I have often seen those who try to shift all the blame to the Immortal and Celestial Realms, but how can our indifference be the only fault?

Of course, I am not saying that the Immortal and Celestial Realms are not at fault for neglecting the Infinite and Ghost Realms while being preoccupied with their own training. When we were human, we didn’t know and couldn’t train, but now that we have new bodies and are living new lives, we know but can’t do it, so what could be more foolish?

Training is about nourishing the soul and removing desires to eventually reach the path of a complete being, but they are forgetting this and only focusing on gaining power, which is also wrong. How can training be used to oppress others, and how can power be used to fulfill one’s own greed?

Even now that the Demon Realm has declared that it will unify the spirit realm and establish a kingdom, except for a few spirits with good intentions, no one is even paying attention, so how will we deal with the impending crisis?

I think this way. The current crisis is rather a good thing. Everyone, please look back at yourselves once again. Our original goal was one. Our interest was unique. Remember when we were bravely training to enter the path of completeness.

And remember when we gave up because that path was difficult and far away. The devil was not in some other specific place. Hell was right in our hearts. Because we couldn’t control our hearts, the world became a hell where devils run rampant.

We must go back. We must go back to the beginning, to the time when we were controlling ourselves with pure passion. We must not prioritize increasing our spiritual power, but focus on establishing and completing our spiritual character.

When you entered the training hall prepared by the main realm, you probably came with a glimmer of hope that you might gain a new secret. But you won’t find anything like that even if you search with your eyes wide open. It is natural for those who have power to do righteous things with that power. Trying to gain power to do unjust things is something that ruins not only oneself but also others.” At that moment. One of the silent groups stood up and shouted loudly.

“That sounds too old-fashioned. Do we really have to go through such a cumbersome procedure just to use the training hall for a while? Aren’t you tired of repeating the same things over and over again? In fact, who among us doesn’t know that? We know, but we can’t do it, so what are we supposed to do? I’m curious if you’re living according to your own words.”

It was a Bysign [a type of spirit] whose whole body was covered with long fur. Considering their hasty nature, it was commendable that they had listened until now. Laughter that seemed to agree with his words erupted sporadically here and there. On the other hand, there were also many voices criticizing him. The immortal calmly said to the Bysign,

“Your criticism is not without merit.”