"Finally"

"The Head Realm"

Yeon Wei and I almost simultaneously slump to the ground.

Rustle, rustle

At the summit of Shattered Heaven Peak.

There, we touched the land of the Head Realm for the first time in a long while.

Though it's a place I missed, it seems even more nostalgic to Yeon Wei, perhaps because it's literally her birthplace.

"I never even imagined I would set foot on this land again in my lifetime Haha, it feels surreal."

"Is that so?"

"This place is the Head Realm."

Jeon Myeong-hoon looks around with a dazed expression.

Understandably for Jeon Myeong-hoon, his memories of the Head Realm are probably limited to just a few days spent on Ascension Path, so it must feel awkward.

But at the same time, there's a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.

The three of us just sit there for a while, chewing over a faint hope.

Thud, thud

I stand up, dusting myself off, and say,

"Let's get up. You know it's not over yet."

"You heartless guy."

"Damn it."

Yeon Wei and Jeon Myeong-hoon grumble as they get up from their spots.

We look up at the sky.

The celestial energy is telling us,

The Heavenly Tribulation is not over yet.

That is the case.

The Heavenly Tribulation sent by the Owner of Heavenly Punishment followed us even to the Head Realm.

However, Yeon Wei and I can afford to smile.

Perhaps because the Head Realm is indeed a special place.

The number and power of the Heavenly Tribulations that were predetermined seems significantly reduced.

If the original Heavenly Tribulation's power was formidable enough to challenge even a Star Shattering stage cultivator's strike,

The power of the current Heavenly Tribulation, all combined, is clearly only at the level of a Grand Perfection Integration stage's strength.

Moreover, since it took time for the Heavenly Tribulation to follow us to the Head Realm, it will only start striking after 3 hours.

In other words, we had bought ourselves about 3 hours' time.

"Yeon Wei-nim, as you can see, we have 3 hours left. The remaining power of the Heavenly Tribulation is altogether at the level of the Grand Perfection Integration stage If such a tribulation strikes the Head Realm directly, it will shatter the whole realm."

I look at her, speaking with certainty.

"Is there no way to deal with it?"

"There is one, albeit a slim possibility."

"What is it!?"

"The Consoling Lightning Ritual."

"Excuse me?"

I ask again, puzzled.

"The Consoling Lightning Ritual is a traditional festival handed down among the mortals of Shengzi isn't it?"

"Hmm, was the Consoling Lightning Ritual also cut off 40,000 years ago? And the mortals have been continuing its legacy? They really do a variety of things."

Yeon Wei clicks her tongue as if finding it absurd.

"So how is the Consoling Lightning Ritual transmitted among the mortals?"

"In Shengzi, it's conducted once a year on a day when the lightning and thunder are particularly fierce, as a 'ceremony to console the thunder and lightning'."

"Yes, that's it."

"Excuse me?"

"Mortals might have been conducting the ritual without understanding its purpose, but if you infuse it with magical power, it changes everything. Originally, the Consoling Lightning Ritual was indeed used to console lightning. It was quite effective in soothing the Heavenly Tribulation, weakening its power, and aiding in the advancement of one's cultivation realm."

Yeon Wei continues her explanation..

"In simple terms, the Consolation Ritual has the effect of 'weakening the Heavenly Tribulation.' So even that power, at the level of the Grand Perfection Integration stage, can be scattered and weakened, allowing you to withstand it."

She speaks, looking at Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"First, bring out the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. Even if they are disciples of the Lower Lightning, they are cultivators who have practiced the Lightning Path Method. And the more people in a ritual, the better."

Jeon Myeong-hoon nods and clasps his hands together.

Crackle!

As he brings his hands together, lightning sparks between them.

In the midst of the lightning, a seal of lightning appears.

Jeon Myeong-hoon summons the seal and floats it into the air, where it expands massively.

From within the enlarged seal, the lower-ranked disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect emerge, grimacing as they breathe in the air of the Head Realm.

Apparently, they are uneasy about having left the dense spiritual energy of the Bright Cold Realm for this place.

But before they have time to settle their minds,

Yeon Wei continues with her commands.

"Do all of you know about the Consoling Lightning Ritual?"

Since Yeon Wei is inhabiting Yuan Yu's body, she is not wearing the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's uniform but a blood robe.

Thus, the disciples look bewildered at first sight of her.

However, Yeon Wei scowls and stomps her foot.

Kugugugu!

A giant Taiji symbol swirls in the sky, and thunderous clapping resounds everywhere.

"I asked if you know it!"

At this, one of the disciples who seem to have the highest cultivation among them speaks up.

"Yes, yes! Before I became a cultivator, I mingled with the mortals and participated in the Consoling Lightning Ritual."

"Good, how many of you know about the Consoling Lightning Ritual?"

At that, all the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect from the Head Realm, except for those native to the Bright Cold Realm, raise their hands.

The number seems to be around 30,000.

Yeon Wei then instructs a few of them to conduct the Consoling Lightning Ritual on the spot, observing them as they perform.

Seeing their performance, Yeon Wei nods and says,

"Everyone, from now on, we will conduct the Consoling Lightning Ritual towards the sky, understand?"

"Yes, yes?"

"From now on, you will go to the locations I designate, take your positions there, and perform the Consoling Lightning Ritual just as you normally would!"

"Yes!"

Following Yeon Wei's command, everyone moves in an orderly manner to their positions for the Consoling Lightning Ritual.

She then begins drawing something on the ground at Shattered Heaven Peak.

It's the Three Powers.

Heaven (), Earth (), Man ()

"When I signal, you two ascend onto this formation respectively."

"What kind of formation is this?"

"Seo Eun-hyun, from now on you are Earth ()."

"What?"

"Jeon Myeong-hoon, from now on you are Heaven (). I will be at the Human () position, mixing your Heaven and Earth energies as I assist with the energy of the Consoling Lightning Ritual.

As she speaks, her hands continuously move, manipulating the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy to set up the formation.

The veins of the formation align perfectly with the directions to which she had sent the disciples for the Consoling Lightning Ritual, confining it within a giant formation.

'Such incredible skill in formation setting.'

Truly, as one would expect from someone who had lived for 40,000 years, she is versatile.

Yeon Wei continues to set up the formation and explains,

"This Taiji formation is designed to allow the two of you to exchange powers, enabling you to combine your strengths swiftly and draw out an even stronger force. For now, Seo Eun-hyun, quickly include Jeon Myeong-hoon and me as offerings in the sacrificial offering."

"What?"

"Are you pretending not to know? It's transmitted that Jeon Myeong-hoon's Heavenly Golden Thunder Body can absorb some of the Heavenly Tribulation. I even went as far as being a candidate for sect leader. Don't you know that?"

"Ah, I understand about Jeon Myeong-hoon, but why Yeon Wei-nim?"

"Listen well. From now on, we will absorb the spiritual power transformed from lightning by Jeon Myeong-hoon, that is, his spiritual power through this Taiji formation and channel it into your body according to my guidance. Do you understand, Seo Eun-hyun?"

"Is that possible?"

I ask, surprised.

She responds nonchalantly.

"It's possible. Because it's me."

Out of curiosity, I ask her,

"If that works, could I possibly reach the Heavenly Being stage?"

"No, that's impossible."

""

"The efficiency of the Taiji formation is too poor. You are placed at the position of Earth just to reduce Jeon Myeong-hoon's burden and disperse the Heavenly Tribulation as much as possible. The original purpose of this formation is not to absorb each other's powers, so it can't be helped."

"Yes, well I understand."

It seems that the transfer of spiritual power is incredibly inefficient, nearly one in a thousand.

However, even that small amount of spiritual power will be greatly helpful, so I gladly accept it.

"Then, let's set up the formation."

"Okay. First, both of you stand facing each other."

I stand facing Jeon Myeong-hoon.

She begins to create additional formations beneath our feet.

"This formation will connect you and Jeon Myeong-hoon."

We look at each other.

Although we disliked each other, we had grown together and finally came to a strange relationship where we could understand each other.

We don't speak, but it seems as if I can hear his voice clearly.

Let's do our best in our respective roles.

It's when we make that promise to each other.

"Hmm, is that so? Is there nothing I can help with, Miss?"

"With such a vague understanding of formations, you can't help me... Ahhhh!"

And then,

In a moment.

I rub my eyes.

Suddenly.

The clouds that stretched from the distant east to here are split in half.

A young man in black martial attire, with long hair fluttering, has his hand on Yeon Wei's shoulder.

His brown eyes shimmer with a golden glow as he removes his hand from Yeon Wei and speaks.

Overwhelmed with the joy of seeing him after such a long time, I can't help but shout out.

"Young-hoon Hyung-nim!!!"

"Ah, Deputy Seo. Section Chief Jeon. Long time no see."

"Huh?"

I'm excited, but Kim Young-hoon addresses us by our job titles.

Then I remember that in this life, he doesn't know me well.

'Ah I see.'

I'm thrilled to see Young-hoon Hyung-nim, but at the same time, I'm a bit saddened by the realization that he doesn't know me.

Jeon Myeong-hoon looks confused, not understanding my words.

"What are you talking about, Seo Eun-hyun. This man is Director Kim Young-hoon?"

"Oh, Jeon Myeong-hoon-i. How have you been?"

"."

Jeon Myeong-hoon shivers as he hears Kim Young-hoon's familiar tone, realizing it's the same way Kim Young-hoon always greeted him in the mornings.

"Ah, no Director Kim how come?"

"Haha, that's not important. Have you all been well?"

I laugh heartily as I look at Kim Young-hoon, who is happy to see us.

I smile faintly at Kim Young-hoon.

'Have you been well, you say?'

Have I been doing well all this time?

Countless cycles of memories pass by.

They were really relentless cycles without rest.

Each life was incredibly difficult, but I never felt that any of them were wasted.

Certainly.

"...Yes, I have been well."

I must have been well.

Kim Young-hoon grins and reaches for his waist.

"Good. Then, it seems like you too have come here and somehow grown stronger as well. When men meet, they should converse with blades, shouldn't they?"

Jeon Myeong-hoon seems unable to understand how much Kim Young-hoon had changed.

But I understand his martial spirit and give a wry smile.

"I'm sorry, Hyung-nim. That won't be possible."

Naturally, I too am itching madly to try.

When will such an opportunity come again in the next life?

I look at the line of clouds that I assume Kim Young-hoon had sliced through.

Far away.

From the east, the marks continue endlessly.

Not just that, but even the flow of spiritual energy is severed, and those traces extend beyond my consciousness, stretching far from the distant east.

In other words, Kim Young-hoon had reached here incredibly fast, from dozens of li outside my domain of consciousness, unnoticed even by Yeon Wei who holds the consciousness of the Four-Axis stage.

I can hardly grasp how much he has grown, and I want to face him immediately.

But there's no time for that.

I roughly explain our situation to Kim Young-hoon.

"Hmm is that so."

After a while.

Kim Young-hoon, having listened to my story, nods.

"So, you're saying that Heavenly Tribulation is lightning striking down from the sky? I've heard something like that while beating up those cultivator bastards....So it's powerful enough to scare even someone as formidable as you?"

"Yes."

"...Good. Then I'll help too."

Kim Young-hoon cheerfully offers his help, placing his hand on the hilt of his blade, and sits down nearby.

"Then just say the word when it comes down."

After finishing his words, Kim Young-hoon closes his eyes.

I swallow hard looking at him.

And Yeon Wei, seeing Kim Young-hoon, seems to realize something frightening and tries her best not to meet his eyes.

Though he is helping us, she doesn't seem keen on being with Kim Young-hoon.

"Oh and about that, that offering whatever? That thing."

Kim Young-hoon speaks while watching me divide the sacrificial offering between Yeon Wei and Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"I'll take part in that too. Include me."

"What?"

I speak, startled.

"This could be lethal. And, Young-hoon Hyung-nim, you have no ties with the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, do you?"

At that, Kim Young-hoon laughs heartily.

"Golden whatever sect has no relation with me. But, aren't I your colleague?"

""

""

"All of us were earnestly making soap together. Now that we've met again, colleagues should share life and death!"

Kim Young-hoon looks back at Jeon Myeong-hoon and then at me as he speaks.

Hearing his words, Jeon Myeong-hoon wears a dazed expression for a moment, and I laugh, thinking that the 'Kim Young-hoon' I had just met is still very much like the 'Kim Young-hoons' I knew.

"...Yes. Let's do that."

Eventually.

We look up at the sky, waiting for the right moment.

Time passes, and 3 hours have elapsed.

Finally.

Kurung, Kururung!

An enormous energy begins to gather in the sky.

This is all the ominous misfortune and disaster I had brought about.

It's a terrifying force capable of destroying this world.

Then, Yeon Wei speaks out loud.

[All disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect!]

Her voice echoes everywhere.

[Begin the Consoling Lightning Ritual]

Across various locations of Shattered Heaven Peak and the surrounding great mountains, the Consoling Lightning Ritual begins.

Kugugugu!

Yeon Wei, who had set up formations where the ritual is taking place, activates these formations simultaneously.

Spiritual energy of the Consoling Lightning Ritual gathers and surges back towards the summit of Shattered Heaven Peak.

Kugugugugugu!!!

The energy of the Consoling Lightning Ritual that gathers at the summit passes through Jeon Myeong-hoon at the position of Heaven (), then to me at Earth ().

From me, it flows to Yeon Wei at the position of Man ().

[I beseech the heavens. From time immemorial, we humans have been weak and have always hoped for the mercy of the heavens. We have been swept away by storms, screamed in wildfires, suffered under tsunamis, silenced by heavy snows, and feared heavenly punishment. The humble bodies standing under the heavens now are no different. We rightly fear and revere the heavens, for we are but weak humans.

[Please, from the position of a humble human, I beseech you. For the sake of the young humans, may you temper your anger and bestow your mercy!]

As soon as she finishes speaking, Yeon Wei sends the gathered Lightning Consoling Ritual energy upwards into the sky.

Paaaat!

The formless energy that rises to the sky somewhat reduces the ferocity of the Heavenly Lightning as soon as it touches it.

"It's working. The power of the Heavenly Lightning will continue to decrease as long as the Consoling Lightning Tribulation continues. Now, what remains is"

We all nod.

"to keep it at bay!"

Flash!

From the sky, a pillar of light plummets down.

Kwarurung!

The next moment.

Kim Young-hoon steps forward, draws his saber, and looks at me.

"I wanted to show you this in a direct confrontation... but well, let me show you in advance."

Chyuck!

He assumes his stance.

"The realm beyond Treading Heavens ()!"

I grin and nod.

"Please, do show it."

What name have you given that realm?

The next moment.

I am able to know the name Kim Young-hoon had given it.

"Beyond the Path ()."

Tsutsutsutsu!

Kim Young-hoon's entire body is covered in golden radiance.

For a moment, he seems to become the golden radiance itself.

His martial prowess and Treading Heavens become one.

And beyond that, he infuses his heart into his martial arts.

Kim Young-hoon has already reached that realm.

As he kicks off the ground of Shattered Heaven Peak and soars towards the sky, he shouts.

"Shattering Heavens ()!"

The name cried out by he who erased even the feeling of an instant as he sliced through the fringes of the Heavenly Tribulation and vanished into the sky.

Shattering Heavens Beyond the Path ().

This is the realm beyond Treading Heavens he defined.

His own Third Stage of Manifestation.

[Having reached this realm at Shattered Heaven Peak, I have named it Shattering Heavens.]

Kim Young-hoon's subtle heart language echoes in my mind.

'Is that so.'

[It seems you too have ascended to Shattering Heavens.]

Kim Young-hoon says happily.

[Come up, and even if we can't spar together, let's cut through the Heavenly Tribulation together and verify our enlightenment.]

I smile faintly and respond in heart language.

[I apologize but I]

Chuk!

I assume my stance, pulling forth the Formless Sword.

[Have not reached Shattering Heavens Beyond the Path.]

[Hm?]

Kurung, Kururung!

The sound of thunderous momentum unmistakingly abounds from my body which should have lost all Lightning Path Methods.

The Formless Sword merged with the power of the immortal beast.

And the power of the immortal beast is linked with my power as a member of the Heaven Tribe.

Heaven, Earth, and Heart are intricately intertwined.

Kim Young-hoon's Shattering Heavens Beyond the Path is a pure realm of martial prowess.

But this is not merely a pure martial art.

It rightfully deserves a different name.

Tsutsutsutsu!

As I infuse my heart into the Formless Sword, I finally speak the name of the last realm that ends with Beyond the Path.

"Tribulating Heavens Beyond the Path ()."

Ta-at!

Jjeoreong!

My single sword strike soars higher than Kim Young-hoon, severing the Heavenly Tribulation.

Before, even following Kim Young-hoon's footsteps was difficult.

But from the moment I obtained the Formless Sword, my path diverged from his.

Therefore, the path I must follow is also different.

He wields Shattering Heavens, and I Tribulating Heavens; thus we begin to dance a dance to avert destruction, turning our backs to each other within the Heavenly Tribulation.