Chapter 688 - Imperial King (3)

Kurung—

Kurururung!

The Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity, Do Gon, is liberated.

The Eighth Seat of the Radiance Eight Immortals, the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord, looks at them with a gleam in their eyes.

: : As expected... I don't know what method they used, but they have become far stronger than before they were sealed. : :

The Rain Dew Heavenly Lord glances slightly anxiously at the newly risen Torch Candle Heavenly Lord before continuing.

The Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, Ji Hwa, looks down at the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity.

Only she understands why the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity has suddenly grown this powerful.

It is because the Supreme Deity has become aware of the regression.

If regression simply meant turning back time to start over, there would be no issue.

However, the problem lies in the fact that the true identity of regression is the birth of a 'different dimension'.

Just as Seo Eun-hyun sensed the existence of a 'baby' and realized that regression creates the blood vessels of a certain 'baby', regression is a Heaven-Defying secret art that replicates every being of a world.

And...

Although regression can replicate everything, there exist things it cannot replicate.

Origin Essence, or the power known as the Seat.

Especially, the power of Supreme Deities and Heavenly Venerables who have completely seized their Seats can never be replicated through regression.

Therefore, even if regression continues infinitely and an infinite number of parallel worlds are born, Origin Essences and the divine ranks who possess them are never replicated.

If other beings are replicated by regression, then only those of Supreme Deity and above undergo 'dimensional transfer' instead of replication.

Still, since they are forcibly moved through spacetime, they temporarily lose the memories gained in the previous dimension and timeline.

But the fact that they have become aware of regression means they have regained all memories from the previous timelines and recovered all information.

'Origin Essence is the source of all laws that exist in this world. And Supreme Deities and Immortal Lords fight by drawing upon [the laws that exist in this world] through the Origin Essence.'

And having retrieved all information from every timeline means that the Governing Immortals no longer draw upon [only] the laws existing in this world.

'The other Governing Immortals suddenly entering seclusion must be for this same reason. Most likely, the vast majority of Supreme Deities...are now able to draw upon [the laws existing in other timelines] as well.'

The Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity, Do Gon, in Seo Eun-hyun's 2000th cycle, was liberated through the 'light of a new civilization'—that is, through the lightbulb—and obtained a higher rank through it.

However, even with that, the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity could not oppose the Radiance Supreme Deity.

'But...the current Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity has obtained, in addition to the 'light of Liberation', the authority to wield the laws existing in at least one thousand timelines through Seo Eun-hyun's regressions.'

The power source of a Supreme Deity lies in the laws that exist in the world.

If previously Supreme Deities held only the laws existing in one world and one timeline.

Then those who have perceived regression now draw upon the laws from 'at least' a thousand worlds, a thousand timelines.

'It must be assumed that their output has increased by a factor of at least a thousand.'

Most likely, the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity's authority and output will continue to grow as Seo Eun-hyun undergoes further regressions.

Of course, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord is not concerned by this.

'The power lent by the Future King, who likely supports our Radiance Hall, to the Origin Essence of Radiance...is truly [absolute]. If we can unleash the power of the Origin Essence of Radiance at maximum output, even if the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity's power increases not just a thousand but a hundred million times, they can still be theoretically subdued.'

However, the problem is that to draw out the full power of the Origin Essence of Radiance, it requires not the Radiance Eight Immortals, but the Radiance Ten Heavenly Lords.

'But as we are now, until we slay the mountain divine spirit, we remain the Radiance Eight Immortals. In that case...first...'

After finishing her brief contemplation, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord steps forward and speaks.

: : Hold nothing back. Go in with full power from the start. : :

'With our current full strength, we will gauge the full power of the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity. That's where we begin.'

Cheok, cheok, cheok, cheok!

At the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord's words, all of the Radiance Eight Immortals simultaneously join their hands together and reveal the symbol of the [Black Snake Biting Its Tail].

Soon, a massive radiance engulfs the Inner Sea of Mount Sumeru, crashing down upon the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity.

It happens immediately after.

Kwarurururung!

The Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity begins to swing the Heavenly Lightning Banner.

Kurururung!

With a single strike from the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity, Mount Sumeru quakes and lightning starts overflowing across the world.

Kwarururung!

Jjeooong!

And then, in the next moment—

Jjeojeojeojeok—

The most optimized formation for receiving the power of the Radiance Supreme Deity, of the Origin Essence of Light—

The symbol of the [Black Snake Biting Its Tail] fractures and scatters in pieces across the surroundings.

: : As I thought, they have grown far stronger. Torch Candle, Pearl Jade, Great Sea! Anything coming to mind? : :

At the Great Forest Heavenly Lord's words, the Torch Candle Heavenly Lord, who holds access to the Head Realm that is the Akashic Records, along with the Pearl Jade Heavenly Lord, responsible for strategy and logistics, and the Great Sea Heavenly Lord, advisor of the Radiance Eight Immortals, each let out a silent exhale.

: : It seems we can only conclude that they have received the influence of Enders... : :

: : When the Enders appear, there have been times when the powers of certain Supreme Deities suddenly surge immeasurably. This might be one of those cases... : :

: : And as it is, all the Enders of this generation have survived, ascended through the Head Realm, and reached the rank of True Immortality. They are truly the worst of the Enders... : :

At those words, the eyes of the Radiance Eight Immortals turn toward the Enders such as Jeon Myeong-hoon, watching from afar.

: : Filthy things who pry open the Heavenly Path each time, spilling enemies upon us... If not for the Underworld... : :

The Great Forest Heavenly Lord trembles violently as they pull their gaze away from the Enders and speaks to the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.

: : Sword Spear, we have assessed the power of the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity. Give the order. : :

Responding to the Great Forest Heavenly Lord, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord raises a silver-white sword of radiance in one hand and shouts.

: : All former Envoys of the Final Age of Dharma, hear me. : :

Immortal Lords are also known as Envoys of the Heaven Dao.

The realm of Origin Essence they have each reached encompasses, quite literally, the principles of this world that could be called Heaven Dao.

So why then are the Immortal Lords of Radiance Hall attached with the term 'Final Age of Dharma'?

It is partly because the true purpose of Radiance Hall lies in the ending of all Immortal Dharma—thus the name.

But the true meaning of Final Age of Dharma lies in...

The End itself.

They are the ones who annihilate all who go against the will of Radiance Hall, destroy the age of all Supreme Deities, and crush all new attempts and all will of liberation toward fate, annihilating all those who defy the ideology of Radiance Hall.

They are the ones who annihilate beings of Immortal Rank not aligned with the will of Radiance Hall, and lead civilizations that do not conform to the will of Radiance Hall into the Final Age of Dharma.

These are the Envoys of the Final Age of Dharma of Radiance Hall.

: : Raise the threat level of the current Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity to the Mu rank. All former Envoys of the Final Age of Dharma, immediately drag the power of Heavenly Punishment toward the End! : :

Kugugugugu!

At those words, countless Immortal Lords and divine spirits begin to arrive beneath the Radiance Eight Immortals.

The Envoys of the Final Age of Dharma who bear the Immortal Crown of the Radiance Supreme Deity, the Thirty-Two Exalted, begin to descend following the call of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord.

: : Seongdo Envoy of the Final Age of Dharma, Heuk Yeong, receives the command of the Supreme Deity. : :

: : Judo Envoy of the Final Age of Dharma, Heuk Su, receives the command of the Supreme Deity. : :

: : Gwido Envoy of the Final Age of Dharma, Heuk Seong, receives the command of the Supreme Deity. : :

: : Gongdo Envoy of the Final Age of Dharma, Heuk Rin, receive the command of the Supreme Deity! : :

[TL/N: The Hanja is not given so I don't know what the transliterated parts are supposed to mean.]

Kugugugugu!

One by one, each Envoy of the Final Age of Dharma appears, spreading their presence throughout the Inner Sea.

Originally, there should have been Thirty-Three Exalted Envoys of the Final Age of Dharma, including the Tado Final Dharma Envoy, but after it was revealed that Heuk Am was an agent of the Underworld, the number dropped to thirty-two. Still, their momentum remains terrifying.

: : Thirty-Three Heavenly Resplendent Treasure Immortals, take the form of Treasure Pagodas and take your positions. : :

Kururung!

At the single utterance of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, the Thirty-Three Heavenly Resplendent Treasure Immortals, considered candidates for Envoys of the Final Age, are summoned to the field and transform into Immortal Treasures.

Thirty-three colossal pagodas are summoned to the surroundings, and as the Great Forest Heavenly Lord extends their hand, the pagodas shine and unfurl a formation diagram.

Kurururung!

By the power imbued by the Radiance Supreme Deity, the thirty-three Immortal Treasures create a new Heavenly Domain within the Inner Sea, instantly trapping the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity and countless others.

The Thirty-Three Heavenly Resplendent Treasure Pagodas glow beneath the power of the Radiance Supreme Deity.

: : Descendants of the Purple Forbidden Heavenly Lord (紫禁天君), become the alms bowl and come forth. : :

Kurururung!

Then, at the next command from the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord, the Star Shattering Esteemed Ones in the Purple Gold Realm within the Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain show a response.

Sun and Moon Heavenly Domain, Purple Gold Realm.

Ban Ta Castle.

The Sacred Master of the Purple Gold Realm, Ban Ta, smiles with rare satisfaction as he looks at the Star Shattering Esteemed Ones in front of him.

"Hahaha, you brats. You finally look like proper Esteemed Ones."

Though it is quite an amiable laugh, none of the Esteemed Ones present can bring themselves to smile.

"To think you would all 'voluntarily' bind yourselves in Ban Ta Castle to 'willingly' become the next Sacred Master of the Purple Gold Realm. This Sacred Master is truly proud of you."

All the Esteemed ones of the Purple Gold Realm are bound by special chains crafted by artisans possessing the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent under Ban Ta's command.

These chains are all connected to Ban Ta Castle and possess the function of allowing movement to any location within the Purple Gold Realm—yet are Refining Void Dharma Treasures that make escape beyond the realm utterly impossible.

"Now, you paras—no, admirable Esteemed Ones—will become proud guardians of Ban Ta Castle, and until you inherit the Purple Gold Realm, do not esca—no, take no journeys abroad, and strive until you reach the Sacred Vessel stage."

"Yes... Sacred Master."

"Well then, as today is a joyous occasion, let us all partake in a banquet..."

It is at that moment.

Flash!

A silver-white light flashes before Ban Ta's eyes, and just like that, the Esteemed Ones bound in front of him vanish to somewhere else.

The chains crafted by the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talents are also severed in an instant.

Ban Ta sits there blankly for a moment, unable to understand what he just saw, but soon realizes what has happened.

"Ah. Ahh. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!"

The Star Shattering Esteemed Ones who are the direct descendants of the Purple Forbidden Heavenly Lord Heuk Am, whom he carefully selected and raised for the sole purpose of pushing off the Sacred Master position, have all been abducted at once by Radiance Hall.

"Heavens above!!"

Kugugugugu!

The five Star Shattering Esteemed Ones summoned to the hand of the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord are soon handed over to the Great Sea Heavenly Lord.

The Great Sea Heavenly Lord grasps the Star Shattering Esteemed Ones and clenches their fist, and in an instant, they are clumped into a single lump and become a Sacred Vessel Sacred Master.

: : Worry not. Once this matter is resolved, you shall be returned to your original forms. We are not wicked Immortals who torment mortal beings... : :

The Great Sea Heavenly Lord comforts the panicked Esteemed Ones, then forges them who have reached the Sacred Vessel level into an Immortal Treasure in the form of an alms bowl.

Before long, a colossal alms bowl is completed, and the power of the Purple Forbidden Heavenly Lord begins to pour into it.

Swaaaaaaaaaah—

As the Great Sea Heavenly Lord lowers the alms bowl, an enormous wave begins to pour forth from it.

The light of the entire Heavenly Domain created by the Thirty-Three Heavenly Resplendent Treasure Pagodas vanishes, and the world begins to turn into a Darkness World.

All the True Immortals present feel as if they are submerged in water, twisting their bodies under the spell used by the Great Sea Heavenly Lord.

: : Plunge Heaven and Earth into darkness. Purple Forbidden Alms Bowl (紫禁鉢盂). : :

As the Great Sea Heavenly Lord's spell completes, the newly formed Heavenly Domain becomes a Heaven and Earth of darkness.

The only sources of light in this world are the Radiance Eight Immortals and the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity Do Gon.

Then once again, the Sword Spear Heavenly Lord speaks.

: : Qian-Kun Twin Immortals, become the ruler and take your place. : :

Kurururung!

Among the Envoys of the Final Age of Dharma, the Qiantian Envoy, Qiantian True Lord, and the Kunyu Envoy, Kunyu Heavenly Lord—

These two Envoys of the Final Age of Dharma step forward.

They are the original owners of the Heavenly Black Banner and the Earthly Yellow Banner that Seo Eun-hyun once took.

They are also Immortal Lords who once clung to life by offering up their Immortal Treasures during the Vast Cold Great War.

: : Heavenly Black. : :

: : Earthly Yellow. : :

The Black True Lord and the Yellow Heavenly Lord each raise their left and right hands, and press their palms together.

Clap!

At the same time, an enormous burst of light begins sweeping through the world of darkness.

Kwaaaaaaang!

Yellow and black colors illuminate Heaven and Earth, and soon the entire world transforms into a world of Primordial Chaos similar to the Outer Sea.

Then, the two Envoys who created this Primordial Chaos fuse into one, forming a ruler the size of a galaxy.

Kuuung!

The Qian-Kun Ruler (乾坤尺/Heaven-Earth Ruler) that stirs Primordial Chaos enters the hand of the Rain Dew Heavenly Lord.

The Radiance Eight Immortals, who have now acquired the Thirty-Three Heavenly Resplendent Treasure Pagodas, the Purple Forbidden Alms Bowl, and the Qian-Kun Ruler, look down upon the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity and declare.

: : The Three Immortal Treasures of the Radiance Supreme Deity have gathered in one place. Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity Do Gon, surrender now and obediently accept your judgment. : :

Then, the subordinate of the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity, Zhengli, looks up at them and speaks.

: : My Lord, the Three Immortal Treasures of the Radiance Supreme Deity...have revealed themselves. : :

Kururung—

The giant God of Lightning holding the Banner of Heavenly Lightning gazes at them and responds to Zhengli's words.

: : Indeed. : :

Kurung, kurururung—

The body of the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity begins to grow brighter.

The power of chaos that fills all Heaven and Earth starts to recede, pushed back by the power of the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity.

With the Thirty-Three Heavenly Resplendent Treasure Pagodas, they shape a Heavenly Domain aligned to their principles.

With the Purple Forbidden Alms Bowl, they bind the opponent within their place.

With the Qian-Kun Ruler, they plunge the opponent's attributes into Primordial Chaos and nullify them.

These Three Immortal Treasures are Immortal Treasures that use True Immortals, not mere Sacred Masters. Even the Purple Forbidden Alms Bowl, greatly weakened after the death of the Purple Forbidden Heavenly Lord, is elevated to a True Immortal-level Immortal Treasure by being forged from the Purple Forbidden Heavenly Lord's descendants and divine descending their power.

From the beginning, their very purpose is to raise the combat capacity of Radiance Hall—which, with only the Radiance Eight Immortals, cannot fully draw upon the Origin Essence of Radiance—to the level it held during the era of the Radiance Ten Heavenly Lords. Unless the Immortal Treasure is of this level, it can not endure.

Therefore, in the world, these Three Immortal Treasures of the Radiance Supreme Deity are sometimes called the Pride of Radiance.

The pride of the Radiance Supreme Deity.

And its dignity.

The Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity looks up at the pride of Light and raises the Heavenly Lightning Banner.

: : ... Let's go, Li. Let us fulfil...that ancient prophecy. : :

They recall the distant past.

Recalling the time when they and their subordinates were slaughtered by Radiance Hall, they begin to command thunder and lightning.

The subordinates of the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity.

The Jade Pivot Forty-Eight Lightning Heavenly Great Immortals.

Recalling the prophecy they uttered as they perished—

The Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity begins to swing the Heavenly Lightning Banner.

: : Cry out. O Essence of Great Heavenly Punishment. : :