Chapter 1078
Near the pavilion, whose pillars were carved from thousand-year-old juniper trees,
a clear wind blew, washing away the worldly afflictions.
And on the pavilion's wooden porch, a woman gazed at the night sky, as if dusted with silver powder.
Her flawless, snow-white skin and long, jet-black hair were left loose, tousled by the night breeze.
She looked like a celestial maiden descended from the heavens.
Yet, in stark contrast to her dazzling beauty, her eyes were deep and dark, impossible to read.
This was the Holy Maiden, Man-wol.
Tap.
Just then, a woman clad in resplendent red robes, bright as the sun, descended before the pavilion.
She was a figure from the Baekri Side Family—Jeong-yeong, the guardian of the main family's Holy Maiden, Man-wol.
"The Master Blacksmith has sent word that the Ice Jade Coffin is complete," Jeong-yeong said.
Man-wol, still gazing at the distant sky, replied,
"Then meet him and deliver this message."
Her eyes remained fixed on a single twinkling star.
"Ask him to keep it in the safest place in this world."
"Really... is there truly no other way?"
As Jeong-yeong's eyes welled with tears, Man-wol shook her head slightly and smiled faintly.
"This is the only path that can save the world."
Then, in a voice quieter than silence, she added,
"Please, deliver this to him."
"Understood."
The woman in red wiped her damp tears and nodded.
"The Martial Soul Lord—I will meet him."
***
Bu Eun-seol had returned to the Demon Hall.
He had heard from the Wind Cloud Brigade that Ak Mu-ryeong had completely healed Sa-u's body.
'The Pavilion Lord has been working tirelessly as well.'
Ak Mu-ryeong had learned that Sa-u, suppressing the collapse of his spirit and mind, had not returned to Langya Pavilion and was instead rebuilding Mokga Village.
Afterward, he had imparted a method to absorb the earth's energy, buying time,
and had been searching everywhere for a way to restore Sa-u's spirit and mind.
However, since Pa-myeong's Soul Return Art was one of the True Demon's Secret Arts, it defied the conventional logic of martial arts entirely.
Even Ak Mu-ryeong could not easily resolve it.
But when Bu Eun-seol pierced three of Sa-u's acupoints using the Ink Soul First Form,
he broke through the final one, instantly restoring Sa-u's body to normal.
'I wonder if the Pavilion Lord knows the whereabouts of the Heaven and Earth Divine Artifact.'
Had he combined the Heaven and Earth Divine Artifact with the Ink Soul First Form, he could have saved Sa-u in an instant.
A deep sense of regret lingered.
'No... if he had known, he would have told me.'
In the current martial world, Yu Un-ryong was the one who understood Bu Eun-seol's heart best.
Conversely, Ak Mu-ryeong could see through Bu Eun-seol's physical condition with perfect clarity.
He would not have been unaware that what Bu Eun-seol lacked was the Heaven and Earth Divine Artifact.
If he had known its whereabouts—
Given his personality, even if he wouldn't have said it outright, he would have found some indirect way to convey it.
'I must go to the Martial Soul Assembly.'
After handling the backlog of work at the Demon Hall, he immediately departed for the Martial Soul Assembly.
Because Yu Un-ryong had sent him this message:
—The Martial Soul Assembly reports that the Absolute Domain plan, one of the grand undertakings currently in progress, has nearly reached completion.
The Martial Soul Assembly had gradually grown, and before long, it had reached a level where it could confidently call itself the most impregnable fortress in the world.
Moreover, since it had been acknowledged by the Sacred Realm as Middle Heaven, it was safe even from the attacks of the Abyssal Forces.
Yet Bu Eun-seol was not at ease.
'Middle Heaven could be revoked at any moment.'
The Martial Soul Assembly was a gathering of people he had to protect.
Even if he were to die—
To ensure the safety of those precious to him, including those who could carry on his will,
he had to create countless safeguards.
'After all, I could die at any time.'
The path ahead was fraught with peril, and he could not guarantee his own survival.
He had to devise every possible means to ensure the safety of those in the Martial Soul Assembly.
'Soon, the Martial Soul Assembly will become the martial world's final stronghold.'
The boundary between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths in the current martial world was gradually blurring.
Before long, the moment would come when the martial world collapsed.
The comrades of the Death Shadow War Unit in the Demon Hall, and those of the Azure Heaven Alliance, including the Supreme Peak Brigade.
Precious individuals like Tang Gon and Namgung Un from the Eight Great Families.
The Cloud Sea Azure Spirit Palace, the North Sea Ice Palace, the Blazing Flame Sacred Palace, the Beast Palace, and countless other sects beyond the borders.
And all the cherished bonds he had formed along the way.
To protect them all—
he was creating a space where none could intrude.
The Absolute Domain plan.
A scheme that had been progressing in secrecy was finally nearing completion.
***
The mountain resembled a slumbering dragon stirring in its sleep.
Its towering peaks, piercing the heavens, were submerged in the sea of clouds, revealing only their azure crowns.
Morning and evening, the rising mist wrapped around the mountain's waist like thin silk before scattering in a single gust of wind, fluttering like the robes of an immortal.
At the heart of this deep mountain, untouched by the dust of the mundane world, lay the dwelling of a sage—a place called the Mystical Radiance Realm.
Time in the Mystical Radiance Realm revealed itself first through color.
In spring, deep pink mountain cherry blossoms embroidered the valleys. In summer, the lush greenery pulsed with vitality, as if the entire mountain were breathing.
In autumn, fiery maple leaves blended with the evening glow, creating a hidden paradise.
In winter, pristine snow swallowed all sound, piling in mourning-white layers upon pine branches, displaying the noble grace of a lone crane.
Tap, tap.
A lone figure walked along a winding path, gnarled like an old tree root.
A blue silk headband adorned his brow, and he wore a robe as white as clouds, resembling a crane's feathers.
Each time he languidly waved the white-feathered fan in his hand, his deep, clear gaze seemed to pierce a thousand li into the distance.
His bearing was like that of a towering pine, his grace akin to an immortal's.
This was Chu-so, the Heavenly Secret Star, said to possess the greatest wisdom in the world—the master of the Mystical Radiance Realm.
Chirp, chirp.
By the path, emerald moss blanketed the rocks like a velvet carpet, and nameless wildflowers shyly peeked out.
The air was filled with the clear songs of birds, the whisper of wind through bamboo groves, and the distant murmur of a waterfall, blending into a tranquil harmony.
His destination was an old hermitage.
Sitting on its small wooden porch, one could see a jade-green stream flowing a thousand feet below the cliff, while beyond, layer upon layer of mountain peaks stretched endlessly into the distance.
In the courtyard, a single plum tree—easily over a hundred years old—twisted its branches like a coiling dragon.
Beside it, a small rock held a half-drunk teacup, placed there with quiet simplicity.
Here, even time flowed sluggishly.
The movement of the sun and moon was the only clock, the changing seasons the only calendar.
The disputes and vanities of the mortal world were barred by the mountain's mist, unable to intrude.
Only the fragrance of tea, the scent of ink, and the crisp sound of wind through pines filled the space.
"It's gone awry again."
Chu-so, who had been gazing at the distant sky, murmured softly and shook his head.
"I simply cannot understand it."
The Heavenly Mechanism was, by nature, akin to the flow of the natural world—difficult for human hands to alter.
Yet every time he read its patterns, didn't the currents twist as if waiting for him?
"They were fated to die."
He was a figure who obstructed his grand design—someone who, by all reason, should have perished.
As if to prove it,
a star that had dimmed and faded—why had it suddenly regained its brilliance?
"The heavens, it seems..."
Chu-so stared at the distant sky and repeated,
"will not permit my great work."
The martial world had always had those who defied the flow of the Heavenly Mechanism.
There was the Wooden Buddha, who could be called destiny itself, and the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, who defied the will of heaven with his unfathomable martial arts.
But separate from them,
there were those who, despite all preparations, acted unpredictably—or produced results that defied comprehension.
Martial Soul Lord Bu Eun-seol.
Sword King Seon-u Jin.
Martial Soul Society Leader Seol-so.
These three were not individuals who should have had the weight to influence the Heavenly Mechanism.
Yet whenever they appeared, every plan fell apart.
Sensing something amiss, Chu-so had meticulously traced their movements—but found nothing unusual.
The only common trait was their martial prowess—surviving repeated clashes with the Three Realms and the Servants of the True Demon.
"They survive precisely because their enemies are divided."
The Three Realms had long been fractured by infighting.
As for the Servants of the True Demon—
they had long since devolved into factions vying for their master's power.
If a powerful enemy appeared to eliminate their rivals? They would secretly welcome it.
Shhh.
Then, without a sound, a black shadow emerged behind Chu-so.
It was Eung-bi, the Heaven-Slaying Star—his most trusted subordinate, hailed as the strongest of the One Hundred and Eight Stars.
"She has come."
Eung-bi bowed deeply and spoke with deference.
"Shall I tell her you are absent again?"
Chu-so gazed at the distant sky for a moment. As if recalling something, a faint smile touched his lips.
"No. Show her in."
Step.
Guided by the Heaven-Slaying Star, the one who entered the hermitage was a beautiful woman.
Though she had veiled her face with silk gauze, it couldn't conceal her bewitching and mystical aura.
"Brother."
The woman approached Chu-so, then—
Rustle.
She untied the silk veil woven from Heavenly Silkworm Silk.
Instantly, a visage so radiant it seemed to brighten the dim interior was revealed.
Her skin, like molten honey under the Western sun, hinted at a blend of Han and Western Regions ancestry.
Her pitch-black pupils shimmered with flecks of gold dust, exuding an otherworldly glow.
Her delicate, oval face was as refined as a painting, yet her sharp nose and coral-red lips lent her a striking presence.
She was, without a doubt, a mesmerizing beauty with an unforgettable allure.
"Was your leisurely retreat in Hyunyo-gyeong so entertaining?"
"Naria."
Chu-so spread his arms wide with a bright smile as the woman drew near.
"Ah, our future Saintess, who will one day hold the world in her hands, has graced us with her presence."
"One day."
Naria arched her crescent-moon eyes and retorted.
"Brother always hides daggers behind sweet words. Surely you don't secretly believe I'll never become a Saintess?"
"Of course not. It's just—"
"Right. Man-wol. She took all my power."
As Chu-so studied her demeanor and gaze, realization dawned on him.
His eyes sparkled as he let out an impressed sigh.
"The Creation Sun and Moon. So, you've finally obtained a fragment of it."
The Creation Sun and Moon.
A divine treasure said to have emerged at the dawn of creation.
It allowed one to pull future outcomes into the present—an ability known as preempting causality.
For example, if one were destined to gain a power through training someday?
They could seize that result now, wielding it in this very moment.
"Exactly."
Naria beamed.
"Now, I'll soon become a true Saintess, wielding the Star God's Power."
"Then that means—"
"Right. I've also seen Future Sight."
She winked and whispered.
"I saw Man-wol's death."
A satisfied smile spread across Naria's face.
Future Sight was an absolute outcome—unalterable unless the heavens themselves collapsed.
If she had witnessed Man-wol's death? That fate was inescapable.
"But would the Baekri Side Family let her die so easily? They invested tremendous effort into making her their final trump card."
Chu-so clicked his tongue and shook his head.
"They even subjected her to endless trials, all to help her overcome Heavenly Punishment."
"Don't worry."
Naria spoke decisively.
"The Baekri Side Family won't intervene. At most, her guards might stir."
A mocking smile played on her lips.
"They were exposed for defying the Baekri Clan's orders and aiding an unrelated man. Their status was stripped, and now they're endlessly fleeing, hunted by every faction."
"Hmm."
Chu-so exhaled thoughtfully, then spoke warmly.
"With the Star God's Power, you'll surpass me now, won't you?"
"Impossible. I don't have the strength to forge the Chain of Reincarnation."
Instantly, Chu-so's expression froze cold.
The Chain of Reincarnation.
A power only the True Demon possessed—the ultimate authority coveted by all factions.
Yet instead of stealing it, Chu-so had been creating a new chain.
Though it still fell short of the True Demon's.
With knowledge spanning all ages and lands, unmatched wisdom, and the cooperation of Pa-myeong—who knew the True Demon's Secret Arts—he was close.
But this was a secret that must never be exposed.
Even in the secluded hermitage of Hyunyo-gyeong, her playful remark made killing intent flare within him.
"True."
Yet, as if nothing had happened—
He concealed the murderous glint in his eyes in an instant and smiled amiably.
"It would be wonderful if you became a Saintess and aided me."
Naria curved her eyes into crescents.
"That's why I'm here."
"Are you certain? Once you become a Saintess, you could also negotiate with him."
"Ruling the world with you sounds far more entertaining."
For a moment, Chu-so's expression shifted strangely.
Naria had hinted at her affections for a long time.
But he had always assumed it was a calculated ploy to manipulate him.
Yet now—weren't those genuine emotions in her eyes?
"Hmm."
Swallowing a sigh, Chu-so averted his gaze slightly and asked,
"Then you'll soon know the True Demon's whereabouts?"
"You know the rules. To get that answer, you must pay a fitting price."
Naria laughed, deftly sidestepping the question.
"Don't worry. Once I fully restore the Star God's Power, I'll also learn the location of the remaining Nine Heavens Radiant Cloud."
Chu-so nodded.
If things proceeded as planned, their grand ambition would be advanced by at least a decade.
"Shall I assign the Heaven-Slaying Star to accompany you?"
"No need. Neither-Human-Nor-Beast is with me, so I'll be fine."
"That slippery bastard must have recognized the Star God's Power first and latched onto you."
Chu-so took a deep breath.
"But be careful. He's the kind of man who would push all Eight Heavenly Servants into death just to pursue his own goals... and when he sets something in motion, he never steps forward himself."
"It's fine. Now that I've seen Man-wol's death, the outcome won't change."
Naria leaned in close, her lips brushing against Chu-so's ear as she whispered:
"All you need to do, Brother, is tell me the most perfect timing and place—so I never fail."
Heavenly Secret Star Chu-so.
A man who could analyze the currents of the present and predict the future.
If he resolved to kill someone and laid the trap himself? Even Man-wol, who could read the heavens, wouldn't escape it.
"So that's why you came to me. To ensure Man-wol's elimination."
Chu-so gave a faint nod.
"Very well. I'll send word of the exact time and place where Man-wol's breath can be severed. Along with tools to ensure no interference can stop you."
For a moment, Naria's eyes burned with fervor.
—It might even be fun, ruling the world with you, Big Brother.
She had definitely said those words.
And for him to accept and aid her... didn't that mean he was accepting her heart as well?
"What man could refuse a woman as beautiful and wise as you?"
"Thank you, Big Brother."
Thud.
Naria pulled Chu-so into a fierce embrace.
"I know. You're only accepting me because I'm useful. But I don't care. Once I become the true Saintess, you'll end up loving me anyway."
Chu-so shook his head.
"For someone like me, 'love' just means I desperately need them."
Then, with a tender expression, he whispered:
"But for now... is this much not enough?"
"It's plenty."
Naria beamed.
"Knowing you'll help me feels like gaining an army of ten thousand."
Chu-so's gaze settled calmly as he patted her shoulder affectionately.
"For the future Saintess, whom even the Three Attendants will worship, to place her full trust in me... I hardly know what to do with myself. I pray for your success."
"Mm."
Naria turned to leave the hermitage, satisfaction curling her lips—
"I meant it, you know."
—then paused, glancing back with a low murmur.
"My feelings for you, Big Brother."
Without waiting for a reply, she swiftly vanished beyond the threshold.
As he watched her go, a bitter sneer twisted Chu-so's lips.
Soon after Naria's presence faded entirely—
Shwip.
Eung-bi reappeared behind Chu-so, bowing deeply.
"Congratulations."
"For what?"
"Having foreseen the future through the Creation Sun and Moon... soon, she'll be the undisputed Saintess, won't she?"
"Hmm."
The lukewarm response made Eung-bi blink.
"Future Sight never changes, does it?"
"Ah, think harder."
Chu-so's smile turned icy.
"The future the Creation Sun and Moon showed her... was only from this moment's perspective."
"This moment's...?"
Eung-bi's eyes narrowed.
Future Sight didn't change—but what it revealed was anchored to when it was seen.
"Then you don't mean—"
"Exactly."
Chu-so grinned like a child who'd found a delightful toy.
"If she looks again at the moment she tries to kill Man-wol? A different future might appear."
His stare pinned Eung-bi as he murmured:
"Shall I share a secret of the Creation Sun and Moon?"
An inscrutable smile played on Chu-so's lips.
"Its power... to pull future outcomes into the present? Was never meant for humans."
His voice grew quieter.
"It exists solely to lead mankind to ruin. In the end, those who wield the Creation Sun and Moon become its sacrifices."
Then he gazed at the distant sky.
"After all... it's a divine relic that's toyed with humanity for ages."
"Then shouldn't we stop her?"
"Impossible."
A mysterious gleam flickered in Chu-so's fixed stare.
"The moment she sought me out... the Creation Sun and Moon's function had already begun."
He lowered his head, meeting Eung-bi's eyes.
"It seems the final act is approaching."
A chill ran down Eung-bi's spine.
Suddenly, an ancient prophecy from the secret texts stored in the Hall of Mirrors surfaced in his mind:
—When the Chain of Eternity strangles the heavens, and the sun and moon of creation lose their light and face each other, the Nine Heavens Radiant Cloud shall bloom crimson...
On that day, the Lord of the End shall descend, gathering every last breath of the world.
According to Pa-myeong, the Chain of Reincarnation's influence had already manifested in reality.
And now, its equal—
The greatest treasures of the mortal world, the Creation Sun and Moon and the Nine Heavens Radiant Cloud, had appeared.
Which meant... soon, the world—
All of this was hurtling toward the brink of Final Extinction.