1000 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

To find the Divine Tree. Not just any of the three Divine Trees said to be in the possession of the generals—excluding the one possessed by the Hwasan Sect. But the singular Divine Tree located in the space where its owner resides. To restore Shin Noya, that tree must be found. Having set this goal, the first thing I did was unavoidable. Whoosh---!!! I slowly retrieved the flames I had ignited everywhere. The flames gathered into my palm and then seeped back into my body. I felt the gradual resurgence and narrowed my eyes. First, the initial action was nothing other than confirming my condition. Even though I had reached transcendence, I needed to clearly understand what had changed. Time was spent assessing the newfound power. The result? ‘……Remarkable.’ It was clear that the level of transformation far exceeded expectations. Breaking through the walls of enlightenment didn’t rapidly increase my qi, nor did it notably strengthen my grip or other abilities. Yet, if asked what had significantly improved—even if not in power, ‘The quality of the flames has changed.’ The flames born from the Nine Flames Wheel Art within my body. Their quality and heat had evolved. Whoosh. There was a vividness to the flickering flame. Originally, they had a bright, azure hue, but now, there was something different. ‘Life.’ The flames exuded a sense of vitality. Whoosh. The flames rising skyward were extraordinarily captivating. Despite having created these flames, I found myself unable to look away. There wasn’t an ounce of imperfection in the flames. Instinctively, I knew. I could increase the heat even more if I wished. And even then, the color of the flames would not change. Thinking about it made me recall— ‘What about my father’s flames?’ Surely my father’s flames had reached transcendence as well. Though I tried hard to remember, pondering that question was in vain. ‘……I can’t remember.’ No memory came to mind, embarrassingly enough. Perhaps because I had never fixated on observing my father’s flames. It was inevitable. ‘I thought they were the same flames.’ I might have presumed they were merely hotter or carried a much broader energy. Or maybe…… ‘They were manipulated with greater precision than mine.’ The flames I saw from my father at that time stayed only within that limited perspective. ‘……They were different.’ Only after attaining transcendence did I understand. It wasn’t merely a difference in control, nor was it discrepancy in the quantity of qi. Instead, it was whether I could become the flame or not. Not a matter of control. Simply, an act. The difference became apparent because the flame had become akin to my body. Channeling qi through Meridians converts one’s energy to flame. In the past, controlling and manipulating that energy was the extent of my capability. Now, however… ‘Even using the same qi, the feel is entirely different.’ Even though wielding flames with qi should still be qi ultimately, The sensation was no different than moving an arm. How do I explain it? ‘……It’s like having gained wings but with no problem moving them?’ Suddenly possessing a couple more arms. Even though having wings was unusual and unfamiliar. I could manipulate it all too adeptly. If I had to describe it, that seemed to fit. Whooosh--!!! After drawing all the flames back into my body, I clenched and unclenched my fist several times. I gauged to what extent I could control it. Checking on the flames' versatility and maximum intensity. ‘This should do.’ I dared to say, ‘It could rival the Three Supremes?’ Now it seemed feasible to finally contend with the Three Supremes, the Tian Wai Tian of the Central Plains. Such thoughts crossed my mind. Albeit not with absolute certainty. These were facts I needed to test by directly facing the Three Supremes now. ‘…In conclusion. I’ve come this far.’ Regardless, I’ve finally arrived here. After the regression, starting from being a mere third-rate, I advanced through second-rate, first-rate, and achieved the peak, surpassing the realm prior to the regression. Even further beyond, I came here. How long did it take? Counting the times, it probably didn’t even amount to a decade. It was a steep ascent. Recalling this should likely bring some sentimental reflection, Clench. I briefly clenched my fist, shaking off any emotions. ‘Not yet.’ There were feelings, no doubt. However, this wasn’t the time to indulge in them. I looked up. The sun had passed its zenith, and the sky was growing dim with the setting sun's hue. I had spent a considerable amount of time figuring out my power. Soon, the night would descend. So, should I wait for nightfall once again this time? I would have, if things were as usual. Night was often more convenient for moving around, and waiting until dark felt right in several ways. Whoosh. But I didn’t wait; I calmly ignited the flames. A sense of urgency rose within me. There was no time to revel in having reached this realm. Plans meticulously crafted swam relentlessly in my mind. Yet they dissipated, swept away by the flames kindling in my body. Tap. As soon as my foot lifted, my being turned into a spark, transforming into a streak as it shot into the distance. The speed of flight was exceptional. My speed increased, alongside a reduction in qi consumption. Given my already abundant qi, this meant generating even more formidable flames was possible. I broke past the barrier. Leaving the Hwasan Sect, the scenery underwent an instant metamorphosis. I pushed my speed to its maximum. Dong……! There was a sound at takeoff, followed by a silence that enveloped my ears. The sound couldn’t keep up with my speed. Thus flying and proceeding, the familiar night surroundings met my gaze. I had come here so often that even the sight had lost its novelty. Whoosh. Arriving at the fortress wall, I landed. “Hmm.” Standing atop the elevated wall, I glanced below. My heightened senses took in the vast view unfolding in front of me. Yet the concern was— ‘The population has decreased.’ The number of people visible was noticeably reduced. Even yesterday, it seemed like there was quite a crowd. ‘Apparently.’ I knew the reason. ‘Must be because of me.’ The chaos I caused yesterday is likely the reason for such a reduction in the crowd. This was evident as, despite the decrease in people, there was a noticeable increase in military presence. The fear and anxiety were etched evidently on the soldiers' faces. And the reason for this was singular. ‘The White Death.’ The head of the Baek Seak family passed away last night. Unlike the leader of the Jeok Seak family, who was attacked but did not perish, the head of Baek Seak met demise amidst countless witnesses during the previous assault. This must have escalated the sense of insecurity in Yaweol to its limit. ‘Hmm.’ Watching the people, I leaped lightly. Once again becoming a spark and concealing my presence, I slipped into an alley amid densely towering buildings. Without any additional clothes on me, there was nothing to change into. Nor was there any need to wear a mask. Today, I wasn’t present as the Heavenly Demon. At least— ‘Not during the day.’ For now, there was no need to change my appearance. I confirmed my presence in a deserted area. There was nothing around that I could sense. Understanding up to that point, I focused strength in my heart. The threads of a spell spread throughout my body, and soon ears and a tail sprouted. Because it was daylight, I couldn't become part of the Moonlight Clan without using spells. “Hoo.” Checking my changed form, I started to move. Surveying the surroundings from the street. “……What on earth is going to happen.” “Is it really okay to stay still...? If any harm comes our way from this...” “What about the other nobles? What are they doing about all this...?” The restless reactions were apparent. Faces lined with anxiety appeared dark, even under the midday sun. “Two of our leaders have fallen in just a few days...” “And one of them has even passed away...” “What exactly is going on… it’s unbearable to live in this anxiety.” Who knows when another assault might occur. What accident might accompany such an assault. Moreover, what would happen to Yaweol with the ensuing chaos from those events. The worries and fears were palpable. Additionally— “What are the nobles even doing?” “…If there is ever a time to unite our strengths, it is now...!” The negativity growing from there led to fractures. Especially with two of the four families maintaining balance now shaken, it was a prime opportunity for things to collapse. As always. To bring something down— ‘It’s better to let them fight amongst themselves than to directly intervene.’ That is always the simplest way. “We trusted them because they were nobles, yet in the current situation, they are merely protecting their own domains...” “What can we depend on, then?” When an incident occurs and no significant actions are taken by the nobles. The people of Yaweol were beginning to nurture distrust towards them. I touched my lips, watching this unfold. ‘That wasn’t my intention, though.’ I had predicted this might happen but didn’t intend for it. That wasn’t what I was hoping for. ‘I only intended to sow enough confusion to make moving easier.’ The resentment towards the nobles seemed deeper than I anticipated, and the reactions were intense. In fact, it was beneficial. ‘Thanks to that, it’ll be easier to act.’ As for the fallen ones, let them be. What about the remaining ones, what are they up to? People might be curious, ‘They can’t move.’ Heuk Saek has been immobilized as a demon convert. Jeok Seak had been defeated and her mobility restricted by me. It’s uncertain when they’ll recover and reappear. ‘But, will anything change if they do?’ Even if they showed up now, it wouldn’t significantly alter anything. It was far too late for that. Tap. I walked slowly. There was no fixed end to my steps. I was indeed here with a purpose, but it wasn’t something I should seek out immediately. ‘How long will it take?’ I deliberately wore the robes of the Hwasan Sect. I deliberately revealed my face. As I openly moved around, I judged they'd soon appear. ‘Well then.’ So go ahead, ask already. I didn’t have much time. I reminded myself of that urgency, attempting to mask it. “Hey, you.” “……” At the sound of the voice, I paused in my tracks. I turned my gaze toward the direction of the sound, maintaining an expressionless demeanor. Any slip might contort my face. ‘Here they are.’ The one I had been waiting for took the bait. The one who met my eyes. It was Yusa. “……Follow me. I have something to say.” His face was twisted in a grimace as he spoke to me. “Alright.” Without hesitation, I nodded at his words. Of course, I’d follow. I came all the way here just to see you. It was something I could readily oblige to. The purpose of my visit during broad daylight was that fellow. More precisely, it was the information he possessed. He would know. ‘The location of the hidden Divine Tree somewhere in this place.’ For that reason, I had to stage a scene even forcibly if necessary. The original plan? That was now wiped from my mind. Executing each step safely in order? That was futile for the time being. Today, I was going to locate the Divine Tree somewhere within Yaweol. As I found it, ‘It’ll all be swept away.’ That guy, this guy—everything. Everything would be cleared away. For the heavens that might be watching over me to take notice. 아이네주르르고세구 2024.10.09 15:14 신고: "We've finally reached the thousandth chapter. We've been stumbling for over a hundred chapters in the Master of Myriad Worlds." 히데토 2024.10.18 15:43 신고: "Reaching transcendence, eating with the gods, restoring the original soul, and creating the Heavenly Demon Divine Art—yet you call that foolishness? Hahaha." 잃어버린틀니 6일 전 신고: "There’s just more power inflation around the protagonist, haha." 잃어버린틀니 6일 전 신고: "It’s obvious that to avoid making the heroines mere background props, the setup is such that when 'the protagonist picks up an opportunity and gets stronger enough to return', the heroines simply rely on innate talent to catch up." 연우 2024.10.30 08:14 신고: "Let’s speed things up." [Note: The comments mention reaching chapter 1000 and humorously address common tropes in web novels, like escalating power levels and protagonists encountering exceptional events. They hint at the interconnected, rapid developments, and the evolving dynamics between characters.]