A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 723: Chapter 719: Owner of Names (2)

Kuung!

I step outside the outskirts of the Underworld and gaze at Mount Sumeru.

The Inner Sea of Mount Sumeru.

There, a battle unfolds between mmm and Hyeon Rang.

The fists of the giant god of vapor, the Naming Supreme Deity Hyeon Rang, and mms, who has turned into a giant with his body steeped in a sea of starlight, collide against each other.

And as I watch them, I realize something.

“The more Hyeon Rang and ma Hyung-nim collide...the more ma Hyung-nim's presence fades.’

Each time he collides with the giant of vapor, his body seems to be gradually enveloped in mist, as though being pulled into an illusory dream.

I keep observing him, trying to understand what kind of phenomenon this is.

“I need to capture at least one thing with my eyes. I can't let Hyung-nim's sacrifice be in vain.

I though I truly hate it, realize that I must return.

Regressing by my own will is something I detest to the very core.

A single return means a single life...

Is gone just like that.

But...

aun...

My friend has staked his life on that assumption.

'So...just this once, even if I have to give up one life...I must turn it back!"

Even as my hands tremble, I keep watching the battle between the two.

With my consciousness having reached Araya Consciousness, I perceive Hyeon Rang's authority even more clearly.

And in that moment, I enter a new world.

“Centered around the Naming Supreme Deity...

Tsuaaaaaa—

Like ink spreading, a completely new Mount Sumeru appears.

“That is...the vision of a Supreme Deity...?"

The entire Mount Sumeru is formed of dense [Names], and those countless [Names] create countless flows.

Those flows gather to form an inverted cone, shaping the boundaries of numerous Heavenly Domains, Inner Sea, and the Outer Sea.

And among them, there is a single point where all those countless flows converge.

I realize that that point is none other than Hyeon Rang.

“The origin of all the names that exist in this world...

Thump, thump...

More precisely, he serves as the heart that helps the powers known as “names’ to properly circulate in this world.

That is the Naming Supreme Deity.

I immediately realize what this vision I'm witnessing truly is.

Is this...the vision of those who walk the Immortal Dao of Naming...!?"

Through Araya Consciousness, I have become able to see the vision of even the opponent's Immortal Dao.

“Ah... see.’

I realize that this is the [Origin Essence].

Origin Essence is not a particular material or object—it is, by itself, a world.

'No...that's not it. It's not just because I reached Araya Consciousness that I can see this vision.

It is because I am directly witnessing a Supreme Deity fully exercising their power that I can see this vision.

Beings who seize the Origin Essence and become the Origin Essence itself.

Monsters who do not get devoured by the Origin Essence that is also called the Heavenly Dao, but instead devour the Heavenly Dao itself.

“Those who devour an entire Immortal Dao. Those who consume the very law itself— those are the Supreme Deities.’

Watching the battle between the Naming Supreme Deity and mam, I begin to understand, at least partially, what the little-known process of advancing to Supreme Deity entails. “To advance to Supreme Deity, one must at least, during the time of being an Immortal Lord, have faced a Supreme Deity in battle.

Before one can viscerally experience what kind of being a Supreme Deity is through a fierce battle, the difficulty of advancing to Supreme Deity must be immense. Kurururung—

I watch the Naming Supreme Deity, and I gradually grasp more clearly what a Supreme Deity is, and what a Seat truly means.

The Naming Supreme Deity throws a punch at mam.

A simple straight punch, devoid of any enlightenment of martial principles.

Yet with that punch, the [Names] composing mmm scatter.

“He is directly striking the law of [Names] that exists in phenomena.’

The [Arms], [Legs], [Torso], [Meridians], immortal Body], [inner World], and all other [Names] that make up mam are struck, and the blows surpassing the physical force of reality break mam apart.

Tracing the origin of that phenomenon, I gradually dig into the secret behind Hyeon Rang's power.

I see...

And when I grasp the principle behind Hyeon Rang's power, Hong Fan arrives beside me with the Immortal Treasures.

Strangely, although the [Names] of all phenomena in the universe are clearly visible to me while directly observing the Naming Supreme Deity, for some reason, Hong Fan shows only the character Hong (#1), and nothing more of his [Name is visible.

it feels as if something has been severed.

“This guy used to be one with the Radiance Mantra... Is it because he's now separated from it?"

Slightly puzzled, I ask,

“What brings you here...?"

“Did Master not come here to analyze Great Master Hyun-seok's battle? As Master's subordinate, how could I not come when my Master has?"

“Is that so...2 Thank you. It would be helpful if you assist with the analysis as well." Whatever the case, Hong Fan's abilities are genuine. If he helps, it will make things considerably easier.

Kuuuuung!

mmm is struck by Hyeon Rang and sent flying.

And the [Names] that compose him begin to scatter in fragments.

“Can you see it too, Hong Fan? mm Hyung-nim is..."

“Yes, I can. It is likely because the Naming Supreme Deity is properly unleashing his power..."

Then, after observing for a while, Hong Fan's eyes gleam as he speaks.

"I understand the principle. I see how the [Power of Names] works."

“That was fast."

With only a brief look, he's figured out the principle behind the Naming Supreme Deity's power.

"Though it is called [Names]...in reality, it is closer to a [Relationship]. Or perhaps the two are not so different after all."

Hong Fan begins explaining the analysis he has made of Hyeon Rang's power.

In the end, the Power of Names wielded by Hyeon Rang functions as follows:

Names exist, ultimately, to be called by others.

Therefore, the ability to steal, erase, or rename a [Name] means being able to sever the relationships that existed with oneself.

My comrade was wa Hyung-nim of the Oh Clan,

Not some unpronounceable entity called mm.

Those who lose their [Names] begin to feel all their relationships vanish and break apart, and in the end, they are forgotten by all and cease to exist.

tis a power specialized in killing Immortal Beasts or Earth Immortals.

Because they govern the power of life and history, Immortal Beasts and Earth Immortals are even more difficult to kill than Heaven Immortals. But if they are struck by the Naming Supreme Deity's power, they would not be able to resist and would gradually wither away and die.

In a way, it's similar to poison.

“No, more accurately...it's closer to radiation exposure than poisoning.

Gradually, mmm has the [Names] that comprise him erased and turns into a clump of steam.

“He's not disappearing.’

A being who has lost all names and been forgotten by all.

He is becoming a mass of ancient force.

His form grows fainter, and Hyeon Rang no longer uses his authority against him.

At the same time, I feel a strange sense of déja vu.

“What...is this?"

Everything feels dreamlike.

Everything is oddly unreal, and dizzying.

At that moment, Hyeon Rang meets my eyes.

[Have you been watching?]

[0 Ender. Not long ago, I realized my essence...and felt the duty to awaken your fate...] Those eyes, like the Sun and Moon, look upon me.

The giant god of vapor points at me.

[But as I read the history of the Eastern Twin Sal Tree, I came to understand. You...will no longer lose anything over a simple connection. Though I must give you pain and deprivation to progress your fate...I realized I cannot awaken you through a mere play of fate.]

"...S0, what are you going to do?"

Ll, as the Western Zero King, declare... You, O Ender, from this day forth, shall lose everything.]

"...Since you are mmm's teacher, I don't want to disregard you...but I'm curious. What exactly can someone like you do to me?"

[I shall not do anything to you. For you have already grown too strong for my hands to reach... However, if itis not 'you' but “another being,’ the story changes...]

“You are saying you will target my comrades?"

[No... They are protected by the Western Heavenly Venerable, so I dare not lay a hand on them either...]

“Then you can't touch anything related to me, so how dare you think you can do anything to me?"

[I will say it again. You cannot be affected. However...things that are not you—I can interfere as much as I please. For instance...]

Kugugugugu!

Hyeon Rang raises his hand.

[If I erase the concept of [Names] from all of Mount Sumer, you will inevitably struggle, poisoned by a fatal toxin, and have no choice but to follow your fate.]

"...Are you declaring that you can erase that concept from all of Mount Sumeru?"

I ask him in disbelief.

“Not even the Heavenly Punishment Supreme Deity or the Great Mountain Supreme Deity could erase concepts like [Mountain] or [Heavenly Punishment] from this world, yet you claim you can do that now?"

[Of course, had it been the former me, it would have been impossible.]

“You're saying it's possible now because you've awakened your essence?"

[Even with the power of myself having awakened the essence, it remains impossible.) With those words, I notice that the faint vapor spreading across Mount Sumeru is beginning to grow thicker and thicker.

I see. This power is...

A familiar Heaven and Earth spiritual energy fills Mount Sumeru.

This Heaven and Earth spiritual energy is...

The Heaven and Earth spiritual energy of the Head Realm.

ll, Hyeon Rang, in the name of the rightful heir of the Head Realm, declare...]

The Origin Essence of life, Omniscience.

From the farthest reaches of Mount Sumeru where the Head Realm lies, an immense light of Heaven and Earth spiritual energy bursts forth and pierces down upon Hyeon Rang.

The sight looks like a pillar of light piercing through the entire expanse of Mount Sumeru. lin the Three Heavens Great Thousand World, by the authority of the Owner of Names, I reclaim all [Names] of the Sumeru Three Heavens Great Thousand World...!]

Tsuaaaaaa!

With that one declaration, the vapor erupting around Hyeon Rang grows even denser.

At the same time, I feel an illusion as if my mind has suddenly gone blank. “WemEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE?’

Even as I try to think, the very concept of nouns is gone.

No, at this level, it feels as though even the concept of “letters’ themselves has been erased.

[Names] have been defining the contours of the world, and with their disappearance, all boundaries in this world have become meaningless.

That's right.

The boundary between the Inner Sea and Outer Sea of Mount Sumeru blurs, and Mount Sumeru begins to collapse.

“wan. mmm!’

I am struck with shock as I realize what the Naming Supreme Deity is aiming for.

in a world where all outlines have vanished, he wants me to recall the figures of my comrades and connections, to remember their forms, and to yearn for their [Names].

But do not do so.

I simply...

Quietly repentantly enlighten on my own history.

And in a single moment.

Shwikak!

I draw the Impermanence Sword and swing it.

Jjeooeok!

That is all.

At the same moment, a single strand of mist covering Mount Sumeru clears. [..Impressive. What have you done?]

Then, without a word, I raise my sword and strike down toward Mount Sumeru. Shwukak!

[This is...]

Shwukak!

Each time I strike down with my sword, Hyeon Rang's vapor peels away, and the world regains its outlines.

[What is this...> What is happening? How...1? I have taken all the connections that are the source of your strength, the names of the hearts you hold dear, and taken them into my hands to create a world of Grand Mist (J&%)!]

Words are unnecessary.

I continue to grip my sword, refining my form as I did when I first began learning martial arts.

Shwikak, shwikak, shwikak, shwikak!

Tsuaaaa—

At the same time, the mist pouring out from me begins to push back the mist that has veiled Mount Sumeru.

[This...1]

Chuhwaak!

[What is this!?]

I do not answer.

There is no need to answer.

What is imbued within my sword is...

The thing called failure.

Failure has no name.

Because it cannot be attached to one.

I simply pour all the failures I have experienced into this sword, and speak.

::1...as the Immortal Beast King, issue a command to all the nameless within the Sumeru Three Heavens Great Thousand World... : :

Failure has no name.

But even though it has no name, it does not mean it holds no meaning.

For the failure of the present is what becomes the stepping stone to move forward to the next.

Chwaak!

The sword wind of the Impermanence Sword sweeps across the entirety of Mount Sumeru.

A spiraling wind drives away the pale mist.

Names may have vanished across Mount Sumeru.

But that does not mean meaning has vanished with them.

Filling the Heavens Governing View!

:: Decide your own names, solely by the failures you have accumulated yourself. : Deeeng!

The entirety of Mount Sumeru trembles.

At the same time, a brahma bell seems to ring, and as Mount Sumeru hums, the once- blurred world begins to clarify and regain its outlines.

: If meaning does not vanish, then neither do relationships. And if relationships do not vanish...then names can still be remembered. : :

My eyes meet Hyeon Rang's.

:: You will destroy Mount Sumeru? That is impossible. For I will not allow it. : :

[..]

He gazes at me in silence before asking a question.

[How strange. Why...why do you not kill me? If you simply surround me with the immortal Art you just used and strike me down, you could surely kill me...]

:: Isn't it obvious? Your battle is not yet over. : :

Tukwaaang!

At those words, wam's fist bursts forth from Hyeon Rang's abdomen.

[Hoo...]

: wm Hyung-nim...is not dead yet. : :

Now his presence has completely vanished, and even I can barely sense him.

But stil, he undeniably exists.

And Hyeon Rang, sensing something strange, turns his gaze to me.

[..You...still have not forgotten him? I erased the [Name] and thereby deleted history from within all relationships... He should have died in loneliness, forgotten by all...and yet, you still remember him?]

+ Of course. : :

it's true, even I still cannot recall the [name] of mam.

But I definitely remember.

Even if the existence has been erased, the connection he and I shared remains within me.

From the moment I shattered the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections and the Colorless Glass Sword with my own hands, to create the Immortal Crown...

.I have "never" forgotten my connections.

:: You, rightful heir of the Head Realm. : :

I step out from the Underworld and walk into the interior of Mount Sumeru.

Then, stepping over the Twin Holding Heavenly Domain, I approach the Naming Supreme Deity who is tearing out mum's arm.

[Absurd...]

Kwaaaang!

The Naming Supreme Deity strikes me.

As the fist of vapor touches me, I feel the authority of my [Name] gradually flow into him.

But I do not care.

: Son of the Origin Essence of Life, Omniscience. : :

I grab the now fully transparent and almost presence-less existence of mm Hyung-nim, and lift him up.

[You, shall remain powerless for a moment!]

Jjeooooooong!

The God of Humans strikes me.

However, I do not counterattack and focus solely on lifting mmm up.

Though I can't feel his presence, mmm S00N rises.

Whisper...whisper...

Because his presence has vanished, I can barely hear the words of mam.

But I receive his will through Indra’s Net and nod.

:: My name... Please do not worry. After all... :

I reveal my true body.

Wearing a white round collar robe, in the form of a faceless mountain spirit with a head of candle flame, I am struck by Hyeon Rang as I completely lift him up.

:: As long as there are those who remember me, I will never forget: :

—And where...do such people exist? Once your name is stolen by Master, it's over...!

+ [Once], you say? : :

Sabak, sabak—

Beside the giant god of vapor and the mountain spirit in a white round collared robe, a giant deer appears.

itis the Gracious Soul Filling the Heavens, completed by devouring my Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections and Tainted Soul Filling the Heavens.

inside Gracious Soul Filling the Heavens, countless memories are overflowing.

Before, upon seeing the form of a [baby], I understood the principle of the Radiance Mantra, and realized that the essence of my regression ability is the creation of parallel dimensions.

In other words, though it may be another timeline, it [remains], rather than vanishing in vain.

Therefore...

Even if my name is taken in this timeline,

Even if my relationships are stolen in this timeline, the name of [me of another timeline] still remains!

As if catching on to my words, Hyeon Rang's Sun and Moon eyes gleam.

[I see. Is that how it is? But how foolish. Have you forgotten? That due to you, the Emperors can now interfere in other timelines as well...

Hyeon Rang strikes me again.

And with that, my name in another timeline is taken once more.

However, I remain composed.

:: Excellent. Then...you just need to repeat that two thousand more times. : :

[..]

I have reached the ultimate of Martial Arts, attained the realm of the Immortal Beast King, and risen to the pinnacle of Heaven-Earth Great Net Immortal.

Moreover, even the [Wheel] now nearly obeys my will.

itis no longer a situation where I am unacknowledged as before.

I can feel it. The Wheel...

That noble Wheel now judges me as having “nearly reached the standard" and properly lends me its power.

As a result, I am no longer at a level where I could be Killed by a few punches from the Naming Supreme Deity Hyeon