Heavenly Demon Cultivation Simulation - Ch 414
Seol-Hwi had quite a lengthy conversation with Shin Yaja before meeting Songhwa.
Among the topics, the simulation was notably emphasized.
– How to obtain Simulation Lv3?
“Yeah.”
– Why that?
“I need to ask it too. It might know a way to turn back time.”
– …….
“What’s wrong?”
When Shin Yaja didn’t respond for a moment, Seol-Hwi asked again with curiosity.
– I asked that once before.
“Really? What was the answer?”
– It was impossible.
Seol-Hwi’s face hardened at that.
A system that observes another system.
The implication that it was impossible even with that system suggested a lot to Seol-Hwi.
Furthermore, he could also speculate about Shin Yaja’s life as an AI.
“Does that mean finding the answer is impossible with just the system’s capabilities?”
– Yeah.
“Then there’s no need for me to search anymore?”
– No, it still holds meaning.
“What do you mean? You said you couldn’t find the answer?”
– You fool. The target has changed. Instead of asking if the system itself can do it, we can ask if it’s possible using the Creator’s power.
“Oh? That’s true.”
Seol-Hwi realized that Shin Yaja was sharper than he appeared.
And he also wondered why he hadn’t asked this question earlier.
– Since we can’t deceive him anyway, what significance does it have?
“That’s also true.”
It was a convincing argument.
If they couldn’t evade the Creator’s eyes, there was no reason to turn the world forward.
Of course, the guy unnecessarily added, ‘You don’t seem to have that kind of ability either,’ but Seol-Hwi ignored it.
What he said next held more significance.
– But why do you trust me so much when we’ve only met a few times?
“When did I ever say I trusted you?”
– Then why are you telling me all your plans like this?
“Because I trust the years of pain you’ve lived through.”
He was a player who reached the pinnacle.
He must have fought and been subdued by the so-called Absolute One.
And after falling into self-doubt from countless challenges, he would have chosen AI.
As someone who walked the same path, Seol-Hwi understood better than anyone what that felt like.
– To be honest, I still don’t trust you.
Rather than being intimidated by his threat, Seol-Hwi found it agreeable. And he had no intention of forcing trust or credit on him either.
Just cooperating for each other’s goals was enough.
– And whether you know it or not, there’s a big problem with your plan.
“What is it this time?”
– Listen carefully. It’s quite important to you.
He, who appeared transparent like a status window, stopped in place and looked at Seol-Hwi with a rather serious expression.
– Let’s assume that everything happens as you said, and the Absolute One turns the world back to the past to find you. At that time, can you exist in the state you are in now?
“Can you explain what you mean in more detail so I can understand?”
– If, as you said, the Creator turns the world back to the very beginning of this system, could you remain with the memories that you have now?
“……”
Seol-Hwi was about to say something but could not readily answer.
He thought it might be possible, just as Shin Yaja said.
The Absolute One. No, before the Creator turns the system back to the past, he must at least enter the system.
Because, in that state, he would be deceiving the guy’s eyes from outside the system.
When he was told he had entered the system by sheer luck, would his past self have his current memories, as Shin Yaja said?
A world neither visited nor experienced.
Who could know if that world is simply like saving and loading, or like starting anew?
What if it rewinds to the past outside the system?
What if there is another Seol-Hwi in that case?
“Right. That problem exists.”
Seol-Hwi had no choice but to admit his words.
“What are you so deep in thought about?”
While on the way to Martial Arts Island, Songhwa struck up a conversation.
Perhaps he had seen Seol-Hwi muttering to himself.
“Oh. Just.”
Seol-Hwi mumbled vaguely. Then he looked back and saw Shin Yaja quietly following.
Though not clear and so transparent as to be blurred, it still felt as if they were walking together.
“Songhwa.”
“Yes, Elder.”
Seol-Hwi gazed at Songhwa intently before speaking.
“Nevermind.”
“…….”
Seol-Hwi’s mind was tangled.
He considered seeking Songhwa’s opinion but decided against it, as it was beyond his intellectual domain.
Even if he could read the stars and perform advanced spells, he wouldn’t be able to answer the current questions Seol-Hwi had.
Unless one was a god, who could answer questions that reverse time?
‘A god… Ah!’
Then, a figure suddenly flashed through his mind.
The bhikkhuni who always provided him with answers when he was troubled or contemplative.
‘Yes, I must seek help from the bhikkhuni.’
A person who walked the long path of an ascetic. And the bhikkhuni from Emei who nearly entered Nirvana.
If she, who studied different philosophies than his martial arts…
At least, even if she didn’t know the answer to this problem, wouldn’t she teach him a new perspective?
“Oh? I see it over there.”
Just in time, the Martial Arts Island came into view.
As soon as Songhwa saw the building with the Martial Arts Island’s plaque, he felt a slight unease.
And then, seeing Seol-Hwi quietly smiling towards the old man sitting still.
“Elder, surely not…”
“Yes. I’m going to deal with that guy.”
He was taken aback there.
He couldn’t believe it, but the expression and tone were no joke at all.
Not just anyone, but a Recluse Messenger.
The recluse messengers, who oversee the general exam, are highly trusted by the cult leader.
Killing him was one thing, but committing such a heinous crime was incomprehensible.
“It’s okay. That guy’s not human. So there’s no problem.”
Seol-Hwi calmly spoke, watching Songhwa, who couldn’t even flinch, with his mouth agape.
Although it was a story based on facts, it only fueled Songhwa’s fire rather than persuading him.
‘He really is a madman. Completely insane! If I stay with this person, I’ll be in big trouble in the future!’
Songhwa quickly made up his mind, turned his head, and tried to run away without even a goodbye.
“Hey, where do you think you’re going?”
Seol-Hwi grabbed the back of his collar and said.
“Let go! I don’t want to die here.”
“Who said anyone’s dying? I’m here.”
“That’s why it’s more dangerous! If you kill that person, you’ll incur the wrath of the cult leader! Let go! I want to live!”
“Don’t worry. I plan to kill the leader too.”
“Eek!”
At such nonsensical words, Songhwa had a fit.
Then, thud. He suddenly collapsed.
“See? You’re not in any condition to move like that.”
Seol-Hwi checked Songhwa’s pulse and nodded.
Indeed, the pulse was weak and the breathing was unstable. Well, after using high-level sorcery techniques, neither the body nor the mind would be intact.
“I should find a suitable elixir to boost his stamina and magic power later.”
Seol-Hwi placed him in a secluded corner of the martial arts hall.
Then, after infusing a bit of qi into his dantian and checking he was now steadily breathing, he stood up again.
Shin Yaja sighed while shaking his head.
He probably didn’t understand why Seol-Hwi was traveling with Songhwa.
“So… the highest level of simulation is in that recluse messenger’s options?”
Something Seol-Hwi had heard during their conversation.
The recluse messenger’s three proposals.
Among them, the third proposal, marked as highly discouraged, was on the path of the ‘Murim Spirit Twelve Tiger’s Lower Group, Ghost Trainee’.
– Yes, excluding the AI level, up to Lv2 of the combat method is included in the three paths proposed by Earth Demon. Lv3 is on the side of the recluse.
“Why didn’t they include it in the three paths proposed by Earth Demon?”
– Because it’s more painful for the player that way. The system’s nature is to make you try as many things as possible.
“Well, the system is specialized in enjoying the player’s suffering.”
If it were the Seol-Hwi of the past, he would have been immediately angry, but now his stance had shifted towards understanding.
Once the fundamental emotions disappeared, he was able to recognize the situation coolly.
– Ah, and I just had a thought.
“What is it?”
– The moment you choose that, you get teleported instantly.
“Teleportation? Ah… that? So after moving, you have to come back here again?”
– That’s right. And the path to becoming a Murim Spirit Ghost apprentice drops you in a certain place within the First Disciple’s territory.
“Huh. You should have told me earlier. If I had known, I wouldn’t have needed to bring Songhwa along, would I?”
– Sorry about that. It’s been a while since I’ve intervened properly myself.
Seol-Hwi couldn’t quite believe it. It felt like he was pretending not to know. He then looked at the recluse again.
Then, as if a good idea had come to him, he grinned and said.
“I wanted to try it at least once anyway, so it’s actually perfect. Maybe I’ll figure it out this time…”
When Shin Yaja looked at him curiously, Seol-Hwi spoke.
“Shin Yaja. After choosing the third option, how about hitting him right before the teleportation?”
– What? …What did you say?!
“The flow of time. Thinking about it, it’s not really teleportation. Counting the numbers when picking an option… it just seems like the flow is speeding up.”
– …What on earth?
“Take a look. I can’t be certain how it will turn out yet.”
Seol-Hwi passed by Shin Yaja and stood in front of the recluse.
Then he casually started talking.
“Hey. I’m back. Old man.”
“……”
The old man was looking at him with open eyes, clearly showing a face that didn’t want to engage with him.
At that sight, Seol-Hwi threw out a remark.
“What are you staring at? You’re not even human.”
Seol-Hwi smirked and leaned in closer, almost up to the creature’s face.
Then.
▶ The path to becoming the commander of the Hidden Troops (Nominated by Heuk-gu) Recommended! ▷ The path to becoming a member of the 3rd unit of Bloody Killing Troops (Nominated by Yu Pae) Not Recommended! ▷ The path to becoming a trainee of Murim Spirit Twelve Tiger’s Lower Group, Ghost Trainee (Chosen by Hyang-gae) Absolutely Not Recommended! ▷ Choose again later.
Letters appeared before his eyes, just like before.
Reading the options again, something distinctly different from the three paths suggested by Earth Demon was visible.
It felt like a way to ‘legitimately’ go under other disciples.
‘Shall I begin?’
▶ The path to becoming a trainee of Murim Spirit Twelve Tiger’s Lower Group, Ghost Trainee
Seol-Hwi slowly glared at him.
Perhaps the moment he chose, he would be able to move instantly.
With no pause in time, all preparations had to be completed.
‘Focus.’
Sss—
Seol-Hwi opened all of his dantian, instantly executing the Great Circulation of Qi.
The unity of upper, middle, and lower is not confined by the energy within.
It allows the use of desired internal qi, as if pulling out dozens of weapons from a pocket.
The moment he chose, Seol-Hwi’s eyes widened.
‘Now. I must slow the flow.’
Pee———ee——
A resonant sound echoed in his ears, and time came to a standstill.
The Ice Field Compression Technique had the ability to control the movements of all demons within a confined space.
However, the control over time that Seol-Hwi displayed far surpassed that.
The current realm, beyond exorcism and transcendence, was creating an entirely new form of ‘stopping.’