At the moment his gaze met the man's, and as the man's face came into clearer view, Sungshik was utterly startled.

It was his own face. And at that moment, Sungshik felt his consciousness being pulled into an endless abyss.

"Hey, Sungshik. It's time to get up."

"Mmm…"

"If you don't want to miss roll call and end up with chores, you'd better get up quickly."

At the sound of someone trying to wake him, Sungshik opened his eyes. In front of him stood a boy he had never seen before. The boy had a clean-shaven head and a noticeable mole on his cheek.

"If you're awake, let's go."

Still bewildered, Sungshik followed the boy. Even as he moved, he couldn’t make sense of what was happening.

'Why did that man have my face? And where is this?'

The situation was completely incomprehensible. Holding his throbbing head, Sungshik followed the boy to a massive training hall. At the entrance was a roster, and as he entered, he noticed a large nameplate hanging prominently at the front. The inscription read:

[Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts]

'Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts?'

Upon seeing the nameplate, Sungshik realized one thing: this was a sect dedicated to training in Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts.

From that day forward, Sungshik began learning the basics of Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts in the sect. Above all, the prerequisite was the ability to sense "Ki." Once he could sense it, he unlocked a skill called "Heaven-Splitting Eyes."

Thus, step by step, Sungshik laid the foundation to master Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts.

It was impossible to know how much time had passed. During his time here, Sungshik learned that Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts was the greatest and most powerful sect, and that it existed in a world with an ancient martial arts setting. He also discovered that Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts had consistently produced the strongest martial artists in history, earning its title as the Supreme Sect.

'I never imagined Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts would be such an extraordinary martial art.'

The martial artist rankings in this world were divided into seven levels: Third-rate → Second-rate → First-rate → Peak → Supreme → Hua境 (Flowering Realm) → Hyun境 (Profound Realm). Among them, the Profound Realm was so rare that only two individuals had ever reached it in history, both of whom were from Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts. This made Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts undeniably the greatest martial art of all time.

During his stay, Sungshik also learned another critical truth:

'Not all disciples are taught the entirety of Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts.'

Only first-generation disciples who reached the Supreme level could receive the full essence of Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts.

'I’ve reached the First-rate level in their standards.'

After years of training, Sungshik had achieved the First-rate level by the sect’s standards. In the ranking system of his original world, this would equate to approximately a 4-star rating.

First-rate status meant being a full-fledged disciple of a major sect. Considering that Sungshik had been a Third-rate martial artist when he first awakened here, his rapid progress to the First-rate level was remarkable. His fast growth had even earned him a position as a first-generation disciple.

This rapid advancement was primarily due to one thing:

'It’s all thanks to the Status Window.'

Name: Heo Sungshik
Title: Warrior of Adversity
Rank: First-rate Martial Artist
Combat Power: C
Stats: Strength C, Agility C+, Stamina C, Magic C+
Traits:
1. [EX Rank] Consumption—LV 3 (↑)
2. [EX Rank] One More Time (Unavailable)
3. [SS Rank] Pocket Watch—LV 2 (↑)
4. [S Rank] Hyper Sensory—LV 2 (↑)
5. [A Rank] Sword Demon—LV 2 (↑)
6. [?] Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts
Skills:
1. [S Rank] Insight (Restricted)
2. [S Rank] Kicking Technique
3. [Ungraded] Translation
4. [?] Heaven-Splitting Martial Arts
5. [?] Heaven-Splitting Eyes

Indeed, even in this world, Sungshik had access to his Status Window. Because of the Pocket Watch trait, he was able to grow at an incredible pace.

'While my body’s potential has certainly increased, the Pocket Watch trait is absurdly overpowered.'

Thanks to this growth "cheat key," Sungshik’s progress was unstoppable. Yet, amidst this rapid growth, one frustration lingered in his mind.

'I still don’t know where this place is. Is it a real world? Why did I end up here?'

Initially, he thought it was a dream or an illusion. However, after living here for several years, he found it impossible to distinguish whether this was reality or not. Every sensation felt as real as the world he once knew.

'For now, I’ll focus on mastering Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts.'

The only option available to Sungshik was to fully master Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts. It seemed to him that achieving this might provide a solution to his current predicament.

'If I can master Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts, I might find a way to break through this situation.'

With this determination, Sungshik headed to the training grounds once more. Thus, many years passed.

The Great War between Righteous and Demonic Sects began.

The two major forces of the martial arts world—the Righteous Sect and the Demonic Sect—were locked in an all-out war. The Demonic Sect had grown to unprecedented strength and unleashed its accumulated power upon the Righteous Sect.

Despite uniting all their sects, the Righteous Sect was unable to hold back the Demonic Sect’s overwhelming force. The current leader of the Demonic Sect was considered the strongest in history, having reached the pinnacle of demonic martial arts and nearing transcendence.

At this critical juncture, Heaven-Splitting Sect stepped forward. Over years of peace, Heaven-Splitting Sect had grown stronger, becoming a force to be reckoned with.

With Heaven-Splitting Sect joining the fray, the Righteous Sect managed to reorganize their forces and launch a counterattack. The result was a back-and-forth struggle, and the decisive final battle loomed.

"Sect Leader, perhaps it’s time to consider retreating."

The man addressed as the Sect Leader appeared to be in his seventies, but through rejuvenation techniques, he looked no older than someone in his early twenties. His dark robe and jet-black sword complemented his sharp eyebrows and commanding presence, making him resemble a war general.

"Hahaha, we’ve come this far. Do you think I would accept such a proposal now?"

"If you don’t intend to see this to the bitter end, a truce wouldn’t be a bad option."

"Hmm. I never expected to hear such cautious words from Heaven-Splitting Sect’s Divine Sword, Heo Sungshik."

That’s right. The man facing the Demonic Sect’s leader was none other than Heo Sungshik. Over countless years, Heo Sungshik had honed Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts to its peak, reaching the edge of the Flowering Realm and now gazing upon the wall of the Profound Realm.

He became the strongest martial artist in the Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts sect and earned fame as the Heaven-Splitting Divine Sword while fighting against the invasion of the Demonic Sect. Thus, it was inevitable that he would face the Demonic Sect Leader on a decisive day like this.

“To be honest, I’ve also been curious about the swordsmanship of the Demonic Sect Leader. I wonder how fearsome your blade, said to have reached the peak of extreme demonic martial arts, truly is.”

“Kuhahaha, what pleasant words to hear. I too have been curious about the sword of the one called the Heaven-Splitting Divine Sword. I have this vague feeling that if I defeat you today, I might finally break through the wall of transcendence.”

“I’m grateful for the high regard. Then, how about we settle the victor of this great war between the orthodox and demonic sects right here and now with our duel?”

“Good. That’s exactly what I hope for. Vice leader Shin Wolhak, hear my command. If I am defeated by the sword of the Heaven-Splitting Divine Sword here today, the Demonic Sect shall accept our defeat without argument.”

“As you command. I will obey the Leader’s decree.”

At the words of the Demonic Sect Leader, the sub-leader stepped forward from their formation and respectfully affirmed his command.

“Kuhaha. Now then, let’s begin.”

Thus, in front of tens of thousands of members from both the orthodox and demonic sects, the final decisive battle of the great war began.

It was a clash worthy of being called a battle of gods. Each time the two swords collided, the atmosphere trembled and the earth split. It was truly a duel between martial artists on the verge of divine transcendence.

The fierce battle raged on for two days and nights, finally reaching its conclusion. After a prolonged war of attrition, the two ultimately unleashed their final ultimate techniques.

Kuwaaaang!

The final clash between the two martial artists was truly overwhelming. The sky tore, and the earth overturned, making one feel as though space and time had warped for a moment.

“…What is the name of that martial art?”

“Heaven-Splitting Divine Arts.”

“Cough… It’s indeed a martial art… fitting of such an arrogant name…”

The Demonic Sect Leader, who coughed up a mouthful of blood, turned into dust and vanished.

In the battle between those who had reached the heavens, the ultimate victor was Sungshik. Thus, Sungshik saved the martial world.

It was then that Sungshik, having glimpsed the key to breaking through the wall of transcendence during his fight with the Demonic Sect Leader, achieved enlightenment.

― Ding. You have attained supreme enlightenment.

― Congratulations! You have broken through the wall of transcendence and reached the realm of Hyeongyeong (玄境).

― You have entered Hyeongyeong (玄境). Undergoing the third cycle of rejuvenation.

― Successfully completed rejuvenation. You have undergone a process of reversing age.

Countless notifications echoed in Sungshik’s ears. At the same time, he realized that his perspective of the world had fundamentally changed. The world seemed so narrow and insignificant!

And then he understood. The overwhelming slaughter of tens of thousands of monsters he had committed before coming here was possible only because he had now reached this stage.

Another notification then reached Sungshik’s ears.

― You, who have achieved supreme enlightenment, may ascend to the celestial realm or return to your original world. If you choose to ascend, you will shed your mortal shell and reach the celestial realm. If you choose to return to your original world, you will take with you the seed of what you have achieved here. The choice is yours. What will you choose?

1. Ascend to the celestial realm.

2. Return to the original world.

Faced with this sudden choice, Sungshik stared blankly at the options. Over time, his memories of the original world had faded considerably. Moreover, upon reaching the realm of Hyeongyeong, many of the ties and relationships that once bound him now seemed trivial.

‘Yes. I’ve done enough. Would anything really change if I went back? Perhaps ascending would be the better choice for me.’

Indeed, there was no guarantee that his return would alter the future. Lacking a strong sense of duty or a mission to fulfill, choosing ascension seemed like a reasonable option for Sungshik.

‘Yes. I’ll ascend.’

Resolving himself, Sungshik reached out to select the first option. But at that moment, the pendant around his neck began to glow.

‘This is….’

It was the moonlight gem that Subin had given him the day before he left for Baekdu’s Cheonji.

“Sungshik, take this.”

“What is it?”

“It’s nothing special, but I think it’ll be helpful someday.”

He had placed it in his inventory, occasionally taking it out whenever this unfamiliar world made him nostalgic for his original one, eventually fashioning it into a necklace he wore. Now, the gem radiated a bright, golden light.

Unconsciously, Sungshik clenched the gem in his hand.

Fwoosh―

At that moment, a flood of memories, once blurred, began to flow back into him.

The dire situation of humanity before his return. The day he wept helplessly, lamenting his own powerlessness. The day he resolved to save humanity, albeit with a faint sense of duty. The moments when he had sworn to achieve unparalleled martial prowess and stand alone in supremacy in this life.

Lastly, the meaningful bonds he had formed with people in the brief time after his return.

‘Yes. That’s where I need to be.’

He felt his mind clearing. Recalling the resolve he had forgotten before arriving in this world, he solidified his decision.

“I will return to my original world.”

It was a declaration affirming Sungshik’s resolve and a promise to himself. He would not forget this determination again.

― May the blessings of the gods be with you in your journey ahead.

― Returning to the original world shortly.

At that moment, the world Sungshik existed in came to a standstill.

Crack―

The world became faint, and everything except Sungshik began to dissolve into white light particles. From the people staring at him in shock to the surrounding trees, rocks, and all the scenery, everything crumbled away.

Finally, even the sword Sungshik was holding, the ground beneath his feet, the clear sky, and the gem in his hand—all disintegrated, leaving only a white space.

In this entirely white world, a massive passageway appeared. In that instant, Sungshik instinctively understood: passing through this passage would take him back to his original world.

Without hesitation, Sungshik walked toward the passage.

Pause.

Just before stepping forward, he glanced back at the now-white world, where only scattered particles of light remained, and then leapt into the passage.