Qi Refining consists of a total of 14 stars.
Previously, Qi Gathering was included in Qi Refining, making it 15 stars, but even then, the foundation of Qi Refining began only after forming the Law-Transforming Dantian.
As I read through the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation, I delved into the details of Qi Refining.
Although casually referred to as stars from 1 to 14, the boundaries of each stage within Qi Refining were quite complex.
To reach the first star of Qi Refining, one must understand all seventy-two incantations of the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words () and activate the corresponding seventy-two spiritual meridians.
The second star involves mastering the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Method Decrees (), building upon the seventy-two Earthly Sha meridians and forming the corresponding thirty-six Heavenly Gang spiritual natures.
The third star requires evolving the seventy-two spiritual meridian and thirty-six spiritual natures to accommodate twelve types of spiritual energy corresponding to the Twelve Earthly Branches ().
The fourth star demands accommodating ten changes of spiritual energy corresponding to the Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram ().
The fifth star is achieved by unifying the 108 spiritual meridians and natures and sixty types of spiritual energy changes into nine points according to the principles of the Nine Palaces ().
The sixth star involves completing the entire spiritual energy meridians in accordance with the operation of the Eight Trigrams ().
The seventh star is when one performs a ritual to seven stars among the 28 stars and 4 constellations, declaring their intention to walk the path of cultivation and being granted permission to receive more spiritual energy under the auspices of heaven and earth.
The eighth star entails navigating spiritual energy through the Six Harmonies () and Four Directions of Heaven and Earth (), filling the entire body's spiritual meridians.
The ninth star aligns the properties and symbols of the Five Elements with the main attributes of the learned cultivation method, fully awakening the attributes of these methods.
The tenth star uses the principles of the Four Images () to fully connect the completed and specialized Eight Trigrams spiritual meridians in order to create two channels of Yin and Yang.
The eleventh star involves fully penetrating the upper, middle, and lower dantians corresponding to the Three Talents with spiritual power, achieving unification of Heaven, Earth, and Man ().
The twelfth star entails continuously circulating the the Yin and Yang channels of the Dual Poles (), eventually integrating the channels and becoming a flawless Unified Channel.
The thirteenth star accelerates spiritual power through the Unified Channel, focusing the spiritual power into one point (origin) within the dantian.
The fourteenth star, the Infinite (), involves exploding the concentrated mass of spiritual power to further evolve the inner part of the dantian.
Successful evolution of the dantian, marked by the formation of a spiritual cloud within and a spiritual star's birth, signifies reaching Qi Building.
That marks both the beginning and the end of Qi Refining.
'...Can I see the end of this in my lifetime?'
From first-rate to peak, from peak to Three Flowers Gathering at the Summit, and from there to Five Energies Converging to the Origin, it's achievable within each lifetime.
But within the Qi Refining stage alone, there are immense differences in levels and realms.
'Now I understand why Qi Refining cultivators show such vast differences in abilities with just a one-star discrepancy.'
In the martial world, the differences within the same major realm were not so drastic.
An early peak could defeat a mid-peak, and a mid-peak could overcome the threshold of Three Flowers Gathering at the Summit.
But in Qi Refining, even a one-star difference could make direct confrontation nearly impossible.
I also understood why so many Qi Refining cultivators spend their entire lives unable to advance beyond a single star.
Without exceptional understanding of spiritual arts, one could spend a lifetime in cultivation and still not fully grasp all incantations of the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words.
'It's not easy, indeed...'
After contemplating the fourteen stars of Qi Refining, I turned to the methods written in the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation.
Earth Surpassing Path to Cultivation, Water Surpassing Path to Cultivation, Wood Surpassing Path to Cultivation, Metal Surpassing Path to Cultivation, Fire Surpassing Path to Cultivation.
Five methods were recorded.
I chose the Earth Surpassing Path to Cultivation.
The reason was simple.
The internal energy method of the martial world that I had originally mastered, the Dragon Vein Qi Method, belonged to the Earth () attribute in the classification of cultivators' heaven and earth spiritual energy.
"It's better to practice something familiar."
While reciting the formula written in the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation, I chanted the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words.
The Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words is a spell that activates seventy-two spiritual meridians and is a fundamental technique in itself.
For example, the true words of Earth Corner () would, from beginning to end, emanate energy from the spiritual veins corresponding to the Earth Corner Star, resulting in earthen spikes bursting forth from the ground.
"I need to form the hand seals too."
Of course, as one progresses to the higher stages of Qi Refining, hand seals and true words can be omitted, but for now, both were required to cast techniques.
"First, I need to activate the meridian corresponding to the Earth Leader Star ()."
Activating even one meridian would mean entering the first rank of Qi Refining.
I sighed softly and activated the meridian with the true words of Earth Leader ().
Two months passed.
I came out of the stone chamber and breathed the outside air.
Somehow, I had managed to activate the first spiritual meridian, the Earth Leader.
But to do so, I had to use a hundred spirit stones.
"The efficiency is terribly low."
At this rate, I might not be able to activate all Seventy-Two Earthly Sha meridians even if I used all my remaining spiritual stones.
"...Well, that's why I joined a cultivator clan."
I could have become a loose cultivator, not joining the Cheongmun Clan. Stealing cultivation techniques from a couple of cultivators would have sufficed, so technically, coming here wasn't necessary.
But the reason I chose to come to the Cheongmun Clan was to seek help in such difficult times.
I first went to Cheongmun Mok, the elder in Qi Building, and declared that I had become a Qi Refining cultivator.
Elder Cheongmun Mok, surprised, checked my meridians and only believed me after confirming the activated spiritual meridian.
"Huh, what did you do? You, with Mixed Spiritual Roots, achieved Qi Refining in just three months? This is insane... Well, now I see why the main clan elders gave you a recommendation. Heh..."
He looked at me curiously and asked about the method I used.
"What method did you use to enter Qi Refining?"
"I used a method from the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation, specifically the Earth Surpassing Path Method."
"Ah, the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation. I see."
It seems to be a common technique, as even Elder Cheongmun Mok recognized it immediately.
"That method is indeed the very basics of cultivation. It precisely outlines the essentials for Qi Refining. However, being just basic, it will not allow you to perform any special attribute techniques."
"I am aware of that."
"Hold on..."
He fiddled with his desk and pulled out a book.
"This is the Earth Dwelling Method (), an Earth attribute cultivation method and one of the basic practices of the Cheongmun Clan. It is specialized in solid defense. You can learn this instead of the Earth Surpassing Path, or alongside it. Since they have the same attribute, it will not significantly slow down your cultivation."
"Thank you."
"You mentioned slow progress in cultivation mastery? That is inevitable due to your Mixed Spiritual Roots... But there's a way to accelerate your cultivation mastery."
I listened attentively to Elder Cheongmun Mok's words.
"Generally, understanding follows breakthroughs. Once you breakthrough a meridian or realm, the insights of the lower levels become instinctively clear.
You have activated the Earth Leader meridian, so you should have some understanding of what the Earth Leader True Words mean, correct?"
"Yes, I do."
"As you move from Qi Refining 1st star to 2nd star, from lower to higher levels, and then to Qi Building, the meanings of the true words and formulas you learned before will become much more intuitively clear.
Therefore, cultivators with Heavenly or True Spiritual Roots quickly breakthrough meridians and realms to understand these insights. However, those with Mixed Spiritual Roots like you need to do the opposite."
"The opposite?"
"Understanding before Breakthrough! First fully understand and embody the meanings of the true words and formulas, engraving them in your soul. If you completely grasp the true words, you can activate meridians and breakthrough realms even without exceptional talent or quality."
"Understanding before Breakthrough, huh..."
I could roughly grasp what that meant.
Cultivators born with incredible innate talents, those of the Heavenly Spiritual Roots and True Spiritual Root, could break through realms and understand mantras just by sitting quietly and circulating their energy.
However, cultivators with lesser talents, those of the Mixed Spiritual Roots, had to first understand the mantras to activate their spiritual meridian and break through realms.
And I, too, had experienced something similar.
"Cultivators are born with inherent consciousness and spiritual roots, while martial artists need to reach the Five Energies Converging to the Origin."
To reach the world of consciousness used as natural as breathing by cultivators, martial artists must realize intent, understand life within intent, and eventually awaken all life's intents to reach consciousness.
A genius realizes and unfolds a technique in one go.
A dullard reaches the same level only after numerous attempts and trials.
I had already experienced this countless times.
"Thank you for the advice."
There was nothing to fear or find difficult.
I just had to do what Ive been doing all along.
"Yes. Also, within the territory, every ten days, members of the territory and external members gather for a discussion meeting to share insights about mantras and cultivation. Participating in it will be helpful.
The advice I just gave you and the cultivation manual are gifts for your ascension to Qi Refining. If you want more advice, you'll have to collect and pay merit points next time. Now, off you go."
"Thank you."
After thanking the Cheongmun Clan elder, I left the stone cave where he resided.
Several days later.
I attended a discussion meeting held within the Cheongmun Clan's territory.
It was a meeting where Qi Refining cultivators of the first, second, and third starrs gathered to discuss enlightenment.
In the meeting, besides members of the clan, there were external members like me and even low-ranking members who had accumulated a lot of merit points.
The meeting was organized with first, second, and third star Qi Refining cultivators forming their own groups.
Naturally, I joined the 1st Star Qi Refining group and participated in the meeting.
"First, I'd like to talk about the wall I've recently hit."
The meeting progressed with each Qi Refining cultivator sitting cross-legged, taking turns to share their insights and the walls they recently faced.
I too spoke a few words about the Earth Leader Star's spiritual meridian, and that day I was able to interact somewhat with other cultivators of the Cheongmun Clan.
After a month of discussions and missions at the Cheongmun Clan's meetings, during one of my conversations with the clan's cultivators, I learned a rather shocking fact.
"So... you're saying you can't see this?"
"That's right. Have you mastered some unique consciousness technique?"
"Ah... well, something like that."
I smiled awkwardly and laughed with an external member of the Cheongmun Clan who was conversing with me.
Today, I learned a shocking fact.
Cultivators cannot see the color of intent.
They seemed able to recognize its form, but beyond that, they only saw transparent consciousness and intent.
'A shocking fact indeed. I thought all cultivators could see the color of intent like me... Well, I never had anyone to compare with before. After all, reaching the Five Energies Converging to the Origin isn't common...'
I thought about the extent of consciousness a martial artist at the Five Energies Converging to the Origin would have.
Around the size of a Qi Refining 3rd of 4th Star.
I was using the Hidden Consciousness Technique to make my consciousness appear as small as 1st Star Qi Refining, but in reality, my domain of consciousness was much larger.
Moreover, I heard that not even Qi Building cultivators, let alone those at the 3rd Star of Qi Refining, could see the colors of intent like I could.
Unless they had mastered some unique consciousness technique.
'The domain of consciousness awakened by martial artists is fundamentally superior to that of cultivators.'
In a way, it was the only area where martial artists surpass cultivators.
From the interactions at the meeting, I learned another interesting fact about the Cheongmun Clan.
'A clan that venerates the Dao of Combat... Is it the influence of their founder? And because of that influence, they hold an Immortal Combat Meeting every year...'
The Immortal Combat Meeting was a martial contest that the direct and collateral members of the Cheongmun Clan participated in once a year.
All those bearing the Cheongmun surname, whether direct or collateral, were obliged to participate in the Immortal Combat Meeting, and their rankings within the clan were determined based on their performance.
Therefore, members of the Cheongmun Clan fought desperately at every Immortal Combat Meeting, constantly striving throughout the year for it.
'I think I understand now why the Cheongmun Clan is rumored to have foul characters.'
Their personalities have likely become rough due to preparing for the Immortal Combat Meeting within the clan.
'It's a pity. If external members could also participate, one could raise their rank and receive a bounty of cultivation resources.'
I licked my lips softly.
That's when it happened.
"Breaking news! Urgent news!"
A collateral member of the Cheongmun Clan rushed into the cave where the discussion meeting was being held and shouted.
"The Jin Clan has finally usurped the throne of Yanguo, replacing the Makli Dynasty with the Jin Dynasty! The Jin Clan has now seized control of Yanguos political landscape.
Therefore, the main house has decided to send an envoy to congratulate the Jin Clan on their victory, and this envoy will be open to not only Cheongmun Clan members but also external members. Moreover, the envoy will get a chance to meet and learn from a Qi Building level figure who played a significant role in the Jin Clan's usurpation of the Makli Dynasty."
"Huh, learning from an elder of the Jin Clan? Which elder might that be?"
"Well... it was someone I heard of for the first time. The name was, Young-hoon, I believe.."
I felt a smile form on my lips.
Kim Young-hoon has succeeded in this life too.
"...How do I apply to join as the envoy?"
"The Cheongmun Clan's way is always simple. Survival of the fittest! As it happened previously, the 20 spots for the envoy will be decided by making all the applicants fight, and the last 20 standing will be given the opportunity.
But you should just give up. You seem to be at about the Qi Refining 1st Star, so don't overdo it."
However, I asked with a faint smile.
"To apply, do I just do it like other things and apply to Elder Cheongmun Mok?"
"That is correct but for this position, there will be many powerful cultivators who have been preparing for the Immortal Combat Meeting. Forget about it. Meeting a Qi Building figure won't change your life, will it?"
I passed him and walked towards the stone chamber where Cheongmun Mok was.
"Life won't change, but... it's just about meeting an old friend from my hometown."
If he helped the Jin Clan usurp the throne of Makli, then surely his martial arts realm must have reached at least the Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
How far had he reached in this life?
How much had his martial arts grown?
For a long time, I had wanted to cross blades with a martial artist of equal or higher caliber.
Joining the envoy was very simple.
While everyone gathered in one place to fight, I used the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts to hide my presence, and at the last moment, I ambushed the most exhausted of the remaining 20, knocking them out and becoming the victor.
Some saw me and accused me of cowardice, but in truth, I could have annihilated all the Qi Refining 5th to 6th Star cultivators gathered there that day.
'They should be thankful I didn't fight and stayed quiet.'
I just didn't want to stand out and stayed a bit subdued.
Regardless of the outcome, I was able to win the position.
I headed to the Jin Clan as an envoy along with one of the Qi Building elders of the Cheongmun Clan.
"Everyone aboard!"
On the day the envoy departed, the Qi Building elder climbed onto the bow of a large ship-shaped magical artifact and shouted at us.
I boarded the ship along with other members of the envoy at a strategic location within the Cheongmun Clan's tettirtory, and soon the ship rose into the sky.
'It's always fascinating to see.'
Although I could walk in the sky, flying in the void using the harmony of heaven and earth energy and air was a different principle from this flying artifact.
The heaven and earth energy itself was absorbed by the ship, generating a strange buoyancy.
Then the ship gently floated up and suddenly zoomed forward.
Whoosh!
The ship quickly rose into the sky, piercing through the clouds, grazing the sea of clouds with its dragon-like frame.
Judging by the speed of the magical artifact, it seems like we would reach Yanguo in about a day.
'I can see why flying artifacts are popular.'
It wasn't like using void stepping.
It felt like being on a comfortable airplane.
I leaned on the deck, admiring the underside of the ship grazing the clouds, lost in thought.
'How far can a martial artist ascend?'
Has Kim Young-hoon evolved the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts in this life?
The realm of martial artists is third-rate, second-rate, first-rate, and then pinnacle.
Next is known as the peak of the pinnacle, Three Flowers Gather at the Summit.
Surpassing the Three Flowers Gather at the Summit is the Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
That's the limit.
Reaching the Five Energies Converging to the Origin is considered a legendary realm, achieved only once every few centuries, but no one has ever seen beyond it.
Except for Kim Young-hoon.
Kim Young-hoon has reached a realm of martial arts never seen before in the history of martial arts, akin to a miracle.
"Yes, the current state of martial arts is continually being pioneered."
For a martial artist, there is no higher place.
Therefore, a martial artist must create their own 'higher realm.'
I slowly stroked the sword at my waist.
Even as I entered the path of cultivation and practiced, I never once removed this sword from my side.
While reciting mantras, I continuously trained with the sword, striving to find clues to the next stage.
Of course, I was still only at the early stages of Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
"But even if I can't ascend further yet... Kim Young-hoon will show me the scenery beyond."
And he will tell me that the time spent practicing martial arts was never in vain.
I am now a cultivator.
But at the same time, I am a martial artist.
As both a martial artist and a cultivator,
I will not give up and will continue to run endlessly.
Because that is the life I desire.
'I will climb and climb. And surely... end this cycle and live a proper life.'
With that firm resolve, I gazed at the sky above the clouds.
High and distant, yet clear and bright.
A day later.
We arrived at the Jin Clan's main house.
'This is... the Jin Clan's main house!'
It was a volcano.
A live one, with lava bubbling up from below!
The Jin Clan's main house was located at the center of it.
'Were there volcanoes in Yanguo?'
But I was surprised for another reason.
In my several lifetimes, this was the first time I had seen a volcanic terrain.
"Excuse me, do you know where exactly the Jin Clan's main house is located in Yanguo's geography?"
I asked a fellow envoy.
He answered me promptly, swallowing his saliva at the sight of the Jin Clan's main house below.
"It's said to be near Gyungang Province in Yanguo. I'm not too sure myself."
'Gyungang Province? I've been there before, but there was no volcano. No, could it be...'
I realized one possibility.
'The entire volcano is covered with an illusion barrier, so it remained undiscovered until now!'
I was astounded by the immense scale of Jin Clan's main house's barrier and gazed at the main house.
"We're descending!"
The Qi Building elder of the Cheongmun Clan lowered the ship, and we entered the Jin Clan.
We went into the Jin Clan and, led by the Qi Building elder, delivered a letter from the Cheongmun Clan's leader to the Jin Clan's leader.
Thanks to that, I saw a Core Formation cultivator closer than ever before in my life.
'This is... Core Formation...'
Zap, zap
It felt like being near the fox.
A vast area of about thirty zhang was covered by his spiritual power and consciousness. In the middle, a middle-aged man in red robes sat in the leader's seat, reading the letter from the Cheongmun Clan's leader.
Zap, zap..
Under the pressure openly emitted by the Core Formation cultivator, the Qi Refining cultivators of the Cheongmun Clan, except for me, looked as if they were about to be crushed.
My skin tingled under the spiritual power of the Core Formation cultivator, but that was it.
'At the level of Five Energies Converging to the Origin, I can easily deflect such pressure.'
Using my consciousness, I subtly deflected the pressure being exerted on me.
After a while, formal greetings were exchanged, and finally, the moment I had been waiting for arrived.
"I will introduce the highest external member of the Jin Clan who made significant contributions during the recent change of the throne!"
Kim Young-hoon stepped onto a small platform and greeted us.
"Greetings to the distinguished guests from other clans. I am the martial artist known as Young-hoon."
Indeed, he had already ascended to the Five Energies Converging to the Origin in this life. His intent evolved into the form of consciousness, and even his appearance seems younger.
"A martial artist??"
"What are you saying, isn't that person a cultivator?"
"Are they mocking us?"
Then, a smirk appeared on one of the Jin Clan's elders' lips.
"He is definitely a highly accomplished martial artist. Undoubtedly, he played a significant role in the recent throne change. As mentioned earlier to the envoys, wouldn't it be a good idea to test the skills of each clan's talents against this martial artist for the sake of friendship between the clans?"
I roughly understood the situation.
The Jin Clan had usurped the throne and was using this opportunity to show off their strength to the surrounding cultivator clans.
And what better way to elevate their pride than having their martial artist defeat other clans' cultivators.
"Even so, how can a mere martial artist compete with cultivators..."
"The Jin Clan is taking things too far..."
The Cheongmun Clan's envoy, as well as envoys from other clans, looked displeased.
Then, the Jin Clan's leader spoke up.
"I vouch for his skills. Those who do not wish to participate in the martial contest may retire to their quarters."
"..."
"..."
No one dared to object after that. To ignore the individual vouched for by the Core Formation leader would be akin to disrespecting the leader himself.
"Before we start the banquet, we plan to have a brief martial contest as a form of entertainment. Does anyone have objections?"
No one responded to the leader's question.
"Seeing no objections, I guess everyone agrees. Let's start the martial contest."
The first challenger was from the Gongmyo Clan of Byeokra, a Qi Refining cultivator.
As Kim Young-hoon and the Gongmyo Clan cultivator faced off, discontented murmurs erupted here and there.
"I joined as an envoy to receive teachings from a Qi Building figure but now..."
"How did we end up competing with a mere martial artist..."
"A martial artist as a Qi Building level figure? His consciousness seems only about the lower levles of Qi Refining... It would be more believable to say a grasshopper by the roadside is a high-ranking official of Yanguo."
"Silence! How dare you speak like that in front of the Clan Leader!"
The Cheongmun Clan's elder scolded, though his face was full of dissatisfaction.
The martial contest began.
Bang!
Kim Young-hoon moved swiftly, and the Gongmyo Clan's Qi Refining cultivator who tried to cast a spell was knocked away.
"....!"
"What..."
"That, that.."
Kim Young-hoon casually brushed off his hands and said,
"The contest is over."
Shock spread across the faces of the envoys.
"How, how did..."
"Did anyone see what happened?"
The area became noisy instantly, and soon another challenger from a different clan stepped up.
A Qi Refining 10th Star cultivator from the Byeok Clan.
They sent a relatively strong late-stage cultivator.
Everyone's attention focused again, and the contest resumed.
Whoosh!
Kim Young-hoon charged at the Byeok Clan cultivator, who released a blue spell. Kim Young-hoon elegantly dodged all the spells and approached the cultivator, shattering his defensive spell with one move and throwing him aside.
"It's over."
Again, the cultivators gasped in shock, and the spectators became noisy.
"How could that..."
"That was definitely a martial arts technique."
"How could a mere mortal..."
No one doubted the Clan Leader's words anymore.
The atmosphere started heating up.
Each clan sent challengers to Kim Young-hoon.
It seems as if beating him had become a matter of pride for each clan.
Even the Cheongmun Clan sent several late Qi Refining cultivators, but all were defeated by Kim Young-hoon within five seconds.
The atmosphere, which had been heating up due to the consecutive defeats of the clans' late-stage Qi Refining cultivators to a mere martial artist from the Jin Clan, gradually turned gloomy.
In contrast, the Jin Clan cultivators' pride was soaring.
And again, when another Byeok Clan cultivator was defeated by Kim Young-hoon, it was the Cheongmun Clan's turn.
"...Who will go?"
No one responded.
Everyone knew that sending anyone would only embarrass the Cheongmun Clan.
"...Well, if no one else will..."
"I'll go."
I stood up.
Wasn't this why I came in the first place?
Seeing me, the elder of the Cheongmun Clan sighed and said,
"...Well, if it's a Qi Refining 1st Star, even if he loses, everyone will just think it's natural."
I walked down to the martial contest stage and met Kim Young-hoon's eyes.
Startled!
Kim Young-hoon jerked in surprise, as if he didn't expect to see me here.
Swoosh-
I drew my sword.
"Let's have an exciting fight."
What realm has Kim Young-hoon reached in this life?
What level of martial arts has he attained!
Kim Young-hoon, though initially startled, smirked and for the first time drew his saber.
"Alright, let's play."
Flash!
Our intents clashed in the air.
Translator Notes:
Translating the Qi Refining stars were a bit of a pain in the butt. Some of the terms are actually used irl like the Earthly Branches, Heavenly Stems, Nine Palaces, Eight Trigrams, etc. You can google em if you want. Anyway, don't sweat it from the information overload. The story will slowly explain the Qi Refining stage and you'll better understand as we read further.
***
The duel began with the first movements of the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship and the Severing Vein Saber Method.
The moves Transcending Peaks and Mountain Force collided.
As I sliced horizontally in the middle stance, Kim Young-hoon mirrored the move and then quickly shifted to a lower stance.
However, my intent crushed the lower stance, transitioning into a form that could slash across Kim Young-hoon's face.
The fight was at the peak level from the start.
Red and blue lines crossed in the air.
The sound of swords and sabers clashing rang out in the martial arts field
Ting, ting, ting!
Dozens of attacks collided in a single exchange.
Cliff Edge, Bouldered Cliff, Dragon Vein, Flowing Ridge, Entering Mountain, Ascending Vein...
I slashed upwards, then wildly downwards, and back up again in a continuous flow.
But Cliff Edge was deflected with Mountain Spirit, while Bloudered Cliff and Dragon Vein were countered with the flowing techniques of Severing Vein Saber method.
Kim Young-hoon dodged Dragon Vein with Mountain Bird, then rapidly approached.
The moves of Entering Mountain and Ascending Vein were shaken off with Middle Mountain, unsettling the ground to shake the opponent's balance.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Forty-Nine Lights Emerging Peak!
Forty-nine sword energies flew towards Kim Young-hoon.
Severing Vein Saber, Mountain Unfolding!
Kim Young-hoon's more ferocious whirlwind of attacks repelled all my sword energies.
Our swords and sabers clashed, and dozens of red and blue intents crossed in the air.
A tremendous exchange happened in that brief moment.
But still, it was at the peak level.
Our gazes met.
No words were needed.
As if by agreement, we both stepped into the realm of purple - the Three Flowers Gather at the Summit level!
What had been just an exchange of moves was now a serious prelude.
We read each other's intents, changing stances multiple times with each step.
Taking three steps and changing stances seven times, we finally settled on a single move after eight adjustments.
Kim Young-hoon feinted with the Mountain Wind and swiftly changed to Mountain Echo stance.
I shifted from Mountain Echoes, Valley Responds' to Echoing Valley, repelling the momentum of Mountain Echo with my sword.
The color of our intents grew more complex in the exchange.
Each strike was an exchange of thoughts.
[Have you been well?]
With a 'whoosh', I countered with Bouldered Cliff, feigned Entering Mountain in the lower stance, and then smoothly transitioned to 'Flowing Ridge'.
[I have been well. Have you been untroubled?]
The colors of our intents continued to exchange.
[Untroubled. However, seeing you well relieves my heart.]
Kim Young-hoon's movements became more lively.
Suddenly, he seemed to disappear from my sight, only to reappear, slashing upwards close to me.
Mountain Bird!
[Shall we start playing for real now?]
[Yes.]
The preliminary match ended.
We both, as if agreed, entered the realm of Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
Our consciousness domain overlapped.
Using the Layered Mountain, I scattered Sword Gang in all directions to block Kim Young-hoon's strike.
Immediately after, I used Mountain Tiger to concentrate the scattered Sword Gang into a single point directed at him.
[I have always wanted to ask.]
A dragon's head soared through the clouds.
With White Peak, he slashed upwards with dozens of Saber Gang, tearing apart the concentrated Gang Qi of Mountain Tiger.
[You told me you learned this martial arts from an opportunity]]
Following White Peak, the Severing Vein Saber continued with Great Trunk.
His Saber Gang converged into a single powerful strike, aimed at me.
[Yet could it be that this martial art was not obtained by some opportunity, but something you created?]
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Mountain and Valley Transformation!
I flowed my Sword Gang into his Saber Gang, shaking it up as if causing an earthquake, dispersing his Gang Qi.
Again, a profound exchange occurred between us.
The fight in the realm of Five Energies Converging to the Origin was on a different level from the peak.
Rather than predictable trajectories of intent, each movement was like a far-off illusion, almost akin to foreseeing the future.
Kim Young-hoon's saber slashes towards my neck.
My sword pierces through Kim Young-hoon's heart.
But it was all an illusion caused by the killing intent in the realm of consciousness that we both shot at each other.
At the same time, it was also a battle of techniques in the Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
Kwang, Kwang, Kwang!
In the simple exchange of moves, Gang Qi envelops the void, sending Sword Gang and Saber Gang scattering in all directions.
Even though it was just a clash of moves, in the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, the mere killing intent clothed in Gang Qi turned the fight into reality, with sword marks and saber marks wildly spreading everywhere.
The floor of the sparring ground, made of blue stone, cracked all over.
Before long, the boundary of the sparring ground was protected by a formation capable of blocking attacks from cultivators above the 14th level of Qi Refining, holding off our Gang Qi.
Yet, even that formation trembled under the collision of powerful Gang Qi.
Lightning flashes.
By now, our movements were likely completely lost to lower-level Qi Refining cultivators with weaker consciousness.
We traversed the length of the sparring ground several times.
The trajectory of Gang Qi we emitted remained in the void of the sparring chamber, not yet faded.
And then, we collided in between.
[Why do you think so?]
The lights of our swords and sabers crossed in the void, each weaving the ferocity of a dragon and a tiger.
[Don't you know? If you taught me this martial art, you should know the intent imbued in it.]
The intent within the martial art.
I know it all too well.
No, I was there when Kim Young-hoon created the Severing Vein Saber Method during the second regression of the Heavenly Demon War.
The Severing Vein Saber Method, a peerless martial art, was developed by Kim Young-hoon over several months by refining my Severing Mountain Swordsmanship of 12 strokes.
Originally created for slow learners, the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, with its kind and ascension-inducing strokes, was stripped of its simplicity. He integrated and extracted the essence of each stroke to create a new saber method.
That was the Severing Vein Saber Method.
A martial art created by Kim Young-hoon for his own genius, and at the same time, a martial art imbued with his thoughts during its creation.
Back then, in the early regressions, he longed for his lost companions and the homeland he could never return to.
It was evident even in the names of the strokes.
Severing Vein, Returning Home!
His saber, beyond the Severing Mountain Sword's Forty-Nine Lights Emerging Peak, carried a much more profound and intricate transformation.
The strokes he created out of longing for home as a human, not a genius, rained down on me.
Kim Young-hoon's reason for asking was probably the same.
The martial art itself exuded the longing for home, the longing of a human being.
Right now, he's asking me.
If I miss home as well.
I questioned him in return.
[You're asking if I miss my home, aren't you?]
At this point in the regression, Kim Young-hoon believes that I created the Severing Vein Saber Method.
Therefore, he is asking if I long for my homeland.
[I certainly do miss it. Sometimes, I miss it so intensely that I find myself weeping with my sword in hand.]
Using Nine Mountain, Eight Seas I deflect Kim Young-hoon's attacks dozens of times.
Then, concentrating dozens of attacks into a single point, I intensify the pressure on him.
Kwang, Kwanggwang!
Our battle has already turned the sparring ground into a complete dirt field.
Paang!
Once more, our sword and saber collide, sending shards of the shattered blue stone flying between us.
Our consciousness, having attained the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, becomes even more focused.
Not just one fragment, but numerous shards scatter around us.
The trajectories of Gang Qi. Countless astonished gazes peek through the dust clouds at us.
Every facet of the space we stand in becomes clear in my mind.
In this near-omniscient state, I lock eyes with him.
[But don't you know? The ultimate technique of the Severing Vein Saber Method. The meaning of Saber Tomb.]
Our intents communicated back and forth.
[Is that so...]
He smiled somewhat sadly and took up a stance.
Recognizing his intention, I too properly assumed a stance.
[The heart you left in this martial art initially deeply resonated with me.]
In truth, it wasn't what I had left behind, but the heart that Kim Young-hoon had left behind in previous regressions.
But listening to his intent, I unfurled the techniques simultaneously with him.
Ascending Vein, Following Ridge...
[However, as I practiced martial arts, elevated my realm, and finally practiced the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts. I made a vow.]
Kim Young-hoon's saber cleaves through the void.
Mountain Force, Mountain Spirit, Mountain Presence...
[I must... I must elevate my realm, surpass cultivators, transcend the ultimate in martial arts, and...]
A battle surpassing extreme speed unfolds between us.
I execute the techniques even faster.
Flowing Ridge, Bouldered Cliff, Strange Stone, Landscape Painting, Dragon Vein, Cliff Edge, Forty-Nine Lights Emerging Peak...
[Definitely, I will find a way back home!]
Mountain Wind, Mountain Unfolding, Mountain Bird, Mountain Echo, Mountain Scream, Middle Mountain...
Explosions occur between our sword and saber, blinding to the eye.
In a battle that feels like it could numb the senses, I felt his will.
'How fantastical...'
His saber technique continuously unfolds.
Dragon Moun (), White Peak (), Great Trunk (), Surpassing Mountains (), Returning Home ()...
Our battle continues, and finally, the essence of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship and Severing Vein Saber Method emerges.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship
The Twenty-Second Move
"Severing Mountain ()!"
Kim Young-hoon's intent flows out, and the name of the technique drifts into the void.
Severing Vein Saber Method
The Fifteenth Move
"Saber Tomb ()!"
The ultimate of a martial art for geniuses and a martial art for slow learners collide, bursting forth brilliance.
With the spirit of 'transcending mountains,' crossing one mountain after another.
Like a dragon crossing over peaks, towards our homeland with the White Peak and Great Trunk.
No matter which mountain I surpass, I long so much to return home.
But since that is impossible, in this life, I shall make the ground under this saber my tomb.
It seems as if I can hear Kim Young-hoon's will flowing through the Severing Vein Saber Method, beyond the ethereal gleam of light..
When Gang Qi collides, shockwaves arise, and the formation covering the sparring ground shatters.
Simultaneously, several Qi Building cultivators rise up and hastily overlay a new barrier.
Originally, the essence of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Severing Mountain (), and Severing Vein Saber Method, Saber Tomb (), are equivalent martial arts.
Therefore, if they were to collide, it would either result in mutual destruction or a draw.
But I saw something different.
Kim Young-hoon was unfolding the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts
It was the history of a new martial arts discipline created by a genius, passed down through generations, slowly unfolding in his hands.
As if he was explaining it to me, unraveling it before my eyes.
'Ahh, I see.'
This is the [Next Step] above the Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
He showed me his vow, based on his deep longing for home, to raise his realm and someday return there.
How fantastical. However,
The reason we came to this world is probably related to the Ascension Gate, and if we ever want to return, we must enter the Ascension Gate.
But the Ascension Gate opens only once every thousand years. Since it has opened this time, it won't be reachable in a mortal's short lifespan.
My goal was to become a cultivator, extend my lifespan, and become strong enough to challenge the Ascension Gate. He intended to do the same, but with his pure talent and will.
The Kim Young-hoon who spoke 'To bury my bones under the saber,'
He has surpassed him!
Beyond the stroke of Saber Tomb in the Severing Vein Saber Method, he unveils the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts.
And from there, unfolds Gang Qi Compression Sphere!
Watching the detailed intricacies of the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts he was performing, I understood how to surpass the Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
[...From now on, I will continuously pioneer the realm of martial arts. Someday, with the help of the Jin Clan, I'll try to reach the Ascension Gate. The cultivators of the Jin Clan said that the place where we were is the path leading to the Ascension Gate.
If I could only get there...]
How fantastical, yet again.
But I couldn't dare trample on his hope with the cruel truth.
The Ascension Gate has already closed, and we would have to wait a thousand years.
How could I say such a thing?
Instead of telling him this cruel truth, I asked something else.
[Why are you telling me this?]
[...I hope you, too, have hope.]
Is that so?
I closely observed the Gang Qi Compression Sphere he released, and just as my sword was torn to shreds along with my Sword Gang, I was propelled backwards by a tremendous recoil.
Kwaaaang!
I was violently flung back, slamming into the formation, and spat out a mouthful of blood.
'...What is the name of this realm?'
I stopped our conversation through intent and asked him with a smirk.
After all, in the history of martial arts, he was the first to reach this realm.
It was right that he name it.
He had already reached this realm much faster.
Perhaps, in this lifetime, he might evolve the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts even further!
Kim Young-hoon answered calmly.
'Ultimate Pinnacle (Reaching the Peak to Create the Ultimate).'
'Ha, hahaha... Such a fitting name for you.'
Thus, pondering the enlightenment of martial arts, I fainted
Translator note: If it was translated phonetically, it would be called Deungbojogeuk. If it was translated literally, it would be Reaching the Peak to Create the Ultimate. I didn't like the sound of that, especially cuz of the 'Reaching' part (as expected of Young-hoon's naming sense). Hence, I translated it as Ultimate Pinnacle as I know most readers would prefer that over Deungbojogeuk.
Cuz I mean He has reached the Deungbojogeuk realm! Just doesn't sound right.
***
When I opened my eyes, the pungent smell of medicinal herbs assailed my nose.
'Red Stemmed Bamboo, Far Reaching Grass, Clustered Earth... I recognize some, but more than half are unknown to me...'
As I inhaled the scent of medicinal herbs, I tried to recall their combinations, but it seems that most were beyond my knowledge.
After circulating my energy to check my physical condition, I slowly rose from my seat.
'This place is...'
It appeared to be the medicinal hall of the Jin Clan.
While I was looking around, on the small table beside me, a red jade stone that was placed there turned blue.
Simultaneously, in my domain of consciousness, numerous spell characters linked to the jade stone formed a connection, alerting me.
'Is this... informing others of my physical condition...?'
The connection of the spell characters extended rapidly outside the room. Soon, a Cheongmun Clan elder of Qi Building, Cheongmun Byeok, and what appeared to be a physician of the Jin Clan entered the room.
"Respected elder..."
"Sit down. Ha ha ha. Are you feeling alright?"
"Yes. I feel almost unscathed."
"Well, that's to be expected. Even the head of the Jin Clan was excited watching your duel and ordered to take great care of you. It's surprising that he felt such excitement watching a duel between two Qi Refining cultivators, not even Qi Building. Ha ha, you've made a great contribution."
Cheongmun Byeok, laughing heartily, patted my shoulder and spoke to the Jin Clan's physician.
"If there's nothing unusual after examining his meridians, he can be discharged."
"Yes, understood."
The physician of the Jin Clan examined my condition and promptly declared me fully recovered, allowing me to leave.
I followed Cheongmun Byeok to the quarters assigned to me in the Cheongmun Clan.
My room was next to Cheongmun Byeok's, and before entering, he called me into his room.
The door of the quarters closed with a thud, and Cheongmun Byeok, sitting down, flicked his fingers.
A cushion flew in front of me and landed on the floor, and he gestured for me to sit.
"Sit down."
"Yes."
"First of all, you did very well in today's duel. You upheld the dignity of the Cheongmun Clan in front of the other clans. Today's event will be reported to the head of our clan, and you have definitely earned merit."
"Thank you."
"But, before the main house decides on a reward, I have something I want to know."
He looked at me with clear eyes and asked.
"In my younger days, I read in an ancient text about martial artists of the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, who appear once in several hundred years. They are beyond the reach of ordinary Qi Refiners, with a lifetime of extreme hardship and martial arts training. Only by facing death can they possibly awaken to such a state."
He is right.
Unless one is an anomaly like Kim Young-hoon, who has unprecedented martial talent, or someone like me, an anomaly of time, typical geniuses cannot reach the Five Energies Converging to the Origin without preparing for death.
Even if one reaches the extreme of Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, without properly completing a body transformation and strengthening the body, the upper dantian would swell and burst.
"Such beings, born against all odds, often have superior and more intricate consciousness than ordinary Qi Refiners. They can even wield the Pure Spiritual Force that Qi Building cultivators use, overpowering ordinary Qi Refining cultivators."
"Pure Spiritual Foce...?"
"Did you not know? When you reach Qi Building, spiritual energy becomes incredibly pure along the activated spiritual pathways from Qi Refining... Like this."
A pure white light began to emanate from Cheongmun Byeok's hand.
I was awestruck.
"Gang Qi...!"
"Do mortals call it Gang Qi? Qi Building cultivators call it Pure Spiritual Force. It's force created by removing impurities and compressing the existing spiritual energy dozens of times."
I watched Cheongmun Byeok effortlessly emitting Gang Qi from his hand without any intent and became speechless.
Meanwhile, I noticed that the Pure Spiritual Force he emitted was different from my Sword Gang.
'Mine is filled with intent, but his force is just massively compressed Qi.'
Just like when I used the initial move of Qi Mountain, Heart Heaven to infuse energy into my Sword Silk, creating Gang Qi for a few seconds.
A Qi Building cultivator just spews out crudely compressed heaven and earth spiritual energy.
'My Sword Gang might be slightly better in cutting ability, but...'
Without any realization, I was dumbfounded by Cheongmun Byeok, who could continuously emit Gang Qi, not just for 'a few seconds,' but 'steadily.'
'I'm overwhelmingly inferior in output. Moreover, the purity of his Qi is much higher than my Sword Gang. It's free from impurities...!'
More importantly, being able to emit Gang Qi so crudely means that...
"I have a question. If I reach Qi Building... that Gang Qi... no, Pure Spiritual Force..."
"In Qi Building, Pure Spiritual Force is the 'norm'."
"It flows through the meridians instead of regular spiritual power. It densely fills the entire body with natural resilience, so what you martial artists call protective Gang Qi is effectively being constantly emitted."
A monster whose meridians are filled with Gang Qi!
A being almost constantly emitting protective Gang Qi, that is a Qi Building cultivator!
'The reason only Gang Sphere can fight against Qi Building... Is because they are monsters constantly spewing protective Gang Qi. To injure a Qi Building cultivator, one needs power beyond Gang Qi...'
I was dizzy with the concept I hadn't even imagined before.
Gang Qi instead of regular energy flowing through the meridians!
Is this even human?
'No wonder the lifespan of Qi Building cultivators greatly increases...'
Their bodies are filled with Gang Qi, continuously cultivating and expanding its volume. It would be strange if such monsters didn't experience a change in lifespan.
"...Anyway. Martial artists who have reached Three Flowers Gather at the Summit can emulate our Pure Spiritual Force, and those of the Five Energies Converging to the Origin can do so quite freely... Those below Qi Building stand no chance.
However, excluding such obvious information, martial artists of the Five Energies Converging to the Origin are so rare that I don't know what you might need. So, tell me what you need for your reward from the Cheongmun Clan."
"Something I need..."
After a moment of thought, I spoke to him.
"The elder of the Cheongmun Clan who oversees the territory I reside once told me about Understanding before Breakthrough. Since my spiritual root is of the Five Elements, my cultivation speed isn't fast. I would like to follow the method of Understanding before Breakthrough."
"Understanding before Breakthrough... If it's about understanding spells and mantras, I'll recommend you as a disciple to Cheongmun Ryeong after I return to the main house. He may have given up on reaching Core Formation, but he's dedicated to researching spells, mantras, and formations. He'll be of help in your pursuit of Understanding before Breakthrough."
"...Thank you!"
"And..."
He stroked his beard for a moment and then said.
"The head of the Jin Clan also found your martial prowess interesting and decided to grant you a reward. They'll fulfill any reasonable request, so think about what you want."
After finishing his words, Cheongmun Byeok indicated that our conversation was over, and I stepped outside, mulling over.
"A reward from the Jin Clan too..."
From his tone, it seems like they were willing to fulfill any minor request I have.
'...Then, is that possible...?'
I contemplated a possibility, thinking about what to ask for.
A few days later, I had the opportunity to meet the head of the Jin Clan, Jin Yeo-woon.
He expressed great interest in me and asked if I had any wishes.
"Ask within a reasonable scope that they can fulfill."
Before meeting the head, Cheongmun Byeok had earnestly advised me that 'reasonable' meant something that could be fulfilled at the Qi Refining level or below.
"Then, I ask of you, head of the Jin Clan. I..."
After a moment of hesitation, I finally voiced the wish I had been considering.
"...Previously, when I briefly stayed in Yanguo, I formed bonds with the mortals there. Later, I heard they were all used as alchemy ingredients by the Makli Clan and that their descendants are under the care of the Jin Clan. I would like to visit where they live."
"Hmm, you mean the mortals working for the Jin Clan..."
He paused, thinking, then called one of the elders of the Jin Clan.
"Weren't those sacrificed by the Makli Clan trained for assassination before?"
"Yes, they were. But they lacked martial talent and since Makli Jung was assassinated, we found no need to train them as assassins... We've educated them to do farm work or menial tasks in the territories."
"Then, that should be fine..."
The head of the Jin Clan nodded and said.
"I'll allow it. But even if it's the mortals' quarters, they work for our Jin Clan. You, being part of the Cheongmun Clan, cannot freely roam our territory. You can only visit the mortals' area and will be accompanied by a supervisor from our main house."
"I am deeply grateful for your generous grace!"
"Dismissed."
I bowed to the head of the Jin Clan and was introduced to two supervisors who would guide and watch me in the mortals' quarters.
Among them was someone I know.
'We meet again.'
'Indeed.'
Kim Young-hoon, representing the Jin Clan, was waiting for me, dressed in a red robe.
'You are the junior I met during my active days in the martial world. May we talk for a moment?'
'Of course.'
The other supervisor, a Qi Refining 10th Star cultivator, glanced at Kim Young-hoon and discreetly left.
'I was really surprised that you are part of the Cheongmun Clan's envoy... Looking at the size of your consciousness...You have learned the way of cultivation, have you not? I can faintly sense the pressure of your spirit.'
'You have noticed correctly.'
For martial artists of the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, no matter how much they train in martial arts or wield a sword, the size of their consciousness does not grow. It becomes more detailed, as seen in the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts, and they can freely control consciousness or split it, handling more delicate aspects than ordinary cultivators. But the absolute size of consciousness does not increase.
This was true for Kim Young-hoon, who had reached the Ultimate Pinnacle, as his consciousness was slightly smaller than mine, despite his high level.
'So, you've chosen to be a cultivator. That's one way to go.'
'I want to know about what you said through consciousness when we fought.'
'Ha, that matter.'
He walked out of the Jin Clan's building with me, looking up at the sky and began to speak.
'When I first came here, I thought I would never return home. As I learned the Severing Vein Saber Method you taught me, that thought intensified. Feeling the will imbued in that martial art... Ha ha, even the saber move is called Saber Tomb'! Isn't that too cruel?'
'...'
'Anyway. Until I reached the stage of the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, that was my thought. But... after achieving the Ultimate Pinnacle and changing my mindset, I became confident in reaching the extremes of the Ultimate Pinnacle through the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts...'
He extended his hand.
Energy gathered from his palm, forming a sphere.
The sphere split.
Dividing into three, the split spheres spun around, multiplying into nine spheres.
'I thought this wasn't the end. Currently, I can only face Qi Building cultivators, and it would cost my life to take an arm off a Core Formation cultivator. Those in Core Formation are like natural disasters in human form... It's pointless knowing they can recover an arm in about a month...'
'...'
'However.'
His eyes widened.
'I can tell. This is not the end! Definitely not! I, we can go further!
We will surely see beyond this realm!'
He continued speaking.
'The 16th and 23rd moves of the Severing Vein Saber Method and Severing Mountain Swordsmanship are both named 'Endless Mountains Beyond Mountains'. Surely there's a reason you named the final techniques of both martial arts that way?'
I remained silent.
It was a misunderstanding that I had created both martial arts.
The reason for the final techniques of both martial arts having such names was a bit different from what he thought.
'Surely, I, we can pioneer new realms!! It's definitely possible!'
Kim Hyung.
I looked at him and spoke.
'You said your goal was to reach the Ascension Gate, but to me, it seems like... the Ascension Gate is just a reason, and maybe you're just more curious about the limits of martial arts.'
'Ha ha, that might be true.'
He gave a bitter smile.
'But, I do miss home. This homesickness... it never fades. Sometimes I think my obsession with martial arts is to forget this homesickness.'
To forget homesickness.
In the colorless world of consciousness, I dismantled my consciousness and observed colors again.
Noticing my gaze, Kim Young-hoon smiled awkwardly.
His consciousness was filled with golden hues.
The intent of joy.
Though mixed with longing and sadness, Kim Young-hoon talking about martial arts seemed filled with joy.
'Well. Isn't practicing martial arts fun? Honestly, I've never found anything that fits me as well as this... Maybe, as you said, I just enjoy practicing martial arts...'
'Enjoy...'
Perhaps that was the source of Kim Young-hoon's talent.
For me, martial arts were undoubtedly a part of life.
Something I could call my historical achievement, but not exactly something I 'enjoy.'
'Whether I practice martial arts to forget homesickness or simply because I'm happy doing it, my intention to go beyond the Ultimate Pinnacle is sincere. And you, being a martial artist, surely aspire to reach even higher realms.'
He grinned and said.
"Come visit occasionally. As a martial artist who has reached the stage of Five Energies Converging to the Origin, you are the only one of this generation in the whole world. I'll gladly teach you whenever you come."
"Yes, thank you."
I smiled and accepted his invitation.
I had been worried when I first learned of his desire to reach the Ascension Gate, as he would not be able to achieve it in this lifetime. But knowing that Kim Young-hoon's focus was more on the pursuit of martial arts rather than the Ascension Gate itself lightened my heart.
"Now that you're healed, shall we spar lightly?"
"Hahaha, I thought you'd say that."
I casually drew my sword from its sheath.
He sent one of the Gang Spheres he had levitated in his hand towards me.
This move was imbued with the essence of the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts.
The Record began with the ability to cut through others' consciousness and perception, as seen in the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts. It then moved through the understanding of assimilating consciousness from the Record of Gazing Cultivation and Exceeding Martial Arts, to a martial study of dividing one's consciousness and controlling it.
After wrapping the void with Gang Qi, I was able to detach my consciousness and insert actions into the Gang Qi, then manipulate it in the void.
Of course, compressing Gang Qi to make it float like it's alive in the void was still beyond my capabilities.
However, I lifted my sword and using the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts,
I divided my consciousness, inputting actions into it.
Simultaneously, I infused Gang Qi into the sword.
Vroom-
Boom!
The sword began to leave my hand.
"Ha!"
Concentrating my consciousness, the sword that left my hand started floating in the void.
Boom!
Following the techniques of the Record, the sword containing Gang Qi rose into the void and collided with Kim Young-hoon's Gang Sphere.
Using Qi to Control Sword!
I repeatedly divided pieces of my consciousness from a distance, throwing them at my flying sword, constantly inputting actions.
Vroom, boom, boom!
The sword tore through the void, following my will and utilizing the techniques of the Record to cut through perception.
However, Kim Young-hoon's Gang Sphere also cut through perception and seemed to disappear in the void.
I frantically followed the trail of his consciousness with my eyes and found his Gang Sphere.
Suddenly, the trail of consciousness twisted in the void.
'There!'
I quickly inputted consciousness into my flying sword again to dodge Kim Young-hoon's Gang Sphere.
But in that brief moment, his Gang Sphere, as if alive, chased my flying sword.
At the same time, Kim Young-hoon's consciousness clung to mine, interfering with my input to the flying sword.
Though we didn't physically clash like before, a tremendous storm of consciousness collided in the void.
Countless threads of consciousness clashed, and I managed to input the last action into my flying sword through this storm of consciousness and perception.
However...
Crack!
His Gang Sphere, as if dancing in the void, collided directly with the consciousness within my Sword Gang.
Simultaneously, all the consciousness I had input into my flying sword were extinguished, and the consciousness of the Gang Sphere took its place.
My flying sword was snatched by Kim Young-hoon.
"How did you do that? It's as if the Gang Sphere is alive."
"Of course, it is alive."
"Are you joking, or is it true?"
He smiled, retrieved the Gang Sphere, manipulated my flying sword a few times, then returned it to me.
"It's true. Follow the path of Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts, and you'll understand the enlightenment of the Ultimate Pinnacle. Then you'll know what I mean."
"I'll remember that."
I sheathed my sword and bowed to him in respect.
"Hahaha, now that we've had enough fun, shall we go to the place you wanted to visit?"
Guided by Kim Young-hoon and another cultivator from the Jin Clan, I headed to one of the outlying territories of the Jin Clan.
Mortals are hard at work.
There are carpenters, gem cutters, and blacksmiths.
Some are farming, and others are gathering herbs.
They are commoners working in the Jin Clan's territory.
Though they all looked tired, there is no apparent abuse or suffering.
Indeed, working in the territory of a cultivator clan meant consistent prosperity, regardless of famine or disaster in other countries.
It was not a bad situation for them.
Of course, it might be different for those working under a devilish cultivator clan like the Makli Clan.
Upon my arrival in the territory, I was informed that I could only follow certain paths and was subjected to a mild restriction on my consciousness. Guided by Kim Young-hoon and a Jin Clan supervisor, I started looking for familiar faces.
"They've all grown up so much."
They were just boys and girls, students in training when I had infiltrated the territory years ago. Now, each one of them look like a young adult.
"Cheong-ya seems to be practicing medicine."
I remembered she had learned assassination and poison skills under me in the previous life, and it seems she found her calling.
"Hee-a is weaving... Ha ha, she always had delicate hands, better suited for this than wielding weapons."
"Yeol-o is working with wood. He looks much more suited for this."
"Is Dae-hyeon a carpenter?"
And so on, I observed my past life's disciples. All of them are healthy and alive, not enduring harsh training for assassination but rather doing what seems to suit them.
I was looking at my grown-up disciples from my past life when the Qi Refining supervisor asked,
"You came to see the children of your acquaintances, but you haven't spoken to anyone?"
"That's right. Why don't you talk to them?"
Kim Young-hoon, too, found my behavior strange and asked. I gave a small laugh.
"Then let's talk to the next person."
The next one I visited was Nok-hyeon, the foolhardy disciple who first ran away from me and rashly decided to assassinate the emperor, and who died first.
"Is that Nok-hyeon's house?"
I went to Nok-hyeon's home to see what he was doing. There was smell of wood from his house, and he was carving something inside his small workshop.
"Nok-hyeon is a carpenter, it seems. What is he carving?"
I peeked into his workshop, and I could see he was carving a family. There was a statue of parents and siblings sitting happily together, with Nok-hyeon himself carved in the middle.
It seems to be his family, who had been killed by the Makli Clan.
Looking closely, I saw that his workshop was filled with similar family sculptures.
I quietly observed these sculptures.
Suddenly, Nok-hyeon saw my shadow cast into the workshop, flinched, and looked up at me.
"Who are you?"
I gestured to the cultivator and Kim Young-hoon to leave us alone. They nodded and stepped back.
"Is that... your family?"
"...? Yes, it is."
"Do you find your work fulfilling?"
"Yes, but... who are you?"
He cautiously asked, eyeing the black robe of the Cheongmun Clan I was wearing.
"Just a passerby."
"Oh, I see."
Of course, Nok-hyeon didn't seem convinced, his eyes holding a hint of suspicion.
"So, what brings you here?"
"It seems you miss your parents."
"...Yes. They passed away when I was young. I miss them terribly and find myself doing this often."
"Do you harbor any resentment for not being able to see your parents?"
He became more respectful, thinking I was related to a cultivator clan and answered.
"...The day after we completed our grueling training, the severed head of Emperor Makli Jung, our enemy, was placed in our training ground. At first, I didn't know whose head it was, but after finding out, I felt a bit of my resentment dissipate. Of course, it didn't completely resolve my feelings...
But it's not unbearably painful anymore."
"...That's good to hear."
"May I ask who you are...?"
"Just a guest of the Jin Clan."
"Oh, I see. I apologize. My place is like this, and I have nothing to offer..."
"It's fine. I'll be going."
I left Nok-hyeon's house, leaving him behind as he tried to offer hospitality.
'They're living well.'
That's good.
Yet at the same time, I felt a pang in my heart.
After all, these are not my disciples.
My disciples are in another timeline.
"..."
Thump, thump!
I pushed the surging emotions deep inside.
Then I went to the last house.
It was Man-ho's house, the representative of my disciples.
'I've heard some interesting rumors about Man-ho on the way...'
As I approached Man-ho's house, a woman emerged from inside, waddling.
Her belly is swollen with life inside her.
Her face is one I know well.
'It's Kae-hwa... Man-ho, you succeeded after all.'
She was hanging laundry on the line.
Suddenly, Man-ho ran up to her, passed by me without noticing, and rushed towards her.
"Honey! I brought the persimmons you wanted!"
"Oh, you noisy man! You'll startle the baby! And look at your clothes, they're torn! I just mended them, and you tore them again!"
"Sorry, honey."
"Oh dear, it's so hard to live with you..."
After scolding Man-ho for a moment, Kae-hwa suddenly clutched her belly and sat down on the porch.
"Oh, look at this. The baby is kicking."
"Really?"
With my heightened senses from being in the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, I clearly heard the sound of life kicking inside her.
Man-ho, grinning ear to ear, put his ear to Kae-hwa's belly and laughed.
Unknowingly, I realized I was crying while watching them.
Ah, yes.
You two had this possibility.
Not a life of harsh training, covered in blood, listening to the ghosts and resentments of dead family members.
But simply doing what you wish to do.
Living a new life, you had this possibility.
"...Sniff, sniff..."
I couldn't help but let the emotions I had pushed inside erupt a little.
I am so happy.
That these children could grow up and live such lives.
At the same time, I am so sad.
That these children are not my disciples. That they have no relation to me anymore.
The children with whom I had a relationship were in another timeline, the children I could only teach blood and death.
I was joyful at the vastly different lives these children are living, yet paradoxically pained that I would never see them again.
This is the reality of regression.
No matter what relationships I form, they all disappear, moving to another timeline.
Even if I form similar relationships with the same people in each cycle, all the characters in each cycle are actually completely different people who just look the same.
Unlike calling Kim Young-hoon Young-hoon Hyung-nim' like the 1st and 2nd cycles, I now call him 'Kim Hyung' for this reason.
Of course, since he was essentially the same person, I couldn't completely change how I address him, and in urgent situations or without thinking, I sometimes call him Young-hoon Hyung-nim...
But regardless, the Kim Young-hoons are clearly different people from the ones in my past cycles.
The same went for my disciples.
The definition of a relationship lies in the time spent together.
These are not my disciples who had spent time with me; they are entirely different people.
On the first day of this life.
I thought I had buried the memories of my past life, but how could human emotions be simply buried?
The memories and emotions of teaching those children had become a part of my life.
"...I'm sorry."
My disciples from my past life, I'm so sorry for not allowing you to dream of such a possibility.
"And thank you."
Children of this life, thank you for living this way.
As my emotions intensified, the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts that I had been unconsciously maintaining was released.
Suddenly, Kae-hwa noticed me and was startled.
"...Oh, who is that?"
"Ah, what? He's crying."
I wiped my tears and smiled at them.
"...I apolgize. Seeing you two reminded me of some people I knew. ...Precious people who I can never see again."
"Oh dear... We've had similar pains. If you don't mind, would you like to come in for a cup of tea..."
"It's fine. Your peaceful home is more fragrant than any tea. May you have a hundred years of harmony."
I finished speaking and bowed to them before using the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.
They were surprised to see me suddenly disappear like a ghost and looked around, then seemed to realize I was a cultivator and accepted it.
"...Have you seen everyone?"
"...Yes. I've met everyone I needed to."
I avoided eye contact with Kim Young-hoon and looked up at the sky.
Today, my resolve has solidified even more.
I will escape this cycle of regression.
And to do so, I will elevate my realm even further.
To ensure my life is not invalidated by the play of time.
A few days later.
When it was time for the delegation from the Cheongmun Clan to return, I bid farewell to Kim Young-hoon and returned to the Cheongmun Clan.
After paying a brief visit to the head of the Cheongmun Clan and being assigned a significant role, I was allowed to stay in the main house of the Clan.
I then became a disciple of a Qi Building elder named Cheongmun Ryeong, introduced by Cheongmun Byeok.
Taking a disciple's stance before him, I made a vow.
Even if my body breaks to pieces.
No matter what happens, I will aim for the higher realms!!!
Translator Notes: Recently bought Tactics Ogre Reborn since it was on sale for the switch. I've always heard it was one of the best alongside Final Fantasy Tactics but unfortunately FFT has no PC version and I have to set up an emulator to play. Just finished chapter 1 in my first playthrough and I'm expectant for what to come. As a consequence though, the stockpile of chapters have dropped kekw.
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