Chapter 1790 - ARTOC 12

"Hmm, so you are the martial artist of the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, aren't you?"

Cheongmun Ryeong sneered upon our first meeting.

"Martial artists are all similar, mostly ignorant. I doubt you could even begin to understand the True Words and Law Decrees I've been studying."

"I will do my best."

"Best? Everyone has their limits. Know yours and behave accordingly. I don't particularly need a disciple, but since the clan leader commanded me to accept you for the sake of maintaining the Cheongmun Clan's dignity, I have no choice."

With an annoyed expression, he threw a book at me.

"Qi Refining 1st Star. It seems you're at the first stage of the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha. You've only activated one spiritual meridian, the Earth Leader Spiritual Meridian. I have no intention of properly teaching someone as clueless as you, so just read and learn from this."

The title of the book was 'Seventy-Two Earthly Sha Commandments Explained.'

Given that it included the name 'Cheongmun Ryeong', it appeared to contain his insights on the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words.

After throwing the book, Cheongmun Ryeong, with a huff, went into his room and warned me.

"Just so you know, don't even think about entering my room when I'm inside. Speak from outside. I can't be bothered to see your face!"

After receiving his grumpy warning, I bowed and returned to my room to read the book.

Although my cultivation was only at Qi Refining 1st Star, my pure strength is known to be above Qi Refining 14th Star, but below Qi Building. Consequently, the resources provided to me as a cultivator increased significantly.

I received thirty spirit stones per month and was granted access to the main spiritual vein of the Cheongmun Clan.

I also gained access to the lower-level library of the clan's archive.

Additionally, the number of mandatory missions I had to undertake was reduced from four to one per month.

Of course, the difficulty of these missions increased, but they were manageable.

I spent my time locked in my room, constantly studying the 'Seventy-Two Earthly Sha Commandments Explained' and practicing reciting the True Words and forming hand seals.

Sometimes, when I felt suffocated, I would contact Kim Young-hoon in Yanguo to spar and exchange martial insights.

Constantly reciting True Words, forming hand seals, and practicing spell techniques.

Five years passed like this.

"Qi Refining 1st Star... I've reached half of it."

I had deciphered thirty-eight of the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words and activated thirty-eight spiritual meridians .

This was the result of continuously using spirit stones, accessing the Dragon Vein of the Cheongmun Clan's main house, and learning from Cheongmun Ryeong.

"...Master, I don't quite understand the meaning of the True Word for the Geographical Star."

"You foolish boy! Even after giving you the 'Seventy-Two Earthly Sha Commandments Explained', you still don't get it! You're so dull and infuriating!"

When I asked for guidance outside Cheongmun Ryeong's room, he ranted at me for a while.

However, after the scolding, he eventually explained the meaning of the True Word to me and shared his annotations.

For the first year, he wouldn't even answer my questions.

But after a year of persistently sitting outside his room from morning till night, asking for guidance, he finally gave in while grinding his teeth, calling me a stubborn fool, and began teaching me albeit with curses.

"...That's my interpretation of the Geographical Star True Word. Are you satisfied now? You stubborn and dull fool! If it wasn't for the leader's command, I would have killed you long ago!"

"Disciple is grateful for your teachings, Master. I will take my leave."

After bowing to Cheongmun Ryeong, who was cursing from the other side of the door, I returned to my room to continue studying and reciting True Words.

While other disciples of the Cheongmun Clan enjoyed touring Byeokra Country,

While others rested and slept,

While others interacted and had fun,

I, from morning till night, tirelessly recited the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words and practiced hand seals, seeking enlightenment.

One day, my throat parched and I reached for a teacup which then slipped from my grasp.

Luckily, my quick reflexes caught it, preventing it from breaking. But I realized why it had slipped.

My fingerprints had been erased from constantly forming hand seals.

Even while eating, I would recite True Words and read the 'Seventy-Two Earthly Sha Commandments Explained.'

Of course, I also diligently practiced martial arts while reciting True Words.

Buzz, whoosh, whoosh!

My sword flew through the air.

It wasn't me wielding it; it soared and danced in the air on its own.

After starting to use Dual Energy Sword Control (I think dual energy because consciousness and Gang Qi) from the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts, I continuously practiced it while reciting True Words and forming hand seals, even controlling the sword with my consciousness within my room.

As I became more accustomed to detaching my consciousness and inputting actions into the sword with intent, my flying sword became as natural as if it were alive.

But still, the path of 'Five Energies Converging to the Origin' was vast and profound.

And I was still only at Qi Refining 1-star.

One day, after continuously practicing the Dual Energy Sword Control, Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words, and hand seals for ten consecutive nights.

Blood dripped from my hands.

Literally, my skin peeled and bled from endlessly forming hand seals.

Yet, I kept on, undeterred by the bleeding, continuously forming hand seals and reciting True Words.

Indeed, it was 'only now' that I bled.

When wielding the sword.

How much blood had flowed from these hands.

How many times had they peeled and torn.

Yet, on the path of cultivation, only now had my hands torn to this extent.

Drip, drip...

Seeing the blood, I used Dual Energy Sword Control to clean the bloodstains in the room while using my internal energy to stop the bleeding. Continuing with the hand seals, the wounds eventually scabbed over after a day.

But even after scabbing, the incessant hand seals caused the scabs to fall off, bleeding again.

However, I did not stop.

There was no time to stop.

For the dull and those lacking in talent.

Every moment was more precious than a thousand gold.

Thus, another five years passed.

Click, click, click...

"Mumble, mumble..."

I recited the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words from start to finish and formed hand seals.

Then, when I recited the final True Word corresponding to the Earth Dog Star,

'Finally, I've understood all of the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words!'

The last spiritual meridian was activated.

Along with it, my ability to use spiritual power increased significantly, and my consciousness expanded slightly more.

"Qi Refining 2nd Star!!!"

Finally, I had reached Qi Refining 2nd Star!

After ten years!

Reciting True Words until my tongue cramped, practicing hand seals until my fingers bled!

Overjoyed, I immediately ran to Cheongmun Ryeong's room and exclaimed.

"Master! Disciple has reached Qi Refining 2nd Star! Thanks to your teachings and the 'Seventy-Two Earthly Sha Commandments Explained', I have understood all of the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words! Thank you. Without the path you opened for me, I could not have achieved this. I am forever grateful."

From inside Cheongmun Ryeong's room, I sensed a slight disturbance in his intent.

After a moment, Cheongmun Ryeong spoke irritably.

"...Damn it, how could such a moron exist? It took you ten years to reach Qi Refining 2nd Star? I can't deal with this. Such a fool for a disciple. Damn it! I'll speak to the clan leader and have you expelled!"

"...Regardless, I am grateful for your grace, Master. I will take my leave."

Days passed however, and the clan leader of the Cheongmun Clan said nothing to me. and Cheongmun Ryeong remained in his room.

I then studied 'Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation' and 'Earth Dwelling Method' in Qi Refining 2nd Star.

"After the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha, comes the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang..."

Now, I had to recite and understand the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Law Decrees, and condense thirty-six kinds of spiritual natures into my spiritual meridians.

First, I went outside and recited the first of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Law Decrees, corresponding to the Heaven Leader Star.

Rumble-

Following the Law Decree of the Heaven Leader True Word, the soil in front of me rose, forming an Earth Sphere at my eye level.

Had it been Water Surpassing Path or Fire Surpassing Path instead of Earth Surpassing Path, it would have created Water Sphere or Fire Sphere instead.

However, since I hadn't properly condensed the spiritual nature corresponding to the Heaven Leader Star, and only used the Law Decree, the clump of soil soon crumbled and dispersed.

The difference between the Earthly Sha True Words and the Heavenly Gang Law Decrees is that, while the former primarily relies on the energy emanating from the body's spiritual meridian, the Heavenly Gang Law Decrees mix the body's spiritual power with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to manifest techniques."

Contemplating the differences, I fully practiced the thirty-six types of Heavenly Gang Law Decrees.

Then, I went to seek guidance from Cheongmun Ryeong.

"Master, due to my limited understanding, I believe I need your guidance on the Heavenly Gang Law Decrees."

"Hmph! You should have had the sense to leave before I report to the clan leader. Are you still here? You dull thing. Take this."

Cheongmun Ryeong's door slightly opened, and a book was thrown through the gap.

The title of the book was 'Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Commandments Explained,' containing Cheongmun Ryeongs commentary on the Heavenly Gang Law Decrees, similar to the previous book on the Earthly Sha.

After expressing my gratitude again, I was about to return to my room to study the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Law Decrees when he called out.

"Wait, you fool. Are you aware of the recent news?"

"Recent news?"

"Tsk, tsk, even I know about it from my room. You're truly clueless, fool. Recently, our clan leader and the elders have been away."

"What has happened?"

"Hmm, it seems there have been atrocious massacres, too dreadful to witness, in the tribes and several cities near the eastern border of Byeokra, next to the Heaven-Treading Desert, as well as in the countries and cities beyond the desert. The exact reason is unknown, but not only the clan leader and the Core Formation elders of our Cheongmun Clan, but also those from the Jin, Makli, Gongmyo, Byuk, and other cultivator clans have headed to the Heaven-Treading Desert. It seems to be a serious matter, and the Cheongmun Clan might face some chaos ahead. Be careful."

"Thank you for your concern. I'll continue my practice in my room until the clan leader returns."

"As if you do anything else. And know that once the clan leader returns, I'll petition to have you expelled."

I bowed to Cheongmun Ryeong and returned to my room to study and read the 'Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Commandments Explained.'

It was six months before the Cheongmun Clan's leader returned.

That day, an emergency meeting was convened with all the elders, direct and collateral clan members, and key external members of the Cheongmun Clan.

As a key external member, I was allowed to attend.

'What a formidable force...'

I silently marveled at the pressure from the Qi Refining and Qi Building cultivators filling the grand hall, and their spiritual auras.

Such a force could physically overturn a country, even without Core Formation cultivators.

The clan leader, Cheongmun Jung-jin, had a grim expression after his six-month absence.

"The reason for this emergency meeting today is to inform you that a great war might occur within the next two hundred years."

'Two hundred years?'

I was startled by this time frame and listened intently to the clan leader.

"The details are complex, but from today, the Cheongmun Clan must prepare for this potential war. We will now prioritize merit over lineage. The Immortal Combat Meeting, previously held every few years, will now be conducted every six months. We will also hold an annual competition for external members. Everyone should focus on improving their skills.

Now, only the elders and senior members stay, others may leave."

We bowed to Cheongmun Jung-jin and left.

While others from the Cheongmun Clan gathered to discuss, I, having no close associates due to my solitary training, was left to ponder alone.

That night,

After Cheongmun Ryeong returned late, I cautiously asked him.

"Master, may I inquire about the basis for the clan leader's prediction?"

"Hmph! Why does it matter to you? You and I won't even be alive in two hundred years. Just continue your usual training."

Truly, his words made sense.

I had about 30-40 years left in my lifespan.

What use was worrying about events two hundred years away?

I should focus on the present.

"By the way, how many of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Law Decrees have you mastered? How many spiritual natures have you condensed?"

"Master, I have only managed to condense three natures."

"How frustrating! Read this book in seven nights!"

Thud-

Another book fell through the door gap.

The book was titled 'Gangmyeong Record,' containing comprehensive commentary on the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Law Decrees, seemingly an advanced version of the previous book.

"Thank you, Master."

I bowed to Cheongmun Ryeong and returned to my room to read the book.

Time passed quickly.

12 years.

It took me 12 years to fully master the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Law Decrees and successfully condense thirty-six spiritual natures.

Using the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha spiritual meridians as a foundation, the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang spiritual natures adhered and spread their nature throughout my entire body's spiritual meridians.

Whoosh-

The spiritual energy of heaven and earth was absorbed through my body's spiritual meridians and natures, increasing my spiritual power even more.

Simultaneously, the spiritual meridians thickened and strengthened from absorbing the natures.

After 22 years, I reached the 2nd Star of Qi Refining.

'Phew, it wasnt easy.'

I sighed and looked at myself in the bronze mirror of my room.

In the mirror, I saw myself with a fully grown beard.

Thanks to my transformation upon reaching the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, I had no wrinkles.

Shaving my beard would make me look in my mid-twenties.

But I was growing anxious.

My life was significantly passing by.

Could I reach the 4th Star of Qi Refining before death?

This pace was achieved only because I had access to the Cheongmun Clan's spiritual vein and abundant resources, along with Cheongmun Ryeong's focused teachings.

If I had lived a normal life, it would have taken 30 years just to complete Qi Refining 1st Star.

Over the last 12 years.

Frustrated by my slow progress, Cheongmun Ryeong eventually stopped teaching from behind his door and began giving me direct advice.

Although I was still not allowed in his room, at least I could now receive face-to-face guidance.

Realizing that I could ascend to the 3rd Star of Qi Refining with thirty-six condensed spiritual natures, I immediately went to Cheongmun Ryeong to report my achievement.

"Master, I have finally reached the 3rd Star of Qi Refining! Thank you!"

"Thanks for what? I've been suffocating with frustration for 12 years. Foolish boy! And why are you boasting to me about such a thing?"

The door opened, and a grumpy Cheongmun Ryeong, with a long goat beard, frowned at me.

"You dimwit! Come in, let's see how well you've understood the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Law Decrees."

I hesitated, then smiled and entered his room.

His room was filled with various books, making it cramped.

Sitting amidst piles of books, he was annotating a book intently.

"Sit down. And when will you stop that absurd practice?"

He didn't offer me a cushion but glared at me as he continued annotating.

I forced a smile.

Outside the room, my sword, following my consciousness and Dual Energy Sword Control, was practicing Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.

Over the past 22 years, I never stopped practicing martial arts, cultivation, True Words, and spells.

I could now even Dual Energy Sword Control in my sleep.

But Cheongmun Ryeong seemed displeased with my actions.

"I know your nature is that of a swordsman, but with your limited talent, even focusing on one aspect is insufficient. How long will you keep up this madness along with your practice?"

"Apologies, Master, but..."

"Yes, yes, I know. Martial arts are your life, right? I'm tired of hearing the same thing. Just be quiet and recite the Law Decrees."

I recited the Law Decrees in front of Cheongmun Ryeong and answered his questions to assess my understanding.

Soon after, he nodded in approval.

"Good, you have a decent understanding of the Law Decrees."

"Thank you, and now..."

"Now that you can ascend to 3rd Star of Qi Refining, it's time for appropriate teachings. Take this."

He handed me a book titled 'Twelve Earthly Branches Scripture.'

"Twelve Earthly Branches: Huangzhong, Dalu, Taicu, Jiazhong, Guxi, Zhonglu, Ruibin, Linzhong, Yize, Nanlu, Wuyi, Yingzhong. These are the twelve types of spiritual energy you will be able to receive. The key to the 3rd Star of Qi Refining is to evolve the Seventy-Two spiritual meridians and Thirty-Six spiritual natures.

There are five elements of spiritual energy, which further split the twelve types. From these, 60 variations arise. However, knowing the types corresponding to the Twelve Earthly Branches is enough to calculate the remaining 48 variations.

You must understand all these variations and how spiritual energy operates in the world."

"Yes, I will take note..."

"No, don't just take note. Read it here."

"Right now?"

"Until now, you used to read books in your room and come back with questions. But I can't take it anymore!

Just read it here and ask questions as they arise! In fact, just live here!"

I was momentarily taken aback but then bowed to him, expressing my gratitude.

"Thank you for your grace, Master."

"Enough with the noise! Stop with the formalities and just finish reading the book!"

Urged by Cheongmun Ryeong, I quickly began reading the book.

Qi Refining 3rd Star.

The stage of Twelve Earthly Branches begins with understanding the twelve types of spiritual energy.

From this stage, a cultivator can start to deploy formations based on the types of spiritual energy, allowing them to manifest illusions and strange magical formations.

To understand the twelve types of spiritual energy, it was essential to practice deploying formations based on Cheongmun Ryeong's advice.

Fortunately, I had a knack for formations.

Also, having learned techniques like Qi Illusion Transformation and Qi Mechanisms under Kim Young-hoon in my previous lives, I was adept at mastering formations.

The twelve types of spiritual energy are said to resemble waves.

The range of frequencies from a certain point to below was called Huangzhong spiritual energy, and the range beyond that was called Dalu spiritual energy.

I endured Cheongmun Ryeong's constant beratings of being foolish and slow while trying to comprehend and master these types.

Six years passed.

Whoosh!

I evolved my spiritual meridians, thinking of my entire body as a formation diagram, to receive all the energy of the Twelve Earthly Branches.

I imprinted each spiritual meridian and nature with the energy of the Twelve Earthly Branches.

And then...

Flash!

"Sigh..."

I successfully completed the 3rd Star of Qi Refining.

Now, only the step beyond the Twelve Earthly Branches separated me from the 4th Star.

I opened my eyes to find Cheongmun Ryeong glaring at me.

"...You've finally succeeded. How slow can you be! Only now have you grasped the Twelve Earthly Branches and completed 3rd Star of Qi Refining! Despite having the strength of the 14th Star, why do you take so long to learn!"

"Haha, Master. The martial arts and cultivation methods I've learned are entirely different fields, aren't they?"

"Hmph, enough. At this rate, how much further can you advance in your lifetime! It's so frustrating. Follow me! I must teach you more quickly before I burst with frustration."

He gathered several books and led me outside.

"You've laid the spiritual meridians with the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha and can manifest spells from your body.

You've condensed the spiritual natures with the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang and learned to resonate spells with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

With the Twelve Earthly Branches, you've understood the types of spiritual energy and can mimic the flow of heaven and earth spiritual energy in your formations."

The ancient characters representing the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha, Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang, and Twelve Earthly Branches floated around Cheongmun Ryeong.

"And now, you will enter the Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram. If a cultivator's formation imitates the flow of heaven and earth, you need to learn the Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram to fully harness the power of formations.

The Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram are ancient characters created by imitating ten principle changes observed in the sky. Each character contains a principle of the heavens.

Understanding the ten principles of Jia (), Yi (), Bing (), Ding (), Wu (), Ji (), Geng (), Xin (), Ren (), and Gui () will allow you to complete the 4th Star of Qi Refining."

The Ten Heavenly Stems corresponding to the Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram moved according to Cheongmun Ryeong's will.

Simultaneously, a formation of trees and plants unfolded around him.

Based on the Twelve Earthly Branches, the Ten Heavenly Stems were integrated into the formation.

Whoosh!

Ten changes multiplied by twelve types of spiritual energy, creating dozens of variations.

At the center of these variations, Cheongmun Ryeong absorbed all the changes back into himself.

"See, this is the realm you must reach. This time, for heaven's sake, complete the 4th Star within three years! I expect nothing more from a frustrating disciple like you!"

From that day, I began learning about the Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram under Cheongmun Ryeong's guidance.

"Jia () starts with Daelim Tree () and ends with Gui (), which is Rain Dew Water (). Each of the Ten Stems contain principles of Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements..."

"The ten changes in spiritual energy essentially start from dividing the universe's Five Elements into Yin and Yang. The interpretation of Yin-Yang and Five Elements as the world's ten principles..."

"Apply the Yin-Yang Five Elements to the Twelve Earthly Branches. The Branches also contain interpretations of Yin and Yang, so by correlating them..."

Under Cheongmun Ryeong's tutelage, I learned about the Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram, the Earth Surpassing Path, and the Earth Dwelling Method provided by Cheongmun Clan. I also acquired the supernatural spells recorded in the Earth Dwelling Method.

"Earth Residence ()!"

"Earth Dwelling Formation ()!"

As I formed hand seals and recited incantations, the earth around me gathered, forming a formation.

I enhanced the formation's power by applying the twelve types of spiritual energy and ten changes to it.

Boom!

Six hexagonal earth shields formed around me, encircling me.

It was a defensive spell from the Earth Dwelling Method.

I guided the spiritual energy, rotating the earth shields.

Rumble-

The heavy earth shields rotated around me, their weight and speed formidable enough to shred a person upon contact.

The shields were so infused with spiritual power and energy that even Sword Silk couldn't cut through them.

'Qi Refining 4th Star...'

Now, I was in a similar realm to Emperor Makli Jung and his son Maki Hyun of Yanguo.

'From Qi Refining 4th Star, the battle involves dominating the surrounding space.'

Using spiritual power to lay a formation and enhancing it with the Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram, one can completely dominate the surrounding space.

I could now, like Makli Hyun in my past life, control my surroundings with the Earth element and fight.

"Master, look! I have succeeded in manifesting the formation!"

"...You fool. Is that something to be proud of, only just manifesting the formation now! Enough with the noise, and focus more..."

Cheongmun Ryeong seemed perpetually exasperated with me.

Five years passed.

Thanks to Cheongmun Ryeong's constant and intense guidance,

I managed to fully grasp the transformations of the Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram over five years.

Whoosh!

Spiritual power unfolded, manifesting a formation diagram.

Twelve types of spiritual energy and ten changes mixed, creating over sixty variations.

'I'll assimilate these 60 changes in spiritual energy...'

Into my meridians!

Rumble!

The Earth element spiritual energy scattered in the formation around me returned, merging with the corresponding spiritual meridians.

'Assimilate!'

Rumble rumble rumble...

Numerous changes surged through the spiritual meridians like a raging torrent.

Based on my understanding of the Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram, I carefully absorbed the changes into my spiritual meridians.

The spiritual meridians evolved.

They became wider and capable of accommodating more changes.

And when the spiritual meridians had fully absorbed all the changes,

I finally broke through the long-awaited barrier.

'Finally...!'

I completed the 4th Star of Qi Refining!

I am now at Qi Refining 5th Star!!!

"Finally...!"

As I opened my eyes, a loud cheer rang in my ears.

It was my Master.

"Finally, this damn fool has reached the 5th Star of Qi Refining! Hahaha!"

He laughed heartily, seemingly thrilled.

"This damn slow-witted disciple...! I won...! I managed to guide you, with your terrible talent, to the 5th Star of Qi Refining!!! Hahaha!"

"Thank you, Master..!"

"Haha, my foolish disciple..!"

We embraced and shouted in triumph together.

Translator Notes: Sensei is a tsundere~

It's interesting how we're reminded of the fight against Makli Hyun and Wangshin. Those two always had that huge whirlwind surrounding them which didn't seem like a regular spell and definitely not how qi refining cultivators fight in other novels. Now we understand the mechanisms behind the whirlwind and that it's actually a formation. I find it pretty cool that one of the main combat methods of cultivators in this novel is a formation domain that aids them in casting and boosting spells and techniques and that fighting for space with their formations plays a big role in who wins.

***

"Hmm, this damn dullard. If I had known how hard it would be to teach him Daoist cultivation, I would have sent him away a long time ago."

He coughed and pushed me away, stroking his beard as he spoke.

"Thanks to Master not sending me away, I was able to come this far."

I smiled and replied to him.

It took 10 years to completes the 1st Star of Qi Refining.

12 years for the 2nd Star.

6 years for the 3rd Star.

5 years for the 4th Star.

In total, it took 33 years.

My body, rejuvenated through a complete transformation, seemed to age slowly. I still looked like I was in my 30s even though I was in my 60s. But I was increasingly concerned about the approaching end of my lifespan.

'In this life, I have even undergone a complete transformation. Yet, will I still die of natural causes?'

It was unknown.

However, I was certainly getting a bit anxious.

"...Master. I am sorry to ask, but could you perhaps teach me about the next stage?"

"Yes, you know your place. A talentless person should quickly advance to the next stage. The 5th Star of Qi Refining follows the principles of the Nine Palaces.

You must converge the variations of your 108 spiritual meridians and 60 types of spiritual energy into nine points.

Attempt the integration of the Nine Points into One, with the concepts of Taiyi, Shepti, Xuanyuan, Zhaoyao, Tianfu, Qinglong, Hanji, Taiyin, and Tianyi, start the integration of your spiritual meridians flowing through your body."

I quietly sat and listened attentively to his words.

"The Nine Palaces also connect with the principles of the Eight Trigrams, serving as a stepping stone to the next stage. By mastering the Nine Palaces, you can control the formation freely, bringing about any change within it."

He demonstrated the formation of the wood attribute in front of me.

The formation, created by the flow of the Twelve Earthly Branches, enhanced its power to the extreme when combined with the Ten Heavenly Stems.

As the Nine Palaces integrated, the formation began to transform.

The wood energy spread in all directions, changing erratically and disharmoniously under my master's will.

"If you successfully incorporate the principles of the Nine Palaces into the formation, you can completely control and freely change the formation, achieving complete freedom within it."

This reminded me of a few Qi Refining 5th Star cultivators I had fought against.

Indeed, from the 5th Star of Qi Refining, the use of spells became incredibly flexible.

Alongside him, I began to learn how to perceive the nine points of integration of the Nine Palaces, how to converge the numerous flows into nine paths, and how to combine spells to use even more powerful ones.

I delved into the Nine Palaces, even bleeding from my hands from the effort of mastering its techniques, and reciting related mantras until my throat was hoarse for seven years.

Wooong-

Integration was successful.

The 108 spiritual meridians flowing through my meridian channels.

The 60 variations.

All converged significantly into nine paths, and the previously diverse spiritual meridians settled in order.

"Qi Refining, 6th Star!"

I exclaimed in ecstasy.

I tried moving the spiritual power flowing through my meridians.

Instantly, the formation unfolded, and inside it, changes occurred according to my will.

Kuguk!

Using the Earth Dwelling Method, six hexagonal shields condensed around me.

But as I clenched my fist, the earth shields crumbled and transformed into earth spears.

Now that I could change the formation at will, even defensive spells could be somewhat converted to offensive ones.

Of course, their defensive power was still stronger.

"Hmm, let's see..."

I summoned the flying sword that was moving on its own in the distance.

Phat!

The sword flew through the air towards me.

For the past 40 years, I had tirelessly practiced the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts.

It was now just a matter of inputting actions, and the movement has become incredibly free.

Also, the knack of sending intent has become much easier.

I called the sword in front of me, charged it with Sword Gang, and then sent the Gang Qi-infused sword flying far away before shooting it back towards me.

Paang!

A sonic boom sounded.

I launched an earth spear, transformed from the Earth Dwelling Method's formation, towards the Gang Qi-infused sword.

Kwaang!

The earth spear and the sword collided.

A gust of wind blew, a loud boom resounded, and when the dust settled, only my flying sword remained.

However, since I controlled the sword, I could feel the rebound and estimated the power of the earth spear.

'It has the power of Gang Qi used by Three Flowers Gather at the Summit martial artists.'

It was powerful enough to easily destroy the defensive spells of Qi Refining cultivators.

"Ha, this ignorant one. So energetic this early in the morning."

And then, through the dust cloud, my master walked towards me, smiling.

"Congratulations. You useless guy. How lacking must your talent be that it took you 7 years to reach Qi Refining 6th Star!"

"Ha, still... I will complete the 6th Star as quickly as possible."

"That's right! The 6th Star, the stage of Eight Trigrams Completed Path, is the easiest in Qi Refining! If you can't do this, I really might kill you!"

He spoke thus, but he looked very pleased, his intent colored with the golden color of joy.

"Do not worry, Master. I have already studied the 6th Star in advance. I learned that it involves completing the spiritual meridians according to the principles of the Eight Trigrams. It's a field I am somewhat confident in."

"Hmph, confident you say. But it's completely different from the internal energy methods martial artists like you are used to. If you don't understand the images of the Eight Trigrams, you can't do anything!"

He handed me a stack of books.

"Read all of these. I personally annotated these for a dullard like you. Otherwise, it would be a waste of time if it's too difficult for someone with your lacking talents."

"I'm always grateful."

"Then please do well."

I also delved deeply into the Eight Trigrams.

Qian (), Dui (), Li (), Zhen (), Xun (), Kan (), Gen (), Kun () - I completely mastered the eight trigram images.

I solved several questions I had about spiritual roots.

For instance, there are only five types of spiritual roots in the Five Elements.

Yet, how could the Makli Clan cultivate methods outside of the Five Elements like Wind and Yin?

Of course, I heard about some special spiritual roots and spiritual energy, the rare ones such as Jeon Myeong-hoon's Heavenly Golden Thunder Body and Kang Min-hee's Ghostly Yin Transforming Immortal Root.

But typically, it's said that no cultivator can go beyond the Five Elements spiritual roots.

And now, by studying the trigrams, I understood methods beyond the Five Elements.

'The Five Elements are interconnected with the Eight Trigrams.'

Qian () and Dui () are Metal.

Li () is Fire.

Kan () is Water.

Zhen () and Xun () are Wood.

Gen () and Kun () are Earth.

In this way, someone with a Wood element could use Xun (), representing Wind, to specialize in Wind-based spells.

The more I studied the trigram images, the more I could overlap the flow of the Eight Trigrams with the formation, and integrating the Eight Trigrams into my spiritual meridians was the easiest part of my cultivation so far.

The difficult part was understanding the meanings of the Eight Trigrams, and I spent a lot of time on that.

After three years of delving into the Eight Trigrams, I completely mastered and concluded the formation within the same time frame.

As the formation concluded, I felt all the spiritual meridians in my body, following the Eight Trigrams, become activated.

All the spiritual meridians throughout my body connected, forming a circle!

Kugugugu!

The flow of spiritual power in my meridians became incredibly free, and its speed was terrifyingly fast.

In the midst of this pure and swift flow of spiritual meridians, I sensed something strange.

'Something impure... Ah, is this the internal energy from the Dragon Vein Qi Method?'

The internal energy from the internal energy method, impure compared to the spiritual energy of cultivation remained impurely in my meridians.

'I feel irritated by it, but I'm not sure why...'

However, I didn't think much about the internal energy from the Dragon Vein Qi Method and reported the results to my master.

"Kahahaha! Excellent! Truly my disciple!"

My master was very happy, patting my shoulder.

"This stupid one. It took you 43 years to complete Qi Refining 6th Star and enter the 7th! You really are a dullard!"

Although he said that, he looked very happy. Suddenly, he took something out of his pocket.

'That is...'

I trembled slightly at the sight of what my master took out.

"Your achievements seem to be growing, which eases my mind. Even if it's just a little, I want you to have some accomplishments in this life. This is a gift for you..."

What he took out of his robe was a small silk box, exuding a familiar fragrance.

When my master opened the box, inside were three pills emitting a faint red glow.

"Blessing Pill. For mortals, it extends life by 10 years. For Qi Refining cultivators, it can extend life up to 8 years, or 6 years if some resistance has developed. It's a precious elixir."

"...Master."

"Hmm, I knew you'd be grateful. I'm tired of hearing thanks, just eat it..."

"...I'm sorry."

"What...?"

He frowned as if he couldn't believe what he heard.

"Am I hearing things wrong? Surely I heard you correctly?"

"...You heard me right, Master. I... I cannot consume that pill."

"...? Are you mad? This is an elixir that can extend life by 8 years! Do you not understand how precious and valuable this is? You foolish boy..."

"Master, do you know the ingredients of the Blessing Pill?"

At my words, he looked at me as if I was speaking nonsense.

"How would I know that! I've spent 250 years dedicated to studying spells, mantras, and formations. Do you think I had time to learn about alchemy, a completely different field? Pill-refining knowledge is difficult to obtain unless you're a professional alchemist!

The Makli Clan is famous for alchemy, so even their collateral branches know a fair bit about it...

As I always say, a dullard should focus on just one field..."

So, not only my master but many others are unaware of this alchemy.

They don't know what the Blessing Pill and Qi Building Pill are 'made of'.

Should I tell him?

"..."

After a moment of hesitation, I closed my eyes and said,

"I am sorry, Master, but I have reasons why I cannot consume that pill. Please believe me..."

"...Damn it. You refuse the elixir that your master went through so much trouble to get? Fine, it's yours anyway, do with it as you please. I'm leaving!"

Annoyed, my master handed me the silk box and left.

I stared blankly at the Blessing Pill in my hand.

Makli Hyun's words still echoed in my ears.

Elixirs made from humans.

Should Ireally consume this?

I bit my lip.

No, it's not right.

No matter how much it could extend my life.

No matter how precious it is to continue the ties of this life.

If I abandon my humanity in this life, it's all for naught.

I apologized inwardly to my master, then went to a mountain near the Cheongmun Clan's main house.

There, I dug a hole and buried the three pills.

After covering them with earth and forming a small mound, I performed a solemn ritual and recited a prayer.

Of course, there were no souls lingering in these remnants, but I prayed for the peace of the souls sacrificed for the pills.

'...I'm sorry, Master.'

Even if it is a gift from my master, I cannot consume something made of humans.

"...What am I doing?"

Honestly, it would have been in my best interest to consume it without question.

How much longer do I have to live, and who am I to know?

It's best to extend life whenever possible.

I just reached Qi Refining 7th Star, and there's still so much ahead, unclear and uncertain.

While I've made significant progress in Five Energies Converging to the Origin through practicing the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts, the next stage still seems far away.

Unlike the realms I achieved so far Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, Five Energies Converging to the Origin The Ultimate Pinnacle felt too far away and elusive.

This life alone would not be enough; perhaps another life might be needed.

Thus, the elixir promising to extend life by over ten years is undoubtedly a tremendous opportunity for me.

But...

'...No matter how great the opportunity, I cannot bring myself to consume it.'

It wasn't just about this pill.

I resolved never to swallow any elixir created through wrongful means.

I slowly descended the mountain and returned to the Cheongmun Clan's main house.

I went to greet my master.

"...Have you come?"

"Yes."

"...Well then, let's study regarding Qi Refining 7th Star..."

My master, perhaps a bit hurt by my refusal of his gift, opened the book with a somewhat gloomy expression.

"The 7th Star is known as the Seven Stars Ritual. It involves offering rituals to seven of the twenty-eight celestial stars governing the spiritual nature of heaven and earth. It's essentially declaring to the celestial deities that you are embarking on the path of immortal cultivation.

Up to now, completing your spiritual meridians through the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words, Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Law Decrees, Twelve Earthly Branches, Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram, Nine Palaces Integration, and Eight Trigrams Completed Path was, in a way, preparing the altar for this Seven Stars Ritual.

Your body, your formation, and your spells become an altar to connect with the celestial deities."

He continued his explanation.

"In fact, there's nothing special you need to realize at this stage. The Seven Stars Ritual involves using your body as the altar and your soul as the priest to conduct a ritual communicating with the celestial deities.

Of course, you'll need to learn how to conduct the ritual, calculate the best time to receive the celestial stars' power, and interpret celestial patterns..."

Reading celestial patterns is a skill I had previously learned during my time as chief advisor in the Wulin Alliance, so it didn't seem too difficult.

In reality, besides learning about a few unknown stars and their associated symbolism, there wasn't much new to learn compared to before.

'Is the 7th Star one of the easier stages?'

Furthermore, since the ritual involves offering to the Seven Stars and receiving celestial energy bestowed by the heavens to evolve the meridians, most cultivators quickly pass this stage.

'Of course, for those with a Heavenly Spiritual Root, calculating the exact time is crucial in the 7th Star stage...'

But that was a unique case, not applicable to me.

Following my master's guidance, I read the constellations, calculated celestial patterns, and determined the most auspicious time for myself.

Fortunately, the right time wasn't far off, and my master, using his authority as an elder, built a small altar for me at a place where the Dragon Veins converged near the Cheongmun Clan's main house.

"Tonight is the right time for you."

"Yes."

"Prepare thoroughly. Have you fully grasped the ritual process?"

"Yes, of course."

"And are you satisfied with this constellation?"

The twenty-eight celestial stars represent the spiritual nature of heaven and earth.

Among them, choosing the constellation that best fits the night's timing and receiving blessings from its seven stars is the key to the Seven Stars Ritual.

I heard that depending on which constellation you offer rituals to in Qi Refining 7th Star, it determines the stage in Qi Building where you'll receive assistance.

"Yes, I'm very satisfied with this constellation. It was chosen by you, Master, after all."

"Hmph! Flattery... Never mind. The sun will set soon. Prepare for the ritual."

"Yes!"

I arrived at the altar and completed the process of transforming my body into a small altar using my spells.

Now, as the sun set and the stars began to cover the sky, I planned to start the ritual.

The sun sets.

And the stars begin to rise.

"Begin! I'll assist you!"

"Yes!"

I started the ritual, offering it to the celestial deities, moving the formation around the altar.

In the midst of the ritual...

"And thus, I pray to the celestial gods and warriors for blessings..."

Whooosh-

The wind blows.

'What...?'

Both my master's and my expressions began to change.

Rumble, rumble...

The sky was clear.

Just moments ago, there wasn't a single cloud, and my master had precisely calculated the weather to choose this night.

It was supposed to be clear tonight.

But suddenly, dark clouds began to gather in the sky.

The sky is obscured.

The clear moonlight and stars hid behind the clouds.

My altar, preparing to communicate with the stars, lost its connection and dissipated.

The celestial deities descending from the sky were abruptly cut off.

"...Don't panic. It's just an unexpected cloud. Plus, I don't feel any water vapor. It's not a storm cloud that will bring rain, just a passing one. The wind is strong, so it'll soon pass."

"...Master, can you disperse it?"

"Foolish boy! Didn't you listen to my explanation? I can only assist your ritual, direct intervention is impossible! Especially in matters related to the heavens!

If I interfere with the heavens and blow away the clouds, your ritual will immediately fail!"

"...Then I'll wait."

I paused the ritual for a moment and looked up at the sky, waiting for the clouds to disperse.

And then, it was morning.

As the stars vanished and the sun rose, the clouds dispersed as if they were never there, as though their only purpose had been to obstruct my ritual the previous night.

"This, how can this be..."

Although I was quite surprised, my master seemed even more bewildered, staring at the sky in disbelief.

"Heavens obstructing a cultivator's auspicious time? No, this can't be. There must be some mistake. Yes, that's it. I'm sorry, my disciple. It seems I miscalculated the auspicious time!"

"Master..."

However, I couldn't help but feel an ominous sense about it all and questioned him.

"Can such a celestial phenomenon occur due to a miscalculation of the auspicious time?"

"No, of course not. That was just an anomaly. Yes, perhaps it wasn't the auspicious time but a serious miscalculation of the weather. My disciple, I'll recalculate the appropriate time soon, and we'll perform the ritual again."

"Understood."

I sighed softly and stepped down from the altar.

After all, life doesn't always go as planned. I knew better than anyone that life doesn't always follow our desires.

I decided to wait, as I had always done.

We calculated another auspicious time, set up the altar again, and prepared for the ritual.

"This time it's certain! We'll definitely receive the celestial deities' energy! I've even precisely calculated the weather this time, so..."

However, as night fell, the sky darkened.

Not with the darkness of the night, but with ominous clouds.

Large curtains of clouds covered the entire sky, appearing out of nowhere.

"This, this is impossible! My calculations can't be wrong!"

My master was so panicked he shouted.

"Again! It's happening again! What is this..."

Thus, the second ritual also came to nothing.

"Let's try again! A setback like this can happen twice! Hahaha! This time I'll calculate the perfect auspicious time and set up the altar properly."

Months later.

My master had calculated another suitable time for me.

Furthermore, this time, we headed east of Byeokra, to a place in the middle of the Heaven-Treading Desert, not rich in spiritual energy, but where clouds never formed.

"This area is known as the Windy Plains of the Heaven-Treading Desert, where the wind is strong and the air is dry, so clouds absolutely never form! Since the surrounding area is a rocky desert, there won't be any sandstorms either, so this time the ritual will surely be completed!"

Again, as the sun set and the stars rose, I began to prepare the ritual.

This time, everything seemed to be going smoothly until the final stage of the ritual, when I was about to receive the celestial energy from the stars.

Rumble, rumble!

Dark clouds began to gather in the sky.

The clouds, before I could even finish the ritual procedure, completely covered the dry desert sky.

"No, no, no, no!"

My master cried out as if his own ritual had been interrupted, but the clouds remained immovable, blocking the sky and cutting off the celestial energy.

"Ahh! Why can't my disciple succeed! Why!"

Rumble, rumble!

My master's spiritual power surged towards the sky, attempting to clear the clouds.

The formidable spiritual power of a Qi Building cultivator lit up the night sky as the clouds dispersed.

But, perhaps because my master intervened with the heavens, the stars that had been sending down their energy stopped.

And so, the ritual ended.

"Why, why is this happening... Why, why..."

He chewed his lips, pacing around for a while, and then sighed.

"Let me find out why this is happening. Let's go back, my disciple."

We returned to the Cheongmun Clan's main house on my master's flying artifact.

After that, he frequented the clan's library, rummaging through all sorts of ancient texts.

He had always been a man of many books, but now he was pulling out even more books in a frenzy, searching for something related to my condition.

About a month later, my master came to me with bloodshot eyes.

"...I've found out about your condition."

"...! What could it possibly be..?"

After a moment of hesitation, biting his lip, he spoke.

The next moment, I felt as if my heart had crumbled at the words that came out of my master's mouth.

"The world is forbidding you. It's a symptom shown by the heavens to those whom they forbid immortal cultivation..."

"Forbid... immortal cultivation...?"

"...You were not born with the fate to be a cultivator. ...I'm sorry, my disciple. There's nothing I can do for you."

Translator Notes: Eun-hyun just can't catch a break. When I first read this, I actually felt my heart drop just thinking about how much difficulties and hardships await our MC.

***

Forbidden?

Me?

That I cannot cultivate?

"...Master, I don't quite understand and I have a question."

"...What is it?"

"Does fate truly exist?"

"Yes... it does exist. What we humans call fate definitely exists and it affects every living being in this world."

My fingertips were trembling.

"If fate truly exists, then what about the free will of living beings? Doesnt it mean it's nonexistent..?"

If free will doesn't exist and everything is predetermined, then what's the meaning of all this..?

"Well... it's not exactly like that. Cultivators who have received the blessing of the seven stars, controlled by the celeatial power of heaven, can faintly perceive fate starting from the Qi Refining 7th star.

You might think you've only learned about astronomy and reading the constellations, but from the moment a cultivator is granted permission by the heavens, they are allowed to vaguely perceive the Heavenly Mechanism."

The master's explanation continued.

"Of course, it's impossible for a human to directly witness the vast entity known as fate. However... it's possible to read the very basics of it.

From the Qi Refining 7 Stars, a cultivator can read their own lifespan and know how much of their life remains."

"Lifespan..? Are you saying that a humans lifespan is predetermined?"

"Yes."

"Then... What is the purpose of cultivation? Why do cultivators continue to cultivate even knowing their lifespan is predetermined..?"

"That's because... while lifespan is certainly fixed, it's not absolute."

Lifespan, not absolute?

"For instance, a cultivator at the Qi Refining stage has at most the same lifespan as a mortal. But from the Qi Building stage, they receive additional lifespan from the heavens as they ascend in their cultivation.

The Qi Building stage grants 300 years of lifespan, the Core Formation 600 years, the Nascent Soul 1200 years, and Heavenly Being 2400 years. Although the exact lifespan varies, a cultivator receives a new lifespan from heaven as they elevate their realm.

Thats why cultivators themselves bring change to the Heavenly Mechanism, and since ancient times, cultivators have also been called Heaven-Defiers."

"...Then, can't I too receive a new fate as a cultivator?"

"...It's not necessarily so. While its said that a human can receive a new fate, in reality, the heavens often grants a 'fate that transcends lifespan' from the beginning."

His complexion grew dark.

"Born with natural talent, spiritual meridians, and spiritual roots. The fate one is born with becomes the standard of whether one can change their lifespan."

"...Am I destined not to become a cultivator? Born with a fate that cannot escape its own fate...?"

"...It seems so."

I asked in astonishment.

"Then, is there really no way?"

"...I've looked, and there seems to be none. ...I'm sorry."

"The lifespan set by the heavens... I don't understand it. Aren't the heavens just a concept? Isnt the blue sky what we call the heavens?"

"The heavens are not merely that. Its the law that flows through this world... a vast and immense principle... that's what the heavens are..."

Indeed.

The heavens, this world, does not permit me.

"We are all born with a fate given by the heavens, grow up, and die. Cultivators may defy the heavens and cause changes in the Heavenly Mechanism.

In reality, no cultivator can escape the grace of the heavens that gave them birth. Therefore, while one can overcome their lifespan, the fate to do so is also granted by the heavens..."

Master held my hand and said.

"...I too, have experienced it. Although I can't compare to you."

His voice was trembling.

"I spent my life striving and striving. Bloodied my fingers forming hand seals, and my voice hoarse from chanting mantras. Through a lifetime of effort, I barely reached the Qi Building stage...

But with my talent, the early Qi Building stage was my limit..."

Master was a person of Three Spiritual Roots.

He had True Spiritual Roots quality, but his spiritual meridians were weak, and he was born with impurities in his body, so he could only stay at the early Qi Building stage.

"My obsession with enlightenment and lifelong dedication to mantra and spell research was to enable my disciples, even with lesser talent, to ascend as much as possible in their cultivation realms.

And you, a person of Five Elements Spiritual Roots, from a lowly mortal to reaching the Qi Refining 7th Star... you've splendidly proven the values I've pursued... But it seems... everyone has their limits."

The words I heard on the day I first met him.

Those words were meant for me, but now, they were directed at himself.

"...I'm sorry for being such an inadequate master. I'm sorry for having such a fate and not being able to do anything for you..."

"...No, I too am sorry for being so inadequate..."

The two of us clenched our teeth and apologized to each other.

"...There's nothing more I can do for you. But, although it might not be possible... I'll still try. I'll scour through more ancient texts and rituals, to see if someone not born with the fate of a cultivator can be granted permission by the heavens..."

"...Thank you."

"What else can someone abandoned by the heavens do... Heavens have set our fate, but it has not dictated how we live within it... So, let's struggle as much as we can, together."

Our eyes met.

"That's the best I can do for you as your master."

"..."

I didn't answer.

I just clenched my lips and bowed my head.

Though silent, we understood each others hearts.

From that day, my daily life changed significantly.

I no longer formed hand seals until my fingers bled, nor practiced cultivation methods.

Instead, I scoured the Cheongmun Clans library with my master, searching through all sorts of ancient texts and ritual books.

"What is the criterion for those permitted or not permitted by the heavens?"

Is it because of my internal energy?

Or is it because, as a martial artist born without spiritual roots, I forcibly acquired spiritual roots by reaching the Five Energies Converging to the Origin?

Or is it because I came from another world?

Or because of my regression?

Or is it just my fate?

However, among the ancient texts, content about humans rejected by the heavens were extremely rare.

It was exceedingly difficult to find.

Nevertheless, as I read books about the heavens, the Heavenly Mechanism, and fate, I began to understand the concept of fate a bit more.

It was said that from the Qi Refining 7th Star, cultivators begin to read their own fate.

Of course, it isn't detailed, only a rough estimate of their lifespan.

And as their cultivation realm ascends, they become more accurate in knowing how much lifespan remains.

A Qi Building cultivator vaguely knows whether upcoming events in their life will be good or bad.

By the Core Formation stage, this becomes more detailed, understanding the auspiciousness and danger of forthcoming events.

For those above the Nascent Soul stage, there was no information on how accurately they perceive fate, but it was said to be more precise than Core Formation cultivators.

I also found books on human free will.

For example, if a mortal is granted about 80 years of lifespan by the heavens, do they necessarily live for 80 years?

What happens if a cultivator with bad intentions kill a mortal who has an 80-year lifespan prematurely?

The answer was, the heavens only bestows fate, but it doesnt concern itself with how a being walks that fate.

In short.

Humans are given a path named fate.

But due to external pressures or their own will,

Some may not fully complete the path of their destined fate.

'So that's it.'

As I read books about fate, I thought about what had happened to me before.

'Even though my initial life and health conditions changed in many lives, I died on exact the same day, at the same time, under the same circumstances.'

Does that make sense statistically?

Even when my health varied in each life!

I once thought that maybe fate really existed and that perhaps I had no free will.

But then, when I beheaded Crown Prince Makli Hyun.

For the first time, I died before my destined lifespan and thought that lifespan wasnt fixed.

However...

'According to this book, the heavens granted me a lifespan of about 50 years. If I walk the path of fate properly, I can live according to that lifespan.

But if I die earlier due to external pressure or my own choices and will, then I cannot complete the path of the fate granted to me.'

If fate is a path given to humans, then humans have free will, as asserted by this book.

Of course, the problem is that one cannot go beyond the path of the fate given.

The book similarly explained fate.

Heavens gift humans with fate, but not all humans can walk the path of their given fate.

Some, due to lack of willpower, others due to external circumstances.

But even if one walks the path of fate to its end, there's no path laid out by the heavens beyond it.

That would be the limit of that existence.

Humans can live freely until they reach their fate.

But reaching beyond is impossible.

Living freely during the life gifted by the heavens is the right and virtue of all mortals.

With the statement that every being should live freely and gratefully within the life given to them, the book came to an end.

'...Is this book like... that.'

I thought the fate described in the book was similar to the book itself.

I don't know how much content the author of the book wanted to include.

But there's a limit to the size and amount of the paper, and the book has its own limits.

The author writes the desired narrative within the set length of the book, but cannot exceed it.

No narrative can go beyond the book.

When the book is closed, the story ends.

'This is the concept of fate...'

Then, is this really the end for me...?

Really, am I...

'No, it's not.'

I clenched my teeth.

Even if closing the book means the end, my story continuously returns to the beginning.

Surely, heavens have bestowed this fate upon me.

If heavens have given me this fate, there must be a reason.

'I have overcome fate time and time again...'

In my first life, I was just a miserable beggar destined to die.

But what about now?

I have mastered the sword.

With mediocre talent, I reached the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, a legendary realm in martial arts.

I forcibly acquired the ability to cultivate, said to be possible only for those born with spiritual roots.

Even though fate weighed me down.

I have surpassed it time and time again!

"There... must be a solution."

There must be a solution!

I read and reread ancient texts like a madman.

One day.

My master came with a book.

His eyes bloodshot.

"I found an ancient text in the upper archives of our clan."

The book Master brought had no title and looked like it was about to turn to dust.

"Read it."

I read the book.

It was a collection of ancient unofficial histories.

These stories included a young man melting ice in a river with his body heat to catch a carp for his sick mother in winter, and a blind man regaining his sight after praying to the heavens.

A story of an old man whose life was extended by performing a thousand rituals for the heavens, even though he was supposed to die.

"Although it's unofficial history, and mostly about mortals, don't they share something in common..?"

"...Yes. Miracles happen in impossible situations."

"Right. Especially the last story in the collection about the old man gaining extra life after performing rituals... maybe..."

"Keep trying and trying again, and it will happen?"

"Yes... These stories contain the lesson that if one devotes all their sincerity, even the heavens are moved. Even mortals can move heavens with their sincerity."

Master's voice trembled.

"...Of course, it also means that what we've been doing so far might not be sincere enough."

"..."

Indeed.

Who hasn't made an effort?

But if one makes an effort and the heavens do not open its doors,

What should be done?

"...Let's keep trying rituals."

"..."

"If the heavens reject us once, we try ten times. If ten times, then a hundred. If a hundred, then a thousand times... let's keep performing rituals and endlessly ask if it's really impossible..."

Master spoke with clenched teeth.

"Let's ask if this is really where we end..!"

"...Yes, Master."

I also looked at him firmly and nodded.

From that day, we traveled everywhere, reading the stars and attempting rituals.

Of course, every time we attempted a ritual, clouds would gather, blocking the celestial energy from the heavens.

Once we even went to a place called Mount Gugwol in Yanguo to perform a ritual.

Master thought that since the peak of Mount Gugwol pierced through the clouds, the ritual there couldn't be covered by clouds.

But even on a peak higher than the clouds, ghostly clouds appeared soon after we performed the ritual.

As if the heavens, defying the laws of physics, would not let me onto the path of cultivation.

Master and I went to many famous mountains and rivers, selecting seven stars among the twenty-eight, performing rituals incessantly.

While performing rituals, I also intermittently learned from my master about the Qi Refining 8th star..

The knowledge of the Qi Refining 8th Star, the Six Harmonies Path, involves applying the Six Harmonies of Heaven, Earth, and Four Directions to the ritual, stimulating the spiritual power through the method.

This stage allows cultivators' formation to grow larger and their spiritual power to fill their entire spiritual meridians, becoming much stronger.

Unfortunately, the training methods of the 8th star were useless unless the 7th star was fully mastered.

I continued to consistently digest the theory and enlightenment.

Meanwhile, I also met Kim Young-hoon from time to time, learning about martial arts and embodying the enlightenment of the Five Energies Converging to the Origin.

Tme passed.

The day my lifespan was to end was drawing near.

"Do you have any questions about the Five Elements?"

"Not today."

"Good, let's go prepare for the ritual."

My lifespan was not much left.

I had hoped that reaching the Five Energies Converging to the Origin would extend my life.

But by looking at the books in the Cheongmun Clan's archive, I realized that I was likely to die with the same lifespan as before.

My progress has been significant lately.

I have understood the Qi Refining 9th Star, Five Elements Origin, not just the Qi Refining 8th star, Six Harmonies Path.

Of course, I still couldn't practice the cultivation methods of the 9th star.

But in terms of pure understanding of the path, I was on par with a Qi Refining 9th Star cultivator.

Recently, I was also previewing content related to the Qi Refining 10th Star, Four Images Unity.

'Still, the process of integrating the Nine Palaces spiritual meridians and spiritual roots into Two Branches is highly advantageous for me.'

It was mainly about integrating the meridians, so it was a realm I could certainly reach if given time.

"Let's begin, the sun is setting."

Together with my master, I started the ritual.

Of course, clouds gathered again this time, blocking the celestial energy.

"...It's a failure again."

"...Yes."

My master nodded and sighed softly.

Again.

I could hardly remember how many times we had tried.

"Let's go to the Heaven-Treading Desert tomorrow and try again. It seems the clouds will gather later there..."

"Master."

"Hmm, what is it?"

I opened my mouth to my master, who was trying to smile while collecting the ritual tools.

"...I hope we dont perform the ritual tomorrow."

"What are you talking about? The celestial energy will be present in Heaven-Treading Desert tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then when..."

"I have something I need to do, Master. Could we postpone it for just tomorrow?"

"Hmm... The next optimal day for the ritual is a month later. Can you return to the Cheongmun Clan by then?"

At that, I gave a bitter smile and said.

"...I will return."

Twenty days from now.

That day was the exact day I had been dying in all my lifetimes..

The day my lifespan was to end.

***

I infused spiritual energy into a palm-sized flying paper boat.

Buzzing!

As the spiritual energy was injected, the paper boat swelled in size, took on color, and transformed into a wooden boat.

"Let's go."

I jumped onto the wooden boat, infused it with spiritual energy, formed hand seals, and at the same time, magical runes rose from the boat as it swiftly kicked through the air.

Three days later.

I arrived at the border of Byeokra and Yanguo using the flying artifact.

'Flying artifacts at the Qi Refining stage travel at the speed of a normal boat...'

Apparently, to reach the speed of an aircraft, one would need a flying artifact at the Qi Building stage or at least have the personal flying skills of Core Formation cultivators.

I enjoyed the scenery and feeling the wind on the paper boat.

I looked around.

"There it is."

Flash!

As soon as I spotted my target, a brilliant white Saber Gang surged towards me.

I swung my hand, emitting my own Sword Gang.

Our Blade Gangs weaved through the air like snakes, clashing several times, and after a while, the Saber Gang that was shot at me was neutralized.

Jump!

I leapt down from the air and used the Light Fall Technique to fall slowly.

"It's been a while."

"Yes, your sword control has improved since I last saw you."

"I've never stopped practicing sword control."

Dual Energy Sword Control isn't just about making a sword move through the air.

It involves elevating the control over the sword to a realm beyond unity with the sword, mastering every aspect of the sword.

From the sound and material of the sword, to the aura emitted by one's martial arts, Sword Energy, Sword Gang, mastering everything with consciousness!

That's what Dual Energy Sword Control is.

Therefore,

From the moment one achieves Dual Energy Sword Control, a martial artist at the Five Energies Converging to the Origin can freely manipulate not only the sword but also the Sword Gang in the air.

Of course, manipulating a sword that's not in my hand fundamentally means projecting my consciousness from a distance into the sword.

The difference in the Five Energies Converging to the Origin realm is how naturally one can move a distant sword.

"But you still have much to learn. Keep training."

"Yes, I will."

I nodded and withdrew the flying boat still hovering in the sky.

"Kim Hyung, I heard you started cultivating recently, and it seems true."

I felt the pressure of his spiritual power and the size of his consciousness and asked.

He smiled awkwardly and said.

"Well... since cultivation techniques are quite convenient in daily life... like flying artifacts. Of course, I'm only at Qi Refining 2nd Star. I have no intention of going beyond that, just using it to assist my martial arts...

It's more useful for me to hone my martial arts than to rely on such miscellaneous techniques."

"I see..."

His martial arts talent was unparalleled, but it seems his aptitude for cultivation was still better than mine.

Even without a good master like me and focusing more on martial arts, he still reached Qi Refining 2nd Star.

'Recently started, so being at Qi Refining 2nd Star means his aptitude is a little better than mine.'

Kim Young-hoon chatted casually about how he almost went mad learning the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words, then asked me worriedly.

"Are you sure you're okay with this? Agreeing to such an extreme request?"

"It's fine. I'm happy to contribute to the Cheongmun Clan, and I agree with your view."

"Thank you. Those guys... the sooner one of them disappears from this world, the better."

Although the Makli Clan lost Yanguos imperial authority to the Jin Clan, the Makli Clan's main family wasn't significantly damaged, just lost their influence over Yanguo and the right to oppress its mortals.

The Jin Clan stopped interfering with the Makli Clan's affairs after obtaining the imperial authority.

While Qi Refining cultivators from each clan dying in skirmishes wasn't much of a concern unless they were high-ranking, it was a principle to release Qi Building elders caught in battle after receiving a ransom.

After the Jin Clan obtained imperial authority, Kim Young-hoon had little he could do for justice.

However, he didn't give up and found loopholes in the agreements between the Jin and Makli clans, and other surrounding cultivator clans.

"According to what I found, if cultivators from the Jin or Makli clan at the Qi Building stage clash and are captured within Yanguo, they are released after the clans pay a ransom. However, if a cultivator invades the territory of another country, even at the Qi Building stage, they can be killed by cultivators from that country's clan."

He smiled bitterly.

"In a few days, I'll drive a cultivator from the Makli Clan to the border of the Byeokra. Once I exhaust the Makli Clan cultivator's strength, you can step in and finish them off. That way, I can get rid of scum, and you can kill an invader from Yanguo's Makli Clan without any issues of righteousness!"

"Yes, that makes sense."

Kim Young-hoon excitedly explained his plan, and I listened calmly.

After hearing all his plans, I made a request.

"Kim Hyung, I gave you the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts previously."

"Yes, the unparalleled martial arts you gave me steadily led me to the Ultimate Pinnacle. I've also added my annotations to the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts..."

"Then, knowing your character, you would still have the manual with your annotations... Could you let me read it?"

"Well, that's not impossible."

Kim Young-hoon seemed to have recently acquired a new method of storage, as he pulled a thick manuscript from a fist-sized pouch at his waist.

The Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts had clearly thickened since I had given it to him.

"The title hasn't changed."

Considering the added content, I would have thought he'd want to leave his mark by changing the title.

But Kim Young-hoon smiled bitterly and said,

"I couldn't change it... I've been following this martial arts manual, merely adding annotations here and there. I added some content, but it's mostly records of trial and error about advancing beyond the Ultimate Pinnacle.

I haven't surpassed this martial art. How could I dare change the title of such a martial art by only adding a few lines of trial and error?"

"Looking at the thickness, it seems more than a few lines of trial and error."

The book was three or four times thicker than when I first gave it to him.

It's more than just a few annotations or trial and error.

Kim Young-hoon had poured all his effort into trial and error, trying to find a way to surpass the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts.

"Well, even though it's thicker, the fact that I failed remains true."

"But with this much, it seems different from the original Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts... Why not change the title a bit for distinction?"

"If you insist..."

He said with a self-deprecating smile.

"Then let's call it not the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts, but the Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts ()."

Whether it's the original title or the new one, the meaning of transcending the path of cultivation remains unchanged.

He only changed one character in the title, which hardly made any difference from the original.

'It's a bit disappointing, but...'

If he doesn't want to change it, what can I do?

I read and memorized the entire manuscript.

Maybe it's because I became a cultivator and learned things like the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words, or perhaps cultivating enhances memory as it expands consciousness.

As my consciousness expanded, my memory improved significantly.

I used to have to read and reread thick manuscripts several times in my previous lives to engrave them in my mind, but now, just reading once was enough to imprint everything in my memory.

"Wait here for a few days. I'll drive the cultivator from the Makli Clan to the Byeokra border soon..."

"I'll wait."

I sat down and adjusted my physical condition.

Kim Young-hoon handed me the Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts to read more if I wished, then took out his flying artifact and flew off towards Yanguo.

"The weather is nice."

According to the astronomical and Heavenly Mechanism knowledge I learned from my master, the sky would remain clear until the time Kim Young-hoon mentioned.

"Then, let's take this time to slowly write and organize..."

I climbed onto a reasonably wide rock, spread out a basic formation to prevent anyone from approaching, and took out a desk, paper, inkstone, and brush from my storage device.

I began writing my will, a letter to leave for my master.

Even though Kim Young-hoon will exhaust the Qi Building cultivator's strength, those at the Qi Building stage didn't reach their positions through luck.

Each one was an extraordinary being, a formidable foe not to be underestimated.

Even if they're weakened, my life would be in danger.

But I didn't care.

I came here to die.

A disciple who struggled all his life and achieved nothing, just to be rejected by the heavens and die when his lifespan ends.

I couldn't imagine how painful and helpless it would be for my master.

How much had I despised and felt powerless about myself in my past life for not being able to guide my disciples properly.

Yet, if a disciple foolishly fights an overpowering opponent and dies in battle,

While the master might feel resentment and sorrow, he won't feel self-loathing.

Thus, I won't die by the fate set by the heavens.

After all, I'm going to die soon.

I'll foolishly fight against an overwhelming opponent and die in that way.

That's what I decided.

Slowly, I continued writing my will.

Although it's a will, I couldn't let my master find out that I was going to die.

I intended to make it seem like I was just patrolling the Byeokra border and asking about my master's wellbeing.

After writing and erasing my will several times, I finally composed one that was satisfactory.

"When should I send this?"

Using a transmission talisman, I could send small items with little mass and not require much spiritual energy to a designated person.

The transmission talisman's speed was similar to a flying artifact. If I sent it now, it would reach my master in about three days.

'...Sending it before the battle starts would be most appropriate.'

If I send it now, my master, upon receiving the letter early, might calculate the Heavenly Mechanism and arrange a ritual for me to perform near the border.

If I send it after the battle starts and my lifespan is about to end in a few days, then the letter will reach my master three days later, sparing him from witnessing his disciple's death.

'Yes, let's do that.'

I carefully folded the letter, attached the transmission talisman, and prepared it so that it could be sent to my master with just a burst of spiritual power.

Days passed.

The day Kim Young-hoon promised arrived.

Rumble, rumble...

In the distance, dark clouds filled with Yin energy were approaching.

However, it was much smaller in scale than a typical Heavenly phenomenon and seemed artificial.

'They're coming...!'

A Qi Building cultivator from the Makli Clan, bringing clouds with him, was approaching.

Flash, flash!

Behind him, beams of light burst forth as someone chased after the Qi Building elder.

It was Kim Young-hoon.

'It starts now.'

The last chapter of this life.

The time for one final thrilling moment.

Whoosh!

I infused spiritual energy into the letter with the transmission talisman. It glowed blue and transformed into the shape of a blue hawk.

The blue hawk-shaped transmission talisman flew at incredible speed towards the direction of the Cheongmun Clan.

I used the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts and Hidden Consciousness Technique to erase my presence and consciousness, and even used the Earth Dwelling Method to hide underground.

Shortly after.

Rumble, rumble!

Swoosh!

Dark clouds covered the sky, and rain began to fall.

Hidden underground, I looked at the center of the dark clouds.

The Qi Building elder there had a familiar face.

'That person is...'

When we established the Palace of Heavenly Demons.

He was one of the fifty Qi Building elders who came to destroy the Palace!

That Qi Building elder.

Remembering the old days, I recalled establishing the Palace, evading the bounty placed by cultivators, and killing them one by one.

Eventually, we defeated an early-stage Qi Building cultivator and rejoiced with Kim Young-hoon.

The next day, fifty Qi Building cultivators surrounded and crushed the Palace like exterminating pests.

That Makli Clan elder lured Kim Young-hoon with flattery, recalling the despair, regret, and plight of the weak...

But now, that fearsome Qi Building elder from that time was not present.

"Curses, these damn Jin Clan bastards!"

Distorted with anger, he desperately waved a flag-shaped artifact controlling the dark clouds.

Wearing tattered blue robes and bleeding from all over, he was nothing more than prey.

"You, you bastards! Can't you stop? According to the treaty between the Jin and Makli clans, you can't kill me! I demand to be treated as a legitimate prisoner of war! Stop attacking immediately!"

"Form the array!"

"Yes, Elder!"

Several Qi Refining cultivators from the Jin Clan waved their formation flags behind Kim Young-hoon, creating a barrier filled with fiery energy.

The Makli Clan elder was trapped in the barrier, and Kim Young-hoon flew towards him with a sneer.

"When you turned innocent villagers' towns into bloody pools, you felt nothing... Now that your life is in danger, you struggle? You scum... Die!"

Boom!

Several Saber Gangs flashed around Kim Young-hoon and flew towards the Makli Clan elder.

"Don't be absurd! Just because I harvested a few pests for materials, you're trying to kill a Qi Building elder like me!? You're making a big mistake! If you kill me, do you think you'll be safe?"

Roar!

As the Makli Clan elder waved his flag, the dark clouds moved.

The clouds coalesced into a Cloud Dragon in the sky, lunging at Kim Young-hoon.

'He's stronger than Makli Wangshin!'

I assessed the Qi Building cultivator's skill based on his cultivation methods.

For a while, Saber Gangs and the Qi Building elder's spells clashed.

And then...

Slash!

"Argh..!"

A gust of Yin wind from the Makli Clan elder tore off Kim Young-hoon's arm and waist, while a Saber Gang from Kim Young-hoon broke through the elder's defensive spells and similarly tore a chunk from his waist.

'That wound is... dangerous!'

Qi Building cultivators, being more than human, could withstand such injuries, but Kim Young-hoon, at the early stage of Qi Refining 2nd Star, only has a mortal's physical body.

In fact, hadn't Kim Young-hoon fainted from such injuries when he faced Makli Wangshin in the previous cycle?

But then it happened.

"Support the elder!"

"Hurry!"

The Qi Refining cultivators from the Jin Clan, who had set up the barrier, each took out a handful of talismans from their storage artifacts.

Flash, flash!

Dozens, maybe even hundreds of healing talismans flew to Kim Young-hoon's wounds, sticking to them profusely, and several Jin Clan cultivators performed healing spells from beyond the barrier, suturing his wounds.

'Ah, I see. The Jin Clan brought along Qi Refining cultivators skilled in healing as backup.'

Kim Young-hoon's condition was fully restored, and he began to shoot Saber Gangs with a renewed face.

"Y-you bastards! You just trample on the treaty between the Jin and Makli clans whenever you feel like it! You can't kill me! I demand to be treated as a proper prisoner of war! Stop this attack at once!"

"Silence!"

"We won't be punished according to the clan rules, and instead will be recognized for reducing the Makli Clan's forces and receive rewards."

"Crazy fools... Already upset over the massacre in the Heaven-Treading Desert, and now you commit the insane act of killing a Qi Building elder! Do you think you will be safe..."

While remaining hidden, I found an opening on the Makli Clan elder.

'Now.'

I concentrated my consciousness.

Refined my energy.

The opening was small, but it was there.

Therefore, I needed to widen it!

Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts, the essence.

'Lurking in the Shadows, Endless Attack!'

Flash!

My focused consciousness shot towards the Makli Clan elder like a ray of light.

Simultaneously, he clutched his head and screamed.

"Arghhh!"

"Hmm...!"

Seeing this, Kim Young-hoon also concentrated and used the same technique of Lurking in the Shadows, Endless Attack on the elder!

With two masters unleashing the decisive move of Lurking in the Shadows, Endless Attack, it must feel as if his head is being chopped.

'I won't miss this chance!'

Severing Mountain Swordsmanship

Deep Mountain!

Releasing all the Qi I had gathered at once, I burst through the ground and soared into the sky.

In an instant, I dove into the embrace of the Makli Clan elder.

'This ends now!'

Flash!

Brilliant Sword Gang formed on my drawn sword.

My Sword Gang slashed at him from within his embrace.

Normally, a Qi Building cultivator would subconsciously emit protective Gang Qi, but the Makli Clan elder, having exhausted his spiritual power fighting Kim Young-hoon, had weaker defenses than even a Qi Refining cultivator!

Boom!

My Sword Gang pierced through his thin protective Gang Qi, severing his neck.

'Cut!'

In that fleeting moment.

Flash!

A blue light burst forth from within his embrace.

'A life-saving artifact!'

***