Master resides in the main house of the Cheongmun Clan.
Being part of the main house of the Cheongmun Clan, a family that values the Dao of Combat, meant one had to be within the top 50 in the Immortal Combat Meeting. It also implied that Master was in one of the most crucial positions in the Cheongmun Clan.
For an ordinary clan, a nobody like me suddenly meeting an elder in one of the most important positions of the clan would be nearly impossible.
Of course, that's if it were an ordinary clan.
"Applicants for the training conference led by the Cheongmun Clan, please come this way!"
The Cheongmun Clan, following in the footsteps of their founder Sir Chang-ho, revered the Dao of Combat. Apart from the Immortal Combat Meeting organized for the Cheongmun clan members, they gathered Qi Refining cultivators every few years for a training conference, a sparring competition to recruit external clan members.
The winner, runner-up, and third place of the training conference would all enter the Cheongmun Clan as external members, while other finalists would gain the right to become the family's lower-ranking cultivators.
But the most important thing was that the winner of the training conference could make a small wish to the Cheongmun Clan, such as meeting a Qi Building elder for a brief time to receive teachings.
"Your registration is complete. Next!"
I approached the registration desk and said to the officer,
"My name is Seo Eun-hyun. Origin from Byeokra, Cheon-saek City. My cultivation is Qi Refining 9th star of the Five Elements. I am practicing an earth attribute method."
"Huh? Qi Refining 9th star?"
The officer looked at me with surprise. He was an external member of the Cheongmun Clan at the Qi Refining 6th star.
"No... Senior? With your level, you don't need to participate in the training conference. Just apply for the external member recruitment and pass the interview, You'll be accepted right away."
Most lower-ranking Qi Refining cultivators were around the 2nd or 3rd Star and most external members were between the 4th and 9th Star. Cultivators above that level were treated almost like blood relatives by the Cheongmun Clan.
Before the Ascension Gate opened, Qi Refining cultivators were common across the continent, and being at the 9th Star was considered ordinary. But now, with many powerful cultivation sects ascending to higher realms, cultivators have become rare, and even being at the 9th Sof Qi Refining is highly regarded.
The typical winners of the training conference were usually Qi Refining cultivators of the 5th or 6th Star, but now a heavy-hitter like me had appeared.
As I looked around, I could feel the other participants coughing and avoiding my gaze.
"Haha, it seems that those who are new to the Cheongmun Clan registration desk get quite confused. Let me guide you to the right place..."
"No, it's fine. I have always admired the Cheongmun Clan's training conference. Please allow me to participate."
"But..."
"I know that anyone can participate in the training conference hosted by the Cheongmun Clan, except for Qi Building cultivators."
"Uh..."
The officer, troubled by my insistence despite the difficulty of my participation, sighed and registered me.
I could see the varying thoughts of the other cultivators around me.
As I stepped out of the registration area and left the building, I heard a sigh of relief from inside.
"That's a nasty character."
"He's just going to trample over the juniors and enter the Cheongmun Clan?"
"How can we beat a Qi Refining 9th Star? Shouldn't we just give him a bye?"
Unfortunately, even outside my area of consciousness, I could hear their complaints and frustrations, as my hearing had become sensitive after rejuvenation and forming the Inner Core.
'I'm sorry about this.'
Typically, an ordinary external member wouldn't meet a Cheongmun Clan elder unless they make significant contributions. But as the winner of the training conference, it is a different story.
'Besides, I don't plan to join the Cheongmun Clan in this life.'
Not all winners of the training conference become external members. If I give up my eligibility, it will naturally go to someone else.
Holding the participation plaque, I entered the Cheongmun Clan's territory to rest.
One month later.
The training conference was held.
"...The winner, Seo Eun-hyun!"
And naturally, I won.
There was no real battle to speak of. The participants at the Qi Refining 2nd or 3rd Star gave up as soon as they met me.
Cultivators at the 4th and 5th stars couldn't withstand a single strike from me.
Cultivators at the 6th Star of Qi Refining, who have achieved the Eight Trigrams Completed Path, could only somewhat match me in a contest of spells, but they still lost due to the overwhelming difference in spiritual power.
Now, I was capable of overpowering lower-level Qi Refining cultivators with sheer strength.
'I wish those at the 2nd and 3rd stars had challenged me more bravely; the Cheongmun Clan might have offered them a position after the competition.'
Looking at the Qi Refining cultivators who conceded immediately upon facing me, I felt a bit of regret. Knowing the Cheongmun Clan's reverence for the Dao of Combat, I am certain they would have appreciated even a show of fighting spirit.
"The winner of the competition is granted an official recommendation to become an external member of the Cheongmun Clan and one wish. If a Qi Refining cultivator makes a fitting wish, the clan will surely grant it. Do you have anything in mind?"
The person overseeing the competition was Cheongmun Buk, whom I had met before.
I told Cheongmun Buk that I wished to meet and receive teachings from Cheongmun Ryeong.
"Cheongmun Ryeong, you say? He's my cousin, and indeed, there's no one better than him in basic spells and formations."
"I would like to return the recommendation for external membership."
"Elixir Refining, Artifact Refining, and Formations are the three arts. Cheongmun Ryeong is the leader of... Wait, what did you say?"
Cheongmun Buk's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Entering this competition, my intention was to meet Grandmaster Cheongmun Ryeong, an expert in basic spells and formations."
"You, you... Do you not understand the significance of becoming an external member of a cultivator clan?"
"I understand perfectly. But there are people I must meet without being bound by the rules of a cultivator clan."
I also needed to check on my disciples' well-being in the Jin Clan.
"Being the winner, you'd normally have one hour to meet with Elder Ryeong of the main family... If you become an external member, I can extend your meeting time to three hours. Still refuse?"
"I apologize for declining your offer."
"Tch! Fine, have it your way."
Cheongmun Buk looked at me displeased, announced the second and third place of the competition, and declared that a smaller competition would be held in two days to award the recommendation I forfeited.
A few days later, I entered the Cheongmun Clan's territory with Cheongmun Buk.
As I was not an external member, we met in a less significant territory rather than the main house.
I followed Cheongmun Buk to an old thatched house in the territory.
The simple yet neat house seemed well-suited to my master.
"Ryeong, here's the one who requested to meet you. I'll leave him here; take care of it. I'm busy, so I can't stay."
"Take care, brother."
From inside the house, a familiar voice responded, and Cheongmun Buk flew off on a flying artifact.
I took a deep breath, knelt in front of the house, and bowed deeply.
"What are you doing?"
Cheongmun Ryeong asked, sensing my actions through his consciousness.
Smiling, I responded.
"I am honored to meet Grandmaster Cheongmun Ryeong, a pioneer in formations and basic spells."
"Slick talker. I don't like slick ones. Come in and let's see what you want to discuss."
The door opened, and I cautiously entered.
He didn't look at me but was busy annotating a book.
Even on the day we meet he continues his routine work.
'Really... You haven't changed.'
"What is it? Don't just stand there with a sour face. If you have something to ask, ask. I'm busy, so make it quick."
"Understood."
I sat down and asked him about the things I didn't understand regarding the Qi Refining 11th Star of the Three Talents, the 12th Star of Yin-Yang Unity, and the 13th Star of the One Origin.
Cheongmun Ryeong, upon hearing my detailed questions, stopped annotating and looked at me.
"Hmm, not as shallow as you look. Let's address your questions..."
We discussed intensely for an hour.
After an hour, Cheongmun Ryeong, who had the right to dismiss me, frowned and said,
"Let's add another hour. You seem to have a lot of curiosity."
Another hour passed.
"Already an hour? I'll give you one more. Listen well. The concept of Yin-Yang Unity is about..."
After three hours, he stroked his beard.
"Teaching so shortly like this won't do. I'll give you three more hours! If you don't understand by then, be prepared for discipline!"
Thus, I spent the entire night with Cheongmun Ryeong.
The next morning.
"I feel somewhat relieved. Did you understand the theory?"
"Thanks to the Grandmaster, I understood it well."
"I heard you refused to become an external member of the Cheongmun Clan. With your understanding, you could have risen in the ranks and been treated as a quasi-blood relative. Even if you've learned the theory, applying it is different. If you became an external member, I can formally teach you. How about it?"
Cheongmun Ryeong was offering to be my master again.
I smiled slightly and spoke.
"I appreciate your offer, Grandmaster. However, if I'm bound by the Cheongmun Clan's rules, there are people I will not be able to meet."
"Well, can't help someone who won't eat what's served. Go on, you should have at least grasped the theory by now."
I stood up, bowed respectfully, and said,
Teacher for a day, a father for a lifetime. Though today's lesson was brief, I will never forget your teachings."
"You're a fool. If you were really going to treat me as a father, you should have just joined the main house. Go on, I have no attachment or interest in you beyond today."
After leaving Cheongmun Ryeong's house, I bowed once more towards his room and left the Cheongmun Clan's territory.
'A teacher for a day, a father for a lifetime.'
'I will not forget you, Master.'
Even as I travel through the rivers of time repeatedly.
I left the Cheongmun Clan's territory and headed towards the Jin Clan's domain to check on Kim Young-hoon and my disciples.
News about Kim Young-hoon was easier to find than expected.
He was known as the 'Heaven Cutter.'
He was the one who beheaded the last emperor of the previous Makli Dynasty, Makli Jung, and a founding contributor to the current Jin Dynasty.
Kim Young-hoon, after receiving various martial arts from me, seem to have reached the Ultimate Pinnacle as in his previous life.
Upon learning about the atrocities of the Makli Clan and that killing Emperor Makli Jung would reduce these atrocities, he brazenly stormed the palace and beheaded the emperor.
The Makli Clan was furious, sending cultivators after him, but they were killed by Kim Young-hoon.
Even Qi Building cultivators died, and the Jin Clan, recognizing his potential, decided to protect him.
This was information I heard from a lower-ranking cultivator of the Jin Clan.
"Senior, is the tea to your liking?"
"Yes, it's quite good."
In Byeokra, I initially struggled to find the Cheongmun Clan's territory.
But in Yanguo, having traveled extensively during my days in the martial world, I was familiar with various territories, including the Jin Clan's main house. The only place I didn't know was the Makli Clan's main house.
This lower-ranking cultivator was someone I had a brief connection with during my days as chief advisor in the Wulin Alliance.
Back then, he was someone who groveled before me and Kim Young-hoon, barely hanging on at the 36 Heavenly Gang Decrees of the Qi Refining 2nd Star.
When he realized I had reached the Five Elements, he immediately bowed and called me "senior," offering me tea.
I asked him a few questions and learned about the recent events in Yanguo.
"So, where are you at in the 36 Heavenly Gang Decrees?"
"I'm currently consolidating the decree of 'Heavenly Ferocity'..."
"Do you have any difficulties understanding it?"
I shared detailed explanations about the 36 Heavenly Gang Decrees and provided guidance on his difficulties.
Initially interested, he soon showed signs of boredom and confusion, so I wrapped up the lecture.
"I'll stay here for a few days. Regarding Heaven Cutter, inform the Jin Clan about my arrival. While I'm here, I'm willing to answer any questions regarding cultivation"
Relieved, the Qi Refining cultivator nodded and went to contact the Jin Clan.
I understood why my master valued me.
'Geniuses don't need his teachings, but those who do lack perseverance.'
I felt a tinge of bitterness.
A few days later, Kim Young-hoon arrived.
"It's been a long time."
"It has indeed."
After 40 years, we stood awkwardly for a moment.
"You seem to have become a cultivator. Your consciousness and spiritual power..."
"Yes, I've reached the middle-high level of Qi Refining."
"Good. This world is suited for cultivators. How have you been?"
"There have been various events. But Kim Hyung, no... Director Kim Young-hoon."
I raised my hand, and a little star formed on top of my palm.
"!"
Astonishment appeared in his eyes.
"Let's have a match."
What kind of duel would it be, with both of us having reached the realm of Ultimate Pinnacle in martial arts?
***
"That is..."
Kim Young-hoon stared blankly at the Gang Sphere that had formed in my hand.
Twitch, twitch...
The whirlwind of formidable intent contained within the Gang Sphere.
Realizing its significance, Kim Young-hoon trembled all over, his eyes bulging as he stared at me.
Then, he started to laugh.
"Ha, hahaha...hahaha...!"
Staggering, he suddenly collapsed on to the ground, tears streaming down his face.
His intent, incomparable to what I had seen before, was shining in a brilliant golden light.
"There was... another... besides me... who has reached this realm...!"
Whooosh!
His intent blazed even brighter, resembling a sun in its intensity.
However, I felt a chill run down my spine.
The sun-like intent before me seemed like the jaws of a lion, ready to pounce at any moment.
He is excited.
"...Until now, I thought the martial world was filled with fools. The vast majority linger in the secondary stage of physical combat, and those with exceptional talent could only see intent in basic red and blue hues.
At most, they reach the Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, seeing maybe three, four, or at best, a dozen colors of intent. I never expected anyone to reach the same realm as me. I desperately hoped that someone might reach the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, but..."
Crrack, crackle...!
Small stones and sand on the ground vibrated with energy.
The lower-ranking cultivator of the Jin Clan, sensing the ominous atmosphere, already flew far away.
"The realm of Five Energies Converging to the Origin, a stage that scarcely appears once every few hundred years across the continent... Yes, it's understandable since it's an enlightenment that overturns the inherent limits of one's birth. But, it's always been so utterly empty."
I tensed up.
Kim Young-hoon is very excited.
That means...
"Even when fighting cultivators, it was only about matching levels. There was no one who could truly exchange martial prowess with me. No one who could fulfill my deep craving...!"
Kim Young-hoon opened his right palm.
From within his palm burst a star, and like me, a Gang Sphere appeared.
"Finally... I can resolve this grudge...!!!"
With a brilliantly shining smile, he lifted the Gang Sphere.
Whoosh!
The Gang Sphere spun and split into three.
Then, each of those three split again.
Nine Gang Spheres!
Nine Gang Spheres lined up behind Kim Young-hoon.
"Let's play!"
Whoosh!
In an instant, Kim Young-hoon's figure vanished from before my eyes.
There wasn't even a moment to read his intent!
It was sheer speed!
I instinctively ducked, driven almost entirely by reflex.
Boom!
The sound of breaking air echoed, and Kim Young-hoon's saber slightly trimmed my hair.
'Is he crazy, swinging at me with the intent to kill?'
Apparently, he lost his mind upon encountering someone of a similar level after 40 years of solitary existence.
'If it weren't for the reaction speed granted by the Inner Core, I would have been dead.'
Kim Young-hoon's intent was palpable.
[What are you doing, playing around? Come at me properly!]
Whoosh!
Suddenly, Kim Young-hoon's palm was right in front of me.
Blinded by the dazzling light of the Gang Sphere targeting my head, his movements seemed choppy and hard to follow.
'Back in my past life, it was just a playful spar...!'
Is this the power of an experienced master who has reached the Ultimate Pinnacle?!
I exerted all my internal energy to counter the Gang Sphere flying at me with my own.
Light erupted, pushing us both back.
Countless sword and saber scars sparked, creating a storm.
'I need to create some distance.'
I quickly formed another Gang Sphere and prepared for the next move.
Fast.
Aside from the fact that he could create nine Gang Spheres at once, he was too fast for me to even react.
It was a relief that Kim Young-hoon was using slow moves; if he had used his extremely fast moves, I might have been killed instantly.
'I need to get to a more isolated place, like a mountain valley...'
Then, Kim Young-hoon's hand grasped my head.
"...What?"
Sssssh!
Boom!!!
An immense force erupted from his palm, sending me flying far away.
I was thrown from the manor where the Qi Refining cultivator lived, away from the mortals, and crashed into a valley outside the city.
"Cough!"
I spat out a mouthful of blood and got up.
If I hadn't instinctively used protective Gang Qi, my head would have been crushed!
"What's going on? It feels like time is being cut off. My reactions are..."
It's not just the effect of the Inner Core.
There's something different about Kim Young-hoon!
Thump-
Just like before, Kim Young-hoon unnaturally appeared right before my eyes.
It's as if a scene from a movie has been abruptly cut.
This isn't like the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, which cuts perception to create illusions.
He's just, solely, too fast.
He's moving so swiftly that even with my reaction speed at the Ultimate Pinnacle, his actions appear disjointed and impossible to follow.
"What the..."
"Hmm, what are you doing? Why aren't you reacting properly?"
Kim Young-hoon looked at me quizzically for a moment and then seemed to realize something, nodding his head.
"Ah, I see. You haven't been at this realm for very long!"
"...That's true."
"Well then, you're probably not adept to using the power of this realm. If you properly harness the power of this level, you can easily do this much. Now that I look at it, you're only managing one Gang Sphere at a time."
He inhaled deeply, smiling as if enjoying himself.
"Well, this is more a matter of technique than talent. Once you learn it, you should be able to apply it easily. I'll teach you, so grow while sparring!"
"Wait, I'm not..."
I wanted to say that I'm not a monster who grows during battle like him, but I had to hurriedly deploy defensive Gang Qi to block Kim Young-hoon's kick, coming at me with extreme speed.
Boom!
A giant rock behind me, about three meters in size, couldn't withstand the shockwave released and shattered into pieces.
[Don't worry, I'll teach you so you can grow.]
His intent echoes around me.
I concentrate to the utmost to survive and enter the world of intent.
At that moment.
'What...?'
Why are there ten Kim Young-hoons?
I quickly alternate my focus between the real world and the world of intent.
In reality, there is clearly only one Kim Young-hoon.
But in the world of intent, there are ten of him.
'This is...!'
And in the place where Kim Young-hoons stood in the world of intent, there were Gang Spheres in reality.
One Kim Young-hoon and nine Gang Spheres.
[First of all, Gang Sphere isn't just a bomb to throw and explode.]
Thud!
Ten Kim Young-hoons rush at me simultaneously.
He seems to have controlled his speed, and this time our reaction speeds are similar.
However, in the world of intent, ten Kim Young-hoons vividly assault me.
Even a single hit from one of them is dangerous.
One is an Ultimate Pinnacle master, and the other nine are Gang Spheres that could slice my body apart upon explosion!
"Ugh...!"
The biggest problem is that the Gang Spheres are also using intent to fight.
It's as if ten masters of equal level are surrounding and competing with me in the world of intent.
Naturally, I'm overwhelmed in the battle of intent, and I allow Kim Young-hoon's punch through my guard.
Thump!
"Ugh..!"
"Gang Sphere isn't just a compressed bomb of internal energy. It's another self, a split spirit. It's a stage far beyond Dual Energy Sword Control or Dual Energy Saber Control, where you input the next action into the weapon with your intent and consciousness. Here, you input your very self into it. That's why once you can handle one Gang Sphere, your combat power multiplies!"
We exchange blows.
If I attack the lower body, ten Kim Young-hoons stab at me from all directions, and while dealing with them, Kim Young-hoon's knee strikes my waist.
If I thrust at the midsection, ten Kim Young-hoons use different techniques to disrupt the flow of intent. In the meantime, the real Kim Young-hoon strikes my shoulder with the back of his blade.
When I attempt to strike high, Kim Young-hoons from all around attack me, forcing me to hastily retreat.
"Ugh...!"
As I radiate intent, branches and pebbles rise around me.
I imbue the branches and pebbles with energy, creating thousands of sword energies to counter the many Kim Young-hoons...
Flash, flash, flash!
A bright light sweeps through, and nine of the Kim Young-hoons simultaneously explode.
With a whirl of light, countless saber marks slice through my sword energies.
Then, from behind the real Kim Young-hoon, another nine Kim Young-hoons walk out again.
In reality, he's drawing Gang Spheres from his hand, but in the world of intent, it's a completely different scene.
'Another self...'
Spontaneously, I extend my hand in the same manner as Kim Young-hoon, with a blank expression.
Gang Sphere also emanates from my palm.
Simultaneously, another me emerged from behind, grasping the Gang Sphere that had burst forth from my palm.
'Ah, I understand.'
Somehow, it all makes sense.
Myself.
Yes, if sword control involves inputting intent into a weapon for its next action, then Gang Sphere involves inputting myself into the Gang Qi.
If I truly enter into within, then myself becoming another source of intent is also possible, is it not?
Whoosh!
My vision split.
It felt as if my consciousness had been divided.
I only had one consciousness. But now, I feel as if I have two!
Simultaneously, my own figure became distinctly visible in the world of intent.
In front of ten Kim Young-hoons stood two of me.
Their eyes sparkled with interest.
"So, are you getting the hang of it now?"
"...Indeed."
I smile wryly and assume a fighting stance.
The other me also took up a different fighting stance.
This was more about technique and understanding the realm rather than talent.
Thus, even I, lacking talent, managed to grasp it in such a short period.
The situation of 10 against 1 and 10 against 2 will be quite different.
Whoosh, whoosh!
The exchange of intents ensued, and so did the actual exchange of blows between me and Kim Young-hoon.
[Good, you seem to have grasped this much. Shall we move to the next stage?]
Kim Young-hoon's complexion seemed to burn with a golden light.
Simultaneously, one Kim Young-hoon walked towards the original body and merged within.
From a visual perspective, Kim Young-hoon had placed one of the surrounding Gang Sphere in his hand.
'Huh?'
Dangerous.
The moment my instincts warned me, I didn't hesitate to leap into the air.
Boom!
A fan-shaped energy burst forth, cutting the spot I had been standing on and the trees beyond.
It was as if, just like before, time had been cut off.
And then Kim Young-hoon, who suddenly appeared in that spot, looked at me.
Crash!
"Cough!"
Before I knew it, Kim Young-hoon's hand was clutching my face.
I instinctively spread my protective Gang Qi, and Kim Young-hoon's foot kicked my stomach three times.
Bang, boom, boom!
Explosions resounded as I soared into the sky.
'Had I not used protective Gang Qi, my waist would have been gone..!'
Puff!
I pierced through the clouds.
A sea of white clouds spread beneath me.
But I had no time to appreciate the beautiful scenery as I focused my consciousness and spread my protective Gang Qi.
[Watch carefully.]
Boom!
Once again, Kim Young-hoon, who suddenly appears in front of me, swings his saber.
Clouds trail from behind.
[Considering your level, I've only doubled the speed.]
Kuaang!
He struck me down with his saber, and I plunge through the clouds back to the ground.
If it wasn't for the reaction speed granted by my Inner Core, I wouldnt have lasted this long!
'Doubled the speed..?'
I recalled the merging of two Kim Young-hoons.
Clearly, he retrieved his consciousness inputted into the Gang Sphere.
'No, it's not just retrieval.'
Whoosh!
Once again, Kim Young-hoon appears right above me, spinning in the air before striking down with his saber.
I barely manage to block his strike with my sword.
Boom!
The ground of the mountain valley caves in, and spider web-like cracks forme around it.
I endured his attack while observing his movements in the world of intent.
'Not just retrieval. He's...'
Kim Young-hoon wasn't moving alone.
He was 'moving together' with another.
The two Kim Young-hoons were 'overlapping'.
'Ah, I see.'
They were in sync.
The two Kim Young-hoons synchronized their thoughts, doubling everything about themselves.
'Aha...'
I'm not a martial arts genius.
So I don't gain incredible enlightenment or grow tremendously during a fight.
However, I am a master of martial arts.
What Kim Young-hoon showed me was a 'technique' applicable within the realm of the Ultimate Pinnacle.
Being a master, within the same realm, I could immediately understand such a technique through countless experiences.
'Come on.'
Whoosh!
My distant Gang Sphere, another 'me', flew towards me.
And then, it overlapped with me.
The thoughts of my physical and mental bodies began to synchronize.
The speed and efficiency of my thoughts doubled.
Suddenly, the world seemed to slow down.
Simultaneously, the control and reaction speed amplified by my Inner Core increased manifold.
Vroom!
Kim Young-hoon swung his saber again, but this time, I caught it up close.
Kim Young-hoon's eyes sparkled with intrigue.
[You've finally understood. Excellent.]
His thoughts were conveyed through his intent..
I also communicated through intent.
[...It's only this much for now. But you, can you accelerate your thoughts by up to ten times..?]
Eight Gang Spheres gathered around him.
[That's right. Let's have a real battle...]
Boom!
My sword pierced through his defense and thrust into his abdomen.
Thud!
At that moment, I executed a series of seven attacks: Entering Mountain, Cliff Edge, Dragon Vein, Joy of Mountains and Peaks, Mountain Tiger, Mountain Echoes Valley Responds, Flowing Ridge.
[Ascending Vein]
Boom!
I struck Kim Young-hoon's chin with the flat of my sword, sending him flying into the air.
It seems he was safe, having quickly deployed protective Gang Qi, but he looked down at me with a shocked expression.
[What, I thought you could only handle one Gang Sphere...? Why suddenly so fast..?]
[It feels like...]
I had experienced a completely different 'realm' each time I progressed from first-rate to peak, from peak to Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, and from there to Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
However, from Five Energies Converging to the Origin to the Ultimate Pinnacle, it was just a slight increase in reaction speed after forming the Inner Core.
Apart from that, there was only a difference in enlightenment compared to Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
I thought it was a bit of a stretch to completely overshadow the previous realm.
But now, I truly feel it.
The world seems to move slower.
I've truly stepped into the 'next realm.'
I emitted Gang Qi throughout my body.
I couldn't flow Gang Qi through all my meridians like Qi Building cultivators, but for a single moment, I could wrap my entire body in Sword Gang.
For an instant, I became the sword!
Ascending Vein!
Boom!
I used Ascending Vein with myself as the sword and rushed at Kim Young-hoon, who couldn't react in time and took the hit.
Kuaaaang!
He was sent flying to a distant mountain peak, leaving spider web-like cracks and our blade marks on it.
"...Hahaha, so that's it...!"
Kim Young-hoon laughed heartily, dusting himself off.
It was a sudden attack, but it seems he nullified the damage with his protective Gang Qi.
He was unharmed.
"Daoist cultivation...! You're in the latter stages of Qi Refining. Does that mean your consciousness is larger than mine?"
He seem to realize the secret of my reaction speed.
Yes.
Until now, I couldn't react to his speed. However, once I learned the technique to accelerate my perception and thought, I moved much faster than him despite using the same number of Gang Spheres.
That's because I'm at the 9th Star of Qi Refining, with an abnormally large consciousness, practically at the 12th or 13th star in reality.
Even with the same body and Gang Sphere, the efficiency and capacity of acceleration differ!
The size of the consciousness itself makes the amplification rate different when it's boosted!
"Martial arts and Daoist cultivation complement each other. It's like being in a different weight class...? Even if you learn the same technique, if the size of your consciousness is different, you're at a disadvantage..."
Kim Young-hoon grinned and gathered his energy.
"Well, good. It's a very unique experience. Since a large consciousness for a cultivator is like a physical trait, come at me. It'll be fun!"
Wooong-
One of the Gang Spheres circling him absorbed back into his body.
Kim Young-hoon's acceleration tripled.
"Let's fight with everything! Whether it's cultivation spells or whatever, come at me! Hahaha!"
Once again, Kim Young-hoon and I clashed.
I formed hand seals, altered the terrain around me, and engaged him.
Our fight started in the morning and lasted until evening.
The surrounding mountain valley completely collapsed.
In the end, I lost to Kim Young-hoon.
But unlike before, Kim Young-hoon was no longer an absolute wall.
High, but a wall with a somewhat visible top.
That was now the difference between me and Kim Young-hoon.
"Huff, huff..."
Kim Young-hoon stood up using his saber, now missing many edges, as a cane and laughed.
"It's been a long time since I had this much fun."
"I feel the same way."
I smiled wryly at my completely shattered sword.
I couldn't get up.
All the strength in my body was drained away.
"By the way, you contacted me through a lower-ranking cultivator. Are you planning to join the Jin Clan? With your ability and my recommendation, you could become an external elder right away."
"That would be nice, but I came here to check on something rather than the elder position."
I struggled to get up, feeling sore all over.
"There are mortals working in the Jin Clan, some people I know."
"Hmm, if it's about mortals, I can arrange a meeting. So you won't join the Jin Clan?"
I nodded slightly.
I have only about ten years left in my lifespan.
In that time, I intend to elevate my Qi Refining cultivation as much as possible.
In this life, I plan to head to Shengzi.
Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
I need to see if that sect, said to be located in the western mountains of Shengzi, has any connection to the Ascension Gate.
Maybe, it has something to do with why we ended up here.
Translator Notes: Martial arts in this novel is so fun. The fights between Kim Young-hoon and our MC are always a delight to read.
***
I was able to visit my disciples in the Jin Clan's territory with permission from Kim Young-hoon.
This life was not much different from the previous ones.
Kae-hwa gave birth to two children.
Man-ho became a father and was teaching his children. They seem to be good parents.
Nok-hyeon's sculpting skills have grown much more than in the previous life.
He also got a new wife, a woman I didn't recognize, probably someone he met in the Jin Clan's territory.
Cheong-ya is still weaving silk, and the silk she produced was of extraordinary quality.
Hee-a had married Kwak-gi,but they didn't have children yet.
They are all familiar connections from past lives, but...
There are slight changes due to the butterfly effect.
All of them are doing well, and...
None of them are dead.
After secretly visiting the village where they reside, I left the territory with Kim Young-hoon.
"It's good to see everyone doing well."
"Do you know these people?"
"...If I know them, I know them. If I don't, they are strangers."
"May I ask what kind of relationship you have with them?"
What kind of relationship...
After a moment of thought, I replied...
"Just a connection."
No matter what name you give to a connection once made, what use is it?
It's just a connection.
Even if it's not a master-disciple relationship, these are connections that will not be forgotten in my heart...
"Just a connection..."
Kim Young-hoon seemed curious, but he did not press further after sensing my complicated thoughts.
He escorted me out, and we had several conversations.
What I had been doing for the last 40 years, whether I had difficulties while learning martial arts.
How I mastered cultivation methods and martial arts to this extent...
"I learned a lot in the country of Byeokra. Like Kim Hyung, I opened my eyes one day and found myself in a completely different place."
"Ha ha, is that so? When I woke up, the language of Yanguo and unfamiliar martial arts were engraved in my mind, so there were no big difficulties."
"...I experienced the same. Must be the doings of those monsters in Ascension Path, right?"
I attributed the knowledge I had passed on to Kim Young-hoon for survival to the deeds of the Heavenly Being cultivators in Ascension Path.
"...Tsk, even after abducting our colleagues and doing this... well, the past is the past. I can't do anything about it now."
He clicked his tongue and sighed, and we shared various insights about martial arts.
In the western borderlands of Yanguo...
There, I received three books from Kim Young-hoon.
"The Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts, a martial art system those monsters put in my head. It's the same book, but with added insights from trial and error to reach the next realm. You might find it helpful too."
"Hmm, is the title still 'Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts'?"
I asked Kim Young-hoon as I received the expanded martial art book from him.
However, Kim Young-hoon only clicked his tongue in a self-deprecating manner.
"Why change the title? It's just a collection of stupid trials and errors I've added while clinging to it. I'm honestly doubtful if there's even a realm beyond the Ultimate Pinnacle. It's like a diary of foolishly bumping into things until something comes out.
Sometimes I wonder if the Ultimate Pinnacle is the limit that a martial artist can reach."
Pfft.
"...What's so funny?"
I couldn't help but laugh at his words.
The limit that a martial artist can reach?
How many times have I heard that from Kim Young-hoon?
Yet, time and again, he had created realms beyond that limit, shattering boundaries. He kept growing stronger and reaching higher.
That was Kim Young-hoon.
"...There are endless mountains beyond mountains, and endless paths within paths."
I slowly recited the proverb.
"There might be something beyond what you think is the end. If it's Kim Hyung, you'll definitely reach beyond that. If you don't plan to change the title, I'll accept it as 'Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts.'"
"...Flattery won't get you anywhere... Well, anyway, are you really going to Shengzi?"
"Yes. There's something I need to find in Shengzi"
The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect located in the western mountains of Shengzi.
I planned to search for it to gather more information about the Ascension Gate.
"It's a pity... I was hoping you would stay and spar with me more."
"I wish I could, but there's something I need to find."
"Alright, I understand. Do visit sometimes."
I silently performed a fist salute to him.
Kim Young-hoon reciprocated with a fist salute, and thus we exchanged brief farewells.
Shengzi is also known as the Land of Scriptures.
It is overflowing with all kinds of scriptures and erudition, and as a land of scholars, numerous poems and collections of poetry were abundant in the streets.
Although my knowledge of the Shengzi language was minimal, I learned to speak it fluently with the enhanced mental capabilities of a cultivator.
After learning the language, I wandered around various parts of Shengzi to gather information.
The country was ruled by a total of seven cultivator clans.
However, the presence of these clans did not necessarily make them superior to Yanguo or Byeokra.
The Jinlu Clan, slightly more powerful than the Makli and Jin clans individually, dominated half of the country.
The remaining half was controlled by a coalition of six smaller clans: Ha, Geo, Joon, Yeoljeon, Ori, and Jeon.
As a nation rife with numerous cultivator clans, a plethora of philosophies and scholarly works from each clan made it a holy land of scriptures and learning.
This was the essence of Shengz.
I roamed the country, gathering information.
One year after arriving in Shengzi.
After inquiring among the lower-ranking cultivators and branch families of the cultivator clans,
I discovered the best source of information regarding the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
"If you're looking for information about the once preeminent Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, the Shengzi Imperial Archives should have plenty."
"The Imperial Archives..."
Remarkably, the Shengzi royal family is not a branch of any particular clan but is purely composed of mortals.
In a situation where multiple clans maintained a delicate balance of power, a brutal conflict among clans, similar to Yanguo, would occur if a specific clans branch family occupied the throne. Thus, the seven clans agreed to let mortals form the royal lineage.
During their seven hundred years of rule, although unable to collect precious cultivation methods, the Nan royal family consistently gathered historical texts, which were considered less important by cultivators.
Hence, the Imperial Archives are said to be rich in histories of various cultivation sects, especially extensive secret records of the once dominant Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
The challenge, however, was accessing the Imperial Archives.
'Cultivators are barred from even entering the palace, let alone the archives...!'
This restriction was created by the seven cultivator clans to prevent cultivators from other clans from controlling the royal family.
Therefore, not only the heads of the seven clans but also loose cultivators and mountain hermits were barred from entering, and a powerful barrier was set inside the palace.
'Hmm, this is troublesome. Can't enter if I can't break the barrier.'
I asked the low-ranking cultivator in front of me for clarification.
"So, does this mean there are no cultivators inside the palace at all? It's completely inaccessible to them?"
"Ah, that may not be entirely true, senior. I've heard there are a few high-level Qi Refining cultivators in the palace serving as royal guards. They receive special talismans from the seven clans to resist the barrier, to protect the royal family in emergencies or to replace the emperor when the royal family goes against the will of the seven clans."
"So, it's possible to enter, then?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"Hmm..."
It seems necessary to see and judge the barrier myself.
Upon arriving in Jinjing, the capital of Shengzi, I observed the layout of the palace and the flow of spiritual energy around it.
Based on the knowledge of formations I learned from my master and testimonies from various mountain hermits, the barrier around the palace wasn't to prevent cultivators from entering but to suppress their spiritual power inside the barrier.
Meaning, a cultivator inside the barrier without a special talisman from the seven clans would be no different from an ordinary mortal.
"...So, what this means is..."
I smirked, radiating sword energy, while observing the people entering and leaving the palace and the martial artists inside.
"I can just walk in."
Whether my spiritual power is restricted or not is irrelevant.
The barrier didn't completely prevent entry to those with spiritual power but suppressed it once inside.
However, I had other strengths besides that of a cultivator.
Whoosh!
After cutting perception with the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, I casually entered through the main gate of the palace.
Rumble!
Upon entering, I certainly felt my spiritual power being suppressed, but my consciousness, internal energy, and Inner Core remained unaffected.
After all, if martial artists couldn't use their martial skills inside the barrier, it would be impossible to handle emergencies in the palace.
Moreover, the cultivators who are allowed to use their power are all just at the Qi Refining stage anyway
In case of an emergency, it seems possible to overthrow the royal palace and escape without any problem.
I wandered around the palace looking for the royal library and sneaked in.
"Let's see, books about the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect...books..."
I started my reading through the sea of books in the library..
I learned an astonishing fact while reading books about the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
The sect was established a staggering 123,000 years ago.
123,000 years!
Its a figure so absurd its almost laughable.
'What kind of insane number is that?'
I dismissed it as a joke or a legend and looked through other books.
However, other books stored in the royal palace, written in Yanguo or Byeokra languages, also dated the emergence of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect to around 123,000 years ago.
While there were slight differences in the years, every book indicated the same era.
'Is this for real?'
After all, even a Heavenly Being cultivator has a lifespan far exceeding 2000 years.
'Considering that it's only been a little over 2000 years since the Common Era on Earth, these monsters with lifespans over two thousand years...'
Thinking this way, even the absurd figure of 123,000 years seemed somewhat plausible.
'Huh? And this sect, the Black Ghost Valley... 500,000 years? Is this just a numbers game, or is it real?'
I quickly dismissed the exaggerated figures of Black Ghost Valley from my mind and focused back on the information regarding the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Holding onto such head-aching figures was only going to lead to confusion.
I scoured information from books about the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Information cross-verified in several books was deemed credible.
Information mentioned only in one or two books was taken as folklore.
In this way, I gathered credible information about the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, which is as follows:
The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect was established around 123,000 years ago by a Daoist cultivator named Yang Su-jin.
I could find no records of this Yang Su-jin in the royal archives.
He seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
However, there was an unusual record about him the phenomenon of Heavenly Rejection.
'It's the same as what I experienced...!'
During his Qi Refining 7th Star, when he was undergoing the Seven Stars Ritual.
Dark clouds covered the sky, refusing his acceptance.
But unlike me, who had to tear through the clouds with a Gang Sphere to complete the ritual, Yang Su-jin's immense talent allowed him to overcome the Heavenly Rejection on his own.
There were no records of what kind of talent he possessed.
'It's fascinating, someone from 123,000 years ago also experienced Heavenly Rejection...'
But the intrigue didn't end there.
Surprisingly, in Yang Su-jin's era, there were about five or six others who also experienced Heavenly Rejection.
'Five or six others...'
Regrettably, there was no information about who they were or how they overcame the Heavenly Rejection.
One of them reportedly failed to overcome it and died of old age.
Anyway, the appearance of so many rare holders of Heavenly Rejection at the same time in one era was a point of concern.
'It's troubling...'
But without any decisive clues, it was impossible to draw any conclusions hastily.
The most unique record about Yang Su-jin was regarding the establishment of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
"-And so, when the Ancestor reached out to the sky, the heavens parted and a gate of light opened above the capital city Gacheon of the Central Spirit Holy Kingdom. Through it fell the sect's divine artifact. Named after the Daoist title of Yang Su-jin and the name of the divine artifact, he established the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. The people of the Holy Kingdom, in reverence, built a shrine in Gaecheon City to worship the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect...
"A gate of light...?"
I concluded that this tale is credible after cross-verifying information from other books.
I carefully examined the descriptions of the 'gate of light' described in various books.
"This isthe Ascension Gate."
It is certain.
"And the country referred to as the Holy Kingdom in many books..."
Existed 123,000 years ago.
"123,000 years ago, the Heaven-Treading Desert wasn't a desert but a land flowing with milk and honey. So, the Ascension Gate in the Heaven-Treading Desert was at the center of the Holy Kingdom, and the stone shrine in Ascension Path is from 123,000 years ago...?"
Those stone fragments are from 123,000 years ago.
They did seem dated, but I didn't realize they were that old.
'Ordinary stones lasting that long seem doubtful, but in a world where beings like flying immortals exist, it's not too far-fetched.'
After gathering various pieces of information, I came to a conclusion.
"The Ascension Gate must have been created by Yang Su-jin, the founder of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect..."
Was this person responsible for bringing us here?
'No, that doesn't seem right.'
The Heavenly Rejection phenomenon experienced by Yang Su-jin during his Qi Refining stage.
And the five or six others who experienced it during the same era.
And then there's me and my colleagues.
No decisive connection between these events was discovered.
However, I somehow felt that Yang Su-jin was also a plaything of the heavens.
'The area around where Yang Su-jin opened the Ascension Gate was originally unstable in space, with many spatial rifts.'
This information was also cross-verified in various books.
That the capital of the Central Spirit Holy Kingdom was Gaecheon City.
It was said to originate from the phenomenon where space in the sky frequently opened and closed.
'If only there was more detailed information...'
Perhaps due to being an event from 123,000 years ago, even the royal library, which held information from cultivators, lacked detailed circumstances.
Most of the information was like hearsay about things that had happened back then.
"So, what exactly is the divine artifact of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect...?"
I searched through several books again to find information about the sects divine artifact. But all I could find was, 'The divine artifact of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is a core secret of the sect, not disclosed to the public.'
What was known was that every member of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect had a close relationship with the divine artifact in their cultivation. The divine artifact was greatly revered within the sect and passed down only to the sect leader from generation to generation.
'Of course, it's a divine artifact, so it makes sense to be treated importantly and passed only to the highest echelons like the sect leader!'
It was so obvious that it was a bit frustrating.
I continued to look through other books, but information about the divine artifact was nowhere to be found in the royal library.
Just because there was information from 123,000 years ago in the royal library, it didn't mean they had all the books from that entire period.
There were only books about very famous events over thousands of years.
The incident of Yang Su-jin opening the Ascension Gate and establishing the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect was too famous, so there was a lot of documentation.
"Hmm, is this a book of folklore?"
While rummaging through the library, I found another book of folklore about the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and started reading it.
The book of folklore contained many interesting but not necessarily credible contents.
One of them was about how Yang Su-jin opened the Ascension Gate.
It speculated that Yang Su-jin didn't receive the divine artifact from beyond the sky when he opened the Ascension Gate.
Instead, he ascended to the higher realm as a Heavenly Being, obtained the divine artifact there, and then created a rift in space when he returned to this world with it.
'Indeed, this seems fitting as the reason why the Ascension Gate connects to the higher realm.'
A rift created while descending from the higher realm, hence connected to it.
However, there was something strange in the speculation discussed in this folklore book.
'If that's true, then Yang Su-jin had a reason to ascend to the higher realm as a Heavenly Being and then to return to this world?'
I desperately searched for information about the later years of Yang Su-jin.
Generally, the records were similar, but his death was oddly recorded differently in each book.
Some said he committed suicide.
Others said he ascended again to the higher realm.
Some even said he went mad with dementia, spouting nonsense before entering a spatial rift.
Others said he died of old age when his lifespan ran out.
And some said he simply disappeared.
'Why are they all different?'
But one thing was clear: Yang Su-jin was either dead or had vanished.
'What a peculiar person.'
Neither his birth nor his death is clear.
The problem wasn't that the records were old and inaccurate, but rather that there was simply no information.
There are many records that at least roughly estimate the birthplaces of other Black Ghost Valley leaders or heads of large sects from the same era. However, there is absolutely no such speculation about Yang Su-jin.
Perhaps he...
I paused my thoughts and continued to read and re-read other books, hoping to glean some new information about the Ascension Gate or something else...
My lifespan was rapidly coming to an end.
I stayed hidden in the royal library, constantly reading and compiling information. I never stopped practicing the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation.
As a result of extracting the earth attribute spiritual energy and applying the principle of the Five Elements to all my spiritual meridians, I completed the Five Elements stage in just over three years and advanced to the 10th Star Qi Refining, Four Images stage.
The Four Images stage involved splitting the spiritual power of the eight trigrams inside my body into yin and yang channels based on the logic of the Four Images.
I had already fully grasped this part through Understanding before Breakthrough and since guiding spiritual power was my primary objective, I was able to precede it sufficiently with the experience of training in internal energy methods.
Kugugung!
Through my unwavering dedication deep within the royal palace, a sanctuary rich in spiritual energy, and by diligently practicing with the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts as my guide, I successfully mastered the Four Images stage in just eighteen months. This accomplishment paved the way for my progression to the 11th Star of Qi Refining, Three Talents Unity stage.
The Three Talents Unity stage involved further strengthening the spiritual meridians to connect the paths of the three dantians lower, middle, and upper.
After another three and a half years, I barely managed to break through the Three Talents Unity and entered the 12th Star of Qi Refining, Yin-Yang Unification stage.
'Heaven, Earth, and Man are one...'
The Three Talents are one.
That was the enlightenment I gained from the Three Talents Unity.
Buung, buung, buung...
Simultaneously, I realized that my Gang Sphere has also undergone some changes due to the enlightenment gained from the Three Talents Unity.
'What is it? I feel like I almost understand...'
Why does Kim Young-hoon always split one Gang Sphere into three, then those three into nine?
Can't he just create nine Gang Spheres from the beginning?
'I lack just a paper-thin enlightenment... but I can't figure it out.'
What enlightenment am I missing?
'Heaven, Earth, and Man are one...'
Regardless, I completed the 11th Star Three Talents Unity and entered the 12th Star Yin-Yang Unification.
The Yin-Yang Unification stage involved continuously circulating the yin and yang power in the divided meridians, merging the two yin-yang dual channels into a single unified channel.
The key in the Yin-Yang Unification stage was the constant circulation of spiritual power, similar to the flow of internal energy, making it possible to progress through this stage more rapidly than any previous ones.
Purburbeong!
In about six months, I completed Yin-Yang Unification and entered the 13th Star Qi Refining, Unified Origin stage.
And then...
My lifespan was almost over.
Uuung!
That day too, I took out a book to read and felt the flow of spiritual power inside me.
The 13th Star Qi Refining, Unified Origin stage is about rapidly circulating the unified spiritual power in the meridian and concentrating it to a single point in the dantian.
This too required an understanding of the unity of spiritual power and demanded enlightenment.
I knew I was close to completing the 13th Star.
In this life, I might not see the 14th Star, the limit of Qi Refining, but in the next life, I will definitely be able to reach it.
But...
'The Qi Building stage is a problem.'
The path to the 14th Star Qi Refining, Infinite, seemed solid, as I had learned it well from my master.
However, reaching Qi Building is a different issue.
Even cultivators with True Spiritual Roots need immense effort to reach the Qi Building stage.
It was realistic only for those with Heavenly Spiritual Roots to ascend to the Qi Building stage through mere cultivation.
That's why elixirs like Qi Building Pills, made by sacrificing humans, was circulated everywhere.
But...
'I can't take Qi Building Pills.'
I detest the idea of even putting such a repulsive thing in my mouth.
Eating pills made from grinding up fellow humans?
'There must be a minimum line of morality that humans should not cross...'
However, realistically, with my Mixed Spiritual Roots, it is nearly impossible to reach the Qi Building stage.
'What should I do...'
While searching through the royal library of Shengzi, I extensively looked through the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and other books for over a decade.
I tried to find cases of reaching the Qi Building stage without Qi Building Pills.
Those who had reached the Qi Building stage without them either had unusual physiques or were Heavenly Spiritual Root bearers. Or they were exceptional True Spiritual Root bearers.
There were no cases of Mixed Spiritual Root bearers reaching the Qi Building stage without Qi Building Pills.
'...What should I do?'
My lifespan is now truly nearing its end.
So far, I have only reached the 13th Star of Qi Refining after two lifetimes of dedication.
Even that was achieved thanks to meeting the greatest master and tirelessly working day and night.
For an ordinary dullard, reaching this stage would have been practically impossible.
So then...
Can I really reach the Qi Building stage?
'Time is running out.'
Why does a single lifetime last only about 50 years?
Why is it so strictly predetermined?
If only I had a bit more time, I could do a bit more.
'Just a bit more... time...'
Qi Building stage.
My lifespan is too short to reach the Qi Building stage.
But new lifespans are granted only from the Qi Building stage onwards.
What should I do?
Sarak-
Suddenly, while rummaging through a book, I discovered an interesting theory about lifespan.
'People say that human lifespan is determined by the heavens. Therefore, if humans want to overcome their lifespan, they must succeed in Qi Building to receive a new lifespan. However, I think differently.
Perhaps the heavens do not grant lifespan. The heavens merely record the predetermined lifespan and assign fate to prevent humans from surpassing that record. In other words, if a person gains enough power to defy even the fate sent by the heavens,
The heavens will record that person's fate again. The length of the newly recorded fate is about 300 years. If that person again gains the power to surpass even the 300-year fate, the heavens hastily record a new lifespan once more.
Perhaps this is the true meaning behind the saying that the heavens grant lifespan.'
"Ho..."
I took special note of this passage.
It was among the most interesting arguments I had ever seen.
'Why... is this recorded at the front?'
A long time ago.
The story of a man who melted ice in the middle of winter with his bare body to catch a carp for his mother to eat, and other examples of 'if there's will, there's a way' tales.
This phrase was recorded at the beginning of a collection of classic folklore that contained these tales.
'It's as if... the author or compiler of these folklore, who thinks the heavens grant lifespan, had this idea.'
I flipped through the front and back of the folklore collection.
However, there was no author's name on the collection, and it was just a collection without a title.
The two folklore collections in the royal library and Cheongmun Clan's library were identical in every aspect except for the cover and the preface.
I tried stimulating the paper in several ways, such as infusing it with internal energy and spiritual power, heating it with fire, and moistening it with water.
But the book merely became tattered without revealing anything hidden.
'Was it a wasted effort...'
I clicked my tongue and put the folklore collection back in its place.
It was an intriguing claim, but it was neither proven nor anything more than the personal opinion of the person who compiled the book.
'But if it's true, it's a very interesting claim.'
According to this statement, even if one doesn't reach the Qi Building stage, if one possesses enough power to defy all the fate bestowed by the heavens, the heavens will reset one's lifespan.
Then...
As a martial artist who has reached the Ultimate Pinnacle, possessing the power of the early stages of Qi Building,
Can I overcome my lifespan?
'Certainly, in my previous life, I lived a day longer than my predetermined lifespan..!'
The heavens caused me to have a heart attack, but I forcibly squeezed out Gang Qi to stimulate my heart and managed to stay alive until sunrise.
Of course, it was just one day, and I'm not sure if that counts as overcoming my lifespan.
Nonetheless, it meant that if one has power, it is possible to overcome lifespan, even if just by a speck.
'Can I... overcome my lifespan...?'
Somehow, the theory put forth by the anonymous compiler lingered in my mind.
The compiler's words somehow resonated with me.
I have about a month and a half left in my lifespan.
Can someone who has reached the Ultimate Pinnacle, obtain Qi Building levels of lifespan?
***
When one's lifespan is about to end, the heavens invariably create a fate that leads to their death.
In the final moments of my past life, absurd misfortunes occurred continuously, like a tree suddenly falling or a venomous snake biting me, culminating in a sudden heart attack.
"But if I constantly channel Gang Qi to forcibly keep my heart beating... the heavens are forced to allow me to live a bit longer."
If that's the case...
What if I continually channel Gang Qi?
What if I never stop, thus preventing death?
Then perhaps, the heavens might reset my lifespan.
Just like Qi Building cultivators who circulate their entire body's meridians with Pure Spiritual Force akin to Gang Qi.
Perhaps, by continuously stimulating my heart with Gang Qi, I could extend my life for some time.
"And now, having formed my Inner Core... maybe, just maybe, I can endure until my lifespan is reset...!"
My internal energy has immensely increased compared to my last life, when I was merely at the Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
"Isn't it worth a try?"
I first raided the royal secret vault for useful spiritual herbs and fruits, stuffing and compressing my Inner Core with internal energy.
Then, I set up a formation near the Celestial Altar, unbeknownst to anyone, where the Nan Royal Family of Shengzi conducts rituals.
Afterward, I unfolded the Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts and sat atop the Celestial Altar, slowly organizing my mind and body.
I also endlessly contemplated and sorted out my thoughts on the enlightenment of the 13th Star Qi Refining, Unified Origin, exploring it through the method of Understanding before Breakthrough.
It must have been half a day, if not a full day, since I settled on the Celestial Altar.
I was immediately discovered by patrolling eunuchs.
"Hey, you there! Who are you?"
However, I ignored them and didn't respond.
"This... this fool... Do you know what place this is! Only His Majesty, the Emperor, can ascend this sacred altar for offering rituals to the heavens!"
Swoosh!
One of the eunuchs drew a dagger, its blade imbued with internal energy, indicating he was a first-rate master.
But as I flicked my hand, the force from my internal energy gently pushed the eunuch away, sending him flying far off.
Since the force was intended to repel, not harm, the eunuch landed softly on the ground.
His face turned pale as he screamed.
"Guards! An incredibly powerful master has invaded the Celestial Altar! Guards! Guards!"
As the eunuch shouted, guards swarmed in, surrounding the Celestial Altar and pointing their spears and swords at me.
"You disrespectful rebel! How dare you ascend the altar where only the Emperor is allowed for heavenly rituals! Get down right now!"
"...A place for offering rituals to the heavens."
A familiar place indeed.
For the past 40 years, I had spent my life performing rituals to the heavens.
There was no one here better at offering rituals to the heavens than me.
"Bring someone who can perform heavenly rituals better than me. Then, I'll step down."
"You insolent fool! Die!"
Whoosh!
The palace soldiers charged at me, their weapons imbued with internal energy.
However, I just smirked and raised my hand.
Woosh!
"Wha-what...!"
"No, no!"
"My spear!"
"My sword!"
Hundreds of weapons, under my sword control technique, levitated into the air.
Whirr, whirr, whirr!
The many weapons spun in the air and, in a flash.
Bang, bang, bang!
They flew back to their owners and lodged themselves precisely in front of them.
Ssshhh
The atmosphere froze like ice.
They all came to a realization.
That I, had I wished, could have annihilated them all in that instant.
A high-ranking official pushed through the soldiers and approached.
Bowing respectfully, he said,
"Greetings, esteemed one. I am Wuk-jeon, the Left Minister of Shengzi. Are you, by any chance, a cultivator...?"
It seems even high-ranking officials of Shengzi were well-versed in knowledge of cultivators.
He was exceedingly respectful towards me.
"If I were a cultivator, how could I recklessly use such strength in the royal palace?"
"I've heard that only the senior members of great clans are allowed to use magic within the palace. Are you perhaps a new inspector sent from one of these great clans?"
It seems they referred to the cultivators from the cultivator clans who monitored the royal family as inspectors.
However, I shook my head and spoke.
"That's not the case."
"Then..."
"If you truly wish to know, like I said, bring someone who can perform rituals to the heavens better than me."
The high-ranking official seemed to understand my intent, and with a swift gesture to the eunuchs and in a low voice, he commanded.
"Bring the inspectors here! Hurry!"
A short while later.
"What is this guy doing?"
"Haha, judging by his appearance, he's a cultivator. Which clan do you belong to?"
"He doesn't have any clan crest. Could he be a hermit?"
Three from the Jinlu Clan's branch family.
And six from the other six major clans' branches.
A total of nine Qi Refining cultivators, of 8th and 9th stars, surrounded the Celestial Altar.
"Tch, crazy fool. Coming into the royal palace as a mere hermit and stirring up such trouble? Don't you know that in the royal palace, unless one uses a special talisman, all spiritual power and spells, except for the minimal amount flowing inside for cultivation, are sealed?"
Swoosh, swoosh!
All nine cultivators simultaneously pulled out talismans and activated them.
Flash!
The talismans emitted light.
Simultaneously, around each of the nine cultivators, a transparent barrier formed, fitting perfectly to the size of their consciousness. They could use their abilities within the barrier..
"Die, you stupid hermit..."
Boom!
In the next moment.
The first 8th Star Qi Refining cultivator who spoke was struck by my released force and sent flying.
Swoosh!
At the same time, I used my sword control technique to pull the talisman from the 8th Star cultivator towards me.
'Activate!'
Flash!
The talisman in my hand shone brightly, creating a barrier of the same size as my consciousness.
I could feel the spiritual power flowing inside me now being released outside.
I was able to use spells again.
Rumble!
I unleashed the pressure of my 13th Star Qi Refining spiritual power without restraint, and my hidden consciousness under the Hidden Consciousness Technique was fully revealed.
Despair began to dawn on the faces of the other Qi Refining cultivators.
"A 13th Star Qi Refining...?"
"Almost at the Qi Building stage!"
"Ha, haha, wait a minute. If he's at the Unified Origin stage, isn't that practically the step right before Qi Building?"
"Cough... Senior! It seems these juniors have been impolite. Please forgive us!"
Their faces drained of color as they started begging profusely before me.
However, I flicked my hand and used the sword control technique to snatch away the other special talismans, known as 'Breaking Seal Talismans', from their grips.
With this, even on my death day, I wouldn't have to worry about being unable to use spells inside the palace.
I heard that even Qi Building cultivators were prohibited from using spells inside the palace without these talismans.
They too would need the talismans to operate here.
But no clan would dare to send their people here because of inter-clan restrictions.
'I would also be restless if a stranger barged into the palace, and then a rival clan sent their forces to deal with it.'
They would likely be desperately trying to dissuade each other and be entangled in political strife.
Perhaps the seven great clans might send one Qi Building cultivator each.
But for a mere Qi Refining cultivator like me, the cultivator clans aren't leisurely enough to send Qi Building cultivators.
There would likely be a prolonged debate among the cultivator clans about what to do with me.
If I sit here doing nothing, the debate will only lengthen.
By then, my death day would approach.
I wasn't concerned.
If I overcome my lifespan, so be it.
If not, so be it as well.
Let's see what happens.
Time passed, and my moment of death was drawing near.
I had summoned the high-ranking officials and the emperor, revealing my identity as a cultivator and ensuring that no one could approach me for the next few days. Therefore, no one came near.
The likelihood of humans killing me was almost nonexistent.
In case of earthquakes, the barrier covering the Shengzi royal palace also protected it from such disasters.
As for venomous snakes and insects, they couldn't make it unnoticed to my seat atop the Celestial Altar.
Moreover, such creatures couldn't exist in the royal palace in the first place.
Now, the only way the heavens could kill me was a heart attack.
And even for that heart attack, I have already prepared enough internal energy.
In my past life, I barely survived a day, but now, my internal energy was much more overwhelming, and I wasn't quickly exhausted or depleted like before.
I could last much longer.
'If I endure and endure, perhaps the heavens will reset my lifespan...!'
If I survive, the cultivator clans will come for me.
If my lifespan extends, I will be treated as a late-stage Qi Refining 13th Star cultivator and will have the option to join one of the seven great clans.
Even if I die, it wouldn't matter since I've caused such a commotion in the heart of Shengzi without any repercussions.
'Come forth, heavens.'
I am fully prepared.
And so, my time of death has finally arrived.
There is nothing that could suddenly kill me.
No poisonous insects or snakes.
The altar, built of sturdy stone, wasnt high enough to collapse and kill me.
And being on the altar, there was nothing to fall and hit me.
Moreover, the barrier covering the imperial palace would protect against any earthquake damage.
In short, aside from a heart attack, there was no way for the heavens to kill me.
The stars began to rise.
'...Heavens above.'
It's been a long time since I've uttered those words.
'This time as well, I will wrest my fate from you.'
It doesn't matter if you dont give it to me.
I will claw my way up and seize it myself!
Thump, thump...
My time of death has come.
Thump, thump, thump.... Boom!
While anticipating,
My heart stopped.
But then.
Boom!
The Gang Qi emitted from my Inner Core in the lower dantian, travels upward to the middle dantian, stimulating the heart nearby.
Simultaneously, my internal energy restarts my heart.
'Grrr!'
Of course, stimulating the heart with Gang Qi is excruciatingly painful.
But I clenched my teeth and did it anyway.
A little pain, what of it!
I will not die today!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The sound of Gang Qi stimulating my heart, like thunder, rang loudly in my ears.
Boom!
'I will not die..!'
Boom, boom, boom...!
The stars shine down on me.
As if they are watching to see how much this insect struggles.
Boom, boom...!
'Ha, eugh, lengthen, this...'
Boom!
It hurts.
But even if it is a fleeting life.
I do not want to die.
I felt my life flashing before my eyes, recalling a conversation with Kim Young-hoon.
When he asked about my past disciples, what did I respond?
'Just, connections.'
My connections in this life were very short.
I spent 40 years in a mad frenzy in Ascension Path.
The rest spent hidden in the archives of the Shengzi royal palace.
Even my meeting with Kim Young-hoon and my master was too brief.
But that too is a connection.
Just a connection, but still a connection.
I don't want to die.
I want to live.
I hope these connections dont become meaningless.
They can be nameless.
Insignificant, short, and brief.
Just connections.
But I hope they don't disappear due to an unstoppable fate.
That's all I wished for.
'Oooooooh!!'
Boom, boom, boom!
It felt like my heart is about to burst.
Excruciatingly painful.
But I clenched my teeth and endured.
How could resisting fate be easy!
I endured and endured.
Until dawn!
'If I can live this time, I'll go back to Ascension Path.'
My altar would still be there.
'If I live, I should visit Kim Hyung again.'
I promised to visit often but have been holed up in the archives for 10 years.
'If I live, I must greet my master.'
I don't know if he'll meet me, but he hasnt forgotten me.
'If I live again...'
I continue my thoughts, enduring this pain.
'If I live!'
Crack!
My hand, filled with energy, crushed the altar's floor.
I clenched my teeth so hard, my gums bled.
'If you allow me just a little more time!'
I shouted to the heavens.
'How many more connections stored in my heart could I make!'
Boom!
'Boom!
'Why do you oppose me!'
No matter how much I stimulated, my heart stiffened.
As time passed, more Gang Qi was needed to beat the heart.
'Are you so anxious to block me!!!'
I kept pouring Gang Qi.
Sending all the spiritual power circulating in my meridians to the Inner Core, converting it to internal energy, I squeeze out all my strength.
Boom, boom, boom!
My Inner Core erupted like a volcano.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Haven't I said it myself?
There's endless mountains beyond mountains, and endless paths within paths.
Having encouraged Kim Young-hoon with such resolve, how could I not look beyond the end!
Definitely!
'I will see! What lies beyond!'
It felt like my heart was being wrung out in real-time.
In real time, it felt as though the myriad stars in the sky were pressing down on me, urging me to give up.
It was as if the high heavens were trying to deny me completely, crushing down on myself.
Whooosh!
I activated the formation I had laid out around me.
Boom!
The pressure of the spiritual energy generated from the formation gathered at my chest, stimulating my heart along with Gang Qi.
Boom!
But then, it seems as though the heavens had once again decreed my death.
Astonishingly, an anomaly occurred in the formation, and the pressure of the spiritual energy became more than twenty times stronger.
At this rate, my heart would physically burst!
Bang!
However, I surround myself with protective Gang Qi, shake off the pressure, and deactivate the formation.
Go ahead, keep trying!
Despite the pain, I still have enough internal energy!
The stars move across the night sky, and the cold dawn passes.
Perhaps because I was directing all my internal energy and spiritual power to keep my heart beating, the spiritual power in my meridians, which usually kept me warm, was not functioning, and my whole body started trembling.
It's cold.
But the morning sun will surely rise!
If I can just endure this dawn!
It is said that it is the coldest just before sunrise.
I could feel the heat draining from my body.
'It's okay, I can endure this.'
I still have plenty of internal energy.
This level of cold won't kill me yet!
"Heavens above... stars..."
I look up at the sky, growling at the countless celestial bodies staring down at me.
"I demand you rewrite my lifespan..!"
In the distance, the sun began to rise.
'It's warm.'
I had died around this time in my previous life.
But this time, it would be different.
The heavens will rewrite my lifespan themselves.
The morning sun gradually rose over the horizon.
I clung to hope as I watched the morning sun.
But then, dark clouds started to cover the sun.
Rumble, rumble...
This wasn't the quiet dark cloud that simply blocked the sky and me during the Heavenly Phenomenon.
These clouds, flashing with blue light, were like fierce beasts baring their fangs.
Boom, boom...
I continued to stimulate my heart with Gang Qi, staring blankly at the sky.
A cultivator's intuition, faintly sensing the celestial energy from the heavens, a gift from the Seven Star Ritual.
I sensed the celestial energy, telling me that today was my day to die.
It is useless to struggle.
The heavens were saying that.
"Don't make me laugh...!"
Flash!
Light burst forth from my heart.
The star born from me flew towards the heavens.
"What do you mean it's useless! Why can't it be done! If the clouds come, I'll tear them apart!"
Flash!
The Gang Sphere exploded, tearing the clouds in a circle.
But there were still too many clouds in the sky, and I only managed to create a small hole.
The other clouds continued to flash blue, growling menacingly.
"Rewrite my life!"
I launched another Gang Sphere.
Even if I have to tear apart all the clouds, I won't die today!
And then,
Before the Gang Sphere could reach the sky again.
Kuuaanng!
A streak of blue heavenly lightning struck down at me with the speed of light.
"...!!!"
My protective Gang Qi shattered.
The defensive spells I had prepared were broken.
My skin charred, my bones burnt to ash.
Heavens aboveIm.
Just a nobody who cherishes connections.
Just an ordinary fool.
Just a human wanting to live a little longer.
Was that such a great sin?
Even my scream was swallowed by the blue thunder and vanished.
I looked at the sky amidst the light.
The heavens do not change.
Therefore, they are eternal.
Therefore, they are the unified principle.
A singular existence.
I felt its will with all my body and soul, completing the Qi Refining 13th Star Unified Origin.
I reached Qi Refining 14th Star.
Then everything went dark.
As I reached the peak of Qi Refining, I disappeared from the world.
That was my eighth return.
Translator Notes: Seventh cycle over. What will happen in the next?
***