"Demon...?"
I asked in bewilderment.
"I am aware that I possess a Demon Core, as informed by the Sea Dragon King. However, he called me a demi-human. Why then do you say I am a disguised demon?"
[What I'm referring to isn't the physical aspect. It's more about the mental part. It is from your consciousness that I deduce you are a demon.]
'My consciousness?'
It was such an unexpected answer that I looked at him, puzzled.
[It seems you don't understand. First, look at my consciousness with the eyes of your consciousness. If you have opened the divine consciousness, you should be able to do that, right?]
"Yes, that's within my capability."
Whoosh-
I entered the world of intent and looked at Seo Ran's consciousness.
I couldn't help but flinch.
'The form of the consciousness domain... it's entirely different?'
In the case of someone like Seo Hweol, the size of consciousness was too vast to even determine its form.
But with Seo Ran, the consciousness domain was not spherical but thinly wrapped around the upper part of his body, manifesting in the same form as himself.
'What is this...!'
I observed the peculiar form of Seo Ran's consciousness domain and simultaneously noticed the colors emanating from various parts of his body.
His horns shone with a color that symbolizes pride.
His hind legs, for some reason, were tinged with a hue of sadness.
It was while I was observing his consciousness and colors.
[Indeed, that 'eye'. You possess a completely different vision from ordinary human cultivators. Human cultivators merely get surprised by seeing the form of my consciousness.
But you, you are definitely seeing something else. Aren't you?]
"Yes, that's true but..."
[You have observed the areas that I have always been most concerned about. There are slight differences in vision depending on the race, but fundamentally, the demon race sees a tremendous difference in vision from human cultivators.]
Seo Ran continued his explanation.
[The difference in divine consciousness between the demon and human races is mainly in the aspect of heaven and earth.
Your human race receives the celestial energy of the heavens, allowing you to read one's lifespan and basic celestial phenomenons when looking at the sky. You can also somewhat read fate.
But we, the demon race, cannot read fate just by looking at the sky. Occasionally, some unique demons find ritual methods suited to them and read heavenly phenomenons like humans.
Generally, the vast majority of us can't read the heavens but instead read the spiritual energy flowing over this land.]
'Spiritual energy?'
[There are many different tribes within the demon race, so not all are the same. But fundamentally, all of us in the demon race read the Yin and Yang of spiritual energy.]
Seo Ran continued his explanation.
[Unlike humans, we can't observe celestial energy. But the heaven and earth spiritual energy continuously circulates according to the principle of Yin and Yang. Aren't we visualizing and observing this circulation of Yin and Yang? By reading and understanding this circulation, we can obtain information different from human cultivators.
Typically, animals can detect danger and flee quickly because of this reason. We might not have the ability to read grander flows like humans, but in terms of intuition, visualizing this Yin and Yang is the biggest difference between demon and human consciousness.]
'What?'
The more I heard, the more I felt a strange sense of dissonance.
What I was seeing was not the scene described by Seo Ran.
What I was seeing was countless hues based on seven colors, visualizing the intent of countless beings.
I had never saw the circulation of spiritual energy as described by Seo Ran.
[That's why I judge you as a disguised demon. The unique temperament of your consciousness, which only appears among demon beasts when detecting the circulation of Yin and Yang, exists in your consciousness...]
What could it be?
Is the world of seven colors I've entered the circulation of spiritual energy Seo Ran speaks of?
But no matter how I look, this scene seemed far too removed from the circulation of Yin and Yang.
[Why did the King judge you as a demi-human? You don't seem to be lying, and it's impossible for the King to be mistaken... Hybrids of humans and demons typically follow human consciousness, specialized in reading celestial phenomenons, not the flow of Yin and Yang.]
According to Seo Ran, why then did the Sea Dragon King consider me a demi-human?
Shouldn't he have seen me as a disguised demon, like Seo Ran did right away?
Thinking about it, a thought struck me.
When I met Seo Hweol... was my consciousness just like a typical human's?
Perhaps, it was after meeting Seo Hweol that my consciousness underwent a transformation.
The biggest change to my consciousness was.
Yin and Yang, Heaven and Earth, the Three Talents!
Realizing the principle of the Three Talents and creating... the division of the Gang Sphere!
That was the most significant event that changed my consciousness in this life!
I felt like I had grasped a clue.
I focused more on that sensation of splitting the Gang Sphere, not creating it, but as an axis where Heaven and Earth revolved!
Buzzing!
As I concentrated on that sensation, my head started to hurt unbearably.
[Ah, you didn't know your true identity? By realizing now, your consciousness has become more firmly established.]
Despite the headache, I knew I was on the right track and focused even more on that sensation.
It felt like breaking through something that was blocked.
But this kind of sensation...
I've felt this when reaching the peak and when I reached the Five Energies Converging to the Origin!
Break through!
Break through!
I, as Man.
The two Gang Spheres, as Heaven and Earth.
When I realized this, I was able to split the Gang Spheres stably.
That sensation, just a bit more.
"Argh!"
My head felt like it was going to split open.
But I clenched my teeth, enduring the pain, and focused even more on the sensation.
Blood dripped from my nose and eyes.
My ears were buzzing.
My senses seemed to fade away.
And then.
Boom!
The sensation I felt when reaching the Five Energies Converging to the Origin and being connected to heaven and earth spiritual energy.
Similar, yet a new sensation completely settled in.
No, it wasn't just settling. It was more like awakening the senses that I always had.
"Ah..."
Heaven and Earth are endlessly flowing.
Or should I say, Yin and Yang? Heaven and Earth?
No, it should be Taiji.
The spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth is flowing everywhere, drawing Taiji.
In the leaves, in the water droplets, even in Seo Ran's body.
Everywhere, Yin and Yang is circulating, stabilizing Heaven and Earth.
At that moment, I instinctively raised my hand.
A Gang Sphere rose from my palm.
The Gang Sphere split into two, following the principle of Yin and Yang circulation of Heaven and Earth.
But why?
When I see the circulation of Yin and Yang, why did I evolve the Gang Sphere through the principle of Three Talents?
The Taiji of Yin and Yang circulating in Heaven and Earth.
They are not always in a perfect shape.
Sometimes they circulate not in a circle but in an ellipse, a flattened shape, indescribably changing.
And these changes originate from 'beings' with spiritual power.
I then seemed to understand why my realization was connected to the Three Talents.
In the world, there are Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang, but within them, beings are born and the living change Heaven and Earth.
They are the essence of Man
Born between Heaven and Earth, all beings change the world.
Change itself is the circulation of Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang.
Whizz!
As the two Gang Spheres were rotating, tailing each other.
A faint aura connected them.
From the two Gang Spheres, a third one split.
The three Gang Spheres were rotating above my heart, following the principle of Heaven, Earth, and Man.
I had gained enlightenment on the Ultimate Pinnacle realm.
Zing-
At the same time, I could no longer cling to the senses of Yin and Yang and withdrew from it.
Akin to when I first entered the world of intent, staying any longer felt like my brain would burn out.
However, thanks to the gained insights, the three rotating Gang Spheres remained.
Seo Ran looked at the Gang Spheres with interest.
[Ho, what's that? A trait of your race?]
"Well, let's just say so."
Among humans, Kim Young-Hoon and I were the first to reach the Ultimate Pinnacle, so I decided to just go with that.
"Thanks to Sir Seo Ran for clearly identifying my identity, I could more firmly see the world of Heaven and Earth. Thank you."
[Haha, sure. If the Dragon King sent you, I should help this much. Seeing you now, it seems you hadn't fully awakened your demon consciousness when you met the King. Now you really have no difference from a demon beast.
But it's strange. How come a demi-human has a demon's consciousness and not a human's? It's really rare and hard to understand."]
"Hmm, isn't it not an absolute rule?"
Seo Ran shook his head.
[Sorry, but it's indeed an absolute rule. The fact that human cultivators can read Heaven's will means that humans found a ritual method suitable for them and became a race that communicates with the heavens.
If the consciousness of human cultivators is attuned to the heavens, then the consciousness of a demon beast is aligned with the circulation of spiritual energy, symbolizing the earth. Since heaven suppresses earth, the mixed blood of a demi-human always inherits the divine consciousness of the human race.
But what about you? Are you some kind of anomaly where heaven and earth are reversed? How did a hybrid awaken the consciousness of the demon race?]
"Aha..."
While listening to Seo Ran's explanation, I realized something again.
Originally, cultivators specialized in reading the celestial energy with their consciousness, and the demon race in reading the circulation of spiritual energy. But those who reach the Five Energies Converging to the Origin base their consciousness on the seven colors of intent.
According to Seo Ran, the world of seven colors I've seen so far is completely different from both human cultivators and demon beasts.'
What does the vision of consciousness I perceive signify?
'Human? Is it just a racial characteristic inherent to humans?'
But what if it's not? What if it follows the logic of the Three Talents, the perspective of Man?
However, the concept of heaven, earth, and man in the Three Talents is a very human-centric principle.
Heaven, Earth, and Man.
Are humans comparable to heaven and earth?
It's not just humans who live in this world.
'...I'm not sure.'
For now, I decided to think of it as a racial characteristic of humans.
Even if I find other reasons later, this is the only hypothesis I have now.
I organized my thoughts and, after dispelling the Gang Spheres, gave Seo Ran a fist salute.
"Thank you for helping me open my eyes."
[What nonsense are you spouting? You were the one who established your identity after listening to me. Why are you thanking me? It's like thanking someone else for opening your eyes that you rubbed awake yourself.
...And anyway, since the King sent you to me, it means he wants me to teach you the demon language. I'm fluent in both human culture and language.]
His words continued.
[Since you've awakened the same consciousness as the demon race, it will be much easier to teach you. A typical demi-human hybrid would normally need to learn special powers to learn the demon language.]
"...?"
I need to learn some kind of power to understand the language?
[Come with me. Being out in the open at the altar, I can feel the mortals of Utmost Chaos Island approaching. They might offer tributes again if they see me, so let's go to my place first.]
Whoosh!
Seo Ran turned around and started swimming towards the sea.
I also leaped off the cliff.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!
I stepped on the waves and continued to follow Seo Ran.
After following the dragon across the sea for some time,
"My place is below here. Follow me down."
Whoosh!
Seo Ran stopped swimming on the surface and dived down.
"..."
I sighed lightly, looking down at the dark sea below.
'I should definitely learn up to a certain stage in the Water Surpassing Path in my next life.'
I took a deep breath and jumped into the sea.
With my experience in feeling the patterns in the air, I now sensed the patterns in the water currents, swimming as fast as I could to catch up to Seo Ran.
Seo Ran seemed to be going slow enough for me to follow, but in the water, it was still hard to keep up.
After feeling the increasing water pressure and descending further, I saw countless coral reefs below.
Like a garden underneath the sea.
In a gap of the coral garden, there was an underwater cave.
Seo Ran entered the underwater cave, and I followed him in.
The underwater cave went down and then up again. After swimming up for a while in the cave,
Whoosh-
"Phew!"
I was able to finally breathe in the fresh air.
'The air is surprisingly refreshing?
I evaporated the water on me using my internal energy as I climbed onto the ground inside the cave, feeling the remarkably fresh air.
[Welcome to my abode. There's a special coral here called Clear Coral that always keeps the air clean. Even ordinary terrestrial beings can live here.]
"The air is as refreshing as in some deep mountains."
Hmm-
As Seo Ran activated his spiritual power, the round spirit stones embedded in the ceiling began to emit light.
Seo Ran's cave was incredibly large and spacious, with tunnels leading to other places here and there.
He laid his massive body in the cave and spoke.
[If the king commanded you to find me, then it would be better for me to quickly and comfortably teach you. Besides, since you have awakened the consciousness of the demon race, you dont need to learn the special powers I mentioned. First, I should explain a bit about the demon race's language.]
I listened intently to Seo Rans explanation.
[Your human race produces sounds using vocal cords and conveys words by vibrating the air, turning them into language, correct?']
'Yes, that's right.
[We of the demon race can also make sounds with our voice. However, most of us were animals before gaining spirituality through cultivation. So, even if we talked using the sounds we made as animals, other races wouldnt understand no matter what.
But, there's a reason why we, the demon race, are collectively known as 'Demon. There's something common among us. Notably, the Demon Core unique to our race and the consciousness that perceives the circulation of spiritual energy.]
Whoosh!
As Seo Ran raised his forepaw, spiritual energy whirled above it.
Realizing he was about to show something important, I reawakened the senses from before.
It felt like my head was burning up, but once again, I could see the circulation of Taiji in the flow of heaven and earth.
Above Seo Rans forepaw was the circulation of Yin and Yang.
[Many demons have agreed upon this common point. Our common language, from now on, shall be based on this consciousness.]
Whoosh, whoosh!
Seo Ran opened his mouth.
Spiritual energy burst from his mouth, drawing numerous Taiji patterns in the air.
I heard no sound, nor did I perceive any reaction from the spiritual energy.
To an unknowing observer, it would seem like just a slight release of spiritual energy from the mouth.
However, I could see it.
The spiritual energy whirled and transformed into something.
[If human speech is conveyed through air as a medium, the demon race's speech is conveyed through spiritual energy.]
Focusing more on the sense of seeing the circulation of spiritual energy, it seemed like I could hear its sound in my ears.
Well, it wasnt exactly hearing or seeing, but more of an 'intuitive feeling'. Strictly speaking, this wasnt visualization at all.
"&%%^^$^..."
I couldn't understand the meaning, but through it, I was able to hear Seo Ran's 'voice'.
[It seems you roughly understand. Now, it won't be a problem to teach you some demon language.]
Seo Ran, realizing I heard his voice, grinned and began teaching me the demon language.
Half a year has passed.
I earned numerous words and vocabulary in the demon language, as well as the method of speaking it.
I became completely familiar with the sense of perceiving the circulation of Yin and Yang.
Now you can probably read most books without any problems.'
'Thank you. I owe it to you, Seo Hyung.'
I expressed my gratitude to Seo Ran, who spoke to me using his voice.
I had just finished reading a basic cultural book about the demon race given by Seo Ran today.
Now you should be able to read the demon beast method given by the King without any problems. There won't be any more confusing vocabulary, so it's safe to read the manual.
'Thank you.
'Haha, no need. I'm glad I could fulfill a favor for the King.'
We exchanged a few words of gratitude.
During the conversation, Seo Ran asked me.
'...Actually, fulfilling the King's request was partly because it was from him, but also because I have a favor to ask of you. Would you be willing to help me?'
'Well, if it's Seo Hyung who taught me the demon language, I'll help as much as I can.'
'Thank you. In fact, maybe the King sent you to me because of the issue I'm currently contemplating... About 30 years ago, I discovered a large barrier deep in the Black Wind Sea.
Inside that barrier, I found something crucial for my cultivation. However, the barrier can only be broken by combining the powers of the human and demon races, and I haven't met a trustworthy human cultivator to attempt it.'
He politely asked for my help.
'If you help me, Ill assist with the method you received from the King. Your bloodline definitely contains that of the human race, so it will be helpful in breaking the barrier.'
I readily nodded.
'If you need my help, I should naturally assist. I'm also happy to repay the teachings I received from Seo Hyung.'
'Good. Thank you. Then shall we start learning the method right away?'
I took out the demon beast method I received from Sea Dragon King Seo Hweol.
The manual was bound in the hide of some beast.
According to Seo Ran, it seems to be the hide of a creature called crystal beast.
I read the title of this demon beast method.
The manual was called Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation ()."
-x-X-x-
Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation?
I read the demon beast method from beginning to end.
Whenever I came across an unfamiliar demon script, I asked Seo Ran for clarification, which helped me fully understand the manual.
This is completely different from the cultivation methods practiced by humans.
Unlike humans who base their practices on the Five Elements, the demon race's methods are based on their inherent primal instincts .
It's not about accurately classifying and manipulating the attributes contained in the heavenly and earth spiritual energy.
Instead, it involves recklessly absorbing the mixed spiritual energy and then forcibly purifying it within the body, relying on the demon race's primal instincts to control it.
That was the foundation of the demon beast methods.
As I looked at the technique for indiscriminately absorbing the heaven and earth spiritual energy, I narrowed my eyes.
"Isn't this similar to internal energy methods?"
It was exactly that.
The aspect of absorbing mixed spiritual energy was no different from a martial artists internal energy method.
The difference lay in the subsequent activation and purification of that energy.
"If martial artists also activate and purify their internal energy, could they learn demon beast methods like the demon race?"
Probably not.
The enlightenment directly linked to demon beast methods is the sensation of Earth.
The world of Yin and Yang.
Martial artists who can perceive such things do not exist.
Moreover, if a martial artist were to activate such energy within their body, they would literally tear apart and die.
"It's dangerous."
A literal perfect way to die.
"But, it's worth learning."
Fortunately, I had enough of a catalyst in my body to activate the energy.
"Qi Refining 13th Star, Unified Origin completed."
From this point, one needs to complete Qi Refining 14th Star, Infinite Spiritual Cloud, and then challenge the Qi Building stage.
Generally, once someone completes Qi Refining 12th Star, merging all spiritual meridians into one, they are ready to enter Qi Building.
From Qi Refining 13th Star, it's essentially a preparatory stage for Qi Building.
"Seo Ran Hyung, I'm going to seclude myself nearby to learn this method."
"Alright, I also need to make preparations to break the barrier, so return within three years."
Leaving Seo Rans cave to cultivate, I went to a suitable rocky island nearby.
After digging a cave to avoid disturbances, I began my first attempt at Qi Building along with Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation.
Qi Refining 13th Star, Unified Origin.
A stage where the spiritual power formed in the spiritual meridians is concentrated into a single point in the dantian.
To reach the next stage, Infinite Spiritual Cloud, I needed to activate the point of spiritual power in the dantian and create a cloud of spiritual power inside.
"I'll activate the point of Unified Origin!"
Boom!
A thunderous vibration seem to come from within the dantian.
Bang!
The point of Qi exploded.
In that explosion, the energy within the Inner Core transformed and became purified.
"But this isn't enough."
After the explosion of the origin point, a cloud of spiritual power flew out.
Woosh!
Qi Refining 14th Star.
I entered the Infinite Spiritual Cloud stage.
"With this cloud..."
Rumble!
I condense it.
Continuously condensing the cloud until it reach its limit.
"And now, I challenge Qi Building!"
Flash!
A light seemed to ignite inside the dantian.
Then the clouds began to contract.
And when the contraction reached a critical point.
Kuaang!
A powerful explosion sounded as if thunder was striking within me.
A blast far stronger than before, potentially lethal if it ruptures the dantian!
However, I drew energy from the Inner Core to prevent the blast from escaping, thereby preventing a lethal explosion.
"Phew... Is it over?"
The cloud of spiritual power, created by the eruption of the Unified Origin point, had lost all its energy and vanished.
My cultivation, which had soared to Qi Refining 14th Star for a moment, had returned to the completed level of Qi Refining 12th Star.
I can return to Qi Refining 13th Star by repeating the circulation of power.
But for now, it was a drop in cultivation.
My first attempt at Qi Building ended in failure.
However,
Woosh!
In the center of the dantian.
Due to the tremendous activation during the breakthrough, the power within the Inner Core became incredibly purified.
"With this purified energy, I'll utilize the techniques of demon beast methods..."
The Inner Core began vibrating.
Simultaneously, my consciousness began to tremble in sync with the vibration.
"According to the technique in the method... I align my consciousness with the primal instincts described by the method."
Grrrumble...
My consciousness transforms.
Just as Seo Rans consciousness covers his body in his own form, my consciousness, which had been enveloping me in a spherical form, began to morph into the shape of a dragon.
"It's somewhat uncomfortable."
After all, it was a human trying to learn the cultivation methods of a demon beast.
No matter how careful I am, there is bound to be some disharmony.
"It feels like wearing clothes that don't fit..."
But still.
After aligning my consciousness with the dragon's primal instincts, I began to manipulate the energy accordingly.
Rumble!
Spiritual power began to surge outwards.
The demon races methods do not progressively activate the spiritual meridians in an orderly manner.
Instead, it recklessly races towards the final form of the method, without caring for anything else.
The practitioner's physique must change towards the final form of the method.
Rumble!
As the surging spiritual power whirls outwards, the spiritual meridians inside my body gradually adapt and change.
Once this transformation is complete, I should be able to use some of the abilities described in Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation.
I will become much stronger.
However...
"Arrgh!"
It's excruciatingly painful!
Perhaps because it's not meant for humans to learn, every time my spiritual meridians forcibly adapt to Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation, it feels as though they are tearing apart.
I grit my teeth.
Crack!
Inside the cave on the rocky island, as I clench my fists, handprints imprint on the cave walls.
Gritting my teeth, I continue to cultivate the method.
"I'll find... the next path!"
The next realm of martial arts.
And a way for someone without talent like me to ascend to Qi Building.
I will find it, no matter what!
A year passed.
Above the Black Wind Sea.
On a certain rocky island.
The quiet rocky island began to undergo changes.
Creak, crack...
The island started to shake.
Rumble!
The vibrations emanating from the island grew stronger, and then...
Crack!
The island began to split.
Kuang Kuang Kuang
The island shattered, and a dragons ascension began.
From within the island, a powerful whirlwind surge, grinding the island from inside out.
Rumble!
Black rocks are torn apart and lifted into the air, swirling in all directions.
In the middle of the sea.
A small whirlwind strikes.
Roar!
At the center of the whirlwind, there is a shadowy figure.
From this being, the whirlwind drew water from the Black Wind Sea into the sky, scattering rain in all directions.
At the center of the whirlwind.
The shadowy figure inside draws in wind for a while before moving the whirlwind onto a nearby rocky island.
Gradually, the wind dies down, and the figure inside uses the wind to step onto the rocky island.
I move my consciousness, feeling the wind that placed me on the rocky island.
My consciousness, which had transformed into a form akin to a sea dragon, returned to its spherical shape.
"This is... Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation."
Literally, a demon beast method that summons wind.
I recall a familiar memory, thinking of the ability I had just displayed.
Throughout the time I have been learning this method, a sense of dj vu has been growing, which exploded when I finally used that ability.
It was like...
"Isn't this similar to what the Makli Clan uses?"
The wind attribute spells used by the Makli Clan.
They were so similar to this method that it was uncanny.
The difference being, unlike the faint devilish aura in the wind called by the Makli Clan,
Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation has a ferocious wildness in its winds.
That was the difference between Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation and the wind techniques of the Makli Clan.
"Come to think of it... Most of the Makli Clan's spells are related to dragons."
I used to think the Makli Clan's spells were of the Yin attribute.
But thinking again.
All the spells used by the Makli Clan.
The river with the smell of decaying bodies.
The whirlwinds where wind dragons and wind phoenixes appear.
The spells that cover the sky in dark clouds to bring down rain.
They are all related to water and wind.
Water and wind.
These are powers related to storms.
And historically, dragons have been called the tribes of the storm.
Especially the sea dragon clan, symbolizing the storm of the sea.
"What is the relationship between the Makli Clan, a devilish clan, and the Sea Dragon Tribe?"
Also, how is Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation related to the devilish arts of the Makli Clan?
Could this demon beast method also be a kind of devilish art?
"No, it's not a devil path method."
Those who have learned devilish arts, especially those from the Makli Clan, emit an unpleasant devilish aura, but I don't feel that here.
Still, as soon as I realized the connection between Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation and the Makli Clan, I felt a certain repulsion.
"The power is certainly outstanding..."
It seems to suit me well, unlike other methods such as Earth Surpassing Path, as I achieved it much faster.
But still, there's discomfort as if Im wearing ill-fitted clothes, and the connection with the Makli Clan only amplifies this uneasiness.
"...I'm not sure. No point in worrying about it now. Better to ask Seo Ran later for a clear explanation."
After shaking off these thoughts, I pondered what to do next.
Should I go to Seo Ran's cave?
Or should I return to the mainland?
After all, Seo Ran said its fine as long as I return within three years. I've just barely learned the basic abilities of Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation. Should I go to Seo Ran to receive further guidance and enhance my mastery of the method?
Or should I go to the mainland to search for traces of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect in the western mountains of Shengzi during the remaining time?
According to Jin Byuk-ho, there are some records left by the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect in the western mountains of Shengzi.
I might find them if I search.
"What should I do?"
After pondering for a while,
I determined where to spend the remaining two-plus years.
"Let's head to the mainland."
I turn towards Shengzi.
Though Seo Ran said the barrier would be safe, its an unpredictable situation after all. Considering the possibility of losing my life unexpectedly, gathering more information is prudent.
Whoosh!
As I activate Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation again, my Inner Core responds, releasing energy.
Wind swirls around me, lifting me into the air.
I fly north from the Black Wind Sea towards Shengzi.
Shengzi Is a nation governed by numerous cultivator clans.
Because of this, there are many regulations set by these clans that are deeply rooted throughout the country.
I found myself caught in one of these numerous rules.
In the Western Capital City of Shengzi, near the western mountains,
I was surrounded by several high-level Qi Refining cultivators in a certain clan's territory.
"Flying is prohibited? What do you mean?"
"Hmph, you didnt you know the laws of Shengzi when you came here? Is that even possible? In various parts of the country, flying is prohibited to prevent large-scale battles among the members of different cultivator clans.
Since you violated the rules, you must immediately pay a fine of 100 spirit stones."
"..."
I ask the stern-looking green-robed man.
"According to my knowledge, the place where I flew was slightly outside the territory of your clan. Do I still have to pay the fine?"
"Hmph! What are you talking about? The place where you flew was clearly above our clan's territory. If you don't pay the spirit stones, you will have to serve time in our clan's prison."
'This is preposterous...'
It's not that I'm completely ignorant of the laws of Shengzi.
I've been here in a previous life, so how could I not know?
It's true that there are no-fly zones, but the place where I flew was just outside one of these zones.
However, this green-robed man is now trying to unfairly impose a fine on me, taking advantage of the fact that I'm a foreigner.
'I don't have any spirit stones on me right now...'
Not even the common storage devices that cultivators carry.
What should I do?
After pondering for a moment, I ask him,
"What if I can't pay right now but promise to leave it at the front of my clan?"
"Your clan?"
At my words, the green-robed man and the other cultivators looked at each other.
"Aren't you a loose cultivator?"
"No, I belong to a clan."
"Hmm, which clan is it?"
I smile and introduce my 'clan.'
"The Makli Clan."
Silence fell among the crowd at my words.
"...What nonsense... Cultivators of the Makli Clan all wear blue robes, don't they?"
"Ah, I had no choice but to come to Shengzi secretly."
"Secretly? What business does someone from the Makli Clan have in Shengzi, to come in secret?"
"I cannot say. It's a clan secret after all."
"This guy. The more I look, the more suspicious he seems. Pretending to be from the Makli Clan, huh?"
"Pretending?"
I chuckle lightly.
"Do you still think it's pretending after seeing this?"
Rumble!
I activate Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation, gathering the wind around me.
"I am indeed an elder of the Makli Clan!"
Whooosh!
A whirlwind blows around, sweeping up the green-robed cultivators.
"Ah, this guy! He's attacking us!"
"That, that's indeed a technique of the Makli Clan!"
"This scoundrel from the Makli Clan is attacking us!"
Those cultivators, maybe because they were law enforcers of Shengzi, managed to withstand the wind of Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation with their high-level Qi Refining skills. They even showed signs of counterattacking with other spells.
However, this is all a deception.
Whoosh!
While the whirlwind covers the surroundings and obscures vision, I release a Gang Sphere from my palm.
The Gang Sphere spins and splits into three, hovering above my hand.
"Listen well, I am Makli Hyun, elder of the Makli Clan! Do not block my path!"
Whooosh!
Amidst the dusty wind obscuring everyone's vision, the three Gang Spheres fly towards the green-robed cultivators at the speed of light.
Boom, boom, boom!
The Gang Spheres strike the cultivators' defensive spells and magic artifacts, causing great shock but not killing them.
"Ahh...!"
"This power..."
"He's a Qi Building cultivator... an elder!"
One of the green-robed cultivators hastily infuses spiritual power into a talisman.
Facing the talisman that seems to transmit messages, the green-robed cultivator yells with a pale face.
"An elder of the Qi Building stage from the Makli Clan has infiltrated Shengzi across the border! The Makli Clan of Yanguo has violated the treaty!!"
Boom!
Using the wind, I shake off the cultivators and quickly fly towards the western mountains.
"Treaty violation! The cultivator clans of Shengzi will formally protest against the Makli Clan!!"
Let them protest.
I leave the yelling green-robed cultivators behind and fly through the sky.
The western mountains are close.
Once I get inside, they won't be able to catch me easily.
A protest against the Makli Clan is none of my concern.
Flash!
Flash, flash!
Whether it was the effect of the green-robed cultivator's message talisman or not, I saw green lights below starting to chase after me.
Those Qi Refining cultivators of the clan began to gather below me, forming an unusual formation.
From the looks of the formation, it isnt an easy one to deal with.
"A formation for Qi Building cultivators?"
I pretended to be a Qi Building cultivator using the strength of the Ultimate Pinnacle, but I am only at the extreme level of Qi Refining. Getting caught in the formation would be troublesome.
"I can't get caught."
Whoosh!
Gang Qi escapes from my palm.
The Gang Qi splits into three and is then reabsorbed into me.
"Triple acceleration."
Flash!
My consciousness, transformed into the form of a sea dragon, becomes even more akin a sea dragon, and the wind of Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation becomes even stronger.
Flash!
Wrapped in stronger winds, I fly even faster towards the western mountains.
Soon, Im out of the range of the formation set by the Qi Refining cultivators.
"Are the western mountains ahead?"
I take in the sight of the western mountains, preparing to hide.
At that moment...
Rumble!
A fearsome presence is felt from behind.
"That is..."
A tingling sensation in my limbs.
A Qi Building cultivator.
Still a dot in the distance, but I know how quickly it will approach.
"Tch, I need to push it a bit."
Rumble!
I increase the wind speed.
The whirlwind surrounding me grows larger, showing its ferocity that connects the sky and the earth.
Drip-
Blood drips from my mouth.
But I ignore it and expand Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation even more.
The whirlwind of a Qi Building cultivator!
A huge dragons ascension absorbs the surrounding dirt and dust, clouding the area.
Puff!
I break out of the dragons ascension and form a hand seal.
"Ha!"
Rumble!
The whirlwind moves.
The ashen whirlwind flies towards the chasing Qi Building and green-robed cultivators.
The Qi Building cultivator is startled and quickly casts a spell to counterattack.
I wipe the blood from my mouth, concentrating my consciousness.
I had excessively forced out spiritual power equivalent to Qi Building at the level of Qi Refining.
Such an attack can only be used once, and using the Gang Sphere might wrongly implicate Kim Young-hoon, who is active in Yanguo.
So, I will create a disturbance with this attack and then escape.
Swoosh!
My sword energy cuts through the air, and my consciousness vanish, concealed by the Hidden Consciousness Technique.
Flash!
I quickly descend towards the western mountains, forming a hand seal.
"Earth Surpassing Path!
Rumble!
The earth opens up to receive me.
I fall into the ground beneath the western mountains using the Earth Surpassing Path.
The earth's spiritual energy flowing through the western mountains will maximize my Earth Surpassing Path.
Moreover,
"Argh! This scum from the Makli Clan! Everyone, chase after him! If he's from the Makli Clan, he must have fled into the sky!"
Their prejudice against the Makli Clan didn't apply to me hiding underground.
I hide beneath the ground, watching the Qi Building cultivator from the green-robed clan destroy my whirlwind and fly off into the wrong direction in the sky, and wipe off the remaining blood from my mouth.
"Now, let's go find the records of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect."
A few months later.
I found the archive at Shattered Heaven Peak in the western mountains, where Jin Byuk-ho mentioned the records of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect were located.
Indeed, what is the relationship between the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and the Ascension Gate?
Creak-
I open the door of the archive and enter.
The interior of the archive is dim and murky.
At the same time, the area is permeated with a formation that blurs the senses, making it hard to distinguish where anything was. If it weren't for the clues given to me by Jin Byuk-ho, I might not have been able to find the archive of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect in just a few months.
I extend my consciousness, carefully navigating the structure of the archive while avoiding the interference of the formation.
After a while, I enter the archive and walk towards the section where the books are kept.
"Tsk...There's hardly anything left."
I click my tongue in disappointment.
Perhaps because the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect ascended to the higher realms and took all the important items from the sect with them, there were only a few books left in the archive.
"Let's seeThe record about the founder of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Ancestor Yang Su-jin..."
Fortunately, what I was looking for was still there, and I started reading the book without hesitation.
The book detailed the life of Yang Su-jin, the founding ancestor of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. It was not much different from what I had read in the royal archive of Shengzi.
There were minor specific details and differences, but the broader aspects were as I already knew.
Of course, there were some shockingly accurate details described.
"Ha, he ascended to the higher realms and really tore through the void to descend back to this world."
The book detailed the years when Yang Su-jin ascended and returned.
According to the book, it took roughly three thousand years for him to ascend and then come back.
'Three thousand years...'
It seems short compared to the history of 120,000 years, but even mankind's calendar on Earth is roughly only two thousand years old. What concept of time can three thousand years represent?
'In any case, it's confirmed that Yang Su-jin is the cause behind the Ascension Gate.'
The book explicitly stated that the Ascension Gate was established by 'our founding patriarch.'
Of course, the space where the Ascension Gate opened was originally prone to spatial rifts and instability.
It was said that never before had such a clear pathway to the higher realms been created.
'I want to read more about the Ascension Gate, but it seems the rest is just about how he established the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and governed the sect.'
I felt a bit disappointed and turned the page.
As I reach the end of the book, I furrow my brows.
'Yang Su-jin disappeared in his later years?'
I was surprised to find such a bold statement in the sect's archive, declaring that their founding patriarch had gone missing.
'It's more credible than a book of wild conjectures, but still...'
Missing?
A cultivator who achieved the Heavenly Being stage and ascended.
After reaching much higher realms and tearing through the void to descend, he just went missing?
I flip through the book but find only statements about how the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect had searched the entire continent and seas but couldn't find anything about their founding patriarch.
I closed the book and picked up another one.
This book detailed the lineage of the sect's leaders and their relationships.
I scanned it quickly, hoping to find something useful, but found nothing and closed it, moving on to the next book.
The next was not useful either, containing the wills and sayings of past sect leaders.
'As I thought, they took all the important and secret documents and left only what others could see.'
Feeling slightly irritated, I still hoped to find something useful and kept turning the pages.
'The collection of wills of the past leaders of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect? What use do I have for this...'
Suddenly, while flipping through the book, I pause.
Although Yang Su-jin had disappeared without leaving a will, his last words before disappearing were recorded in the book.
-There is no place like home. Do the disciples of the sect have a home in their hearts?
'Home...'
It was part of a speech he had given before disappearing.
My eyes are drawn to the first sentence of the speech, 'There is no place like home.'
I shift my gaze to the last sentence.
-People all have a home in their hearts. We must all strive to reach that home in our hearts.
"To reach the home in our hearts..."
A few days later, Yang Su-jin was recorded as having disappeared.
'Went to find his home?'
I ponder over these lines for a while, then close the book.
My mind is filled with thoughts.
With mixed feelings, I picked up the next book.
The book was similar to the previous book but contained a collection of teachings and warnings left by the leaders for future generations.
I read a warning left by Yang Su-jin, for future generations.
"Future generations must read the stele erected by the founding master in front of the Void Gate before attempting to ascend to the higher realms. This is a crucial rule that must be followed by all future ascendants of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. Remember, always remember."
The "Void Gate" mentioned here seems to refer to the Ascension Gate.
"The stele in front of the Ascension Gate..."
It was a stele inscribed with thunderclouds, floating in the void, absorbing lightning, with the words:
"...leave something behind for future generations and ascend with a calm heart. Those who do not abide by this will face disaster."
But, the part about what exactly to leave behind was damaged, so its full meaning remained unknown.
I click my tongue lightly, guessing that Yang Su-jin's warning had likely not been heeded.
"It seems it was prepared for future generations, but now that the entire sect has ascended to the higher realms, it probably doesn't matter anymore."
After all, it was an event from 120,000 years ago, difficult to maintain till now.
The original purpose of the stele remains unknown, but it seems to have served its purpose.
After reading the book, I turn my attention to the next one.
"Hmm? This book is the last."
Perhaps because the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect took everything necessary, there were no more books in the archive.
I picked up the last book and read it.
Surprisingly, the last book contained a unique technique of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect!
This technique, called Lightning Predicting Eye, is an eye technique relying on the sense of reading celestial energy to predict tomorrow's weather and where and how lightning will strike.
"...How am I supposed to use this?"
It seems the sect themselves deemed this book useless and left it behind.
Predicting the weather is something cultivators, even demon beasts, could do. With the demon races senses of Earth, one could predict lightning strikes without the need for Lightning Predicting Eye.
Sensitive cultivators could even calculate the location of lightning strikes based on the flow of spiritual energy.
"No, wait."
This technique seems designed for the slightly less spiritually sensitive cultivators to calculate the location of lightning strikes based on the flow of spiritual energy.
A vague technique created specifically for lower-level cultivators.
"..."
I skim through the book quickly, storing it in my mind.
"Can't say if it'll be of any use."
How often does one encounter lightning in life anyway? Those powerful enough to predict and avoid lightning would defend themselves with their own abilities. For those too weak, needing the use of the technique, it would be of no use anyway.
I close the last book and look around the archive again.
As expected, nothing else is left.
"I came here thinking it would take years to find what I need."
But I had read all the books in the archive in less than a day.
There were hardly more than ten books in total.
So much for gaining any knowledge.
I didn't learn anything new about the Ascension Gate, just some strange and unsettling conjectures about Yang Su-jin.
I leave the archive and explore the area around Shattered Heaven Peak.
There were traces of the massive sect and many cultivators' lives, but Shattered Heaven Peak was now empty. Where buildings might have stood, only traces remained, not even foundation stones.
It seems the entire sect, including the buildings, had ascended to the higher realms.
There was nothing more to see.
"Sigh..."
I sat down where a building once stood at the edge of Shattered Heaven Peak.
"Maybe I should just go back to Seo Ran."
I had originally come to the western mountains to investigate the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect for the remaining two years.
I didn't expect to finish so quickly without much to show for it.
Lost in thought, I suddenly notice the spiritual energy at the peak is incredibly dense.
"Thinking about it, it makes sense. This was the site of a large sect."
The spiritual energy is several times denser than at the main house of the Cheongmun Clan.
"There's no need to hurry back to Seo Ran's place, given such a great training ground."
After all, I came here because Seo Ran said it would take him three years to prepare.
If I go back now, I'd just be training anyway.
So why not train here, where the spiritual energy is denser than at Seo Ran's place?
"Yes, this place seems more conductive for trying to ascend to Qi Building."
I move my recovered Qi Refining 14th Star spiritual power, sensing the spiritual cloud swirling in my dantian.
The decision is quick.
I enter a cave likely used by the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, find a spot, and sit down cross-legged.
I spent the previous year learning the Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation method. Now, for the remaining time, I should try to reach the Qi Building stage and see if I have any chance of achieving it.
The spiritual cloud in my dantian began to move.
Ascending to the Qi Building stage involves condensing the spiritual cloud into a single spiritual star.
The spiritual energy must be condensed into the form of a star to truly ascend to the Qi Building stage.
The spiritual cloud gradually began to rotate, and under my will, started to converge into a single point.
Rumble -
The spiritual cloud gathered towards the center of my dantian.
As it concentrated, it compressed to form a star!
Crunch!
Driven by my willpower, the spiritual cloud compressed, and the temperature at its core rose.
At the same time, the fluffy spiritual mist began to merge with each other.
Once the fusion of the spiritual cloud inside the dantian is complete and a stable star is born, I can ascend to the Qi Building stage.
However,
Crack, crack...
Cracks began to form in the star.
"!"
Flash!
Suddenly, there was a flash in the dantian, and the forming star exploded.
Boom!
"Argh!"
I exert all my strength to prevent damage to my dantian.
Thanks to that, the energy of my Inner Core became refined once again, but my face contorted in pain.
'This attempt failed too.'
I needed to capture and stabilize the slight changes occurring at the moment of the star's birth.
Possessing the Five Elements Spiritual Roots, my spiritual power is too chaotic, making it difficult to grasp all the 'slight changes.'
There were too many changes to catch them all.
"Sigh..."
I sigh and examine the state of my dantian.
The spiritual cloud was completely consumed, and my level fell back to the completed 12th Star Qi Refining
'It's frustrating.'
Using Qi Building Pills would greatly reduce the difficulty of reaching the Qi Building stage.
The pure life force in the Qi Building pills injects vitality into the spiritual star, significantly stabilizing it.
However, knowing what the 'life force' in the pills is made of makes me reluctant to use them.
'No, it's more than reluctance.'
It's something that, as a human, I should not consume.
As this thought sank in, I let out a wry laugh, realizing the path I am attempting.
Attempting to reach the Qi Building stage without Qi Building Pills, despite having the Five Elements Spiritual Roots, is madness.
Except for those with Heavenly Spiritual Roots, which cultivator wouldn't use Qi Building Pills to ascend?
The more Spiritual Roots one has, the more subtle changes accompany the birth of the spiritual star. Even those with True Spiritual Roots often take Qi Building Pills due to the crazing shaking of their spiritual star due to the slight changes..
For every inferior spiritual root, the number of accompanying changes increases by a square.
As someone with Five Element Spiritual Roots, I need to control 4 times more changes than someone with True Spiritual Roots.
"Damn it."
I clench my fists in frustration.
This is why I even learned demon beast methods like Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation, to try and find another way.
However, after learning demon beast methods, I realized that they had no relation to the Qi Building process.
'They don't affect each other.'
Like oil and water, the two energies flow separately.
Even though other realizations might bring some connection, currently, they seem unrelated.
'No choice then.'
The only consolation was that every attempt at Qi Building, despite resulting in explosions, refined the energy in my Inner Core.
I sigh and begin to cultivate to reach the 14th Star of Qi Refining again..
Months passed.
I tried again and again to ascend to the Qi Building stage.
Numerous explosions occurred in my dantian, and I experienced excruciating pain each time.
The advantage of being in a region dense with spiritual energy was that, with enough understanding of the stages, I could recover my cultivation from the 12th Star to the 13th and 14th Star of Qi Refining fairly quickly and attempt Qi Building multiple times.
Whoosh!
The number of changes occurring in the spiritual star easily exceeded tens of thousands.
If I could stabilize all these changes and maintain the fusion of the spiritual cloud, a spiritual star would be born.
That is the Qi Building stage.
However, I was overwhelmed just trying to track these daunting changes, let alone catch them all.
I had to catch and understand every minute and faint change of spiritual power thats equivalent or smaller than a grain of sand, stabilize them, and then base the fusion of the spiritual cloud on that to create the spiritual star.
"Damn, it's too difficult."
Even when using Gang Sphere to quadruple the speed of my thoughts, I barely manage to observe the transformations without missing them.
'The only hope seems to be... increasing the number of Gang Spheres to further accelerate thought.'
My consciousness had grown to the extreme level of Qi Refining, and had become almost as vast as it would be in the Qi Building stage.
The larger the consciousness, the more pronounced the acceleration of mental facilities.
Even more so than Kim Young-hoon, who hasn't practiced cultivation!
'Maybe, if I can handle nine Gang Spheres like Kim Hyung, there might be some hope.'
Boom!
The fusion of the Spiritual Cloud failed again, and an explosion occurred, causing pain in my dantian.
Cough!
I spit out a mouthful of blood and manage my internal injuries with internal energy.
Another failure.
With each failure, I find myself focusing more on accelerating thought through the realm of martial arts.
And again, I begin to think about the demon beast methods.
'Martial arts are certainly similar to the methods of the demon race.'
Of course, they're just similar.
They are fundamentally different.
Like the wings of insects and birds, two completely different creatures that have simply undergone convergent evolution.
But certainly, the results they produced are similar.
'So, they can be referenced.'
Demon beast methods and cultivation methods are completely unrelated.
However, for someone without innate talent to attempt to leap to the next stage, a synergy with martial arts is necessary.
And martial arts resemble demon beast methods.
Whoosh!
A Gang Sphere emerges from my heart.
I invoke the Earth sensation that the demons feel.
Now familiar with the demons' sensations, invoking them only causes a slight headache.
It is no longer painful.
This is similar to when I first perceived intent.
The spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
The circulation of Yin and Yang and Taiji in heaven and earth entere my sight.
I can see, or rather feel, the Taiji circulating everywhere in heaven and earth.
All the celestial energy is constantly circulating, with Yin and Yang rotating.
I succeeded in manipulating three Gang Spheres by interpreting the Yin and Yang of heaven and earth, and the changes arising from Yin and Yang from the aspect of Man.
Whoosh!
Just like the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, the Gang Sphere splits into Heaven and Earth, and between Yin and Yang, life is born, symbolizing Man with the Gang Sphere.
'What exactly must be realized to control nine Gang Spheres?'
I recall the Ultimate Pinnacle that the Kim Young-hoons of my past lives had reached.
When I knew nothing, I just admired it as something incredible.
I never had the luxury to think about the principle behind it.
But now, having reached the stage of manipulating three Gang Spheres, I cant even begin to fathom how it was done.
'Furthermore...'
Kim Young-hoon hadn't awakened demon senses through advice like me.
'Did he just naturally grasp the principle of the Three Talents within the Gang Spheres and control nine of them?'
Looking at it again, it is truly an insane talent.
But I refocus my thoughts.
Talent is just the quality of realizing quickly.
If I can understand what was realized, I too can follow in his footsteps!
"...I've decided."
I take a deep breath, concentrate on the Unified Origin of spiritual power, and stand up with my Qi Refining 13th Star cultivation.
"I shouldn't waste time here, I need to go to Kim Hyung."
I plan to formally teach him the demon senses, explain the Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation to him, and help him gain inspiration.
Dash!
I leave the stone cave of Shattered Heaven Peak, kick off the ground, and race towards Yanguo.
To meet Kim Young-hoon in Yanguo, I used the same means as last time through the Jin Clan.
After contacting Kim Young-hoon, he rushed to me in a day.
"Ha ha, how long has it been!"
"It's been a while. You've advanced further again in the meantime."
Since our last meeting, Kim Young-hoon had completely destroyed the Makli Dynasty in collaboration with the Jin Clan.
"Yeah, thanks to you, I succeeded in reaching the Ultimate Pinnacle. I made a name for myself too... But what do you mean by 'again'?"
He welcomed me, but suddenly sensing something off in my words, he asked.
I was startled by his question but quickly composed myself and answered.
"Ah, I mean... Kim Hyung was a department head, and now you've risen even higher in this world. Ha ha.."
"Uwhahaha! A middle manager in a mid-sized company, what are you talking about?"
"Ha ha.."
I control my thoughts and inwardly break out in a cold sweat.
'I unconsciously got a bit confused with my past life.'
As memories accumulate, I sometimes get confused like this.
"Anyway..."
I refine my intent and question.
"Have you improved your skills a bit?"
I ask him with a playful expression.
'I never thought I'd ask such a question in my life...'
Instead of answering, Kim Young-hoon suddenly extends his intent towards me.
I, too, smile and extend my intent in response.
Flash!
Light explodes.
The sound around us vanishes.
In the quiet void, we collide in an instant.
'Let's start.'
2x acceleration.
Boom!
I dive into Kim Young-hoon's embrace and thrust an attack onto him.
However, Kim Young-hoon instantly reacts, repelling my attack and launching a counterattack.
'Has he realized acceleration? Then...'
Let's see how much he has grown.
Boom!
I meet him in combat, gradually increasing my speed.
If I fundamentally value technique, Kim Young-hoon values speed.
Therefore, my Severing Mountain Swordsmanship usually focuses on precise techniques, and his Severing Vein Saber Method is quick and agile.
3x acceleration.
Entering acceleration using two Gang Spheres.
Kim Young-hoon also manages to keep up with ease.
Dozens of clashes occur in a moment.
The surroundings become chaotic, not due to Gang Qi, but due to simple shockwaves from our clashes.
I gradually increase my speed even further.
But that was it.
From then on, Kim Young-hoon only confronts my attacks with his innate instincts.
His speed did not increase further.
As a person who specializes in speed, when he lost that advantage, I began to see his weaknesses.
In the midst of dozens of clashes.
Crash
Eventually, I manage to penetrate his defense and successfully plant a palm strike on his chest.
"Cough! Ack.."
Kim Young-hoon chokes and spins in the air before falling.
"Really, your growth rate is astounding."
I had somewhat anticipated that he would reach the Ultimate Pinnacle in such a short time.
But to already be handling two Gang Spheres.
Whoosh!
Kim Young-hoon laughs, emitting Gang Sphere from his consciousness, and his Gang Sphere begins to split into two and rotate.
"Ha ha, in a few years, Ill surpass you too. Be prepared!"
"Of course, you should. But... how exactly did you split the Gang Sphere, Kim Hyung?"
"Hm?"
Kim Young-hoon looks puzzled at my question.
"Aren't you splitting it too?"
"It seems to me that Kim Hyung and I have not attained the same realization."
"What do you mean? Although everyone's way of obtaining enlightenment in martial arts differs, are you saying the enlightenment itself is different?"
I too float a Gang Sphere and split it into two, just like him.
Then, with demon senses, I rotate the Gang Sphere in perfect sync with the circulation of Yin and Yang of spiritual energy.
If he had obtained the same realization as me, there's no way he wouldn't recognize this rotation.
However, Kim Young-hoon still looks confused.
His expression seems to ask what I expect him to see from the rotating Gang Sphere.
Seeing his expression, I become even more curious.
'What principle did he use to split the Gang Sphere?'
"Kim Hyung. Please tell me. What enlightenment did you achieve?"
***
"What enlightenment, you ask? Hmm, now that I think about it, reaching the Ultimate Pinnacle is bound to be unique to you and me anyway, so it's hard to put into words."
He seemed puzzled for a moment, then floated the Gang Spheres on his palm and continued.
The two Gang Spheres were endlessly circling each other above his hand.
"First, like you, I infused the Gang Sphere with 'myself', right?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"Right, by infusing another part of my consciousness into it, the Gang Sphere appears almost like an avatar in the world of intent. It's possible to absorb the Gang Sphere to accelerate thought. You must know this too, since you've split the Gang Sphere... But a person is not made up solely of themselves."
"...?"
'I'm the same up to this point.'
But from Kim Young-hoon's next explanation, the differences between us began to emerge.
"A person is completed within relationships with others. Then, the enlightenment of the Gang Sphere must start from the concept of relationships. What is the most precious and valuable relationship to a human?"
Whoosh!
The Gang Spheres on his hand vibrate.
Somehow, I felt as if I could hear a heartbeat from the radiance of those spheres.
"Parents."
There was an indescribable nostalgia on his face as he spoke.
"The most direct cause that brought me into the world... I was born because of my father and mother. I received life from them. I am not just made of myself, but also of my parents."
Whoosh-
As he verbalized his realization, he seemed to gain something more.
Was it from our battle, or from observing the three Gang Spheres still floating above my hand?
The Gang Sphere of this martial deity began to change as well.
"My mother and father met, and they had me..."
Boom!
As the two Gang Spheres rotate, a third one begins to emerge within their rotation.
"As I live my life, I met my wife, and will see my children. Maybe even grandchildren. Among the countless relationships and connections I'll encounter in life...
The most precious ones constitute what I am."
'Ah, I see.'
I interpreted the Gang Sphere through the principle of the Three Talents.
Having worshiped the heavens and learned the demon senses, the presence of heaven and earth is very clear to me.
But Kim Young-hoon's principle seems to be family.
Time and time again.
Whenever Kim Young-hoon reached the Ultimate Pinnacle, he almost always handled nine Gang Spheres.
Maybe it was because he kept thinking of his loved and missed ones...
Crack...
Three Gang Spheres.
An amazing achievement and realization, but Kim Young-hoon clenches his fist, dissolving the Gang Spheres, and presses his fist to his chest.
"...Such martial arts are unnecessary. I just... want to see my family again."
"..."
We both disperse our Gang Spheres and stand silently for a while.
Both of us are lost in thought for a moment.
After a while.
Kim Young-hoon lightens the mood with a bitter smile.
"...Enough of this. What's the use of talking about it here? Sorry. Let's talk about martial arts instead."
He smiles faintly and floats the Gang Sphere again.
"Anyway, I realized that I was constantly interacting with the most important relationships in my life. Then, I thought that the Gang Sphere and intent could also be divided within endless interaction and circulation.
'Endless circulation'. That was the principle I found."
"Is that so..."
I too came out of my thoughts and listened intently to his story.
Endless circulation.
This concept also resonates in the world of Taiji I observed.
After all, the Yin and Yang of the world are constantly circulating and interacting.
Although the direction of our enlightenment was different, there is a common ground.
He focused on the circulation of intent.
I focused on the Taiji of spiritual energy.
But even though there was a common point, our realizations are distinctly different.
Then, perhaps our enlightenments could complement each other?
"Kim Hyung. Now, let me share my enlightenment with you. First... focus your mind and visualize the movement of Yin and Yang in your heart."
"Hmm, done."
"In that state, completely forget the flow of intent and concentrate on the flow of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth."
I slowly taught Kim Young-hoon the sensation of Taiji.
The sensation of the demon race, and after a while.
Kim Young-hoon's eyes widened.
"....!!!"
He too entered the same vision as me.
The Yin and Yang flowing throughout heaven and earth.
The endlessly circulating power.
And the Taiji, which is distorted and strangely transformed by the reaction of matter.
Heaven and Earth.
And Man.
Fascinated by the new landscape of all things containing the three principles, Kim Young-hoon gazed vacantly into space for a while as if he had lost his soul.
"Kim Hyung. Are you alright?"
I ask him, seeing that he continued to stare blankly into space.
Normally, if one had just awakened to a new sensation, their head would feel as if it was about to split apart in pain.
However, Kim Young-hoon just blankly nodded his head.
'Even after awakening to a new sensation, he feels no pain? His potential is indeed different from mine.'
It seems he already had some talent for this sensation.
As Kim Young-hoon continued to look into space, three Gang Spheres naturally float around him.
Whoosh!
The three Gang Spheres begin to rotate.
'They have stabilized completely.'
When he first created the third Gang Sphere, it was quite unstable.
But at this moment.
All signs of instability disappeared, and three stable Gang Spheres were just rotating around him.
There is even a hint that the Gang Spheres might split again.
It seems like any moment now, the Gang Spheres could split into four, five, or six.
But then.
"Haah... Haah..."
Kim Young-hoon seemed to come to his senses, panting as he dispersed the three Gang Spheres rotating around him.
He looked extremely surprised.
"Thats it... You realized the principles of Heaven, Earth, and Man in the Taiji of Yin and Yang, not in the circulation of intent."
"...You got it right away. I still don't quite grasp what the circulation of intent is..."
After pondering for a while, Kim Young-hoon, looking at me, spoke.
"No, I dont think you need to worry about that."
"Yes?"
"The day I first felt the circulation of intent, I vaguely sensed the limits of the Gang Sphere. It might not be precise, but the number of Gang Spheres a human can handle is probably between 8 to 10. Thats probably the limit.
Also, I felt that just deeply exploring the circulation of intent is enough to reach its end. So, you too, if you continuously delve into that... Taiji sensation you realized? You should be able to reach the end as well."
He reaches out towards the circulating Taiji in the sky while invoking the sensation of the Earth.
Of course, it isn't tangible, so he can't grasp anything.
"8 to 10 is the human limit. Even if we share our enlightenment, its not like the number of Gang Spheres will multiply to 81 or something. Even if we have more enlightenment, its not as if the Gang Spheres will become stronger..."
"...How do you know that? You havent reached that stage yet, Kim Hyung."
Such facts are not recorded in the 'Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts.'
"Its the intuition of a genius."
"..."
I have nothing to say.
But since Kim Young-hoon has never been wrong about martial arts, hes probably right.
'Every cycle, Kim Hyungs Gang Sphere count ended at 9 because that is the limit of humans.'
The limit of humans.
Hearing that made me feel a bit regretful.
That meant, the end of a martial artist is in the Qi Building stage.
Its a bit disappointing as a martial artist.
"Anyway, thank you for the great enlightenment. Based on this, I will grow even faster. What you taught me will bring tremendous inspiration."
Inspiration.
The end of a martial artist.
Kim Young-hoons words.
And a bit of stubbornness.
I felt these rising in my heart.
"Kim Hyung. If you have inspiration, can you surpass the 'Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts'?"
"Hmm?"
He frowns.
We had talked about the 'Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts' when we first met and shared stories for several days.
Kim Young-hoon, who heard my claim that someone had implanted martial arts in my mind, said he had experienced something similar, and we discussed the 'Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts.'
And now, I was asking him this question.
"Throughout my life, I have experienced many things and thought about the 'Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts.' I wondered if it's impossible to surpass its secrets, to go beyond the Ultimate Pinnacle. I traveled around, met the demon race, and learned the sensation of Taiji I just showed you from them.
As a result, I came to think that human martial arts were derived from those of the demon race. If you wish, Kim Hyung, I can teach you the demon beast methods I learned and help you research them."
My words continue.
"If I provide you with the enlightenment and information I've gained from my travels... Can you surpass the 'Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts'?"
The 'Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts.'
This martial arts scripture, originally known as the 'Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts,' hadn't changed its framework but had only added experiences of trial and error.
Could Kim Young-hoon in this life surpass this 'Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts'?
From 'Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts' to 'Record of Gazing Cultivation and Exceeding Martial Arts,' and then to 'Record of Surpassing Cultivation and Martial Arts.'
After three major evolutions, could it evolve once more from the 'Record of Surpassing Path and Martial Arts,' which had only added trial and error?
Kim Young-hoon seems to ponder my question for a while.
"...I can't promise anything. But!"
His eyes shine brightly.
"If, as you say, human martial arts originated from demons, researching the original demon beast methods would be of great help and would significantly reduce trial and error."
"...Is that so?"
Reducing trial and error.
Maybe that would be enough...
"In that case, I will also teach you the details of 'Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation' and the general characteristics of the demon races abilities."
From that day, I spent the remaining time teaching Kim Young-hoon the aspects of the 'Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation' and the demon races techniques.
It was time.
Time to keep my promise with Seo Ran.
"Kim Hyung. Is there anything you don't understand?"
"No. I've understood everything about the methods, and I will research them to the best of my ability."
"Understood. I believe in you, Kim Hyung."
Kim Young-hoon, after observing the demon beast methods and awakening to their senses, increased the number of Gang Spheres much faster.
Currently, he has a total of 7 Gang Spheres.
He is almost reaching his past life's level.
'Following Kim Hyungs martial path and raising my martial arts to the extreme of the Ultimate Pinnacle. Through accelerating thought more than tenfold...I will challenge Qi Building.'
Thus, I wished for Kim Young-hoon to rise even faster.
Even higher.
We wished each other good fortune in our martial pursuits and parted ways.
Swoosh!
I flew towards Seo Ran's residence.
It seems he was waiting for me, as Seo Ran immediately showed his head from the sea and greeted me.
"Come on up. I've been waiting."
"Where is this barrier you mentioned, Seo Hyung?"
"Let's head towards the barrier and I'll explain on the way. Oh right. Climb onto my neck. The sea area we are heading to has fierce storms, so it's better to hold on tight."
"Yes."
I climb onto Seo Ran's neck and hold on.
"The barrier I speak of is something even the King secretly asked me to enter. There's something important to our Sea Dragon tribe inside."
"What exactly is surrounded by the barrier?"
Swoosh!
He cuts through the water, swiftly swimming towards a particular spot in the ocean.
In the distance, I begin to see where the currents change dramatically.
They seem to have an eerie ghostly energy.
Far away, dark clouds rumble, darkening the sea.
"A discarded divine object from the 'Black Bone Valley' among the cultivation sects of the human race."
Rumble!
Huge waves are crashing in the distance.
"A battleship said to be able to cross even the realm of the dead. The 'Nether Crossing Ship.'
We enter the stormy sea area.
***