Blink!
I open my eyes and look around.
The familiar scent of the forest surrounds me.
'...I died.'
I didnt expect to survive, but its frustrating not to have inflicted any significant damage.
'I guess my final act of cursing the Longevity Fruits was my last struggle...'
I click my tongue.
'Is that the power of a Nascent Soul cultivator?'
I recall how Yuan Li's spell engulfed the entire desert like a sandstorm when he used the blood mist.
'A Core Formation cultivator being akin to natural disaster? Ridiculous.'
'That' is what a real disaster should be.
Core Formation is merely a stage of mimicking a disaster.
I sense my companions gradually awakening around me.
I stimulate my consciousness and use a sleeping spell to put them all back to sleep.
Then, I realize something odd.
'Why... doesn't my upper dantian hurt?'
I havent separated my consciousness with the Formless Sword and have yet to adjust its size.
Yet, my upper dantian is unharmed.
Theres no sign of it swelling.
'What...ugh!'
"Kuhuk...!"
A piercing sudden headache grips me, and I clutch my head, writhing on the ground.
"Cough, kuhuk..!"
It feels like my soul is being torn apart!
It hurts!
So much pain!
And then, I understand why.
'How... how could...'
In the core of my consciousness.
Where my soul resides.
There, five blood-red flags are embedded.
"Aaargh..!"
The Five Elements Blood Curse Banner left by Yuan Li.
It has followed me through my return, remaining in my soul.
"Uhk, uhk...!"
Thankfully, after a while of rampaging and tearing through my soul, the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner gradually quiet down and begin to settle.
After a while.
"Hoo, hoo..."
The outburst of the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner finally ceases, and I can finally get up.
"...This is insane.."
I suddenly feel a chill crawl up my spine.
Return isn't invincible.
I should have realized that my consciousness and soul are maintained through each return.
The restraints connected to my consciousness and soul return with me!
'Have I been too complacent until now...'
If a high-level cultivator intentionally brainwashes me or imposes a restraint on my consciousness, that restraint will continue after my return.
In other words, if I ever fall into the hands of a high-level cultivator, I could become their slave for eternity.
'What to do about this Five Elements Blood Curse Banner..?'
If the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner that returned with me is connected to Yuan Li, he might have noticed by now in the Heaven-Treading Desert.
'I should be safe for a few days at least.'
But considering Yuan Li is a Nascent Soul cultivator who only emerged after waiting for the Heavenly Being cultivators to ascend, he wouldn't dare show his face at this point when the world is still filled with Heavenly Being cultivators.
'Maybe I should ask the arriving Heavenly Being cultivators to take a look?'
If I ask Sir Chang-ho, given his character, he might at least check it out once.
Holding onto that hope, I first find some yellow bamboo roots and undergo complete transformation.
Creak, crack...
Harmony settles in my upper, middle, and lower dantian, and my physical body evolves to effortlessly contain the greater consciousness.
'Now even the slight headache has disappeared.'
I observe my consciousness and upper dantian once again.
'However, this Five Elements Blood Curse Banner. If not for Yuan Li's mental restraint, it would be quite useful in the early stages of return.'
The Five Elements Blood Curse Banner suppresses my consciousness, preventing my upper dantian from swelling.
Thanks to this, I don't have to separate my consciousness to avoid headaches at the beginning of my return.
With just the Formless Sword and the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner, the overload of my upper dantian caused by consciousness is completely resolved.
"Then, let's..."
First, I carry my companions and take them to a cave.
After that, I cast a stronger sleeping spell and observe my consciousness.
Deep within my consciousness.
Inside my soul.
There, five blood-red flags are implanted.
I scrutinize with the demon senses.
The flow of Yin and Yang energy from the five flags is suppressing my consciousness through mutual reinforcement.
However, the Yin and Yang spiritual energy is not connected to a distant place.
The same is true for the intent.
'The intent of another flows, but it is gradually scattering and not particularly connected externally.
'For now, it seems Yuan Li is not connected to it.'
Even the remnants of his intent are slowly dispersing and my intent is taking over where his is scattering.
"I wonder, will Yuan Li's intent completely disappear when it scatters?"
Judging by the speed, it seems it will all dissipate soon.
But I have an ominous feeling about the intent flowing through the restraint.
'It's my intent, but it doesn't listen to me.'
The intent flowing over the restraint moves according to its own logic, not mine, contributing to the suppression of my own consciousness.
Woong!
As I try to move with my consciousness and Dual Energy Sword Control, the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner vibrates, pressuring my consciousness.
"Ugh..."
Moving my consciousness any further seems like it will bring the pain of my soul being torn again.
'Moving consciousness greatly is restricted by the Blood Curse Banner.'
Fortunately, during the last moments of my past life.
When I was in front of Yuan Li, even moving my body was restricted, but now, perhaps because Yuan Li's intent is dispersing, there is no pain unless I move my consciousness significantly.
'I need to at least alleviate the restraint.'
Observing the flow of the restraint, I wait for Yuan Li's intent to completely disperse.
After all traces of him are gone, I carefully examine the restraint.
'This is...'
I observe the Blood Curse Banner and soon understand the fundamental principle it is based on.
'A restraint interpreting human consciousness as the Five Elements.'
If it isn't for my complete mastery of the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation and understanding of Five Elements spiritual energy, I wouldn't have been able to discern the fundamental principle of the restraint so easily.
"Huh, interesting."
Of course, spiritual energy, consciousness, and soul aren't exactly the same, so even though I have mastered the Five Elements and understand a bit of the logic of Five Elements spiritual energy, I can't instantly dismantle the restraint.
'But if I understand this method of corresponding the Five Elements to human consciousness...'
As Im interpreting the symbols of the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner.
'Wait, this is.'
I suddenly realize these symbols are very familiar to me.
I re-realize the basis of the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner.
"Curse spell..."
A spell that maximizes others' pain and suppresses the opponent.
These symbols are quite similar to the curse symbols of the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation.
'That's right.'
A spell interpreting the human mind as the Five Elements and finding the pain each element can inflict on the human mind.
That is the true nature of the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner.
Chalalalak!
Understanding the basis of the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner, I realize I can interfere with the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner implanted in my soul with my consciousness.
'Human mind is the Five Elements. The realization I had when I understood the Gang Sphere, that I am not just myself, and similar to how the Five Elements are interdependent, the mind is also made up of different parts...'
Woong!
My intent slowly moves, manipulating the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner.
The Five Elements Blood Curse Banner, deeply embedded in my soul, begins to move and gradually surface above my soul.
'Push it out...!'
Paaaat!
My consciousness is returning.
The size of my previous consciousness is gradually coming back, allowing me to move it as I will.
"Aah..."
I raise my consciousness, which had been uncomfortably suppressed by the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner, like a body stretching after being stuck somewhere.
It feels like I can live a little again.
However.
Click!
My consciousness entangles again in the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner while trying to rise, regaining only about 70% of its mobility. At this point, I open my eyes.
"Is there something more I need to do to completely release the metal restriction?"
With over 70% of consciousness regained, there's almost no discomfort. I can even move the remaining 30% if I endure the pain, so Im not worried.
However, no matter how much I try to push out the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner further, it does not disappear. Something is missing.
Damn, that Bloodwood. He left me a troublesome legacy.
At this point, I stop researching the mental restraint and decide to leave the rest to Sir Chang ho and others.
"If Sir Chang-ho can't do it, after listening to the will of Song Jin remaining in the Nether Crossing Ship, I'll have to ask him for help."
After all, being the remnant soul of a Heavenly Being cultivator, he must know a lot and surely have a solution.
Wo-woong!
I calm my consciousness and open my eyes again.
The sun is setting.
After looking at my sleeping colleagues, I fall into thought.
"What is fate..."
Fate, as mentioned by the remnant shadow of Yang Su-jin from Shattered Heaven Peak.
Fate, as realized by Kim Young-hoon.
Fate, as explained by Yuan Li after obtaining the Serving Command Seal.
Mad Lord mentioned that fate indeed exists.
It also seems possible to interfere with fate to some extent upon reaching the top of cultivation.
'And, the Ender...'
The last life, when I saw the remnant shadow of Yang Su-jin.
'Despite becoming a being who can interfere with fate, even Yang Su-jin ended up like that. Is something overseeing the entire Three Thousand Worlds, looking for the Enders?'
What is the Ender, and what is this world?
I look up at the sky where the sunset is giving way to the stars.
Then...
I suddenly get the feeling that these stars are watching over the land like eyes and shudder.
Damn, Im overthinking.
The idea of each star being an eye is as creepy as it gets.
I shake my head.
'I've been through too much in my past life...'
Ascending to Qi Building, realizing Beyond the Path to Heaven, capturing Song Jin with Seo Ran, watching over his death, learning the Nether Crossing Ship's steering method, learning about Serving Command Palace.
Kim Young-hoon dying after seeing the path above Beyond the Path to Heaven.
Spending several hundred years inside Serving Command Palace, then being killed by the Nascent Soul cultivator Yuan Li.
It seems my mind is unstable due to experiencing too much for too long.
I calm my throbbing head and sigh.
I look back at the sleeping Kim Young-hoon.
I remember the him from my last life.
'He told me to live a bit more like a human.'
Yes, maybe taking it easy in this life isn't such a bad idea.
Living life like a human...
'Forget Serving Command Palace, fate, Ender, and take some rest.'
Especially after the last life, tortured in soul by Yuan Li, the desire for rest seems more urgent.
'This life, I should hear from the Heavenly Being cultivators about the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner and take it easy to recover my mental health.'
With that thought, I slowly circulate my internal energy with the night air.
Wo-woong!
Gradually, an Inner Core forms in my dantian.
My whole body tingles pleasantly as if letting out a satisfying burp.
And then.
Koong, Koong!
Not long after forming my Inner Core, a white behemoth approaches from beyond the forest.
I frown slightly at the figure who interrupted my comtemplation.
Koong, Koong, Koong!
[You... What kind of demon beast dares to enter my forest?]
"...Master of the forest."
A Core Formation demon fox living in Ascension Path.
Seeing it, I first politely address it.
"I was accidentally swept into a spatial rift and landed here."
The creature, after all, has been somewhat gentlemanly so far, retreating after taking just one arm and showing some manners.
"Please be merciful and allow me to stay in this forest for a few days."
I will also maintain my manners to the end.
[You beast, stop talking nonsense. If you want to stay in my forest, you have to offer your limbs.]
"...Master of the forest, I beseech you. Please let me stay."
[How dare you, a member of the demon race, enter another's territory uninvited and ask for mercy?]
"Master of the forest, I apologize for the rudeness. I beseech you one last time, please..."
[Enough! Hand over your Demon Core, intruder!]
Kwaang!
The fox raises its front paw to strike me down.
Wham!
[What...]
And then, I raise my Formless Sword to fend off its paw.
"Sigh... I've pleaded three times. Isn't three times enough patience?"
I was a bit worried, actually.
It would have been somewhat unfair if this damned creature had unexpectedly retreated in a gentlemanly manner.
But it seems theres no big difference this time as well.
"Today is a dog-eating day, you filthy fox."
I stare straight at the fox and smile brightly.
Feeling the momentum of my Formless Sword, the fox flinches.
Maybe, I have been waiting for this day all along.
"Shall we start fox hunting..."
Kugugugu!
I put my colleagues into a deeper sleep with a sleeping spell and take a step towards the fox.
Its going to be a long night.
Fox Hunting
Swoosh!
A leaf flutters down in the wind.
And I make the first move.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Qi Mountain Heaven Sky!
My Formless Sword instantly enlarges and plunges down onto the fox's head.
Our eyes meet briefly in a split second.
Red intent targets me from all directions.
A flurry of white claws follow the intent, rushing towards me.
A direct hit will tear my body, now reduced to a mortal's level from Qi Building, to pieces.
However,
Whoosh, Whoosh, Whoosh!
Holding the Formless Sword, I move with formless trajectories and footwork.
Mountain Lords Soaring Flight!
Kuang! Kuang! Kuang!
My Formless Sword strikes down on the fox, scattering its attacks around.
A dust cloud rises, and from its center, a hot wind blows, dispersing the dust.
"This... bastard!"
The fox, marked with sword scars, displays its fury towards me, who is unscathed.
Theres no reason not to avoid it when I can see all the trajectories.
Instead of responding to the fox's anger, I retract my Formless Sword and take the stance of the Severing Vein Saber Method.
If a cultivator uses spells to dominate the space around them, turning the environment into 'one for themselves,'
A martial artists understands the space around them and adapts themselves to fit the environment.
The surrounding trees.
Leaves falling from the trees.
The breathing of my sleeping colleagues.
Heartbeats.
The spiritual energy, strength, heartbeat, and the sounds between the muscles felt from the fox.
'Focus more.'
Insects crawling on the ground.
Dewdrops falling at the first clash between me and the fox.
The wary breathing of the fox, the sound of my own heartbeat.
Grasping all this information, I find the optimal path and transform my Formless Sword into the optimal shape.
Severing Vein Saber Method, Mountain Wind!
The Formless Sword becomes a gust of wind, shooting towards the fox's heart.
An attack too fast to react to!
Psiaaat!
Leaves falling between me and the fox are all sliced by the Formless Sword, which then reaches the fox's chest.
In an instant, the fox's consciousness compresses into a shape identical to itself, enveloped in white rays.
Kuuu Guang Guang Guang!
'It didnt penetrate.'
The Formless Sword fails to pierce the fox. The Core Formation fox's hide indeed has significant defensive power, further enhanced by the fox's unique ability.
Yet, unable to withstand the Formless Sword's power, the fox is pushed back and flies into the sky.
Bang!
I kick off the air and rise in front of the fox, lifting my Formless Sword.
Auuuuu!
The fox howls.
Thousands of fire foxes appear around it, transforming into clones identical to the white fox.
Hundreds and thousands of these clones surround me, all rushing in at once.
"Pointless."
I dont waste my strength and use intent and demon senses to identify the real body, then swing my Formless Sword at it.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship
Layered Mountains, Mountain Echoes Valley Responds, Nine Mountains Eight Seas
The Formless Sword stretches out, entangling the real fox, hitting it with wave-like forms, then slices in all directions.
The clones rush at me, but reading the optimal flow among numerous paths, I dodge them all.
The clones, targeting each other, eventually run out of strength and vanish. The fox, battered by my Formless Sword, uses another ability.
Squeak!
A flash seems to sparkle, and the scenery before me changes.
Within a burst of white light, I hear moans and excited breaths from all directions, and a sensation of ecstasy begins to seep into my body.
"An illusion?"
I smirk, raising my hand to grasp the void.
"How trivial."
Crash!
I connect to the core of the Formless Sword.
I feel my heart essence.
The pain of life perceived in those heart essence.
The sharpness as if my whole body is buried in transparent blades.
The pain wakes my mind, shattering the illusion before it can fully unfold.
During that brief moment, the fox seems to have hidden itself, vanishing from sight.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Landscape Painting!
Shaaaa!
The Formless Sword extends in all directions, disturbing the surroundings.
And then, the fox, which has been hiding and waiting for an opportunity, reveals itself again, preparing to cast another spell.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Flowing Ridge!
Kwang!
I dash forward like a dart, smoothly stabbing at the fox.
Kuaang!
A burst of white light erupts from the fox's mouth, facing off against me.
I immediately change my stance.
The trajectory of the Formless Sword also changes as the sword move unfoldes.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Ascending Vein!
Kwaang!
The Formless Sword rises from below, striking the fox's jaw.
Kwaang!
The white beam explodes inside the fox's mouth, engulfing its head in a flash of light.
Yet, it seems the fox is not significantly harmed as it wraps light around its three tails and swing them at me.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Echoing Valley!
I surround myself with the flow of the Formless Sword, capturing the fox's attack and returning the force back to it.
Kwaang!
Another explosion echoes as the fox is thrown back.
Kraaa!
Enraged, the fox howls as it falls, scattering white flashes in all directions, and collapsing the surrounding terrain.
Its form of consciousness further compresses into a shape identical to itself.
"Looks like you're getting a bit heated up."
I smile, revealing my teeth.
"Let's see who wins."
Surrounded by hundreds and thousands of threads of intent I glare at the fox, and it glares back at me.
The fox, surrounded by white light, charges at me.
The speed of a Core Formation cultivator's Flying Escape Technique!
No, combining the natural speed of the demon fox, its much faster and more ferocious than any ordinary Core Formation cultivator.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Joy of Mountains and Peaks!
Thousands of crossing formless trajectories block the fox.
The fox howls, and thousands of fire foxes fill the surroundings again.
This time, the trajectory of the fire foxes seem much faster and more complex, rushing towards me.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Bouldered Cliff!
The Formless Sword envelops me, turning defense and offense into one, shredding the surroundings.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Flowing Ridge!
I hold the Formless Sword and cross numerous threads of intent, stabbing at the fox.
The fox, seemingly enraged, starts to wildly thrash about in an attempt to capture me.
With a swipe of its front paw, a mountain in front crumbles, and the energy from its tail evaporates a river behind.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Mountain and Valley Transformation!
I shoot the Formless Sword into the ground, warping the terrain around me. My will transforms the landscape, dropping the fox into a deep pit.
Swoosh!
The fox drains its energy and conjures several white spears around it, shooting upwards from the pit.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, 108 Lights Emerging Peak, Layered Mountains!
The Formless Sword splits into a hundred and eight parts, overlapping the move of Layered Mountains, creating a hundred and eight colorless thorny boulders inside the pit, shredding the fox's spell.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Mountain Tiger!
The colorless thorny rocks, formed by the Formless Sword, concentrate in an instant and plunge into the fox.
Kwaang!
An explosion echoes from the pit.
Between the clouds of dust, a burst of white light explodes, and the fox struggles fiercely.
Kraaao!
The light gathers, forming the shape of a fox tens of meters large.
The mountain-sized fox raises its head from the pit and opens its mouth towards me.
I intuitively guess that this is the most powerful ability the fox can wield.
"Is this the end?"
I look at the fox with a cold face and sneer.
"Compared to the monsters of Nascent Soul, this is cute."
Fwoosh!
The gigantic fox charges towards me.
The energy inside it boils. If it explodes, even an ordinary Core Formation cultivator will not stand a chance whether it hits or misses.
But I smile bitterly, holding my stance and facing the white light.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Ultimate Move, Severing Mountain!
Kugugugu!
The ultimate move of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship is unleashed. The Formless Sword explodes and the sword moves from the first to twenty-first are used in an instant.
Powered by the twenty-first move, Heavenly Lake, the energy gathered from the previous twenty moves pour towards the fox's spell, causing an explosion of white and colorless light.
When the light subsides...
Shhhh...
Across the distance, the fox and I lock eyes.
I regain my momentum and take the stance of Transcending Peaks.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, Twenty-Third Move
Endless Mountains Beyond Mountains!
As my depleted energy returns, I am ready to unleash the ultimate strike again.
The fox seems to recognize my momentum as its eyes are filled with panic.
"Kr, kruk...!"
The fox howls again.
White flashes shoot towards me from all around, but their number and power are significantly less than before.
Severing Mountain Swordsmanship
Transcending Peaks, Entering Mountain, Ascending Vein, Flowing Ridge...
Mountain Echoes Valley Responds, Eight Mountains Nine Seas, Heavenly Lake...
Severing Mountain!
Once again, the ultimate move of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship is executed through the Formless Sword, and the fox, terrified, barely evades the concentrated power of Severing Mountain.
"You, you bastard! How can you continuously perform such techniques..."
I silently maintain Endless Mountains Beyond Mountains, gathering strength again.
Thirty-eight times.
That is the number of times I can unleash the ultimate move of Severing Mountain Swordsmanship through Endless Mountains Beyond Mountains.
Exceeding that will strain my body beyond endurance, leading to death.
Of course, lying in bed for a day or two after using Endless Mountains Beyond Mountains is inevitable.
But considering that, I can now use an attack that rivales the fatal blow that the Core Formation demon fox had unleashed with all its might, 38 times in a row.
Kwa kwa kwa kwang!
Severing Mountain!
Mountains split.
The fox is thrown down.
The Severing Mountain Swordsmanship executed through the Formless Sword has reached its true potential, living up to its name a technique that cuts and splits mountains.
"You, you bastard. Get away!"
After enduring three Severing Mountains, the fox can no longer bear it and starts to retreat from me.
Fwoosh!
Numerous fire foxes rise in the air again, and I slash through them all with the Formless Sword, rushing towards the fox.
Amidst the explosion of white and colorless trajectories, I surpass numerous flows and blasts, striking the fox once more with Severing Mountain.
Kwaang!
A flash of light spreads out, and a hill behind the fox is split in two.
The fox, barely evading Severing Mountain, gasps for breath and begins to flee rapidly.
Woong!
Applying a martial arts technique I learned from Kim Young-hoon in my past life, I fuse the Formless Sword directly into my arm.
In that state, I chase after the fox and grab its tail.
Then, with the arm fused with the Formless Sword, I swing it forcefully.
Kooowooow!
The body of the house-sized fox is lifted into the air.
Kwaang!!!
I fling the fox far into a distant mountain.
It pierces through three mountain peaks, and the fox screams.
"Keeeek!"
Kwaang!
Thump!
Once again, I fuse momentarily with the Formless Sword and fly, kicking the fox's jaw.
The shockwave alone makes the fox roll its eyes, and a web-like crack forms on the mountain peak behind it.
"Shhh..."
I bring my finger to my lips.
"Be quiet."
"Ke, kek..."
"In front of the master of the forest, what disgrace are you showing?"
I speak, gripping the fox's head.
The fox looks at me trembling in fear, and I slam its head into the ground with the power of the Formless Sword.
"Now I am the master of this forest. Shut your mouth and show respect."
Koo kwang, koo kwang!
Several times, I grab the fox's head and slam it into the ground.
Each time, the earth trembles, and dust clouds rise.
Despite all this, this Core Formation demon fox is still not dead.
It indeed has incredible vitality.
"Let's make you vomit out everything inside your belly."
I grab the back of the fox's neck, lift it once more, and throw it into a valley created by the split mountain.
Kwa kwang!
I follow up and keep hammering the beast into the valley floor with the Formless Sword.
"Keeeek!"
"I said be quiet."
Kwaak!
Again, I grab its scruff.
"Now, then..."
"Ke, kek...save, save me..."
"Let's see if fox orbs really exist."
Woong!
Holding the Formless Sword, I raise it high.
The fox, terrified, howls.
"I, eek... Are you going to kill me!"
Fwoosh!
The fox's tail begins to blaze with bright light, seemingly using a spell that draws upon its origin, as its aura surges once again. However, I calmly swing down the Formless Sword I have raised.
Koo kwa kwang!!
The valley shakes once more as the fox is hammered into the ground. Yet, I furrow my brow noticing that only a single strand of white fox fur remains where the fox had been, indicating it used an ability to swap its body at the last moment.
Its an unusual technique indeed.
But it hasn't escaped far. A white light is seen flying off in the distance.
I hold the Formless Sword and chase after the fox that burned its tail as it fled.
'Faster, even faster!'
I accelerate, relentlessly pursuing the fox.
Gradually, I close the distance between us.
The fox, turning back with eyes filled with terror, shout,
"Hi, hiieek, don't chase me! Go away, you monster!"
"Who are you calling a monster?"
Kuaang!
I swing the Formless Sword, and the fox, pale with fear, narrowly dodges it again.
"You human-eating fox monster"
"Go away! Just go!"
Koo koo koo!
A small valley forms where the fox had dodged.
The fox clenches its teeth and speeds away even faster, and I follow.
Its the reverse of our past life.
Previously, the fox had chased me, but now I am the one hunting the fox.
Koo kung, koo kung, koo koo kung!
As I unleash the Formless Sword, several hills fly away, and the fox frantically dodges the attacks.
We pass numerous mountains and rivers, covering a quarter of the Ascension Path in our chase.
The fox is caught several times but manages to escape using its bizarre tail-burning technique.
After a while, the white light burning from the fox's tail begins to fade.
Above a small lake, the fox finally stops, gasping for breath as it looks at me.
With an expressionless face, I hold the Formless Sword and approach the fox.
"St-stop! Please stop! I beg for mercy!"
The fox pleads, gasping for breath.
Throughout several lifetimes, this creature had torn off my arm.
My arm throbs with pain, partly due to the effects of Endless Mountains Beyond Mountains, but also due to the unpleasant memories associated with the fox.
"...Spare me. If you spare me I will recognize and obey you as the master of this forest. Please, spare my life."
The fox grovels before me, begging for its life, and I approach and kick its belly.
"Keeek!"
Once again, it screams and spits out blood as it falls.
Now, the fox is covered in blood.
In contrast, I am unscathed, not even a single tear on my clothing.
I have reached such a level where I can hunt the fox.
"Spare me..."
I look down at the pitifully begging fox indifferently.
The fox has always told me that if I wanted to stay in the forest, I would have to offer a limb.
"...Do you wish to live in my forest?"
"..."
"Vomit out the Demon Core. Do that, and I'll spare you."
"Guh..."
The fox grimaces in pain.
But I just look down at it impassively.
Though I have always suffered because of this creature, I have never been directly killed by it.
This is mercy.
After writhing in agony for a while, the fox clenches its eyes shut and opens its mouth.
Cough, cough!
Pffft!
The fox retches a few times, and soon, a fist-sized, brightly shining core emerges from its mouth.
The fox's spiritual essence and power are concentrated in this Demon Core, the source that has kept it as a demon fox.
I catch the Demon Core floating in the air.
The fox's eyes, once sharp with intelligence, dull as the Demon Core containing its essence is removed.
Simultaneously, the fox's body shrinks.
The consciousness of the Core Formation demon fox diminishes and retreats into its skull.
The fox, having vomited the Demon Core, turns back into a normal animal, though its body still bears three tails due to the physical transformation it had undergone.
For a moment, the fox looks at me dumbly, then it glances at the Demon Core in my hand with a covetous gaze.
However, as I frown, it whimpers like a neighborhood puppy and scampers off into the distance.
The monstrous fox that had torn off my arm in ten lifetimes is no more.
Only a small, peculiar fox with three tails remains, lost and fleeing.
I watch the small fox running away for a moment, then I hold the Demon Core and return to where my companions are.
Thus, another fate is overcome.
I smile lightly and head towards my companions, floating through the air.
"Ha, haha...hahahaha...!"
After ten lifetimes, I have finally gained the strength early in life to defeat the fox that had threatened me!
I laugh until tears form, looking at my companions, still deeply asleep under my sleep spell.
'Maybe now, I can take my companions outside Ascension Path.'
If we can leave without being detected by the Heavenly Being cultivators, perhaps...
'Maybe we can all live this life together.'
I smile, massaging my body.
Using Endless Mountains Beyond Mountains in my current state, where I can only use 70% of my consciousness, is enough to defeat the fox.
Once I resolve the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner and can use all my consciousness, I might be able to defeat the fox without resorting to Endless Mountains Beyond Mountains.
'If only I can quickly recover my cultivation, I can increase the output of Gang QI and easily defeat the fox...'
I have spent over two hundred years with Gang Qi coursing through my veins.
Now, this body, with only blood flowing through its veins, feels awkward.
'First, I need to recover my body, slowly regain my cultivation, and find out how to absorb the power contained in the Demon Core...'
I decide to first use spiritual herbs to soothe my body, aching from using Endless Mountains Beyond Mountains, and turn my attention away from my companions.
Just as I turn to look for herbs...
Fwoosh!
A rough, wrinkled hand grabs my head.
[No matter how I look at it, this is so fascinating I could die. What in the world is this?]
A hunchback old man with eyes full of madness, grabs my head while lifting the corners of his mouth in a smile.
Translator Notes: This is going to be the longest and most tumutluous cycle yet. Prepare yourself.
***
Shudder!
Im frozen, unable to do anything.
This isn't just a metaphorical expression, but literally, the energy throughout my body hardens, and I lose strength independently of my will.
[Let's see, let's see, let's see... Such clarity and transparency. And the clear heart essence that protrudes outward. Swinging it around, did you defeat the Core Formation demon beast using that? And what is this, a mental restraint?]
Mad Lord.
This crazy old man is fiddling with my head, examining me.
[It's so strange. How can such a human being exist? What are you? Are you really human? Or a special kind of demon beast in human form?
Hunting a Core Formation demon beasts due to the uniqueness of his consciousness, but the person himself isn't at the Core Formation stage. Just a mere mortal without any spiritual energy... Yet, the consciousness is at the late stage of Qi Building.]
He looks at me curiously, examining me from every angle.
'Damn it, why has this guy appeared already?'
I ponder the reason.
'If I think about it, the Heavenly Being cultivators and others like the Sea Dragon King all came from different directions. But the Mad Lord always flew in from the direction of the Ascension Gate.'
Maybe, the Mad Lord arrived at the Ascension Gate earlier than any other Heavenly Being cultivator and only came after Manager Kim awoke her consciousness.
'Then, do I have to assume that this guy has been attached to the direction of the Ascension Gate since the beginning of the regression...'
Perhaps he came to watch me fight due to the commotion of my fight with the fox, observing me and my unique form of consciousness.
Then, it happens.
'Huh?'
While reading the Mad Lord's intent, I am able to glimpse his heart essence.
'Ugh...'
I silently mutter a chant upon sensing the darkness in his heart essence.
His heart essence is a withered tree.
The blackened withered tree rooted in the darkness, without a single ray of light.
Only a thin, pinkish life force remains in the withered tree, barely supporting it, and it seems to collapse at any moment.
Each time the withered tree is about to fall, the madness in the Mad Lord's eyes seems to flare up.
The darkness and dampness felt from the withered tree, and its pain makes even me furrow my brows.
Although its less disgusting than the Bloodwood Practitioner, the dark despair is of a greater magnitude.
'Such a rotten heart.'
Its when I was observing the Mad Lord's heart essence, I suddenly catch his gaze
Im startled.
When Im observing the Mad Lords heart essence, he seems to realize I'm looking at him and trembles.
[What... you.]
Theres a hint of panic in his eyes.
The energy holding my body releases, and Im able to speak.
"Did you read my heart essence?"
[You, did you just read my heart essence?]
While we are staring blankly at each other, Mad Lord suddenly bursts into crazy laughter.
[Hahaha! You see it. I don't know what you did to achieve it, but you can see heart essence too, right?]
'What...'
I can only open my mouth in astonishment.
Did that mean the Mad Lord also reached Beyond the Path to Heaven?
However, I had observed the Mad Lord's behavior several times.
He showed no signs of having learned martial arts.
To reach Beyond the Path to Heaven, I practiced martial arts for hundreds of years.
As someone who honed martial arts for that long of a time, there are some things I learned to recognize and learn.
According to my observations, the Mad Lord is neither a martial artist nor has he honed martial skills.
[Hahaha, amazing. Really amazing. Another being with the same vision as me exists in this world. I thought I'd have to ascend to a higher realm to meet such a person... I'm very pleased!]
Crack!
He grabs my head.
It isn't a cultivation spell or technique, but simply manipulating the heaven and earth spiritual energy unique to the Heavenly Being stage.
Then, the Mad Lord's consciousness invades mine.
'Damn it...!'
[I really like you. I'll welcome you into my world and evolve you into a more superior being. Studying you will bring me one step closer to reuniting with her...!]
Shudder!
I feel goosebumps all over my body.
This man is planning on turning me into his puppet.
The consciousness of the Heavenly Being cultivator, filled with madness, is invading my mind.
I begin to lose control of my body.
Just then.
Whooosh!
Inside my upper dantian, deep within my soul, a blood-red light aries and the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner begins to react.
Rumble, rumble, rumble!
The blood-red light, embodying the transformation of the Five Elements, drives out the Mad Lord's consciousness.
"Ughhh!"
An immense pain wraps around my mind, but due to the pain, my consciousness remains clear.
The Five Elements Blood Curse Banner both suppresses and protects my consciousness.
[Hmm?]
The Mad Lord furrows his brows and then releases me.
[Oh, where have I seen this spell before... Ah, yes. That curse used by the snake-like fellow in the Heaven-Treading Desert, right?]
He looks into my eyes and asks.
[What's your relationship with that Core Formation kid from the Heaven-Treading Desert?]
"That is..."
[No, never mind.]
The Mad Lord doesnt listen to me and grabs my head again, chuckling.
[I'll find out on my own. What's the point of talking with someone who hasn't evolved into a superior being yet.]
Crack!
Again, his consciousness invades my mind.
Simultaneously, the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner is stimulated.
".....!"
I am engulfed in excruciating pain.
Then, the Mad Lord activates some sort of technique.
Flicker, flicker...
Blue spell symbols appear in the air and suddenly fly off towards a direction away from Ascension Gate.
'Is that a curse?'
Having learned the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation, I recognize the type of those spell symbols.
The Mad Lord uses the energy emitted by my Five Elements Blood Curse Banner to trace back to its origin and sends a curse in that direction.
[Hmm, is it not related to that Core Formation youngster? The roots are the same, but the reaction isn't strong. Ah, right. Theyre probably from the same sect as that Core Formation youngster.
Haha, as expected, I'm a genius. Isn't that right, my wife? Thank you, you are truly beautiful.]
The Mad Lord mumbles to himself, then reaches out into the empty air, caressing it as if touching a beloved.
I thought there might be something, but I couldn't sense anything with demon senses, the flow of intent, or heart essence.
It seems like just an imaginary person in the Mad Lord's mind.
'Damn it, to be caught by this crazy old man.'
Do I have to be captured like this?
I grit my teeth in front of the lunatic gazing distantly into the air with madness.
Then, an idea crosses my mind.
"Senior, I have something to report. The Core Formation youngster you mentioned, the one called Bloodwood Practitioner, is actually a disguised Nascent Soul.
Hes waiting for the Heavenly Being cultivators to ascend, then plans on devouring this world. Isn't it unwise to leave such an ambitious person unchecked?"
[Ah, are you talking about the treaty made under Seo Hweol's initiative?]
The Mad Lord seems to come back to his senses and looks at me.
[But so what? Even if his heart essence is filthy, Seo Hweol or others will take care of it.]
"Senior, if your relatives or clan are abused by the Bloodwood Practitioner, will it not be regrettable?
[Ah, clan?]
Ka ka ka
The Mad Lord chuckles and says.
[I eradicated my clan with my own hands hundreds of years ago. Why should I worry about it?]
'What...'
I am at a loss for words in my confusion.
Mad Lord's eyes, speaking of his clan, are somehow filled with anger.
His eyes, filled with rage, appear clear, devoid of madness.
[The only being meaningful to me was her. The clan that killed her no longer exists on this earth. Why should I worry about such things?]
I peer into the Mad Lord's heart essence.
The darkness in his heart essence deepens, boiling as if alive.
[But thank you. It's been a while since I've thought about those detestable things.]
Tap, tap...
He taps his head a few times.
His eyes full of rage are seemingly clear of madness.
[Anyway, if you possess the same spell as that Core Formation kid... Does that mean he might have something similar to you if I delve deeper?]
The Mad Lord strokes his chin and then extends his hand into the air.
Flicker!
A blue light flashes in the air, recalling the curse he had just launched.
Simultaneously.
Flash!
The curse lits up.
[Yes, first I should extract his soul and study it. Now that I think about it, that Core Formation kid's consciousness was quite large...]
Creak...
He grasps the air tightly.
The blue curse begins to turn red as if soaked in blood.
Just then.
[Hmmm?]
Mad Lord looks up at the sky.
Rumble, rumble...
Dark clouds gather in the sky and raindrops begin to fall.
His gaze turns to the Deputy Manager Oh Hye-Seo.
[What's this now? Summoning the wind and rain is the power of the Sea Dragon Tribe... Why is that girl using it? Also...]
Flash!
Boom!
A streak of blue lightning strikes, and suddenly, a fine young man in blue robes with a kind smile and a dignified air enters the scene.
[Who is this? Isn't this the Scorpion-Snake King, Seo Hweol? Hahaha, I heard he was planning to come late, but why rush here so crazily?]
"Haha, Mad Old Man. The reason for my delayed start was because theres a child in my tribe who needs to stay in the lower realm. I was going to take care of him, but after talking, I realized he's strong enough to forge his own path..."
[Enough with the small talk, get to the point.]
Crack!
Mad Lord tightens his grip on the air.
The curse he had cast turns even redder.
Seo Hweol smiles kindly and speaks.
"Mad Old Man, don't intimidate these young ones. Why don't you release the one you're holding and ease up on those you're tormenting?"
[Hmm... So you rushed here because that Core Formation youngster from the desert is about to die. What are you scheming, you snake-like man?]
"Mad Old Man, as a senior, isn't it unseemly to torment the weak? Let's release them and stop this now."
Whoosh!
Seo Hweol also reaches out and twist the air, and the curse that had turned red gradually shifts back to blue.
'Is Yuan Li currently being strangled in the grasp of Heavenly Being cultivators?'
No matter if Ascension Path lies above the Heaven-Treading Desert, the distance to the black castle where Yuan Li would be is hundreds of miles. Yet, they cross it instantly and are now fighting over him.
'This is the power of a Heavenly Being cultivator...'
"It would be wise to stop now, considering the unexpected calamity that has already injured him."
Whoosh...
The curse cast by Mad Lord begins to fade.
Its clear that Mad Lord is being overpowered by Seo Hweol.
Mad Lord chuckles and pulls out a small wooden box from his waist.
Boom!
The box enlarges and falls beside the Mad Lord.
[So you think my true power is inferior to yours and dare mock me? Fine, shall we have a go?]
"..."
Seo Hweol's expression stiffens for a moment but then returns to normal.
"Mad Old Man, how about we save such uninteresting discussions for after ascension? The Ascension Gate will open in a few days. Wouldn't it be better to avoid such actions during this auspicious time?
Instead of engaging in such inauspicious activities, why not talk a little about these talented individuals here?"
Seo Hweol smiles kindly and pats Deputy Manager Oh Hye-Seo and my shoulders with one hand each.
Unable to bear it any longer, I vomi.
Ugh -
I haven't eaten anything, so nothing came up but bile. Still, it was repulsive.
No, its more than just revolting; the darkness is beyond imagination.
'Insane, how canthis be a normal being's heart essence?'
The Mad Lord's heart essence is a blackened withered tree, but Seo Hweol's heart essence, seen after reaching Beyond the Path to Heaven, is even worse.
While the Mad Lord's withered tree has a thread-like vitality, Seo Hweol's heart essence lacks any hint of hope.
Everything is dark, dreary, revolting, and filthy.
Beyond heartless and shameless, his heart essence seems like a monster wearing a human mask.
Evil ().
He is the embodiment of endless malice.
A vast darkness incomparable even to Yuan Li.
That is Seo Hweol.
"Oh my, Mad Old Man. Look, the young ones can't withstand the aura of Heavenly Being cultivators and are suffering..."
Seo Hweol says to the Mad Lord, looking pitifully at me vomiting.
However, the Mad Lord chuckles knowingly, as if he understands why I am vomiting.
[Haha, what a masterpiece. Do you think he's retching because of our aura? Maybe he's nauseous from seeing something so disgusting. I feel like vomiting every time I see your face, so what about these 'fragile juniors'? You broken monster.]
"I never quite understand what you're saying. Anyway, since this junior seems to catch your fancy, Mad Old Man, why not take him as your disciple? As for this young lady, she resonates with my bloodline and wields a unique power, so I intend to welcome her into the Sea Dragon Tribe."
[You snake-like man, always changing the subject. What are you scheming with that Core Formation youngster from the desert, you filth...!]
Creak...
The Mad Lord begins to open the lid of the box.
With the absence of other Heavenly Being cultivators and facing the Sea Dragon King alone, he shows no hesitation in opening it.
"Mad Lord, are you truly intending to bring down Ascension Path...!?"
[If getting rid of one Ascension Path can clean up filth, it's not a bad deal. Even if there's trouble with the Ascension Gate, there's always the blessing of the Serving Command Seal, so what's the problem...?]
Creak, click!
And then, the Mad Lord's box fully opens.
The next moment.
'Many things' burst out of the Mad Lord's box.
The Sea Dragon King is seen casting spells in haste.
Just then.
'What?'
Slosh, slosh...
I look around in confusion.
Water.
Its water.
The entire Ascension Path is suddenly covered in water.
Both I and my colleagues are caught off guard by the sudden flood over Ascension Path, opening our eyes wide and floundering.
Roarrr!
The water is not just there idly.
There are currents in the water, and my colleagues and I are scattered in all directions in an instant.
'What's happening...'
Mad Lord opened the box, and Seo Hweol had done something as well.
As I try to make sense of the situation.
[Hahahahahaha!]
Celestial energy resounds, and Mad Lord's voice spreads throughout the water.
[To perform such a water technique in a place without water. Truly, you are the Sea Dragon King. Are you trying to protect Ascension Path from crumbling?
I haven't even released half of my Heavenly Being puppets, and only eight of [Her] limbs. Do you really think the entire Sea Dragon Tribe can handle me and [Her]?]
Rumble, rumble!
I feel like Im going to lose my mind.
The celestial energy boils of its own accord, reacting to the power of Mad Lord and Seo Hweol.
'Is the entire Ascension Path now covered by Seo Hweol's spell?'
Although Ascension Path is known as a forest, it's not small in size.
It's a massive territory, comparable to several cities of Yanguo put together.
Im astounded by the scale of Seo Hweol's spell, yet I have the feeling that he is currently being overpowered.
[There. [She] has emerged up to the shoulders. Shouldn't the entire Sea Dragon Tribe appear by now?]
Beyond the sky.
Somewhere unseen, Seo Hweol and the Mad Lord are engaging in a fierce battle.
Even amidst this, Ascension Path is thrown into chaos by Seo Hweol's spell, covered in water.
'I need to find my colleagues.'
I stretch out the Formless Sword in the water to stabilize myself and begin searching for my colleagues.
'I saw Kim Young-hoon, there. And Jeon Myeong-hoon too.'
I locate each of them in turn: Kang Min-hee, Oh Hyun-seok, Kim Yeon, and Oh Hye-seo.
Among them, Deputy Manager Oh Hye-seo seems to be affected by the power of the Sea Dragon King, shedding bloody tears and clutching her head.
'Damn, what a mess this is.'
I gather my colleagues who couldnt breathe underwater, press their acupoints to help them last a bit longer in the water, and forcibly expel the water filled in their lungs with internal energy.
'We have to hold on.'
We have to wait until the end of the monstrous fight between those characters.
Rumble, rumble...
Somewhere above in the sky, covered by dark clouds.
There, I sense the presence of other formidable beings gathering besides Mad Lord and Seo Hweol.
'This aura...'
Heavenly Being cultivators are flocking to the area above Ascension Path, sensing the anomaly.
Not long after.
Whoosh!
The water covering the entire Ascension Path drains away, and the dark clouds evaporate.
Crackle, crackle!
From the center of the dark clouds, Jin Byuk-ho in a golden robe is scattering golden lightning, evaporating the dark clouds like the sun.
Shortly after, familiar faces appear beyond the sky.
Centered around the Mad Lord, who has closed the lid of the box, are:
The Sea Dragon King Seo Hweol, Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sects Master Jin Byuk-ho, Black Bone Valley's Grand Elder White Bone Ghost Devil Heo Gwak, Heaven Creation Sects founder and Cheungmun Clans ancestor Sir Chang-ho.
Additionally, there is a plump woman in white, a dried-up and irritable middle-aged man in brown, a rugged man in green with a beard like a lion's mane, and a skeletal, thin woman in black with long nails.
[To have the masters of Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Black Bone Valley, Heaven Creation Sect, Sea Dragon Tribe, Mighty Tiger Tribe, Holy Peng Tribe, Righteous Path Alliance, and Devil Path Alliance all gathered around this old man. What an honor.]
The Mad Lord chuckles and looks around.
The cultivators begin to speak one by one.
[Don't cross the line, Mad Lord! If Ascension Path falls, who knows what will happen to the Ascension Gate! How can you be so arrogant!]
[Why are you so reckless! If it weren't for the Sea Dragon King, Ascension Path and the Ascension Gate would have crumbled, crushing the dreams of countless Heavenly Being cultivators! Do you not know, or do you not care?]
[You insane old man, we were about to let you be during this auspicious time, but you dare to bring 'that' out in Ascension Path? Do you think you'll be safe when we all come together?]
Even amidst numerous Heavenly Being cultivators, Mad Lord just smirks and lays his hand on the box again.
At this, all the Heavenly Being cultivators in the sky jolt.
[Of course, if all your forces unite, I wouldn't stand a chance. But I'm prepared to self-destruct with [Her] at any time. Do you have such resolve?]
[Eek, a senile old man saying things...!]
The standoff between the Mad Lord and the group of Heavenly Beings continue for a while, until the Sea Dragon King begins to mediate with a smile.
[Let's not do this, everyone. What's the gain in such behavior during this auspicious time?
Mad Old Man, wouldn't it be more beneficial for you to ascend to the higher realms for your lover?]
The Sea Dragon King goes around among the Heavenly Beings, mediating, and after a while, they seem to reach an agreement and form a non-aggression pact with the Mad Lord.
Just then.
Jin Byuk-ho suddenly looks down below and locks eyes with Jeon Myung-hoon.
[What, wait... is this...]
Jin Byuk-ho, along with White Bone Ghost Devil and Sir Chang-ho, look down and repeat the same actions as before.
This time, however, along with Seo Hweol and the Mad Lord, the leaders of the Righteous and Devil Path Alliances, the Mighty Tiger Tribe, and Holy Peng Tribe are also present.
They, too, recognize the talents of my colleagues and show interest.
[Ha, is this the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body from the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's legend? The one that Golden Thunderbearer Yang Su-jin had? I'm somewhat interested too...]
[The Ghostly Yin Transformation Immortal Root, huh? Rather than entering Black Bone Valley, I can teach her well as my disciple...]
The leaders of the Righteous and Demonic Path Alliances eye Jeon Myeong-hoon and Kang Min-Hee, while the leaders of the Holy Peng and Mighty Tiger tribes drool over Oh Hyun-seok.
[A human born with the Unique Holy Body? Ha, indeed...]
[If given the True Origin Blood of the Mighty Tiger Tribe, we will welcome him as one of us...]
However, Jin Byuk-ho growls and grabs Jeon Myeong-hoon.
[You ragtag bunch, daring to snatch away a prospective disciple of my sect...? Knowing he has the same constitution as my sect founder? Do you really want to be at odds with my sect?]
[Hm, Sect Master Jin. It's not like that...]
[Just leave. Wait quietly in front of the Ascension Gate until it opens.]
White Bone Ghost Devil also gives an eerie smile, watching the Demonic Path Alliance's leader who eyes Kang Min-Hee.
[This child is destined to enter our valley.]
[Must all talented individuals only go to Black Bone Valley...]
[Do you want to taste the Nether Crossing Ship?]
[Eek... Dog-like Black Bone Valley folks. Fine, do as you please!]
The leaders of the Righteous and Demonic Path Alliances back away, unable to say anything in front of Jin Byuk-ho and White Bone Ghost Devil.
Mighty Tiger King and Holy Peng King eye Chief Oh with interest, but when Sir Chang-ho clears his throat, they avert their eyes from him and force an awkward smile.
[Hehe... We can't upset the Cheongmun Ancestor.]
[Yes, if it's Sir Chang-ho, he'll nurture him well.]
However, Holy Peng King and Mighty Tiger King turn their attention back to Deputy Manager Oh Hye-Seo.
She is bleeding through the seven orifices and seemed to cause not just the storm but also another phenomena.
They can't tell exactly what it is, but greed is evident in the eyes of Holy Peng King and Mighty Tiger King.
[After all, this woman seems to directly use the powers of a demon beast]
[It seems like an extraordinary trait for our demon race]
They approach Deputy Manager Oh Hye-seo, but Seo Hweol subtly blocks them with a smile.
As Seo Hweol speaks, they listen for a moment, nod their heads, and step back.
[If that's what the Sea Dragon King suggests]
[Indeed, with the abilities of the Sea Dragon King, he can indeed better bring out the demon beast traits of this woman.]
Eventually, everything flows as per destined fate.
All colleagues go with their designated Heavenly Being cultivators.
Among the Heavenly Being cultivators who are weaker in this competition, they can only suck their fingers in envy, watching the talented ones being taken by the stronger ones.
Then, when the members are distributed, the remaining ones turn their eyes to me, Kim Young-hoon, and Manager Kim Yeon.
[Anyway, do those remaining have some other hidden talents]
[That human guy, despite being of human lineage, possesses a Demon Core]
[Maybe a demi-human? Let's scrutinize each one. We might discover some incredible talents]
Then the Heavenly Being cultivators reach out to us. Kim Young-hoon, Manager Kim Yeon, and I scream as our bodies are searched with celestial energy.
During this, Manager Kim Yeon awakens her consciousness and becomes the disciple of the plump lady in white, the leader of the Righteous Path Alliance.
Kim Young-hoon and I are squeezed and oppressed in consciousness by other Heavenly Being cultivators, suffering all kinds of hardships.
However, upon examination, I am deemed to have just a slightly unique constitution but no special talents, and Kim Young-Hoon is judged to be a normal mortal with no special constitution.
Sir Chang-ho treats us, bringing the incident to a conclusion.
[Unfortunately, these two don't seem to have any notable talents, so we should just leave them.]
[This unique constitution is a bit interesting... how did a human come to possess a Demon Core]
[Enough. Even if it's an unusual constitution, it's not mythically talented enough to be worth taking. Let's just go.]
The Heavenly Beings chatter and soon prepare to fly back through the Ascension Gate.
Damn, everything's been chaotic since the beginning of this life.
I frown, holding my head slightly.
But there's something I shouldn't forget
I am about to talk about the Bloodwood Practitioner, Yuan Li, hiding in the Heaven-Treading Desert.
"Seniors, perhaps in the Heaven-Treading Desert, the Bloodwood..."
Thump-
It is then.
The Sea Dragon King approaches and pats my shoulder familiarly.
"This King knows him too. Despite being a human, he's ambitious and knows many interesting techniques. This king even learned a spell from him... It seems you too have inherited that spell."
Shiver!
Suddenly, a chill runs through my body.
If I talk about the Bloodwood Practitioner, I'll be killed by the Sea Dragon King right now.
There is no urge to kill in his eyes.
Nor in his intent.
But perhaps its intuition.
Its warning me of ominousness.
Gulp...
The Sea Dragon King pats my shoulder with a kind face and stands up.
"As you have a demi-human lineage, this King cannot ignore you. Take this. It's a demon beast method suitable for demi-humans to learn. In exchange for this method, I'd like to ask a simple favor... Is that alright?"
Seo Hweol shows a kind smile, extending Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation, and the space-breaking bead to me.
"...I understand. Thank you."
I silently receive the method, dharma treasure, and task from him.
Everything proceeds as fated.
I can't say anything, and all my colleagues are captured by their predetermined captors.
Manager Kim is unusually taken by the lady in white this time, but Mad Lord frequently glances towards the plump lady in white and Manager Kim Yeon.
I have a feeling that the woman, the leader of the Righteous Path Alliance, will not live long.
Mad Lord licks his lips at me but, this time, surrounded by numerous Heavenly Beings, flies obediently towards the Ascension Gate.
Whooosh-
A storm sweeps over us.
...Still, something has changed.
This time, no one sent Kim Young-hoon and me through a spatial rift.
Also, the fox's Demon Core remains in my hand.
When the Heavenly Being cultivator of the Devil Path Alliance tried to snatch my Demon Core, Sir Chang-ho warned him not to rob a junior, saving it for me.
Except for Kim Young-hoon and me being abandoned in Ascension Path and the fox's Demon Core remaining with me, everything went as fate dictated.
I calmly reassure the confused Kim Young-hoon, then look at the Demon Core in my hand.
Within the Demon Core, immense spiritual energy is condensed.
As its created by a Core Formation demon, absorbing the energy inside can grant me immense spiritual power.
I close my eyes, sit cross-legged holding the Demon Core, and begin absorbing the energy from within.
Half a year passes in Ascension Path
Rumble, Crack, Crackling!
I look at the dark clouds scattered by my Formless Sword in the sky.
Celestial energy changes, granting me 300 years of lifespan.
I succeed in absorbing the mid Core Formation fox's Demon Core, recovering to the 1st Constellation of Qi Building and creating the Horn Spiritual Star.
Rumble...
I gaze at the dark clouds scattering across the sky.
Even if my lifespan hasn't ended, does the appearance of dark clouds mean I am about to receive a new lifespan?
I have never heard of such a phenomenon occurring when a typical cultivator reaches the stage of Qi Building.
"Is this also related to the Heavenly Rejection?"
It seems like the heavens are trying to interfere with my receiving of new lifespan. However, I collect my Formless Sword, smiling wryly.
"Try and stop me as many times as you want."
I will split all the lightning and scatter the clouds, shattering the sky if need be.
Rumble...
Feeling the Pure Spiritual Force beginning to flow within my body, I stand up.
"Hmm, is this a cultivator at Qi Building?"
Kim Young-hoon, who was standing guard beside me, asks with curiosity.
Half a year has passed since we came to Ascension Path..
Under my guidance, Kim Young-hoon has become a peak master, fully mature in the realm of Three Flowers Gather at the Summit.
If he continues to follow my guidance for another 2 or 3 years, he will definitely reach the realm of Five Energies Converging to the Origin.
"Yes. Now, I can live for another 350 years or so."
"Amazing..."
He looks at me in awe.
"Just like the other colleagues, everyone seems to possess incredible talent."
"If I hadn't accidentally obtained the Demon Core of the demon fox, it would have taken me decades to reach Qi Building."
I lift the dim, energy-drained Core Formation fox's Demon Core.
Although the fox's Demon Core was of the Core Formation mid-stage, I, with only the enlightenment of Qi Building mid-stage, couldn't absorb all the energy contained within it.
'After all, the absorption rate is low as I had to refine the chaotic demonic energy and only absorb the pure part...'
Nevertheless, thanks to the fox's Demon Core, I achieved great success in the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation and reached the stage of Qi Building.
'From now on, I can smoothly progress to Qi Building 2nd Constellation, thanks to the insights from the Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea and Yin Soul Ghost Incantation I gained in my past life.'
Regarding Qi Building 3rd Constellation, I chose the White Tiger constellation during this lifes Seven Stars Ritual and obtained the White Tigers blessing. This will let me make swift progress. This life, whether for better or worse, I can reach the 4th Constellation of Qi Building.
'If things go well, I might even aim for the Grand Perfection of Qi Building.'
Of course, there are things to do before that.
"Then, Kim Hyung, shall we leave Ascension Path?"
"Oh, are we finally leaving? Great. I can't wait to see people again!"
At my words, Kim Young-hoon laughs joyously, excited to leave with me.
Whoosh...
We leave Ascension Path and land in the Heaven-Treading Desert. Then we speed across the desert using my spells.
Kim Young-hoon marvels at the vast landscape of the desert, and I, having ascended to Qi Building and acquired an immense amount of Pure Spiritual Force, quickly head towards Byeokra.
'Perhaps, it will be good to visit the castle where Yuan Li is.'
Thinking about it, at this point when the Heavenly Beings have not ascended for long, he might still be at Core Formation.
'If he's still Core Formation, I might be able to do something now that I have ascended to Qi Building and gained Pure Spiritual Force.
After pondering for a moment, I press my head hard.
I still feel the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner embedded in the core of my upper dantian.
'The Five Elements Blood Curse Banner is, after all, Yuan Lis curse spell. Going there right now might be unpredictable.'
It will be better to deal with the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner first before seeking him out.
'Then, regarding the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner, the best is undoubtedly...'
I turn my gaze towards the south, to the Black Wind Sea.
'Heavenly Beings remnant soul. It would be best to ask Song Jin of Black Ghost Valley.'
With that thought, I head towards Byeokra with Kim Young-hoon.
Whoosh...
"Cough, cough..."
"Damn it, Eun-hyun. Are we there yet?"
"We're almost there!"
I frown.
We encountered a sandstorm and spent several days inside of it.
The sandstorm subsided, but during that time, we had to expend a lot of effort and spiritual power.
Because of this, I couldn't generate water at regular intervals using spiritual power, leaving Kim Young-hoon and me without water for two days now.
'Our clothes are tattered, and we have nothing more to eat or drink. Damn it...'
But now we are almost at Byeokra.
Soon, we should see Cheon-saek City.
Whoosh...
How long have we been pushing through the sandstorm, using spells to advance?
Far in the distance, Cheon-saek CIty comes into view.
"Kim Hyung, there's the city!"
"Oh, ohh..! Let's hurry and get some water..!"
'Crossing the Heaven-Treading Desert is always challenging, no matter how many times I do it...'
There are tolerable times, but often when one encounters sandstorms, they will arrive utterly exhausted like this.
Swoosh!
Kim Young-hoon and I stop in front of Cheon-saek City, and the guards approach us.
"Stop! Who are you?"
Without fuss, I approach and float a few spells above my hand to show them.
"Ah, uh... A cultivator!?"
Perhaps because Cheon-saek City is famous for its magic artifacts and is frequently visited by cultivators looking to purchase them, the locals are more aware of cultivators than in other regions.
"I'm a desert tribe cultivator who has crossed the desert. Please, let us enter."
"Which tribe are you from?"
"The Jurip tribe."
"Ah, the largest tribe, I see. Understood. Here is your pass."
Its a knack I have developed from entering and leaving Cheon-saek City in several lifetimes.
Of course, there are no cultivators like me in the Jurip tribe, but by the time they check, I will likely be gone from this place.
"People, at last..."
Kim Young-hoon, seeing people for the first time in half a year, eagerly observes them, unable to understand the language of Byeokra.
Not only the people, but he also observes the myriad colors of intent they emit, which are visible to him at the realm of Three Flowers Gather at the Summit.
'He'll probably reach the realm of Five Energies Converging to the Origin soon.'
His enthusiastic observation of colors of emotions suggests he will soon reach the realm of awakening consciousness.
'However...'
I inhale the hot air of Cheon-saek City, adjacent to the desert, and look around.
"Where can we find some water...?"
Its been almost 200 years since I last visited Cheon-saek City, so Im a bit hazy about where the well is.
As I look around with a burning face, a woman in white approaches me.
"Are you looking for water?"
Both Kim Young-hoon and I nod vigorously.
"Follow me, I'll provide you with some water at my shop"
"Ah, thank you, miss!"
We follow her.
Her shop, located in a small alley of Cheon-saek City is a magic artifact store named 'White Magical Lotus.'
Swoosh!
She scoops a bucket of water from a wooden barrel in a corner of the shop and hands it to me.
"Drink this, and I'll bring another bucket for your companion..."
But before she can fetch another bucket, Kim Young-hoon uses telekinesis to draw water towards himself and starts drinking it desperately.
"Ah, I'm sorry. My companion is very thirsty..."
"It's alright. It's not unusual for people coming from the desert to be like that."
"Then, we'll gladly drink. Thank you."
I take the bucket she offered and drink the water.
'I finally feel alive again.'
The water I create with my own spiritual power only quenches the basic thirst without bringing the satisfaction of drinking water.
Its like putting back into my body what I have taken out.
But drinking real water from outside truly refreshes me.
"Ah... I'm truly grateful, miss. We haven't had water for two days..."
"No problem, there's a well in Cheon-saek City just a bit further. But judging by your aura, you seem to be a cultivator, right?"
"Ah...!"
Only then did I realize that she, too, is a cultivator.
Judging by the fluctuation of her spiritual power, she seems to be around the level of Qi Refining 11th Star.
Suddenly, I remember that I have seen her before.
"Ah, you are..."
That's right.
Long ago.
The first time I had escaped from the Heaven-Treading Desert on my own and crossed the Heaven-Treading Desert, she was the cultivator who had given me water!
"Do you recognize me?"
A hint of wariness appears in her eyes.
'She might be misunderstanding something.'
"Please don't misunderstand, miss. I remember your kindness from a long time ago when you gave me water in Cheon-saek City."
"Oh, I see."
Her wariness relaxes.
"Descendants from the Gongmyo Clan, Byeok Clan, and Cheongmun Clan often bother me so I got a bit startled. I'm relieved to know you're someone I've helped before."
"Ha ha, it seems you've done many good deeds before."
"Isn't it our duty to help those who wander in the desert?"
"You have a kind heart."
While talking, I look around the shop.
'These are magic artifacts...'
Honestly, having the overwhelmingly superior Formless Sword, I have never thought of using such artifacts.
However, looking around the shop, even to the inexperienced eye, there are many magic artifacts that look quite useful.
'The spiritual power emanating from these artifacts is very stable.'
Even with demon senses, the circulation of spiritual energy in themis natural, making them excellent works.
"Who made these artifacts? Indeed, Cheon-saek City is famous for magic artifacts. Even I, with my ignorance, can tell their quality is exceptional."
"Aha..."
At my words, the corners of her mouth lifts slightly.
'Did she make these?'
Its then that I notice the golden intent emanating from her.
She suppresses a chuckle and speaks.
"Your clothes look too tattered. Would you like some unused clothes from my place?"
"Ah, if you could do that, it would be much appreciated..."
"Don't hesitate. These are really just clothes lying around without an owner."
Saying so, she looks once more at Kim Young-hoon and me, and goes inside and returns with two sets of clothes.
They are a bit worn but cleaner than what were wearing.
One set is a white robe like the one she is wearing, and the other, a yellow robe, the color of the desert.
Both were Daoist robes.
"I brought these clothes that were just lying around in my house, hoping they might be of help. Since I offered water, why not clothes as well."
"I'm so grateful I don't know how to thank you."
"Oh..."
Kim Young-hoon, having finished drinking his water, wipes his mouth and comes over. Though he doesn't understand the language, he chooses a robe after I explain she is offering clothes.
Kim Young-hoon picks the yellow robe, and I choose the white one. We both go to a secluded corner of the shop to change.
"My, you look much better now."
"Thank you for the clothes. I don't know how to repay this kindness..."
"If you insist, consider it a debt from a Qi Building senior."
She smiles warmly as she accepts my thanks. After promising to repay her for the clothes, we leave the White Magical Lotus artifact shop.
Kim Young-hoon and I left Cheon-saek City and traveled through various cities in Byeokra, paying respects to the Cheongmun Clan from afar.
Then, we reached Yanguo. We briefly visited my disciples after crossing the Jin Clan's barrier, and continued south to the Black Wind Sea.
"Should I wait here?"
"Yes, it won't take long."
"Alright then. I'll practice my martial arts in the meantime."
I leave Kim Young-hoon and take out the Space-Breaking Bead and Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation method given by Seo Hweol.
'What to do...'
In my past life, I had simply thrown the Space-Breaking Beadle into the depths of the sea. However, after some thinking, I decide not to discard it this time.
'A self-destructing spatial dharma treasure...'
It might be useful later on if I need to perform a mutual destruction tactic.
'After helping Seo Ran defeat Song Jin's remnant soul and obtaining the coordinates of Serving Command Palace...'
Maybe this time, I can get a proper Longevity Fruit for Kim Young-hoon.
I vividly remember the spell Yuan Li used in my last life.
The spell that rapidly grew the Longevity Fruit by extracting life force.
Although I dont know everything about that spell, my solid foundational knowledge from my master helped me understand its general principle.
'Perhaps, in this life, if I can find a way to implement that same effect without stealing others' life force...'
I might just be able to extend Kim Young-hoon's life.
Swoosh!
I leap into the air, heading towards Seo Ran's residence.
The story progressed quickly.
After showing Seo Ran my power and the Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation method, I gained his trust. Together, we went to the Nether Crossing Ship where Song Jin resided, quietly dismantled the formation, and reached the lowest level of the ship.
Song Jin is still a ghost engulfed in dark ghostly energy.
"Look here, Elder Song Jin of Black Ghost Valley."
"[Who are you?]"
He glares at me, scattering his eerie ghostly energy.
Ignoring him, I respond.
"Hand over the Nether Crossing Ship."
Rumble!
His ghostly energy spreads everywhere, but it seems much weaker compared to Yuan Li in my last life.
I grip the Formless Sword facing him.
Somehow, confronting him this time doesnt shake me as much as before.
Translator Notes: I updated and corrected some terms:
Black Bone Valley -> Black Ghost Valley
Azure Bone Valley -> Azure Ghost Valley
White Bone Ghost Horse -> White Bone Ghost Devil
Demon Legion Terracotta Scroll -> Devil Legion Terracotta Scroll
***