Starlight Protecting Void Body.
I skimmed through the essentials of the method and realized something.
"This method, it seems it is only the middle part without the beginning or the end?"
At my words, Azure Tiger Saint chuckles and strokes his beard.
"Haha, you have a keen eye. Indeed, the original method is divided into three parts."
He continues his explanation.
"Azure Spirit Striking Origin Technique, responsible for attack and explosive power. Starlight Protecting Void Body, in charge of defense and stability. Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture, tasked with endurance, healing power, and regenerative ability. These three methods each represent the beginning, middle, and end of the original method."
Boom!
A blue light flickers above Azure Tiger Saints hand.
Its the life and healing energy of Wood spiritual energy.
"Disciples of Azure Heaven Creation Sect typically begin their training with the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture, divided into five separate methods. They start by mastering methods corresponding to the attributes of the Five Elements. Once they become proficient, they move on to the Starlight Protecting Void Body. Finally, they are introduced to the Azure Spirit Striking Origin Technique. Upon reaching a certain level of mastery in these methods, they begin the formal transmission of the combined original method, the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method. As my direct disciple, I've observed your potential and decided to start your instruction directly with the Starlight Protecting Void Body"
"Thank you."
After bowing to the Azure Tiger Saint, curiosity strikes me.
"By the way, is it possible to know what teachings Chief Oh, no, Senior Brother Oh... is practicing?"
"Ah, you mean Oh Hyun-seok?"
After pondering for a moment, Azure Tiger Saint shows a somewhat mischievous smile.
"It might be a bit unpleasant to hear for you, but he will be directly taught the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method soon."
"Hoo."
"Indeed, a Unique Holy Body is a Unique Holy Body after all. Even though his combat sense is still far inferior to yours, after getting beaten and healing repeatedly, his body quickly becomes stronger. The plan is to see how resilient he becomes without teaching him any techniques through sparring first, and then start teaching him the proper methods afterward."
"..."
In other words, hes saying that he will continue to beat Chief Oh up in the future.
'I thought Chief Oh, who went to Azure Tiger Saint, would at least have the most enjoyable time..'
It appears getting beaten up crazily will be the norm until he reaches the right state.
After awkwardly greeting Azure Tiger Saint, who was quite excited about the prospect of beating up Chief Oh Hyun-seok, I took the stele with the Starlight Protecting Void Body written on it and returned to my place.
Reading through the Starlight Protecting Void Body, I realized its no simple method.
'Even if the spiritual energy of the Bright Cold Realm is abundant, I shouldn't overestimate my talent.'
I have long understood the limits of my talent.
How long will it take for a body like mine to properly learn the method?
After pondering for a moment, I remember Azure Tiger Saints words.
'Disciples of Azure Heaven Creation Sect typically begin their training with the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture, divided into five separate methods.
That means,
Before learning the Starlight Protecting Void Body, it will be helpful to learn the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture.
'Right, instead of trying to learn everything at once, let's try it step by step.'
I first go to look for the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture by visiting the Scripture Pavilion of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect.
'Let's see, the Scripture Pavilion was said to have been settled a few months ago...'
Azure Heaven Creation Sects Summoning Peak.
I head there to find the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture.
And, as I walk towards Summoning Peak,
"...?"
I can see something strange.
'Why does the Scripture Pavilion seem to be moving...?'
When I cautiously arrive at the 'bustling' library,
I see an unbelievable scene.
"Seniorbrother?"
Kugugugugu!
Beneath the Scripture Pavilion building.
There, a muscular man is puffing his breath, lifting the entire Scripture Pavilion up and down, training his upper body.
A single blue cloud is engraved on his pants.
Disciples of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect are classified by clouds.
A newly initiated disciple wears clothes with five clouds, known as a Five-Cloud disciple.
A disciple who received some teachings and reached the Qi Refining stage is a Four-Cloud disciple.
A disciple at the Qi Building stage is a Three-Cloud disciple.
A Core Formation stage disciple is a Two-Cloud disciple.
And a Nascent Soul stage disciple is treated as a One-Cloud disciple.
From the One-Cloud disciple onwards, one has the privilege to challenge for the position of an elder in the Azure Heaven Creation Sect, a tremendously prestigious status.
In reality, the elders of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect are One-Cloud disciples, the class of disciples leading the sect.
From the Heavenly Being elders onwards, they wear only blue robes signifying the Azure Heaven (Azure Sky) without any clouds.
...And Azure Tiger Saint, at the Four-Axis stage, simply goes around without a shirt.
Chief Oh Hyun-seok and I, in terms of cultivation realm, are actually Five-Cloud disciples, but thanks to our status as the direct disciples of Azure Tiger Saint, we are allowed to bear the Two-Cloud pattern.
"Kuhuuuu..."
At my call, the One-Cloud disciple training his upper body with the Scripture Pavilion building,
A person named Cheon Hoon () looks at me.
"Oh, aren't you the new disciple of the Ancestor? Let me see... in terms of seniority, what should I call you? ...Hmm, I'm not sure. Well, I'll just call you junior. Junior, what brings you to the Scripture Pavilion?"
While holding up the building with one arm, he asks me, wiping sweat with the other.
I cautiously ask, witnessing the terrifying sight.
"...I came looking for the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture divided into five methods to learn..."
"Ah, so you came for that. Haha, being the direct disciple of the Ancestor, you could start with higher methods, but it's nice to see you laying a solid foundation. Go to the second floor of the Scripture Pavilion, right at the entrance, the third yellow bookshelf, third compartment. Those are the basic methods of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect, so there's no problem in copying them to take away. However, if you want to take other scriptures, you need to prove your eligibility."
"Prove eligibility?"
"Yes, in the sect, it's discouraged for those unqualified to learn the methods. So, to learn higher methods, one must pass a test."
"And how does one take this test?"
At my question, Cheon Hoon grins and replies.
"Simple. Bring the scripture to the librarian. After the librarian judges the importance of the scripture, you have to win a spar against them. Usually, for Qi Refining and Qi Building stage scriptures, if you win an arm wrestling match against the librarian, you're allowed to take them."
"...And who is this librarian of the Scripture Pavilion?"
I ask cautiously, inwardly hoping it wasn't the person in front of me.
However, Cheon Hoon chuckled as if to say, why even ask?
"Of course, it's me, why are you even asking?"
I look at Cheon Hoon, who is flexing his muscles while holding the Scripture Pavilion with one hand.
'Arm wrestle him to take the scripture?'
Was this a way of saying not to cultivate?
Noticing my gaze, Cheon Hoon continues.
"Ah, just in case you're overly worried, for Qi Refining scriptures, you normally just need to beat my pinky finger in arm wrestling to take them. I'll only use my pinky, and you can use your whole body."
"..."
I look at Cheon Hoon's pinky finger.
Its thicker than my thumb.
"...So, I can just take the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture without any competition?"
"Ah, of course. But you see, I'm in the middle of my upper body training, and it's a bit troublesome to put the building down. Could you just go in?"
"...Yes, alright."
With a leap, I jumped up and landed at the entrance held high.
From below, Cheon Hoon's voice reaches me.
"Thanks for understanding. And since I'll be lifting and lowering the pavilion a little for my upper body training, the Scripture Pavilion might shake a bit, just so you know."
"...Do as you please."
After giving up on understanding Cheon Hoon, I went up to the Scripture Pavilion's upper floor.
Shortly after.
I found the books titled 'Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture' at the place Cheon Hoon mentioned.
The Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture is divided into 5 basic methods just like the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation, with each representing a different element.
Fire Path Enduring Origin Scripture, Water Path Enduring Origin Scripture, Wood Path Enduring Origin Scripture, Metal Path Enduring Origin Scripture, Earth Path Enduring Origin Scripture.
I first unfolded each of the scriptures and learned all the essentials.
'So this is the feel of it...'
After embedding all the essences in my head, I reached out for other methods on a different bookshelf.
However.
Woosh!
All the other scriptures have restrictions placed on them.
Just when I pick up another book.
[Ah, junior. If you wish to learn that, win an arm wrestling match against me, and I'll teach you how to lift the restriction.]
"..."
I quietly placed the book back in its original spot and left the Scripture Pavilion.
"Thank you for the help, senior brother. If I need to find something else in the future, I'll come to visit after learning these methods."
"Haha, do as you please. Oh, and if you're going to learn the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture, you might as well get some help at the Five Elements Hall."
Cheon Hoon points towards five mountain peaks far away with one hand.
"You know what the Five Elements Hall is, right?"
"Yes, I'm aware. It's said to be the place where the Azure Heaven Creation Sect's body cultivation is most actively conducted. A place to learn the body refining methods corresponding to each element."
"That's right, that's right. Many senior brothers there started with the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture, and they'll all be willing to help you with a good heart."
"Ah, thank you."
I thanked Cheon Hoon.
I had a rough idea of what the Five Elements Hall is, but I have never been there before.
It took time to move the locations that were previously in the Head Realm to Azure Cold Island, so it was only recently restored.
Kugugugu!
I left Cheon Hoon training with the Scripture Pavilion and went to find the Five Elements Hall.
Five Elements Hall.
Fire Path Body Training Hall.
Kugugugu!
I instantly realize something is wrong.
"Kahaha! Stoke the flames hotter!"
"Arghhhhhh!"
"Senior brothers, please spare us!"
"Come on, what are you doing? Roast all the new recruits we've received this time!"
Whoosh!
Ever heard of burning at the stake?
Setting up a log, tying a criminal to it, then stacking lots of firewood below and setting it on fire as a form of punishment and execution.
And.
At the Five Elements Hall, Fire Path Body Training Hall, supposedly to learn the Fire Path Enduring Origin Scripture.
They had just tied up the disciples who had recently joined Azure Heaven Creation Sect and possessed the Fire Spiritual Root, to a row of logs, and were lighting fires under them.
"I-I want to go back! I didn't know it was like this!"
"Quiet! Everyone from the Head Realm got strong this way, that's why we have the mighty Azure Heaven Creation Sect of today! The spiritual energy of heaven and earth is dense in the Bright Cold Realm, so it should be even more effective! Light the fire!"
"Arghhhhhh!"
Whoosh!
I dumbfoundedly watch the Qi Refining stage disciples being roasted by fire in the Fire Path Body Training Hall.
Splash!
And then, I turned my head towards the Core Formation stage Two-Cloud disciples training nearby.
Crater!
Theres a volcanic crater with lava boiling fiercely.
"Everyone, dive in!"
And the Two-Cloud disciples of the Fire Path Body Training Hall dove into the lava as soon as the One-Cloud disciples commanded them to dive.
Splash, splash, splash!
The Two-Cloud disciples went inside the lava and didn't surface for a while.
"What's this! Why aren't they coming up!?"
"They're all flowing away! Cheon Hae, pull them up!"
"Yes!"
A female disciple full of muscles and without a hint of hesitation dove into the lava, pulling out the Two-Cloud disciples whose bodies are red-hot from the heat.
After watching the scene for a moment, I immediately run away from the Fire Path Body Training Hall.
"It turns out the Fire Path doesnt quite suit me after all.
I move towards the Metal Path Body Training Hall located on the adjacent peak.
The Metal Path Body Training Hall is, of course, different from the Fire Path Body Training Hall.
"Arghhh! Senior brothers, I don't want to die!"
"Please spare us!"
The newly initiated disciples were tied up with ropes, slowly being lowered into a small pit.
Kagagagagagak!
Kagagak!
Kagagakak!
Upon closer inspection, inside the pit where the disciples are entering, there are thousands of small shark-like fish with sharp teeth swarming.
"Everyone, utilize the Metal Path Enduring Origin Scripture!"
"Being bitten by the Gold-Tooth Sharks will allow you to feel the power of the Metal Spirit. If you grasp that feeling well and utilize the technique accordingly, there will be no problem!"
"Arghhhhh! Stop talking nonsense! Crazy..."
Splash!
One of the Five-Cloud disciples who was panicking fell right into the midst of the Gold-Tooth Sharks.
"..."
Surprisingly, the Five-Cloud disciple, even while being bitten by the fish, did not die.
He manages to survive, somehow thrashing madly inside, utilizing metal energy.
I hurriedly leave the Metal Path Body Training Hall without looking back.
'Are the other training halls like this?'
It seems likely.
'...Anyway, just in case there's a training method that suits me, I should at least look around.'
I take a deep breath and head to the next hall.
Water Path Body Training Hall.
Splash!
"Rrrghrghrgh!"
Compared to the previous brutally harsh training halls, this one is visually more stable.
However, the Five-Cloud disciples at the Water Path Body Training Hall were dragged deep underwater by senior disciples, undergoing training to withstand immense water pressure.
'...The depth is so great that it's out of sight.'
"Next, go in!"
"Wait a moment, please! The problem isn't withstanding the water pressure, but not being able to breathe..."
"Quiet! There's nothing impossible for a disciple of the great Azure Heaven Creation Sect!"
Splash!
"Rrrrghrrgh...!"
A Five-Cloud disciple, with rocks as big as his head tied to his feet, plunged into the lake in front of him.
The lake's depth is clearly dozens of meters, deep enough to make the Five-Cloud disciple who went down disappear after a while.
I shake my head at this scene and head to the next training hall.
Wood Path Body Training Hall.
Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud!
"Kuoaaaawwww!!"
"Kugghhm"
"Ughhm!"
In the Wood Path Body Training Hall, Three-Cloud disciples infused their fists with the power of healing and life force, tying up Four-Cloud and Five-Cloud disciples to logs and mercilessly beat them.
While the disciples from the Fire, Metal, and Water Halls could at least scream,
The Four-Cloud and Five-Cloud disciples in the Wood Path Body Training Hall had gags in their mouths, only able to clench their teeth and endure the punches from the Three-Cloud disciples.
Thud, thud, thud!
Every time the Three-Cloud disciples beat the Four and Five-Cloud disciples, their bodies would bruise and bones would break, only to be healed and regenerated by the seniors' punches, continuously transforming their flesh into something even more robust.
"..."
I held my breath watching this scene and also fled from the Wood Path Body Training Hall.
And, finally.
Earth Path Body Training Hall.
"..."
The Earth Path Body Training Hall, unlike the other terrifying and noisy training halls, has a very quiet and serene atmosphere.
The One and Two-Cloud disciples are closing their eyes and practicing their body cultivation though lifting rocks as big as the Scripture Pavilion or mountain peaks for training seems somewhat excessive.
'But where are all the Three, Four, and Five-Cloud disciples?'
Just then.
Crack!
Suddenly, a hand emerged from the ground of the Earth Path Body Training Hall.
"Cough! Cough! Cough!"
Shortly after.
The person who completely emerged is a Five-Cloud disciple wearing tattered clothes.
Gasping for breath, he climbed out of the ground and started running madly in my direction.
"This place is insane! Everyone's insane! If I had known the Azure Heaven Creation Sect was like this, I wouldn't have come..."
And then.
Kugugugugu!
One of the Two-Cloud disciples who had been quietly training with a mountain peak dropped it and landed in front of the fleeing Five-Cloud disciple.
"Junior, where are you going? You need to continue today's training."
"I-I don't want to... Save me..."
At the same time, the Two-Cloud disciple rolled his foot.
Boom!
With his kick, a huge pit formed beneath his feet.
He grabbed the fleeing Five-Cloud disciple by the nape and threw him directly into the pit.
"Now then. Climb back up using the Earth Path Enduring Origin Scripture. It'll be nothing once you get used to it, junior."
As he forms a seal with his hands, the pit closes, and the Five-Cloud disciple is trapped underground just like that.
'So that's why...'
The reason the Earth Path Body Training Hall is quiet is because the lower-level disciples are buried underground.
It seems that the training method of the Earth Path Body Training Hall involves enduring the pressure of the earth and climbing back up.
After witnessing the sequence of training processes, I realized a belated truth.
'I should just quietly go back to practicing the Starlight Protecting Void Body.'
But then,
"Wait, now that I think about it, aren't you... the one who recently became the direct disciple of the Founder?"
"..."
"Haha, this is great. Seeing as you've come to the Earth Path Body Training Hall, you must be intending to learn the Earth Path Enduring Origin Scripture, right? It's truly commendable that you, as the Founder's disciple, would start from the basics despite being eligible for higher methods."
Thud, thud, thud, thud!
Behind me, to my sides, and in front of me, One-Cloud and Two-Cloud disciples block my way out.
I awkwardly smile and reply.
"...It seems I took the wrong turn, seniors. This junior is just on his way out, so if everyone can continue on happily with their training that would be
"Haha, entering is as you please, but leaving is not."
With that, the One and Two-Cloud disciples surrounding me charge towards me.
For the first time in a long while, I concentrate as if my life is at stake, reading their intent.
Numerous paths and trajectories become visible to my eyes.
'To freedom...!'
Focusing all my willpower, I seize the Starting Form.
Translator Notes: Honestly, after the depressing Mad Lord arc, this arc is a really nice change of mood.
-x-X-x-
Red lines stretch out from all sides, enveloping the surroundings.
Seven from the rear.
Three from the front.
Two red lines from each side.
The only empty spaces are above in the sky and below the ground.
However, going below ground would be no different than voluntarily entering the training hall to be trapped.
And the sky, even if there are no intents targeting there right now, its too easy to be targeted by others.
'Then'
I decide to charge towards the senior brother rushing at me from the rear.
Seven intents target my limbs.
From the fighting spirit emanating beyond their intent, it's clear they're willing to break my limbs if necessary to capture me for the training hall.
Paaat!
The first touch aims for my shoulder.
Allowing it would dislocate my shoulder.
I bend my waist slightly to dodge the hand, then place my hand under the senior's arm and slightly change direction.
Wobble!
"!"
As I change direction, he feels the force he was about to exert on me shift to one side, causing him to stagger.
In that moment, the intent wildly fluctuates.
Taatt!
I manage to pass through the gaps of the trembling intent, initially escaping the encirclement of the seniors.
'This isn't the end.'
Though I've escaped the encirclement, there's still a long way before freedom.
'The only way to escape the training hall in one go is'
I roll my eyes, looking far off at a cliff.
If I fall off the cliff next to the training hall, they won't pursue further.
'Twenty steps to the cliff.'
I can make it!
Taatt!
I hurriedly speed up my steps toward the cliff.
But, as expected, the seniors of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect posses tremendous speed.
Pababat!
They quickly catch up to me.
Purely due to their high physical capabilities, they don't even need movement techniques or lightness skills.
"Stop right there!"
"Where do you think you're running off to"
Dududududu!
Chilling footsteps sound from behind.
Half a dozen muscular giants, regardless of gender, chase me as if theyre starved dogs given a bone.
"Hes heading for the cliff! Catch him!"
A muscular, bald senior sister shouts as she chases after me.
Chaak!
Two of the senior brothers reach out simultaneously towards my shoulders.
Reading their intent, I duck and dodge their hands.
Paatt!
From beneath the ground, red lines rise towards my legs.
In a crouched position, I kick off the ground, propelling myself forward.
The spot I kicked off from sprouts a pair of hands that grab at the air.
Kugugugu!
From above, like a meteor falling, the muscular, half-bald senior sister descends upon me.
Taat, tat!
I deftly step aside, avoiding her landing spot.
Kwaang!
She lands where I was, extending her fingers towards me.
Her log-like fingers scratch wildly at where I previously was, and finding no response, she propels herself towards my new location.
Kuang!
I twist half a step to avoid her, then using a lightness technique, I shake her off and again dash towards the cliff.
Only eight steps to the cliff!
"Our fresh recruit is running away!"
"Catch him!"
'I can definitely escape!'
I smirk and begin to step even faster.
But then.
Pababat!
From beneath the ground, dozens of red lines burst into the air.
'Damn'
Phuk, phuk, phuk!
And from beneath the ground, several Four-Cloud and Three-Cloud disciples reveal themselves.
"Where do you think you're escaping...!?"
"We can't be the only ones suffering..!"
A total of 16 seniors stand in my way.
Countless lines of intent densely fill the space ahead.
There's seemingly no way forward.
But in this world of intent, I close my eyes.
Dozens, hundreds of intents obscure my vision.
It's impossible to dodge all these attacks and without Formless Sword or Gang Sphere, counterattacking is difficult.
If so,
'I'll use it to my advantage.'
Ta-att!
Using a lightness technique, I deflect one of the reaching hands towards me, utilizing the initial stance of Echoing Valley to redirect it towards another senior.
Kugh!
Buuung, bung bung!
Several fists and kicks aim for me.
I use the force of a leg kicking towards me and throw it back at a senior rushing from behind, catch a fist coming from the side, and redirect it towards another senior extending his leg from the front.
Reading dozens of intents and deflecting hundreds of attacks towards other targets, I dodge numerous hands and finally break through the throng of senior brothers and sisters.
Paaatt!
And then, I leap down the cliff.
'Finally, I've escaped!'
Just as Im about to breathe a sigh of relief.
!
Kugugugu!
From the cliff, a giant hand made of dirt reaches out towards me.
"This dogsh-"
I forgot in my rush that these people are originally cultivators..
But my panic is only momentary.
Quickly analyzing the situation, I position my body in mid-air as I see the dirt hand reaching for me.
And.
Thwook!
Just as the hand almost touches my feet,
'Now!'
With gleaming eyes, I use the force of the hand to leap even further away.
Paaang!
In an instant, the peaks of the training hall recedes from view.
The seniors of the Earth Body Training Hall watch me escape with regret, smacking their lips.
In a flash, the peaks of the Wooden Hall, Water Hall, and Metal Hall pass before my eyes.
And then.
Huh?
I feel an ominous sensation and look back.
I used the force from the dirt hand to leap further, but somehow that caused me to head towards the
'Fi-Fire Training Hall!'
After quickly realizing my ominous fate, I desperately try to change direction, but its too late.
Huarurururu!
A giant flame dragon opens its mouth, engulfing me as I fly through the air.
Kwarrr!
Caught in the mouth of the flame dragon, I fall somewhere, feeling intense heat around me.
'.God damn it'
Escaping the tiger's den only to enter a bear's cave.
"Haha, newbie. Flying through the air to our Fire Path Body Training Hall, is that a declaration of intent to practice the Fire Path Enduring Origin Scripture?"
"Hey, wait. Have we tested this newbie's spiritual root? If it's not a Fire Spiritual Root, we should politely transfer him to another training hall!"
"Huahaha, I immediately did with my flame dragon spell. This kid is definitely a Fire Spiritual Root!"
Huarururu!
The flame dragon that caught me transforms into chains of fire, binding me tightly.
Thump, thump, thump, thump!
Around me, several seniors of the Fire Path Body Training Hall with their bodies glowing red-hot, encircle me.
"I think I've come to the wrong place, could you let me go, please...?"
"Haha. Everyone, add another log, we've got a newbie!"
My plea goes unheeded, and I'm tied tightly to a stake.
"Now, I'll teach you the intricacies of the Fire Path Enduring Origin Scripture, so listen well."
"Ah, I already understand."
"Oh, you do? That's good. Lads, cook the newbie!"
And then, the pile of firewood below me is ignited.
"Newbie, if you use the Fire Path Enduring Origin Scripture properly, you'll have no problems. Give it a try."
Im engulfed in flames.
Huarurururu!
Engulfed in flames, I grit my teeth and forcefully operate the Fire Path Enduring Origin Scripture.
Though it feels like Im turning to ash, operating the Fire Path Enduring Origin Scripture somehow prevents me from dying.
'It hurts.'
Excruciatingly so.
It feels like Im turning into smoked bacon.
But within these flames, I sense something.
'Ah, I see...'
Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle...
In my past life trapped in 'General Seo' for a thousand years, I haven't felt this sensation for a long time.
Pain.
Feeling pain, I realize something.
'It hurts. But... being in pain means.'
I'm 'alive'.
'Yes, I am...'
Alive!
Flash!
"Hooo"
I absorb the flames in accordance with the secret method of the Fire Path Enduring Origin Scripture, grinning amidst the blazing fire.
I made a big fuss over nothing after being spared from physical pain for too long.
The visual effect was so astonishing that I panicked prematurely.
But, is there truly nothing more agonizing than this pain?
Of course not.
In the midst of flames and suffering, I realize something far more tormenting than pain.
Death.
To close one's eyes in powerlessness and misery, having achieved nothing and saved no one.
Isn't that truly more agonizing?
Sizzle
Within the scorching heat, I find my calm.
Regardless, I can become stronger.
With this kind of training, it should help me amass enough strength so as not to die powerlessly anymore.
What have I been doing until now
This isnt the time to be complaining.
Kim Yeon is suffering under the tyranny of the insane Mad Lord.
Jeon Myeong-hoon and the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is doomed to be annihilated by a True Immortal in a few decades.
Who knows what Seo Hweol will do to Oh Hye-seo.
Kang Min-hee will go mad and destroy the entire Black Ghost Valley.
Azure Tiger Saint is going to eventually die and Oh Hyun-seok will become crippled after that.
To save everyone.
Or at the very least, to find out why and what is happening.
I shouldn't be sitting here moping around, Seo Eun-hyun!
In the midst of searing pain, I face my seniors looking on with satisfaction with a smile.
"Senior brothers, senior sisters, seniors...!"
It hurts.
But now, in the midst of burning pain, I finally know what I need to do.
"Is this all!? I had some expectations hearing that the Fire Path Body Training Hall is a thrilling place, but this is so lukewarm I can't even tell if the fire has been lit or not!"
The veins on the seniors faces who were stoking the fire bulged.
"I'm going to catch a cold from the chill! Make it hotter! This junior is catching a cold!
"Ha, haha."
At my words, the faces of the three or four seniors who tensed up began to laugh.
"Hahahaha! Alright, we've got quite the character here! Alright, newbie! We'll do as you say! We can't have our adorable junior catching a cold! You guys, bring some lava over here!"
I laugh as Im turning into charcoal.
Yes, it hasn't been long since I returned to being human from a puppet.
Ive been too dramatic.
Today, I've regained my senses.
The time for pretense is over.
Let's become stronger!
Even more so!
From a certain day onward.
Rumors started circulating in the Azure Heaven Creation Sect's Five Elements Body Training Hall.
"Hey, have you heard the rumor? If you go to the Fire Path Body Training Hall early in the day, there's a newbie tied up burning since dawn."
"Oh, really?"
"But listen, what's scary is that if you go to the Metal Path Body Training Hall around the morning, you can see a newbie, who looks exactly like the one burning at dawn, being ripped apart there."
"Wow, a hardworking newcomer, isn't it?"
"No, the story's not over yet. I was just passing by the Water Path Body Training Hall after lunch, and I saw the guy who was in the Metal Path Body Training Hall in the morning diving into the deepest part of the Water Path Body Training Hall.""
"Wow... Three different training halls...? Is that even possible?"
"That's what I'm saying. But what's even scarier is that, while going up after dinner, I saw a newbie who looked exactly like that guy, receiving impact training in the Wood Path Body Training Hall."
"Wow...? You mustve been mistaken, right?"
"How could that be? And I don't know if they saw this wrong, but one of the juniors passing by the Earth Path Body Training Hall at midnight said he saw a newbie, looking exactly like the one I saw, coming out from under the Earth Path Body Training Hall..."
"Could it be that quintuplets joined the Azure Heaven Creation Sect at the same time?"
"If that were the case, itd be an interesting rumor, but no such rumor exists. In other words."
"Theyre all the same person?"
The two burly men gaped in amazement.
"Training in all Five Elements Body Training Halls? What kind of absurd rumor is that?"
"That's what I'm saying. Usually, mastering only one of the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture and moving on to the Starlight Protecting Void Body is the norm for most..."
"Does that mean, then, this newbie possesses the Five Elements Spiritual Roots?"
"It appears so. Being a possessor of the Five Elements Spiritual Roots, he seems to be attempting to master all five methods of the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture."
"That's insane."
"If he masters all five methods of the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture, he would literally gain tremendous resistance against the Five Elements themselves... Wait, hold on!"
One of the burly men pointed somewhere.
"There, thats the newbie!"
"Oh, thats the newbie?"
With curious expressions, the two men looked at a man who had been climbing the mountain path since dawn.
I glanced at the two senior brothers discussing me from afar, took a deep breath, and continued my ascent to the Five Elements Hall.
Its been about 3 months since I started my formal training at the Five Elements Hall.
Nine months since my return.
Id been training with the insane methods of the Five Elements Hall and the vast heaven and earth spiritual energy of the Bright Cold Realm.
Moreover, Ive been training on the best spiritual veins of Azure Cold Island, a place in the Bright Cold Realm where the spiritual veins converge, and Ive already reached the extreme stage of Qi Gathering.
Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation is completed.
Sigh...
As I exhaled, spiritual clouds of five colors circled around me before flowing back into my body.
After mastering Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation, Ive been also diligently training in the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture at the Five Elements Hall.
Crack, crack...
I clench and unclench my fist.
Compared to three months ago, my body has become significantly stronger and more robust.
In terms of physical strength alone, my body is comparable to a Qi Building cultivator's body filled with Gang Qi, even though Im still at the Qi Gathering stage.
If I combine the Qi Refining method mastered through Understanding before Breakthrough, a Qi Building cultivators body, and the state of Five Energies Converging to the Origin
Even at my current Qi Gathering cultivation, I feel like I can compete with a mid-stage Qi Building cultivator.
No, with the Mad Lord's techniques to neutralize the opponent's magic artifacts
My actual combat power can reach the level of late-stage Qi Building even without including puppets.
Crack, crack...
I clench and unclench my fist again, organizing my thoughts.
"Not enough."
But Im not satisfied.
Im still only at the Qi Building stage in terms of power.
Certainly, my growth rate isn't slow.
A body harmonized with the Five Energies Converging to the Origin assimilates the strengthening of the body swiftly.
My body after complete transformation is very compatible with the body refining methods.
Even the seniors of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect were surprised by my remarkable growth.
"But, it's not enough!"
I clench my fist tighter and look up at the Five Elements Hall.
Faster... I must reach higher.
At this rate, I can't save anyone yet.
With a firm resolve, I continue my ascent to the Five Elements Hall.
Kugugugu!
That day, I also practiced swordsmanship in the depths of the Water Training Hall, holding my breath in a place with dense water pressure.
To not forget the basics, I must continuously imprint them on my body!
Kugugugu!
The water pressure crushes my whole body.
Not enough.
While practicing Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, I continuously analyze the Qi Building methods I will cultivate in the future with the experience of Understanding before Breakthrough.
Its not enough!
Wo-woong!
In that state, I also train the Mad Lords Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon.
Normally, training in multiple techniques at once can lead to demonic possession due to confusion and lost focus.
Mental demons can appear, or the circulation of vital force and blood can become entangled and explode.
Suddenly, blood rushes to my head, causing a throbbing pain.
A surge of anger wells up, and a violent desire to smash everything in sight writhes within me.
Symptoms of demonic possession.
However, I resolve the possession quite simply.
Thump!
I raise my fist and punch my own face.
Boom!
Blood rushes to my head, and the about-to-explode energy and blood burst forth.
The air that filled my lungs expel completely and rises upwards as bubbles.
Gurgle, gurgle...
Demonic possession? Mental demons?
Such nuisances are only distractions that arise from having too much idle thought.
When life hangs in a balance to such an extent that one can't afford such distractions, naturally, those foolish thoughts scatter.
Gurgle, gurgle...
I exhale in the water pressure, sending out a distress signal.
Swoosh!
A green spiritual energy swims towards me, grabs my body, and pulls me up to the surface of the water.
A while later.
"Puhah!"
I gasp for the sweet air, regaining my consciousness.
Wo-woong!
One of the senior brothers with a Wooden Spiritual Root places his hand on my head, healing my injuries.
"Ah, senior brother. Thank you."
"Well it's good to be diligent, but aren't you pushing yourself too hard lately?"
Such words coming from the mouth of a fearsome senior brother of the Five Elements Hall meant that I was indeed training like a madman.
"Rushing things too much can lead to trouble. You should pace yourself."
It was a surprisingly warm advice coming from someone who would throw his juniors into water with stones tied to their feet.
I nod and acknowledge his advice for now.
"Alright, the healing is done."
"Thank you."
After expressing my gratitude, I immediately dive back into the water.
I see the senior brother making a slightly queasy face above the water surface.
After glancing at his expression, I descend towards the deep abyss.
Woong!
Utilizing Water Surpassing Path to Cultivation, I manage to breathe for a moment underwater by manipulating the spiritual energy.
"Hoo..."
It might seem funny to breathe underwater, but surprisingly, those who learned water-based methods can do such a thing.
Although it doesn't help with lung capacity training and I tend to avoid it.
I form a hand seal and speak.
"Storage Scroll, open."
Woong!
The scroll tied to my waist rises in the water and unfolds beside me.
This scroll, obtained from the elder of the West Spirit Gate last time, was a kind of storage magic artifact commonly known as a storage scroll.
I take out a jade tablet from the Storage Scroll that I snatched from the elder.
The jade table has a method inscribed in the language of the Bright Cold Realm.
The method's name is "Three Spirits Technique," which allows one to create three avatars of oneself to be stored in a safe place. If the main body is in danger and loses their cultivation or body, the avatars can be used to regain the cultivation.
Its a suitable method for cultivators above the Nascent Soul stage who frequently lose their physical bodies.
A notable feature is that creating more than three avatars will gradually reduce the cultivation of the avatars.
Therefore, trying to recover cultivation through a weaker avatar can pose problems.
Conversely, if only one avatar is created instead of three or more, its power will be as formidable as the main body itself.
In short, it's a technique that serves both as insurance for one's life and future cultivation in case of loss, and also allows for using the avatar as an offensive tool.
It seems quite useful.
As Im reading the Three Spirits Technique again,
Wait a moment.
After looking at the formula of the Three Spirits Technique, I use spiritual energy to inscribe the formula of the Devil Legion Terracotta Scroll in the water.
Then, I hastily compare the formulas of the two methods.
"...Wait, these methods..."
I read both formulas simultaneously, realizing something.
-x-X-x-
I organized my thoughts as I looked at the two techniques.
They can complement each other.
Devil Legion Terracotta Scroll.
Its content is roughly as follows:
After obtaining a dharma treasure or magic artifact.
One closely links their consciousness with that dharma treasure, stimulating the dharma treasure's spirituality slowly through this connection, eventually forming the dharma treasures Artifact Spirit.
The Artifact Spirit can be shaped from something that made a deep impression on the user. Depending on how well the user understands the subject, the spirit can mimic the power of that subject to some extent using the power of the dharma treasure.
However, the form of the artifact spirit created in this way is not clearly visible to others except the user, appearing only as a vague mist.
Theres no particular limit to the number of spirits one can form. By slowly accumulating artifact spirits and strengthening the dharma treasure while simultaneously gathering the energy of the spirits formed from the dharma treasure, one can elevate their cultivation.
Those who master this technique can summon numerous spirits around them whenever they use their dharma treasure, making it appear as if they are commanding a legion of devils. Hence the name Devil Legion Terracotta Scroll, implying that the practitioner's Dharma Treasure effectively contains thousands of these strange, devil-like entities.
Indeed, its originally a method from Black Ghost Valley, and since the cultivators of Black Ghost Valley primarily practice ghost path methods
Their dharma treasures and the spirits they created through their connected consciousness would all spread ghostly and devilish energy.
It wasn't for no reason that it was named "Devil Legion."
If it's not a devilish cultivator but someone who learned righteous path methods using Devil Legion Terracotta Scroll to form spirits, it might as well be called Spirit Legion Terracotta Scroll.
Of course, that isn't the important part.
Devil Legion Terracotta Scroll is a method that starts from the Qi Building stage and can eventually stimulate the soul with numerous spirits to reach the Nascent Soul stage.
Above all, what Im paying attention to is a section that describes the method of reaching the Nascent Soul stage.
After forming several artifact spirits, gather them into one powerful artifact spirit and stimulate the soul with that spirit.
In short, its possible to merge hundreds of artifact spirits into one.
Thats the important point.
I read the technique of the Three Spirits Technique.
Its a technique that creates three avatars to aim for revival in the future.
Reading the methods of both Three Spirits Technique and Devil Legion Terracotta Scroll, I hypothesize that it might be possible to combine the 'avatars' of Three Spirits Technique with the 'artifact spirits' of Devil Legion Terracotta Scroll.
This means, the weakness of Three Spirits Technique, which can only create up to three avatars, is practically non-existent.
Even if creating more than three avatars weakens their power, I can just merge the artifact spirits using the essence of Devil Legion Terracotta Scroll, simply recombining them when needed.
In other words, both survival and combat power can be guaranteed.
Above all, what Im looking forward to is something else.
If the Three Spirits Technique, which stores cultivation for revival with the help of avatars, and Devil Legion Terracotta Scroll, which creates artifact spirits for the dharma treasure, are combined, maybe
I think of the Colorless Glass Sword within me.
Maybe, it's possible to store cultivation in the Colorless Glass Sword itself with these two techniques, so it can be carried into the next life?
That alone will be an immense gain.
After some thought, I decided to first learn both methods.
But first, lets enter Qi Building.
My current state is being at the absolute peak of Qi Refining before encountering Heavenly Lightning.
I managed to break through the Heavenly Rejection last time with the mass-produced version General Seo. Still, Im a bit worried about drawing attention, let alone dispelling the Heavenly Tribulation.
Though thinking some more, theres a high chance of Chief Oh Hyun-seok encountering Heavenly Tribulation when breaking through Qi Building. It should be fine if I reach Qi Building alongside him.
Alright. Then for now, lets go with that.
Creak...
I organized my plans for the future and began practicing the Water Path Enduring Origin method again in the depths of my concentration.
Trudge, trudge...
Late at night.
At a lodging in Azure Heaven Creation Sect.
A figure with smoke rising thickly from their body returned.
Ssshhhh...
I shook my head as I looked at the heat emanating from my entire body.
Tuduk, duk.
A piece of lava that had been stuck in my head splattered in all directions.
'The Fire Path Body Training Hall is always hot.'
Whether in the morning or at night, theres no difference.
The Azure Heaven Creation Sect venerates body cultivation, and thus, the Five Elements Hall is always bustling with people.
Of course, if one learns methods other than the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture, theres no need to go there.
The problem is, to learn other methods besides the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture, one has to arm-wrestle the 'librarian' in the Scripture Pavilion and win.
By the time one becomes strong enough to win an arm-wrestling match against the 'librarian,' the individual is likely already so worn down by the thrilling training at the Five Elements Hall that the other methods available in the Scripture Pavilion lose their significance.
However, while the Five Elements Hall is always crowded, Three-Cloud and Two-Cloud disciples have been frequenting the Hall even more recently, inspired by my constant visits regardless of night or day. As a result, there have been times when the Five Elements Hall is so packed that theres literally no room left.
Today, too, I was planning not to return to my lodging for about a week, but had to because the Five Elements Hall was so full of seniors that there was no room.
Sigh...
As I open the door and entered my lodging, I sense someone inside.
"Have you been well, Yuan Yu?"
Yuan Yu (), the Blood Body I named, dressed in a red robe and with an expressionless face, approaches me.
Meaning, the legacy () left by Yuan Li (), Yuan Yu stays in my lodging, cleaning and recovering its cultivation using the spiritual energy of the Bright Cold Realm.
It almost fully recovered to the peak of the Core Formation stage.
I have Yuan Yu fetch a glass box.
Clank.
Yuan Yu brought the glass box and placed it in front of me.
Inside the glass box, a centipede, now grown to the size of a pinky finger, is feasting on an Insect Feeding Pill provided as food.
Wriggle, wriggle...
Seemingly without any awareness, it doesn't seem to notice me watching.
"Eat well and grow well."
Even if it doesn't attain spiritual awareness and become a demon beast in this life, I have no intention of forgetting the grace I received in my past life.
It will live a bit longer than its natural lifespan due to the immense spiritual energy of the Bright Cold Realm.
I take out another Insect Feeding Pill made for insects and place it in front of it, then have Yuan Yu put the glass box back in its place.
'Recently, there was another Heavenly Rejection.'
It was in the territory of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect, where the sun always shone brightly since I completed the Seven Star Qi Refining stage.
However, recently, a corner of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect's land was briefly covered in dark clouds.
Of course, it was quickly pierced through by something that rose from below.
'Seeing the Heavenly Rejection means Chief Oh Hyun-seok must have also completed the Seven Stars Ritual.'
That means soon,
'It will be time to enter the Qi Building stage.'
Instead of explaining to Azure Tiger Saint that Ill face Heavenly Tribulations every time I advance my cultivation, having him experience it from Chief Oh will save me a lot of hassle.
Kuak
I clench and unclench my fist.
'Can I withstand the Heavenly Tribulation?'
Although itd be simple using Yuan Yu, who is practically mine, or General Seo in the Nascent Soul stage, Im curious if I can overcome the Heavenly Tribulation with the physique I had trained.
Honestly, after all the hardship and training in the Five Elements Hall to learn the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture, itd be disappointing if I can't withstand the Heavenly Tribulation.
'In terms of pure power, Im at the mid Qi Building stage.'
It will be difficult to fend off the Heavenly Tribulation. Even a Core Formation stage cultivator, not a mid Qi Building stage cultivator, will find it challenging.
'I need to find a way.'
It isn't just about testing my physique with stubbornness.
'I can't just let the Formless Sword go to waste.'
I hadnt used it at all until now due to fear of being suspected as a Heart Tribe spy.
But not being able to use the Formless Sword, a part of my life and essentially my identity, has been a significant psychological pressure for me.
Even if I explain to Azure Tiger Saint that the Formless Sword is a martial art, he wouldn't believe it.
As someone who reached Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, Azure Tiger Saint knows all too well the limits of regular martial artists. Itd be fortunate if I dont get beaten up for spouting nonsense.
Even though Azure Tiger Saint doesn't know the Heart Tribe Methods, pretending its just a unique method and practicing the Formless Sword is foolish.
'Theres an Administrator on Azure Cold Island.'
Each Sky Island has an Administrator, dispatched by the Human Race Grand Alliance.
These Administrators use a special technique to monitor the entire Sky Island to ensure nothing suspicious goes on.
Of course, given the scope, the precision is said to be terrible. Still, they can roughly know what's happening throughout Azure Cold Island.
'Even if the Administrator's spell has low precision, if I were to be caught using the Formless Sword by them'
It would be the end.
The Administrator's cultivation is said to be at the very peak of the Heavenly Being stage, at least according to what I've heard.
It's even rumored that they stepped into the Four-Axis stage.
'...Until the true General Seo is completed, with the materials being gathered slowly, I can't act rashly.'
I turn my gaze towards the basement.
There lies my past life's body, which I am slowly attempting to recreate with expensive materials.
The true General Seo is being crafted.
However, the materials used by the Mad Lord to modify me into General Seo are outrageously expensive, so properly making General Seo isn't easy.
Currently, only laying the framework is possible.
For this reason, I decided to face the upcoming Heavenly Tribulation with my bare body, pondering a way to use the Formless Sword without drawing it.
'If I can generate the Formless Sword within my body and immediately reach Treading Heavens Beyond the Path, maybe I can avoid detection.'
'Or if I can unfold the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts with the Formless Sword within my body, maybe I won't be detected.'
'What about applying the Hidden Consciousness Technique or Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon?'
'If I mix the Formless Sword into the body refining methods, maybe it won't be recognized.'
I reflect on the Formless Sword itself, constantly pondering.
Squeeze...
Just as many have said, Oh Hyun-seok has a mythical physique.
It won't take long for him to reach Qi Building
'Within that time, let's find a way to naturally use the Formless Sword.'
I raise the Formless Sword within my heart essence and close my eyes.
Time passed again, and another three months went by.
Its exactly one year since my return.
"Hahaha, look at you, Deputy Seo. It's been quite a while."
"...ChiefOh?"
Suddenly, I found myself able to see Chief Oh Hyun-seok, now as tall as Azure Tiger Saint.
Ssshhhh...
Hes shirtless, similar to Azure Tiger Saint, and his muscles are as defined as if sculpted.
But whats more surprising is,
In just one year, he too reached the extreme of Qi Refining.
"Under Master's special training over the past year, I've learned about this world and trained my body while practicing cultivation methods. How about you? Have you become a bit more accustomed to this world?"
He laughs heartily and pats my shoulder warmly.
"Ah, yes. I've come to understand this world to some extent..."
"Good, good. Honestly, I was a bit surprised at first, but knowing that the other colleagues are also diligently practicing at their individual sects is reassuring."
"...Indeed."
"If theres something worrying, its that? Im a bit worried about Director Kim left alone in the lower realm. But well..
"He'll probably be doing well."
By now, he might have broken through Five Energies Converging to the Origin or even Ultimate Pinnacle based on the martial art principles I provided.
"I hope so. Anyway, Master said that once we reach the Qi Building stage, both you and I will proceed with our training together."
"..."
The Five Elements Hall is intimidating enough, but what would direct training from Azure Tiger Saint be like?
Im nervous, yet somehow looking forward to it.
"By the way, it seems you've also reached the extreme of the Qi Refining stage as expected. Master set a day to reach the Qi Building stage, saying he wants to see. How about it? Since you're also Masters direct disciple, shall we ascend to Qi Building together?"
At his question, I grin and reply.
"Of course."
Its time to test the enlightenment I had gained from my contemplation on the Formless Sword, despite the short amount of time.
A few days later.
I am summoned before Azure Tiger Saint, alongside Chief Oh Hyun-seok.
Its time to reach the Qi Building stage.
"Both of you have excellently mastered your methods. Especially Seo Eun-hyun. Oh Hyun-seok has grown quickly under my intensive guidance, but you found the Five Elements Hall on your own and trained day and night without my attention, for which I, as a Master, feel sorry."
Azure Tiger Saint proudly pats my shoulder with his hand as large as a pot lid.
It felt like my shoulder would dislocate for a moment. Thankfully, I could withstand it by tensing my body.
"I will personally observe both of you reaching the Qi Building stage. After breaking through, I will focus on both of you with intensive guidance. Once again, I must say, Seo Eun-hyun, I am sorry for not being able to pay attention to you until now."
Oh Hyun-seok shudders at the mention of 'intensive guidance.'
Seeing his reaction, I anticipate that Azure Tiger Saint's intensive guidance will not be easy.
"Now, come to this spiritual vein in front of you. Let's see you reach the Qi Building stage."
Azure Tiger Saint laughs heartily and stands up.
Out of caution, I ask the Azure Tiger Saint.
"Master, do we need to consume Qi Building Pills?"
"Hm? Why do you ask that?"
"Well, I trust the cultivation I've been practicing more than Qi Building Pills, so if you were planning to give us any..."
"You've entered the Azure Heaven Creation Sect and still don't know?"
At my words, Azure Tiger Saint looks puzzled and continues.
"Our sect does not deal with such frivolous actions as breaking through cultivation by consuming pills. If one hasn't reached the Qi Building stage, it means their cultivation is lacking. Just throw those who have reached the extreme of Qi Refining into the deepest parts of the Five Elements hall for about a year, and they'll reach the Qi Building stage on their own out of sheer desire to live."
"..."
"I too have shaped this body without resorting to things like Qi Building Pills, and I take infinite pride in that. To hear you share the same sentiment, I am very pleased as your master."
Bang, bang!
Azure Tiger Saint heartily laughs and pats my back. I barely managed to suppress the urge to cough up blood, forcing a smile.
"Now, my disciples. If you encounter any obstacles, I am here to help you. Commence your rise to Qi Building!"
Following Azure Tiger Saint's command, we each take our places on the spiritual vein.
"Hooo..."
I exhale the clouds of spiritual energy from the method I practiced.
Clouds swirl around me, and far off in the distance, abnormal phenomenons begin to appear in the sky.
I half-open my eyes, beginning to utilize the Formless Sword I had honed up until now.
'In front of Azure Tiger Saint, a Four-Axis stage cultivator.'
If I can remain undetected even in front of him, I won't need to worry about the Administrator, who can only roughly monitor Azure Cold Island.
Wo-woong!
A sharp energy begins to gather throughout my body.
-x-X-x-
Hm?
Azure Tiger Saints eyes sparkles while watching Seo Eun-hyun.
An odd momentum is flowing from Seo Eun-hyun's body, something entirely different from Azure Heaven Creation Sect's body refining methods.
Of course Azure Tiger Saint, being that he is, didn't particularly doubt its origin.
After all, its someone who ascended alone without even achieving the Qi Refining stage.
Its entirely possible for him to have learned some strange technique unknown to him or to possess a special ability.
'Huh?'
However, Azure Tiger Saint momentarily felt an eerie energy from Seo Eun-hyun.
An energy he would not wish to encounter even in his dreams was fleetingly felt from him.
'The Mad Lord!?'
The Azure Tiger Saint shuddered.
Indeed, the power felt from Seo Eun-hyun was similar to that felt from the puppets of the Mad Lord.
Thinking back, he definitely said strange things to the Mad Lord last time... A spy of the Mad Lord? No, that can't be. That maniac wouldn't have the sanity left to send a spy...'
Swoosh....
But before Azure Tiger Saint could dwell further on his suspicion.
The strange energy felt from Seo Eun-hyun dissipated once again.
'...It should be a misunderstanding.'
Kugugugu!
What is now felt from Seo Eun-hyun is definitely the power of body refining! Azure Tiger Saint shakes his head while looking at Seo Eun-hyun.
'Even if he truly learned the Mad Lords method, so what?'
After all, he is already one of his disciples.
Having personally accepted him as a disciple, its also necessary as a master to trust and watch over his disciple.
Azure Tiger Saint thought this way, looking at his two disciples rising to the Qi Building stage.
Wo-woong!
I begin controlling my Qi (vital force) and refining my mind.
The start is nothingness, the void..
From there, I recall the time when I first held a sword.
At this moment, I am a mere third-rate martial artist.
And then the next moment.
Continuously refining from nothingness, I improve further.
From a third-rate martial artist to a second-rate martial artist.
From a second-rate martial artist to a first-rate martial artist.
'I will enter the pinnacle!!'
Paaah!
As I refine my mind, I reach the pinnacle.
Beyond the pinnacle is Three Flowers Gather at the Summit.
Paaah!
As my mind awakens, numerous intents begin to be captured in my vision.
'I will enter Five Energies Converging to the Origin.'
The intents intertwine and finally unify, forming the domain of consciousness.
After reaching Five Energies Converging to the Origin and creating a domain of consciousness, I thought the lines of intent had no more meaning.
However, after recently sparring with Azure Tiger Saint and escaping from seniors a few times, I realized something.
I used to think that after creating a domain of consciousness, I could directly read the opponent's movements through that domain.
But, the method of 'reading' those movements can also be done through the lines of intent.
In fact, using the domain of consciousness for assessing the battlefield and preparing techniques, while purely using the lines of intent for combat, turned out to be the valid approach.
Azure Tiger Saint probably also embodied this understanding through combat, making effective use of the threads of intent in battle.
If both my opponent and I possess the same domain of consciousness, then during combat, the one who encompasses more within their sight wins.
Among the numerous lines of intent, the path optimized for me and the path optimized for the opponent appears distinctly clear within the domain of consciousness.
The unified domain of consciousness is finely decomposed to the level of intent and separately encompassed within my field of vision.
It looks as if countless intents are swirling around the world.
With the perspective of the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon, I coldly analyze these intents.
The powers held by intent, the thoughts and emotions, and their subtle influences on heaven and earth spiritual energy are analyzed with the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon.
I begin to approach the Ultimate Pinnacle by analyzing the intents emanating from me and those around me.
Wo-woong!
Inside my body, in the core of my dantian, a Gang Sphere is formed.
However, instead of being expelled outward, the Gang Sphere starts to dissipate within the dantian.
Unlike usual, it does not transform into the Formless Sword.
Through the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon, the Gang Sphere starts to spread throughout my body as [Mad Lords Circuits].
Before it manifests as the Formless Sword, I intentionally spread the energy of the Gang Sphere throughout my body like circuits.
Normally, installing circuits meant for puppets into a human body would result in significant strain.
That's why the Mad Lord transformed healthy humans into puppets, so it didn't matter if they were subjected to strain.
But, with my [current flesh], its doable.
Crack, crackle crack!
My entire body momentarily exhales an aura akin to a dharma treasure.
In this state, I crush the Gang Sphere and lay it out in circuits, then inject the spiritual energy accumulated through the body refining method into the circuits.
Kugugugu!
Through the circuits, a momentum similar to that of a typical body cultivator is emitted.
'Not yet.'
Through the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon, I follow the threads of the analyzed intents and naturally infuse these intents into the circuits.
Simultaneously, using the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, I make sure no one can detect anything odd even if flows of intent are directed at me.
Martial Arts, Puppetry, Body Refining.
The integration of these three fields is something only I, who have mastered all three, could attempt!
I have installed the circuits of a living puppet within my own body.
There is no enlightenment from the Four-Axis stage.
Its to be expected.
After all, [General Seo] back then was no different from a dharma treasure.
Even if one handles something akin to an external divine object for a thousand years, it remains an external divine object.
It's impossible to gain enlightenment about any state from it.
However,
If one handles something for a thousand years, one inevitably grasps the principles of that external divine object.
Wo-woong!
How the Mad Lord's circuits could amplify power,
How they could produce great force from a small amount of energy,
I could understand that much.
Kugugugu!
Through the circuits, the energy in my body begins to surge dramatically.
Naturally, reaching the Four-Axis stage is out of the question.
However,
The power I had equivalent to the Qi Building mid-stage
Rushes to the peak of Qi Building!
This is the extent I can reach using Puppetry, Body Refining, and the state of Ultimate Pinnacle.
But here, without raising any suspicion, I must advance to Beyond the Path to Heaven.
I crushed the Gang Sphere as soon as it was created and transformed it into circuits.
The circuits are currently flowing with the energy of body refining methods, making it appear outwardly no different from other body refining methods.
Without revealing my martial arts I will advance to Beyond the Path to Heaven!
Kugugugu!
Sharp energy begins to gather throughout my body.
The circuits created with the crushed Gang Sphere slowly transform into the Formless Sword.
However, the Formless Sword still maintains the form of the Mad Lord's circuits, with the power of the body refining methods swirling inside.
Moreover, since the Mad Lord's circuits amplify power, the characteristics of the Formless Sword itself are completely overshadowed by the power of body cultivation!
Now, finally
I carefully begin my approach to Treading Heavens Beyond the Path.
Right after my return, I hid the realm of Treading Heavens Beyond the Path so as to not to be detected, and since then, I did not allow my body to reach that state, fearing discovery.
But today.
Wo-woong!
'Today, I can enter that realm once more.'
Perhaps from now on, it will always be possible without worry.
Brilliance flares up from my entire body, as if the radiance between heaven and earth converge towards me.
The power of the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture, amplified endlessly by the Mad Lords circuits made from the Formless Sword, explode.
Swoosh!
The form of the exploding power is shaped by my will.
At the same time, the power takes the form similar to a sword.
A sword of five colors covers my body.
Finally.
'I have reached Treading Heavens Beyond the Path!'
Kiiiing!
Although it appears extremely splendid on the outside, the unique aura emitted by the integration of the Formless Sword's unique consciousness is obscured within the power of the body refining method.
In that state, I gather the clouds of spiritual energy revolving in my dantian, beginning the creation of a star in my dantian.
Kugugugu!
A brilliantly colored star is formed.
As the celestial energy changes, my lifespan extends again.
Simultaneously, dark clouds thicken in the sky, occasionally emitting blue flashes.
"Haaaap!"
Chief Oh Hyun-seok shouts beside me, reaching the Qi Building stage.
Simultaneously, blue lightning strikes next to me, targeting him.
Kugugugu!
But.
"This mere static electricity, can it compare to Masters touch!"
Chief Oh Hyun-seok gathers Qi in his fist and thrusts it towards the sky.
Kwaang!
The blue flash emitted from his hand bursts the thunderbolt and flies straight into the sky, piercing through the thunderclouds.
Watching this, I hesitate no longer and fully enter the Qi Building stage.
My lifespan completely transforms, and heavenly lightning strikes down upon me.
And then, I raise my hand.
Flash!
I, too, use a fist.
The five-colored light gathered in my fist is shot towards the heavenly lightning.
However, the five-colored light, unlike Chief Oh's, does not destroy the lightning but slices through it, advancing into the sky.
And then.
Swoosh!
The heavenly lightning and the dark clouds are cut apart directly by my fist, carving a giant sword scar in the sky.
"Hooo..."
I smile, reading the celestial energy beyond the clouds.
Its impossible right now to permeate and cut only what I want to with the Formless Sword.
It would be possible if I fully reveal the power of Treading Heavens Beyond the Path, but in my current state where Treading-Heaven is hidden within the body refining method and the Mad Lord's circuits, its impossible.
But.
Kugugugu!
While the void where Chief Oh Hyun-seok's fist stuck is merely clear, the void where I split seems to ripple somehow.
A strike of the Nascent Soul stage!
Indeed.
Through the method of engraving the Mad Lord's circuits as the Formless Sword in my body along with martial arts and body cultivation.
I am able to deliver a blow corresponding to the Nascent Soul stage in an instant.
I closely observe the sky.
The lifespan given by Treading Heavens Beyond the Path, discovered during my past life's Seven Stars Ritual.
'Treading Heavens Beyond the Path extends life by 49 years.'
Compared to cultivation methods that directly change celestial energy,
Or demon beast methods that indirectly change celestial energy by maximizing vitality.
Martial arts itself has no part in changing celestial energy or maximizing vitality.
While it does make one somewhat healthier and more vigorous, but not to the extent that it influences celestial energy.
Rather, because martial arts became increasingly powerful, the side effect of increased vitality became excessively strong, slightly altering celestial energy.
Likely, Kim Young-hoon in the lower realm will also reach Treading Heavens Beyond the Path, and there will be an increase of about 50 years in lifespan.
Including one or two Longevity Fruits, his lifespan will increase by at least 250 years or more.
While I cannot be certain about the realm above Treading Heavens Beyond the Path, it's likely that lifespan will increase a bit more.
Although I've known since my past life, it seems I rarely had the chance to think separately about the realm of Treading Heavens Beyond the Path like this.
For Kim Young-hoon, will 250 years be sufficient?
In my past life, even after 1000 years, I hadn't heard any news of him.
Of course, being a puppet of the Mad Lord, treated as a public enemy in the Bright Cold Realm, it wouldn't have been possible to properly gather information.
And since the Ascension Gate doesn't open precisely every thousand years, who knows.
'If it's him, given enough time, he can certainly reach the extreme.'
While I could worry about my other colleagues,
Theres no need to worry for him.
I gather my energy, contemplating.
'I've managed to conceal Treading Heavens Beyond the Path within the Mad Lord's circuits and the body refining method. Of course, delivering attacks that transcend planes is impossible without fully revealing Treading Heavens Beyond the Path, but my combat prowess itself has reached the Nascent Soul stage.'
I organize my thoughts.
'Now, it's about time to take on sect missions and meet other colleagues...'
As Im lost in thought.
Kwaang!
Without a moment to react, a red intent strikes my face.
Without giving me a chance to dodge, a fist as big as a pot lid hits squarely on my face.
"Keeeuk!"
I spit blood, lifted into the air.
A blow so fast that there was no room to dodge or react!
And then, the hearty voice of Azure Tiger Saint echoes all around.
Kugugugu!
[Now that you've reached the Qi Building stage, your lifelines have become a bit tougher, so let's 'properly' train, my disciples!]
Quickly shaking off the blood on my face, I see that Chief Oh Hyun-seok was also sent flying far away.
Booong!
Simultaneously, without a moment to check my body that has reached the Qi Building stage, the Azure Tiger Saint appears above me.
He clasps his hands together and raises his fists high before slamming them down towards my abdomen.
[It's time for exciting training!]
I hear his true thoughts and voice from his heart essence.
-Since you reached Qi Building, I can let go and wont need to worry about death due to beating right!?
"Wai-"
Kwaang!
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