"You want to learn them all?"
At my words, Jin Hwi looks at me with a disbelief for a moment before stroking his beard.
"Hmm, normally, I would have scolded you for being greedy, but for the Lighting Sacred Body...that might be a different story."
"But what exactly is the Sacred Lightning Body?"
I ask something I've been curious about for a while.
At that, Jin Hwi kindly explains.
"If the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body is considered to have the quality of 'being loved by all lightning,' then the Sacred Lightning Body is a physique that is 'lightning itself.' It's said to be a physique where lightning has transformed into a human body. Therefore, there are no restrictions in learning all kinds of lightning methods, and the practice speed of lightning methods is much faster than those with ordinary spiritual roots."
"Interesting."
"In fact, all the lightning methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect were created to become our founder, the Golden Deity."
"...?"
Jin Hwi looks at my body, which occasionally sparks with lightning if not controlled, and continues.
"The Heavenly Golden Thunder Body of our ancestor, who aimed to control all the lightning across the Three Thousand Worlds and even sought to grasp the Heavenly Tribulation in his hand. The beginning of our sect aimed to imitate that Heavenly Golden Thunder Body. Therefore, all the lightning methods in our text are essentially inferior versions of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body."
Jin Hwi's explanation continues with a self-mocking tone.
"However, the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body is, as the name suggests, a physique out of legends No matter how much one cultivates lightning methods in a human body, reproducing myths is an absurd idea But during the revival era of our sect in the ancient times, the Sacred Lightning Body appeared. A legendary constitution indeed, but less fanciful than the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body. It became a physique that could serve as a bridge for our sect's lightning methods that aimed to imitate the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body."
Snap!
Jin Hwi grabs my shoulder and says with a serious look.
"Your innate Sacred Lightning Body is a stepping stone for humans to reach the Heavenly Golden Thunder (). When the Sacred Lightning Body appeared in our sect back then, our lightning methods, which were once a secretive method only understood by the direct lineage of our ancestor, became accessible to countless disciples, expanding the influence of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. Now that the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body and the Sacred Lightning Body have entered our sect together your role is crucial going forward."
"I will bear that in mind."
"Originally, I would have discouraged mastering all methods as your master. However, with you and Jeon Myeong-hoon joining the sect, the sect is bound to grow exponentially... So, I will entrust the future to you and give you my permission."
Jin Hwi hands me three books.
Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture, Taiji Quaking Lighting Body, Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple.
I take the three methods and thank Jin Hwi.
Just like how the Azure Heaven Creation Sect has rankings from the Fifth Cloud Disciple to the First Cloud Disciple, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect also has rankings among disciples, and they wear belts indicating their rank.
The names of the ranks were taken from the most famous method of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, starting from the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture.
Disciples who had not passed the Seven Stars Ritual are given a belt marked with Red Lightning (), known as Red Lightning disciples.
Those who passed the Seven Stars Ritual are Vermilion Lightning () disciples.
Those who reached the extreme in Qi Refining are Yellow Lightning () disciples.
Red, Vermilion, Yellow.
These three ranks are collectively referred to as Lower Lightning () disciples, responsible for menial tasks within the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. Only those from the Qi Building stage onwards are considered part of the true force of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Qi Building disciples are Green Lightning () disciples, Core Formation disciples are Blue Lightning () disciples.
Those who show potential to reach the Nascent Soul stage in Core Formation are considered Indigo Lightning () disciples and recognized as Upper Lightning () disciples, the future of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Those who reach the Nascent Soul stage are treated as elders and are grouped as Purple Lightning (), receiving purple belts.
Furthermore, from the Heavenly Being stage elders, a gold belt marked with Golden Lightning (), named after the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, is awarded. Among the few grand elders leading the sect, they receive a white belt marked with Heavenly Lightning ().
Only one or two individuals, including the Supreme Sect Master Jin Byuk-ho, wear the belt of Heavenly Lightning.
I received a green belt from Jin Hwi, symbolizing a Qi Building disciple.
"Considering your talent and the dense heaven and earth spiritual energy of the Bright Cold Realm, reaching the Qi Building stage should be quick. Hence, your rank will be Green Lightning disciple for now."
"Understood."
"And, the three methods I gave you are not for you to learn right now. You need to reach at least Core Formation to attempt those methods. What you will learn next is the Accumulating Lightning Technique, the basic method of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect."
"Yes."
I take the "Accumulating Lightning Technique."
With Jin Hwi's permission, I open the book containing the Accumulating Lightning Technique and also unfold the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture.
"Master, this Accumulating Lightning Technique."
"Yes, it's very similar to the early part of the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture, isn't it?"
It is.
The Accumulating Lightning Technique is almost identical to the early part of the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture, the Red Lightning Quaking Scripture.
It's just a slightly simplified version of a few parts of the Red Lightning Quaking Scripture, made understandable for Qi Refining disciples.
When I show confusion, Jin Hwi explains.
"The Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture was personally created by our Ancestor. It's the most crucial method in the 120,000-year history of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. As such, many disciples attempt to master the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture, and to ensure they don't face difficulties when they later practice the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture, we modified its initial part to be familiar from the Qi Refining stage. That is what this Accumulating Lightning Technique is."
"I see"
After spending some time with Jin Hwi, getting explanations regarding the Accumulating Lightning Technique, the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture, Taiji Quaking Lighting Body, Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple, and receiving a bit more teaching on lightning methods, I return to my assigned cave residence.
Wo-woong!
As I have the Lightning Sacred Body, the cave residence where the best spiritual vein of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect flows is given to me, and I enter deeper into the cave residence to inhale spiritual energy.
"Accumulating Lightning Technique, huh"
I look into the Accumulating Lightning Technique, the foundation of lightning methods.
Lightning Path Methods are among the most difficult to master of all attribute methods.
Initially, the lightning () attribute is not included in the Five Elements.
The Lightning Path Method is not naturally developed from the Five Elements spiritual roots but only came into existence after the cultivation method system had developed significantly.
Thus, there are two ways for those born with Five Elements spiritual roots to learn the Lightning Path Method.
One either had to be born with Wood () attribute spiritual roots, or forcibly cultivate the power of lightning within oneself through the exchange of Yin and Yang.
"For those not born with Wood attribute spiritual roots wanting to learn lightning methods, the exchange of Yin and Yang is essential However, the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect only finds dual cultivation partners for those who have passed the Seven Stars Ritual."
What does that mean?
It means that cultivators in the lower realms who have not passed the Seven Stars Ritual have to find a way to facilitate the exchange of Yin and Yang within their own bodies or forcefully draw in lightning power from the outside.
How to draw in lightning power from the outside?
It's simple.
Either consume a large amount of elixirs with lightning properties, undergo lightning torture by seniors, or stand in areas where lightning strikes to be hit by lightning directly.
Naturally, all three methods require either a significant amount of resources or risking one's life.
Therefore, many cultivators of the Red Lightning rank in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect often chose to pass the Seven Stars Ritual using basic methods sold externally, like the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation, before engaging in dual cultivation to learn the sect's methods afterward.
Of course, I don't need to do that.
"Is this the Accumulating Lightning Technique?"
Since I already possess the Five Elements spiritual roots, I can manifest the power of lightning through my Wood attribute spiritual root.
Wood () symbolizes thunder/lightning, or Zhen (), in the Bagua, making me sufficiently qualified.
Tingling, tingling.
As I begin to practice the method, a tingling static electricity rises from the tips of my fingers.
Wo-woong!
I inhale and immediately form the Law-Transformation Dantian.
Inside the dantian, Yin and Yang intertwine, forming the Law-Transformation Dantian of the Qi Gathering stage.
'Then, let's give it a try'
I qualified to enter the Qi Refining stage.
Wo-woong!
I release the Colorless Glass Swords inside my Inner Core.
Tsst, tsstsstssts!
The cultivation stored in the Colorless Glass Swords through the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections begin to flood back into me.
'Shall I practice the Lightning Path Method?
I also possess Wood attribute spiritual roots.
I have the method to embody the exchange of Yin and Yang on my own through demon beast methods.
Moreover, through the curse of lightning transformation, lightning power is supplied internally rather than externally,
Having repeated the Qi Refining stage several times, the essentials of the Qi Refining stage are deeply ingrained.
Additionally, the cultivation from the last cycle is also stored through the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections in the Colorless Glass Swords.
Crackle, crackle, crackle!
I absorb the dense spiritual energy inside my cave residence, operating the demon beast methods, the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation, and the Accumulating Lightning Technique simultaneously.
Crackle!
The lightning of the Accumulating Lightning Technique, which was nothing but a tingling static electricity, amplifies into a visible lightning the moment I begin my cultivation.
Crackle!
Blue lightning surges and writhes above my hands.
"Seventy-Two Spirit Meridians."
In an instant, all seventy-two spirit meridians are activated.
Simultaneously, the Yin and Yang inside the Dantian explodes, and the demon beast method also transforms to correspond to the realm of 1st Star in the Qi Refining stage.
Adding a bit more of the Accumulating Lightning Technique's intricacies to the flow of Yin and Yang of the demon beast method, the energy of the lightning becomes even fiercer.
"Thirty-Six Spiritual Natures."
Thirty-six Spiritual Natures form all over, and the demon beast method grows just as much.
The thickness of the lightning surging from my hands increases even more.
"Twelve Earthly Branches."
Twelve types of spiritual waves existing in spiritual energy are caught in my grasp.
"Ten Heavenly Stems."
Ten changes of spiritual energy guides the spiritual power.
"Nine Palaces, Eight Trigrams."
I quickly pass the stages of the Nine Palaces and the Complete Eight Trigrams.
In an instant, I reached the 6th Star of Qi Refining stage.
To proceed to the 7th Star of Qi Refining, it's necessary to align with the celestial energy and auspicious timing.
However,
The demon beast method inside my body continues to rise, causing Yin and Yang to collide.
As a result, the lightning power of the Accumulating Lightning Technique becomes even fiercer. At some point, the collision of Yin and Yang reaches its peak.
Boom!
Pop!
My dantian explodes.
Not figuratively, but literally. Blood spurts from my lower abdomen and blood gushes from my mouth.
Demon beast methods are very simple.
It's literally just about repeatedly causing the explosion of Yin and Yang energy inside the dantian.
Then, are demon beast methods, the Earth Tribe method, any less difficult than the Heaven Tribe method?
Absolutely not.
Such is the nature of the demon beast method. if the body cannot endure, it explodes and leads to death.
Only the strong survive to become stronger.
If the Heaven Tribe method is about offering rituals to the heavens to permit cultivation,
The Earth Tribe method involves burning oneself. If you survive, you were granted permission by the world. If you die, you were not granted permission. A survival of the fittest approach.
Of course,
Tsst, tsstsstssts!
I quickly activate the Formless Sword, summoning it in the form of threads to quickly seal the wounds with my medical knowledge, regenerating with spiritual energy.
The exploded energy of the demon beast method turns into pure life force, aiding in regeneration.
'I need to explode a few more times.'
Both Heaven Tribe and Earth Tribe methods are always a critical point at the 7th Star.
While the Heaven Tribe method requires aligning with the heavenly timing, the Earth Tribe method, having nothing to do with timing, measures pure luck and physical strength. In some ways, it is arguably more challenging than Heaven Tribe methods.
Boom!
Boom! Boom!
Pop, pop, pop!
Only after my lower abdomen burst open several times was I barely able to surpass the Qi Refining 7th Star.
"Phew"
The demon beast method doesn't need auspicious timing.
But if I had practiced the demon beast method during my Qi Refining days, could I have easily passed the 7th Star?
'I probably would have died without properly responding to the explosion.'
Of course, it's good to know that if you get the hang of it, you can surpass the Qi Refining 7th Star without any rituals.
'I'll perform the ritual for the Heaven Tribe method later'
Boom, boom! Boom!
I continue to operate the demon beast method, regaining my cultivation.
Tsst, tsstsstsstss!
The Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method, which I modified through the Vast Cold Formula into a demon beast method, gradually emits blue light, dyeing my body.
Boom!
Finally, I instantly recover to the peak stage of Qi Refining.
Wo-woong!
What was once my Inner Core has now become a Demon Core, swollen with pure life force.
Wo-woong!
I explode the Demon Core again, raising my state to just before entering the Qi Building stage. After cleaning up my blood-stained clothes and changing, I head outside.
The various locations of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are in the process of replacing the buildings used previously at Thunder Cloud Peak, mounting the halls of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect brought up from the lower realm onto various mountain peaks.
Now, connecting these halls to the spiritual veins flowing through the mountain peaks and activating the sect's grand array formation will finally complete the proper establishment of the sect.
I quickly use the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts to hide my presence and then fly to a secluded area of Thunder Spirit Island using the Formless Sword.
Previously, I had been afraid to use the Formless Sword because the Administrator of Sky Island is watching.
However, after having a conversation with Jang Ik in the Astral Realm and discussing the Integration stage Grand Cultivator Wi Ryeong-seon, who monitors the human territory everywhere within the Human Race Grand Alliance, I learned that Wi Ryeong-seon's detection ability is not absolute. Instead, using my Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, I would definitely not be detected by him.
'That's why, when I snuck into Thunder Spirit Island to steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner during my 15th cycle using the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, Wi Ryeong-seon couldn't detect me.'
After finding a suitable mountain peak on Thunder Spirit Island, I absorb the cultivation stored in the Colorless Glass Sword and the surrounding heaven and earth spiritual energy.
Kugugugu!
Instantly, the sky wavers and dark clouds gather around.
Kurung!
The Demon Core operates the spiritual energy as if it's going to explode.
'Break it.'
How does the Demon Race ascend to the Qi Building stage?
By devouring a massive amount of spiritual energy and then exploding it all at once within the Demon Core.
Naturally, an explosion strong enough to shatter the Demon Core occurs.
From there, if the shattered Demon Core is reconstituted, activating all of the spiritual meridians throughout the body and firmly connecting them to the Demon Core, one ascends to the Qi Building stage.
If it fails, the demon beast loses all their cultivation and turns into a regular beast.
Kwaang!
Without hesitation, I shatter the Demon Core.
The spiritual power forming the Demon Core disperses throughout my blood vessels.
Circulating inside arteries and veins, red and blue, aligning the cycle of Yin and Yang.
Yin in the veins, Yang in the arteries.
And all the Yin and Yang energies meet again in the heart, that is, the middle dantian.
Kugugugu!
My heart swells as if it's about to burst, and just before it explodes,
I send all the energy gathered in the middle dantian down to the lower dantian.
'Gather!'
Gather the energy, condense it!
Tsst, tsstsstssts!
The flow of Yin and Yang intertwines again in the lower dantian, beginning to form a solid 'Demon Core.'
Simultaneously, my internal energy, which had been somewhat confused with spiritual power, transforms into definite 'demonic power,' enriching my body with vitality.
Wo-woong!
Yin and Yang energies extending from the Demon Core circulate through the arteries and veins in my body, gathering in the heart, and the demonic power of primordial chaos collected in the heart returns to the Demon Core.
The Core () fully connects with the flesh ().
This energy, a fusion of spiritual energy and life force, is precisely demonic power ()!
At the same time, a streak of blue lightning from the sky flies towards me.
Under normal circumstances, I would have cut the blue lightning with the Formless Sword.
However, I operate the Accumulating Lightning Technique and open all the pores in my body towards the sky.
'Absorb.'
Crackle!
A tremendous amount of lightning power accumulates in the dantian.
I cannot directly convert it into spiritual power without passing the Seven Stars Ritual, but I can hold it with the Accumulating Lightning Technique.
Once I pass the Seven Stars Ritual, this immense power of Tribulation Lightning can be immediately converted into cultivation, and the Heaven Tribe method can also be swiftly elevated to the peak Qi Refining stage.
'It's not over yet.'
Further on.
Kurung, kurung, kurung!
Yin and Yang continue to collide.
My realm, which had reached the early stages of Qi Building, consumes the cultivation stored in the Colorless Glass Sword and once again reaches Grand Perfection of Qi Building.
'Explode!'
Kwaang!
The explosion of ascending to the Core Formation stage is incomparable to the explosion of ascending to Qi Building.
Ascending to Qi Building merely requires shattering the Demon Core, but ascending to Core Formation demands a much more powerful explosion.
While losing the Demon Core in Qi Building merely results in losing cultivation and reverting to a beast, exploding the Demon Core when reaching Core Formation will likely result in fatal injuries, such that even if one reverts to a beast, they live with disabilities.
Wo-woong!
However, I create a Gang Sphere inside the Demon Core again and reform my Inner Core.
The Inner Core, situated at the center of the Demon Core, will help mitigate the explosive force.
'Go!'
The blue light of the Azure Spirit Striking Origin Technique, the starlight of the Starlight Protecting Void Body, and the multicolored light of the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture shine within the Demon Core.
Boom!
A gush of blood flows from my mouth.
But...
'It's done.'
I can handle this level of shock.
The exploded Demon Core sweeps through the blood vessels again.
Yin and Yang energies, divided into veins and arteries, gather in the heart.
But when reaching Core Formation, it does not go down to the lower dantian.
'Rise.'
Tsst, tsstsstssts!
The tremendous demonic power gathered in the heart heads towards the upper dantian.
Thus, by fully activating the upper dantian, spiritual meridians are generated in every part of the upper, middle, and lower dantians of the demon race.
'And again'
When demonic power is instilled in the upper dantian, the energy is sent back down to the lower dantian.
In this way, the upper, middle, and lower dantians are tightly interconnected, resulting in a much stronger and more robust Demon Core than before.
This is the Demon Race's Core Formation stage.
Kururung!
Once again, I reach out my hand towards the Heavenly Lightning flying towards me.
I want to absorb it with the Accumulating Lightning Technique, but I have already exceeded the limit of what can be absorbed with it.
Licking my lips, I split the Heavenly Lightning.
'Then, for the last time'
Kwaang!
Even in the Core Formation stage, I do not stop and continue to absorb the cultivation stored in the Colorless Glass Sword.
Kwaang!
And finally, at a certain moment.
Tsst, tsstsstssts!
My consciousness begins to compress into a form identical to myself.
The compressed consciousness enters my body and begins to settle inside the Demon Core.
Inside the dark clouds, along with the blue lightning, golden lightning wriggles.
Kwurururung!
Dual-colored heavenly lightning strikes down..
Kwajijijik!
Unfazed, I stand up while covered with the Formless Sword, receiving the lightning.
Since I am still using the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, there is no worry of being detected.
Wo-woong!
After experiencing a rapid flashback,
A baby-shaped consciousness and a conglomerate of demonic power inside my body,
A Nascent Soul is born, and I open my eyes and look up at the sky.
Peeit!
Phwak!
Then, as I leap towards the sky, my body cuts through the dual-colored lightning and pierces the dark clouds to reach above them.
"Phew"
Around me, 3,000 Colorless Glass Swords follow me up.
The power of the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method, modified into a demon beast method, swirls beneath me like Yin and Yang.
Wo-woong!
I retract the Colorless Glass Swords back into the Demon Core and smile.
"Nascent Soul staged, recovered."
How many times have I repeated the process of recovering my cultivation?
Now, in the case of the Earth Tribe method, which requires only the sacrifice of the body without any procedure.
As long as I have the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections and the Colorless Glass Swords to store cultivation, I can always recover my realm.
"In this life, I will definitely reach the Heavenly Being stage."
One day into joining the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
I reaffirm my goal after recovering to the Nascent Soul Stage.
***
Woosh
While I am briefly enjoying the wind above the sky,
I feel something approaching from afar, accompanied by a tingling sensation.
'Wi Ryeong-seon.'
Wi Ryeong-seon, one of the Integration stage Grand Cultivators of the Human Race, dispatched his avatars as Administrators to all the Sky Islands located within the Human Race Grand Alliance.
In this state, he has the Administrators monitor all matters, big and small, happening on the Sky Islands. The entity currently flying towards me must also be one of Wi Ryeong-seon's avatars, the Thunder Spirit Island Administrator.
The energy emanating from Wi Ryeong-seon's avatar is at the Heavenly Being stage.
Perhaps someone continuously facing Heavenly Tribulation on the Sky Island, but not being able to be identified due to the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, prompted him to come personally.
'Of course, even if he rushes here, there's nothing he can do if I decide to hide my tracks thoroughly.'
However, I suddenly feel my physical body twitching upon seeing the vigor of the entity flying towards me from a distance.
"Hmm"
Should I give it a go?
Although the main body is at the Integration stage, this avatar is just at the Heavenly Being stage.
Suddenly, I am engulfed by the desire to confront Wi Ryeong-seon's avatar.
Combining the power of Treading Heavens and the Earth Tribe's Nascent Soul stage, I should be more than capable of confronting someone at the Heavenly Being stage.
Wo-woong!
The talent of the immortal beast I had acquired in my previous life spews a misty fog, stimulating me.
The power obtained from the formidable physical body of the demon race, along with the sharp energy emitted by the Formless Sword from Treading Heavens, surges throughout my body.
The power of Treading Heavens hones my physical body to be as solid and sharp as a sword, while the power of the demon beast inherently enhances my physical power, thereby amplifying the efficiency of Treading Heaven's power several-fold.
Adding the power of the newly acquired immortal beast and the Colorless Glass Sword to the mix...
'Even without the cultivation of the Heaven Tribe, I should be able to...'
I feel confident enough to win against someone at the Heavenly Being stage.
'...No.'
However, I suppress that desire.
'I'll wait for another opportunity.'
Wi Ryeong-seon, the Grand Cultivator who monitors the major and minor matters within the Human Race Grand Alliance.
He is known to be weaker among those at the early stage of Integration because he had not specialized in combat methods.
But no matter what, an Integration stage is still an Integration stage, and if I confront him and kill the avatar, the real Wi Ryeong-seon will come here in person.
Reluctantly postponing my encounter with Wi Ryeong-seon, I swing my hand towards the void.
Swish!
My hand, imbued with the Formless Sword, cleaves through the void and creates a blind spot of heaven and earth spiritual energy.
I enter within the blind spot of perception, spiritual energy, and space using the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, disappearing from Wi Ryeong-seon's sight like a phantom.
Wi Ryeong-seon, unable to find me upon arrival, forms a hand seal and begins to use a surveillance method that envelops the entire Sky Island in an attempt to locate me.
Bypassing the perplexed Wi Ryeong-seon, I once again land at an appropriate place on Thunder Spirit Island.
It's a small city meant for the cultivators on Thunder Spirit Island, and it seems lively inside, possibly because a market is being held.
'It's been a while since I've been to a Human Race market.'
While hidden with the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, I enter the market.
Such a bustling place, filled with countless intent and consciousness, is the perfect spot to hide using the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.
'Wi Ryeong-seon will probably focus more than usual to find me for a while, so I should stay hidden inside the market until the intensity of his surveillance spell weakens.'
Ziiing
I can feel Wi Ryeong-seon's surveillance spell unfold even more powerfully than usual.
Noticing something unusual, a few Nascent Soul stage cultivators and Core Formation stage cultivators within the market look up to the sky.
'Anyway, maintaining such a strong surveillance spell over the entire Thunder Spirit Island at the Heavenly Being stage won't last long.'
It will probably return to its normal surveillance intensity before long.
I comfortably tour the market while also gathering materials needed for Hong Fan's awakening.
In my last life... I definitely only roamed around with Hong Fan.'
I remember not having any other companions besides Hong Fan.
Perhaps, awakening Hong Fan and elevating his cultivation might bring back memories of my past life.
As I am searching for materials for Hong Fan's spiritual awakening, it happens.
"This is a demon beast method brought in by the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect this time. Take a look before you go!"
Hearing about a demon beast method, my interest is piqued, and I turn to look in that direction.
'The Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect has connections with Hyeon Eum, so it would be easier for them to source demon beast methods and such from the Earth Tribe Territory....'
The seller of the demon beast method appears to be at the Qi Building stage, roughly a middle-aged man.
In front of him lays several items that look like the shed snakeskin.
Not just me, but several other Qi Building stage cultivators and early Core Formation stage cultivators approach the man upon hearing about the 'demon beast method.'
"Hmm, where is the method manual?"
"These shedskin are the demon beast methods. Unlike us from the Heaven Tribe who record techniques in books or jade slips, demon beasts inscribe their methods onto their bodies."
"Well, I've heard that the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect occasionally sources demon beast methods from the Earth Tribe"
A man with a goat beard sends a dubious look towards the merchant selling demon beast methods.
"How on earth are you selling demon beast methods obtained from the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect? I was under the impression that the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect only sells these methods to high-level cultivators."
"Haha, it seems you've been staying on Thunder Spirit Island for too long and are unaware of the circumstances of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect?"
At the Qi Building stage cultivator's words, the man with the goat beard looks at him with an expression that says, 'then explain it properly.'
"The demon beast methods that the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect occasionally brings over from the Earth Tribe aren't carefully selected by the Sect itself. Instead, merchants from the demon race gather numerous demon beast methods and then sell them off to the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect in bulk."
I, having a rough understanding of how demon merchants handle demon beast methods, nod along.
To those merchants, demon beast methods are just one of the many resources they have in abundance. It's considered ideal for them to gather everything they can and sell it off to make a profit, especially when someone from the Heaven Tribe is willing to buy.
"And among those gathered demon beast methods, the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect disposes of any that are too difficult for the Human Race to learn, too low-level, or unstable. They only select the usable ones to sell to high-level cultivators."
"So, the methods you're selling are 'discarded' methods?"
"No, no, listen to the end. After the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect selects the 'usable' demon beast methods, there's always a category that needs to be 'dealt with.'"
"Hmm?"
The man continues.
"Firstly, Dragon Race methods. Since the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect is connected to the Dragon King of the Earth Tribe, naturally the Dragon King would control and prevent any leaks to the Heaven Tribe. Next are the Bird Race (), or 'bird' category demon beast methods. Since the Dragon Race sometimes shows vulnerabilities to the Bird Race, those too are kept from leaking. Lastly, the Serpent Race () methods."
"Serpent race? You mean snake demon beasts?"
"Exactly. Serpent Race demon beast methods are particularly troublesome for the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect. However, they are not forbidden from being leaked. Since they've been purchased, the sect wants to make a profit but prefers not to sell them openly, so the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect often ends up selling these Serpent Race demon beast methods off cheaply to just about anyone. That's how I was able to obtain demon beast methods from the sect myself."
"Hmm Why does the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect dislike Serpent Race demon beast methods? Shouldn't they value Serpent Race methods the most since they are related to dragons? Is there a problem with the Snake Race methods?"
"Who knows From what I know, it's not so much about issues within the methods, but the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect has a bad impression of [snakes]."
'The Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect has a bad impression of [snakes]?'
This is new information to me, sparking my curiosity. I focus on the conversation.
"Why would the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect dislike snakes?"
"I don't know the details. You'd have to ask them. Now, now, more importantly, isn't there a Daoist here truly interested in demon beast methods? While the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect may not cultivate Serpent Race methods due to internal reasons, remember the legend that snakes can become dragons if they turn into imoogi? Perhaps using Serpent Race methods could be an opportunity to uncover the secrets of the most noble race in the Earth Tribe, the Dragon Race methods!"
'If that were possible, would the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect, practically a puppet of the Black Dragon King, have allowed it to leak'
Seemingly sharing my thoughts, the cultivators gathered here show expressions of disdain.
The Qi Building stage cultivator, whether he is aware of it or not, continues to enthusiastically pitch the demon beast methods.
"If you find it difficult or undesirable to practice them yourself, why not take this opportunity to go to the demon beast store and purchase snake demon beasts to let your pet demon beast learn them! It's a great opportunity for your pet demon beast to learn authentic Serpent Race methods brought over from the Earth Tribe's True Dragon Alliance!"
"Hmm"
"Still, it feels a bit off knowing these methods were discarded by the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect"
"Hmm"
Despite the merchant's pitch, the other cultivators seem uneasy and disperse in various directions, clicking their tongues.
Seeing this, the Qi Building stage cultivator's face falls, and he slackens his grip on the snake skins.
"If you're going to do business, it might be better to improve your sales pitch. Revealing all the uncomfortable details like that isn't going to attract anyone's interest."
Even one of the cultivators offers him advice on doing business before leaving, leaving only me in front of his stall.
'It seems the surveillance spell has weakened by now'
Slyly
I casually release the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts and reveal myself in front of him, asking.
"Apart from those uncomfortable aspects of the methods you're selling do they have any advantages?"
"Ah, of course, senior!"
He looks up at me, realizing I am at least a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator or higher, and begins to explain while bowing his head.
"The Serpent Race believes in the legend of becoming dragons and constantly cultivates to become imoogi. While it's uncertain if they can truly become dragons, at least learning Serpent Race methods can make one an 'imoogi.'"
"Imoogi You mean, even the Human Race can become imoogi by learning these?"
"No, it's not like that. It means gaining the power of an imoogi. Of course, if you were to raise a snake demon beast as a pet, it wouldn't be a bad idea to let it learn these methods."
"I don't raise snake demon beasts"
"Yo-you don't have to raise a snake! Even if you raise carp, centipedes, turtles, lizards, or other demon beasts related to dragons, the Serpent Race methods would still be effective!"
"Hmm? Centipedes?"
I become intrigued by his words and ask.
"Centipedes can benefit from Serpent Race methods too?"
"Yes! Don't they say if a centipede cultivates for ten thousand years, it can become a dragon? Since centipedes are related to dragons, the imoogi-becoming Serpent Race methods are effective!"
"Hoh"
'Since I came to buy materials for awakening Hong Fan, and if Hong Fan can also learn these demon beast methods'
It seems not a bad idea to purchase them.
"It just so happens I'm considering raising a centipede demon beast myself, so why don't you give me a suitable method book for it?"
At my words, the Qi Building stage cultivator shows me the skins with a gleeful expression.
"Among the Serpent Race, scales that are closer to black are considered most auspicious. Therefore, the darker the color of the skin, the higher the grade of the Serpent Race method."
"Then, do you have any black snake skins? I'd like to get the best demon beast method available"
"Unfortunately, black snakes are considered very auspicious within the Serpent Race, so their skins do not leak out."
"Is that so?"
I remember the Serpent Race.
I had a fleeting encounter with a few from the True Dragon Alliance.
Most of the Serpent Race were known to be a patient race, focusing on their cultivation away from the world's turmoils, and those few I had encountered had such traits.
'It's probably because they mostly stay secluded and focus on cultivation that I hardly encountered them and don't know much.'
With that thought, I take one dark blue and one pure white shed snake skin from the Qi Building stage cultivator and tuck them away.
'A centipede becoming a dragon With Hong Fan's talent, it might be possible.'
I don't know why.
But somehow, it feels utterly natural to me that Hong Fan will become a great being.
Wo-woong!
I bury pieces of my Nascent Soul across various spiritual mountains on Thunder Spirit Island with the help of Yuan Yu.
It's a secret technique that allows one to embed pieces of their Nascent Soul in places with spiritual veins so they can be retrieved later. It's similar to the blood souls of Yuan Li.
However, the difference is that Yuan Li requires a massive amount of blood sacrifices to retrieve the blood souls buried in human-inhabited areas.
I don't need such blood sacrifices.
'If I reach the Nascent Soul stage in a day, I'd be treated not as a genius but as a monster or a spy with a hidden agenda.'
I have no intention of foolishly going to the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and advertising, 'I've reached the Nascent Soul stage in just one day.'
'I'll scatter my Nascent Soul for now and seal the Demon Core.'
Crackle.
As Yuan Yu forms a hand seal, the energy flowing from his body seals the power within my Demon Core.
Lastly, I summon the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner and implant it in five places on the Demon Core.
Plop, plop, plop, plop, plop!
The Five Elements Blood Curse Banner and Yuan Yu's spell completes the seal.
'Now, there's no way to discover that I reached the Nascent Soul stage using demon race methods.'
Only the pure power of the Heaven Tribe's Qi Refining 6th Star remains within me.
'If it's Nascent Soul in a day, I might be suspected. But Qi Refining 6th Star should be within a believable range.'
With that thought, I return to the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
"Master, your unworthy disciple has come seeking assistance in my cultivation."
I approach Jin Hwi, bowing and speaking to him.
Jin Hwi looks at me with warm eyes and nods.
"Well, with your talent, you must have formed the Law-Transformation Dantian already Is it the understanding of the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words that trouble you?"
"No, I've reached the 6th Star of Qi Refining."
""
"Would you assist me with the Seven Stars Ritual?"
Jin Hwi's eyes widen as large as lanterns as he abruptly stands up.
"Do not lie! You were given the Accumulating Lightning Technique in the morning, and you reached the 6th Star of Qi Refining by evening? Are you mocking your master!!!"
""
'Not just 6th Star of Qi Refining, I reached the Nascent Soul stage'
If I had told him the truth, his reaction might not just be shock but possibly a heart attack.
"It's true, Master."
"That's preposterous Hand over your hand. I will check if you truly are at the 6th Star of Qi Refining."
And so, I extend my hand to Jin Hwi, allowing him to verify my cultivation.
Shortly after.
The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is turned upside down by the news that I had reached the 6th Star of Qi Refining within a day of receiving the basic cultivation method.
Translator Notes: Reminds me of when Kim Young-hoon turned the whatever sect upside down by reaching first-rate.
***
The Vice-Sect Master of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Jin Hwi, doubted his own sanity.
He had taken him to the Scripture Pavilion in the morning, given him the Accumulating Lightning Technique, and taught him the basics.
He had thought he would figure out how to form the Law-Transformation Dantian on his own.
Since Jin Hwi himself is a Heavenly Spiritual Root, and he managed to easily create the Law-Transforming Dantian, he thought Seo Eun-hyun, born with a Lighting Sacred Body, would naturally do the same.
Of course, he thought memorizing the true words for the 1st Star of Qi Refining might be a bit confusing and would take a few days.
Jin Hwi had thought so because that was his own experience.
'No, fine. Let's say due to his legendary qualities, he can quickly surpass the 1st Star of Qi Refining. Since the 2nd Star is linked to the first, let's assume he can surpass that too. But'
Jin Hwi swallows hard, unable to comprehend the unfathomable genius before him with his common sense.
'To learn the Accumulating Lightning Technique in the morning and reach the 6th Star of Qi Refining by evening? How does that even make sense?'
And it seems the others around Jin Hwi feel the same, as everyone looks at Seo Eun-hyun as if he is a monster.
Including the Vice-Sect Leader Jin Hwi, the Sect Leader Jin Lin, the Supreme Sect Master Jin Byuk-ho, and all the elders gathered in front of Seo Eun-hyun's residence.
Surrounding Seo Eun-hyun!
"So you're saying you gave him the Accumulating Lightning Technique this morning?"
"Yes."
Jin Hwi nods.
Jin Byuk-ho opens his mouth in disbelief.
"Are you really sure you just taught him now? Could it be that you secretly taught him when he joined the Flying Immortal Platform?"
"No, with all due respect, Supreme Sect Master, do you think that makes any sense? Instead, I'd like to ask you a question. I heard you first met this boy in the lower realm and tested his talent. Was he really just a mortal then? Not at the 6th Star of Qi Refining?"
"No. To be precise, he was on the verge of entering the Qi Gathering stage. Yes I see now."
Jin Byuk-ho nods and speaks.
"He was originally just entering the Qi Gathering stage. Perhaps he already knew about the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words, the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gangs Decrees, the Twelve Branches, the Ten Heavenly Stems, the Nine Palaces, and the Eight Trigrams. Doesn't that make sense?"
"Didn't the Supreme Sect Master just verify it? This boy's accumulation of the 6th Star of Qi Refining isn't simply due to external techniques. It's purely through the Accumulating Lightning Technique that he reached the 6th Star!"
""
"Knowing the formulas of external techniques and reaching Qi Refining 6th Star so quickly with the Accumulating Lightning Technique? Unless one madly abandons all their cultivation and repeats the process of Understanding before Breakthrough numerous times, it's impossible!"
"Hmm So what are you trying to say?"
Jin Byuk-ho asks, somewhat excitedly stirred by Jin Hwi.
Jin Hwi exclaims with a bewildered expression.
"Match him with So-hae! If not for a talent like So-hae, we absolutely cannot accommodate this boy's insane talent!"
"Hmm!"
As the discussion turns to Jin So-hae, Jin Byuk-ho's great granddaughter, Jin Byuk-ho frowns slightly.
Jin Hwi points excitedly at Seo Eun-hyun.
"If not So-hae, then the dual cultivation partners for this boy should be chosen from the Nascent Soul stage elders to balance it out. In my 1,050 years of life, I've never encountered such a nonsensical understanding (/Aptitude for Understanding)! Eun-hyun, show them."
At Jin Hwi's excited command, Seo Eun-hyun steps forward and calmly displays the hand signs of the Seventy-Two Earthly Shas.
The spiritual natures of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Decrees, the Twelve Branches' spiritual energies, the Ten Heavenly Stems' changes are all perfectly demonstrated.
Not only that, but he also mastered the principles of the Nine Palaces and the Eight Trigrams, leaving Jin Byuk-ho and the other elders speechless with admiration.
"Perfect"
"He grasped the principles of the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words with the Accumulating Lightning Technique?"
"It's like looking at children who have perfected their state after years of Understanding before Breakthrough, rather than Breakthrough before Understanding. That's how flawless it is."
Amidst the elders' praises, Seo Eun-hyun's eyes flicker, but no one notices.
"Certainly, his talent is beyond belief. It's exciting to think how much he will grow after the Seven Stars Ritual. No need for Qi Building Pills or anything with such an exceptional understanding. And on top of that, such a person has the Sacred Lightning Body and possesses a consciousness of the Nascent Soul stage"
Jin Byuk-ho, who had been dumbfounded for a moment, bursts into laughter.
"Hahahaha! Good! Good indeed, it's time for the 120,000-year reputation of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect to resound through the world again!"
Laughing heartily, Jin Byuk-ho stamps his foot.
Koong!
Behind him, a chair made of earth rises as if sprouting from the ground, then melts into glass under the lightning emanating from Jin Byuk-ho's body.
Sitting on the glass throne, Jin Byuk-ho laughs heartily, emitting streaks of lightning.
"Since So-hae has a Wall Force Constitution, suggesting her as a dual cultivation partner for someone with a Lightning Sacred Body makes sense. If they become partners, they could unleash tremendous power. However... I'm sorry, but I promised her parents that I would let her choose her own partner."
Jin Byuk-ho looks at Seo Eun-hyun and continues with a joyous smile.
"If you want to match that kid with So-hae, then make the kid win So-hae over. Otherwise, it would be better to just assign a Nascent Soul stage female elder from our sect."
"Hmm"
"And, if the Lightning Sacred Body is like this, imagine how exceptional Jeon Myeong-hoon, who can be considered the reincarnation of our ancestor with the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, must be!"
Jin Byuk-ho looks happily in one direction.
That is where Jeon Myeong-hoon is receiving education from Jin So-hae.
"Personally, as So-hae's ancestor, I wish for So-hae to be matched with someone who possesses the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, the symbol of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. But who knows how that will turn out. However, if that happens, So-hae might actually be the one lacking in comparison. Hahaha! Having two such talented geniuses enter our sect is indeed a great fortune that could bring back the glory of 120,000 years ago!"
Jin Byuk-ho, genuinely happy, stands up from his temporary throne and walks over to Seo Eun-hyun, patting him on the shoulder.
"All of the sect is placing their hopes on you, Seo Eun-hyun. Do not disappoint us."
"Yes, I will bear that in mind."
"Yes, yes. If the Lightning Sacred Body is like this, I can't help but be excited about how outstanding the true heir to the ancestry's Heavenly Golden Thunder Body will be! I hope So-hae finishes instilling manners in him as soon as possible. Hahaha!"
Feeling ecstatic, Jin Byuk-ho can't stop laughing as he floats into the air.
"In our sect, there is a system called merit points, where members are awarded for undertaking the sect's missions, and these points can be used to borrow or obtain the sect's techniques, pills, magic artifacts, and dharma treasures. But! As the Supreme Sect Master, I decree, from this moment on, Seo Eun-hyun and Jeon Myeong-hoon, the two geniuses of the sect, will be exempt from the merit points system! Provide them with whatever they want! Understood?"
"Yes!"
After finishing his declaration, Jin Byuk-ho flies away using the Flying Escape Technique, his smile stretching ear to ear.
'The golden lightning and intent are indistinguishable.'
I chuckle to myself as I observe the golden lightning and the golden intent emanating from Jin Byuk-ho.
Then, turning my head towards the pavilion where Jeon Myeong-hoon is located, I pinder.
'Having attracted so much attention from the very beginning, Jeon Myeong-hoon will have no choice but to dedicate himself to cultivation, whether he likes it or not.'
Honestly, during my 15th reincarnation.
I was quite surprised when I first met Jeon Myeong-hoon in his normal state.
It was impossible for someone with such insane talent to still be at the Core Formation stage unless they had spent decades just fooling around.
'This time, I'll provide the stimulation myself.'
Not just that.
If he doesn't understand, I'll use the methods of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect to instill it in him. If that still doesn't work, I'll resort to brainwashing like Seo Hweol to forcibly elevate his cultivation.
'The Heavenly Lightning Banner was afraid of Jeon Myeong-hoon's touch.'
I clearly remember that moment.
When Jeon Myeong-hoon held the Heavenly Lightning Banner, it feared his Heavenly Golden Thunder Body.
'Once he regains his cultivation, controlling the Heavenly Lightning Banner should also be possible.'
Doing so might even make sealing the banner within the Head Realm easier.
Of course, there is a possibility that Jeon Myeong-hoon won't listen to me.
In preparation for that, I too must increase my strength.
I resolved to rapidly advance my cultivation so as not to fall behind Jeon Myeong-hoon and decided to follow my master, Jin Hwi, to perform the Seven Stars Ritual on Thunder Cloud Peak in a few days.
"Fortunately, the archives of the Thunder Cloud Pavilion had materials on the constellations of the Bright Cold Realm. Study and learn from these."
"Yes."
I had already memorized all the constellations, but I pretend to listen to Jin Hwi's instructions and quickly flip through the book.
"Honestly, your Seven Stars Ritual will likely go smoothly. So now let's decide who you'll bring as your dual cultivation partner after the ritual."
""
At those words, I inadvertently let out a sigh.
'To pair me with a Nascent Soul stage female elder?'
Most cultivators in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect already have dual cultivation partners, being mostly in matrimonial relationships, whether men or women.
To assign a Nascent Soul stage dual cultivation partner to me meant one of two things: she is either a widow or someone who has cultivated techniques like the Taiji Quaking Lightning Body to the point where their gender is indistinguishable.
'Either option is unappealing'
Moreover, since I had previously avoided being assigned a dual cultivation partner under the pretext of the Seven Stars Ritual, it will not be easy to avoid this time.
'No choice then.'
After being paired, I'll immediately enter secluded cultivation to recover my Heavenly Tribe Nascent Soul stage cultivation.
Then, as a Nascent Soul stage elder, I can say I no longer need a dual cultivation partner.
'Considering there are quite a few Nascent Soul stage female cultivators who have not sought another partner after becoming widows, it seems not mandatory to have a dual cultivation partner after becoming an elder.'
That will solve everything!
I internally make plans and simply nod for now.
"Understood."
"Good, good. After your Seven Stars Ritual, your dual cultivation partner will be Grand Elder Hong."
"Yes?"
'Grand Elder? Not an Elder but a Grand Elder?'
The term 'Grand Elder' implies someone at the Heavenly Being stage.
"The late Heavenly Being stage Grand Elder Hong will be assigned as your dual cultivation partner. Do you understand?"
"I see. What kind of person is this Grand Elder Hong? Is she among the elders who came to see me earlier?"
"No. Grand Elder Hong is someone who usually doesn't leave her quarters no matter what happens As for what kind of person she is"
Jin Hwi seems to ponder about Grand Elder Hong and then awkwardly smiles.
"Um um She's a good person. Just a bit unique. So much so that all her previous dual cultivation partners ran away But her nature isn't bad."
""
I can't help but ask incredulously at that moment.
"Why would the dual cultivation partners want to run away from Grand Elder Hong?"
"Grand Elder Hong is well, actually."
""
"Uuum"
After letting out a sigh, Jin Hwi reveals the truth.
"Because Grand Elder Hong has been conducting human experiments on her dual cultivation partners, attempting to manifest the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's legendary constitutions."
""
Upon hearing this, I instantly realize that Grand Elder Hong is no less a madman than the Mad Lord.
"Aren't I a valuable asset to the sect?"
"That's correct. However, Grand Elder Hong, with your Lightning Sacred Body, wouldn't dare to treat you recklessly. Moreover, her goal has been to manifest legendary constitutions, and you are essentially the target she has been aiming for."
"What about the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body?"
"Grand Elder Hong has not dared to overstep towards the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body. She has always targeted the Lightning Sacred Body, so she will definitely not harm you."
"Are you sure?"
I ask skeptically, trying to read Jin Hwi's intent.
Could it be, Master, that you've already agreed upon this with Grand Elder Hong?"
Caught by my pointed question, Jin Hwi breaks into a cold sweat and suddenly bows his head.
"I'm sorry, my disciple! That madwoman, Grand Elder Hong, threatened to cause a scene if she couldn't have you, so I thought I'd at least pass the message!"
""
"If you truly dislike it, I'll switch to an ordinary widowed Nascent Soul stage elder. Grand Elder Hong might throw a tantrum, butwould it compare to the time when the Mad Lord came to the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and wreaked havoc? The Supreme Sect Master will take care of it probably."
""
'This'
Although I am somewhat dumbfounded by 'Grand Elder Hong', the more I think about it, the more appealing it seems.
'Not bad?'
Grinning, I think,
'She wants to experiment on me?'
Unless she intends to completely transform me like the Mad Lord, I can tolerate that level.
Moreover, I consider the potential benefits of her infamous reputation.
'Using her attempts to experiment on me as an excuse, I can either run away within the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect or even escape outside, and everyone would just nod understandingly.'
Jin Hwi's reaction gave a clear picture of what kind of a lunatic Grand Elder Hong is.
She might not be as bad as the Mad Lord, but she is certainly crazy.
'Moreover, if it's not a Nascent Soul stage elder but a late Heavenly Being stage elder'
I can get much more advice on the Lightning Path Methods from her.
Of course, dealing with insane people often means normal logic will not apply.
However, as mad as she might be, could she really be as bad as the Mad Lord?
Having adapted to the Mad Lord's logic, I feel confident I can get used to her too.
And most importantly,
'If she really is a madwoman intent on experimenting on me, I might become less attached than I anticipated.'
Planning to evade human experimentation as an excuse to roam freely without truly forming a dual cultivation partnership, watching her chase me and throw fits would prevent any emotional attachment from forming.
'Even with regression, there won't be a shock to my psyche.'
That is the most appealing aspect.
Of course, having decided to become part of the same sect family, I will likely develop some affection for my comrades in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
But she won't come close to being part of the 'family' I will intensely bond with.
'That way, the shock upon regression will be somewhat lessened.'
With that in mind, I accept Jin Hwi's proposition. He, unsure of what to do, exudes a mix of gratitude and remorse.
The day of the Seven Stars Ritual arrived.
I climb onto the altar Jin Hwi has prepared and begin the ritual.
Kugugugu
Inevitably, dark clouds gather again, severing the connection to the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
Seeing this, Jin Hwi's eyes narrow.
"What's this Isn't today the auspicious date for the ritual? It can't be I checked everything."
"Master, what are those clouds?"
"Hmm, it seems today isn't the auspicious date after all."
"From what I know, such clouds can be dispelled by the ritual's participant themselves without any issue for the ritual. Is that correct?"
"That's true, but you're only at the 6th Star of Qi Refining. How can you possibly"
Before Jin Hwi can finish,
I draw upon the Accumulating Lightning Technique and extend my hand towards the sky.
Then, using the power of the Heavenly Lightning I had harnessed when I advanced to the Qi Building stage with demon beast methods, I unleash it with both hands.
Kwarrrrrrung!
The azure lightning from my hands ascend towards the sky, tearing through the clouds to clear a path for the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
Witnessing this, Jin Hwi's eyes widen in disbelief.
"What in the world is this."
So surprised is Jin Hwi that, during the rest of the Seven Stars Ritual, he couldn't even think to assist me. He just stood there, dumbfoundedly watching me.
Crackle, fizz!
Swoosh
Receiving the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, I confirm that I have regained the vision of the Heaven Tribe.
I have reached the 7th Star of Qi Refining.
The accomplishments of my Accumulating Lightning Technique have expanded even further, and I feel as though a path that had been blocked is now clear.
"Master, I have completed the Seven Stars Ritual."
"How... how did you manage to produce such lightning with the Accumulating Lightning Technique"
"Who knows, it just worked when I tried."
"Heh, hehehehehe"
Jin Hwi, initially wearing a look of disbelief, begins to genuinely laugh.
"Hehehahahaha! Yes, yes!"
It seems he has finally come to accept my talent.
"This is the power of the Lightning Sacred Body! Truly a blessing for our sect. If the Lighting Sacred Body is this impressive, just how extraordinary must the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body of our Ancestor be! Ah! Ancestor, you truly watch over our sect!"
Next to him, I smile meaningfully, calculating the remaining amount of azure lightning.
With this much, it might be a stretch to reach Qi Building, but reaching the pinnacle of Qi Refining should be no problem.'
That is enough for me.
I have yet to utilize all of the Heaven Tribe cultivation stored in the Colorless Glass Sword, so I can simply proceed with those.
The day after the Seven Stars Ritual.
"Are you the one called Seo Eun-hyun?"
In front of my cave residence appears a person dressed in a golden robe, belted with a golden sash.
Despite the static electricity crackling around her, the hair of the woman, who had let her deep black hair grow down to her waist, remains as smooth as ebony.
The woman, with her clean complexion, looks quite sane at first glance.
"I am Grand Elder Hong of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. From today onwards, I will be your dual cultivation partner."
"Ah, please take good care of me."
For now, I greet her with polite manners.
'I'll have to dodge around her from now on, but I should at least make a good impression on the first day...'
And then, it happens.
"You, you!"
"???"
Suddenly, she bursts out in anger and stomps her foot.
From the outside, lightning flashes and the sky roars.
"Do you really think your status is the same as mine just because I've become your dual cultivation partner! How dare you lack the proper manners towards a grand elder of the sect!"
'What is she talking about? It's the correct etiquette according to the royal traditions of Shengzi...'
"In my time, whenever a grand elder of the sect made an appearance, everyone kneeled and bowed their heads without question! Even 860 years ago, such etiquette was alive, why has it become so lax!"
""
'She's angry because I didn't follow etiquette from 800 years ago.'
I am momentarily irritated but eventually adjust my actions based on the traditional etiquette I had learned from Shengzi, kneeling and bowing my head.
'Let's just accommodate her for now.'
"Yes, I apologize for my rudeness. Please forgive me."
'That should be enough, right?'
However, I can see her intent writhing with anger again.
'What is it now?'
"The etiquette is wrong! Do it again!"
"Grand Elder, with all due respect this is the correct form of etiquette from what I understand."
It's a motion I had verified by digging through the ancient documents of Shengzi's royal family and observing several royal ceremonies.
There is no way it could be wrong.
Yet, Grand Elder Hong stubbornly glares at me, insisting on her point.
"What do you know! It wasn't done like that 800 years ago!"
Her insistence on her age and arguing that my posture is wrong because of it leaves me momentarily speechless.
'What is this younger one babbling about in front of me?'
Her continued fussing about age and growing anger makes me increasingly annoyed.
And then, Grand Elder Hong's face turns red with rage as she screams wildly.
"You! This disrespectful brat. Fine, if you really have no intention of correcting your etiquette, then I will personally study your body and"
'Perhaps a bit of education will be beneficial...'
I look into the eyes of Grand Elder Hong Su-ryeong which are ablaze with anger.
And in the next moment.
"Thinking I would treat you specially just because you have the Lightning Sacred Body huh?"
"Heh."
I let out a hollow laugh, realizing why she had suddenly come to me and started raging.
"I apologize. I was preoccupied with unnecessary thoughts, inadvertently troubling you with my intent."
It wasn't because she suddenly decided to pick a fight over age.
It was because I had been exuding an intent that suggested I wanted to run away from her and merely use her, which prompted her sudden outburst.
"Ah, no how could"
After the Mad Lord, Azure Tiger Saint, and Oh Hyun-seok.
I have met the fourth cultivator to achieve Three Flowers Gather at the Summit.
***
Surururu
The moment I realized my opponent had achieved Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, I promptly reigned in my intent.
Simultaneously, interest sparked in Grand Elder Hong's eyes.
The displeasure that had been present just moments ago washed away, no longer visible.
"Hmm You."
Grand Elder Hong looks at me with a momentarily interested gaze, suddenly taking a step forward.
Simultaneously, her arm rushes towards me. In my mind, I envision her hand piercing through my heart.
However, in that vision, I split her body in half and kill her.
Flinch!
Grand Elder Hong is taken aback, but a smile appears on her lips.
"So it is. Were you originally not just any ordinary person but a martial artist?"
"One could say that."
"Good. What was your primary weapon?"
"A sword."
"A sword! Hahaha!"
She does not hide her exhilarated intent.
"Perfect conditions to become a sword cultivator!"
Whoo
She opens her mouth and several orbs of light shoot out from her Golden Core, encircling her.
A total of 16 golden swords!
"I, too, am a sword cultivator! Do you have any expertise in flying sword techniques?"
'So that's it.'
I immediately understand what kind of entity she is.
Just like the previous encounter with Byeok Mun-seong, she is a sword cultivator who specializes in controlling flying swords.
"I'll lend you a magic artifact so we can have a match. Instead of Jin Hwi, I'll take on the role of your master."
However, I just smirk.
'My master?'
With a sword? In front of me? Her?
I glance towards a small table inside my quarters.
I quickly swing my hand, cutting off one of the table's legs and holding it in my hand.
"If we're just sparring with sword techniques, this should suffice."
"Hahaha, you madman. Well, don't blame me when you get a thrashing."
Crackle, fizz!
Her flying sword dharma treasures draw upon lightning energy, emitting a golden glow.
Wham!
Her flying swords surge towards me swiftly.
Holding the leg of the table, I spin around, smoothly deflecting the flying swords and then shoot towards her.
However, I sense presences from behind, in front, above and below.
At the same time, 'images' form in my mind.
A sword, silently concealing its presence, spring from the right diagonal below to stab at my throat.
Mid-stride, I twist my body, bending at the waist.
Just as I do so, a flying sword that came from my blind spot whizzes past where my head had been.
Taking advantage of the moment I twist my body, flying swords from all directions lunge at me.
Whirling
But I plant one foot on the ground, using it as a pivot as I swing the sword (the table leg) continuously without pause.
Whoom
Infusing Qi into the table leg, I repel all of the flying sword dharma treasures. Continuing the momentum of that rotational force, I rapidly surge towards Hong Su-ryeong's blind spot.
Then, I swing the sword in an upward slicing motion, and Hong Su-ryeong, with a face full of exhilaration, grabs her golden sword and swings back at me.
Zing!
Crack!
Shockwaves resonate in all directions, and the table leg creaks as if about to break.
"What are you, really? You're the best, not just any martial artist from Three Flowers Gather at the Summit! Are you the Five Energies Converging to the Origin that comes once every few hundred years? The excitement of fighting with you surpasses any cultivator I've killed!"
Kugugugu!
Under her Heavenly Being stage pressure, my body slowly sinks into the ground.
'The ground of my cave residence can't withstand it.'
Although my body completely disperses her power, making me practically unscathed, it seems the surrounding terrain and objects can't say the same.
'If I used even a little of the power of my physical body from demon beast methods, Ultimate Pinnacle, or the Formless Sword, I would guarantee victory...'
I observe her, gauging her level.
Though we were merely crossing swords, several 'images' formed in my mind.
Scenes where she pressed me time and again, only for her head to end up pierced by the leg of my table.
Even though I was being pushed back in the current situation, the future we saw as our intents mingled always ended with her defeated, miserably impaled on the table leg, without exception.
"Hah...!"
With a laugh that seems to tear her mouth, Hong Su-ryeong begins to infuse her dharma treasure with power, intending to split my body in half.
And as I exchange intents with her, I realize something and am startled.
Wait, she's not at Three Flowers Gather at the Summit!?'
This is...
After about ten thousand 'pictures' cycle through my mind, confirming her defeat,
Out of those ten thousand times, just once!
A single picture emerges where she and I end up destroying each other.
If we compare our martial knowledge, it's an impossible scenario.
My world, which has reached the Treading Heavens realm, can not possibly be challenged by the level of Three Flowers Gather at the Summit.
However, if it's a realm higher than the Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, it might be possible.
'Five Energies Converging to the Origin!'
Kwagwang!
With the speed of lightning, she kicks me in the chest, sending me flying into one of the residence walls.
I crash into the wall, and immediately, spider-web-like cracks spread throughout it.
"To think you'd kick me away using your cultivation at the end. You must not have been confident about winning properly?"
"So what? Cultivation is also my power. If you're jealous, reach the Heavenly Being stage yourself.""
"..."
Hong Su-ryeong, with a satisfied smile, begins to recall her dharma treasures.
"I originally planned to capture you and slice you up with my flying sword technique, but what was that? It didn't feel like a cultivation technique."
Wo-woong!
Hovering in the air in the cave residence, Hong Su-ryeong looks at the still unretrieved flying swords and asks.
I retrieve my intent infused in her flying swords and return them to her as I speak.
"It's sword control."
"Hoh, that's interesting."
She says, receiving back the flying swords that had been completely under my control just moments ago.
Up until just a moment ago, her flying swords were entirely dominated by me.
If I had wanted to, I could have used her own flying swords to attack her. Such is the extent of my control.
That's why, out of the ten thousand exchanges of intent, ten thousand times she was defeated.
However, I recalled the one instance out of ten thousand where we ended up destroying each other.
'My sword control momentarily faltered.'
At that moment, her flying sword technique targeted me, and after splitting Hong Su-ryeong in half and trying to respond to the flying sword technique, I missed one sword, resulting in a scenario where I also died.
'Of course, that assumes I didn't use the demon beast methods.'
But that's a meaningless assumption since she also hadn't properly used her cultivation techniques.
"By the way, you must at least be at the Five Energies Converging to the Origin or higher. Then, have you undergone complete transformation?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"Then... it means you have both the Lightning Sacred Body and the Five Elements Spiritual Root."
She looks at me with interest.
"As expected. It was a good decision to coerce Senior Brother Jin into making you my dual cultivation partner. I've never met someone as interesting as you!"
"..."
I flinch at the sight of her eyes shimmering with madness.
"...I heard you've been... conducting human experiments. Are you planning to experiment on me too?"
"It's intriguing, but it would be meaningless."
"Excuse me?"
"Do you know why I started human experiments?"
"...I don't know."
Hong Su-ryeong forms a seal towards one corner of the residence.
A tree branch grows, forming a chair.
She sits down on the chair and begins her story.
"The sword (). Since I embarked on the path of cultivation, I've been fascinated by flying sword techniques. I've been consistently researching flying sword techniques and Lightning Path Methods. Then, one day, I had the chance to observe the martial world, which is treated like insects in the cultivation world."
Her eyes sparkle as she speaks.
"It was shocking! To see them wielding swords so fiercely, so meticulously, struggling so desperately as the weak against the strong. It was something I'd never seen before. And then I realized! In the cultivation world, those who fling flying sword techniques around, boasting 'Look at me, I'm a sword cultivator', are all utter fools!"
"..."
"Those fools who've never held a sword in their life think they can call themselves sword cultivators just by flinging flying swords! There's nothing more stupid than that!"
Her words are harsh, but since they resonate with my own thoughts, I quietly listen to her.
"From that day, I began to learn martial arts as well. Though my focus was mainly on sword techniques, holding a sword in my hands and wielding it was thrilling in itself! Fighting over and over again, I eventually reached an understanding of intent, saw the colors of intent through the Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, and ultimately reached the Five Energies Converging to the Origin!"
"...By any chance, have you also undergone complete transformation?"
I ask her, curious.
She smirks and nods.
"Yes. But for me, I reached the Five Energies Converging to the Origin and underwent the complete transformation during the Nascent Soul Grand Perfection stage. Hence, I didn't have any trouble with lacking the Five Elements Spiritual Roots."
'I thought as much...'
Sensing her physique, I nod.
Her body felt incredibly balanced.
Such a physique wouldn't make sense unless she had undergone a transformation or mastered demon beast methods.
"Anyway... after reaching the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, a thought occurred to me."
"What was it?"
"If human intent can change the physical body to undergo a transformation, adding the Five Elements Spiritual Roots to someone without spiritual roots through Five Energies Converging to the Origin. Then, depending on a person's will and effort, could a person's 'constitution' also change?"
Crack, crackling!
Lightning swirls around her as she clenches her fist.
"Then, although the legendary constitution of the Ancestor's Heavenly Golden Thunder Body might be too mythical, couldn't we 'reproduce' something like a Lightning Sacred Body depending on human effort? That's where my thoughts led me. So I started experimenting on the human bodies of those who were made to be my dual cultivation partners."
"..."
"Oh, don't worry. None of the subjects of my experiments ended up with disabilities or met bad ends. They all became stronger, if anything. Haha..."
'So that's why those mad experiments weren't stopped by the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.'
The dual cultivation partners who escaped from her, regardless of the outcome, became stronger, thus increasing the sect's power. It seems that experimenting on fellow sect members, even dual cultivation partners, was forgiven for this reason.
"Anyway... putting that aside, you were born with the Lightning Sacred Body and reached the peak of martial arts, achieving the realm of Five Energies Converging to the Origin, so there's no reason for me to modify or experiment on you. You are essentially the goal I've been trying so hard to reproduce."
"Is that so?"
I nod.
'The idea that human intent and effort can change one's constitution...'
It's a research started from a very interesting perspective.
"In that case, do you also think the same about 'talent'?"
"Talent?"
"Yes. The overall talent for cultivation methods or for martial arts. Do you also believe those can change?"
"Ah, talent. I have indeed conducted research on that as well."
She nods and continues.
"And after my own research, I've come to the conclusion that the concept of 'talent' does not exist in this world."
'Talent doesn't exist?'
I find the notion intriguing, having never considered such a perspective.
"Why do you say that talent does not exist?"
As someone who has observed the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent of Buk Hyang-hwa and the Mad Lord, and Kim Young-hoon's martial prowess, I find it hard to agree with her statement.
And then, I am inevitably startled by the name she mentions next.
"Do you, by any chance, know of Cheongmun Ryeong from Byeokra?"
"Excuse me?"
Why would that name suddenly come up here?
I nod in response.
"Yes, I've heard of him. I have a bit of a connection with the Cheongmun Clan."
"Then, you must also know Cheongmun Ryeong's nickname."
"...Excuse me?"
I am confused at the mention of Cheongmun Ryeong's nickname.
'What, did Cheongmun Ryeong have a nickname?'
I cautiously say.
"I only know he's called one of the three great masters of the Qi Building stage."
"Uh? What's that now?"
"Excuse me?"
But to my surprise, Hong Su-ryeong seems bewildered, as if she's hearing such a thing for the first time.
However, she soon nods in acknowledgment.
"Ah, I see. I've heard that those below the Core Formation stage refer to him in that manner. A Qi Building cultivator displaying the power of a Core Formation cultivator. However, from the late stages of Core Formation to the Heavenly Being stage, among higher-level cultivators, Cheongmun Ryeong had a different nickname."
'Ah, it's a nickname circulated among higher-level cultivators. No wonder I didn't know about it.'
I met Cheongmun Ryeong after all the Nascent Soul stages were already captured.
"Among such cultivators, Cheongmun Ryeong was called 'the Yellow Snake', meaning 'the Wise One without Talent'."
"Yellow Snake... you say?"
"Yes. Since ancient times, 'snakes' have symbolized 'wisdom'. It's known that from the phrase 'the heavens are black and the earth is yellow' (). Among high-level cultivators, he was called 'the Yellow Snake' because it was said his talent fell to the earth."
'The Yellow Snake...'
I ponder her words.
'Then conversely, would a genius be called a black snake?'
I ask her about my question.
"Do you mean to ask about the Black Snake?"
She explains with her arms crossed.
"I don't know much about the Black Snake. After all, the idea that snakes symbolize 'wisdom' comes from a legend secretly passed among the snake demons of the Head Realm... Ah, but from what I've heard, black snakes are considered more of an auspicious omen () among snakes rather than signifying a genius."
'Black snakes signify an auspicious omen...'
Like the last time when buying the demon beast methods.
Among snakes, 'black snakes' seems to be considered a good omen or an auspicious being.
'The heavens are black and the earth is yellow... If snakes symbolize wisdom, then black snakes symbolize wisdom of the heavens.'
The heavens represent Fate ().
Perhaps among the Serpent Race, those who reached the plane of fate and became True Immortals might be the black snakes.
"Anyway, the reason I brought up Cheongmun Ryeong was..."
Crackle!
She brings out 16 golden flying sword dharma treasures again.
Eight swords form points in all directions, and another eight swords form points around the exterior.
"Inner Trigram (), Outer Trigram ()."
Suddenly, the Eight Trigrams seal is imprinted on the swords, and the inner and outer swords begin to rotate in opposite directions.
Wo-woong!
The flying swords exchange the power of the Eight Trigrams with each other, creating countless transformations.
The total number of transformations is 66.
As my eyes accurately follow the flow of changes, Hong Su-ryeong asks in surprise.
"Wow, you caught all the changes in one go? How many changes did you see?"
"I..."
"Don't think about hiding it. I've tested this on a few people. Just by looking at your eyes, I can tell how many transformations you saw."
I was about to lessen the number but decided to tell her exactly what I saw.
'Even if I hide my intent, she would know I can do so. Such a lie won't work on her anyway...'
"...66. The Inner Trigram and Outer Trigram combines to create 64 transformations, and adding the flow of Yin and Yang above and below makes 66."
"Indeed... No one except Cheongmun Ryeong has been able to discern all the transformations at once... you..."
Her gaze sharpens.
"Is it really true that you reached Qi Refining 6th Star in one go through an innate understanding?"
I sigh inwardly.
"This has nothing to do with talent or cultivation but more with how much effort one has put into the basic techniques under the approach of Understanding before Breakthrough."
On the first day I met Hong Su-ryeong.
"Are you really in your twenties? You're not an old monster who scattered his cultivation to infiltrate the sect, are you?"
She quickly approaches the secret of my 'talent.'
***