'This is why...'
Looking at Hong Su-ryeong who is eyeing me suspiciously, I think to myself.
'I really dislike quick-witted youngsters.'
But her sudden interrogation isn't meaningful.
I readily extend one arm towards her.
"If you're doubtful, why not measure my physical age?"
"Huh?"
Upon my suggestion, she quickly forms a seal and checks the pulse on my arm.
Hong Su-ryeong's spiritual power sweeps through my body like lightning.
Then, her brows furrow slightly.
"...Late twenties."
Indeed.
No matter how much she suspects something about me.
This body is not brought from the future, so the information and history accumulated in this body itself only amounts to two or three decades.
"Hmm..."
She narrows her eyes at me, scrutinizing.
I meet her gaze squarely, showing no sign of intimidation.
"...Well, fine. Let's leave it at that for now."
Since there is no evidence to prove I am a suspicious old monster, Hong Su-ryeong reluctantly lets it go.
"I've always been interested in the approach of Understanding before Breakthrough and have studied it continuously. That's how I could read the flow at once. Please understand."
"...Alright, I understand."
Though she still seems skeptical, Hong Su-ryeong eventually nods.
"Whether you're an old monster or not... doesn't really matter. What's important is..."
Swoosh!
The sword formation showing 66 transformations begins to change.
'That is...'
Within the 64 transformations, the Seventy-Two Earthly Shas and Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Decrees naturally find their places.
Based on this, the changes of the Twelve Earthly Branches, Ten Heavenly Stems, and Nine Palaces follow.
And then the changes corresponding to the Seven Stars, the Six Harmonies, Five Elements, and the Four Images.
Transformations related to the Three Powers, Yin and Yang Unity, the Unified Origin, and Infinity begin to occur within her sword formation.
'Ah...'
Tsst, tsst, tsst!
Gradually, the transformations induced by her sword formation begin to accelerate.
Basic techniques are not merely simple initial techniques.
In the cultivation world, the 'language' of cultivation is precisely these basic techniques.
Even if one learns high-level cultivation methods, the complexity lies in the intertwining of basic techniques learned during Qi Refining, enriched with the creator's interpretation of these basic techniques, forming the high-level methods.
Therefore, laying a solid foundation during Qi Refining not only makes the latter stages easier but also significantly enhances the power of high-level techniques.
The reason Cheongmun Ryeong could draw upon the power of Core Formation with his Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea was precisely because he had mastered the language of basic techniques used in high-level methods, drawing out the true essence of the Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea perfectly.
And now, before me appeared another individual, like Cheongmun Ryeong, who was drawing out the power of techniques based on their understanding of basic techniques.
Woong, woong!
"Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple."
From her dantian, lightning force erupts, connecting with the endlessly changing sword formation.
'That is...!'
The changes in basic techniques occurring within the sword formation connect with the changes happening in her dantian, her innate method.
At some point.
The swirling sword formation before me perfectly reproduces Hong Su-ryeong's method.
'Beautiful.'
Her swordsmanship skills are far inferior to mine, and her enlightenment regarding the sword is also inferior.
Not to mention, her enlightenment in the principle of Understanding before Breakthrough cannot compare to mine, who was directly taught by Cheongmun Ryeong.
However,
She has perfectly unified the principle of Understanding before Breakthrough with her flying sword techniques.
If my sword control and Formless Sword are based solely on the enlightenment reached through the extreme limits of understanding the sword,
Her approach seems to perfectly harmonize the understanding of cultivation techniques and the enlightenment of the sword, dancing within her hands.
"Look."
Crackle, crackle!
With the sword formation that elevates her cultivation and lightning power, she moves the formation.
The sword formation, spinning and transforming before her, suddenly shoots towards a point in the cave residence like a fierce tiger under her command.
"Cut!"
I can clearly feel it.
The power contained within the sword formation is only at the level of Core Formation.
No, it is barely at the Core Formation stage, and in fact, it should be considered as an attack that utilizes the full strength of the Qi Building Grand Perfection stage.
But the next moment.
Flash!
With a burst of light and lightning force, I see a huge hole being blasted through the back of my cave residence.
Kugugugugu!
The ceiling of the cave residence is blown away, and far in the distance, I can see other mountains of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect being swept away by the sword energy of the sword formation, leaving behind massive sword scars.
Shiiii
Hong Su-ryeong's sword formation emits smoke in a halted state.
"Insane."
I let out a dry laugh upon realizing that she had deliberately infused only Qi Building level energy to show me.
It's not just about the destructive power. Her sword resonated with me in an instant.
For those below the Heavenly Being stage, avoiding it is practically impossible.
If a sword formation that spews out the power of the Core Formation from the Qi Building Grand Perfection level is used with the power of the Heavenly Being stage...
'Maybe she's just slightly less skilled than Jin Byuk-ho.'
I revise my evaluation of her as I watch her retrieve her sword formation, from a madman obsessed with human experiments to a considerably skilled individual.
Just then.
[Hong Su-ryeong, you maniac!!!]
"Ah...."
Hearing someone cursing Hong Su-ryeong from afar makes her flinch.
From a distance, an enraged voices echoe from the mountain she had split with her sword energy.
[You lunatic! What displeases you now that you cause trouble even in our new territory! If you want to cause chaos, go do it outside!!!]
"Um, um... my apologies, senior brothers!"
Hong Su-ryeong coughs awkwardly and responds.
"Anyway If you properly grasp the basics like this, it's possible to unleash power beyond stages. And mastering the basics is not just a matter of talent. It's a matter of effort and will. That's why I've always thought that talent doesn't exist."
"I see."
'Effort and will determine talent...'
But if that's the case, what makes the difference between a genius and a dullard?
I immediately asked her about my thoughts.
"Then what is the difference between a genius and a dullard?"
Nodding her head, she replies.
"I believe that everyone is a genius in some aspect. Those we call geniuses have just found the field suitable for them. Everyone finds the field they are 'drawn to', and by developing it with will, they can become a master of that field. That, I believe, is what the world calls a 'genius'."
"Hmm..."
"Talent is, in a way, fate. So, it's not that 'talent' exists per se, but rather the fate one is drawn to exists. Yes, in a way, what the world calls talent might just be fate."
In other words, for her, talent is another name for fate.
'Fate...'
If what you're drawn to is your talent and your fate...
'What is my talent, my fate?'
It wasn't so much that I was drawn to martial arts from the beginning as much as I was resentful of being bullied and having my soap-making technique stolen during my 0th cycle, which led me to learn martial arts.
If being drawn to something is fate...
I still haven't felt a definitive pull that I can call my fate.
'...I don't know.'
I sigh, deciding to ponder slowly over my fate.
Then, I realize something.
"...By the way, Grand Elder Hong."
"What is it?"
"About my cave residence..."
"Ah...."
She looks at my cave residence, where the roof had flown off and the back wall had been completely blown out, and gives an awkward laugh.
A Cave Residence () refers to a cultivator's abode.
Typically, cultivators would dig caves in mountains, cliffs, or secluded places to cultivate for long periods, and caves located in areas with dense spiritual veins were highly sought after.
One of the benefits of joining a large sect is getting such a cave residence provided for free.
But now...
'My residence...'
As I gaze helplessly at my destroyed cave, Hong Su-ryeong floats into the air with an awkward smile.
"Ahem, ahem. Since it's come to this, I'll find and bring you a better cave residence."
"..."
"Just wait a few days. Then, I shall take my leave..."
Poof!
After finishing her sentence, she disappears using the Flying Escape Technique, leaving me so stunned I nearly laugh.
A month has passed.
There had been many ups and downs, and many events had occurred in that time.
And, I had more conversations with Hong Su-ryeong than I anticipated.
"What do you think is the essence of lightning, Senior Hong?"
"The essence of lightning..."
"I think of it as an instant."
"Hmm, I've had that thought too."
Surprisingly, I found that there was a lot I could learn from her, and she was practically acting as my master in place of Jin Hwi at the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
"However, if we delve deeper into the Dao of Lightning itself, the essence of lightning ultimately stems from the interchange between Yin and Yang. However since Yin and Yang can also be interpreted as Heaven and Earth, if we consider that lightning is a power born instantaneously under Heaven and Earth, it can also be said to be instant."
"An instant between Heaven and Earth... it's similar to life itself."
"That's why, while practicing sword techniques, I often thought that a person's life is like lightning, struggling within Heaven and Earth and life and death, eventually fading away. From a higher perspective, a human's life might feel like a speck of dust or a fleeting moment."
"...I see."
"Lightning flows through all things in the Heavens and Earth and also through the human body. Thoughts occur through the exchange of electrical signals in the brain, and electricity is used when moving the body."
"That's right."
"It's no different for the demon race. They circulate Yin and Yang, and the weak lightning power born between them stimulates the brain, developing intelligence. In short, human actions, emotions, and reason are influenced by lightning."
"..."
"Therefore, lightning is not only a natural law but also 'the law of existence'."
'The law of existence...'
Maybe that's why from the third stage of Manifestation, it takes on the characteristics of Heavenly Tribulation.
'Existence...'
Crackle, crackle
I spark lightning with the tip of my finger.
Over the past month.
I fully recovered the Heaven Tribe Nascent Soul stage cultivation.
Although I haven't yet regained the mid-Nascent Soul stage that I vaguely remember reaching in the 16th cycle, I feel that I will soon reach it as I am learning the Lightning Path Method infused with the power of Yang, so I'm not worried.
Now, I am in the process of learning the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture and the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple.
Crackle!
Green lightning dances at my fingertips.
It's the fourth stage of the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture.
Inside my dantian, I can feel the power of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple writhing.
Wo-woong, wo-woong!
I had successfully mastered up to the 6th star of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple, which consists of 12 stars in total.
'Isn't it said that it typically takes 40 years to reach the 6th star of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple at a normal cultivation speed?'
That was what I heard from Hong Su-ryeong regarding the 'normal' cultivation speed.
"Hmm, it's indeed the Sacred Lightning Body."
Of course, Hong Su-ryeong also knows that my quick progress of the Lightning Path Methods is due to my Lightning Sacred Body.
She looks at me with curious eyes, measuring my cultivation.
"No matter how I look at it, it seems more like you're recovering lost cultivation realms rather than that of normal cultivation It's an unbelievable speed. Is this the power of a legendary physique..."
"...Well, isn't it?"
"Huhu, now I'm even more eager to replicate the Lightning Sacred Body."
"From my perspective, Senior Hong, wouldn't it be better to solidify the foundations of the techniques you've learned before trying to replicate the Sacred Lightning Body?"
"Quiet. What do you know to be giving me advice"
Over the month, Hong Soo-ryeong and I had become close enough to engage in such casual conversations.
'Surprisingly, we get along well.'
She feels like a mix of Cheongmun Ryeong and Kim Young-hoon.
In terms of spells and Lightning Path Methods, she is like Cheongmun Ryeong.
When she duels with me using her sword techniques, she shows a side similar to Kim Young-hoon.
That's probably why I became comfortable with her so easily.
"...Well, let's stop here for today. Listening to you, I've been inspired. I need to kidnap some newbies and run some experiments."
"...Please ensure the experiments are moderate so as not to spread any strange rumors."
I advise her with an uneasy look.
However, she seems to have gotten some inspiration from our conversation and already entered her own world, muttering something to herself.
'It's good that she doesn't see me as an experimental subject...'
Through our conversations and her research on the Sacred Lightning Body, her goal to replicate it with her own hands seems to become even firmer.
Recently, there have been many rumors about her kidnapping new disciples from the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, especially those from the Bright Cold Realm, for experiments in her research cave residence.
Of course, even though the new disciples might suffer, they either gain unique abilities or their cultivation improves without harm. Therefore, the elders don't really make a big issue out of it while they may talk.
I leave her cave residence and return to mine.
Feeling guilty about destroying my residence, Hong Su-ryeong had taken another spiritual mountain from Thunder Spirit Island and made it into my new cave residence.
Thanks to her, my abode is now much larger and the spiritual veins are more concentrated.
'Let's start today's training.'
I begin my cultivation in the lotus position inside my abode.
Hong Su-ryeong was amazed that I had reached the 6th star of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple in just over a month, thinking it was the power of the Lightning Sacred Body.
However,
Crackle, Crackle!
"Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea!"
A beautiful jade-like energy spreads around my body, crackling with lightning.
The Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple specializes in creating a Thunder Palace () inside the dantian to enhance resistance to lightning and seek assistance from rituals. It is particularly adept at establishing dominion over the surrounding terrain.
The Thunder Palace mentioned here is more of a metaphor for the 64 hexagrams than an actual palace.
The inner and outer trigrams combine to form 64 hexagrams within the dantian.
Lightning power courses through the paths of these 64 hexagrams, gradually thickening.
Crackle, Crackle!
And at the center of these hexagrams grows a tree.
It is an immensely large tree.
In the Trigrams, Wood () represents Lightning ().
The Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea, which dominates the surroundings by laying down its wood property, matches very well with the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple that dominates the surroundings with its lightning property. Therefore, practicing the Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea and the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple simultaneously greatly increases my cultivation speed.
Moreover, by embodying the flow of Yin and Yang through demon beast methods and amplifying the power of lightning within my body with the power of the Lightning Sacred Body my cultivation speed increases several-fold more.
The result of this amplified and further amplified cultivation speed is reaching the 6th Star of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple within a month.
Crackle, Crackle!
Around me, trees made of lightning begin to form a forest.
Inside the sea of lightning trees, I cultivate the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple at an incredible speed.
Thanks to the cultivation speed of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple, the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture is also growing rapidly.
Kurung, Kurung, Kururung!
Orange, yellow, and green lightning spews from my body, emitting three banners.
I wondered why there wasn't a red banner, but Hong Su-ryeong told me that red lightning is used for summoning the Heavenly Lightning Banner. Hence, there's no separate red banner.
Crackle, Crackle
I enter a state of deep concentration surrounded by lightning.
Reaching the 6th Star of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple is an achievement of the late Core Formation stage but I only reported this accomplishment while keeping my entry into the Nascent Soul stage a secret.
And the response was explosive.
Unbelievable!!!
So this is the power of the Lightning Sacred Body!
Indeed, the incarnation of lightning!
Ancestor!!!
The memories of Jin Byuk-ho and the elders screaming in joy are still vivid.
Seven days later.
A ceremony to appoint me as an elder of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect was prepared.
Even though I had only shown the achievement of the late Core Formation stage to Jin Byuk-ho and the elders, they seemed ready to appoint me as an elder immediately.
'An elder in just a month'
It was fine to show them my rapid progress up to the Grand Perfection Core Formation stage.
After all, for those from the Bright Cold Realm, reaching Core Formation is only a matter of time.
From the Nascent Soul stage onwards, enlightenment regarding planes is necessary, so it's okay if it takes a bit longer.
'Just the right level.'
I meld the power of the Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea with the power of lightning, breaking through to the 7th Star of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple.
Crackle!
The lightning writhes inside me, rotating with the vigor of a dragon.
'For the remaining time, I'll just pretend to slowly enter the Nascent Soul stage and quickly break through to the mid-stage.'
I am confident I can swiftly pass through the late Nascent Soul and Core Formation stages, so I just need to manage the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul, which I lost my memory of in the 16th cycle.
Crackle...
After a while, I store the lightning and approach two beings practicing in a corner of my cave residence.
They are Yuan Yu and Hong Fan.
Crackle, Crackle!
Although I had received the Taiji Quaking Lighting Body, practicing a body-swapping technique like that sober is honestly quite awkward, so I eventually decided to pass it on to Yuan Yu.
For Yuan Yu who possesses a body that harmonizes Yin and Yang, the Taiji Quaking Lighting Body is the best choice. Yuan Yu's achievements with it are improving day by day.
Hong Fan is cultivating after awakening his name with the Sacrificial Name Spirit Stele Great Method.
Wo-woong
When I handed over a Serpent Race method I purchased to Hong Fan, he quickly learned the method.
His achievements have already reached the mid-Qi Refining stage.
That is, he has reached the critical point of the 7th Star of Qi Refining.
Pop!
Suddenly, Hong Fan's abdomen, which had been quietly absorbing spiritual energy for cultivation, explodes.
I hurriedly infuse life force into Hong Fan.
Hong Fan's abdomen heals once again.
At some point, he writhes wildly and then suddenly sheds his shell.
It's the shedding according to the intricacies of the Serpent Race method.
After repeating the process of his body exploding and me infusing life force several times over a month, Hong Fan also reached the 7th Star of Qi Refining in a month.
Wriggle, wriggle...
Now as big as my forearm, Hong Fan rubs his head against my arm to show affection.
It seems he doesn't possess enough intelligence to articulate proper language yet, but he appears to realize that I am helping him.
'Grow well in this life too.'
After patting Hong Fan's head once, I return to my spot and unfold the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple again.
Kururung!
The lightning terrain is laid around me.
A method specialized in conducting rituals through the terrain.
That is the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple.
'Then, Yeon-ah'
Crackle, Crackle...
I activate the connection to Kim Yeon that is linked through the Mysterious Bizarre Gu.
Then, through the power of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple, I transform my will into a signal and feed it into the connection with the Mysterious Bizarre Gu.
Since Kim Yeon and I are unexpectedly far apart, direct communication through the Mysterious Bizarre Gu is impossible.
Therefore, it is only possible to convey my will to her by borrowing the power of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple.
Of course, I haven't received a reply yet.
Unless she actively begins to learn the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon and further activates the connection with the Mysterious Bizarre Gu through her consciousness, it will remain so.
For now, the best I can do is send her signals that can help with the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon.
'I hope it helps.'
Crackle...
After deactivating the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple, I step outside my abode.
"Hello, Senior Seo."
Outside the cave residence, disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect greet me with looks of respect, and passing elders acknowledge me as well.
"Haha, Daoist Seo. Tomorrow is the day, isn't it?"
Then, an elder familiarly calls me Daoist Seo and settles next to me.
"Yes, it seems so."
I laugh and look at one of the pavilions of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
The Discipline Pavilion.
Inside, Jeon Myeong-hoon has been learning about the common knowledge, etiquette, language, basics, and so on of this world.
I heard his education will end tomorrow.
"Starting tomorrow, the attention towards Daoist Seo will fade a bit. Don't feel too sad about it. Hahaha! Isn't [He] the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, after all!"
"Yes, I understand."
From tomorrow, Jeon Myeong-hoon will finally begin to learn the basic methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
***
"...That's all for today. With that, the history lessons of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are concluded. You've learned about the culture, language, and etiquette of Shengzi, as well as the basic language, constellations, general culture, and common knowledge of the Bright Cold Realm. From today, you'll formally start learning the Lightning Path Methods. Understood?"
"Yes, I understand."
Jeon Myeong-hoon nods his head.
It seems about a month has passed since he landed in this strange world and was captured by Jin Byuk-ho in a place called Ascension Path.
During that time, Jeon Myeong-hoon learned many facts under the guidance of Jin So-hae.
This world really is a Xianxia world where qi and cultivation sects live and breathe.'
In fact, falling into a world of cultivators isn't necessarily a good thing.
To Jeon Myeong-hoon, who knows the workings of a Xianxia world better than anyone, it is almost like being trapped in a dangerous maze.
'I despaired when I realized it wasn't the world of Lightning Daoist... but it's okay.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at his body.
Unbeknownst to himself, he is said to possess the mythical quality known as the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body.
Over the past month, while learning the history of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect from Jin So-hae in the Discipline Pavilion, he clearly understood the power of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body.
'A physique that doesn't need to worry about Heavenly Tribulation until reaching the very end of cultivation?'
Moreover, Heavenly Lightning energy aids in the training of Lightning Path Methods, allowing for cultivation at a speed several times faster than that of ordinary cultivators with Heavenly Spiritual Roots.
The legendary constitution of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Even if you combine all the legendary and prestigious physiques like the Lightning Sacred Body, Black Lightning True Body, Seven-Colors Golden Lightning Golden Body, or even slightly lesser ones like the Wall Force Constitution, Primordial Origin Physique, and Red Spirit Water Body, none can ever reach the owner of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body.
Even the Lightning Sacred Body, which is referred to as lightning itself, can't match the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body. At the pinnacle of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, it was said Yang Su-jin could artificially produce Lightning Sacred Bodies, clearly showing the prestige of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body.
'My life in this world will be in easy mode from now on to the absolute top of success.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon smiles contentedly as he looks at Jin So-hae.
'To climb to the top of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, indulging in power... That too will be the best.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon has long since abandoned any thoughts of returning home.
'What awaits me back home is just the power struggle of SJD Company... Saying goodbye to the foolish act of cleaning up after my uncle in such a frustrating medium-sized company!'
He recalls the legends of Yang Su-jin, the founder of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Legends tell of Yang Su-jin roaming the Three Thousand Worlds, ascending to the pinnacle of True Immortality, and aside from a few terrifying beings, no one could stop his tyranny.
Of course, Jin So-hae described it as a 'domineering' journey, but honestly, Jeon Myeong-hoon found Yang Su-jin's actions to be as audacious as China on Earth.
'It's just glorified because he's an ancestor. Anyone on the receiving end would've wanted to kill him.'
What comforted him is that, fortunately, Yang Su-jin eradicated anyone who dared to cross him once, either by exterminating them root and branch or by imposing restrictions to ensure they could never influence the realm again. Hence, there is no worry of revenge.
'Anyway, having power in this world means you can act like Yang Su-jin.'
And Jeon Myeong-hoon was born with the same qualities as Yang Su-jin.
'From now on, the history of this world will revolve around me, Jeon Myeong-hoon.'
He smiles as he leaves the Discipline Pavilion with Jin So-hae.
Kurung, Kururung!
Jeon Myeong-hoon heads with Jin So-hae to Thunder Cloud Peak, known as the peak with the densest spiritual veins in the sect.
At the summit of Thunder Cloud Peak, in front of the Thunder Tribute Hall where the sect's sacred artifacts are sealed, Supreme Sect Master Jin Byuk-ho, other leaders, and the elders are exuding a powerful aura.
Cultivators above the Qi Refining stage mostly have no need to walk on their feet, so when climbing high places like Thunder Cloud Peak, 'stairs' are unnecessary.
Therefore, following the etiquette learned in the Discipline Pavilion, Jeon Myeong-hoon rides on Jin So-hae's flying magic artifact and takes a solemn standing posture.
Jin So-hae's flying magic artifact slowly ascends to Thunder Cloud Peak.
Below Thunder Cloud Peak are the Qi Refining and Qi Building disciples.
Midway are the Core Formation disciples.
And at the edge, Nascent Soul stage elders are sitting or floating in the air.
Jeon Myeong-hoon, while maintaining his standing posture, discreetly observes the faces of the Nascent Soul stage elders and the Heavenly Being stage elders.
'I need to quickly familiarize myself with the faces of the sect's power structure.'
Opportunities come only to those who are prepared.
Jeon Myeong-hoon starts to quickly imprint the faces and characteristics of the sect's highest echelons in his mind, using his experience from the company.
Seo Eun-hyun thought Jeon Myeong-hoon wasn't doing any work, but the reality was different.
Jeon Myeong-hoon wasn't slacking off at the company. Rather, he was continuously working behind the scenes to make himself look good to the highest powers.
'There's no need to worry about those Core Formation disciples. Starting from the Nascent Soul stage elders to the Heavenly Being stage elders, and even becoming close with Supreme Sect Master Jin Byuk-ho of the Four-Axis stage is what's most important.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon's cunning mind works rapidly.
'Going forward, I need to quickly identify the specialties and precious resources of the Bright Cold Realm, securing them for myself and using them as gifts to get close to the sect's higher-ups.'
His eyes sneakily shift towards Jin So-hae.
'And since Jin So-hae is also a descendant cherished by Jin Byuk-ho, it will be best to get even closer to her.'
He smiles inwardly while looking at Jin So-hae.
'Honestly, in terms of looks, she's not inferior to anyone. Considering the nature of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, which involves dual cultivation, there's a high chance I'll become her partner. I'll completely subjugate her in bed.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon was born a winner.
Although SJD Company wasn't a conglomerate, it was still a bath product company that was somewhat renowned in the industry.
Especially in soap production, it was an innovative company without equal. Jeon Myeong-hoon was born into the Pyongyang Jeon family that held a significant stake in SJD Company.
He never lacked anything because of money and had never bowed his head to his peers unless they were from a truly powerful family.
Of course, after officially joining the company, he did receive some cold shoulders from his colleagues. But as long as his uncle Jeon Myeong-chul was there, nobody dared to openly criticize him.
And Jeon Myeong-hoon believed his life would continue to be successful.
Now that he had acquired the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, it's a future he can truly be certain of.
'Ah, that reminds me. Didn't they say Seo whatever... that guy also come here?'
Jeon Myeong-hoon thinks for a moment and finally remembers the name 'Seo Eun-hyun'.
'Right, it was Seo Eun-hyun.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon recalls Seo Eun-hyun and smirks.
They had joined the company at the same time and were the same age.
Perhaps because of that, Seo Eun-hyun initially tried to become close to Jeon Myeong-hoon by talking to him a lot.
'He was a guy who didn't know his place.'
Of course, Jeon Myeong-hoon had no interest in someone who was just ordinarily poor, ordinarily humble, and worked hard ordinarily.
He was just an average person not worth dealing with.
So, Jeon Myeong-hoon ignored Seo Eun-hyun's attempts to get close.
'He didn't know his place. What an annoying guy.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon feels a sudden irritation as he thinks of Seo Eun-hyun.
When Seo Eun-hyun and Jeon Myeong-hoon were at the same rank at the beginning of their employment.
Initially, a bit more attention was given to Jeon Myeong-hoon, Jeon Myeong-chul's nephew.
However, it didn't take long for the workplace superiors' attention to shift to Seo Eun-hyun, who, although slightly less competent, worked incredibly hard, and to Kang Min-hee, who seemed unenthusiastic but handled work swiftly and flexibly.
Kang Min-hee was acceptable.
She's a woman after all.
She had been on Jeon Myeong-hoon's list of people to win over eventually.
However, Jeon Myeong-hoon was annoyed that Seo Eun-hyun, another man, kept drawing attention away.
So, after quickly climbing the ranks with Jeon Myeong-chul's help, he openly bullied Seo Eun-hyun.
Telling him to quickly disappear from the company.
Yet, Seo Eun-hyun didn't leave the company and stubbornly held on.
Especially when Kim Yeon, a cute new employee, joined, Jeon Myeong-hoon bullied Seo Eun-hyun more openly. But for some reason, Kim Yeon started showing overt affection for Seo Eun-hyun at some point.
Jeon Myeong-hoon grew annoyed by Seo Eun-hyun.
'I was planning to properly crush him after getting drunk at the workshop with Chief Oh and plotting together'
He smirked triumphantly.
'Well, it turned out for the best. It'll be fun to crush him to the point of no return in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.'
After all, it's a world where human rights barely exist.
He can crush him more thoroughly than at the company.
Jeon Myeong-hoon decides to look for Seo Eun-hyun from the bottom of Thunder Cloud Peak.
'Let's see, didn't they say he was born with the Lightning Something Body? Jin So-hae mentioned that Seo Eun-hyun also learned cultivation methods and made significant progress... So, he must be among the Qi Refining disciples, right?'
However, Seo Eun-hyun is not found below.
'Hmm, Qi Building level for him? He was diligent in whatever he learned, but that's about it. He surely couldn't have reached Qi Building, and he didn't like me either...'
Jeon Myeong-hoon turns his gaze away from below and snickers.
"'Probably he couldn't stand seeing me attracting so much attention from the sect and hid somewhere. Keke...'
Jeon Myeong-hoon feels pleased.
If Seo Eun-hyun understood his place and shrunk away without appearing before him, there would be no need to go out of the way to crush him.
Thinking this, he turns his gaze upwards.
Slowly, the flying magic artifact operated by Jin So-hae approaches the summit of Thunder Cloud Peak, Thunder Tribute Hall.
'Let's not worry about the guy cowering below. My path lies in the vast sky above...'
"..."
'...Huh?'
Jeon Myeong-hoon turns his eyes towards the summit, blinking in confusion at something he can't understand.
"Huh?"
Confused and momentarily forgetting his manners, he blurts out a dumbfounded sound.
Jin So-hae gives him a side-eye, signaling him to mind his behavior.
Jeon Myeong-hoon quickly shuts his mouth, but his mind is filled with questions.
'What? Why...?'
Wo-woong!
Before long, the flying magic artifact carrying Jin So-hae and Jeon Myeong-hoon arrives at the summit of Thunder Cloud Peak.
And Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes meets with 'his'.
A dark blue belt.
Seo Eun-hyun, wearing a badge proving his qualification as someone fully capable of becoming a future elder, indicating he has completed the Core Formation stage, is giving Jeon Myeong-hoon a meaningful smile from among the Nascent Soul stage elders.
'...???'
He fails to comprehend.
'Why is that guy there...'
While he is confused, the flying magic artifact reaches the summit of Thunder Cloud Peak, in front of Thunder Tribute Hall.
The Heavenly Being stage elders and Jin Byuk-ho, floating above Thunder Tribute Hall descend one by one in front of Jeon Myeong-hoon and solemnly announce.
[Today, our Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect has once again fully reclaimed the Ancestor's Divine Artifact, the Heavenly Lightning Banner, and the source of the Ancestor's power, the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body. The day when we regain the renowned name of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, which once held prestige across all Three Thousand Worlds, is not far off!]
Jin Byuk-ho's speech goes on for a while, followed by a ceremony where he holds the Heavenly Lightning Banner and prays for blessings from the ancestor, Yang Su-jin.
"...With this ceremony concluded. Jeon Myeong-hoon is hereby recognized as an official disciple of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect!"
Finally, Jeon Myeong-hoon is officially made a disciple of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Jeon Myeong-hoon, following the etiquette, bows to Jin Byuk-ho.
"I will heed the words of the Supreme Sect Master as if they are commands of the heavens."
After several more rituals are performed, Jeon Myeong-hoon is finally able to receive what he has long awaited.
"Now, Jeon Myeong-hoon. Here is the basic method you will learn, the Accumulating Lightning Technique. Your Heavenly Golden Thunder Body has the ability to gather Heavenly Lightning energy, so mastering the Accumulating Lightning Technique will be..."
'Good, this is the beginning.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon smile brightly.
'Jin So-hae said it takes normal Heavenly Spiritual Root cultivators 2 to 3 years to master the Accumulating Lightning Technique and reach the peak of Qi Refining... For me, it shouldn't take more than a year, maybe even just 6 months to master it!'
It's when Jeon Myeong-hoon is full of confidence.
"Mastering the Accumulating Lightning Technique? Well, it should take only an hour or two, haha..."
"...???"
Jeon Myeong-hoon discovers a slight dissonance between Jin Byuk-ho's and his own sense of time.
The Accumulating Lightning Technique is too basic for someone with the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body like you... Honestly, it's almost embarrassing to ask you to learn it. However, it's the foundation of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, so you must master it. Please understand."
"Yes, yes... Of course, it's right to start with the basics..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon is a bit embarrassed to receive Jin Byuk-ho's expectation that he would succeed in mastering the Accumulating Lightning Technique in just an hour or two.
'What? Is the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body I possess really that incredible?'
"Haha, seeing how well you understand the importance of fundamentals makes me feel reassured already. I heard that Seo Eun-hyun, who is inferior to you in talent and was born with the Lightning Sacred Body, is your comrade."
"...Yes, that's correct."
'Ha, Seo Eun-hyun, that guy. He's my comrade? He doesn't know his place...'
"That Seo Eun-hyun received the Accumulating Lightning Technique in the morning and reached the 6th star of Qi Refining by evening. Reaching the 7th star took a bit of time due to procedural issues, but today is just the right day for you."
"Yes?"
"In other words, as soon as you reach the 6th Star of Qi Refining, we can immediately hold the Seven Stars Ritual for you today."
Jin Byuk-ho laughs heartily, patting Jeon Myeong-hoon's shoulder as if he is already proud.
"I believe in you, my disciple."
"...Ah, yes."
Jeon Myeong-hoon has no choice but to nod dumbfoundedly.
After the welcome ceremony for Jeon Myeong-hoon, the new disciple with the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, Jeon Myeong-hoon heads to his assigned cave residence and to begin reading the text of the Accumulating Lightning Technique.
"Uh... Hmm..."
And Jeon Myeong-hoon's face stiffens.
'Damn, what kind of gibberish is this?'
Shockingly, Jeon Myeong-hoon couldn't understand a single character of the Accumulating Lightning Technique's intricacies.
The next day arrives.
The Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect is turned upside down.
"What do you mean you didn't hold Jeon Myeong-hoon's Seven Stars Ritual yesterday? I specifically chose the right timing to grant him the Accumulating Lightning Technique yesterday!"
Jin Byuk-ho's roar thunders through the Golden Thunder Hall where the sect's affairs are managed.
One of the Heavenly Being stage elders, appointed as Jeon Myeong-hoon's master, Jin Jin-chan, steps forward and says,
"I apologize, Supreme Sect master. However, it seems Jeon Myeong-hoon is fundamentally ignorant about the cultivation world. He lacks the fundamental understanding of spiritual energy, spiritual power, and the intricacies of cultivation methods."
"Hmm..."
Jin Byuk-ho clicks his tongue.
"Indeed, I was too excited about the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body and forgot that the boy was just a mortal until recently."
Jin Byuk-ho nods and asks.
"So, how long will it take for him to grasp the basics of cultivation methods and understanding of spiritual energy, so he can reach the 6th Star of Qi Refining?"
Jin Jin-chan seems to ponder for a moment before responding.
"I believe seven days and nights should suffice. It will take about five days to teach him the breathing techniques for spiritual energy, the locations of the meridians, and so on, so seven days should be plenty."
"Seven days and nights... Well, I understand. I expected too much from a child who was just a mortal until recently."
Jin Byuk-ho speaks with a tone of understanding, but clear disappointment is evident in his eyes.
"Then, let's hear about Jeon Myeong-hoon's achievements again after seven days and nights. Hopefully, he won't be unable to hold the Seven Stars Ritual by then."
"I will ensure we can hold the Seven Stars Ritual within seven days and nights. Do not worry."
Jin Jin-chan confidently states.
And 3 months pass.
Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Finally.
Reached the Qi Gathering stage.
"Finally!"
Wo-woong!
Jeon Myeong-hoon tears up with joy at the Law-Transformation Dantian formed in his lower abdomen, and Jin Jin-chan, appointed as Jeon Myeong-hoon's master, does his best to control his facial muscles to not show his mixed feelings.
"...Yes. Well done, Myeong-hoon."
Jin Jin-chan mutters under his breath, sighing softly.
"...Let us go report your achievement to the Supreme Sect Master."
"Haha, yes. Understood."
Jeon Myeong-hoon, fascinated by the sensation of spiritual energy swirling around his fingertips, expel spiritual power with his fingertips and follow Jin Jin-chan.
'Good, after three months of hard work, I've got a feel for cultivation methods. I'll quickly progress through Qi Refining too.'
And, as Jeon Myeong-hoon happily follows Jin Jin-chan to the Golden Thunder Hall where Jin Byuk-ho resides,
"Hahahahaha! Well done, Seo Eun-hyun! No, Elder Seo!!!"
Inside the Golden Thunder Hall, Jin Byuk-ho's laughter thunderously echoes the space.
Jin Jin-chan enters the Golden Thunder Hall with Jeon Myeong-hoon, wearing a complicated expression.
Inside the Golden Thunder Hall.
There stands Jin Hwi, with an expression so proud it is almost unbearable, next to Seo Eun-hyun.
"Ah, have you arrived, Jin-chan? Look here. My disciple has reached the 9th Star of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple and ascended to the Nascent Soul stage in just 3 months."
The following question twists the expression of Jin Jin-chan, appointed as Jeon Myeong-hoon's master, drastically.
"After hiding the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body in seclusion for three months, you finally show your face today. So, has the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body also reached Core Formation? Or, perhaps like Seo Eun-hyun, already achieved Nascent Soul stage?"
Not only Jin Hwi but also Jin Byuk-ho, who had been bursting with laughter, now looks at Jin Jin-chan and Jeon Myeong-hoon with eyes full of expectation.
Jin Jin-chan grits his teeth slightly and pushes Jeon Myeong-hoon forward.
"My disciple, Jeon Myeong-hoon's achievement is..."
And the words that follow turns the Golden Thunder Hall upside down.
"What!!!!!!"
***
Wo-woong, Wo-woong!
The sound of thunder resonates through the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
As Jin Byuk-ho's temper flares, the celestial phenomena changes, and lightning flashes through the dark clouds.
[Do you really think that reaching the Qi Gathering stage in 3 months makes any sense?]
Jin Jin-chan bites his lip, unable to meet the enraged gaze of Jin Byuk-ho.
Typically, for those with Mixed Spiritual Roots, creating a Law-Transformation Dantian takes about 1 to 5 years at the fastest and slowest, respectively.
For those with True Spiritual Roots, it takes about 1 to 3 months, while those with a single Heavenly Spiritual Root can create a Law-Transformation Dantian in a day or two under normal circumstances.
This 'normal' standard is based on the criteria of the Lower Realms, specifically the Head Realm. In the Bright Cold Realm, everyone is born with a Law-Transformation Dantian as if it's a given from birth.
Even newborns born with Mixed Spiritual Roots naturally absorb heaven and earth spiritual energy within 1 or 2 months after birth to generate a Law-Transformation Dantian.
In other words, Jeon Myeong-hoon's pace was even slower than that of newborns in the Bright Cold Realm with inferior qualities.
[Just how did you teach the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body to waste such an absurd amount of time with this foolish pace!]
Naturally, instead of reprimanding Jeon Myeong-hoon, Jin Byuk-ho vents his anger on his master, Jin Jin-chan.
Seeing someone born with a physique like Yang Su-jin, the founder of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, lagging behind even those with Five Element Spiritual Roots and struggling to even enter the Qi Refining stage makes the expressions of Jin Byuk-ho and the other elders darken.
"...It's my incompetence that I could not teach my disciple properly. Even if I had ten mouths, I could not excuse myself."
Of course, Jin Jin-chan, Jeon Myeong-hoon's master, wants to have even more mouths to express his grievances.
'Damn, what's the use of having the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body?'
It's said that those with a Heavenly Spiritual Root can create a Law-Transformation Dantian within a day or two.
But that standard assumes the cultivator is 'giving their all' and focusing intently on their training.
For cultivators to practice cultivation methods, not only must they be familiar with the terminology used in those methods, but they also need a basic understanding of spiritual energy and consciousness, as well as the meridians to allow spiritual energy to circulate throughout the body.
Of course, higher realm cultivators possess techniques to forcibly inject knowledge into another's upper dantian, making knowledge not that significant an issue. After injecting knowledge and a few practice sessions to embody it, that type of basic knowledge is considered imparted.
Originally, Jin Jin-chan's claim that he could raise Jeon Myeong-hoon to the 6th Star of Qi Gathering within seven weeks was based on such 'common sense'.
However, the elders of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect misjudged one crucial aspect regarding Jeon Myeong-hoon.
It's about 'willpower'.
Cultivation is no joke.
Even for someone with a Heavenly Spiritual Root, the process of absorbing spiritual energy and creating a Law-Transformation Dantian through the circulation of Yin and Yang takes 'a day or two' of immense concentration.
It demands mental fortitude to maintain focus without deviation and repeatedly perform the same actions endlessly for two days.
Children of cultivation clans and disciples of mountain hermits or cultivation sects undergo years of mental training to form a Law-Transformation Dantian within the expected timeframe without issue.
However, Jeon Myeong-hoon practically lacks such willpower.
Having lived a life where sitting still was a challenge and effort-requiring tasks were casually handled thanks to his connections and wealth, Jeon Myeong-hoon found cultivation to be a category of work that couldn't succeed without his own effort.
In the end, Jeon Myeong-hoon spent the entire three months, equivalent to 24 hours a day or 12 hours by this world's standards, sitting motionlessly, becoming accustomed to the detailed process of creating a Dantian.
Jeon Myeong-hoon's master, Grand Elder Jin Jin-chan, wanted to complain to Jin Byuk-ho about this fact but clenched his teeth instead.
'The disciple's mistakes are all due to the master's lack of virtue. It's also my fault for not recognizing that my disciple's willpower and concentration are below expectations. Making excuses will only make me look worse.'
"...However, after spending three months teaching my disciple, I've come to understand his temperament even better. Please give us more time, and I will ensure to teach Jeon Myeong-hoon more effectively."
"Ahem!"
Jin Byuk-ho shows a slight displeasure but gradually calms his anger.
"Seo Eun-hyun, with a Lightning Sacred Body, has already received the position of an elder, and it won't be long before he truly condenses his Nascent Soul and becomes an official elder of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. It's unacceptable for the bearer of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, akin to the second coming of our Ancestor, to still be struggling in the Qi Gathering stage."
Jin Byuk-ho stands up from the throne in the Golden Thunder Hall and says,
"Grand Elder Jin Jin-chan, listen! As the Grand Elder, I command you to use any means necessary to improve Jeon Myeong-hoon's cultivation! It is said that the true power of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body is revealed only after facing the Heavenly Tribulation and growing through it. So, we must quickly elevate Jeon Myeong-hoon to the Nascent Soul stage!"
"...I shall obey the Supreme Sect Master's noble command."
Jin Jin-chan leaves the Golden Thunder Hall with Jeon Myeong-hoon.
After leaving the hall with Jin Jin-chan, Jeon Myeong-hoon is grinding his teeth internally.
'What the hell is going on?'
He thinks of Seo Eun-hyun.
How could that idiot, who was so pitiful at the company, already become an elder in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect?
'That idiot who couldn't even use Excel properly when he joined the company has already mastered those difficult techniques and reached the Nascent Soul stage?'
Jeon Myeong-hoon thinks bitterly.
'That's impossible. Does Seo Eun-hyun have the intelligence for that? No, he doesn't! Then how did he reach the Nascent Soul stage so quickly?'
After pondering for a moment, Jeon Myeong-hoon realizes the answer.
'Right, he must have consumed a lot of spiritual elixirs. And his dual cultivation partner must be one of the Nascent Soul stage elders, so he skyrocketed in cultivation in a short time with the power of dual cultivation.'
Convinced he has uncovered Seo Eun-hyun's secret, Jeon Myeong-hoon smirks inwardly.
'Yes, he must have gotten smart enough to become close with the sect's higher-ups and received plenty of good spiritual elixirs and a powerful dual cultivation partner, leading him to that level.'
Regardless of the truth, Jeon Myeong-hoon firmly believes so.
'Just wait a bit longer, Seo Eun-hyun. I, too, will quickly be assigned a good dual cultivation partner and surpass you.'
He confidently envisions a hopeful future as he arrives at his cave residence with Jin Jin-chan.
Perhaps due to being lost in his own delusions, Jeon Myeong-hoon failed to notice the expression on his master, Jin Jin-chan's face.
"...Myeong-hoon, let's begin your training."
"Haha, yes. At least I've got the hang of cultivating the Law-Transformation Dantian and the basics of cultivation methods. The Qi Refining stage is going to be in a similar manner, right?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon says with a confident expression.
"Even though this disciple is momentarily behind Seo Eun-hyun, I will continue to grow rapidly and become the pride of our sect"
"Yes, yes. It's good to have ambition, so let's start the training. This master has considered a training method that suits your temperament perfectly."
The middle-aged Jin Jin-chan strokes his beard and reaches out into the air.
Then, the ground of Jeon Myeong-hoon's quarters writhes, and the earth transforms into a stone seat.
"My disciple, take a seat. Your training will proceed while you're seated here."
"Oh, I don't need to sit in a lotus position?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon, who had found sitting in the lotus position for extended periods uncomfortable, happily takes his place on the stone seat.
At that moment.
Click, click, click, click!
Stones from the armrests and near the legs protrude, binding Jeon Myeong-hoon's limbs in restraints.
"...Master?"
Click!
Finally, a circular restraint resembling a torture device springs from the back of the seat, securing Jeon Myeong-hoon's head.
Jeon Myeong-hoon is now bound to the stone seat.
As Jin Jin-chan flicks his fingers again, runes detailing the Lightning Path Method are engraved into various parts of the stone seat.
Zap, crackle, crackle!
Simultaneously, lightning gathers around the runes and blue lightning writhes around the seat where Jeon Myeong-hoon is sitting.
Fortunately, Jin Jin-chan must have cast some protective spell, as the lightning does not reach Jeon Myeong-hoon's body.
"Master...? What is this electricity for?"
"...The Heavenly Golden Thunder Body is a physique that receives the love of all lightning in the universe. When its qualities are fully manifested, it can even consume and withstand Heavenly Tribulation."
Jeon Myeong-hoon, bound by his limbs and head, swallows hard.
'Damn it, this looks just like the chair used for electric executions...'
Even a fool would sense ominous vibes from the current situation.
He swallows and responds to Jin Jin-chan's statement.
"...Yes, I understand but..."
"From now on."
A bitter smile mixed with frustration appears on Jin Jin-chan's face.
"You will familiarize your body with the hand seals and mantras of the Seventy-Two Earthly True Words. If you lack in learning, this master will personally infuse you with the power of lightning, using both the method of Understanding before Breakthrough and Understanding after Breakthrough.
Jeon Myeong-hoon forces a smile upon seeing Jin Jin-chan's expression.
"Um... Can't we just go back to practicing in the lotus position like before?"
Soon after, screams echo from within Jeon Myeong-hoon's quarters.
Crackle, zap!
"Aaaargh!!!"
"Hehe, then I'll be counting on you in the future, Elder Seo."
"I'm the one who should be saying that. Please take care, Elder Gal."
After receiving congratulations from the elders and senior members of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect in my cave residence, I bid them farewell and sit in the lotus position.
Crackle...
The Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple and the Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea are complementing each other, drastically boosting my cultivation speed.
'I've managed to achieve considerable mastery in both the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple and the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture.'
The Taiji Quaking Lightning Body is also being mastered through Yuan Yu's control, significantly improving my understanding.
I have mastered all the methods called the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's Three Great Methods.
'...The deeper I dive into the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's methods, the more wondrous they seem.'
I contemplate the interconnectedness of the three methods.
'Hong Su-ryeong said that no one has ever achieved such rapid mastery of all three methods before.'
Hong Su-ryeong and I were designated as dual cultivation partners, but instead of engaging in physical dual cultivation, our relationship evolved mainly into exchanging insights.
I shared my enlightenment on the way and essence of the sword, and she mainly imparted her insights on the integration of sword techniques and cultivation methods to me.
Thanks to that, I've recently gained a considerable understanding of sword cultivators' techniques.
'And that includes sword formations.'
I learned about sword formations that involve the use of multiple swords.
Thus, our dual cultivation relationship focused more on a spiritual connection rather than a physical one.
While reviewing my Lightning Path Method, Hong Su-ryeong, as a grand elder of the Heavenly Being stage within the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, also offered her advice.
I recall our conversation.
-No one has ever mastered all Three Great Methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect like you have before. Even our ancestors who were born with the Lightning Sacred Body initially attempted the same path as you but soon abandoned it for some reason.
-Do you know what that reason was?
-I'm not sure. But as someone who has long practiced the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's methods, I suspect that perhaps all the Lightning Path Methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are 'incomplete' to some extent.
-What do you mean by that?
-Precisely, when practiced together, the incomplete methods complement each other.
-Doesn't that mean it's actually correct to practice the Three Great Methods together?
-I've experimented with this approach myself. However, all attempts failed. It seemed promising up to a certain point, and I appeared to dominate in the same stage, but ultimately, one method would subsume the others.
-You mean one method becomes subordinate to another?
-Yes. For example, if a cultivator practices both the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple and the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture, and the mastery of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple slightly surpasses that of the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture, at some point, the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture becomes subordinate to the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple.
Hong Su-ryeong continued her explanation, drawing with lightning in the air.
-Subordination itself isn't the issue. But by becoming subordinate, the cultivation of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple ends up engulfing that of the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture. While the cultivation of the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple might increase...
-It's no different from the situation where the cultivation of the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture is suddenly pulled out
-Exactly. Our bodies adapt little by little to the methods we practice. But what if, after the body has perfectly adapted to both the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture and the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple, one of the methods suddenly disappears?
-...Wouldn't that completely disrupt the body's balance, shortening lifespan or suddenly weakening it?
-Yes. Perhaps our ancestors, who were born with the Lightning Sacred Body, also couldn't overcome this imperfection of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's Lightning Path Methods.
Confused, I asked her.
-Then why doesn't the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect try to improve these flaws in the method? And why didn't you try to stop me when I said I would master all the major methods?
-Because the Lightning Sacred Body naturally achieves harmony among the methods within the body. Even if the 'flaws' of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's Lightning Path Methods manifest, it would probably be almost a thousand years later. Besides, according to the records from the era when the founder was alive, those 'flaws' did not exist. Maybe, with the power of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, there was a way to somehow compensate for the imperfections of the Lightning Path Method.
'The power of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body...'
Thinking back on our conversation, I remember Jeon Myeong-hoon.
'I wonder how long it will take for that guy to grow to the level of Yang Su-jin.'
But based on my estimates, it will take him at least ten thousand years to reach such a level.
'It took him three months just to reach the Qi Gathering stage.'
Even Kim Yeon managed to reach the 4th Star of Qi Refining within three months.
'There's no need to rely on such a person and leave the weaknesses of the Lightning Path Methods unaddressed.'
I am aware of the disharmony between the Extinguishing Lightning Inner Heavenly Temple and the Seven Lightning Quaking Scripture within me.
For now, the 'curse' is playing a part in aligning the disharmony between the two methods.
But as time passes, if the achievement of one method lags behind, it will be consumed by the other, leading to an imbalance within me.
'I can't wait for Jeon Myeong-hoon.'
I decide to balance it out with my own efforts.
And so, how should I balance between the methods?
'There are countless Lightning Path Methods scattered throughout the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.'
Hence, I determine myself to master 'all' the Lightning Path Methods that exist within the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
'By mastering all the Lightning Path Methods within the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, I'll prevent the disharmony from intensifying and one method from being subjugated by another.'
If there's a method trying to subjugate others, I'll just enhance the influence of other methods to suppress it.
Others might call it madness, but I am determined.
'It took me 500 years to barely reach the mid-stage of Nascent Soul in my 16th cycle.'
Hong Su-ryeong said talent doesn't exist, but I know in reality that talent exists, and mine is exceptionally lacking.
'I don't have the luxury of wasting time to recover to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul in this life.'
So, what's the answer?
To push through forcefully, somehow breaking through to the mid-stage of Nascent Soul!
And the way to do it, while overcoming the disharmony in the Lightning Path Methods, is to encapsulate all the Lightning Path Methods that exist within the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Crackle, zap!
I request Jin Hwi to bring me the method manuals from the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's Scripture Pavilion, and I begin to practice them one by one.
'First, I'll start with the Eight Thundering Heavenly Palms...'
Seo Eun-hyun and Jeon Myeong-hoon each began their diligent cultivation.
And after about a year and a half.
"Finally!!!"
Jin Jin-chan and Jeon Myeong-hoon embrace each other in joy within the same cave residence.
"Disciple Jeon Myeong-hoon! I've finally completed the 6th Star of Qi Refining, the Eight Trigrams!!!"
"Excellent, excellent, my disciple! With this speed, you're now comparable to ordinary disciples with Heavenly Spiritual Roots!"
In a year and a half.
Under the hellish training of Jin Jin-chan, Jeon Myeong-hoon's concentration and willpower were forcibly improved.
Thanks to this, Jeon Myeong-hoon's cultivation speed, although still not matching the legendary Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, has caught up to that of ordinary cultivators with Heavenly Spiritual Roots.
"Now all that's left is the Seven Stars Ritual! Once you pass through the gate of the Seven Stars Ritual, you will be assigned a proper dual cultivation partner and can advance your Lightning Path Method achievements even faster!"
"Yes, Master!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon smiles with anticipation.
'Finally! Can I now practice the Lightning Path Method with a dual cultivation partner?'
For a year and a half, Jeon Myeong-hoon felt like he was going insane.
Ashamed of having enraged Jin Byuk-ho, his master Jin Jin-chan had not allowed Jeon Myeong-hoon to step outside his quarters.
For a year and a half, Jeon Myeong-hoon was confined within his residence, enduring electrocution and forcibly having his cultivation improved.
'But that damn cultivation is finally coming to an end!'
After the Seven Stars Ritual, he will be assigned a dual cultivation partner.
Having a dual cultivation partner means he can visit their cave residence for dual cultivation practice, so Jin Jin-chan promised to let Jeon Myeong-hoon out after he is assigned a dual cultivation partner.
'I can finally leave this damned cave!'
Jeon Myeong-hoon is overjoyed by that more than anything else.
"Well, then. We'll conduct the Seven Stars Ritual in a few days."
"Yes, Master!"
"It was just a lack of willpower. As your willpower and concentration increase, so does your cultivation speed day by day, proving that the fame of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body is no mere exaggeration!"
Under Jin Jin-chan's trusting gaze, Jeon Myeong-hoon resolves to devote himself even more to his cultivation.
A few days later.
With the preparations for Jeon Myeong-hoon's Seven Stars Ritual completed, he stepped outside his quarters for the first time in a long while.
'It feels refreshing.'
A year and a half has passed in the blink of an eye.
For cultivators, a year and a half might seem like a fleeting moment, but for Jeon Myeong-hoon, it feels longer than his time as a public service worker.
'The more I practice cultivation methods, the stronger I feel as the spiritual energy inside me amplifies. There's also a sense of transcending humanity as my consciousness expands...'
Jeon Myeong-hoon gradually came to find joy in his cultivation.
Though it was a hellish ordeal, he became stronger.
And he gained that much more power.
'If I continue to cultivate like this, will I also have the enormous lifespan and powers of the Nascent Soul stage elders and the Heavenly Being stage elders?'
Jeon Myeong-hoon smiles, thinking about the life that lies ahead of him.
'I heard that after reaching the Nascent Soul stage, Seo Eun-hyun's cultivation speed hasn't been as fast as before.'
He decides to catch up to Seo Eun-hyun quickly while he is still stagnant.
'After the Seven Stars Ritual, it'll be dual cultivation training. I'm confident I can be even more diligent than any other cultivator.'
He might have lacked a bit in concentration and willpower before, but Jeon Myeong-hoon is sure he can burn with passion for dual cultivation.
'I can finally utilize the skills I honed on Earth. Alright! From now on, I'll quickly grow stronger with the power of dual cultivation and surpass Seo Eun-hyun!'
As Jeon Myeong-hoon is thinking this,
Kugugugu!
Suddenly, something large and elongated passes by Jeon Myeong-hoon's side.
"Hic!"
Overwhelmed by the formidable presence of that something, Jeon Myeong-hoon involuntarily hiccups.
'Is that, an imoogi?'
For a moment, that thought crosses Jeon Myeong-hoon's mind.
The long, black thing that passes in front of Jeon Myeong-hoon is obscured by backlight, resembling a long, black serpent.
'No, a snake?'
Indeed.
It looks like a black snake.
But as Jeon Myeong-hoon focuses more closely, he can see the true nature of this 'black snake.'
'It's not a snake, that's, that's!'
"Eek, what is that!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon screams as he recognizes the true nature of that grotesque creature.
It's a giant centipede, each segment as big as a house.
The giant centipede flies through the sky, passing in front of Jeon Myeong-hoon's cave residence.
At Jeon Myeong-hoon's scream, the centipede suddenly bends its antennae and turns its gaze toward him.
'What, what? I thought demons couldn't enter the sect...'
Just as Jeon Myeong-hoon feels his mind go blank in front of this massive predator,
[Who might, you be, sir?]
"...Huh?"
Words of consciousness emanate from the centipede's mouth.
It spoke in a rather polite tone.
"You can speak?"
[I am, called Hong Fan, beloved demon beast, of one of the, Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's, elders.]
"Ah, I see."
Jeon Myeong-hoon finally understands, realizing it's the pet of an elder.
'So it isn't a common demon after all.'
"Sorry, I was startled for a moment, thinking you were a demon invading the sect. But if you become a Nascent Soul elder, can you..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon assesses the cultivation of the centipede demon beast, Hong Fan.
"Control demon beasts at the Qi Building stage?"
[Well... it varies depending on the elder's abilities.]
"I see..."
Looking at Hong Fan floating in front of him, Jeon Myeong-hoon makes up his mind.
'I must become as powerful as Hong Fan's master, capable of raising such a demon beast.'
He unknowingly harbors respect for Hong Fan's master, vowing to become such a strong cultivator himself.
And that evening,
Jeon Myeong-hoon's Seven Stars Ritual began.
***