A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation

Jeon Myeong-hoon opens his eyes and looks up at the sky.

Things that he couldn't see before are now visible to him.

The rough outline of his lifespan, some new kind of energy...

'That's celestial energy...'

Jin Jin-chan had said that as he continues to cultivate, this celestial energy and fate will become even clearer to him.

'So this is Qi Refining 7th Star.'

He is filled with hope, his heart swelling.

After spending 10 years performing the Seven Stars Ritual, he has finally reached Qi Refining 7th Star.

From now on, not only can he find a dual cultivation partner, he was also told that there will be no more rituals like this for cultivation until reaching the Core Formation stage.

'From here on, it's smooth sailing!'

A giant centipede passes by in front of the hopeful Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"Ah, Hong Fan!"

It's Hong Fan.

However, Hong Fan merely nods slightly at Jeon Myeong-hoon before flying off somewhere.

"Hmm, busy?"

Jeon Myeong-hoon tilts his head at the sight of the busy-looking Hong Fan.

A little while later.

"Yaaaah! Save me, I don't taste good!"

He sees Hong Fan biting a girl with half-white, half-black hair, who seems to be a Qi Building Green Lightning disciple, flying off somewhere.

'Wait, is that a guy?'

Jeon Myeong-hoon is momentarily confused about whether Yeon Jin, who is screaming while being carried away, is a man or a woman.

'An interesting fellow.'

Jeon Myeong-hoon chuckles, finding the appearance of Yeon Jin who screams at the mere sight of Hong Fan amusing.

"Well, since Hong Fan seems busy... It will be nice to meet up later."

Just when he turns around.

"Jeon Myeong-hoon."

"Hm?"

Jin So-hae flies over with the Flying Escape Technique and calls out to Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"Your dual cultivation partner will be decided now."

"Ah, is that so?"

Jeon Myeong-hoon nods.

Jin So-hae is a bit puzzled by Jeon Myeong-hoon's demeanor.

'The guy who used to walk around with "I want a dual cultivation partner" written all over his face, why is he so calm?'

And she soon gets her answer.

"So-hae, could you... become my dual cultivation partner?"

"Hm?"

Jin So-hae furrows her brows slightly.

She has always thought of Jeon Myeong-hoon as a younger brother and never as the opposite sex, so it's a somewhat surprising proposal for her.

However, Jeon Myeong-hoon's expression is serious.

"For the past 10 years, I honestly thought everyone was avoiding me. The only people who talked to me were Hong Fan, you, and a few others."

He continues.

"Honestly, it was a bit tough for the past 10 years, and I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there."

"Is that why you want to become dual cultivation partners?"

"That's not the only reason."

Seriousness fills Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes.

Jin So-hae's eyes light up.

'He's different from before...'

"Over the last 10 years, while I thought I was being betrayed, I realized that everyone in the sect was actually working for me for my sake. So... I think I understand what it means for the sect to feel like a family. If I form a dual cultivation partnership, it will really feel more like a family. But So-hae, I…."

Jeon Myeong-hoon cautiously expresses his true feelings.

"If I'm really going to become a part of this family, I want to become a real family through you."

"Hmm..."

Jin So-hae looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon.

Is it because of the pain and bitterness experienced over the years?

Or because of the experience of having all that bitterness washed away at once?

His somewhat changed demeanor intrigues her.

'Has he really changed?'

Somehow, Jin So-hae is curious.

'If a person can change, how much can Jeon Myeong-hoon change?'

He is Jeon Myeong-hoon, who from the first day had not even learned the basic manners and had been rebuked by the elders of the sect for speaking nonsense, and who had been taught etiquette by her.

The fact that such a person has become so earnest is beyond her comprehension.

She's curious.

If Jeon Myeong-hoon can change, to what extent can he change?

"Hmm..."

After pondering, Jin So-hae smiles.

"Alright, I'll agree to become dual cultivation partners."

"!"

"But not Dao Companions. That I will decide when I really think you're okay."

"Thank you for giving me a chance."

Jeon Myeong-hoon smiles back at Jin So-hae.

That day, Jeon Myeong-hoon was able to form a partnership with Jin So-hae.

Jin Byuk-ho seemed somewhat displeased, but could not oppose Jin So-hae's decision anyway.

And about a month passed.

"Sigh..."

Jeon Myeong-hoon takes a deep breath in his cave residence.

Wo-woong!

A pure white light shines from around Jeon Myeong-hoon's dantian.

Qi Refining 13th Star, the stage of Unified Origin.

Finally!

Kurung!

The mass of spiritual energy formed in Jeon Myeong-hoon's dantian explodes, and he reaches Qi Refining 14th Star, the stage of Infinite Spiritual Cloud.

Kurung, Kururung!

Surrounded by faint thunderclouds, Jeon Myeong-hoon stands up.

"Finally, I've reached the peak of Qi Refining."

Is it thanks to starting dual cultivation with Jin So-hae?

Or is it because there's no force arbitrarily blocking Jeon Myeong-hoon in the remaining stages?

Jeon Myeong-hoon quickly broke through from Qi Refining 7th Star to 14th Star in a month with the innate talent of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body.

Compared to 10 years ago, when he was fumbling around not even knowing the terminology of cultivation, it is a tremendous progress.

"Hmm, Jeon Myeong-hoon? Have you finally reached it?"

Outside Jeon Myeong-hoon's cave residence.

Jin So-hae walks in and asks.

Jeon Myeong-hoon nods and smiles.

"Yes, now I can even enter Qi Building!"

"Oh, then you're about to advance to Qi Building?"

"No, I'll enter Qi Building tomorrow. I'm a bit tired from breaking through to the 14th Star today..."

"Alright, alright. You've worked hard."

Jin So-hae naturally pushes over Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"But, aren't you going to help with my cultivation?"

"Of course, I'll help."

After a while, the two begin their dual cultivation. A few hours later, Jeon Myeong-hoon comes out of his cave residence with a slightly drained face.

"I wonder if it'll get better once I enter Qi Building... Damn."

He looks up at the sky.

Tomorrow, he is going to enter the Qi Building stage.

He doesn't think for a moment he will fail.

Jeon Myeong-hoon thinks of Seo Eun-hyun.

'Wait for me, Seo Eun-hyun. I'll catch up to you soon!'

With his competitive spirit ignited, Jeon Myeong-hoon then heads around the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, visiting friends who had looked after him over the past 10 years.

Once he enters Qi Building, aside from Jin So-hae and Hong Fan, Jeon Myeong-hoon and the others can no longer remain just friends.

That's why Jeon Myeong-hoon makes a point of visiting them for one last time.

He knows that not only they but the entire sect had been supporting him, yet these friends are especially dear to him for being by his side over the last 10 years.

Jeon Myeong-hoon looks around at those who had been there for him and walks back to his cave residence.

Just then.

"Hm? Hong Fan!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon shouts upon seeing Hong Fan swimming between the peaks of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect from afar.

Hong Fan's gaze turns towards Jeon Myeong-hoon.

[Ah, how have you been? To think you are about to reach Qi Building. Truly, Sir Myeong-hoon's talent far surpasses the likes of others.]

"It's fine, no need to flatter. Your talent is tremendous too. But anyway,"

Jeon Myeong-hoon says to Hong Fan.

"Your master, the Elder. I'd like to visit them after entering Qi Building. Is that alright?"

[Are you planning to enter Qi Building tomorrow?]

"That's the plan."

[Then you might have to wait a bit. If it's tomorrow, my master is also advancing to a new stage.]

"Your master is in the early stage of Nascent Soul, right? Then, he must be advancing to the mid stage this time."

However, Hong Fan shakes his head.

[No, my master will advance to the Grand Perfection of Nascent Soul tomorrow.]

"Huh? Oh, I see. He was in the late stage of Nascent Soul."

[Hm…]

Jeon Myeong-hoon quickly accepts this and feels a deep respect for Hong Fan's master.

'If they're reaching Grand Perfection tomorrow, the Heavenly Being stage isn't far off. Becoming a Grand Elder soon isn't just a dream.'

"After reaching the Qi Building stage, I'll visit them after they have reached the Grand Perfection of Nascent Soul."

[Yes, that would be appropriate.]

"Then, I'll visit tomorrow."

[Thank you for planning to visit.]

After making a promise with Hong Fan, Jeon Myeong-hoon ponders to himself as he returns to his cave residence.

'I wonder if Seo Eun-hyun has reached the peak early stage of Nascent Soul? I need to speed up.'

When Jeon Myeong-hoon arrives at his cave residence, Jin So-hae is there to greet him.

"Since you'll be entering Qi Building tomorrow, let's gather energy in advance today."

"Wait, So-hae. More than that, I think I need to relax to relieve some fatigue…"

"Quiet. Come in quickly!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon, pale-faced, is dragged into the deeper part of the cave residence by her.

The next day arrives.

Kugugugugu!

Jeon Myeong-hoon, sitting cross-legged on the peak above his cave residence, absorbs the thunderclouds of the Accumulating Lightning Technique swirling around him.

Hahhh...

The thunderclouds rotate around him, seeping into his body.

Simultaneously, a pure white light bursts from the center of his dantian.

Spiritual Energy Star!

Qi Building 1st Constellation, the Horn Star.

'Now, I'm in Qi Building...!'

At the same time.

Jeon Myeong-hoon sees thunderclouds storming in the sky above.

'What's that...?'

Then, blue lightning bares its fangs towards Jeon Myeong-hoon.

Kwarurung!

A pillar of light strikes down upon him.

However, Jeon Myeong-hoon smiles within the pillar of light.

'Heavenly Tribulation?'

Endowed with a talent beloved by even the Heavenly Tribulation, the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body.

Blue lightning is being absorbed into Jeon Myeong-hoon's body.

While doing so, Jeon Myeong-hoon finally understands [how] to elevate his talent of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body.

'So, I don't necessarily have to transform it into spiritual power for cultivation. I can store the Heavenly Tribulation inside my body and release it immediately when needed, using it as an offensive weapon in emergencies…!'

For Jeon Myeong-hoon, the Heavenly Tribulation is both a tonic and a dharma treasure.

He stores the blue lightning deep within himself.

This blue lightning will serve as a weapon to protect Jeon Myeong-hoon in times of crisis.

Kugugugugu!

Simultaneously, Jeon Myeong-hoon confirms that a subtle but pure spiritual force is flowing throughout his entire body.

"Hoo…."

Now, unless one of his three dantians are completely destroyed, he will not easily die.

Feeling the life force flowing like a torrent through his meridians, a smile blooms on Jeon Myeong-hoon's face.

'Done! Finally, I won't lose to So-hae!'

Of course, he doesn't express his inner thoughts outwardly, but stands up and says,

"Now, then. Once Hong Fan's master completes their breakthrough..."

Just then.

Kurururung!!!

Jeon Myeong-hoon hastily turns his gaze towards the place where an immense aura of Heavenly Tribulation is gathering.

"That, that is...!"

Literally, it is a bombardment of Heavenly Lightning.

The rain of lightning bolts, incomparable to what Jeon Myeong-hoon had faced, is striking down under the lightning clouds in the distance.

Kurung, Kururung!

In the late Nascent Soul stage, As Long-Lived As The Five Great Mountains (如五岳之壽), one must intertwine the Five Elements (五行) into one.

From this stage, even those with Heavenly Spiritual Roots can accept dharma treasures of different attributes into their bodies, making it possible to handle the Five Elements.

Then, for the Demon Race who accept the usual Five Elements energy and accumulate murky energy to convert life force into demonic power, is it easier to reach the stage of the Five Great Mountains compared to a typical cultivator of the Heaven Tribe?

No.

On the contrary, because their energy is murky, they have to perfectly separate the Five Elements to reach the late stage of Nascent Soul.

When Heaven Tribe cultivators reach the late Nascent Soul stage, the absolute majority are those with Heavenly Spiritual Roots. If it takes time to acquire and refine the Five Elements dharma treasures, Earth Tribe cultivators spend time separating the Five Elements they already possess.

But then, what happens if among the Heaven Tribe cultivators, someone born with the Five Elements Spiritual Roots learns a Heaven Tribe cultivation method for the Five Elements and reaches the mid Nascent Soul stage?

Kugugugugu...

I smile, watching the power of the Five Elements rotating within me.

'As expected…'

During my Qi Refining days, I wished to break through my cultivation by mastering all Five Elements to reach Qi Building.

I remember mastering the entire basic Qi Refining method, the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation, to break through into Qi Building.

At this moment.

Wo-woong!

I observe the spiritual power of the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation ferociously rotating inside me, embodying the transformations of the Five Elements.

Based on the Five Surpassing Paths to Cultivation, the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture from the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method that transformed into a demon beast method is divided into the Five Elements.

The balance of the Five Elements is perfectly maintained by the physique of Five Energies Converging to the Origin.

And then, at some point.

Gwaang!

As the Nascent Soul splits into Yin and Yang Spirits, the Five Elements rotate around it. Finally, the rotating energy of the Five Elements flows into the Nascent Soul.

Simultaneously, I feel a writhing energy in the sky.

'The late Nascent Soul stage Heavenly Tribulation, huh.'

Come on, then.

I'm no longer afraid of the likes of you!

When transitioning from the Core Formation to the Nascent Soul stage, one bolt of golden heavenly lightning strikes.

From early to mid Nascent Soul, two bolts of golden heavenly lightning strike.

And from mid to late Nascent Soul, three bolts of golden heavenly lightning strike.

Of course, I also have to face an additional blue lightning bolt for each stage, making a total of six bolts of heavenly lightning that I have to withstand.

Kwarururung!

The Dual-Colored Heavenly Lightning strikes me.

But for me, who is breaking through realms simultaneously using both Heaven and Earth Tribe methods, this level of Heavenly Tribulation is entirely bearable.

After being struck three times by the Dual-Colored Heavenly Lightning,

Kugugugu!

Finally, I move beyond the mid stage of Nascent Soul to the late, the stage of As Long-Lived As The Five Great Mountains.

"Hoo…."

But, this is not the end.

'To reach Grand Perfection.'

I close my eyes, lifting my Nascent Soul to the upper dantian, and expel it through the Baihui point on my head.

My Nascent Soul appears divided in the center by the axis of Yin and Yang Spirits, with the Five Elements taking their places in the Five Directions within me.

This appearance had a certain peculiar auspiciousness, but on the other hand, it seemed somewhat artificial and unnatural.

This unnaturalness, I will make it natural.

"Right Upper Moon Yin Diagram."

Seated in a cross-legged position, I raise my right hand.

From my Nascent Soul, the Yin Spirit separates and gathers behind me to the right, forming the Moon.

"Left Upper Sun Yang Diagram."

I lower my right hand and raise my left hand.

The Yang Spirit separates and gathers behind me to the left, forming the Sun.

I feel a longing from the ancient past in the Sun and Moon of Yin and Yang.

Mother... Father...

Mom, Dad...

Yin and Yang are the origins of existence.

I will never forget this.

"Imperial Throne Five Great Mountains Diagram."

Finally, the remaining Five Elements and Five Directions transform into five clusters of light, forming Five Great Mountains behind me.

The Five Great Mountains serve as the Imperial Throne, preparing a seat for its master.

Thus, behind me, the perfect Map of the Sun, Moon, and Five Great Mountains is established.

The Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method achieves perfect balance with the Map of the Sun, Moon, and Five Great Mountains.

'Now, it begins...'

Anyone who has reached the late stage of Nascent Soul can do this much.

The journey to Grand Perfection of Nascent Soul starts now.

The Map of the Sun, Moon, and Five Great Mountains laid out behind me is my Nascent Soul, unfolded.

Maintaining this state of Nascent Soul, I separate my consciousness once again.

Wo-woong!

I unravel my consciousness.

The Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon aids in this process.

My consciousness completely scatters in all directions, blurrily submerging everything around me.

Now, in this state, I need to gather my consciousness in front of me relying on a single representation.

The Formless Sword aids in this process.

I become the sword, unifying my consciousness.

As my momentarily dazed consciousness recovers, I find myself facing 'Me' and the Map of the Sun, Moon, and Five Great Mountains.

I am the sword.

But at the same time, I am Seo Eun-hyun.

Step.

With one step, I gradually transform from the sword into a human form.

Step.

With two steps, I almost fully return to human form alongside the landscape where Yin and Yang merge.

Step.

With three steps, I witness the whirlwind of countless laws and the flow of the world, seeing a faint glow circling my now human-formed body.

Step.

With four steps, I see twenty-eight stars swirling around me.

Step.

With five steps, the stars gather to reveal a magnificent scene resembling the marketplace of the commoners, the palace of the officials, and the court of the king.

Soon, the stars reveal a complete Heavenly City Diagram, painting an infinite universe.

And then, at the edge of the universe, I see my body shining gloriously, bathed in starlight.

In the distance, I see my flesh and the Map of the Sun, Moon, and Five Great Mountains behind it.

All I have to do is sit on the Imperial Throne of the Map of the Sun, Moon, and Five Great Mountains.

Step, step, step...

Step by step, I continue walking towards the throne.

No matter how much I walk, the throne does not seem to get any closer.

I walk frantically, endlessly.

But the throne does not get any closer.

However, the stars passing by behind me indicate I am moving forward.

Gradually, the stars begin to pass faster and faster.

And at some point.

Tststststs!

The stars become memories.

Just like the first time I reached the Nascent Soul stage, I traverse the sea of memories, revisiting my life in reverse.

The more I delve into the memories, the closer the Map of the Sun, Moon, and Five Great Mountains begins to appear.

2,500 years worth of memories pass by me.

I try to glimpse into the memories of the 16th cycle of 500 years, but for some reason, all memories of the 16th cycle are blacked out and unreadable.

Someday, I will reclaim those memories.

Then, I arrive at a familiar scene.

The scene of my parents giving birth to me.

It's the same as before.

However, I see something different this time.

The figures of my parents gradually grow larger.

Eventually, their figures become so immense that they transform into one concept.

Heaven and Earth.

'Ah, so that's it...'

I couldn't understand why Qi and life took the form of Taiji.

But now I finally realize.

I wasn't simply born from my parents.

My parents are said to be the concept of Heaven and Earth.

The stone monkey living on Mount Huaguo, who had no birth parents, called Heaven and Earth its parents.

Since the parents of all life are ultimately represented by the world itself, which is Heaven and Earth, life is Yin and Yang, and thus Taiji.

Understanding this concept, I finally reach the Map of the Sun, Moon, and Five Great Mountains.

The Map of the Sun, Moon, and Five Great Mountains isn't complete in itself.

It only becomes complete when its master sits on the throne.

The Map of the Sun, Moon, and Five Great Mountains is the Nascent Soul itself.

Then, who is the master of the Nascent Soul?

'Who is the 'me' present at this very moment?'

As I take my place on that seat, I realize.

I am life.

The life of Seo Eun-hyun itself, materialized as a spirit.

As I sit on the throne, the Map of the Sun, Moon, and Five Great Mountains is completed. The unfolded Nascent Soul returns to its original form, thus becoming 'complete.'

Wo-woong―

The Nascent Soul returned to its original place through the Baihui point.

Simultaneously, the sky erupts with Heavenly Tribulation.

Kurururung―

This time, I have to face a total of eight strikes of Dual-Colored Heavenly Lightning.

Kwang!

I open my eyes to the first dual-colored lightning bolt.

Kwang!

I stand up at the second dual-colored heavenly lightning.

Kwang!

I look up at the sky at the third dual-colored heavenly lightning.

The Heavenly Lightning can not harm me.

Because I have completed the true Nascent Soul Spirit.

The final Heavenly Tribulation.

Flash!

I raise my hand.

From the completed Nascent Soul, a tremendous 'force' erupts from my hand, pushing up against the Heavenly Tribulation.

Zzjeong!

It isn't the Formless Sword.

It is simply pure force itself.

The force emanating from my hand splits the Heavenly Tribulation and shoots into the sky, piercing a palm-shaped hole in the lightning cloud that was bringing down the Heavenly Tribulation, tearing apart the heavens!

Kugugugu!

"Finally..."

After two thousand five hundred years.

I have finally come close to reaching the Heavenly Being stage.