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Chapter 224: Black Snake (2)"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 (天上金雷). 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 (赤雷), known as Red Lightning disciples.

Those who passed the Seven Stars Ritual are Vermilion Lightning (朱雷) disciples.

Those who reached the extreme in Qi Refining are Yellow Lightning (黃雷) disciples.

Red, Vermilion, Yellow.

These three ranks are collectively referred to as Lower Lightning (下雷) 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 (綠雷) disciples, Core Formation disciples are Blue Lightning (靑雷) disciples.

Those who show potential to reach the Nascent Soul stage in Core Formation are considered Indigo Lightning (藍雷) disciples and recognized as Upper Lightning (上雷) 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 (紫雷), receiving purple belts.

Furthermore, from the Heavenly Being stage elders, a gold belt marked with Golden Lightning (金雷), 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 (天雷).

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 (雷) 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 (木) 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 (木) symbolizes thunder/lightning, or Zhen (震), 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 (丹) fully connects with the flesh (肉).

This energy, a fusion of spiritual energy and life force, is precisely demonic power (妖力)!

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.

Chapter 225: Black Snake (3)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 (鳥族), 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 (蛇族) 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.