A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation

Chapter 553: World Of Sun And Moon (4)

Qi Refining 6th star!

This is the final stage that can be achieved through general cultivation methods before conducting the Seven Star Ritual.

Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends, Thirty-Six Heavenly Spirits, Twelve Earthly Melodies, Ten Heavenly Stems Diagram, Nine Palaces, and Eight Trigrams.

These concepts represent the pinnacle of mastery that one can attain.

When it became known that I had reached the 6th star of Qi Refining, the Cheongmun Clan sent a notice, stating that they will accept me not just as an external member but as a household member of the clan.

It seems that someone at my level is considered a reasonably valuable human resource.

Over the span of ten years, I intermittently practiced the swordsmanship and martial arts that Gyeong-i taught me.

They remain untraceable.

Nevertheless, I didn't give up on anything.

I continued searching for my colleagues, training in martial arts without rest, and studying cultivation methods.

As a result, despite the significant obstacle of having the Five Elements Spiritual Roots, I managed to reach the Qi Refining 6th star in just half a year.

'Well, the faster I grow stronger, the more influence I gain, and with that influence, I can broaden the scope of my search for my colleagues, so it's a good thing, but...'

Everything is progressing smoothly.

But if there's one thing that's a concern, it's Gyeong-i's recent state.

"Gyeong-ah, I brought the fasting pills."

"..."

Even with the Five Elements Spiritual Roots, I graduated from the Qi Gathering stage and reached the 1st star of Qi Refining in just a single day.

That alone shocked her greatly, but within just one month after reaching the Qi Refining Stage 1st star, I rose to the 2nd star.

Then, every month afterwards, I advanced by one star.

'To be honest, even this is because I slowed down to avoid shocking her too much...'

She, having not yet even reached 1st star of Qi Refining, has been looking lifeless for several days as I sped through the stages.

"...Gyeong?"

"...Don't call me so familiarly, you damned slave. Why? Why is this happening...? Even if it's the Five Elements Spiritual Roots, it shouldn't be like this. Just because of something like spiritual roots, can cultivation really slow down this much? That cannot be. Spiritual roots are fundamentally based on us. We are the masters of the spiritual roots. For spiritual roots to hinder us is impossible..." ṝáɴőＢÈs

She clutches her head and mutters incomprehensibly for a long while.

Watching her like that, I speak with a sympathetic expression.

"Gyeong-ah, I saw you cultivating last time. You were doing it completely differently from me, weren't you?"

"...Well, yes."

Her Immortal Cultivation method is very unusual.

No, to put it kindly, it is unique. To put it bluntly, it is an 'absurd' cultivation method.

Her method of cultivation involves nothing more than [sitting still, aligning her body naturally, and reciting formulas].

There is no deliberate gathering of spiritual energy through breathing, nor any focusing of will based on an understanding of the formula.

Literally, after memorizing the formula once, she would just sit there doing nothing.

That is her way of cultivating.

'I, on the other hand...understood the meaning of the formula as soon as I received it. Based on that understanding, I concentrated my will and guided my breathing. Why is she doing it like that?'

To be honest, it's hard not to find her complaints about her cultivation not progressing a bit absurd, given that she isn't actually doing anything.

"In that case, why don't you try cultivating my way? I'll teach you my method. Consider it repaying the debt for teaching me swordsmanship and breathing techniques."

"...Your method? What exactly do you mean by your method?"

"Hmm, well...it's something called [Understanding Before Breakthrough]."

Understanding Before Breakthrough.

A method where you first comprehend the formula of each stage and then guide your power according to that formula.

Breakthrough Before Understanding.

A method where you guide your power first and then gain enlightenment from that power.

These two Immortal Cultivation methods are widely recognized in the cultivation world.

Those without talent use Understanding Before Breakthrough to first comprehend the formulas, while those with talent use Breakthrough Before Understanding to advance stages first and then gain the corresponding insights.

Although I seem to advance stages too quickly, making it appear like Breakthrough Before Understanding, in truth, I understand the meanings of the formulas as soon as I see them, making Understanding Before Breakthrough exceedingly effective for me.

I plan to explain the meanings of the formulas I have understood to her and advise her to try cultivating using my method.

'Gyeong-i's natural method is...in a way, the extreme of Breakthrough Before Understanding.'

For those overflowing with talent, simply sitting still as she does would naturally attract Heaven and Earth spiritual energy, allowing their cultivation to rise.

But such things are usually only possible for those with Heavenly Spiritual Roots.

And even then, it is said to only occur for a very small number of exceptionally special individuals with Heavenly Spiritual Roots.

'For people like us with Five Elements Spiritual Roots...well, it's common sense that such a method would never work.'

Why does she, someone without talent, try to imitate the methods of those who possess it?

'In any case, if she is to quickly advance her cultivation and recover her memories, she needs Understanding Before Breakthrough.'

Only Understanding Before Breakthrough is the method that can help her advance in her cultivation.

It's when I plan to explain Understanding Before Breakthrough to her and describe the insights on the cultivation stages I have achieved.

"Wait, wait, wait..."

Gyeong-i cuts me off immediately, glaring at me through her mask as she speaks in a low voice.

"I refuse. I cannot advance my cultivation with something like that."

"Hm? What are you even talking about?"

"...That is..."

Her following words suddenly make my head feel a strange jolt of pain.

"Because it is the Way of Salt."

Ziiiiing—

"The Way...of Salt? What is that?"

"...I do not know. If I recover my memories, I might find out... But in any case, Understanding Before Breakthrough is not acceptable. We fundamentally despise the Way of Salt. We...can never acknowledge the Way of Salt you speak of."

"What are you even talking about? Isn't Understanding Before Breakthrough a method that allows even those without talent to aim for higher heights? In a way...it's a method that offers opportunity to anyone with the will to do so. Why are you rejecting it?"

"...Is a being who has the will and who works hard to reach a certain position...good?"

"Hm?"

Gyeong asks with a serious expression.

"Do only good people work hard, while evil people do not? If evil people can also work hard using the Way of Salt you speak of and become even stronger...would they not become uncontrollable great evils?"

"Hmm..."

I speak about the nature of effort, but Gyeong shifts the topic to good and evil.

"What do you think is absolute in this world?"

"Absolute... Hmm..."

I think carefully and respond.

"Wouldn't it be death? Everyone eventually dies."

"...Death is not absolute. The heavens are. Even if people die, the heavens remain."

"What about the earth?"

"You would not know since you are merely a mortal, but...even the earth dies. Most [earth]s are spherical in shape, but those spheres also have a lifespan and eventually collapse. Only the heavens are eternal."

"Damn it, don't treat me like some primitive fool! Even I know the world is round!"

"...No. There are places that are not round. This world is not round."

"...?"

I stare at her, wondering what kind of bullshit she is spouting.

"...Do not look at me with those eyes like you are staring at a savage!"

"No, what are you even saying, Gyeong-ah? You just said the earth is round, and now you're saying this world isn't round. Are you trying to say this world is flat?"

"Ha...never mind. I cannot explain it properly right now since my memories are incomplete anyway. In any case, only the heavens are eternal. Now, do you know what those cultivators who cultivate under the heavens are called?"

"Heaven-Defying Ones (逆天者). Cultivators are also known as Heaven-Defying Ones."

"Do you know why they are called that?"

I think carefully before responding.

"I've heard that walking the path of Immortal Cultivation extends the lifespan given by the heavens, which is why they are called Heaven-Defying Ones."

"Yes, that is part of it. But...what is important is not that."

"Then what is it?"

"It is that they are undeserving."

Her gaze grows cold.

"Cultivators enjoy excessive power and longevity. And at the end of Immortal Cultivation...they themselves become Immortals who determine fate and lifespan. But have you ever considered this? In this world, there are undoubtedly cultivators who cultivate the Devilish Path. Even those evil beings, as long as they follow the proper procedures and walk the path of Immortal Cultivation, eventually become Immortals. There is no restriction on that."

"..."

"Do you think that is right? If an evil person easily gains power and inflicts unbearable pain and torment upon another being, is that just?"

Her question carries profound anguish.

"'We' were formed because we believe it is not right. And what 'we' aim for, in the end, is precisely that."

Her silver eyes are filled with conviction.

It is the belief that she and the group she belongs to are absolutely right.

"To ensure no one can easily escape the principles under the heavens. To ensure no one can oppress others under the heavens with overwhelming violence. That is who 'we' are.

"Thus, 'we' despise the Way of Salt, which allows those untested to gain power and authority with will. Only the tested should gain power, and only the chosen should rise. Only the [Way of Light] that does so is the truly great truth."

"..."

"That is why I will endure even if my cultivation does not advance immediately. Once I build up my cultivation up to the 4th star of Qi Refining, I will remember everything and properly advance my realm. This is my belief, and it is the conviction 'we' have established. I will never bend."

"...So, you're saying you won't even rely on pills or spirit stones?"

"Those are unnecessary as well. Whether it is absorbing spiritual energy from a spirit stone imbued with spiritual energy or directly refining and consuming a pill, to speak in extremes...both are the Way of Salt. Only waiting, sitting still. That alone is our Way of Light."

I listen to her words and sink deep into thought.

The conversation we are having clearly touches on something buried deep within my heart.

If there is a being who gains excessive power, would that being be good or evil?

'Since good and evil cannot be tested, only the chosen ones are allowed to rise...huh.'

Perhaps that is a rather valid way of distinguishing good and evil, making it a rather decent method.

But for some reason, a thought occurs to me.

'Then what about the unchosen ones? Whether it is right or wrong, are they meant to be ruled by the chosen ones? Is that truly right?'

She despises the so-called [Way of Salt], but my thoughts are different.

Couldn't it be that the Way of Salt is not entirely bad?

Ziiiiiing—

As I think of that, the headache that has been writhing in my mind grows even more intense.

—Immortal...Cultivation...is...

—Repentant enlightenment...

—Like tiny...grains of salt...

Incomprehensible formulas seem to flash before my eyes.

But as I try to recall those formulas, the headache becomes so severe that I shake my head and decide to stop thinking about them.

'What is this headache? I don't know... For now, let's just focus on the Seven Stars Ritual.'

Carrying these various concerns I head out to perform the Seven Stars Ritual.

I had gone to Gyeong with the intent of giving her the choice of Understanding Before Breakthrough, but in the end, it feels like I failed and ended up burdened with even more questions.

Qi Refining stage, Seven Stars Ritual.

"...What is this...?"

I am left dumbfounded, my tongue tied.

To perform the Seven Stars Ritual, I had intended to ask one of the elders of the Cheongmun Clan to examine my auspicious date.

'I was going to go see the elder after having a mock trial of the Seven Stars Ritual first...'

For practice, I piled up some dirt to roughly form an altar and recited a portion of the ritual incantation. But just like that, the Seven Stars Ritual for the Qi Refining stage was [completed].

I am now at the 7th star of Qi Refining.

'What kind of absurd...?'

Woo-woong!

From the sky, something known as celestial energy begins to manifest.

At the same time, I feel my spiritual natures becoming fuller and my spirit growing larger. 

Even the power of the spells I've used until now has noticeably increased.

Undoubtedly, I have reached the Qi Refining 7th star.

'No, wait, it isn't even my auspicious date, and it's still daytime?'

Stunned by this bizarre phenomenon, I find myself trying to understand what caused it.

Then, it happens.

Ziiiiing!

"Kughhhh!"

I clutch my head and collapse on the spot.

A headache overtakes my mind as certain words emerge.

Northern Dipper Sealing Immortal (北斗封仙).

Seven Stars Harnessing God (七星借神).

Ziiiiiing!

"Ughhhhh...!"

[Flag]!

I don't fully understand, but a vision of [seven flags] flashes before my eyes.

The moment I perceive the seven flags, it feels as though my head will explode.

But at the same time, [wisdom] flows into my mind.

It is unmistakably wisdom related to the Seven Stars.

These flags are, without a doubt, composed with the authority of the Seven Stars.

Thus, one who holds the power of these flags does not need to perform the Seven Stars Ritual and can perpetually remain at the level of the Seven Stars Ritual.

"Heok...heok..."

I don't understand it well, but it seems to be quite important information.

However, no matter how hard I try, no further special [wisdom] about this comes to mind.

'Though I don't fully understand it, does this mean that the power of those seven flags is imbued within me, and because of that, the Seven Stars Ritual was established just from a mock attempt, without formally performing it?'

It certainly seems to be the case.

'I feel like Gyeong-i might know something about this phenomenon...'

Perhaps she knows something about these [seven flags].

Even if she doesn't, telling her about the [seven flags] might help her regain some lost memories.

'Should I go and ask her?'

But I quickly shake my head.

'She just cried when I told her I reached the Qi Refining 6th star earlier.'

If I tell her that I've already reached the Qi Refining 7th star within half a day, she might start bawling.

That's how visibly melancholic Gyeong-i looks right now.

'I'll tell her later.'

With that decision, I set my sights on reaching the Qi Refining 8th star and begin cultivating with courageous and diligent effort.

Thus, another ten years pass.

"Finally!"

I cry out, tears of joy streaming down my face.

"Finally! I've reached the 8th star of Qi Refining!"

Ten years.

After ten years of diligent cultivation, I've managed to rise from the 7th star to the 8th star of Qi Refining.

"Ahaha! Congratulations!"

"Yes! Gyeong-ah, I really congratulate you too!"

"Indeed, indeed! Did I not tell you before? It is possible even with this method!"

That's right.

While I spent twenty years progressing from a mortal to the 8th star of Qi Refining, she had spent the same twenty years completing the Qi Gathering stage and successfully reached the 1st Star of Qi Refining.

"Truly, to think advancing by a single star could be so difficult."

"Indeed. It is quite remarkable."

For some reason, I faced immense obstacles in reaching the Qi Refining 8th star from the Qi Refining 7th star over the past 10 years.

'Every time I tried to rise to the 8th star, an overwhelming headache would hit, accompanied by the words Sealing Immortal (封仙), making it impossible for me to even attempt the Six Harmonies All Path.'

In the end, I did everything I could.

I gathered countless spirit stones and absorbed their energy, studied Understanding Before Breakthrough like a madman, and earned immense merit through the martial prowess of Five Energies Converging to the Origin, accumulating achievements within the Cheongmun Clan to learn their exclusive cultivation methods.

Through one of their exclusive cultivation methods called Body Cultivation, my body grew even more resilient. While training in martial arts, I managed to create something called a 'Gang Sphere,' and when I placed that Gang Sphere in my dantian, it transformed into what is known as an Inner Core.

When that Inner Core combined with my Body Cultivation, I developed a bizarre new sense beyond the ability to read celestial energy, granting me a vision akin to that of a demon spirit.

'And then, combining the way of demon spirits, the way of cultivators, the strength of the internal energy method I learned through martial arts, and finally...Gyeong-i's natural body method! By bringing all these together, I finally succeeded!'

I pushed my body, my martial arts, and my cultivation method to the absolute limit of the 7th star of Qi Refining.

On top of that, the extreme version of Breakthrough Before Understanding, as described by Gyeong-i.

A natural body state, endlessly 'hoping' for Heaven and Earth spiritual energy to arrive.

By simultaneously pursuing the so-called [Way of Light] and [Way of Salt],

And by waiting under the heavens as the sun and moon cycled day after day,

I found myself momentarily drawn into the cycle of the sun and moon, and finally broke through the wall of the 7th star of Qi Refining and reached the 8th star.

It took me ten full years to accomplish this.

'To think breaking through a single star could be this difficult. Other cultivators must also overcome such terrifyingly huge walls to advance in their cultivation. Truly, the elders at the Qi Building stage are incredible.'

I quietly respect the high-ranking cultivators and the efforts they have made thus far as I continue cultivating my method.

'Ten years for one star... Will I even be able to finish this within my lifetime?'

With that, I carry on with a slight sense of worry as I continue my cultivation.

Regardless, I must keep cultivating.

'I need to raise my realm, and raise it further to find my colleagues and...understand the reason I came to this world!'

For that purpose, I continue my training as a member of the Cheongmun Clan.

Half a year passes once again.

"..."

"...Hmm, Gyeong-ah. You don't need to be so disheartened. Even if you cultivate according to that [Way of Light] you mentioned, while it might take more time, it's overwhelmingly stronger in the same realm, isn't it?"

"...That is not a matter of the [Way of Light]. It is simply that I am strong. The [Way of Light] is strong too, but fundamentally, it is because of my strength."

"Yes, yes. Either way, Gyeong-i, you're incredibly strong, aren't you? To the point someone like me is no match for you? You can even contend against opponents far above your own realm, so you are..."

I am massaging Gyeong-i's shoulders, comforting her.

It has already been about 21 years since I came to this world.

In that time, I have reached the Qi Building stage.

Yes, that's right.

It took me 20 years to reach the Qi Refining 8th star, and then just another half year to reach Qi Building.

My cultivation speed accelerates by the day.

'Truly...the more I look at cultivation formulas, the easier it becomes to understand them. Not only that, but I can directly draw out the power inherent in the formula and absorb it into my body, so my cultivation speed simply cannot be slow, but...'

Gyeong-i, who had initially been at a higher level than me, now finds herself far below me in cultivation. From her perspective, comparing herself to me can only result in feelings of inadequacy.

Kneading, kneading...@@novelbin@@

As I massage her shoulders, I speak.

"Gyeong-ah... Have you thought about trying out Understanding Before Breakthrough? If it's you right now, if you advance even a little through Understanding Before breakthrough, I'm sure it would yield incredible..."

"Silence, you! Did I not already say I refuse to use the Way of Salt! No! More importantly, how dare a slave like you touch your master's shoulders without permission!?"

She snaps irritably, yet she doesn't seem entirely displeased with the shoulder massage, leaving her shoulders in my hands as she grumbles.

"You insolent slave. I will definitely catch up to your realm, and when I do, I will strip you bare, hang you upside down, and beat you senseless to show you the dignity of your master."

"What's so wrong about me giving you a shoulder massage?"

"You...shut up, you insolent fool. How dare you leave your master behind, skipping ahead in cultivation with that vile Way of Salt..."

"What do you mean skipping ahead...?"

It's simply a method based on my own enlightenment. 

'If anything, aren't those with Heavenly Spiritual Roots the ones who skip ahead in cultivation through the Way of Light?'

But if I say something like that, Gyeong-i, who possesses the Five Elements Spiritual Roots, would think I'm mocking her and get furious. So, I choose my words carefully.

"Anyway, are you making progress on the matter I mentioned?"

"Yes, I've submitted my application to join the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect."

In any case, since I've already surpassed her in cultivation, I decided to fulfill the goal she originally aimed for.

I chose to enter the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, located in a great mountain range on the western edge.

"Hehe, the Cheongmun Clan must be beside themselves with frustration. Watching a talent of their family being snatched away by the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect right before their eyes."

"Well, there's no helping it."

Over the past 20 years, I've received a lot from the Cheongmun Clan.

While I've earned many contributions for them, I've also received significant support.

From establishing my proper status in this world to ensuring I could live comfortably in this unfamiliar world, they've provided me with the resources and even manpower to help me search for my companions.

'Yet I still haven't found them.'

Neither in the Heaven-Treading Desert, nor in Shengzi or Yanguo, nor in the Northern Grasslands, the Southern Black Wind Sea, or the eastern tribal nations...

There hasn't been a single word about my colleagues. 

Either they've all died,

Or perhaps I am the only one to came to this world in the first place.

'No, even if I'm the only one who ended up in this world...they were swept away by the landslide, so perhaps they all died in the end.'

I let out a bitter laugh and gaze up at the sky.

'Let's enter the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. Once there, I'll continue cultivating alongside Gyeong-i with better cultivation methods...and simply carry on cultivating for now. While her realm is currently low, regardless of everything, Gyeong-i was undoubtedly...a high-ranking being.'

Even after all these decades, she hasn't aged at all.

I cannot discern what lies beyond her mask, whether through my consciousness or my senses. However, from the sound of her heartbeat and her body's responses, it's clear she remains as youthful as ever.

Regardless of her undergoing complete transformation or practicing cultivation methods, and despite not even reaching the Qi Building stage, she hasn't aged a bit.

And...

She is impossibly strong for someone at the 1st star of Qi Refining.

'The centipede we fought back then...it was said to be somewhere between the Core Formation stage and Nascent Soul stage.'

With only a minimal use of the breath of Light and using only her sword techniques, she managed to push a beast at the very early Nascent Soul stage to the brink of death.

Now, with her proper mastery of the breath of Light, her advancement to Five Energies Converging to the Origin, and her 1st star of Qi Refining, her power rivals that of the Grand Perfection Nascent Soul stage.

'I still have no idea how such a thing is even possible...'

Perhaps the Immortal Cultivation method of the Way of Light is simply that powerful, but it seems more likely that the enlightenment and strength of [her before she lost her memories] were at an overwhelming level. Even recovering fragments of those memories is enough to display such incredible power.

'From here on...I'll probably have to follow her.'

Following her, and what she refers to as 'we'.

Joining the group she belongs to seems like a decent choice. 

The ideology of the group she explained left a deep impression on me, and from what she says, the organization she belongs to seems powerful enough to influence the entire world.

'And...'

If I join that group...

I'll be able to stay with her.

Having spent 20 years together, it would be a lie to say I feel nothing for her.

However, it's not the kind of affection between a man and a woman, but rather one of deep friendship.

'From the beginning, she didn't seem human.'

I remember the day I first saw her beautiful appearance.

Her beauty was so overwhelming that it didn't even stir lust within me.

It didn't seem like something a human would possess.

And then there's the way she acts while wearing a mask.

In each and every one of them, I couldn't feel like we were the same species.

Rather than human, she is probably something else wearing a human shell.

Because of that, I don't love her.

It's just that...she's become precious to me.

'Together with the precious Gyeong-i, let's join the organization she belongs to.'

She said she will regain all her memories once she reaches the 4th star of Qi Refining.

And once she regains her memories, she said there will be no need to continue her cultivation at such a slow pace.

When that day comes, she will likely surpass me in an instant, reaching a transcendent realm.

'I'll raise my cultivation realm higher and higher...to follow her as much as I can.'

With that vow, I discuss with her how we can enter the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect together.

"...A servant? Are you saying I have to enter as your servant?"

"No, well...the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect only accepts inner disciples who are cultivators of high realms. While I might be accepted as an outer disciple...it would be a bit difficult for you. So, what I mean is, you'd have to enter under the guise of being my servant."

"...This...insolent...slave, this s-slave bastard..."

Gyeong-i trembles with anger, clenching her fists tightly.

But what can we do?

This is the only way for us to enter the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect together.

"Over the years, I have received great grace."

"...Are you really going to the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect? Our Cheongmun Clan has restored over eight-tenths of the [Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method], an ancient method of the Cheongmun Clan from ten thousand years ago, which rivalled the methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. A genius with talent like yours could learn the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method."

The head of the Cheongmun Clan, a Nascent Soul stage cultivator named Cheongmun Jung-jin, speaks with a regretful voice.

"Won't you reconsider? We can give you everything. My daughter, the Cheongmun Clan's pills, spirit stones, and the best cultivation methods. Do you truly have to go to the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect?"

"...Yes. My apologies."

"...Hmmmm..."

He lets out a deep hum.

"Very well. In that case, I won't stop you."

"Thank you, Clan Head. And before I leave, I have one request."

"What is it?"

"Over the past twenty years, I have received great grace from the Cheongmun Clan. As a gesture of gratitude...please allow me to pay my respects at the shrine where the ancestral tablets of the elders of the Cheongmun Clan are enshrined."

At first, I didn't think much of it. But for some reason, the moment I see Cheongmun Jung-jin's face, an overwhelming urge tells me to do so. 

Cheongmun Jung-jin nods with a warm smile at my words.

"...If that is your request, I will grant it."

I follow Cheongmun Jung-jin into the Cheongmun Clan and stand in front of the ancestral shrine, where the tablets of the clan's ancestors are enshrined.

The shrine holds the tablets of ancestors dating back over ten thousand years.

"The Cheongmun Clan was once a very small family. However, it was the middle ancestor of the Cheongmun Clan, Cheongmun Sunwoo, who elevated the clan to greatness about fifteen thousand years ago. Unfortunately, the identity of the Cheongmun Clan's founding progenitor has been lost to time...but Cheongmun Sunwoo, the middle ancestor, is prominently recorded in our history."

I approach the innermost tablet, the one that reads [Azure Tiger Saint, Cheongmun Sunwoo], and I bow deeply before it.

"And this person is the one who led the Cheongmun Clan after Ancestor Azure Tiger Saint ascended from the lower realm. Strangely enough, this ancestor shares my name—Clan Head Cheongmun Jung-jin."

Ziiing—

A strange headache seizes my mind.

'What's this?'

Behind Cheongmun Jung-jin, who is explaining, I see another figure overlap with him.

That figure bears the same name and the same face as him.

'Why...?'

I feel a sensation that is both nostalgic and chilling at the same time.

I bow before his tablet as well.

"And this person..."

Another tablet comes into view.

"This is the great figure who reestablished and created all the cultivation methods that have been passed down for the last ten thousand years, making the Cheongmun Clan what it is today. He, too, is regarded as a middle ancestor, following the middle ancestor Azure Tiger Saint."

The tablet is inscribed with the name, [Yellow Snake, Cheongmun Ryeong].

As soon as I look at the tablet, I feel an intense surge of emotion well up within me for some reason.

At the same time, a powerful headache and inexplicable emotions overwhelm me.

I bow before the tablet of [Yellow Snake, Cheongmun Ryeong] with greater sincerity than ever before.

I bow before countless tablets.

Cheongmun Jung-jin doesn't insist that I bow to every single tablet, only to the tablets of the notable ancestors or elders of the Cheongmun Clan.

Even so, it takes me nearly two days to finish paying my respects at the shrine of the Cheongmun Clan.

I somehow manage to bow before the many middle ancestors of the Cheongmun Clan and leave the shrine.

"...Thank you truly for everything."

I bow once more, both to the entire shrine of the Cheongmun Clan and to Cheongmun Jung-jin himself, before departing from the Cheongmun Clan.

"Do you feel at ease now?"

"...Mhm."

Gyeong-i grumbles about wasting two whole days, but my heart feels lighter than ever.

To the point it feels as though my very reason for coming into this world was to bow before those tablets.

With the newfound lightness in my heart, I head westward with Gyeong-i.