Storm (2)
p>I descended from Deungsunhyang and arrived in Byeokra Kingdom after several days.
p>This time, having reached the fourteenth layer of Qi Condensation, I had plenty of spiritual power to cast magic techniques swiftly.
p>Or perhaps it was because I had brought far more food than last time from Deungsunhyang.
p>Or maybe because, unlike before, I had not foolishly pursued the traces of Jinmu Daeje Hyeonmu.
p>Whatever the reason, this time I avoided the misfortune of running out of water as I had last time.
p>‘Of course, it would have been better if there had been a little more water.’
p>I licked my parched lips as I entered Cheon-saek Castle and thought.
p>‘From now on, I must master Jiwol Ipdogyeol and also train the water-attribute Suwol Ipdogyeol up to the third and fourth layers of Qi Condensation.’
p>Since I possess a spiritual root, I can master every attribute anyway.
p>It would be helpful to have at least the initial stage of Suwol Ipdogyeol, which aids crossing the desert.
p>While I was purchasing some daily necessities and clothes in Cheon-saek Castle and preparing to enter Byeokra Kingdom, a young man in white appeared.
p>“Wait a moment. You are from which clan?”
p>Kugugul…
p>A faint pressure of spiritual energy emanated.
p>At the same time, a being with a slightly larger consciousness than mine enveloped my own.
p>Swish—
p>The air rippled, and a middle-aged man adorned with numerous glass bracelets on his wrists stepped out.
p>The man in white had glass ornaments all over his body, from which faint spiritual power emanated.
p>‘Every single one… a magic artifact. He must have a lot of money. Covering his entire body with magic artifacts.’
p>I felt a slight tension and observed him.
p>Saying he had magic artifacts all over his body also meant he possessed abundant resources, but it also meant he owned the power to activate all those artifacts.
p>‘Core Formation stage monk…!’
p>Without slowing my guard, I replied politely.
p>“This humble one is a wandering cultivator named Seo Eun-hyun. Senior, what brings you here?”
p>“A wandering cultivator? No affiliated clan?”
p>“Yes, none.”
p>Uung—
p>The glass magic artifact on Buk Jung-ho’s ring changed to a clear azure hue.
p>“Seeing the artifact turn green means… he is not an intruder scouting the Gongmyo Clan’s territory.”
p>‘They can determine true or false with magic artifacts?’
p>The spiritual energy vortex swirling inside the ring was so intense it would have shattered a normal cultivator’s head.
p>It seemed to be a magic artifact of a completely different caliber from the ordinary ones.
p>“You look young. How old are you?”
p>My physical age was twenty-nine when I fell into this world, so ten years had passed—around the forties.
p>“I have not yet reached the age of forty.”
p>“Hmm, you are quite youthful.”
p>Due to the influence of the Golden Core and my slow aging, I still looked in my early twenties.
p>“In any case, at forty with Core Formation stage, you possess suitable talent… What is your spiritual root?”
p>“…This humble one is an odd spiritual root.”
p>“Odd spiritual root…? At forty, an odd spiritual root and Core Formation stage?”
p>The Core Formation monk looked at me in astonishment and spoke.
p>“You are a young man with exceptional talent. It seems you are greedy… I am the guest elder of the Gongmyo Clan, Buk Jung-ho.”
p>I myself was originally a wandering cultivator, but one of the previous guest elders of the Gongmyo Clan recognized my talent and recommended me as an external member of their clan.
p>The Gongmyo Clan does not discriminate against talented individuals. If you are a wandering cultivator, how about joining the Gongmyo Clan?”
p>“Ah…”
p>It seemed they had approached me not only to identify intruders but also to recruit talent.
p>I set aside my basic caution and relaxed my excessive tension.
p>“I am truly grateful for the offer, but there are matters I cannot accomplish if I join any clan, so I must unfortunately decline.”
p>“Hmm… What a pity. Think it over carefully. You are at the peak of Qi Condensation, so if you enter the Gongmyo Clan, they will provide support for your Core Formation training.
p>Moreover, upon reaching Core Formation, you could become a guest elder like me. If you choose to become their son-in-law, you could become an internal elder instead of a guest elder.
p>You know the Gongmyo Clan is famous for artifact refining, do you not? If you enter, you can receive high-quality magic artifacts for free.”
p>“Hmph… Truly sorry, but there are matters I must accomplish without joining a clan.”
p>“Oh… Well, if that is so…”
p>Buk Jung-ho clicked his tongue in disappointment.
p>“If that is the case, then whenever you want to join a clan later, you must come to the Gongmyo Clan.
p>As an external elder, it is only natural that I am so sincere for the Gongmyo Clan—does it not mean their way of life is excellent?
p>The Cheongmun Clan is a battle arena where one must constantly prove oneself by fighting, and the Byeok clan consists only of boring and foolish people.
p>Definitely! Whenever you are dissatisfied with your wandering life, come to the Gongmyo Clan!”
p>“…Yes, I will.”
p>‘Why are they so enthusiastic about recruitment.’
p>It seemed they were unusually sincere about promoting the Gongmyo Clan.
p>I bid him farewell and left Cheon-saek Castle.
p>Then I headed toward the Cheongmun Clan’s territory to participate in the tournament again and meet Cheongmun Ryeong.
p>After all, even in this life, I should see how he is getting on.
p>And it was when I entered the Cheongmun Clan’s tournament registration counter.
p>“Oh ho, what is this? A fresh talent!”
p>“…!”
p>A muscular giant suddenly emerged from a corner of the counter.
p>‘Core Formation stage monk…!’
p>Even his face was familiar.
p>Cheongmun Ryeseong, a Core Formation elder, whom I had occasionally greeted when training under my master’s previous life.
p>‘The one directly below my master in the tournament rankings…!’
p>When I was startled, Cheongmun Ryeseong jumped in front of me and grabbed my shoulder.
p>“A young man who has reached the peak of Qi Condensation! His consciousness is almost on par with Core Formation! What a tremendous talent! You, enter the Cheongmun Clan!
p>I will support you with as many training resources as you need to challenge for Core Formation!”
p>“Ah, no, I…”
p>“Be quiet! I will not allow resistance! Do you think such talent is common!”
p>‘Damn it…!’
p>It seemed the name value of being a Core Formation monk was rarer than I had thought.
p>After all, in their eyes, this was a young man who would immediately become elder-level power with just a little support.
p>“Cough, I do not need it!”
p>I hurriedly fled the counter.
p>I had known they were all aggressive except for my master and a few others, but I had not expected this much unreasonableness.
p>Kwa-kwa-kwang!
p>The entrance to the counter exploded, and Cheongmun Ryeseong charged at me madly.
p>“This brat, come quietly and become a member of the Cheongmun Clan! I will make you my son-in-law!”
p>“Wait, wait! I only came to meet Cheongmun Ryeong-nim!”
p>“What? You came to meet Hyung?”
p>Startled!
p>Cheongmun Ryeseong stopped abruptly in mid-air.
p>Then he stroked his chin and laughed boisterously.
p>“Indeed, Hyung is a person with much to learn! Fine! Then it seems you wish to become Hyung’s disciple!”
p>“No, that is not it…”
p>“Good! So you will become Hyung’s disciple or Hyung’s son-in-law!?”
p>I felt a headache coming on.
p>‘I knew he was unreasonable, but…’
p>Previously, since I was my master’s disciple, such greed was not shown.
p>Upon meeting me, a wandering cultivator at the peak of Qi Condensation, his true nature appeared.
p>“Well, good! Hyung will arrange a place for you to meet him. However, you cannot be offered to any other clan! I will definitely make you my son-in-law or Hyung’s disciple!”
p>“…”
p>It seemed something had gone wrong.
p>* * *
p>Cheongmun Ryeseong’s sudden encounter had been unexpected, but Cheongmun Ryeong remained exactly as before.
p>In the estate near the main residence of the Cheongmun Clan.
p>There, our reunion with Cheongmun Ryeong took place again.
p>“Tsk, at such a young age, you seem to be at the peak of Qi Condensation. If you have such talent, why did you come looking for me? Ryeseong was annoying, so I came to meet you, but if you have something to ask, ask quickly and leave.”
p>He had not changed at all.
p>‘Even after repeating several lives…’
p>People do not change.
p>“…This humble one possesses an odd spiritual root.”
p>I cautiously revealed the type of my spiritual root, and I saw a look of surprise in Cheongmun Ryeong’s eyes.
p>“Odd spiritual root…? A young man with an odd spiritual root at the peak of Qi Condensation…? No, do not say nonsense!”
p>Instead of giving a detailed explanation, I recounted my understanding of the Seventy-Two Transformations.
p>This time, it was not through winning the tournament and meeting my master, but because Cheongmun Ryeseong, a Core Formation elder, had created the opportunity for one night of conversation.
p>As I explained my understanding and experience of the Seventy-Two Transformations, a spark appeared in Cheongmun Ryeong’s eyes.
p>“I see. With that understanding… you have created a path with the method of foresight and afterthought. I did not expect another such young man…”
p>We spent the entire day talking, his and mine.
p>Cheongmun Ryeong, who met such a high-level understanding of the foresight and afterthought method, continued the conversation without stopping.
p>* * *
p>The next day dawned.
p>“…With an understanding of Qi Condensation stages seven and eight, it is no different from mine. Excellent. You are truly a rare talent that cannot be found again.”
p>I discussed my understanding of Qi Condensation stages one through fourteen with Cheongmun Ryeong, and found that my repeated understanding of stages seven and eight was no different from his.
p>I also asked him energetically about my understanding of stages nine through fourteen, the parts previously unknown to me, and especially the principle and method of transitioning from stage fourteen to Core Formation.
p>Now I had become quite knowledgeable about those principles and theories.
p>And morning had already broken.
p>“You, do you not wish to become my disciple?”
p>Even this time, having seen my understanding of the foresight and afterthought method, Cheongmun Ryeong wished to take me as his disciple.
p>I smiled faintly and answered.
p>“Even if I learned for one day, is it not right to remember you as my master for my entire life? You are already my master.”
p>“Hmph, forget those flowery words! For one day as master or whatever, I want you as my real disciple. Do you truly have no intention of joining the main residence?”
p>I forced a wry smile and bowed my head to my master.
p>“…This humble one has matters that cannot be accomplished by joining a clan. It seems difficult.”
p>“…”
p>My master fell silent.
p>After a moment of silence, my master sighed softly.
p>“…We cannot catch someone who wants to go. It is rare to find a young man like you to your liking…
p>Fine. Go! Go away already!”
p>I bowed to my master and left the room where we had been talking.
p>‘Farewell.’
p>And it was when I was about to leave the Cheongmun Clan’s estate.
p>Thud!
p>A muscular middle-aged man stood in my way with a stern expression.
p>“Where are you going?”
p>“…Excuse me?”
p>“I asked where you are going.”
p>“I was about to leave after receiving instruction from Cheongmun Ryeong-nim…”
p>“What?!”
p>Kwa-kung!
p>A powerful aura exploded outward.
p>“You dared to receive my Hyung’s instruction for an entire day and then flee without completing the duties of a disciple!”
p>“Ah, no…”
p>“This damn brat! You dare look down on the great Cheongmun Clan! Since I cannot make a reckless child like you my Hyung’s disciple, I will arrange a suitable branch and make you my son-in-law!”
p>Whirl!
p>Cheongmun Ryeseong’s hand reached out.
p>I felt a chill on my back.
p>‘If caught, I would be forcibly married…!’
p>Flash!
p>I dodged his hand and leaped into the air.
p>“This brat, how dare you escape!”
p>Kugugul!
p>Mounds of earth rose from all around and flew toward me.
p>The mounds turned into hands one by one and flew to grab me.
p>I immediately extended my palm and spat out Ganghwan.
p>Kwa-kwa-kwa!
p>The glowing spheres spun around and shattered all the earth hands attempting to grab me.
p>Whoooong!
p>I absorbed the Ganghwan and accelerated my flight.
p>Pababat!
p>At the same time, I stepped on the air and quickly moved outward from the estate.
p>From behind, I sensed Cheongmun Ryeseong was astonished.
p>* * *
p>Cheongmun Ryeseong stood with a dazed expression, watching the direction Seo Eun-hyun had fled.
p>‘Escaping from my hand as a Core Formation monk…?’
p>The gap between even Qi Condensation stage cultivators was significant.
p>But the difference between Qi Condensation and Core Formation was beyond compare.
p>Even if that brat was at the peak of Qi Condensation, he was no match for me, Cheongmun Ryeseong of Core Formation mid-stage.
p>According to his original plan, that brat would have been caught by his magic technique, bound tightly, and forcibly married to one of his descendants.
p>But he had broken his magic technique and escaped?
p>A mere brat at the peak of Qi Condensation?
p>“…Core Formation…”
p>A smile split Cheongmun Ryeseong’s lips.
p>“A Core Formation-level power right now…!”
p>Countless old monsters above Nascent Soul had taken all the suitable talents to Shanghe and were no longer in the northern continent.
p>The situation was already chaotic because all Core Formation and above experts had vanished.
p>Qi Condensation peak talents that could reach Core Formation with just time and resources were the greatest treasures.
p>Among them, one who could rival a Core Formation monk at the odd spiritual root stage…
p>“He is a treasure! Hahaha! I will force-feed him a drug and make him marry my descendant!”
p>Cheongmun Ryeseong’s eyes rolled.
p>He took out a sound-transmitting bracelet from his belt and sent messages to several nearby Core Formation elders.
p>After that, he entered the residence in the estate where we had been talking with Cheongmun Ryeong.
p>“Hyung! Why didn’t you catch that talent!”
p>“…He said he has matters to do, so what would I catch?”
p>“This Hyung. So disappointing! That brat intercepted my one-strike attack and fled!”
p>“…What?”
p>“Do you not understand!? That brat would have been worth an entire elder-level monk’s work if I had captured him at once!
p>Hyung seems to like him too, so why didn’t you catch him!? Hyung, be honest. Hyung was not looking for someone who would accept such words, were you not?”
p>“…”
p>Cheongmun Ryeseong continued.
p>“Capturing him would also fulfill the clan lord’s order to nurture talents for the coming chaos, and at the same time, Hyung could obtain the disciple Hyung has longed for throughout his life to inherit his will!!
p>So disappointing! How long will you endure!? It is what Hyung has longed for throughout his life, so why are you sitting there feeling sorry!? Be honest!”
p>Cheongmun Ryeong fell silent for a moment.
p>Then he raised his head and met Cheongmun Ryeseong’s eyes.
p>Cheongmun Ryeseong was startled for an instant.
p>The powerful yearning that burst from Cheongmun Ryeong’s eyes!
p>“…Yes, your words are correct.”
p>Cheongmun Ryeong stood up from his seat.
p>“It also fulfills the clan lord’s command, and I must also be honest with myself a little…”
p>Startled!
p>Cheongmun Ryeseong felt his entire body shiver under the powerful spiritual pressure.
p>‘It has been a long time. This is Hyung’s true face.’
p>The giant pillar of the Cheongmun Clan rose.
p>“From the brat who knows only how to fight with muscles, I have met the first one who accepts such words. Yes… I must catch him now…!”
p>A blue light flashed in Cheongmun Ryeong’s eyes.
p>* * *
p>Thud!
p>I kicked off the air and reached the edge of the Cheongmun Clan’s estate.
p>Ahead lay the Cheongmun Clan’s protective formation.
p>Whoooong!
p>I extended my palm.
p>A sphere of light spurted from my hand.
p>At that moment.
p>“Ryeseong, is that the one you were ordered to catch?”
p>A Core Formation elder flew toward me.
p>Flash!
p>As he formed his seal, the protective formation inside the estate grew even stronger.
p>“Yield quietly…”
p>Kwa-a-aang!
p>Ignoring the elder, I fired Ganghwan toward the formation.
p>An enormous roar echoed, and a hole was blown straight through the estate’s protective formation.
p>“What…!”
p>The Core Formation elder was shocked, and I quickly crossed the formation and left the estate.
p>And I suddenly felt a chill.
p>Kugugul!
p>Two enormous spiritual pressures chased me from behind.
p>‘M, Master!?’
p>My master and Cheongmun Ryeseong were chasing me at high speed.
p>“This brat, stop right there!”
p>“If caught, I will forcibly marry you to my descendant!”
p>“What nonsense! That brat is to marry my descendant!”
p>“What of it? Let the one who catches first decide whom to marry! This brat will not be forgiven unless he becomes the main residence’s son-in-law!”
p>‘Crazy… why!’
p>I quickly accelerated with Ganghwan and kicked off the air again.
p>Pa-ang, pa-ang, pa-ang!
p>The distance between us widened in an instant, but as they both mounted flight techniques, the gap narrowed once more.
p>‘Yeon Kingdom! I must flee to Yeon Kingdom!’
p>Beyond Yeon Kingdom’s border, Core Formation monks would not be able to chase!
p>I kicked off the air madly toward the east.
p>Kugugulul!
p>Behind me, enormous wood-attribute spiritual power surged as if, and a gigantic wood-attribute tree made of wood spiritual energy grew in the air and chased me.
p>“I cannot escape!”
p>Flash!
p>Kwa-kwa-kwa!
p>Enormous binding magic techniques shot at me from the tree.
p>‘No! I am caught!’
p>I fired Ganghwan from my palm.
p>I appeared in the world of my will and manifested an identical clone.
p>Whoooong!
p>The Gangqi I had infused into the Ganghwan burst out and formed thousands of afterimages in the air.
p>The eyes of Cheongmun Ryeseong and my master sparkled at the sight.
p>“The technique of body outside the body?”
p>Kwa-kwa-kwa! Kua-aang!
p>The afterimage Gangqi and binding techniques collided and were destroyed through the Ganghwan.
p>“You have become even greedier. What secret technique have you mastered?”
p>“No time for curiosity, Hyung! That brat is fleeing!”
p>Kugugul!
p>The earth around gathered and covered Cheongmun Ryeseong’s body.
p>After a while, a gigantic earthen statue identical to Cheongmun Ryeseong stepped onto the ground.
p>Kwa-kung!
p>[Haaap!]
p>Kwa-kwa-kwang!
p>As the earthen statue struck the ground with its palm, dozens of gigantic hands erupted from the earth and reached toward me.
p>[Yield and marry!]
p>“Damn it, I have matters I must accomplish!”
p>I fired Gangqi in all directions, but Core Formation-level magic techniques were not affected by Gangqi at all.
p>Kugugul…
p>Soon the surroundings were completely covered by earth hands, forming a prison around me.
p>Flash!
p>However, I had already regenerated the Ganghwan.
p>Flash!
p>Light surged again, and I created a hole for my escape.
p>Whoong!
p>I accelerated.
p>I dodged the other wood-attribute binding magic techniques that flew at me and quickly headed east.
p>The pursuit between me and the Cheongmun Clan elders continued for several days.
p>In the middle, several other idle elders who received Cheongmun Ryeseong’s message also joined the pursuit, and I had to flee while receiving countless magic technique barrages.
p>I fled and fled again for the fourth day.
p>I felt myself entering a strange sensation.
p>How many times had I used Ganghwan?
p>In the realm of Deungbongjogeuk, had I ever used Ganghwan so desperately?
p>Flash!
p>I floated Ganghwan on my palm and felt as if I had suddenly discovered something I had not known before.
p>‘Ganghwan has always responded to the principles of the three calamities.’
p>Why was that?
p>I did not know the reason then.
p>But now I seemed to understand.
p>This Ganghwan contained another version of myself.
p>In other words, Ganghwan was one person.
p>Every human is not composed of only themselves.
p>Under the grace of heaven and earth.
p>Within that, humans are born, live, and die.
p>Humans are originally not composed only of themselves.
p>Just as one being is formed among countless connections.
p>Perhaps that connection also includes heaven and earth.
p>The four days of fleeing under my master’s pursuit had made me feel that.
p>If the master’s grace was as great as heaven and earth.
p>Was heaven and earth also giving me something as great as the master’s grace?
p>And perhaps.
p>If the countless connections I had received had shaped my current self.
p>Was what heaven and earth gave me also part of shaping my current self?
p>Whooooong—
p>The light floating on my palm vibrated.
p>At the same time, I centered myself.
p>I divided the light ring into yin and yang, Qian and Kun, heaven and earth.
p>Centered on the human, the heaven and earth began to cycle.
p>‘Is that it…’
p>Only now, in the realm of Deungbongjogeuk, did I seem to see a little how to proceed.
p>The Ganghwan split into two.
p>Flash!
p>I sent the two Ganghwans flying to the sides and shattered them.
p>Countless magic techniques were erased in an instant.
p>And when I raised two more rings, I realized there were far more possibilities open.
p>‘Acceleration, three times!’
p>Flash!
p>Countless spiritual energy roots covered heaven and earth and transformed into a prison to trap me.
p>However, I dug into that moment and slipped out just before the prison was completed.
p>“Brat…!”
p>“It has become faster!”
p>Now Yeon Kingdom’s border was right in front of me.
p>I landed on the ground and knelt before Cheongmun Ryeong, offering a deep bow.
p>I had obtained this realization through my master’s heart.
p>I had not formed deep connections as in my previous life.
p>That person and this one were not the same being.
p>But even so.
p>‘I will not forget your grace.’
p>Since the master’s grace was as great as heaven and earth.
p>I had learned a little about heaven and earth.
p>“Thank you.”
p>And.
p>“I am sorry. I cannot marry. I cannot be bound by a clan.”
p>If I married and had a child, what would happen?
p>If the child regressed and disappeared, what would happen to my mind?
p>I did not want to imagine it.
p>Moreover, being bound by a clan would mean I would be treated as elder-level power after showing my ability and could not travel to other nations.
p>As it was, I needed to enter Yeon Kingdom, go to Seongje Kingdom to find the traces of Jinmu Daeje Hyeonmu, and go south to the Black Wind Sea to learn about the demon beasts—binding me to the Cheongmun Clan would be difficult.
p>“I am truly grateful for your concern!”
p>After my final farewell.
p>I left behind the countless magic techniques chasing me and quickly crossed Yeon Kingdom’s border.
p>Cheongmun Ryeong had changed the course of the dragon veins, but it was only to a certain extent.
p>Once inside Yeon Kingdom, the dragon veins no longer changed, and the Cheongmun Clan elders no longer chased me.
p>“It was truly dangerous. I almost got caught.”
p>I sighed softly and climbed several more mountains to rest.
p>The feeling was strange.
p>The people who had not cared about me before had suddenly changed their reaction upon reaching the peak of Qi Condensation— an odd feeling.
p>‘My stomach feels a little upset…’
p>Perhaps after continuously floating in the sky through Void Step and then stably stepping on the ground, motion sickness had set in.
p>My mood was odd and my stomach was not good.
p>I suddenly realized, looking at the ground, that tears were flowing from my eyes.
p>“Ah…”
p>I see.
p>I now understood the reason for the strange feeling and the upset stomach.
p>I had wanted to be caught.
p>I had known the Cheongmun Clan was a good clan.
p>I also knew the elders who had tried to catch me brutally were kind.
p>It was a battle arena, but the Cheongmun Clan was a place of great skill and pride.
p>Perhaps there I could marry, become a son-in-law, receive my master’s instruction, and live happily while interacting with the elders.
p>No, I clearly wanted that.
p>“Uuk, uug…”
p>But.
p>What then?
p>“Kuuuk…”
p>Everything would disappear.
p>It would become an empty void, forgotten.
p>Even now, whenever I saw my master and my disciples again, I felt deeply that the connection from my previous life was different.
p>If I mixed flesh, gave birth to children, and became entangled in connections.
p>What pain would I have to taste?
p>The realization I had just gained.
p>A human is not composed of only himself.
p>Within human connections, within the connections of heaven, within the connections of earth.
p>One being is formed that way.
p>But if all those connections eventually collapse and cease to exist.
p>What meaning would the life of that being have?
p>“…Farewell.”
p>I swallowed the upset feeling and bowed again in the direction of my master.
p>Some day.
p>Truly far, far in the future.
p>Only after I can truly live will I say hello again.
p>I went to find Kim Young-hoon.