Chapter 41
Chapter 41
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 41
Chapter Title: Auction House
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The identity of the demon.
It was a ferocious beast known as the Hwaechal-su, infamous for preying on humans with pure bodies, such as monks or ascetics.
It was one of the most savage demon beasts in the cultivation world.
That a Gathering Qi Realm demon beast—one without even human-level intelligence—could use formations was noteworthy.
It was as astonishing as a beast learning to speak.
Someone capable of teaching formations to a Gathering Qi Realm demon beast.
As far as Geum Elder knew, only Elder Jang Su-gi fit that description.
Elder Jang Su-gi was famous among the elders for raising all sorts of bizarre demon beasts and demons.
Naturally, he had been the first suspect when disciples started disappearing, which was the origin of the rumors about a demon prowling the sect.
But Elder Jang Su-gi had vehemently denied any involvement, insisting it wasn't one of his beasts.
In fact, he had reported all his raised demon beasts and demons to the sect, and the numbers matched exactly, allowing him to clear his name.
But who could have known?
That he had one unreported demon beast left.
And that was this Hwaechal-su.
"The Hwaechal-su is notoriously violent and gluttonous by nature, forbidden to raise—yet he kept one inside the sect?"
Geum Elder had identified the Hwaechal-su as Elder Jang Su-gi's because of his mark.
He pierced their ears with rings, like livestock—that was Elder Jang Su-gi's signature.
And sure enough, this Hwaechal-su had one too.
"I won't let this slide. Disciple Yi Yuk-gyeong, your contribution is immense. A Hwaechal-su using stealth formations... I never even imagined it. Without you, the damage would have been far worse."
Yuk-gyeong humbly bowed his head at Geum Elder's praise.
Geum Elder smiled warmly at him and pulled something from his robes.
"Take this. It's a reward for your meritorious service, Disciple Yi Yuk-gyeong."
Yuk-gyeong took it, puzzled.
He'd expected some merit points, not a personal gift.
And...
This was a magic tool!
Yuk-gyeong gripped the bamboo flute tightly.
Spiritual energy poured from it just by holding it—the mark of an extraordinary magic tool.
Geum Elder sure knows how to impress! Handing out treasures like this!
"I used that from Response Qi Realm up to Gathering Qi Realm. It's called the Flame Demon Summoning Flute. Blow it to summon a fire-attribute demon to fight alongside you—versatile and powerful."
"Thank you, Elder."
"Your cultivation level impresses me. Keep at it, and I'll come fetch you myself. Disband the search team!"
With those meaningful words, Geum Elder soared into the sky.
Gifting a magic tool and vanishing coolly like that—what else was the bearing of a true master?
Yuk-gyeong clutched the tool to his chest, his respect for Geum Elder surging.
Fetch me? Why?
He brushed off Geum Elder's parting words. Upon reaching Gathering Qi Realm, he'd enter the inner sect anyway, with a chance to become a named disciple under an elder—probably just foreshadowing that.
Geum Elder... I might seriously consider it. A generous master like that is worth following.
Who knows, he might even pass down some secret arts if I become his disciple.
The search team disciples lingered, unwilling to disband.
All because of Yuk-gyeong's feat in tracking the demon beast. They chattered endlessly about how even Core Formation elders had failed, yet he'd caught it in one go.
"How did he find a ferocious beast that even Core Formation elders couldn't?"
"Must be some Single Spiritual Root secret method, right?"
"I heard Single Spiritual Root holders have such keen senses they can sniff out demons like demons themselves."
Keen senses like a demon? What nonsense.
Yuk-gyeong left the gossiping disciples behind and headed back to the Herb Hall.
Cultivators, always so oblivious to danger. Raising a man-eating demon beast in secret?
What punishment would that elder get?
.
.
.
A few more days passed.
The elder's personal transgression ended with a reprimand.
As a Core Formation elder, he wouldn't face severe punishment. The sect couldn't afford to lose combat power over a few dead disciples.
In the cultivation world, strength and realm were everything.
The only pity was for the disciples slain by the Gathering Qi Realm demon beast.
The cultivation world was merciless. Human life wasn't as precious as in the modern era.
Deaths from training, random encounters, or brawls were commonplace. A few disciples' deaths would be forgotten by tomorrow, remembered only by close friends.
Yuk-gyeong felt the world's ruthlessness anew and prayed for the souls of those killed by the demon.
Despite that, one uplifting note was how the Jang clan's influence had waned since the incident. Word was, they'd been summoned to the Sect Leader's Hall and chewed out.
Yuk-gyeong relished their quiet. Someday, when I'm stronger, I'll crush the Jang clan myself. Only then will it feel right. He resolved as much.
And...
Rumor had it the Miscellaneous Labor Quarter steward, Yeong Sun-il, had been exiled outside the sect to serve as an external steward in the mundane world.
Even as a quarter steward, getting booted out after inner-sect service must sting. Not enough... far from enough. We'll meet again someday.
Yuk-gyeong mulled it over as he continued cultivating in the training chamber. Reserved for Response Qi elites, it was said to aid enlightenment, though he wasn't sure.
His vital energy and spirit fully stabilized, Yuk-gyeong was poised for a breakthrough with just a spark of insight.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Yuk-gyeong's routine was simple.
Cultivate, then visit the Herb Hall for a mood-lifter—chat with Deputy Elder Bu or help with his pill furnace. In return, the deputy elder would toss him spirit pills that cleared the mind and aided enlightenment.
Yuk-gyeong pressed on, hammering at the Gathering Qi Realm barrier.
Yet the insight for foundational Gathering Qi eluded him.
Frustrated but patient—he knew impatience wouldn't summon enlightenment—he tried not to rush.
A change of scenery helped: walks, chats with people.
So instead of holing up, he occasionally strolled for fresh air.
Today was one such day.
Chest and head stuffy from nonstop training, he needed a walk.
No point secluded-cultivating without a clue; motivation dried up.
Yuk-gyeong wandered the sect, breeze in his face.
Lost in thought, he reached the inner sect area but didn't mind. Ordinary outer disciples would panic and flee, but he'd visited since his Labor Quarter days.
His training spot was there, so it felt familiar.
The inner sect seemed cleaner and quieter than the outer— just a vibe.
Yuk-gyeong took a deep breath and strode vigorously.
Train hard, walk hard. Work diligently, rest diligently.
Then he overheard two inner disciples chatting ahead. Curious, Yuk-gyeong sneaked closer to eavesdrop.
"The auction at Ten Lakes? They say a key ingredient for Gathering Qi Pills, Warm Yang Herb, is up this time..."
"Shh! Voice down—who wants rumors of Radiant Moon Sect disciples hitting black markets? We're above that."
Ten Lakes auction?
Gathering Qi Pill ingredient?
Yuk-gyeong listened intently.
The two scanned around before continuing. Hidden in the brush, Yuk-gyeong went unnoticed.
"Who's listening anyway? I'm definitely going. Who knows? Maybe I'll snag the Warm Yang Herb."
"Dream big. With everyone eyeing it, it'll hit hundreds of mid-grade spirit stones. You'll just watch bids fly."
"Still, you never know. Maybe no one else wants it that day..."
"Wishful thinking. How're you even attending?"
"Disguised, obviously. Disaster if someone recognizes me as Radiant Moon Sect."
"Who'd recognize you..."
"I get noticed plenty. Good-looking, right?"
"Pfft, you'd go unrecognized barefaced. Still, disguise well."
The pair drifted away.
Yuk-gyeong stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Warm Yang Herb—essential for Gathering Qi Pills. With it, he could combine auxiliaries to make one.
Deputy Elder Bu might even craft it for him.
Hundreds of mid-grade spirit stones? He had plenty, more than most inner disciples—Single Spiritual Root perks.
Buyable.
Auctions inflated prices, but he could handle it—within reason.
Money ready.
Problem: shady underground auction.
C couldn't go as a proud Radiant Moon Sect disciple.
Then he'd use the identity from the demoness den where he'd risked it all in that sex duel.
The Jade Face Young Master's grand entrance.