Chapter 973
Chapter 973
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 973
Chapter Title: Path of Glorious Ascension
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A faintly glowing stone appeared in midair. When I touched it with my hand, it felt far harder than a regular pebble. Maybe because of that soft glow—it gave off a bright, uplifting vibe.
'Is this a fragment of a star? No clue what it's for.'
It contained the energy of a star. I could definitely sense something special about it. But it didn't seem like anything extraordinary. What I really wanted was something more explosive, more powerful.
'No idea how to use it. Guess I can ask someone who knows.'
The perfect person to ask was right in front of me. Spending time with Mi-ryeong lately had taught me she was incredibly knowledgeable. She even knew everything about most herbs.
I looked at Mi-ryeong. Her mouth hung open as she stared at the star fragment, utterly entranced.
"Mi-ryeong."
"Y-yes?"
"Do you know what this is? It's called a star fragment."
"Y-you really don't know? It's a star fragment!"
"I get the name. But what do you do with it? Eat it?"
I pretended to pop the star fragment into my mouth, and she grabbed my shoulder in horror.
"No, my lord! The star fragment isn't an elixir!"
"Then what is it?"
"It's a star fragment! A piece of a star that fell from the sky! I've only heard about it—never seen one before... Star fragments can be used in all sorts of ways. For special rituals, crafting dharma treasures... or enhancing existing magic tools into dharma treasures."
"You need this for dharma treasures?"
"It's not strictly necessary, but having a star fragment boosts the success rate of crafting one. And the performance is better too. In terms of price, it's worth at least 500 Heavenly Jades."
Dharma Treasure.
If a magic tool is an item with special powers, a dharma treasure is the next level up—a treasure with even greater special powers.
"This thing's that valuable?!"
500 Heavenly Jades.
I swallowed hard.
"Ah, my lord. You were just thinking of selling the star fragment, weren't you?"
"There's no immediate use for it. But sell it, and we profit. I could level up my VIP status more. And who knows—maybe at VIP Level 3, they give out star fragments like this!"
"They might not! It's too wasteful to sell! Even if you don't need it now, you'll find a use someday! And selling a star fragment isn't easy!"
"Hard to sell? Isn't it rare, so it should sell fast?"
"Is 500 Heavenly Jades pocket change? Anyone with that kind of wealth has built a massive faction. Wealth and power go hand in hand, so their strength is immense too. You think they'd just pay up nicely?"
"...Yeah. They'd try to take it by force."
"100% guaranteed. This isn't your world, my lord. It's survival of the fittest. No power means you get taken advantage of, and the fool who got duped is the one at fault. To trade fairly with them, you need to stand on their level."
"...What if I ask Master? She's insanely strong."
"Sure, she's strong. But would she step out of Nakwol Mountain on your say-so? She hasn't left in centuries."
I imagined asking Wi-yu. She'd grant a simple request. She's a bit old-fashioned, but her character has no rough edges.
'...Last time I suggested going down to the village at the base for fun, she shot it down cold. Wi-yu doesn't want to leave Nakwol Mountain.'
Would she, who'd sat atop Nakwol Mountain for centuries, descend just because I asked? Of course not.
I sighed.
"No choice, then. Guess the star fragment sits in a corner for now."
"My lord! You could give it to me! I gave you 800 Heavenly Jades!"
"That's that, and this is this."
"Aww, don't be like that! 800 Heavenly Jades isn't chump change! I gave you my entire fortune... Are you just abandoning me like this?!"
Mi-ryeong sniffled and clung to me. I knew it was an act—the classic fox ploy. But I couldn't push her away. Her beauty was stunning, and honestly, I was grateful for her giving me 800 Heavenly Jades without hesitation for my sake.
800 Heavenly Jades. Enough to buy a city and have change left over.
And Mi-ryeong knew me too well. She pressed her ample breasts against me and slyly groped my cock. Any regret over the star fragment vanished in an instant.
"Who's abandoning you? Here, take it."
Mi-ryeong snatched the star fragment like a hawk and hugged me tight.
"Thank you, my lord!"
She kissed me. Soon we were naked, rolling around on the bed.
distracted by the star fragment and sex with Mi-ryeong, I'd almost forgotten: hitting VIP 2 had unlocked a new system. In some ways, this ability was better than the star fragment for me.
The Space Transfer System.
Space Transfer System. Pick a point, and teleport there for free. You can set points to your current location. To set Nangong Clan as one, I'd have to be there.
Honestly, a bit disappointing. More restrictions than expected.
'Still, saves on space movement scrolls.'
Good enough. The barrier issue applies to scrolls too.
I met Wi-yu alone. We faced each other across a table. She quietly brought her cup to her lips. It wasn't green tea—she was drinking coffee. Seemed she'd taken a real liking to the aroma.
'Watching dramas with Mi-ryeong... now she's hooked on coffee.'
Soon she might demand modern stuff from me like Mi-ryeong. Nangong-rin and Nangong-seol already were, so it wasn't impossible.
"So you want to enter the Manmu Tower?"
Wi-yu's voice was calm. Her unwavering gaze only added pressure.
"Yes. You can get elixirs there. Plus real combat experience—tons to gain."
"Experience is necessary, true. But do you need to go now? This is a critical time for Seol. You plan to leave your wife suffering from the Nine Yin Severed Meridians?"
"Master, I've thought it through. I have a way to return no matter how far."
"That transfer scroll? You said barriers mess it up. Transfer arts are popular and convenient, so countermeasures are well-known. Hard to think Manmu Tower lacks them."
"I know Seol's condition. That's why I have a solution."
Nangong-seol was my woman. Without me, treating her meridians was secondary—her life could be at risk. Whatever Manmu Tower offered couldn't match her life.
"Solution?"
"I have a transfer method that ignores interference. Already tested it with Mi-ryeong."
I pulled Mirror Tunnel from my inventory. Sprinkled hot water on the mirror and activated it. The connected location on the other side appeared.
"...Impressive. Never seen a mystical item like this. A dharma treasure?"
"From another world."
"...Fine. You have a way. But that's not enough to convince me. What if you can't return on time? Seol would die."
I placed an Elixir on the table.
"Elixir. Cures any wound, disease, or curse instantly."
"The stuff of dreams. Other worlds have such marvels?"
"No lie."
"I know. I can tell truth from falsehood. And you're no scoundrel who'd gamble with Seol's life."
"I'll leave it here for emergencies."
"...You seem convinced it could cure the Nine Yin Severed Meridians. Which raises a question: why not use it?"
"Because it would erase the advantages too."
"The yin energy."
"Yes. It'll greatly aid Seol's growth."
"......"
Silence fell.
Wi-yu's cup emptied. She sighed.
"Return once a week, no exceptions. The Yin-Yang Harmony Great Technique needs consistency."
"Of course. Got more than one woman who'd miss me. I'll visit two or three times a week."
"I trust you, but that potion... I'm skeptical."
"Trust it. I stake my life on it. And even if..."
I trailed off. Wi-yu was my master, but also a woman I needed to conquer. Couldn't show all my cards.
Even if Nangong-seol died, I'd revive her.
I had the means.
With Wi-yu's permission, I tore a space movement scroll the next day.
Byeol-o City.
Where Seong Ji-gon and I met up for activities. Far from Anhui Province's Nangong Clan and his maternal clan's Hayang City, so we operated freely.
I appeared at our safehouse on the outskirts, prepped with Seong Ji-gon. Also our spot for nighttime fun.
"Yu-jin, come on in."
"Yeah. You look good."
"Same as always."
Seong Ji-gon, who'd arrived first, grinned and welcomed me. He'd declared independence from his clan to challenge Manmu Tower with me. Even without easy clan support, he was unfazed.
"Independence too soon?"
"That again? No regrets, Yu-jin. Miss plowing Mom and Grandma a bit, but ties aren't cut, so fine."
"...Grandma's pussy? You fucked your actual grandma?"
"Huh? Yeah. Caught her alone and went for it. Worried at first, but her position means she can't air family dirt. Had to shut up. And she didn't seem to hate it."
"Damn... you're a legend."
Was this the same nerdy Seong Ji-gon? The real one's mythical...
"Me, legendary? All thanks to you."
"...Learned from me?"
"Grabbed their weaknesses like you taught, made 'em submit. Old ladies are easy game. Waiting for death, they accept rape readily. Try it."
"...Nah, not into grannies."
I shook my head firmly. Seong Ji-gon showed no disappointment. He knew his tastes were unique.
"How's your sister, Seong So-jeong?"
"Sis? Pining for you. Turned down all marriage proposals from other lords, focusing on training."
Seong So-jeong.
Once called the top beauty of the Meteor Sword Sect before its fall. Her missing me? I licked my lips. Wanted to rush over for some physical talk.
No time now.
Two months until Manmu Tower opened. Had to reach Manmu City in time to enter.
"Yu-jin. Here."
Seong Ji-gon handed me a human skin mask. I put on the new one.
"Got it? Tomorrow to Manmu City."
"Yeah. Tomorrow's tomorrow—enjoy today. Found a great spot."
"Where?"
"Bingja Inn. Girls for my tastes and yours. Scoped it out. You'll love it. The daughter’s a famed village beauty, still a virgin."
"Virgin? Nice."
Seong Ji-gon and I eagerly headed to Bingja Inn.