Chapter 51
Chapter 51
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: Subduing Demon Hall
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This is my seventh life.
BOOM!!
I burst out of the stable without even a moment to collect my thoughts.
'Damn it! Fuck!!'
Coming back to life at this point wasn't all that surprising anymore. I'd already died and returned more than five times, and now I even had the Heavenly Dark Secret Book in my possession. At this stage, I could confidently say that having the Heavenly Dark Secret Book enabled my regressions.
What truly made me feel like shit, though, was realizing that despite repeating life and death over and over, I hadn't fundamentally changed at all. I'd stubbornly built up my martial arts and knowledge, but in the critical moments, my patience and wisdom always fell short, leading me to crumble under my own weight.
Right now, my self-loathing far outweighed any hatred for the Embroidered Uniform Guard that killed me. I wanted to kill myself on the spot.
Normally, I'd snap out of it and happily go grab the Heavenly Dark Secret Book or the Millennium Snow Ginseng, but not this time. The intense self-hatred drove me into the woods, where I vomited my guts out.
"Cough! Cough! Heave..."
After heaving up everything inside me, the sour stench of bile rose from the ground.
Why was I like this?
Had nothing changed about me at all?
[Heh... It was fun while it lasted.]
Mangryang's final laugh pierced my chest like a wedge, flashing in my mind.
He died because of me, in the end.
My wrong choice got someone else killed.
I'd thought it was enough. All those years building my martial prowess, all those years accumulating knowledge—I figured it was sufficient. But in reality, I'd relied on Mangryang's wisdom to solve most problems, and I lacked the composure to calmly think through my next moves. Even consuming the Millennium Snow Ginseng felt like a waste of time now.
I had to change.
I needed to change myself.
"...And now, I have to admit it."
I muttered softly.
I'd been thinking about it for a while, but the option of pursuing an ordinary life was gone for me. Having tasted the addiction of gaining power through regression with this secret art, I couldn't stop until I saw it through to the end. And there were still too many enemies left. I couldn't grow properly without the premise of [death] itself.
What I needed now was [power].
And my own mental growth!
To truly steel my resolve, I had to prepare myself to die and return a hundred times if necessary.
'Let's think this through carefully. Set aside immediate gains and stay objective...'
I pushed aside my self-loathing and began to think coldly and rationally. Traveling with Mangryang in my sixth life had given me a lot. He often told me to 'look at the bigger picture'—meaning I kept getting tripped up by my own schemes because I was too narrow-minded. I needed to broaden my perspective and find rational ways to resolve situations.
And I reached the conclusion that I still lacked power. Of course, I hadn't been oblivious to that from the start, but when I'd stepped in to stop the human sacrifice plot, I'd planned a quick decisive battle with the Embroidered Uniform Guard. My miscalculation was that Mangryang's master, Master Mangryang, or his junior, Cheon Woo-jin, had enough power to shake the world—but they had no intention of using it against the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
'Relying on others' power was my mistake.'
Even if I stepped up now and thwarted the Embroidered Uniform Guard's initial scheme, I expected the same outcome. Even without impersonating a White Lotus Cult Dharma Protector at Yellow Mountain Sect, their intelligence network would eventually uncover the culprit. No matter how well I fought in this situation, without the power to take down their Chief Commander, it would end the same.
'Taking down the Chief Commander... and ultimately defeating the Embroidered Uniform Guard. That's what I need.'
How much power would that take?
It was beyond my current imagination, but at least enough to shake the entire world. Even a natural genius would struggle to attain it after decades of fortuitous encounters and grueling effort. And yet, I had to obtain it. If I didn't want to witness another comrade's death.
Soon after, I finalized my plan.
"This time, I'll have nothing to do with the Embroidered Uniform Guard. And I'll train at the Azure Dragon Martial Hall, even if it takes decades."
This would be a grueling, painful life. I already possessed martial arts that could let me live lavishly as a Peak Expert if I wanted, yet I'd be slaving away as an instructor at the Azure Dragon Martial Hall for decades.
And if the timing didn't align—then I'd commit suicide. Until now, in all my regressions, I'd never planned to end my own life. But Mangryang's death and the subsequent failure had convinced me to actively utilize this regression ability.
This time would be different.
With my resolve hardened, I headed to the cave holding the Heavenly Dark Secret Book. I could have stolen the silver from the Village Chief's house, but since I'd be living at the Azure Dragon Martial Hall, a clean background was better, so I left it alone. I strode boldly into the cave with the Heavenly Dark Secret Book.
Fwoosh!
Whirr...
"...This is a breeze now."
This time, I didn't use any objects to dodge or block—I simply caught the arrows with my bare hands. With my thunder qi developed, my reflexes had reached an extreme level, allowing me to react and snatch even trap arrows in an instant. After clashing with First-Class and Peak Experts' ultimate techniques, this was child's play.
Tucking the Heavenly Dark Secret Book into my bosom, I dashed straight for Yellow Mountain Sect. On the way, I felt my lightness skill had improved further—it was proof I was using the internal energy flowing through my body far more efficiently than before. For example, in the past, I couldn't control my speed and had crashed into trees and rocks multiple times, but not once this time.
Tadak.
By the time I reached Yellow Mountain Sect, it felt like I'd shaved off a day or two compared to before. I'd barely eaten during the sprint. Strangely, despite the intense exertion draining my stamina and mental energy, I wasn't hungry or fatigued at all. My activated internal energy had elevated my body to true superhuman levels.
'First, borrow a pot from a nearby village to boil water in.'
I calmly scouted around, carefully checking for any sign of trouble like picking a fight with a Yellow Mountain Sect elder as before. I didn't rush carelessly, staying alert and scanning for presences. Sure enough, I spotted the Yellow Mountain Sect elder Cold Heaven Sword Gong Jae, whom I'd seen previously, wandering a misty path with his disciples.
'Hide.'
Concealing my presence in the brush, I heightened my hearing with internal energy. Moments later, Cold Heaven Sword Gong Jae's voice drifted over.
"...Every time we patrol, I realize just how vast this Yellow Mountain truly is. Don't you agree?"
"Yes, Master."
One disciple walking beside him with a lantern asked,
"But is it necessary to come out this far? This is pretty remote..."
"The world is chaotic these days, with bandit gangs and mountain thieves popping up now and then. If rumors spread that such scum are rampant around Yellow Mountain, it would tarnish our sect's reputation. We have to venture out like this occasionally to prevent that."
"Indeed..."
"That's enough for now. Let's head back and train. Your Cloud Dragon Eight Swords training is still lacking."
"Understood, Master."
After a while, their presences faded into the distance. I emerged from the brush long after, brushing off my clothes. A complicated feeling washed over me.
'Yellow Mountain Sect extorts huge tribute from the locals like a gangster sect, but the elders and disciples seem surprisingly ordinary. Can an organization's nature differ from its individuals'?'
From what I knew, Yellow Mountain Sect's sect leader was connected to the Wind God Style and the White Lotus Cult. Especially close with one of their Dharma Protectors. The White Lotus Cult wasn't openly branded a public enemy in the martial world, but their tense relations with the imperial court made them viewed with suspicion. Such deep ties were ominous.
Come to think of it, Yellow Mountain Sect had grown rapidly in recent years, earning a seat among the Nine Great Sects' fringes. The influence of the White Lotus Cult and Wind God Style was surely behind it. Digging into the roots of their martial arts might reveal more.
'But that's not for now... I'll look into it later when I have time.'
For now, I memorized the info and headed to the Millennium Snow Ginseng. Having come here countless times, I descended past the cave into the snowy field without issue. Using a pot borrowed from a nearby house, I boiled black and white lotuses, then consumed them with the Millennium Snow Ginseng.
Woooo—
No pain this time.
After circulating my energy, I felt my power surge stronger once more. The energy ceaselessly roaming my body gained even more vitality. However, unlike before, the growth rate seemed slightly lower, which was disappointing.
But that was because I couldn't fully utilize my existing internal energy yet. Unused power was accumulating without activation. Once my level rose, my internal energy could amplify dramatically.
"Whew, good enough."
Now I just needed to join the Azure Dragon Martial Hall like before, work as an instructor, and learn the Thunder God Style.
Even if the Embroidered Uniform Guard came recruiting, I'd refuse.
That should suffice.
As I shook off my stiff body and prepared to leap out—
Flash!
"......?"
I sensed a faint light flicker from the pond where I'd gathered the black and white lotuses. It was so subtle and ethereal that anyone but me would miss it. But my hyper-developed senses, beyond those of wild beasts, caught it. Curious, I approached the pond. Up close, a tiny glow emanated from inside. Even a seasoned martial artist might overlook it.
'What is that light?'
From the dark side of the lotus-choked pond. I needed to find out. Without hesitation, I dove in. I was a strong swimmer, so drowning wasn't a concern.
Splash.
Bubble bubble...
The dense lotus roots and stems made swimming tricky. But with my extreme internal energy, I could breathe through my skin, and my lung capacity was immense—I could hold my breath for at least half an hour. Leisurely parting the roots, I swam deeper.
A bit further in, I realized something astonishing.
"......!!"
This pond was insanely deep! Even after parting lotus roots, I'd dived over ten zhang, yet the bottom wasn't in sight. The light grew vivid enough for ordinary eyes.
Nearly at the source, I spotted strange carvings on a stone wall, with a mysterious stone gate. Clearly man-made, at its center glowed an unidentified round orb—likely the light's source.
'Who knew something like this was in the black and white lotus pond...'
I pondered, then decided to remove the orb. Perfectly embedded in the gate's center, it might be holding it shut.
Rumble rumble rumble!!
Spot on. Yanking the orb free, the stone gate rolled open with a crack, revealing an underwater passage. Strangely, not a drop of water entered despite the sudden opening. Stepping inside, breathable air filled the tunnel.
"How is this possible?"
Amazed, I examined the passage. The pond water seemed blocked by an invisible membrane. And the air was perfectly breathable. It defied common sense.
I'd come this far—might as well explore deeper.
Step step.
The passage spiraled downward like a vortex staircase. Torches lined the walls, bright enough for ordinary folk. I stayed cautious for traps, but found none.
"......"
Descending far, a vast cavern opened up. Torches made it reasonably lit. In the center stood a bizarre altar. Overwhelmed by its eerie aura, I hesitated but decided to investigate.
I examined nearby jars and stones one by one. Jars empty, stones ordinary. No musty smell in this dark, damp place was odd too.
My gaze shifted to the altar. Unknown script—another unreadable strange tongue like the Heavenly Dark Secret Book. Couldn't decipher it.
Then—
[...Blood... Draw... Awaken.....]
"Huh...?"
I jolted.
Somehow, I grasped fragments of the altar stone's script! I'd never studied it, so baffling. Not fully translatable, I pieced together words.
Result: [Drip blood on the altar, and something happens.] Likely wrist blood. Doubts swirled, but I couldn't ignore it. I sliced my wrist lightly with my dagger.
Drip.
Blood fell, flowing along the altar's patterns into holes.
Rumble rumble rumble...
"It opens...?!"
A plain stone wall parted, revealing another door. Entering, blinding light assaulted me.
Eyes stinging!
"...That!!"
Across a cavern roughly thirty zhang wide, something emitted radiant light. Treasure or weapon, no doubt—its brilliance was unnatural.
Whoosh.
Problem: the cavern was a bottomless pit like an abyss. A single log bridge stretched straight across to the glow. Excited by the unexpected treasure, I took one step—
[Be cautious on paths with obvious intent. It means there's definitely a trap.]
Mangryang's travel advice echoed suddenly.
'Right. Stay careful.'
Wary, I retracted my foot and stayed at the entrance. Better safe in times like these.
And that choice proved right.
Rooooar...
Boiling sounds rose from the abyss, sticky thuds climbing the walls.
Holding still and silent at the entrance, soon—
CRASH!
Something massive shattered the bridge's center and surged up!
BOOM BOOM.
From the darkness—it was a spider!
A colossal spider, dozens of zhang across, with scores of gleaming eyes, burst from the pit. It stuck silk to the ceiling, clinging and rolling its eyes for intruders. I ducked behind the passage.
'Damn. Crossing that bridge naively would've gotten me devoured helplessly.'
Would I regress from being eaten alive?
Even if I did, my sanity would shatter. Grateful for Mangryang's wisdom, I pondered next moves.
Bridge broken, I'd need to leap thirty zhang. But with the giant spider watching from the ceiling, dodging its attacks mid-leap was impossible, even for me.
Screeech screeech.
Freshly awakened, it wove a web on the ceiling, claiming the cavern as nest. Once complete, no one could breach it for the treasure. Bare-handed, the spider was formidable; with web advantage, invincible.
'...What now?'
I gauged time and distance, then resolved.
"I'll think after dying!!"
Fwoosh!
Before worsening, I leaped into the cavern's center. At fifteen zhang, the spider reacted, shooting silk. I unleashed Thunder Spirit Finger Qi, slashing it with my dagger.
Clang!
Ignoring the sticky adhesion, the qi repelled it; numb hand aside, the rebound propelled me across. Landing opposite, I examined the radiant 'something.'
A sword!
Ancient, crude, impractical—primitive from ancient battlefields millennia ago. Yet its blade emanated golden light, radiating intense qi rivaling my internal energy.
I realized the ceiling spider guarded this sword. The altar script likely warned of a guardian trial. I'd glimpsed such words.
'...Guardian?'
Suddenly, Master Mangryang's tale resurfaced.
'No way... this is!!'
One of the Seven Luminaries' treasures!
Was this ancient sword the relic of one of the seven sages? As shock hit—
Shrrr shrrr.
The spider spewed silk from its body. At terrifying speed, the torrent threatened to blanket dozens of zhang. No way for me to pierce that waterfall or recross.
"Damn... If I had Sword Gang, maybe."
Bittersweet smile. Cold judgment: no win, no escape.
Squelch.
"Urk..."
I ruptured my heart meridian, self-destructing.
Better than being devoured alive.
This was my seventh death.