A Life of Luxury and the Heartless Tribulation
The life in the Orthodox Alliance's Gyeongbin Pavilion, which he had expected to be peaceful, turned utterly opulent in the blink of an eye.
The factions trying to win the favor of the new Transcendent expert Han Yujin had not limited themselves to sending only women.
All manner of gold, silver, and treasures arrived at the pavilion as gifts, along with various artworks such as paintings and jade carvings. Among them was even the Return Jade Sword, which, though it sat at the very bottom of the Hundred Great Swords, was undeniably a treasured blade.
It appeared to be forged from gray translucent jade, yet possessed a metallic texture with surprising elasticity that made its material all the more intriguing. Unfortunately, since it was not a Dharma weapon, it was nothing more than a decorative piece to Han Yujin.
The endless parade of mountain and sea delicacies that began appearing at his table for every meal made him anticipate mealtimes instinctively, even though his body no longer needed sustenance. Simply wondering what dish might appear today was enough to lift his spirits.
And finally.
He could not avoid mentioning the women again.
There were perfectly good reasons why the beauty trap, so obvious in this situation, remained remarkably effective.
Humans are creatures bound by instinct to be weak to the opposite sex's seduction. Merely being tempted fills one's self-esteem. They believe they hold the power of choice, and their psychological defenses easily grow lax.
Those with little experience who nevertheless considered themselves intelligent tended to fall for it even more readily. After all, many viewed becoming the target of such a scheme not as unpleasant but as a subtle badge of pride.
Yes.
This kind of beauty trap was proof of one's success.
Therefore, it was a truly masterful scheme that allowed both the user and the target to meet again later with pleasant feelings, regardless of whether the plan ultimately succeeded or failed.
Had he not already reached the Dharma Soul stage and strengthened his mental fortitude accordingly, Han Yujin reflected, he might have fallen for it despite knowing better. With that thought, he continued his life in the Gyeongbin Pavilion.
The main reason he neither drove them away nor distanced himself was the possibility that it might aid his cultivation.
To advance from the Dharma Soul stage to the Core Formation stage, one had to undergo two transformations.
Upon first reaching the Dharma Soul stage, the Dharma Power emitted by the soul felt close to a gas. When it thickened to the consistency of liquid, one could consider it the mid stage. When it grew even denser, like a solid, that marked the late stage.
The crucial point was that with each such advancement, the nature of the Dharma Soul could cause a side effect: the cultivator's emotions would grow dull.
If this was not resolved through appropriate experiences and stimulation, one might eventually become indifferent to all things, losing not only the drive for self-realization but even the will to live itself—the worst possible state.
This was none other than the first of the notorious Three Tribulations of Cultivation: the Heartless Tribulation.
Its exact timing and manner of arrival could not be predicted. The solutions varied wildly, and how long it might take was equally impossible to foresee.
According to the texts he had read, there were cases of cultivators facing the Heartless Tribulation the moment they reached the Dharma Soul stage, only resolving it after arriving at the mid Core Formation stage.
There were also accounts stating it must absolutely be overcome before the Nascent Soul stage. This was to prepare for the second of the Three Tribulations: the Soul Splitting Tribulation.
In any case.
For that reason, Han Yujin approached the luxurious life in the Gyeongbin Pavilion with caution, yet he did not reject it. He enjoyed it to the fullest, thinking such experiences would be necessary at least once, even apart from the Heartless Tribulation.
About four days passed in this manner.
Dok Junseong, having completed his request a little earlier than scheduled, came to visit. While digesting his new martial knowledge, Han Yujin also began researching the Awakening Herb and Awakening Incense.
It was truly a bountiful yet busy stretch of days.
Clink.
“Mm, thank you.”
In a small multipurpose room in one corner of the Gyeongbin Pavilion—now serving as Han Yujin’s makeshift workshop—he was testing the Awakening Incense with various powders when Eun Miryeong arrived with tea and snacks. He thanked her out of habit. She bowed silently and began to withdraw, careful not to disturb him.
“Wait.”
Han Yujin called out to her without thinking and gestured to the seat across from him.
“I was about to take a break anyway. Let’s chat for a bit.”
“Yes, Eun-gong.”
She—who had begun addressing him as Eun-gong at some point—obediently took the offered seat.
Even when he examined her with his divine sense, he detected no discomfort. Instead, her earlobes flushed faintly, just as they had once before. She seemed genuinely pleased.
No matter how I look at it, it’s not my imagination.
It appeared Eun Miryeong truly liked him. Far more sincerely than the other maids.
He didn’t know the exact reason, but the fact that a beauty like her held affection for him made Han Yujin’s own heart flutter slightly.
Contrary to what the people here assumed, he was not actually that old. With limited romantic experience, it was difficult not to feel shaken in such a situation.
That said, it was hardly enough to make him lose his composure.
It was simply a mild, natural sentiment. Therefore, when Han Yujin spoke, his demeanor remained exactly as it always was.
“Even though you volunteered, it must get boring. Are there any inconveniences?”
“No, Eun-gong. If anything, the abundance makes things difficult.”
“The lifestyle here does tend to be like that. I can imagine how you feel, but the people’s goodwill is rather excessive.”
After a few rounds of light conversation, he asked, “Does staying here not harm your reputation?”
“There are always malicious slanderers no matter where one goes. This was the only way I could think of to repay Eun-gong.”
“I didn’t act with any expectation of repayment. Still, if you’re not uncomfortable, that’s what matters. If you ever wish to leave, speak freely at any time.”
“Yes, Eun-gong.”
“By the way.”
He had not called her over without purpose.
“While I was in the library here, I looked over some of the Hyunbaek Sect’s martial arts. May I ask you about a few points I’m curious about?”
“Please ask. I will answer to the best of my ability without bringing disgrace upon my sect.”
Han Yujin nodded and began questioning her primarily about the developmental direction of the Hyunbaek Sect’s martial arts. Eun Miryeong answered diligently within the bounds of what she could reveal.
At that moment, a maid delivered news that Seogwang Gahu had come to visit.
Thinking the timing perfect, Han Yujin invited him in at once. Upon entering and seeing Eun Miryeong beside Han Yujin, Seogwang Gahu paused briefly before offering a respectful greeting.
“I greet the Great Hero.”
“You’ve come at just the right time. I happened to see some of the Seogwang Clan’s martial arts in the library here. Would it be all right to ask you a few questions about them?”
“Ah… Yes. Please ask.”
“First, have a seat.”
Thus, an unexpected discussion on martial arts took shape.
Since it was an opportunity to speak of the Dao with a Transcendent expert, both Eun Miryeong—who had been present from the start—and Seogwang Gahu participated with genuine enthusiasm.
“However.”
Something suddenly occurred to Han Yujin.
“What brought you here in the first place?”
“Ah!”
Seogwang Gahu looked as if he might slap his own forehead as he recalled his original purpose.
“The Alliance Leader said that all the map fragments should be gathered within a few days and asked us to prepare.”
“So that was the matter.”
He had nearly finished digesting the martial knowledge, and his analysis of the Awakening Herb and Incense had yielded sufficient results.
“Tell him to inform me again when it is time to depart.”
“Yes, Great Hero.”
“Also, I would like to visit the Seogwang Clan later. Would it be all right to seek you out then?”
“Of course!”
He repeated with great joy, two or three times, that Han Yujin should leave everything to him. Han Yujin smiled and nodded repeatedly in response.
He did not seem to be a friend of evil character. The thought that he had done well to forgive him that day rose in Han Yujin’s mind.
It took roughly five days for all the map fragments to be collected and the exploration party to set out.
All Han Yujin had done was wait in perfect calm before departing with the rest.
As a minor incident, he rode a horse for the first time in his life. Drawing on every ounce of his Dharma Soul stage perception, bodily control, and sheer effort, he barely managed to display riding skills that avoided looking completely awkward.
I broke into a cold sweat.
He could have simply ridden in a carriage or cart, but unnecessary pride had driven him to suffer through it.
Still, having avoided embarrassment, he considered it fortunate and began the leisurely journey. Eun Miryeong and Seogwang Gahu, who had voluntarily attached themselves to him, accompanied the group.
Eun Miryeong had been his maid since the Gyeongbin Pavilion, so that was natural. Seogwang Gahu, however, had somehow taken it upon himself to act as Han Yujin’s assistant. He spent the entire journey anxious that he could not be of more help.
Thanks to them, the travel was comfortable. In truth, their assistance was almost entirely unnecessary for a cultivator like Han Yujin.
The one who benefited most unexpectedly was Mu-yong.
Eun Miryeong had somehow discerned the little one’s gluttony and brought all sorts of snacks to win her favor. By the time they reached their destination after a week of travel, the two had grown so close that Mu-yong would fall asleep nestled in her arms.
It was not mere performance. She genuinely adored Mu-yong. Having sensed that sincerity, the little one had completely lowered her guard.
As a side note, Dok Junseong—who had declared himself Han Yujin’s disciple—had his own duties as the Black Tiger Unit’s leader during this expedition. He only came by regularly to greet his master and could not remain at his side.
In any case.
The destination they finally reached was an unnamed ancient tomb complex hidden within a remote basin.
It was puzzling how a place containing so many ancient tombs had remained unknown until now. But soon enough,
Han Yujin identified the reason himself before the Orthodox Alliance’s formation masters could discover it.
A concealment formation was installed. It looks like someone broke it recently.
A single light sweep with his divine sense and spiritual eyes was enough to deduce as much.
“Contrary to expectations, there has been no interference at all. It feels almost too empty.”
These half-joking words came from the Orthodox Alliance Leader, who had been looking after the group after their arrival and now approached Han Yujin.
“That’s good for me. I’ve already received my full compensation, after all.”
“Haha…”
“Shall we begin the proper exploration of the tombs now?”
The Alliance Leader nodded readily.
“Indeed. Though I called it empty, it seems this will take considerable time. I suspect we may face at least one attempt at interference.”
“In that case, I’ll help with the exploration work.”
“Hm?”
The Alliance Leader raised his eyebrows in puzzlement. Exploring ancient tomb complexes was the domain of formation masters and mechanism specialists. High martial prowess did not necessarily translate into help.
However, Han Yujin had no intention of simply standing around wasting time.
Besides, making a significant contribution here would instantly become fame. It would clear away many obstacles for his future activities.
“I’ll identify where everything is and resolve it all for you.”
“But… how?”
Han Yujin glanced at Mu-yong, who was yawning widely while nestled in Eun Miryeong’s arms, and said,
“Like this.”
Immediately afterward, his figure vanished as if melting into the earth. The only trace was a faint glow racing across the surface toward the tomb complex at incredible speed. Everyone who witnessed the sight was stunned.
“Wh-what…?!”
Even the Orthodox Alliance Leader, who prided himself on having seen everything under the sun, stuttered, unable to comprehend what bizarre technique he had just witnessed. The other martial artists around him were no different.
Only Eun Miryeong and Seogwang Gahu, though greatly surprised, also looked as if they understood somewhat. This drew the Alliance Leader’s attention.
“What in the world… Do you two happen to know what technique that was?”
His gaze focused especially on Eun Miryeong, who was holding Mu-yong—now something of a trademark for Han Yujin.
She hesitated briefly before answering carefully.
“Eun-gong is special in many ways. Even the technique he used against Emma Goju before was…”
Right at that moment, Mu-yong, who had been watching her master’s receding presence, leaped from Eun Miryeong’s arms. She too vanished into the ground with a faint glow, racing after him at high speed.
“Huh…?!”
The surrounding martial artists were shocked once more, and an unreadable light flashed in the Alliance Leader’s eyes.
What suddenly rose in his mind was Han Yujin’s earlier proposal to trade martial arts with each other.
Meanwhile, Han Yujin—who had revealed his earth evasion technique without hesitation—held a very simple and clear thought.
In this martial world, there was no one capable of countering his earth evasion art. Moreover, since it was not his only escape method, revealing this much of his hand was merely an investment for smoother handling of affairs.
“Hm?”
As he advanced rapidly, he sensed Mu-yong’s presence following behind. He chuckled and paused briefly to wait for her. At her current Initiation stage level, failing to wait might cause her to run out of energy midway and become trapped underground.
He took the arriving Mu-yong into his arms and asked,
“Why did you insist on following?”
“Jjik! Jjijik!”
“You seem to be getting along well with Eun Miryeong lately, but no matter what, your big brother is still better, huh?”
“Jjijik! Jjik!”
“Yes, that’s how it should be. After all, look at how I raised you!”
After petting Mu-yong for a moment, he resumed his movement.
Upon reaching the first tomb, he scanned its internal structure at once with his divine sense. He identified every mechanism and formation, then used a simple confusion technique to trigger them all slightly.
Boom! Rumble…! Crash!
The mechanisms and formations, activated in vain, produced quite a noisy uproar. Steel spikes shot fiercely from the empty corridors, while formations spewed wind mixed with poisonous mist before triggering explosions.
A short while later, after confirming that all threats had been eliminated, he followed the passage connected from the first tomb toward the second.
What followed was little different from the first instance.
Those who had installed these traps in the tomb complex could never have imagined, even in their wildest dreams, that someone capable of moving freely through the earth like Han Yujin existed.
The structure is far larger and more complex than I expected.
In any case, this tomb complex was clearly no ordinary place.
It was so vast that calling it a small underground city would not be an exaggeration. Although coffins and burial goods could be detected, these were by no means simple tombs.
The fact that mechanisms and formations had been installed with such extreme thoroughness was itself a significant question. It was clearly excessive if the sole purpose had been to deter grave robbers.
If they had attempted excavation using the orthodox methods of the martial world, the casualties would have been severe, and it might have taken several months.
Considering that the concealment formation appeared to have been broken by someone recently, this entire map fragment affair had to be a conspiracy with a clear mastermind behind it.
Unfortunately for that mastermind, Han Yujin had no interest in playing along.
He would simply confirm what lay sleeping in this tomb complex that seemed connected to him. If he could help the Orthodox Alliance and gain fame in the process, it would be killing two birds with one stone.
He spent barely a few minutes on each tomb and rapidly broke through the fairly expansive complex. He did not neglect to examine everything with his divine sense for any noteworthy treasures.
Then, at last, he reached the center of the complex—the largest and most solidly constructed tomb. The instant his divine sense detected something horrific, he froze.
“Ugh……”
The sound escaped him involuntarily. The area beneath the tomb was packed with countless white bones.
The soil was well-packed and contained no interfering spiritual energy, so he could have passed through using earth evasion without issue. Emotionally, however, he had no desire to do so.
Taking a long detour, he emerged inside the central tomb. As he looked around the chamber that felt disturbingly like a torture room, he tried to gauge what had taken place here.
It is clear that large-scale human experimentation occurred……
What drew his attention first were naturally the books neatly arranged on one side.
Made from a cloth-like material rather than paper, the texts showed no signs of decay despite their considerable age. Thanks to this, reading their contents was remarkably easy.
A short while later, after scanning and comprehending everything with his divine sense, a strange expression filled Han Yujin’s face.
They managed to research a method to cultivate Original Power.
Original Power was the exact force he had seen in the Taiji Member Art within the Ohaeng Sect ruins—the power capable of permanently strengthening both body and soul.
It was a force clearly superior to ordinary spiritual energy, much like Dharma Power, and one that would undoubtedly suit the body-oriented martial artists of the murim even better.
However……
As he mulled over the contents further and compared them with the Taiji Member Art, he immediately identified the critical flaw in the technique found here.
The concept was sound, but they skipped far too many intermediate steps. Cultivating it as written would result in ninety-nine out of a hundred dying from qi deviation.
To use an analogy, it was like attempting to create and wield Dharma Power without first forming a Dharma Soul.
But I can supplement this technique sufficiently.
Clear interest and anticipation shone in Han Yujin’s eyes.
If I combine it well with the martial arts of this world, it could give birth to a divine art that would be the absolute best possible for those lacking talent, like Wi Haran.
He was unsure how useful it would be for himself, but if he successfully spread it on Earth, the Karma he would obtain would be tremendous.