A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation

The Vice-Sect Master of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Jin Hwi, doubted his own sanity.

He had taken him to the Scripture Pavilion in the morning, given him the Accumulating Lightning Technique, and taught him the basics.

He had thought he would figure out how to form the Law-Transformation Dantian on his own.

Since Jin Hwi himself is a Heavenly Spiritual Root, and he managed to easily create the Law-Transforming Dantian, he thought Seo Eun-hyun, born with a Lighting Sacred Body, would naturally do the same.

Of course, he thought memorizing the true words for the 1st Star of Qi Refining might be a bit confusing and would take a few days.

Jin Hwi had thought so because that was his own experience.

'No, fine. Let's say due to his legendary qualities, he can quickly surpass the 1st Star of Qi Refining. Since the 2nd Star is linked to the first, let's assume he can surpass that too. But…'

Jin Hwi swallows hard, unable to comprehend the unfathomable genius before him with his common sense.

'To learn the Accumulating Lightning Technique in the morning and reach the 6th Star of Qi Refining by evening? How does that even make sense?'

And it seems the others around Jin Hwi feel the same, as everyone looks at Seo Eun-hyun as if he is a monster.

Including the Vice-Sect Leader Jin Hwi, the Sect Leader Jin Lin, the Supreme Sect Master Jin Byuk-ho, and all the elders gathered in front of Seo Eun-hyun's residence.

Surrounding Seo Eun-hyun!

"So… you're saying you gave him the Accumulating Lightning Technique this morning?"

"Yes."

Jin Hwi nods.

Jin Byuk-ho opens his mouth in disbelief.

"…Are you really sure you just taught him now? Could it be that you secretly taught him when he joined the Flying Immortal Platform?"

"No, with all due respect, Supreme Sect Master, do you think that makes any sense? Instead, I'd like to ask you a question. I heard you first met this boy in the lower realm and tested his talent. Was he really just a mortal then? Not at the 6th Star of Qi Refining?"

"No. To be precise, he was on the verge of entering the Qi Gathering stage. Yes… I see now."

Jin Byuk-ho nods and speaks.

"He was originally just entering the Qi Gathering stage. Perhaps he already knew about the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words, the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gangs Decrees, the Twelve Branches, the Ten Heavenly Stems, the Nine Palaces, and the Eight Trigrams. Doesn't that make sense?"

"Didn't the Supreme Sect Master just verify it? This boy's accumulation of the 6th Star of Qi Refining isn't simply due to external techniques. It's purely through the Accumulating Lightning Technique that he reached the 6th Star!"

"…"

"Knowing the formulas of external techniques and reaching Qi Refining 6th Star so quickly with the Accumulating Lightning Technique? Unless one madly abandons all their cultivation and repeats the process of Understanding before Breakthrough numerous times, it's impossible!"

"Hmm… So what are you trying to say?"

Jin Byuk-ho asks, somewhat excitedly stirred by Jin Hwi.

Jin Hwi exclaims with a bewildered expression.

"Match him with So-hae! If not for a talent like So-hae, we absolutely cannot accommodate this boy's insane talent!"

"Hmm!"

As the discussion turns to Jin So-hae, Jin Byuk-ho's great granddaughter, Jin Byuk-ho frowns slightly.

Jin Hwi points excitedly at Seo Eun-hyun.

"If not So-hae, then the dual cultivation partners for this boy should be chosen from the Nascent Soul stage elders to balance it out. In my 1,050 years of life, I've never encountered such a nonsensical understanding (悟性/Aptitude for Understanding)! Eun-hyun, show them."

At Jin Hwi's excited command, Seo Eun-hyun steps forward and calmly displays the hand signs of the Seventy-Two Earthly Shas.

The spiritual natures of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Decrees, the Twelve Branches' spiritual energies, the Ten Heavenly Stems' changes are all perfectly demonstrated.

Not only that, but he also mastered the principles of the Nine Palaces and the Eight Trigrams, leaving Jin Byuk-ho and the other elders speechless with admiration.

"Perfect…"

"He grasped the principles of the Seventy-Two Earthly Sha True Words with the Accumulating Lightning Technique?"

"It's like looking at children who have perfected their state after years of Understanding before Breakthrough, rather than Breakthrough before Understanding. That's how flawless it is."

Amidst the elders' praises, Seo Eun-hyun's eyes flicker, but no one notices.

"Certainly, his talent is beyond belief. It's exciting to think how much he will grow after the Seven Stars Ritual. No need for Qi Building Pills or anything with such an exceptional understanding. And on top of that, such a person has the Sacred Lightning Body and possesses a consciousness of the Nascent Soul stage…"

Jin Byuk-ho, who had been dumbfounded for a moment, bursts into laughter.

"Hahahaha! Good! Good indeed, it's time for the 120,000-year reputation of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect to resound through the world again!"

Laughing heartily, Jin Byuk-ho stamps his foot.

Koong!

Behind him, a chair made of earth rises as if sprouting from the ground, then melts into glass under the lightning emanating from Jin Byuk-ho's body.

Sitting on the glass throne, Jin Byuk-ho laughs heartily, emitting streaks of lightning.

"Since So-hae has a Wall Force Constitution, suggesting her as a dual cultivation partner for someone with a Lightning Sacred Body makes sense. If they become partners, they could unleash tremendous power. However... I'm sorry, but I promised her parents that I would let her choose her own partner."

Jin Byuk-ho looks at Seo Eun-hyun and continues with a joyous smile.

"If you want to match that kid with So-hae, then make the kid win So-hae over. Otherwise, it would be better to just assign a Nascent Soul stage female elder from our sect."

"Hmm…"

"And, if the Lightning Sacred Body is like this, imagine how exceptional Jeon Myeong-hoon, who can be considered the reincarnation of our ancestor with the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, must be!"

Jin Byuk-ho looks happily in one direction.

That is where Jeon Myeong-hoon is receiving education from Jin So-hae.

"Personally, as So-hae's ancestor, I wish for So-hae to be matched with someone who possesses the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body, the symbol of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. But who knows how that will turn out. However, if that happens, So-hae might actually be the one lacking in comparison. Hahaha! Having two such talented geniuses enter our sect is indeed a great fortune that could bring back the glory of 120,000 years ago!"

Jin Byuk-ho, genuinely happy, stands up from his temporary throne and walks over to Seo Eun-hyun, patting him on the shoulder.

"All of the sect is placing their hopes on you, Seo Eun-hyun. Do not disappoint us."

"Yes, I will bear that in mind."

"Yes, yes. If the Lightning Sacred Body is like this, I can't help but be excited about how outstanding the true heir to the ancestry's Heavenly Golden Thunder Body will be! I hope So-hae finishes instilling manners in him as soon as possible. Hahaha!"

Feeling ecstatic, Jin Byuk-ho can't stop laughing as he floats into the air.

"In our sect, there is a system called merit points, where members are awarded for undertaking the sect's missions, and these points can be used to borrow or obtain the sect's techniques, pills, magic artifacts, and dharma treasures. But! As the Supreme Sect Master, I decree, from this moment on, Seo Eun-hyun and Jeon Myeong-hoon, the two geniuses of the sect, will be exempt from the merit points system! Provide them with whatever they want! Understood?"

"Yes!"

After finishing his declaration, Jin Byuk-ho flies away using the Flying Escape Technique, his smile stretching ear to ear.

'The golden lightning and intent are indistinguishable.'

I chuckle to myself as I observe the golden lightning and the golden intent emanating from Jin Byuk-ho.

Then, turning my head towards the pavilion where Jeon Myeong-hoon is located, I pinder.

'Having attracted so much attention from the very beginning, Jeon Myeong-hoon will have no choice but to dedicate himself to cultivation, whether he likes it or not.'

Honestly, during my 15th reincarnation.

I was quite surprised when I first met Jeon Myeong-hoon in his normal state.

It was impossible for someone with such insane talent to still be at the Core Formation stage unless they had spent decades just fooling around.

'This time, I'll provide the stimulation myself.'

Not just that.

If he doesn't understand, I'll use the methods of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect to instill it in him. If that still doesn't work, I'll resort to brainwashing like Seo Hweol to forcibly elevate his cultivation.

'The Heavenly Lightning Banner was afraid of Jeon Myeong-hoon's touch.'

I clearly remember that moment.

When Jeon Myeong-hoon held the Heavenly Lightning Banner, it feared his Heavenly Golden Thunder Body.

'Once he regains his cultivation, controlling the Heavenly Lightning Banner should also be possible.'

Doing so might even make sealing the banner within the Head Realm easier.

Of course, there is a possibility that Jeon Myeong-hoon won't listen to me.

In preparation for that, I too must increase my strength.

I resolved to rapidly advance my cultivation so as not to fall behind Jeon Myeong-hoon and decided to follow my master, Jin Hwi, to perform the Seven Stars Ritual on Thunder Cloud Peak in a few days.

"Fortunately, the archives of the Thunder Cloud Pavilion had materials on the constellations of the Bright Cold Realm. Study and learn from these."

"Yes."

I had already memorized all the constellations, but I pretend to listen to Jin Hwi's instructions and quickly flip through the book.

"Honestly, your Seven Stars Ritual will likely go smoothly. So now let's decide who you'll bring as your dual cultivation partner after the ritual."

"…"

At those words, I inadvertently let out a sigh.

'To pair me with a Nascent Soul stage female elder?'

Most cultivators in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect already have dual cultivation partners, being mostly in matrimonial relationships, whether men or women.

To assign a Nascent Soul stage dual cultivation partner to me meant one of two things: she is either a widow or someone who has cultivated techniques like the Taiji Quaking Lightning Body to the point where their gender is indistinguishable.

'Either option is unappealing…'

Moreover, since I had previously avoided being assigned a dual cultivation partner under the pretext of the Seven Stars Ritual, it will not be easy to avoid this time.

'No choice then.'

After being paired, I'll immediately enter secluded cultivation to recover my Heavenly Tribe Nascent Soul stage cultivation.

Then, as a Nascent Soul stage elder, I can say I no longer need a dual cultivation partner.

'Considering there are quite a few Nascent Soul stage female cultivators who have not sought another partner after becoming widows, it seems not mandatory to have a dual cultivation partner after becoming an elder.'

That will solve everything!

I internally make plans and simply nod for now.

"…Understood."

"Good, good. After your Seven Stars Ritual, your dual cultivation partner will be Grand Elder Hong."

"…Yes?"

'Grand Elder? Not an Elder but a Grand Elder?'

The term 'Grand Elder' implies someone at the Heavenly Being stage.

"The late Heavenly Being stage Grand Elder Hong will be assigned as your dual cultivation partner. Do you understand?"

"…I see. What kind of person is this Grand Elder Hong? Is she among the elders who came to see me earlier?"

"No. Grand Elder Hong is someone who usually doesn't leave her quarters no matter what happens… As for what kind of person she is…"

Jin Hwi seems to ponder about Grand Elder Hong and then awkwardly smiles.

"Um… um… She's a good person. Just a bit… unique. So much so that all her previous dual cultivation partners ran away… But her nature isn't bad."

"…"

I can't help but ask incredulously at that moment.

"Why would the dual cultivation partners want to run away… from Grand Elder Hong?"

"Grand Elder Hong is… well, actually…."

"…"

"Uuum…"

After letting out a sigh, Jin Hwi reveals the truth.

"Because Grand Elder Hong has been conducting human experiments on her dual cultivation partners, attempting to manifest the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's legendary constitutions."

"…"

Upon hearing this, I instantly realize that Grand Elder Hong is no less a madman than the Mad Lord.

"…Aren't I a valuable asset to the sect?"

"That's correct. However, Grand Elder Hong, with your Lightning Sacred Body, wouldn't dare to treat you recklessly. Moreover, her goal has been to manifest legendary constitutions, and you are essentially the target she has been aiming for."

"What about the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body?"

"Grand Elder Hong has not dared to overstep towards the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body. She has always targeted the Lightning Sacred Body, so she will definitely not harm you."

"…Are you sure?"

I ask skeptically, trying to read Jin Hwi's intent.

Could it be, Master, that you've already agreed upon this with Grand Elder Hong?"

Caught by my pointed question, Jin Hwi breaks into a cold sweat and suddenly bows his head.

"I'm sorry, my disciple! That madwoman, Grand Elder Hong, threatened to cause a scene if she couldn't have you, so I thought I'd at least pass the message!"

"…"

"If you truly dislike it, I'll switch to an ordinary widowed Nascent Soul stage elder. Grand Elder Hong might throw a tantrum, but…would it compare to the time when the Mad Lord came to the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and wreaked havoc? The Supreme Sect Master will take care of it… probably…."

"…"

'This…'

Although I am somewhat dumbfounded by 'Grand Elder Hong', the more I think about it, the more appealing it seems.

'Not bad?'

Grinning, I think,

'She wants to experiment on me?'

Unless she intends to completely transform me like the Mad Lord, I can tolerate that level.

Moreover, I consider the potential benefits of her infamous reputation.

'Using her attempts to experiment on me as an excuse, I can either run away within the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect or even escape outside, and everyone would just nod understandingly.'

Jin Hwi's reaction gave a clear picture of what kind of a lunatic Grand Elder Hong is.

She might not be as bad as the Mad Lord, but she is certainly crazy.

'Moreover, if it's not a Nascent Soul stage elder but a late Heavenly Being stage elder…'

I can get much more advice on the Lightning Path Methods from her.

Of course, dealing with insane people often means normal logic will not apply.

However, as mad as she might be, could she really be as bad as the Mad Lord?

Having adapted to the Mad Lord's logic, I feel confident I can get used to her too.

And most importantly,

'If she really is a madwoman intent on experimenting on me, I might become less attached than I anticipated.'

Planning to evade human experimentation as an excuse to roam freely without truly forming a dual cultivation partnership, watching her chase me and throw fits would prevent any emotional attachment from forming.

'Even with regression, there won't be a shock to my psyche.'

That is the most appealing aspect.

Of course, having decided to become part of the same sect family, I will likely develop some affection for my comrades in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.

But she won't come close to being part of the 'family' I will intensely bond with.

'That way, the shock upon regression will be… somewhat lessened.'

With that in mind, I accept Jin Hwi's proposition. He, unsure of what to do, exudes a mix of gratitude and remorse.

The day of the Seven Stars Ritual arrived.

I climb onto the altar Jin Hwi has prepared and begin the ritual.

Kugugugu―

Inevitably, dark clouds gather again, severing the connection to the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

Seeing this, Jin Hwi's eyes narrow.

"What's this… Isn't today the auspicious date for the ritual? It can't be… I checked everything."

"Master, what are those clouds?"

"Hmm, it seems today isn't the auspicious date after all."

"From what I know, such clouds can be dispelled by the ritual's participant themselves without any issue for the ritual. Is that correct?"

"That's true, but… you're only at the 6th Star of Qi Refining. How can you possibly…"

Before Jin Hwi can finish,

I draw upon the Accumulating Lightning Technique and extend my hand towards the sky.

Then, using the power of the Heavenly Lightning I had harnessed when I advanced to the Qi Building stage with demon beast methods, I unleash it with both hands.

Kwarrrrrrung!

The azure lightning from my hands ascend towards the sky, tearing through the clouds to clear a path for the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

Witnessing this, Jin Hwi's eyes widen in disbelief.

"What in the world is this…."

So surprised is Jin Hwi that, during the rest of the Seven Stars Ritual, he couldn't even think to assist me. He just stood there, dumbfoundedly watching me.

Crackle, fizz!

Swoosh―

Receiving the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, I confirm that I have regained the vision of the Heaven Tribe.

I have reached the 7th Star of Qi Refining.

The accomplishments of my Accumulating Lightning Technique have expanded even further, and I feel as though a path that had been blocked is now clear.

"Master, I have completed the Seven Stars Ritual."

"How... how did you manage to produce such lightning with the Accumulating Lightning Technique…"

"Who knows, it just worked when I tried."

"Heh, hehehehehe…"

Jin Hwi, initially wearing a look of disbelief, begins to genuinely laugh.

"Hehe…hahahaha! Yes, yes!"

It seems he has finally come to accept my talent.

"This is the power of the Lightning Sacred Body! Truly a blessing for our sect. If the Lighting Sacred Body is this impressive, just how extraordinary must the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body of our Ancestor be! Ah! Ancestor, you truly watch over our sect!"

Next to him, I smile meaningfully, calculating the remaining amount of azure lightning.

With this much, it might be a stretch to reach Qi Building, but reaching the pinnacle of Qi Refining should be no problem.'

That is enough for me.

I have yet to utilize all of the Heaven Tribe cultivation stored in the Colorless Glass Sword, so I can simply proceed with those.

The day after the Seven Stars Ritual.

"Are you the one called Seo Eun-hyun?"

In front of my cave residence appears a person dressed in a golden robe, belted with a golden sash.

Despite the static electricity crackling around her, the hair of the woman, who had let her deep black hair grow down to her waist, remains as smooth as ebony.

The woman, with her clean complexion, looks quite sane at first glance.

"I am Grand Elder Hong of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect. From today onwards, I will be your dual cultivation partner."

"Ah, please take good care of me."

For now, I greet her with polite manners.

'I'll have to dodge around her from now on, but I should at least make a good impression on the first day...'

And then, it happens.

"You, you!"

"…???"

Suddenly, she bursts out in anger and stomps her foot.

From the outside, lightning flashes and the sky roars.

"Do you really think your status is the same as mine just because I've become your dual cultivation partner! How dare you lack the proper manners towards a grand elder of the sect!"

'What is she talking about? It's the correct etiquette according to the royal traditions of Shengzi...'

"In my time, whenever a grand elder of the sect made an appearance, everyone kneeled and bowed their heads without question! Even 860 years ago, such etiquette was alive, why has it become so lax!"

"…"

'She's angry because I didn't follow etiquette from 800 years ago.'

I am momentarily irritated but eventually adjust my actions based on the traditional etiquette I had learned from Shengzi, kneeling and bowing my head.

'Let's just accommodate her for now.'

"Yes, I apologize for my rudeness. Please forgive me."

'That should be enough, right?'

However, I can see her intent writhing with anger again.

'What is it now?'

"The etiquette is wrong! Do it again!"

"…Grand Elder, with all due respect… this is the correct form of etiquette from what I understand."

It's a motion I had verified by digging through the ancient documents of Shengzi's royal family and observing several royal ceremonies.

There is no way it could be wrong.

Yet, Grand Elder Hong stubbornly glares at me, insisting on her point.

"What do you know! It wasn't done like that 800 years ago!"

Her insistence on her age and arguing that my posture is wrong because of it leaves me momentarily speechless.

'What is this younger one babbling about in front of me?'

Her continued fussing about age and growing anger makes me increasingly annoyed.

And then, Grand Elder Hong's face turns red with rage as she screams wildly.

"You! This disrespectful brat. Fine, if you really have no intention of correcting your etiquette, then I will personally study your body and…"

'Perhaps a bit of education will be beneficial...'

I look into the eyes of Grand Elder Hong Su-ryeong which are ablaze with anger.

And in the next moment.

"Thinking I would treat you specially just because you have the Lightning Sacred Body… huh?"

"…Heh."

I let out a hollow laugh, realizing why she had suddenly come to me and started raging.

"I apologize. I was preoccupied with unnecessary thoughts, inadvertently troubling you with my intent."

It wasn't because she suddenly decided to pick a fight over age.

It was because I had been exuding an intent that suggested I wanted to run away from her and merely use her, which prompted her sudden outburst.

"Ah, no… how could…"

After the Mad Lord, Azure Tiger Saint, and Oh Hyun-seok.

I have met the fourth cultivator to achieve Three Flowers Gather at the Summit.

***

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