Chapter 192: The One With a Name (3)
Treading Heavens is clearly different from ordinary cultivation methods, it attracts attention.
The cultivation methods of the Heaven Tribe and Earth Tribe are clearly compatible with each other.
'At the pinnacle of Core Formation, gather the pure Qi inside the Golden Core to leap towards the plane of Soul.'
This is the realm of Nascent Soul in the Heaven Tribe's cultivation method.
The state of Nascent Soul in demon beast methods is different.
'Compress the entire consciousness into the same form as oneself, and compress it all the way inside the Demon Core.'
When the consciousness itself coalesces into the same form as one's childhood inside the core, that is the realm of Nascent Soul for the demon race.
Bo-oong!
Currently, my core is in a rather mysterious state.
The usual Golden Core of a Heaven Tribe cultivator is golden, with the Celestial Dominion etched on its surface, containing 28 Stars and the positions of the Three Enclosures.
The typical Demon Core of an Earth Tribe cultivator becomes golden when it transforms into a Golden Core, with the form of Taiji etched on its surface.
However, my core is etched with both the constellations of the Heaven Tribe and the Taiji of the Earth Tribe.
'With the methods of both the Heaven and Earth Tribes... coalesce into the realm of Nascent Soul.'
Wo-woong!
Through the Vast Cold Formula, the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method, and other methods like the Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea are activated at the same time, leaving the plane of Qi and reaching beyond!
Ki-eeng!
As the consciousness compresses inside the core, the Qi clustered inside simultaneously ascends to the plane of Soul.
Flash!
I see the light emanating from the center of my Dantian and once again witness a familiar scene.
Yin and Yang rotate.
I follow that rotation, revisiting past memories.
Previously, I didn't understand what this rotation of Yin and Yang meant when ascending to Nascent Soul.
But now, having learned the demon beast methods, I can clearly understand.
'All of life's genetics contain the power of Yin and Yang.'
And between the power of Yin and Yang, the information of life is recorded and passed down.
Likewise, human life itself rotates within the spiritual energy of Yin and Yang, continuously recorded in the world itself.
'My soul also contains the energy of Yin and Yang, and between them, my own records are inscribed....'
What becomes visible in the state of Nascent Soul where Qi and Soul intertwine.
That is the true nature of the visions seen in the state of Nascent Soul.
Qi is Life.
And Life is History.
Having reached Nascent Soul through demon beast methods, the Earth Tribe methods, I feel that I slightly understand what the Black Dragon said back then.
Thus, I ascend through my own history, arriving back at the records of when I was born.
Typical Nascent Soul cultivators would obtain their Nascent Soul at this moment, unaware of the gratitude felt at birth.
However, thanks to the experiences of my past life, I knew the blessings received when a life is born and paused there for a moment.
A man and a woman are holding a baby, smiling.
I smile at the scene.
Even though it's a scene I've seen before, it still makes my heart flutter every time.
'Thank you.'
For gifting me life.
Everything in this world is made up of Yin and Yang and Taiji.
Yin and Yang can also be interpreted as Qian (☰) and Kun (☷), Heaven and Earth.
I deeply thank the heavens and earth that brought me into this world, stepping back into the realm of Nascent Soul.
Flash!
This place is above a small mountain range, outside the Sea Dragon Palace, away from Cloud Heart Lake.
The surroundings are well protected by formations, ensuring no disturbances.
Paat!
A burst of white light from the center of the Dantian announces the birth of a Nascent Soul in the form of a baby.
All life, no, at least the majority of life, is born from parents.
And for life forms that have genders, they are born from the amniotic fluid of the mother.
Male and female have been expressed as Yin and Yang since ancient times.
Among them, the male represents Yang, and the female represents Yin.
Therefore, in the early stages of Nascent Soul,
The Nascent Soul formed based on the memories of just being born from the mother becomes a Yin Spirit and takes its place in the Golden Core.
As the Yin Spirit grows, starting to interact with the outside and begins to accept light, Yang is added to the nature of the Nascent Soul. In the middle stage of Nascent Soul, both Yin and Yang Spirits are cultivated.
This process is expressed by likening the Yin Spirit to the Moon and the Yang Spirit to the Sun.
The main stages of Nascent Soul are expressed as follows:
Early stage of Nascent Soul, as constant as the Moon.
Completing the Yin Spirit and incorporating the night on the Celestial Dominion that has been created so far with the 28 Stars and the Three Enclosures, finishing the Starry Skies Map.
Middle stage of Nascent Soul, as the rising of the Sun.
Completing the Yang Spirit and creating day with the morning Sun rising beyond the night, dividing the sky in two to form the Yin and Yang Spirits.
Late stage of Nascent Soul, as long lived as the Five Great Mountains.
After completing the Yin and Yang spirits, creating the Five Great Mountains to support the completed sky as pillars.
At this time, the Five Great Mountains must be created corresponding to the Five Elements, so those aiming for the late stage of Nascent Soul must accept the power of the Five Elements into their body.
A cultivator challenging the late stage of Nascent Soul with a single spiritual root must accept dharma treasures corresponding to the Five Elements into their body to use as the Five Great Mountains for proper cultivation at this stage.
The power of the Five Elements accepted at this time will play a major role when forming the axis in the Four-Axis stage later on.
Nascent Soul Grand Perfection, unswerving and uncollapsing.
Placing the Yin Spirit as the Moon on the upper right.
The Yang Spirit as the Sun on the upper left.
Placing the Five Elements as the Imperial Throne in the center, a Map of the Sun, Moon, and Five Great Mountains is drawn. Sitting at this Imperial Throne, one integrates the forces of Yin and Yang and Five Elements within the body, completing the Nascent Soul.
That is the method of cultivating in the realm of Nascent Soul.
'The Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method was originally the most optimized method for the stage of Nascent Soul.'
The Azure Spirit Striking Origin Technique symbolizes Day, and the Starlight Protecting Void Body symbolizes Night.
The Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture provides the foundation for forming the Five Great Mountains with the Five Elements.
I contemplate the Nascent Soul I created by merging the methods of the Heaven Tribe and Earth Tribe.
Pssss…
The consciousness concentrated inside the Dantian while forming the Nascent Soul spreads out again to the surroundings.
At the same time, I look up at the sky.
Kurung, Kurrurung!
Towards the defier who formed the Nascent Soul,
The heavens attempt to strike down golden Heavenly Lightning.
At the same time, towards the one attempting to escape fate, the heavens also prepare blue Heavenly Lightning.
Dual-colored lightning flickers in the sky, ready to fall upon me.
Flash!
A pillar of light filled with tremendous power falls from the sky.
However, I am more concerned about something other than the dual-colored light covering the sky above me.
'That is…'
Yin and Yang, a massive Taiji rotates in the sky.
This is the demon race's vision.
'The flow of Yin and Yang is much more clearly visible.'
Yin and Yang form all things.
And beyond all things, they create planes and form space.
Yes. In the demon race's vision, space is seen to be formed by the principles of Yin and Yang.
Through this vision, it seems possible to cut through space directly.
'No, that's not the end.'
The Taiji rotates in the sky.
As Yin and Yang exchange power, Heavenly Lightning is formed in between and plunges towards me.
Yes, I have become able to directly witness the formation of the Heavenly Tribulation with my own eyes.
'I see it.'
The pattern of Yin and Yang.
The principle of forming Heavenly Lightning is clearly perceived.
'Then, if one traces back the power of the Heavenly Lightning formed between Yin and Yang in reverse…'
Kurrururung!
I launch the power of Taiyin contained in the Black Dragon's True Blood into the sky, rotating it in reverse to the Taiji currently rotating in the heavens.
Kururung!
The yin energy of the lightning is neutralized by the Black Dragon's Taiyin, leaving only yang energy to strike me.
However, as I exert my power, scales of the Black Dragon emerge all over my body.
Simultaneously, following the method of the Starlight Protecting Void Body, a faint starlight envelops my entire body.
'It would be easier if I used Treading Heavens, but...'
This place is in the heart of the Earth Tribe's territory, near Seo Hweol's base, so I refrain from using Treading Heavens.
Instead, I launch a combined strike of Heaven and Earth methods straight into the heavens.
In an instant, the energy of the Black Dragon seeps into my arm, and four black wings sprout from my back.
'The Azure Wing Heavenly Shatter has mutated.'
I concentrate the power of the Black Dragon and Azure Wing Heavenly Shatter into one fist and punch to the sky.
'Take this!'
And that was the end.
The dark clouds filling the sky are torn apart in a circle, revealing the blue sky, and I smile in the sunlight.
Today, I have finally recovered the cultivation of my past life.
No, with the addition of the Black Dragon's power, it should be said I have surpassed it.
Clap, clap, clap, clap―
"Ah...!"
Applause sounds from beside me.
The owner of the applause is Seo Hweol.
"Ah, Grand Prince Seo, you've come."
'I'm sure I filled the surroundings with formation barriers in my attempt to challenge Nascent Soul...'
As expected, to someone in the Four-Axis stage, formation barriers and the like mean nothing.
While I was coalescing the Nascent Soul, Seo Hweol had somehow approached and is now clapping with a smile.
Fortunately, Seo Hweol wasn't clapping alone beside me, which would have been rather eerie.
"Truly remarkable. Grand Prince Seo, you were right."
Gyu-ryeon claps beside Seo Hweol with a smile of admiration towards me, who has achieved Nascent Soul after only seven years since the start of this cycle.
Over the past seven years.
I often invited Gyu-ryeon to the Sea Dragon Palace to create opportunities for her to be with Seo Hweol.
There was a promise with Gyu-ryeon, but at the same time, it was to divert Seo Hweol's attention from me.
Thanks to that, Seo Hweol and Gyu-ryeon seem to have grown considerably closer over the past 7 years. Recently, Gyu-ryeon has been almost inseparably attached to Seo Hweol.
"Your generous praise is above me."
"No, you truly deserve generous praise. Nascent Soul in just seven years! Not seen ten thousand years before and not seen ten thousand years after. There will never be another genius like you!"
"..."
"Perhaps another Star Shattering Esteemed One from the Earth Tribe will be born. You know you must not forget me then, right?"
"Yes, Senior Gyu has always been a great benefactor to me."
As I am exchanging pleasantries with Gyu-ryeon, Seo Hweol subtly inserts himself between us and lightly hugs her.
"Of course, how could I not pay attention to the child I've noticed. But it would be upsetting if you two got too close."
The tone that seems jealous of my friendly conversation with Gyu-ryeon makes her look ecstatic while I feel a chill.
'Recently, it's been hard to read his intent, but... it's always eerie how casually such comments are made with that heart essence.'
Jealousy, affection, whatever it is, there is nothing.
Just something dark and wriggling, as if something wearing human skin is pretending to be human. It's simply revolting.
Gyu-ryeon says with a flushed face to Seo Hweol.
"Hmm, hmm. I understand. Ahem. Anyway, Grand Prince Seo. It's about time you tell us, isn't it?"
"Ah, yes. That's right."
Seo Hweol nods.
'Is there something he wants to say?'
I tense up, listening attentively to what Seo Hweol is about to say.
"This Prince plans to leave the Earth Tribe territory for a few years to travel abroad."
"Ah..."
I almost burst out laughing but kept my composure to listen to Seo Hweol until the end.
"I ascended to the Four-Axis stage as soon as I arrived in the Bright Cold Realm, and I've successfully stabilized my cultivation over the past seven years. Now, it's time to establish the Axes and elevate my realm."
"Ah, you're starting the Axis Foundation Practice."
In the Four-Axis stage, one progresses by establishing four Axes.
"Yes, and recently, I've heard that the Human Race has been covetously eyeing the True Devil Realm. Before a war breaks out between the two realms, I plan to obtain materials for the Orthodox Axis Foundation from other realms."
The practice in the Four-Axis stage is divided into Orthodox Axis Foundation and Heterodox Axis Foundation.
The Four-Axis stage involves creating four Axes for progression.
In the late Nascent Soul stage, one takes one of the Five Elements as one's own and places the other four elements in the four cardinal directions, completing the Four Axes centered around oneself, laying the foundation of one's own unique domain. This forms the basis of the Four-Axis stage.
For each Axis created, the Axis Foundation Practice involves conducting a ritual based on the power of the element adopted during the Nascent Soul stage,
Heterodox Axis Foundation is when one kills cultivators who have mastered a single element and uses that element to perform a ritual to create their own axis.
Orthodox Axis Foundation is when one obtains materials themselves to conduct a proper ritual and create an Axis.
"Seo Eun-hyun, you're an incredible genius, but Grand Prince Seo is also a significant talent in his own right. If he, unlike me, gathers the highest quality materials and builds an Orthodox Axis Foundation, our Dragon Race will enter an unprecedented golden age!"
Gyu-ryeon says while looking at Seo Hweol with a pleased expression.
It is said the cultivation of the Four-Axis stage through Orthodox Axis Foundation, rather than Heterodox Axis Foundation, is rare even amongst Four-Axis cultivators.
It's because it's easier to steal another cultivator's achievements than to laboriously gather materials and perform rituals yourself.
'To complete one Axis through Heterodox Axis Foundation, one needs to kill a cultivator of the same realm in the Four-Axis stage, or a hundred in the Heavenly Being stage, or ten thousand in the Nascent Soul stage to extract their attribute and use it for the Axis... For ordinary cultivators, this temptation must be hard to resist.'
Especially in the case of the Earth Tribe, where the overwhelming majority are demon beasts and the law of the jungle of kill or be killed is commonplace.
Therefore, Heterodox Axis Foundation is overwhelmingly more prevalent.
"Moreover, Grand Prince Seo is going to the other Realms this time to obtain the highest quality materials for Orthodox Axis Foundation. How impressive is that?"
"Ah... You mean other Middle Realms?"
"Yes, as you know, the five Middle Realms correspond to the Five Elements."
Gyu-ryeon continues with the explanation.
"Bright Cold corresponds to Earth, True Devil to Fire, Purple Gold to Metal, Nether Ghost to Water, and Ancient Force to Wood. As you know, the five Middle Realms correspond to the Five Elements, offering environments more conducive to cultivating their respective attributes."
Twitch.
Seo Hweol's facial muscles twitch slightly at Gyu-ryeon's words.
"And as such, the highest quality materials for Orthodox Axis Foundation are items imbued with the energies of these other Elemental Realms."
"...So, Grand Prince Seo, you are setting out to gather the Qi from other Realms for this purpose?"
"Yes, the reason why Orthodox Axis Foundation is much more esteemed than Heterodox Axis Foundation is because using high-quality materials for the ritual can make one much stronger than a regular Four-Axis cultivator. And if it's the energy from each Realm, there's nothing more symbolic for embodying the Five Elements, making them the perfect materials!"
Twitch.
Again, Seo Hweol's facial muscles twitch slightly.
I concentrate as much as possible to understand Seo Hweol's intent.
'That intent is…'
It seems he wants to correct something about Gyu-ryeon's words.
However, he doesn't correct Gyu-ryeon's statement and remains silent.
'Is he hiding something?'
I recall the moment Seo Hweol reacted to Gyu-ryeon's words.
'When it was mentioned that each Realm corresponds to the Five Elements, that's when he showed his intent.'
Perhaps, contrary to Gyu-ryeon's words, the relationship between the Realms and the Five Elements isn't so straightforward.
"By the way, as far as I know, apart from the True Devil Realm, the distance between Realms is quite significant from the Vast Cold Realm…"
"Yes, so it can take around 20 years at the earliest, and up to around 100 years at the latest. It will indeed be regrettable not to see Senior Gyu during this time."
Seo Hweol looks at Gyu-ryeon with a face genuinely expressing sadness about being apart from her.
'It's a lie.'
From the twitch of his intent when speaking of time, it can either be shorter or longer than stated.
He then turns his gaze back to me.
"So, before I leave this time, I came to ask you for a favor."
"Yes, please command me."
Seo Hweol, with a smile, hands me a jade bottle.
"This bottle contains my true blood. Since the Sea Dragon Race is also a branch of the Black Dragon Race, there won't be any conflict. I haven't fully accepted you into the Sea Dragon Race until now, letting you roam on the outskirts of the court. I'm sorry for not taking better care of you. Now, I've decided to give you my blood to fully accept you as a proper member of the Sea Dragon Race. With the Immortal Beast Black Dragon's True Blood, having condensed your Nascent Soul in seven years, and now receiving my true blood, no one will be able to look down on you."
"..."
"By accepting my blood, even if I roam in distant dimensions, we can stay in contact through the blood. Accept my blood and become a liaison between Senior Gyu and me."
Seo Hwesl pushes the jade bottle towards me with a grin.
Gyu-ryeon also speaks up with a flushed face.
"If you become the liaison between Grand Prince Seo and myself... I, too, shall ensure your reward is substantial."
I've invited Gyu-ryeon to the Sea Dragon Palace countless times, preventing Seo Hweol from making moves against me.
Yet, now, Seo Hweol seeks to infuse me with his blood under the pretext of maintaining contact between him and Gyu-ryeon.
It's incredibly unsettling.
However, the problem is that I have no reason to refuse Seo Hweol's blood.
"Once you assimilate the true blood of the Sea Dragon into your being, I will officially appoint you as a prince of the Sea Dragon Palace, and your name will also be vigorously promoted in the Dragon Registry."
Gyu-ryeon is also sending me suggestive glances with a flushed face, and Seo Hweol too is pushing the jade bottle towards me with a smile.
"This is a splendid opportunity for your name to echo throughout the Dragon Race. Would you kindly accept my goodwill?"
