Jeon Myeong-hoon stretches his hand towards the sky.
The stage of opening a basic spiritual connection by linking the energy of the heavens with his own energy, called observing the celestial energy.
This is the Seven Stars Ritual.
He proudly performs the ritual, asking the celestial and terrestrial spirits for guidance, thinking,
'Once I get through this stage...!'
Only the long-awaited dual cultivation stage remains.
Just as Jeon Myeong-hoon and Jin Jin-chan are about to start the ritual,
Wo-woong, Wo-woong!
"Hm?"
A look of confusion appears in Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes.
"Master, I can't read the celestial phenomenon because of the dark clouds...?"
"Hmm..."
Jin Jin-chan's expression hardens as he observes the dark clouds.
"...Let's wait a bit longer. It might be a temporary phenomenon."
He says, clenching his lips tightly.
"The wind will blow them away soon."
At those words, Jeon Myeong-hoon waits in his place.
Unbeknownst to Jeon Myeong-hoon, elders and seniors throughout the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are watching closely as they conduct the Seven Stars Ritual.
Seo Eun-hyun is also among them.
Seo Eun-hyun sits atop a peak above his residence, looking at the dark clouds with a smile.
"Indeed, how will you overcome the Heavenly Rejection…"
Initially, Jeon Myeong-hoon and Jin Jin-chan seem to wait, but as the dark clouds show no sign of dissipating, both grow anxious.
"Master... the sun will rise in a few hours...?"
"I know! Just wait... surely those clouds won't stay till sunrise!"
However, the unlikely became reality.
The dark clouds never moved away.
Jeon Myeong-hoon and Jin Jin-chan helplessly watched the dark clouds and greeted the morning.
Two months passed.
"Ha, haha... unbelievable."
Rummaging through the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's library, Jin Jin-chan murmurs with a trembling voice,
"Heavenly Rejection...? Even the sect founder experienced the same phenomenon?"
For two months, regardless of the method attempted, Jeon Myeong-hoon's Seven Stars Ritual was repeatedly obstructed by dark clouds.
Naturally, Jin Byuk-ho was furious, and Jin Jin-chan along with the senior members scoured the Scripture Pavilion for cases similar to Jeon Myeong-hoon's.
Finally, they came across the phenomenon known as 'Heavenly Rejection.'
Jin Jin-chan researched this and reported to Jin Byuk-ho.
"Heavenly Rejection?"
In the Golden Thunder Hall, most of the senior members of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect gathered for a meeting.
Jin Byuk-ho taps the armrest of his throne uneasily.
"...So, the sect founder also experienced the same phenomenon?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"...Is there no record of how the founder overcame it?"
"Regrettably, it only states that he overcame it with his tremendous talent."
"What exactly was that tremendous talent...!"
"My apologies."
Jin Jin-chan bows his head.
Jin Byuk-ho sighs.
"Can't a magic artifact solve this?"
Rubbing his throbbing head, he asks.
According to his analysis, the phenomenon Jeon Myeong-hoon is facing is a form of Heavenly Tribulation.
It isn't a lightning tribulation but a kind of Heavenly Tribulation deliberately obstructing the ritual.
If it's that kind of Heavenly Tribulation, using a magic artifact to break through it won't be an issue.
"If it's a superior-grade magic artifact, it can certainly break through the dark clouds."
"Then if we give him a superior-grade magic artifact..."
"However, activating a superior-grade magic artifact requires at least the spiritual power of the late Qi Refining stage."
"......"
To handle a superior-grade magic artifact, one needs to be at the late Qi Refining stage.
But to reach the late Qi Refining stage, one has to complete the Seven Stars Ritual.
It's a paradox.
"Unless someone of the Mad Lord's caliber, there's no one who can create a superior-grade magic artifact that a low-stage Qi Refining cultivator can use. We've inquired all over the Bright Cold Realm to no avail."
"Indeed. Of course, we absolutely should not seek out that mad old man to borrow his puppet... Sigh, what are we supposed to do now?"
Jin Byuk-ho presses the veins bulging on his forehead, suppressing his irritation.
Suddenly, his gaze shifts to the Vice-Sect leader, Jin Hwi.
"Vice-Sect Leader Jin Hwi, when you were teaching Seo Eun-hyun, did you ever encounter such Heavenly Rejection? Ah, probably not. I've never heard of Heavenly Rejection occurring to someone with the Lightning Sacred Body..."
"Actually... Seo Eun-hyun also experienced a similar phenomenon."
"What...!"
Jin Byuk-ho's eyes widen at Jin Hwi's words.
"Why haven't you mentioned this until now!!!"
"My apologies. Seo Eun-hyun, or rather Elder Seo simply tore through the dark clouds and conducted the Seven Stars Ritual so effortlessly... we weren't even sure if it was the Heavenly Rejection phenomenon."
"Hmm... Well, that's fine. Anyway, how did Seo Eun-hyun so easily overcome the Heavenly Rejection phenomenon?"
Responding to Jin Byuk-ho's question, Jin Hwi speaks with an awkward expression.
"Um... when Elder Seo raised his hand, a thick bolt of lightning burst forth, instantly tearing through the dark clouds. He then simply proceeded with the Seven Stars Ritual."
"......"
"That was the end of it."
"Hehe..."
At Jin Hwi's statement, Jin Byuk-ho lets out a hollow laugh.
It's hardly helpful.
Yet, at the same time, it's nice to have such an exceptional disciple in the sect.
However, he also can't understand why a disciple possessing the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body like Jeon Myeong-hoon is struggling so much with a ritual that a disciple with the Lightning Sacred Body passed through so easily.
'No, come to think of it, it's always been like this.'
Jin Byuk-ho massages his throbbing temples, internally comparing Seo Eun-hyun and Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Thinking about it, Seo Eun-hyun ascended on his own merit and possessed a consciousness domain of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.
Upon receiving the Accumulating Lightning Technique, he rose to the 6th Star overnight, and it took him less than ten days to reach the pinnacle of Qi Refining, including the time for the Seven Stars Ritual.
And now, just a year and a half after entering the sect,
He has reached the early peak of Nascent Soul and is tirelessly working to rise to the mid Nascent Soul stage.
In contrast, Jeon Myeong-hoon had to start with basic etiquette training instead of learning cultivation methods upon his initial entry due to his lack of manners. When he finally began training in cultivation methods, he was also far behind Seo Eun-hyun.
Moreover, according to Jin Hwi, both Seo Eun-hyun and Jeon Myeong-hoon experienced Heavenly Rejection but Seo Eun-hyun seemed to have solved it in one go.
Then, why can't Jeon Myeong-hoon, with even greater talent, resolve the Heavenly Rejection?
'Physically, Jeon Myeong-hoon might be superior, but it seems Seo Eun-hyun is a genius who vastly outshines him in terms of intelligence and mental capacity.'
Jin Byuk-ho was overjoyed when both the Lightning Sacred Body and the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body entered the sect.
But as Jeon Myeong-hoon continued to cause trouble, he also had this thought.
'If only Seo Eun-hyun had been born with those qualities...'
It's a regrettable thought.
'Then, it would have truly been the reincarnation of our founder, such a pity...'
Jin Byuk-ho clicks his tongue internally.
"First, call Elder Seo to the Golden Thunder Hall. Let's hear from Elder Seo himself how he overcame the Heavenly Rejection phenomenon."
He decides to summon Seo Eun-hyun to find out how he overcame the Heavenly Rejection.
"It just worked when I tried."
I speak with a calm expression in front of Jin Byuk-ho.
"So... can you explain exactly how 'it just worked'?"
Jin Byuk-ho asks me, his expression showing he is at his wit's end.
However, I can't honestly answer him.
Saying that I faced Heavenly Tribulation in advance and stored it to release later would sound too suspicious, wouldn't it?
'I can't just tell someone to take someone else's Heavenly Tribulation for them.'
If Jeon Myeong-hoon takes someone else's Heavenly Tribulation once, the Tribulation will only get stronger.
Unless Jeon Myeong-hoon plans to stay by that person's side for their entire life, taking their Tribulation for them, such a method will only hasten their demise.
So, what should I say?
'I could offer to tear off Jeon Myeong-hoon's arm and then modify it for him if I were the Mad Lord...'
If I attach General Seo's face to Jeon Myeong-hoon's arm to launch the Seo General Cannon, the Heavenly Rejection phenomenon will be resolved immediately.
But the problem is, doing so will immediately make Jin Byuk-ho, who has had many grievances against the Mad Lord, distrust me.
'Using a puppet through the Mad Lord's method won't work, and it would be too much for him to learn more potent spells or even attempt to learn techniques from the Azure Heaven Creation Sect or demon beast methods. Without perseverance, it will take decades.'
Martial arts are even less likely.
Reaching the peak or Three Flowers Gather at the Summit isn't something achieved through child's play. The Five Energies Converging to the Origin and Ultimate Pinnacle are even more so.
'I guarantee it will take 400 years to get Jeon Myeong-hoon to reach the Ultimate Pinnacle.'
Being someone who had reached the position of a grandmaster in martial arts, I can confidently say that.
He has no talent for martial arts.
Then, how can I provide an answer that will satisfy Jin Byuk-ho?
'What would my master have done?'
I think of my master.
If Cheongmun Ryeong were in this situation, how would he have helped his disciple?
As I ponder, it strikes me that we are in the 'Middle realm.'
'Right, there's much more heaven and earth spiritual energy in the Bright Cold Realm.'
Perhaps that approach might work.
"...The method I used might not be helpful to Jeon Myeong-hoon."
"It's my place to judge that. Just tell me..."
"However, I think there might be a method that can help Jeon Myeong-hoon."
"Hmm..!?"
I share my idea with Jin Byuk-ho.
Upon hearing my explanation, not only Jin Byuk-ho but also the gathered senior members' eyes light up with hope.
"Indeed... if it's that method...!"
Crackle, zap!
Jeon Myeong-hoon gathers a surge of lightning energy with the Accumulating Lightning Technique.
"Damn it!"
He exclaims in frustration.
"Why! Why can't I complete the Seven Stars Ritual!"
As he shouts in anger, the lightning energy pulsating around him boils over, growing even stronger.
"Shut up!"
It's when he is screaming out loud.
"Shouting won't change anything. Just calmly think it over."
A clear voice approaches Jeon Myeong-hoon.
The woman adorned in a golden palace robe is Jin So-hae.
"The seniors are working tirelessly day and night to find a way to overcome the Heavenly Rejection. You shouldn't just sit around. Try to find a solution too."
Jeon Myeong-hoon twitches his eyebrows.
"...I am trying to find a way. But what exactly should I do? Magic artifacts don't work, and if my master clears the clouds, the ritual ends. No matter what, I just can't seem to have the ability to clear the clouds no matter what I do!"
"Tsk, it's about your attitude. Honestly, you claim you're trying to find a solution when you always sleep when it's time to sleep and rest when it's time for rest.
It's true.
Jeon Myeong-hoon slept at night and designated rest times, always taking a few hours to rest comfortably.
However, Jeon Myeong-hoon doesn't understand Jin So-hae's point.
"Of course people sleep when it's time to sleep. What are you talking about?"
"If you've chosen the path of a cultivator, it's better to minimize sleep time. Among the elders, there are those who haven't slept for decades, focusing solely on closed-door cultivation."
"...Sigh."
Jeon Myeong-hoon was about to say, 'Those elders are not human but monsters to be able to do that,' but he holds back.
'If she wasn't pretty, I would've told her off a long time ago...'
Honestly, Jin So-hae's face is precisely Jeon Myeong-hoon's type, so he can't help it.
"So, what do you want me to do?"
"Ah, that's exactly why I came to talk to you. There's a friend who wants to help you.
"A friend who wants to help me?"
At that moment, a long, black shadow surges up above Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"Eek!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon shivers at its appearance.
No matter how many times he sees it, he can't get used to it.
It's the giant centipede demon beast, Hong Fan.
"One of the elders' demon beasts. Recently, we've become close."
[Hello. We have met before, haven't we?]
"Ah, hello. Sorry for screaming just now."
Jeon Myeong-hoon awkwardly greets the centipede.
[No problem. It's understandable. I apologize for startling you. If I reach the Nascent Soul stage and achieve a transformation sooner, it wouldn't have been an issue.]
Polite words from Hong Fan makes Jeon Myeong-hoon shake his head.
"No, I'm the one who should apologize. But... you're not stuttering anymore?"
[I've learned a lot about language from Jin So-hae. Recently, I've been learning to speak human language with my vocal cords instead of mental speech.]
"Wow... impressive. Truly the demon beast of a Nascent Soul stage elder..."
[Hehe, my master also helps me with my practice whenever there's a chance and kindly explains things I don't understand.]
"Truly a great elder."
Jeon Myeong-hoon nods and asks.
"So, you're the one who wants to help me?"
[Yes, that's right. My master sometimes explains the principles of Yin and Yang when discussing the Lightning Path Methods. Hearing those explanations made me think of Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon's recent troubles, prompting me to ask Miss Jin So-hae for help in offering my assistance.]
"Wow, how exactly will you help?"
[I plan to assist you in understanding the Accumulating Lightning Technique you're currently learning.]
"...What? You know the Accumulating Lightning Technique?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon asks, not understanding the centipede's words.
However, Hong Fan calmly explains.
[My master is an enlightened sage of Understanding before Breakthrough. After hearing the explanation of the Accumulating Lightning Technique from Master, I thought if Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon could fully unleash the power of the Accumulating Lightning Technique, he might also overcome the Heavenly Rejection.]
"Hmm... I know about Understanding before Breakthrough well enough, but does it really have that much power?"
[Of course. Why not listen first and then decide?]
As Jeon Myeong-hoon listens to Hong Fan's lecture on Understanding before Breakthrough, Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes light up.
"Indeed...! Incredible. Things I didn't understand are now clear! You explain incredibly well!"
[I've merely learned well from my master.]
"Even so, your specialty isn't the Accumulating Lightning Technique but the demon beast methods... Such an explanation is impressive!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon praises Hong Fan, and at the same time, deep respect for Hong Fan's master, the Nascent Soul stage elder, burgeons within him.
'So, the master of Understanding before Breakthrough in the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect nurtures even their demon beast to be well-versed in the fundamentals of cultivation methods...'
[If Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon wishes, I can arrange for you to directly learn the principles of Understanding before Breakthrough from my master.]
"Um..."
However, Jeon Myeong-hoon hesitates and glances covertly at Jin So-hae.
Jin So-hae speaks in front of Hong Fan.
"Sorry, Hong Fan, but it's not recommended in our sect to learn something from a master other than your own. It's allowed to learn from someone close like dual cultivation partners, but if it's a completely different master, it can be seen as disloyalty to your own master. Especially since your master is an elder and Jeon Myeong-hoon's master is Jin Jin-chan, it's an even more sensitive issue because he's a grand elder."
[Ah, I see. I've spoken out of turn. However... would it still be acceptable if I, a demon beast, convey my master's words to help Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon?]
"Hmm... That might be okay. There's no regulation against demon beasts."
At those words, Hong Fan looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon and says,
[Understood. Then, I'll convey my master's teachings to Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon on my master's behalf.]
Jeon Myeong-hoon asks Hong Fan.
"But why... why are you being so nice to me?"
[Well... my master always worries about Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon. Master says that for the sect to be stable, Sir Jeon Myeong-hoon must grow as the owner of the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body. As my master's servant, helping you is my way of serving my master.]
"Such...!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at Hong Fan with moved eyes.
He is touched by Hong Fan, and he comes to deeply respect Hong Fan's master, the Nascent Soul stage elder.
'Only those who care so much for their juniors deserve to hold the position of an elder in the sect.'
"Tell me the name of that elder, no, wait. Never mind. I'll personally seek them out and pay my respects after I've reached a higher realm. There's no need to tell me before then."
[Yes, if you wish so. Then, does this mean you will listen to my lectures on Understanding before Breakthrough?]
"Yes, I'm counting on you, Hong Fan!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon kneels before Hong Fan, asking for guidance.
There is no shame in kneeling before a demon beast.
Hong Fan's cultivation is at the Qi Building stage, definitely a demon beast that has walked the path of cultivation longer than him. Its master, a Nascent Soul stage elder, is undoubtedly a respected figure.
'I will definitely learn the theory of Understanding before Breakthrough from Hong Fan and awaken the true power of the Accumulating Lightning Technique.'
And then, he will definitely complete the Seven Stars Ritual, making it clear to his master and the senior members of the sect who look down on him.
That he is the 'victor.'
And so, 10 years pass.
"Heavens above!!!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon grits his teeth as he looks at the dark clouds.
Crack, crackle!
The lightning power of the Accumulating Lightning Technique is surging around him.
Thick lightning flickers around Jeon Myeong-hoon, tinted red.
The reddening of the lightning is a characteristic that appears only when the Accumulating Lightning Technique is fully mastered.
Over the past 10 years, Jeon Myeong-hoon had practiced the Accumulating Lightning Technique through the method of Understanding before Breakthrough to the point where he can dismantle and analyze the beginning and end of the technique.
However.
"Why! Can't I! Still!!! Surpass the Qi Refining 7th Star!! Heavens above, Heavens above, Heavens above!!!!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes are bloodshot as he grinds his teeth.
Kururung!
At the Qi Refining 6th Star, he awakened the essence of the Accumulating Lightning Technique with Hong Fan's help.
Red lightning soars towards the sky, reaching the clouds.
But that is all.
With the power level of Qi Refining 6th Star, even awakening the essence of the Accumulating Lightning Technique is insufficient.
The red lightning merely grazes the edge of the dark clouds before dissipating.
Though it is a powerful force at the Qi Refining 6th Star, it is still difficult to penetrate the clouds that block the heavens.
"Why! Can't I! Still! Not even pierce through the Seven Stars!!!"
Beside Jeon Myeong-hoon, Jin So-hae, Hong Fan, and a few others from the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect who have grown close to Jeon Myeong-hoon look at him with pity.
Jeon Myeong-hoon's struggle to overcome the Heavenly Rejection for 10 years is well-known within the sect.
And over those 10 years, at some point, Jin Jin-chan stopped appearing whether Jeon Myeong-hoon performed the Seven Stars Ritual or not.
The senior members seem to no longer care about Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Only a few friends continue to support Jeon Myeong-hoon by his side.
Jeon Myeong-hoon felt betrayed by everyone except for a few friends like Jin So-hae and Hong Fan.
'When they thought I was useful, they treated me well, but now that I seem useless, they discard me like a worn-out rag?'
Rumor has it that recently, many senior members gathered at Seo Eun-hyun's cave residence to do something with him.
Feelings of inferiority towards Seo Eun-hyun, betrayal by the sect, anger, and frustration intertwined, forming a knot in Jeon Myeong-hoon's heart.
'The stronger the anger, the more the Accumulating Lightning Technique responds.'
But lately, Jeon Myeong-hoon feels as if the Accumulating Lightning Technique is changing somehow.
'This technique reacts to emotions. Perhaps... if there's even greater anger...'
He has a slight feeling that the technique itself can evolve.
'Yes, that must be it.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon waits for that moment.
'If I succeed in evolving the technique, I can break through the Seven Stars Ritual!'
He believes that if he can break through the Seven Stars Ritual, the path ahead will be smooth.
'I'll quickly elevate my realm... and get revenge on everyone who ignored me!'
Crack!
He clenches his teeth, looking up at the sky.
"It's been 10 years already."
Hong Su-ryeong enters my cave residence and speaks while drinking tea.
"I thought the same thing 10 years ago, but you seem a bit of a madman."
I snort at Hong Su-ryeong's words.
"Not something I want to hear from Senior Hong, who captures new recruits for human experiments."
"I didn't mean it in a bad way. Just that your abilities are abnormally outstanding beyond standard measures."
She crosses her arms, watching the swirling storm of countless lightning around me.
"When you said you would master all 9,562 Lightning Path Methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect within 10 years, I thought you were insane... but to actually do it within 10 years, mastering even the least accomplished ones to over 3 stars, you're truly remarkable."
"Thank you for the compliment."
"And... to take the initiative and carry out plans for Jeon Myeong-hoon... Do you know what the Supreme Sect Master says about you?"
"What does he say?"
"He asks why I was made your dual cultivation partner. He said he should have forced his own granddaughter to be your partner, even if by coercion. He's shedding tears of regret now. Kukuk..."
She chuckles.
I also laugh softly.
"Even if he said that, it seems Jin So-hae has already become deeply attached to Jeon Myeong-hoon after spending 10 years with him in this way and that..."
Honestly, I don't know why Jin So-hae likes Jeon Myeong-hoon.
But she does like him.
Really, it's a mystery.
'Maybe it's fate for her to fall in love with Jeon Myeong-hoon.'
"Is that why you came to see me?"
"Of course not. I came because you succeeded in mastering all 9,562 Lightning Path Methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect."
"......"
"It's been a rumor among the grand elders, but all the past Supreme Sect Masters of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect have shared this secret."
I have a hunch about what she is about to say.
"All the methods of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are incomplete. The sect's methods complement each other. They were all created to emulate the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body of the Founder. Because of these facts, there have always been rumors among the grand elders."
She looks at me and says,
"Perhaps, the sect's methods are not incomplete but 'originally a complete method' that was divided into over 9,000 pieces. There's a rumor that mastering the 'complete method' will grant one the same Heavenly Golden Thunder Body as the Founder."
Hong Su-ryeong's gaze becomes serious.
"The past Supreme Sect Masters seemed to know something about these rumors but never shared the facts. Now that you've mastered all the methods, do you think the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect's methods were originally one that was split apart?"
"...That is..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon is also practicing his technique this day.
Then suddenly,
Boom!
A dull thunderclap flashes above him as someone appears.
"Ah, Master!"
Jeon Myeong-hoon sees Jin Jin-chan and pays his respects.
"What brings you here?"
"What brings me here? I've come to see your progress. As a master, it's only natural to observe the achievements of my disciple. I've heard that you've awakened the essence of the Accumulating Lightning Technique. Show it to me."
"Yes, understood."
'He speaks as if he's always been concerned. Annoying...'
Despite being internally irritated with Jin Jin-chan, Jeon Myeong-hoon respectfully demonstrates the Accumulating Lightning Technique.
Crackle!
Red lightning surges around him.
Jin Jin-chan nods at Jeon Myeong-hoon's achievement.
"Hmm, good. You've indeed reached the pinnacle of the basic method, the Accumulating Lightning Technique."
"Yes, that's correct. As a disciple who has worked day and night..."
"By the way, Myeong-hoon. Even though you've reached the pinnacle of the Accumulating Lightning Technique at the Qi Refining 6th Star, after a council among the grand elders, we've reached a conclusion about you."
"Yes...? What is it?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon feels a sense of foreboding from Jin Jin-chan's grim expression.
"We've concluded that having the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body is utterly useless to you. Therefore, we've decided to grind your body into a pill and transfer the Heavenly Golden Thunder Body's spiritual root to someone else."
"....?????"
Jeon Myeong-hoon's brain freezes, unable to comprehend the statement.
"Excuse me? What do you mean..."
"There's no need to understand."
Kurururung!
Jin Jin-chan extends his hand towards Jeon Myeong-hoon with a cold smile.
"Come here. I've already requested for a skilled alchemist from the Devil Path Alliance's Pill Refining Clan, the Makli Clan."
