WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: Dionysus

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◈ Xianxia Cultivation with a Dragon Heart ◈

Chapter 46: The New Value of Thousand Origin City

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Han Yujin was not particularly worried that Song Jamun had seen through his false identity.

What if things went as badly as possible?

'Yep, I’ll just kill myself~.'

He had gone through hell in Ikhapa Pangaea of the Demon Followers, but had he not ultimately come out fine after learning that gambling on luck never ended well?

Besides, Song Jamun’s goodwill had been obvious.

If it had all been an act, then Song Jamun deserved a Best Actor award, and Han Yujin could hardly think of any reason a Core Formation Stage cultivator would put on such a performance.

If Song Jamun had wanted to do something malicious, he could have simply said, “This bastard is a spy,” and had him arrested.

In any case.

Song Jamun readily let him go, saying they would speak again later. Han Yujin was thus able to leave the grand hall safely, though his mind was slightly unsettled.

Since Song Jamun had offered to recruit him without discussing any specifics, it naturally meant he should keep attending the lectures.

'That was what I planned to do anyway.'

Song Jamun had probably seen him enter a state of sudden enlightenment and thought he showed promise, so he had marked him as a prospect for now. If he tested Han Yujin a few more times and found him lacking, the offer would likely disappear as though it had never happened. That might also be the moment his false identity became a problem.

Still, as he had thought before, it was not something worth worrying about.

After walking for a while, lost in thought, he arrived at the site of a small exchange gathering he had scoped out yesterday. It was a pavilion in a modest garden that was clearly usually used by cultivators as a place to rest.

When he sat down in a suitable spot and waited, Dharma Soul Stage cultivators interested in participating began to arrive one by one and take their seats. The middle-aged female cultivator hosting the gathering merely smiled and greeted each arrival with her eyes, showing no sign of stepping forward before the exchange officially began.

Once around thirty cultivators had arrived and seated themselves on cushions...

“It seems everyone who was coming is here. It is good to see you all.”

The host stepped forward to announce the start of the gathering.

After a very brief introduction, she explained how the event would proceed, then took out an item first as though to demonstrate.

It was a small jade bottle with a faint pink hue.

“This is the essence blood of a Yao Soul Stage demonic beast. I would like to exchange it for three Clear Qi Pills or Swift Healing Pills. If you wish to exchange Spirit Stones, please name your price first.”

The Yao Soul Stage was equivalent to the Dharma Soul Stage for cultivators. Essence blood from demonic beasts was mainly used in talisman crafting and alchemy, though it was not uncommon in artifact refining as well.

“How about two Clear Qi Pills?”

One cultivator began bargaining, and after a few exchanges, the deal was quickly made.

Other cultivators stepped forward in turn, and trades continued. After about five exchanges, something that caught Han Yujin’s interest appeared.

The one offering it was a young, handsome male cultivator. He looked remarkably like a famous actor from Earth, which Han Yujin found rather strange.

“The talisman I wish to trade is called a Borrowed Might Talisman.”

“A Borrowed Might Talisman...?”

Judging by someone’s quiet murmur, it did not seem to be a common talisman.

“When used, it can temporarily emit the aura of a mid Core Formation Stage cultivator. It should be extremely useful depending on the situation. I wish to exchange it for an offensive magical artifact of mid grade or higher.”

Silence followed for a while. Some cultivators met each other’s eyes and shook their heads, apparently seeing little use for it.

That was understandable.

This was the Thousand Origin City Frontline World, where large-scale life-or-death battles against the Yao Tribe occurred regularly. Simply disguising one’s aura was not enough to drive an opponent away in such an environment.

In the worst case, it might instead attract the attention of a powerful demonic beast.

'It’s also awkward to use against fellow humans.'

There was no need to explain why.

But that was not the case for Han Yujin.

His awakening ability let him travel to all sorts of worlds, and surely there would be at least one moment when he needed to bluff.

“An offensive magical artifact of mid grade or higher for a talisman with an uncertain use...”

He spoke as though troubled, while still implying there was room to negotiate.

“I have an upper-mid-grade magical artifact I don’t use, but do you have anything else to offer?”

The handsome cultivator’s expression barely changed, but his movements visibly hastened. He took seven or eight items from his Storage Pouch at once and laid them out.

None seemed particularly related to combat, making it clear the handsome cultivator wanted to strengthen his fighting ability. Still, the item that caught Han Yujin’s eye was a white jade gourd.

A green-blue image of a spirit herb resembling an orchid was elegantly painted on its surface, making it look quite luxurious.

“What is that gourd?”

“It is called a Jade Dew Wine Bottle. Its effects are somewhat... weak, but it can nourish a Dharma Soul Stage cultivator’s soul and body.”

“It nourishes the soul and body? May I inspect it?”

“Of course.”

Han Yujin caught the Jade Dew Wine Bottle as it flew through the air. Opening its stopper, he used beast taming art to draw out a single drop of its contents and examine it.

The liquid shone with a jade-like radiance and carried a powerful fragrance.

Once he confirmed there was nothing wrong with it and tasted it himself, its effects became clearer.

'It’s an upgraded version of the Spirit-Liquid Flask.'

Considering the Spirit-Liquid Flask was a mid-grade magical artifact, this was at least upper-mid grade, perhaps even high grade.

However, magical artifacts of this type were inevitably less valuable than combat artifacts. Their usefulness was little more than that of a luxury good.

“Take a look. If it suits you, let us trade.”

Even so, Han Yujin generously took out the Five Elements Sword and handed it to the handsome cultivator. The cultivator’s face brightened as he carefully inspected it.

“Here.”

He handed over the Borrowed Might Talisman and immediately stored the Five Elements Sword in his Storage Pouch. His attitude suggested he was worried Han Yujin might change his mind.

Fortunately, this was not because the Borrowed Might Talisman was fake. It was simply the frivolousness of someone who believed they had made a highly profitable trade.

All proper talismans were made so their authenticity could be determined by closely inspecting the formula sequences on their surface. Naturally, examining those sequences did not mean one could copy them, and even determining authenticity required a minimum level of knowledge.

But for Han Yujin, with his transcendent comprehension, judging authenticity was extremely easy. He even felt as though he had some sense of how it had been made.

'It seems I have talent for talisman crafting too.'

As he watched the other cultivators continue trading, he continued his thoughts.

He did not regret giving away the Five Elements Sword at all. Once this visit ended, the Five Elements Sword would naturally return to the waiting space.

His awakening ability was like a kind of simulation. No matter how he used the items provided as initial settings within a simulation, everything naturally reverted once it ended.

In other words, he had effectively lost nothing in this trade.

But that did not mean he had gained it for free.

'I still need to spend Karma to obtain this Borrowed Might Talisman and Jade Dew Wine Bottle.'

The Borrowed Might Talisman would surely prove useful at least once someday. As for the Jade Dew Wine Bottle, it was entirely because of Muyong.

From the little taste he had taken earlier, he felt that creature would really like it. That was why he had decided to get it.

'As long as it isn’t too expensive...'

He might waste a little precious Karma, but it was no different from when he had taken in that useless creature, so it did not matter.

How could anyone always make only planned purchases?

A little later.

Another item caught Han Yujin’s attention. It was a magical artifact related to Formation Array Arts, the very purpose of his visit to Thousand Origin City.

“This is a Bewildering Illusion Array restriction artifact made by the Artifact Refining Sect. Eight flags may be freely arranged around this array plate. It activates well even without Spirit Stones, but if you use them, its power...”

A middle-aged male cultivator with an impatient look rapidly explained the item.

The Bewildering Illusion Array was a type of restriction that trapped enemies in illusions to subdue them. If activated with Spirit Stones, it could display lethal power threatening even to Dharma Soul Stage cultivators.

“I wish to exchange it for a magical artifact or spell capable of subduing a Yao Soul Stage Yao Tribe member alive.”

Once he finished explaining, several cultivators stepped forward with offers. Formation array artifacts were never bad to have.

But the middle-aged cultivator repeatedly shook his head, apparently dissatisfied with every offer. He even rejected Han Yujin’s Spirit-Sealing Rope magical artifact.

'Hmm.'

After thinking for a moment, Han Yujin took out the Illusory Dream Heart-Seizing Spell Manual he had obtained from the Five Elements Sect ruins.

“What about this?”

The middle-aged cultivator caught the book as it softly flew over via Object Manipulation Art. After briefly reading the opening, he glanced at Han Yujin.

“...May I ask where you obtained this spell?”

“I found it in old ruins, so there is no need to worry about its origin.”

“Hmm.”

He read a little more, then soon nodded.

“Let us trade.”

Han Yujin inwardly smiled as he looked at the Bewildering Illusion Array artifact flying through the air into his hand.

* * *

It was the eighth day since the Thousand Origin City lectures had begun.

Just as during the previous alchemy lectures, a similar phenomenon appeared during the Formation Array Arts lectures. Those unable to keep up with the curriculum had fallen away one after another.

It was even more severe in the Formation Array Arts lectures.

Song Jamun taught as if challenging everyone to keep up if they could. Because of that, even several Core Formation Stage cultivators attending the lectures seemed to be struggling.

Naturally, Han Yujin, who continued attending through it all, stood out greatly. Few Dharma Soul Stage cultivators remained, and he was the only one among them who fully understood the lessons and kept up.

During lectures, Song Jamun openly threw him all kinds of questions. Han Yujin never turned down such unexpected opportunities, sharing as much of his knowledge as he could. A few times, he even asked questions of his own.

'They say professors go crazy for students like this.'

As expected, the thought was not wrong. Song Jamun kept laughing and actively made even greater use of him during the lectures.

“That will be all for today.”

Another immensely productive Formation Array Arts lecture came to an end.

Han Yujin remained even as the others left the hall. Many of those departing glanced at him with jealousy and envy in their eyes.

'Today is the day the Yao Tribe attacks.'

Ignoring them, Han Yujin waited until only he and Song Jamun remained, then cupped his hands in salute.

“Senior, this junior has a personal question.”

“Take this first.”

Song Jamun handed him a Jade Slip.

“I made this Jade Slip of Formation Dao Explanations some time ago. You seem qualified to receive it.”

“Ah...”

From its name, Han Yujin could roughly infer that it was similar to the Alchemy Primer he had received from Won Baengnyeong during the alchemy lectures.

“Thank you sincerely, Senior. This will be an enormous help to me.”

“Ho ho ho, good. You said you had something to ask me?”

Han Yujin steeled himself and boldly asked.

“You know that I falsified my identity, so why don’t you make an issue of it?”

“Is that what you were curious about? Here I thought you would ask when I intended to accept you as an Outer Sect disciple.”

Song Jamun continued as though it were nothing at all.

“Friends like you appear from time to time. Independent cultivators who take the place of sect disciples trying to dodge their military service through clever tricks.”

For a moment, Han Yujin felt as though everything had become crystal clear.

Incidentally, independent cultivators were unaffiliated wandering cultivators.

“In truth, it is difficult for this sort of corruption not to happen when both sides’ interests align. Disciples from powerful sects want safety, since rewards are of little concern to them. Independent cultivators want to earn merit in the relatively safe Thousand Origin City. And there will be people who profit by secretly connecting such people...”

After hesitating slightly, Han Yujin asked again.

“Then... is it not possible that I am a Yao Tribe spy?”

“Of course, that is possible. You could also be a spy from a Demonic Sect. But it seems you did not hear many details before coming here. You do not even know what restrictions are in place within this Cheonhak Hall.”

Han Yujin almost let out an ah.

If restrictions that caused harmful effects to those connected to the Yao Tribe or Demonic Sects were laid throughout the hall, then it made perfect sense that Song Jamun had not been especially wary after discovering him here.

The citywide art-formula restrictions being disabled did not mean every restriction in the city had been disabled.

“And have you not heard of our Taicheong Palace’s Grand Illumination Heart Mirror? What did you think the verification I mentioned at first was?”

“Grand Illumination Heart Mirror... I see. I understand everything now.”

Naturally, he did not know exactly what it was.

But judging from the name, it seemed to be a mirror-type treasure that revealed one’s true thoughts and detected lies.

“This junior committed a wrongdoing without knowing my place.”

“It is enough that you understand. Even if you had another reason, it would be fine. As long as you prove before the Grand Illumination Heart Mirror that you bear no ill will toward Taicheong Palace, all will be well.”

“I am confident on that point.”

After saying that, Han Yujin glanced at the identity jade token hanging from his waist.

“Then, the original owner of this jade token...”

“Once you become an Outer Sect disciple of Taicheong Palace, you need not concern yourself with such a trivial matter. Whatever punishment that fellow receives later, what does it have to do with someone talented in Formation Array Arts like you? Are you close to him?”

“I am not.”

At the swift answer, Song Jamun nodded as though satisfied.

“We will leave here in roughly fifteen days, so prepare yourself.”

“Yes.”

“And just in case, do not use the merit points on that jade token.”

“Understood.”

Where they would be leaving for was obvious.

As for the merit points, Song Jamun likely said that knowing the citywide art-formula restrictions would be restored today. But naturally, he could not know it was a trap, or that a major Yao Tribe offensive was coming.

'Taicheong Palace...'

As he said goodbye to Song Jamun and left the grand hall, Han Yujin felt as though a new route had opened up in the Thousand Origin City Frontline World.

If the need ever arose, he could enter Taicheong Palace, that enormous and immensely powerful cultivation sect, as a disciple in a manner similar to this one. Of course, he could probably find a cleaner and more elegant method if he looked.

But there was no need to experience that now.

'The goal of this visit has been accomplished.'

He had learned Formation Array Arts, received a related Jade Slip from Song Jamun, a master of Formation Array Arts, and acquired several useful items at the small gathering of Dharma Soul Stage cultivators. Improving his eye for appraising things was an extra benefit.

'Even if I join Taicheong Palace, I cannot gain anything more.'

Any cultivation gains or other items he obtained would consume Karma, so he needed to avoid such waste if he wanted to acquire the Dragon Heart.

'Fortunately, I now know that I can convert Spirit Stones into Karma in reality...'

His period of stagnation would not be as long as expected. Like learning Formation Array Arts this time, he might not even have enough time to hone his abilities in other fields.

'Then, shall I check my strength one last time?'

The Yao Tribe would attack soon. He could fight them to his heart’s content and see how much he had changed since last time.

Naturally, he thought of the scorpion-mantis demonic beast that had killed him before. He was quite curious what would happen if they fought again.

With steps far too light for someone about to enter battle, he headed for the city wall.

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