WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: Dionysus

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◈ Xianxia Cultivation with a Dragon Heart ◈

Chapter 59: The Tomb's Treasure

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Life at the Righteous Alliance's Gyeongbin Pavilion, which Han Yujin had expected to be peaceful, became extravagantly luxurious in an instant.

The factions hoping to win over Han Yujin, a new Profound Realm master, had not sent only women.

All sorts of gold, silver, and treasures arrived at Gyeongbin Pavilion as gifts, along with works of art such as paintings and jade carvings. There was even the Gray Jade Sword, undeniably one of the Hundred Great Swords, though near the bottom of the list.

It looked as though it had been made from semitransparent gray jade. It felt metallic, yet it was also elastic, making him wonder what material it was made of. Unfortunately, it was not a magical artifact, so it was little more than decoration to Han Yujin.

The delicacies of land and sea that began appearing at every meal made him look forward to mealtimes despite no longer needing food. Just wondering what would be served that day put him in a better mood.

And finally.

He could not avoid mentioning the women again.

There was a reason beauty traps were considered obvious yet effective in situations like this.

Humans were instinctively vulnerable to the temptations of the opposite sex. Simply being tempted could bolster their self-esteem, and believing they had the choice made it easy for their psychological defenses to weaken.

It worked especially well on those who lacked experience yet considered themselves clever. Rather than being offended at becoming the target of such a scheme, many even took quiet pride in it.

That was right.

This sort of beauty trap was proof that one had made it.

Therefore, whether the scheme succeeded or failed, it was an excellent strategy that allowed both sides to meet pleasantly afterward.

If he had not reached the Dharma Soul Stage and gained mental strength to match, Han Yujin thought he might have knowingly fallen for it anyway as he continued enjoying life at Gyeongbin Pavilion.

The greatest reason he deliberately kept them around rather than driving them away was because they might help his cultivation.

To advance from the Dharma Soul Stage to the Core Formation Stage, one had to undergo two transformations.

When one first entered the Dharma Soul Stage, the dharma power emitted by the Dharma Soul was close to a gas. Once it grew dense like liquid, one had reached the middle Dharma Soul Stage. Once it became denser still, like a solid, one had reached the late Dharma Soul Stage.

The important point was that each such advancement could bring a side effect. Because of the Dharma Soul's nature, a cultivator's emotions could grow dull.

If that could not be resolved through suitable experiences and stimulation, one could eventually become indifferent to everything, losing not only the desire for self-realization but even the will to live.

This was the Heartless Tribulation, the first of the Three Tribulations of the Dao, infamous in the cultivation world.

No one knew precisely when or how it would come. The solutions differed for everyone, and no one could predict how long it would take.

According to what he had read, one cultivator encountered the Heartless Tribulation immediately upon reaching the Dharma Soul Stage and only resolved it after advancing to the middle Core Formation Stage.

There were also accounts saying it had to be resolved before reaching the Nascent Soul Stage, because one had to prepare for the Soul-Rending Tribulation, the second of the Three Tribulations of the Dao.

In any case.

For that reason, Han Yujin remained wary of Gyeongbin Pavilion's lavish lifestyle, but he did not deliberately avoid it and enjoyed it to the fullest. Even aside from the Heartless Tribulation, he thought such experiences would be necessary at least once.

About four days passed like that.

Dok Junseong returned after completing the “favor” a little earlier than expected. While continuing to digest his knowledge of martial arts, Han Yujin also began researching Awakening Grass and Awakening Incense.

They were truly prosperous, busy days.

* * *

Clink.

“Mm, thank you.”

Han Yujin was testing Awakening Incense with various powders in a small utility room on one side of Gyeongbin Pavilion that he currently used as a workshop.

Eun Miryeong brought him tea and refreshments, and he thanked her out of habit. She silently bowed her head and seemed ready to withdraw so as not to disturb him.

“Wait.”

Without realizing it, Han Yujin stopped her and gestured to the seat across from him.

“I was about to take a break anyway. Let's talk for a while.”

“Yes, Benefactor.”

She had begun calling him Benefactor at some point, and she obediently sat across from him.

Even when he examined her with Divine Sense, he could not sense any discomfort. If anything, the faintly reddening earlobes, as before, showed that she welcomed it.

'No matter how I look at it, it isn't my imagination.'

Eun Miryeong seemed to like him. She felt far more sincere than the other maidservants.

He did not know the exact reason, but Han Yujin was slightly excited at the thought that a beauty like her liked him.

Contrary to what people here believed, he was not actually that old. Nor did he have much experience dating, so it was difficult not to be shaken in a situation like this.

Of course, that did not mean he was so overwhelmed that he could not think straight.

It was only a faint, natural feeling, and Han Yujin looked no different from usual as he asked his question.

“You volunteered to come, but you must be bored. Is there anything making you uncomfortable?”

“No, Benefactor. If anything, I am troubled because I am being treated too well.”

“Life here does feel a little like that. You know their intentions, but people's kindness is excessive.”

After a few exchanges of small talk, he asked, “Has being here harmed your reputation?”

“There are vile slanderers everywhere. This was the only way I could think of to repay you, Benefactor.”

“I did not help you expecting repayment. Still, if you are not uncomfortable, that is enough. If you ever wish to leave, feel free to tell me.”

“Yes, Benefactor.”

“By the way.”

He had not stopped her without purpose.

“I have been looking through the Hyeonbaek Sect's martial arts in the Scripture Pavilion, and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions.”

“Please ask. I will answer as fully as I can, as long as it does not bring disgrace to my sect.”

Han Yujin nodded and began asking mainly about the direction in which the Hyeonbaek Sect's martial arts developed. Eun Miryeong answered diligently within the limits of what she could reveal.

Then a maidservant came to report that Seogwang Gahu had arrived.

Thinking the timing was perfect, Han Yujin immediately invited him in. Seogwang Gahu paused upon seeing Eun Miryeong with him, but soon offered a respectful greeting.

“I pay my respects to the Great Hero.”

“You came at a good time. I have been looking through some of the Seogwang Clan's martial arts in the Scripture Pavilion. May I ask you a few questions about them?”

“Ah... Yes, please ask.”

“Have a seat first.”

Thus, an unexpected discussion of martial arts began.

It was a chance to discuss martial arts with a Profound Realm master. Eun Miryeong, who was already there, and Seogwang Gahu both approached it with great enthusiasm.

“Still,” Han Yujin suddenly asked, remembering something, “what did you come here for?”

“Ah!”

Seogwang Gahu nearly struck his forehead as he remembered the original purpose.

“The Alliance Leader said all the Treasure Map fragments should be gathered within a few days and asked you to prepare.”

“So that was it.”

Han Yujin was nearly done digesting his martial arts knowledge, and his analysis of the Awakening Grass and Awakening Incense had produced the results he needed.

“Tell them to inform me again when it is time to depart.”

“Yes, Great Hero.”

“And I would like to visit the Seogwang Clan sometime later. May I look for you then?”

“Of course!”

Seogwang Gahu was so delighted that he repeated several times that Han Yujin only had to leave it to him. Han Yujin smiled and repeatedly nodded.

He did not seem like a bad person by nature, so Han Yujin felt it had been right to forgive him back then.

* * *

It took about five days for all the Treasure Map fragments to be gathered and for the expedition to depart.

All Han Yujin had done was wait leisurely and leave with them.

Due to a minor mishap, he rode a horse for the first time in his life. He had to use every bit of the eyesight and bodily control of a Dharma Soul Stage cultivator before he could barely manage riding without looking awkward.

'I broke out in a cold sweat.'

He could have simply ridden in a carriage or wagon, but his useless pride had made him choose hardship.

Still, he was glad he had escaped embarrassment as he began the leisurely journey. Eun Miryeong and Seogwang Gahu had both voluntarily accompanied him.

Eun Miryeong had served him at Gyeongbin Pavilion, so that was understandable. But at some point, Seogwang Gahu had taken it upon himself to assist Han Yujin and was desperate to be helpful throughout the journey.

It was convenient, even if their help was almost unnecessary to a cultivator like Han Yujin.

The one who benefited most was, unexpectedly, Muyong.

Somehow, Eun Miryeong had figured out the little creature's gluttony and won her favor by bringing all kinds of snacks. By the time they reached their destination after a week of travel, Muyong was close enough to fall asleep in her arms.

It was not merely for show. Eun Miryeong genuinely found Muyong adorable. Perhaps sensing that, Muyong had completely let down her guard around her.

As an aside, Dok Junseong, who had proclaimed themself Han Yujin's disciple, had duties in this expedition as the leader of the Black Tiger Band. They visited regularly to greet him, but could not remain by his side.

In any case.

Their destination was a nameless ancient tomb complex hidden in a remote basin.

It was strange that no one had discovered ancient tombs in a place like this until now, but soon enough, Han Yujin understood why before the Righteous Alliance's formation array specialists could uncover it.

'There was a concealment formation array here. It looks like someone broke it recently.'

A casual sweep with Divine Sense and the Spirit Vision Art was enough for him to infer that.

“Contrary to expectations, there has been no interference at all. I almost feel disappointed.”

After their arrival, the Righteous Alliance Leader approached Han Yujin while overseeing the others and spoke with a hint of humor.

“That suits me just fine. I have already received all my compensation.”

“Ha ha...”

“Will you begin the tomb exploration in earnest now?”

The Righteous Alliance Leader nodded readily.

“Yes. I said I was disappointed, but it seems this will take a long time. I suspect someone will interfere eventually.”

“Then I will help with the exploration.”

“Mm?”

The Righteous Alliance Leader raised their brows in confusion. Exploring such an ancient tomb complex was work for formation array specialists and mechanism specialists. High martial skill did not necessarily help.

But Han Yujin had no intention of sitting here and wasting time.

Besides, if he performed impressively here, he would immediately make a name for himself, clearing away many obstacles from his future activities.

“I will determine what is where and take care of it.”

“No, but how?”

Han Yujin glanced at Muyong, who was yawning widely in Eun Miryeong's arms, then said, “Like this.”

Immediately afterward, his body vanished as though sinking into the earth. All that remained visible was a faint glow shooting over the ground toward the ancient tomb complex at tremendous speed, leaving everyone who witnessed it shocked.

“W-What...?!”

Even the Righteous Alliance Leader, who prided themself on having seen every hardship imaginable, could not identify what bizarre technique it was and stammered. The other martial artists nearby were the same.

Only Eun Miryeong and Seogwang Gahu looked deeply surprised while also seeming to understand somewhat, an odd reaction that caught the Righteous Alliance Leader's interest.

“What sort of technique was that? Do you two know?”

The Righteous Alliance Leader's gaze focused especially on Eun Miryeong, who held Muyong, now something of Han Yujin's trademark, in her arms.

After considering for a moment, she answered carefully.

“Benefactor is exceptional in many ways. Even the technique he used when dealing with the Yin Demon Gu Lord...”

Just then, Muyong watched her master's receding figure, leaped from Eun Miryeong's arms, and vanished into the ground in a faint glow of her own as she sped after him.

“Gasp...?!”

The surrounding martial artists were shocked again, and an unreadable gleam flashed through the Righteous Alliance Leader's eyes.

What suddenly came to mind was Han Yujin's proposal to “trade” their martial arts.

Meanwhile.

Han Yujin had revealed the Earth Escape Art without hesitation for a simple, clear reason.

No one in this martial world could deal with his Earth Escape Art. Besides, it was not his only means of escape, so revealing this much was merely an investment in ensuring matters went smoothly.

“Mm?”

As he sped forward, he sensed Muyong following behind him. He smirked and waited for her briefly. She was only at the Entry Stage, after all. If he did not wait, she might exhaust herself midway and become trapped underground.

He gathered the arriving Muyong into his arms and asked, “Why did you have to follow me?”

Squeak! Squeeeak!

“You've been getting along with Eun Miryeong lately, but you still like your big brother better, right?”

Squeeeak! Squeak!

“Of course you do. How could you not? Look at how I've fed and raised you!”

After stroking Muyong for a moment, he resumed moving.

Upon arriving at the first tomb, he swept through its internal structure with Divine Sense, determined which mechanisms and formation arrays had been installed, and triggered them all by nudging them with a simple Earth Manipulation Art.

Kra-kra-boom!

Rumble...

Boom!

The mechanisms and formation arrays activated uselessly, making quite a racket. Steel spikes violently sprang out in empty corridors, while a formation array spewed wind laced with poisonous mist before soon exploding.

A little later.

After confirming that all danger had disappeared, he followed the passage leading from the first tomb to the second.

What happened afterward was not much different from the first time.

Those who had prepared these traps in the ancient tomb complex could never have imagined someone who could travel freely underground like Han Yujin.

'The structure is much larger and more complex than I expected.'

In any event, this ancient tomb complex was certainly no ordinary place.

Its scale was large enough to be called a small underground city. He detected coffins and grave goods, but these were far from simple tombs.

It was also highly suspicious that the mechanisms and formation arrays were more thorough than expected. It was obviously excessive for something meant merely to stop grave robbers.

'If they had excavated this by orthodox martial world methods, there would have been heavy casualties, and it might have taken more than several months.'

Considering the signs that someone had recently broken the concealment formation array over this ancient tomb complex, the Treasure Map affair could only be a conspiracy with someone behind it.

Unfortunately for that person, Han Yujin had no desire to play along.

If he could simply find out what lay dormant in this ancient tomb complex that seemed connected to him, while also helping the Righteous Alliance and making a name for himself, it would truly be killing two birds with one stone.

He advanced swiftly through the sprawling tomb complex, spending only a few minutes in each tomb. He did not neglect to search with Divine Sense for any treasures worth noting.

Then.

Upon reaching the central section of the tomb complex and the largest, most solidly built tomb, he immediately stopped after sensing something dreadful with Divine Sense.

“Ugh...”

There were countless bones beneath the tomb, enough to draw that sound from him.

It was an area packed tightly with earth and lacked spiritual energy that would obstruct him, so he could have passed through it with the Earth Escape Art. But he absolutely did not want to, not when it felt like this.

Taking a long detour, he emerged inside the central tomb and looked around a place that resembled a torture chamber, trying to determine what had happened here.

'It is certain that large-scale human experimentation took place here, but...'

What drew his attention first were the books neatly arranged on one side.

They were made from a cloth-like material rather than paper. Though they must have endured many years, they had not decayed at all. That made their contents easy to examine.

A moment later.

After sweeping through and understanding every word with Divine Sense, a strange expression filled Han Yujin's face.

'They developed a method of cultivating origin power.'

Origin power was the very force from the Taiji Returning to the Origin Art he had seen in the Five Elements Sect ruins, the force capable of permanently strengthening the body and soul.

Like dharma power, it was clearly superior to ordinary spiritual energy. It was also a force that would undoubtedly suit martial artists, who actively used their bodies, even better.

'But...'

As he considered the contents further and compared them with the Taiji Returning to the Origin Art, he immediately grasped the flaw in the cultivation method he had acquired here.

'The idea is good, but it skips far too many intermediate steps. If anyone cultivates this as it is, ninety-nine out of a hundred will die from qi deviation.'

It was nearly like trying to create and wield dharma power without a Dharma Soul.

'But I can reinforce this cultivation method well enough.'

Clear interest and anticipation shone in Han Yujin's eyes.

'If I combine it properly with this world's martial arts, it may produce a divine art that is the best possible method for those with talent as lacking as a False Spiritual Root.'

He did not know how useful it would be to him personally, but if it could be successfully spread on Earth, the Karma he gained would be terrifying.

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