WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: Dionysus
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◈ Xianxia Cultivation with a Dragon Heart ◈
Chapter 69: Enlightenment and Keeping a Promise
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What should he do with the worlds he could visit through his awakened ability, and the bonds he had formed there?
Since he could revisit them later with everything reset, should he consider them fake? Were only the relationships he formed in reality genuine?
‘But how can I be certain this is fake?’
He regarded his awakened ability as something like a simulation, but he was not truly convinced that it was one.
Could this not be a perfectly real world within a universe that existed as one branch of possibility? Perhaps he simply had the ability to travel through this universe's space and time more freely than others.
That was exactly why he could not focus only on efficiency in this world.
If it truly was all fake, if every being in this world was as fleeting as air, there would be no reason not to hole up in the mountains, finish refining the Dragon Heart, and sweep everything aside with brute force.
Why bother building a reputation or making deals? He could simply storm in, kill everyone, and take their secret manuals.
Did he really need to gain benefits in that manner?
If he suddenly got annoyed while walking down the road, it would not matter if he tore passersby into ten or a hundred pieces. He could threaten whoever he pleased and indulge in every luxury and vice without consequence.
Because it was all fake!
How would that differ from killing passing NPCs in a PC game and freely committing arson and robbery? It would only feel far more realistic.
‘...If I acted that way, it might feel exhilarating and efficient for a while.’
But everything except the benefits he could bring back to reality would become hollow.
He would never again meet someone like Muyong, and his bonds with Eun Miryeong, Seogwang Gahu, and Dok Junseong would be reduced to useless distractions and wasted time.
He would be unable to do anything except pursue momentary, instinctive pleasure and tangible gains.
‘Even with the long life of a cultivator, I would have to throw away countless experiences and chances for inner growth like garbage.’
Once he crossed that line, there would be no going back.
The moment he tried to return, he would have to face his immense sins. There was a strong chance they would descend upon him as a heart demon more terrible than any tribulation.
And what if he later realized that none of this had been fake?
Even if it was proven false, what would happen when he later reached the True Immortal Stage and gained the ability to freely create and destroy worlds like Earth, only to suddenly feel that Earth itself was fake?
What if he went even further and came to feel that the universe itself was fake?
Because he had treated it as worthless, it could become nothing but worthless.
‘Even himself, who belongs to that universe.’
In other words.
He must never regard the actions he took to preserve his Dao Heart in worlds visited through his awakened ability as shackles.
They were not shackles.
They were an anchor that would let him endure even the fiercest storms.
‘If something fake cannot be distinguished from the real in any way, then my experiences here clearly have value.’
As he thought that, something suddenly came to mind.
‘If a dream is completely identical to reality, is it truly real or fake? What exactly can be called real? Can such an absolute standard truly exist?’
At that moment.
Han Yujin entered a sudden state of enlightenment that he had never expected.
When he finally came to his senses after remaining completely still for several days, he instinctively knew that the Heart Stage refinement of his Dragon Heart would now proceed smoothly.
He had assumed it would naturally take a long time and grow more difficult because the Dragon Heart was an item of such high standing. He had never dreamed the problem could be solved this way.
At the same time, he felt the sensation of the Heartless Tribulation, which had seemed to grow heavier and thicker at an accelerating pace, weaken noticeably.
It was an effect he had not gained even when he awakened the Six Paths of Samsara divine ability, which was inseparably tied to emotion.
“Ha ha ha...”
Han Yujin laughed, slightly incredulous yet filled with incomparable relief. Then he left the room where he had been meditating.
His steps carried the certainty unique to someone who had found his path.
* * *
Nothing seemed particularly noisy on the outside, but within Gold Lotus Manor, something extremely important had happened.
It was only quiet for now. If word got out, it could create quite a stir beyond the manor as well.
Han Yujin had accepted Dok Junseong and Seogwang Gahu as his disciples. At last, he had abandoned the attitude of keeping them at a distance despite never hesitating to help them.
Dok Junseong was so delighted that he nearly jumped for joy, as if his wish had finally been granted. Seogwang Gahu, too, prostrated himself and wept as he had when he was previously granted martial arts.
Having awakened the Six Paths of Samsara divine ability, Han Yujin could sense that neither man's emotions held even a trace of pretense, and he could only smile.
It would have been natural to wonder why he had not accepted Eun Miryeong as a disciple as well, but none of the three found it strange.
Dok Junseong and Seogwang Gahu merely seemed to think that things had turned out as expected, while Eun Miryeong had even forgotten her frustration over her stalled cultivation and was quietly pleased.
Generally, a relationship between master and disciple did not develop into one between a man and a woman.
It was all natural. Every human relationship had its context.
It was truly difficult not to feel affection for a beauty like Eun Miryeong when she had stayed at his side for so long, cared for him so thoughtfully, and even made clothes for him.
It was merely easier to maintain distance because that affection was not an uncontrollable, passionate emotion.
As an aside, Han Yujin had never felt that sort of burning love to begin with.
He had only experienced affection that began small and grew larger and deeper until the other person became precious to him. He believed that feelings like falling in love at first sight or feeling as though he would die if he could not see someone even briefly were simply impossible for him by nature.
In any case, Eun Miryeong was more than enough to earn his affection.
It was not because she possessed some extraordinary ability or could offer an irreplaceable benefit. It was simply because she was beautiful, liked him, treated him with consideration, took care of him, and made him feel completely comfortable when they were together.
‘What more could I possibly need?’
Since he had decided to stop choosing an ambiguous isolation out of fear of future trouble, he began treating Eun Miryeong with a slightly but distinctly changed attitude.
When winter came again.
He completed the Heart Stage refinement of the Dragon Heart and entered the second Qi Stage refinement. Compared with before his enlightenment, the speed was astonishing.
However, winter also brought other, far less pleasant news.
Before the news, said to travel faster than a galloping horse, had even spread, a small group of people dressed like beggars came to Gold Lotus Manor and begged for revenge as though coughing blood.
The Iron Blood Sect had been wiped out by the Dark Shadow Demon Cult.
* * *
The Dark Shadow Demon Cult was located deep within Jiangdong, practically on the opposite side of the martial world from the Iron Blood Sect's territory.
Perhaps that was precisely why the Iron Blood Sect had become the Dark Shadow Demon Cult's target. No one would have expected it, so they would have been completely unprepared. It would also be easier for the Dark Shadow Demon Cult to deny responsibility afterward.
The sudden destruction of the Iron Blood Sect, a moderately sized sect with a fairly long history, was enough to shake the martial world.
There was no clear physical evidence identifying the culprit, but many people suspected the Dark Shadow Demon Cult.
Considering the Iron Blood Sect's original circumstances and various other factors, especially its deal with the Golden Lotus Martial Venerable, few factions had both sufficient motive and the ability to do it.
The Dark Shadow Demon Cult's bad blood with the Golden Lotus Martial Venerable was well known. From the cult's perspective, a deal with him was impossible anyway, and they were already enemies. They may have decided it would not hurt to prey on a weaker party that had done business with him.
While rumors spread everywhere, the Righteous Alliance stirred, and the Heretical Alliance quietly emerged to observe the situation, Han Yujin had already entered deep into Jiangdong and laid eyes on the Dark Shadow Demon Cult's main headquarters.
Despite it being winter, the climate here was fairly warm. There was no trace of snow, and he could easily imagine how scorching hot the summers must be.
Surprisingly, regions like this were not particularly suitable for people to live in. Perhaps that was why a group like the Dark Shadow Demon Cult had been able to expand its influence. If it had been a pleasant place to live, they would have faced fierce opposition from the beginning.
In any case, what mattered was that they were currently powerful enough to threaten both the Righteous Alliance and the Heretical Alliance.
The Dark Shadow Demon Cult's main headquarters was as magnificent as its power suggested.
It resembled a fortress as large as any city. Its majestic gates, built from black stone, and the thick, solid walls stretching out on either side seemed to overwhelm anyone looking upon them.
Built cleverly against a forest and mountain range, it looked capable of holding out even against an army. Especially striking were the figures carved beside the gates, creatures that might have been gods or monsters from their faith, both sacred and vicious in appearance.
“This must be why they dared smear shit on my face. They've got some real nerve.”
Squeak! Squeeeak!
Muyong, nestled in his robes, nodded as if Han Yujin had spoken an undeniable truth. Muyong had shown this reaction often lately, likely having learned it from watching Seogwang Gahu when he spoke with Han Yujin.
“I was planning to pay them a visit sooner or later anyway... Now that they've handed me a justification, I can be a little bolder.”
This was rightful revenge. It was something he could rightfully do for those who had suffered because of their deal with him. All the more so because he had made them a promise before.
The timing was perfect. Having completed the Dragon Heart's Heart Stage refinement, his strength had risen sharply despite him still being in the early Dharma Soul stage.
For a cultivator, strengthening mental power meant improving the efficiency of all dharma power. It increased the speed, power, and precision of spells, while divine abilities such as the Six Paths of Samsara could become especially stronger.
Nor had he devoted himself only to refining the Dragon Heart. After testing Gold Lotus Three Revolutions Full Bloom and being very satisfied with it, he had steadily practiced several other intermediate Five Elements Arts.
“Let's go.”
Han Yujin stroked Muyong's head, slowly released his Concealment Art, and stepped forward.
Soon.
As expected, the people guarding the gates and walls noticed him. However, they did not seem particularly wary, likely because he was approaching alone and openly.
Yet as he came somewhat closer, the atmosphere suddenly changed completely.
“The, the Golden Lotus Martial Venerable!”
He could even hear someone shout into the fortress with Internal Energy in their voice. Wondering how they had recognized him, Han Yujin suddenly looked at Muyong in his robes.
“Looks like you're more famous than I am.”
Squeak! Squeak!
There could only be very few people in the martial world who carried an animal like this. The Dark Shadow Demon Cult, having something to hide, may have circulated the Golden Lotus Martial Venerable's identifying traits to prepare for just such a situation.
Han Yujin had already used the Illusory Dream Heart-Seizing Art and the Six Paths of Samsara on the Iron Blood Sect's survivors, uncovering the truth of the matter.
There was no physical evidence, but it was painfully obvious that these people were the culprits.
It was extremely difficult to wipe out an entire faction while ensuring that not a single survivor escaped. Yet they had acted as though it would be fine so long as no clear evidence remained...
By the natural law of cause and effect, today was the day they would regret it.
Creeeeak...!
Because a single man was approaching, the enormous gates swiftly closed. More people gathered atop the gates and walls, while others drew the strings of blood-red longbows Han Yujin had seen before at the ancient tomb complex and took aim.
Han Yujin continued walking calmly, as though he saw none of it.
“What brings the renowned Golden Lotus Martial Venerable all the way here?!”
Someone appeared above the gates and shouted. Their voice, clearly belonging to a formidable expert, seemed to echo from every direction, and the presence emanating from them was at least at the Transformation Realm.
They were probably a high-ranking figure responsible for guarding such a symbolic place as the main gate.
Then, the Transformation Realm expert met the eyes of Han Yujin, who had come close enough below.
At that moment, the Six Paths of Samsara appeared in Han Yujin's eyes and began to turn. Yet unlike the six paths that revolved there, the expert struck by the divine ability saw only one world.
A world of loathing, the Strange Insect Realm.
“Take your own life.”
Han Yujin's voice was low, yet it was as clear as if he had spoken directly beside every person there.
The Transformation Realm expert made an indescribably grotesque expression, then suddenly drew the sword at their waist and, without hesitation, cut off their own head.
Their head, its expression filled with fighting spirit only moments ago, flew through the air amid spurting blood.
As it fell and rolled beside the body that toppled backward, its expression and eyes were filled with unbearable self-loathing.
Han Yujin, now closer still, raised one hand into the air.
KRAKAKABOOM!!
Rumble...!
A sudden thunderbolt struck from a clear sky, flashing the entire world in black and white.
The descending bolt connected with Han Yujin's raised hand. As thunder roared and lightning flames erupted repeatedly, it began to take the shape of a massive dragon.
At the same time, fierce dark gray clouds formed in the sky and rapidly expanded.
Thunder Dragon Emerges, Shaking and Calling the Clouds.
It was an intermediate Five Elements Art of the Lightning School, with power no less than the Gold Lotus Three Revolutions Full Bloom he had used before.
After roughly completing the spell, Han Yujin pointed at the gates as though commanding the increasingly violent storm clouds.
At that moment.
A calamity descended with a flash and thunderous roar far more terrifying than anything before.
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