Chapter 105: Lotus (13)

Chapter 105: Lotus (13)/translatingnovice

Dust scatters in the air.

I swing my sword.

Boom, boom, boom!

Three valleys appear in front, and what looked like a mountain range at the end split into three parts.

As Byeok Mun-seong panicks, I close in on him.

I reach out and grab one of the hundreds of flying swords trailing behind him.

Woosh!

Even just in the air, the Formless Sword exudes terrifying power, and when combined with a sword, its concentration increases even more.

As I overlay the Formless Sword onto the artifact, it activates and emitted spiritual energy.

Flash!

It seems like a fire attribute flying sword. As flames burst forth, the Formless Sword catches the flames, creating a massive fiery sword.

Whoosh!

Boom!

Swinging the artifact overlaid with the Formless Sword, a massive fiery slash flies out, turning the desert into a glassy wasteland.

Each swing brings Byeok Mun-seong closer due to his fear affecting his control of spiritual power.

I grab another flying sword and swing again.

A water attribute flying sword.

Swoosh!

The desert in front transforms into a swampy area.

I swing a wood attribute flying sword, corresponding to the Zhen trigram (), containing the attribute of thunder, and lightning strikes all around, melting parts of the desert into glass.

Aaaargh!

Caught in the lightning, Byeok Mun-seong screams and loses control of his flying sword, plummeting downwards.

Plunk!

He falls into a sand dune, and Buk Hyang-hwa, who had managed to escape from his grasp, summons her artifacts nearby and safely land on one.

"Hmm, you are unharmed."

"You could have just waited a bit and caught this guy, but you had to come and complicate things."

"Hmm, no matter how many artifacts you have, you shouldn't underestimate the power of a Qi Building cultivator."

I point at him, crawling out of the sand dune.

Sssss!

"Yin Soul Ghost Incantation."

Swoosh!

Several curse spells fly towards him, embedding directly into his head.

Aaaargh!

Restrain!

Screech!

The curse spell burrows into his upper dantian, creating a mental restraint.

He rolls his eyes back, foaming at the mouth, and collapses.

I approach him, forming hand seals.

Why did you do this?

Hurrk... Ahh, ahh!

Answer, and the pain will lessen. Answer me.

I, I...

He starts babbling while drooling.

I alone... recognize her true worth...

Hmm?

I alone... can help her grow!

So you kidnapped her for that?

Thats... right...!

Buk Hyang-hwa, who has approached, asks coldly.

And what was that about being able to help me grow? What does that mean?

Answer.

Woosh!

I trigger the curse spell slightly, and Byeok Mun-seong, his eyes rolling back, replies.

The, the Byeok Clan... recently, in the desert... found it...

What is it?

The, the ruins of... the Jo Clan...

I ask curiously.

The Jo Clan?

What kind of clan is that?

I see Buk Hyang-hwas face turn serious.

You found the ruins of the Jo Clan?

Is the Jo Clan... a famous clan?

I ask puzzlingly, and Buk Hyang-hwa nods gravely.

Unless youve spent a long time in eastern Byeokra, you might not know. The Jo Clan, gone extinct a thousand years ago, was shrouded in all kinds of mysteries.

A thousand years ago, they were renowned in all areas of creation artifacts, puppets, talismans, elixirs. The most well-known fact to the general public is

Her explanation makes me startled.

The clan of the Mad Lord, Jo Yeon.

The Mad Lords clan...!

I become astonished and look at Byeok Mun-seong.

A thousand years ago, they ruled all of Byeokra, boasting tremendous power, then vanished overnight.

Some say the Mad Lord, in his madness, exterminated his own clan, but that seems implausible.

I recall what the Mad Lord had sobbed.

I exterminated my own clan that killed her.

...

I fall silent, and Buk Hyang-hwa continues interrogating the delirious Byeok Mun-seong.

So, what did you find at the Jo Clan ruins?

"In the ruins of the Jo Clan... of the Mad Lord Jo Yeon, a special... elixir formula... was discovered that enhances the talent of descendants who possess the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent, growing their abilities."

"A special elixir? What is it?"

With a groan of resistance, he starts to speak under my mental restraint.

"It's an elixir that, besides enhancing spiritual power, significantly amplifies 'emotions' by incorporating the resentful souls of the ingredients used in the Qi Building Pills in its refining process. The Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent has a nature where if 'emotions' fluctuate beyond a certain level or through the accumulation of experience over a long period of effort, 'growth of quality' is possible. From Seven-Patterns to six, from four to three, from two to one. For Buk Hyang-hwa, who is a Four-Pattern Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent, with enough effort accumulated, there's a possibility to reach the level of Three-Patterns!"

I remember the half-mixed patterns of black and purple that had appeared on her.

"I, only I can help her grow, awaken her talent..."

"Is there anything else you wish to ask?"

"No, that's enough."

I form a spell and place my hand on his head.

"What should we do with him?"

"I can turn him into an idiot if you want."

After pondering, she shakes her head.

"Let it be. He has shown me kindness before, so let's call it even."

Buk Hyang-hwa coldly looks down at Byeok Mun-seong.

"But this is it, Cultivator Byeok. There's nothing between you and me anymore, no next time."

"You hear that? Remember her words."

I softly trigger the curse.

Screaming, he passes out, likely retaining only the memory of Buk Hyang-hwa's final words.

"Let's go."

"Okay."

Buk Hyang-hwa gathers her flying sword artifacts and ascends on a flying artifact with me back to Cheon-saeok City.

Feeling the desert wind, I ask her.

"Aren't you curious about the formula for that elixir? It could be beneficial for a cultivator like you."

She gives an awkward smile.

"Most cultivators don't know, but do you know the main ingredient of the Qi Building Pill, Daoist Seo?"

"I'm aware."

"Then, it's easier to explain. My father told me that human life force and essence blood are used in the Qi Building Pill. That formula is based on it, so I'd rather not consume it."

"Most cultivators consume it knowingly. Why don't you?"

"Have you consumed any Qi Building Pills, Daoist Seo?"

I smile wryly.

"I haven't."

"Then you understand... I'd rather not."

"I see."

"And I've been thinking."

Buk Hyang-hwa gently touches the skin where her patterns were visible.

"If talent can grow through experience and effort, I'd prefer to grow that way."

"A wise choice."

We continue to talk about talent and cultivation on our way back to Cheon-saek City.

Upon returning, she embraced Buk Joong-ho, who finally relaxed and hugged her back.

When asked about the kidnapper, Buk Hyang-hwa didn't mention Byeok Mun-seong, only deciding to increase her room's security and protective artifacts.

Thus, the kidnapping incident concluded.

A few days later, we resumed our discussions on the formation method.

After expressing his gratitude again, Buk Joong-ho exchanges pleasantries with us.

After the courtesies are done,

Cheongmun Ryeong looks at the formation and speaks.

Now, I'll return to the Cheongmun Clan and prepare a place near there similar to the first floor of Serving Command Palace, with similar dragon veins and environment. Ill wait another five years and test the formation there. If it works as well as it did here, well finally install the formation at the actual location of Serving Command Palace.

Please do, and thank you.

Theres no need for Buk Hyang-hwas or my help in the remaining process.

The formation artifacts are complete, and the formation is fully adjusted. What remains is Cheongmun Ryeongs test trial.

Then, see you in five years, Daoist Seo. Now that youre at the same level, Cultivator Buk.

Yes!

Understood.

Cheongmun Ryeong packs up his belongings and returns to the Cheongmun Clan.

Arent you leaving, Daoist Seo?

There's no need for further adjustment to the formation, so my presence there is unnecessary.

So, its just Senior Cheongmun leaving, and youre staying?

That seems to be the case.

You could go somewhere else. Why insist on staying here?

I cant find the words to respond and avoid her gaze.

She notices my reaction and gently chuckles, taking me by the arm.

Alright. Since you're staying, for at least the next five years, you'll be in Cheon-saek City, right?

That seems likely.

Then, how about we plant a new sapling in front of my mothers grave?

Suddenly?

You said you're staying, so let's commemorate that.

Unable to resist, I'm led by her to the market and somewhat bewilderingly buy a sapling.

What kind of sapling did you get, Daoist Seo?

Ah... a quince tree.

I stroke the quince sapling.

My old master used to say I resembled a quince tree, so I bought it in his memory.

We each carry our saplings and enter Yeons grave.

Arent you curious about the sapling I got?

Oh, I'm sorry.

Haha, it's fine. My sapling is

She caresses a blooming magnolia flower.

A white magnolia.

White magnolia

Just like my mother loved purple magnolias, I love white magnolias.

I feel she suits white magnolia, much like her preference for white attire.

We plant the quince and white magnolia saplings on either side of the purple magnolia tree.

The formation is aimed at the purple magnolia, so our saplings wouldnt grow rapidly but will gradually and naturally grow beside it.

Why did you suddenly decide to plant saplings, Miss Buk?

I told you, didnt I?

That's true, but

I sense she has other, unspoken reasons, but can't bring myself to voice them first.

Shall we head back?

...Let's do that.

We return to Cheon-saek City.

That evening, I once again sat on the walls of Cheon-saek City, facing the desert wind.

You seem to enjoy contemplation, my friend.

Buk Joong-ho approaches me from behind, echoing a scenario similar to five years ago.

His question is similar as well.

How is it going lately, getting closer to the young lady?

I brush my face with one hand.

Do you still have no feelings beyond friendship for my daughter?

The same question as five years ago, but my answer has changed.

...I find myself fond of the Miss.

Hahaha, I knew it. My intuition was right.

He chuckles heartily and sits beside me.

In fact, five years ago, you already liked my daughter.

...

You were able to hide your feelings back then, but now your affection has grown too strong to conceal, hasnt it?

He accurately guesses my inner turmoil.

I can't bring myself to remove the hand that covers my face.

Falling for someone.

He is right. Five years ago, I merely hid my feelings, but now theyre too evident.

I like her, more than I can deceive myself.

So, when will you confess to my daughter? From what I see, she won't reject you.

But.

Sir

That is it.

I have no intention of confessing to the Miss.

This love has to remain a beautiful memory.

If it becomes more than a memory, and the subject of that love vanishes beyond time,

I will surely go mad.

Hmm

At my response, Buk Joong-ho gives me a puzzled look.

Are you part of a specific religion that forbids romantic relationships?

No.

Or perhaps you have a preference for men?

...No.

Or maybe a special cultivation method that renders you incapable

No!

Then why?

He crosses his arms and asks me.

Why are you making such efforts not to be with my daughter since five years ago?

...

Had you truly disliked my daughter, you would have left Cheon-saek City with Cultivator Cheongmun. But you stayed, knowing your own heart. Yet you insist on not being with her?

He looks at me, unable to understand, and I resort to a shallow lie.

...I practice a peculiar cultivation method.

I continue explaining.

Its called the One Emotion Method. Its a method that intensifies a specific emotion to cultivate special powers. Im using your daughter to amplify my emotions for faster cultivation. Staying here is just for advancing my cultivation

You're lying.

I do practice the One Emotion Method.

No, no.

He looks me straight in the eyes.

You said you use emotions for cultivation, right? If you were with my daughter, wouldn't your emotions deepen even more? Why wouldnt you choose that?

...

Wouldnt that be more beneficial for you?

Indeed.

I practice the One Emotion Method to cultivate the Five Elements Blood Curse Banner, but the emotion I use isn't love.

Rather, its calmness.

Every time I think of Buk Hyang-hwa and feel my heart flutter, I deliberately use calmness as the emotion for my cultivation.

But now, my affection has grown too strong, overshadowing my calmness.

...Please give me some time.

Hmm

I cant say anything more, and Buk Joong-ho looks at me with an unimpressed gaze.

Fine. But I hope you make a decision quickly. My daughter has spent her life confined in the city, using her mother's last words as an excuse.

Her fate, as I see it, is you. Without you, she might never meet her fated and will continue to confine herself even more. I hope for a quick decision.

Buk Joong-ho descends the walls, and I close my eyes.

Days passed, and another pleasant visitor came from the west to stir my calmness.

How have you been, Eun-hyun?

Its Kim Young-hoon.

Lets have a match.

Flash!

He draws his gold-bladed saber.

Translator Notes: Martial Arts chapter incoming! Extra donated chapter coming soon~

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