Chapter 11 – An Immense Harvest

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Translated by Frog in the Well

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net
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Walking diligently, Jin So-myeong arrived at the Outer City.

Before moving, as he was heading toward the shack he originally lived in to pack his belongings, he paused.

“Ah.”

Thinking about it, there was no need to return home. There were no valuable items to begin with.

His entire fortune was already inside his bosom.

‘There is no need to go to a place where there might be a pursuer.’

Although he did not know how much of Wang Shin’s words were true, there was no harm in being careful.

Right now, he was in an extremely weak state. He had even consumed almost all of his trump card, the Supreme Great Ability.

Returning to his original home, which someone might be monitoring, was a foolish thing.

Since he was planning to move anyway, it was over if he just left like this.

Swish.

Coinciding with his decision, he turned his steps. He entered a deserted alleyway and disguised himself.

Attaching a disguise mustache, he let down his long-grown hair to cover his face.

After disguising himself as much as possible.

He headed toward the Deacon’s Office in the Inner City. This was because a rogue cultivator had to go there to rent a cave dwelling.

Arriving at the Deacon’s Office, he looked around, but Deacon Beom, who had tormented him in the past, was not to be seen.

It seemed that saying he would enter closed-door cultivation for a year was not a lie.

Since it was not important, he did not pay attention. He approached an unnamed mid-stage Qi Condensation deacon and greeted him.

“Deacon. I am a rogue cultivator named Yeo Dong-bin. I came to rent a cave dwelling.”

Giving a random pseudonym, he stated his business. The deacon, who scanned him up and down, yawned.

Without even hiding his expression full of annoyance, he tossed a bamboo slip with something written on it.

“Cave dwelling? The rental fees are written there, so choose for yourself.”

Perhaps because his clothing was shabby, the deacon was unfriendly, but he did not care.

He focused on the rental fees written on the bamboo slip.

Reading carefully, Jin So-myeong made a decision.

“I will go with the cave dwelling where a Rank 1 low-grade spiritual vein flows.”

He was about to choose the cheapest place, but changed his mind. He chose a good place that would help in cultivation since he was at it.

A spiritual vein was a special place from which spiritual Qi gushed. The concentration of spiritual Qi was much denser than in other places.

Since it could increase the speed of accumulating spiritual Qi, it was a place that was of great help to cultivation.

“Huh? Wa-wait a minute. You really want to rent it? A cave dwelling with a Rank 1 spiritual vein?”

“Yes.”

The deacon, who asked back as if doubting his ears, coughed dryly.

“A Rank 1 low-grade cave dwelling has a monthly rent of 3 spirit stones. Since the deposit is one year’s rent, you must pay 36 spirit stones at once. Will that be alright?”

“Of course. Here are the spirit stones.”

He handed the spirit stones, which he had taken out in advance, to the deacon. Having inspected the spirit stones one by one thoroughly, he smiled sheepishly and spoke.

“I am sorry, Daoist Yeo.”

“Yes? Why the sudden apology…?”

“Actually, I thought you did not have any spirit stones. However, unlike your clothing, you are very magnanimous. My name is Ju Hong. As an apology, I will personally guide you to the cave dwelling. Let us go quickly.”

As expected, the power of money was mighty.

Following Deacon Ju Hong, who had suddenly become friendly, he headed to the place that would be his home for the time being.

“Could it be here?”

Arriving at the entrance of the cave dwelling, Jin So-myeong frowned.

Frankly, the first impression was disappointing. Although it was built with high-grade stone materials similar to marble, in the end, it was a stone cave.

Thinking of it as a cave-shaped ten-pyeong studio apartment fit perfectly.

While the monthly rent was as much as 3 spirit stones, it was narrow. It was to the point that even cultivating comfortably was difficult.

“Haha. Calm down and go in first. You will probably like it.”

At Deacon Ju Hong’s confident attitude, Jin So-myeong hesitated.

The moment he entered the cave dwelling where a Rank 1 low-grade spiritual vein flowed, following him.

Without realizing it, he closed both eyes and inhaled deeply. It was a natural behavior according to instinct.

“Heh. The spiritual Qi is incredibly dense.”

“Did I not tell you? Everyone likes it once they actually enter.”

Although its appearance was insignificant, the concentration of spiritual Qi alone was truly superb.

It was two to three times denser than the outside. It was to the extent that spiritual Qi accumulated just by breathing.

‘It is worth being expensive.’

Unlike the first impression, he liked it more than he expected.

The most important thing for a cultivator was spiritual Qi. All the rest were merely additional conditions.

If he cultivated here, the speed would be at least twice as fast. It meant that he could complete in one year the cultivation that would take two years.

To him, who nodded his head and admired it, Deacon Ju Hong smirked and spoke.

“At this level, 3 spirit stones a month are not a waste, right?”

“Yes. I like it. I did not know the spiritual Qi would be this dense when it is only a Rank 1 low-grade spiritual vein.”

“Haha. It is not just the spiritual Qi that is dense. This place is officially managed by the Deacon’s Office, so it is very safe. The enforcement team conducts regular patrols, and even a formation is set up.”

A formation was a craft of understanding and handling the rules of heaven, earth, and nature, and was a technique of deploying a special barrier by arranging objects on the ground.

It could be seen as a restriction or a protective shield guarding an important place, and it could also help in cultivation by artificially raising the concentration of spiritual Qi.

“The installed formation is the Five Elements Four Directions Formation, and since it is connected to the spiritual vein, there is no particular need to maintain it. Also…”

Deacon Ju Hong’s mouth did not stop even for a moment. He seemed to like boasting.

For almost five minutes.

He, who had been blabbering alone, coughed dryly and came to his senses.

Handing over a wooden nameplate that had ‘Jeong No. 17’ written on it, he spoke.

“Take good care of this formation plate. Without the formation plate, you will be blocked by the formation and cannot enter the cave dwelling. Be careful not to lose it.”

Having handed over the formation plate, which could be called the key, Deacon Ju Hong left the cave dwelling.

Having become alone, Jin So-myeong took a proper rest only then.

Because indeed many things had happened today, his entire body was tired. Inhaling the dense spiritual Qi, he restored his exhausted mind and body.

“Finally… I obtained a house in the Inner City.”

Looking at the cave dwelling that possessed an official rank, his emotions were deep.

A thing that could not even be dreamed of during his mortal days had been accomplished.

The Inner City was fundamentally different from the Outer City.

Strictly speaking, the Outer City was not an area under the management of the Red Yang Market.

It was merely a place where wandering rogue cultivators gathered and formed a colony.

‘Although there were minimum rules, it was half a lawless zone.’

No matter what happened in the Outer City, the Deacon’s Office did not get involved.

However, the Inner City was different.

Because this place was the true foundation of the Red Yang Market, they managed it properly.

The fact that a residence was established in the Inner City also meant that he had truly settled down in the Red Yang Market.

‘It took three years to get here.’

The all sorts of hardships he had suffered during that time came to mind, filling him with deep emotion.

Jin So-myeong, who had somehow become emotional, recalled the ruling powers of the Red Yang Market.

This was because, since he had rented a house in the Inner City, he had to grasp who was above his head.

The ruling powers of the market were broadly divided into two groups.

The Three Great Families and the Red Yang Sect.

In fact, even twenty years ago, there were only the Three Great Families in the Red Yang Market.

The Heo, Ju, and Duan families.

The three families had competed to occupy the market while keeping check on each other, but one day, a newly born sect rose rapidly.

Arrogantly calling themselves the masters of the Red Yang Market and naming themselves the Red Yang Sect, they endlessly expanded their power.

Naturally, the Three Great Families rebelled. They suppressed the Red Yang Sect as if swatting an annoying fly.

‘But they failed.’

Despite numerous checks, the Red Yang Sect did not fall at all.

Unlike a rising power, it was extremely persistent.

Accepting countless rogue cultivators without considering conditions, they built up a force of overwhelming scale.

This was an expansion impossible for clan families bound by blood.

In fact, normally, this kind of expansion was meaningless. This was because, in the cultivation world, everyone was insignificant beneath the strong in the end.

In a world where transcendent beings existed, the crowd was meaningless.

If there was a single Foundation Establishment grand cultivator, they could slaughter all of hundreds of Qi Condensation cultivators.

No matter how many Qi Condensation cultivators gathered, it was meaningless.

However, strangely.

The Red Yang Sect occupied the upper hand.

Before anyone knew it, they came to possess as many as three powerful Foundation Establishment grand cultivators. This was the same number as all the Foundation Establishment patriarchs of the Three Great Families combined.

The startled Three Great Families united in earnest belatedly. They formed a tight alliance and confronted the Red Yang Sect.

However, the situation was already neck-and-neck.

In the end, the Three Great Families had no choice but to compromise with the Red Yang Sect. They shared the profits of the market.

‘This situation is not bad for me.’

Jin So-myeong, who was recalling the power structure, nodded his head.

For a rogue cultivator like him, it was also fine that the competition was fierce.

This was because if a single power was unrivaled, he would have to look at their mood even to drink a cup of water.

If they had no interest in rogue cultivators, that was a relief, but if they oppressed them, there would be no way out.

He would be ordered around like a slave and have no room to breathe.

‘Anyway, I must grow quickly in the gap while they fight and clash with each other.’

Jin So-myeong, who composed his mind, sat cross-legged.

He circulated the Five Elements Qi Condensation Art with all his might. He intended to feel how great the effect of the spiritual vein was.

After a long time.

Jin So-myeong, who was focusing on the technique, opened his eyes wide.

“Double. The cultivation speed really became twice as fast.”

He was touched by the effect of the Rank 1 low-grade spiritual vein.

3 spirit stones were not wasteful at all.

If low-grade was this much, he wondered how great mid-grade, and further, high-grade or peak-grade spiritual veins would be.

‘Once money is made, I should move to a better cave dwelling.’

Having set a goal, he fumbled at his waist.

Since he had come to a safe place now, it was time to check the harvest.

Clatter!

He poured out all the items filled in the storage pouch.

From the blue flying sword to all kinds of pills. He had to accurately judge the value of these things and use them in his cultivation.

First of all.

He picked up the flying sword that emitted sharp Qi first. He carefully observed the unusual treasure sword of one meter in length.

“Mmm.”

Looking at the clear blade tinged with blue light, it felt as if he would be bewitched.

As if asserting itself as a dharma treasure used by immortals, it looked incredibly sharp. It was to the extent that his skin pricked even though he was far away.

“Let’s see.”

The moment he cautiously picked it up and injected spiritual Qi.

Hum!

Along with a vibration, a chilly energy flowed out. The sword cry containing spirituality was like a dragon’s roar.

His hands itched at the sound that stirred his heart.

Clang!

He drew the broadsword he was wearing on his waist and aimed it at the empty air.

The moment he swung the flying sword toward the upright broadsword.

Slice!

A minute cutting sound was the end. The thick broadsword cast from steel by a skilled blacksmith was cleanly cut in two.

“…Heh. It is incredibly sharp.”

It was an absurd level of power. As expected, a dharma treasure with an official rank was on a different level.

If it were the mortal world, it was a treasure that would be revered and enshrined as a divine sword.

“Wang Shin. If that guy had been in a fine state, I would have never won.”

Without realizing it, he muttered and admired.

He felt deep in his bones that this world was the world of transcendent beings.

“But I won.”

At the same time, he self-congratulated his own wisdom in setting a trap using the dew tree.

Hum!

He injected spiritual Qi into the flying sword. The main function of this dharma treasure was not a sharp blade.

The ability to carry a person and fly in the sky was indeed the most important.

“Hmm?”

How much spiritual Qi had he injected? His brow knitted naturally.

No matter how much he injected, there was no end. It felt like pouring water into a bottomless pot.

The spiritual Qi that was full in his dantian had already half disappeared.

‘…It is no use. One has to be at least at the mid-stage of Qi Condensation to handle it.’

Thud.

He laid down the flying sword and pondered.

This object was extremely useful. It was a means of movement and a means of attack at the same time.

It was a waste to sell it for a few dozen spirit stones. However, if he just used it, there was a risk that someone would recognize it.

After agonizing for about a minute, he made a decision.

‘It is fine if I just change the outer appearance. Let’s not sell this flying sword and use it myself.’

The method was easy. It was enough to crush the handle decoration and paint it anew.

Having packed the flying sword into the storage pouch, he moved on to the next item.

It was a pile of miscellaneous books, and he inspected them one by one thoroughly.

“Wind Control Art ?”

Jin So-myeong’s expression brightened up instantly. The Wind Control Art was very important as one of the essential spells for a Qi Condensation cultivator.

Unable to hold back his curiosity, he hurriedly opened the book.

“Control the wind to free the body… If truly grandly completed, one will be able to fly ten thousand li with a single gust of wind.”

Reading the introduction, he could tell what kind of spell it was.

The Wind Control Art was the method for an immortal to fly in the sky. He had finally obtained the flight technique he had dreamed of!

To explain a bit more specifically.

It was a movement technique that aimed to make the body light enough to flutter in the wind and manipulate the wind to move freely even in midair.

Of course.

At the Qi Condensation level, one could not truly fly in the sky. One had to kick off the ground at regular intervals to gain propulsion.

The words written in the book about being able to fly ten thousand li were merely a boast.

‘Even so, it is enough for me.’

He cautiously closed the book and set it aside. He intended to take time to read it carefully.

Holding expectations, he examined the other books too.

“Rising Dragon Steps ? Flying Swallow Horse-Slaying Saber Art ?”

His mouth watered at the plausible titles!

The moment Jin So-myeong hurriedly scanned the contents, he paused. His expression was gradually dyed with disappointment.

“Haa.”

He had expected much from the grand names, but they were merely martial arts learned by mortals who did not have spiritual roots.

To a cultivator who practiced immortal arts, martial arts had no particular meaning.

Regrettably, the Wind Control Art was the end of the cultivation techniques.

His disappointment was brief. Soon he cheered up.

He had already profited enough. Even just the Wind Control Art would cost 15 spirit stones to purchase at the Library Pavilion.

“Travelogue of the Southern Province. This is also decent. It is exactly what I need.”

It was a travelogue written by a rogue cultivator while traveling around the southern cultivation world, and it was of great help to him who lacked common sense.

It was a good book that could broaden his perspective.

“Next is… what is this?”

Following the books, he picked up a pure white plain mask.

“Faceless Mask?”

The mask was also a dharma treasure, and somehow it was unusual. When he injected spiritual Qi, the usage method floated into his mind.

‘Rank 1 highest-grade dharma treasure! It can even disguise an individual’s unique aura to disguise freely… The disguise is exquisite, making it difficult for even Foundation Establishment stage cultivators to notice. Even if discovered, they would only know the fact that he has disguised himself, and cannot pierce through to see the true appearance.’

It was superb.

It was too wonderful.

‘The consumption of spiritual Qi is also small enough for me to use. It is absolutely the best.’

A disguise dharma treasure that worked against Foundation Establishment-level experts. A treasure like this could not be obtained even by paying spirit stones.

The sweet harvest was to the extent that his head was dizzy.

It was to the point that he felt grateful to Wang Shin, who had tried to kill him.

“Good!”

While he was rejoicing endlessly in satisfaction, he paused. The smile that had been leaking out also vanished without a trace.

Something was strange.

Including the golden shield broken by the venomous insect, the storage pouch, the flying sword, and even the mask.

The more he recalled all sorts of dharma treasures, the more he frowned.

“Why…”

How much time had passed?

Jin So-myeong realized what was bothering his mind.

All of these many treasures had come from a single mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivator.

“…Why is this guy so rich?”

It was clearly a strange thing. A sense of crisis of unknown identity crept up.