Chapter 14 – Surging Enlightenment

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Translated by Frog in the Well

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net
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It was when four hours had passed since Jin So-myeong focused on the Five Elements Qi Condensation Art.

“Phew…!”

Exhaling turbid breath, he curled up the corners of his mouth.

The lower abdomen where his dantian was located throbbed minutely, which was good news.

‘My goodness. For the spiritual root to be overloaded already.’

Overload meant that the spiritual root had absorbed spiritual Qi up to the limit it could bear.

Even if he wished to cultivate more, he had to endure. If he accumulated spiritual Qi even after reaching this state, his spiritual root and meridians might be damaged.

He had to wait for them to recover naturally.

‘The spiritual vein of the Secret Realm of the Mind is definitely of help.’

Usually, it took a full ten hours to cultivate to the limit, but today, his spiritual root was overloaded in only four hours.

The cultivation efficiency had improved more than twofold!

It was natural, since he used two spiritual veins simultaneously while others cultivated in a single spiritual vein.

“Superb.”

Sacrificing his lifespan was not a waste at all!

In a sense, it was safe to say that his aptitude had improved. In any case, because the cultivation efficiency had increased.

Jin So-myeong, who was smiling with satisfaction, fell into thought.

Through this event, the cultivation environment changed greatly. There was a need to replan his future schedule.

‘When the Supreme Great Ability is recovered, I will try to improve my spiritual root… and should I learn spells properly in my spare time?’

Previously, if he cultivated until the spiritual root was overloaded, there was almost no spare time.

Resting or reading books to broaden his knowledge was all.

However, the circumstances were different now. His spare time had increased drastically.

If there was something he wished to do, he just had to do it!

*

One week later.

Jin So-myeong, who had been cultivating every single day while waiting for the Supreme Great Ability to recover, shone his eyes.

The moment four golden beads were recovered.

Unable to endure any longer, he began to improve his spiritual root aptitude.

‘Exactly which aptitude is the most efficient to improve?’

What was usually lumped together and called spiritual root aptitude was divided into quite diverse talents when dug into in detail.

Spiritual Qi absorption capacity, absorption speed, the sensation of feeling and handling spiritual Qi, the recovery time from overload, etc…

Improving all of these at once was extremely difficult.

It would be possible only if he consumed a divine pill and miraculous medicine called a heavenly treasure.

‘For now, let’s improve from the part that speeds up cultivation.’

Since raising his realm was the most important and urgent, its priority was higher than other aptitudes.

Crackle!

As Jin So-myeong made a wish, one Supreme Great Ability bead was consumed.

Having tried to increase the total amount of spiritual Qi that could be absorbed until the spiritual root was overloaded first, he frowned.

‘It works, but it is too minute.’

Because there was no accurate measuring instrument, he had no choice but to feel it with sensation, but a cultivator’s hunch was quite accurate.

The spiritual Qi absorption capacity had certainly increased.

However, it was a pittance. It was faint enough to safely call it meaningless.

If accumulated over a long time, it would change conspicuously, but it could by no means be called efficient.

It seemed this option should be postponed for later.

‘If I find a method to make spiritual root aptitude good, or a related technique, the consumption will decrease drastically. …Let’s check other aptitudes too.’

The four Supreme Great Ability beads that were present vanished one by one before long.

Having finished the experiment, Jin So-myeong’s complexion brightened conspicuously. This was because he had found the most effective direction of improvement.

‘Recovery speed!’

Reducing the time to recover naturally after the spiritual root was overloaded was the most effective.

If he steadily strengthened the recovery power, it seemed the spiritual root overload would be cleared even if he rested for only 8 hours.

8 hours.

Compared to the time it took previously, which was over 12 hours, it was a world of difference.

If it went according to his expectation, he could cultivate twice a day even if he moved just a bit diligently!

*

2 months later.

The vortex of spiritual Qi that raged around Jin So-myeong soon calmed down.

“I broke through!”

Joy overflowed in his clear eyes. It was natural since he had become the 3rd layer of Qi Condensation in barely two months.

It was a speed much faster than expected.

Aptitude improvement, the cave dwelling where a spiritual vein flowed, the Secret Realm of the Mind, and even the Qi Condensing Pills purchased with spirit stones.

It was a miracle-like result created by combining all kinds of help.

‘The spiritual Qi seems to have increased by about three-tenths. And…’

Developing while breaking through the realm was not just spiritual Qi.

【Resource Production】 : 3 spirit stones / 1 day

The spirit stone mine had also grown.

Before long, it came to produce as many as 3 spirit stones a day.

How could he not be glad? To obtain 3 spirit stones, he would have had to suffer for 9 years during his mortal days.

“Hehehe.”

Having giggled like a child who received a gift, he concentrated his mind.

The most important thing was separate.

【Jin So-myeong】

【Lifespan】 : 15 / 67

【Realm】 : Qi Condensation 3rd layer

【Supreme Great Ability】 : 11 / 20

【Divine Ability】 :

The Supreme Great Ability beads also increased from 15 to 20!

Compared to when he was at the 1st layer of Qi Condensation, it was twice as many.

Looking at the golden beads that increased as he broke through the realm made him feel proud.

The future that would shine brilliantly was not far off!

Someday. It was clear that the wish he could make would become incredibly powerful!

“Mhm.”

Jin So-myeong, who was nodding in satisfaction, suddenly let out a sigh.

Since the Five Elements Qi Condensation Art cultivation was over, it was now his turn to refine spells.

However.

This time was not so pleasant…

Hesitating, he composed his mind. He reached his hand toward the book written ‘Wind Control Art’.

*

Inside the quiet cave dwelling.

Jin So-myeong closed both eyes and concentrated.

He muttered the Wind Control Art formula in a voice so small it could not even be heard.

Woong…

How much time had passed?

Weak spiritual Qi began to vortex around him. Jin So-myeong, who aimed for that moment, opened both eyes wide.

Chuck!

The moment he pointed forward with his sword gesture finger.

A gust of wind swept through the cave dwelling. It was a mysterious thing since it was indoors where not a single window was open.

He had succeeded in casting the Wind Control Art!

“…It is insufficient.”

However, Jin So-myeong was not satisfied. His complexion was dark as if he had failed the spell.

“For it to take 5 minutes to cast. That is too much.”

Too slow.

It was at a level where using it in real combat was impossible. Before he could even cast the Wind Control Art, he would be stabbed to death by an enemy.

It was bitter.

Although he definitely knew the truth that a journey of a thousand li begins with a single step, he could not help but be discouraged without realizing it.

This was because it was extremely disappointing for a result of sticking to it persistently for two months.

“…Was my greed too great?”

The Wind Control Art was a Rank 1 low-grade spell possessing an official rank.

Normally, one enters the gateway in one or two months at the latest. That too at a level usable in real combat.

However, despite having strived for two months, he was unable to properly enter the gateway.

“Could it be a problem of realm?”

Generally, it was from the mid-stage of Qi Condensation that one took interest in official spells that possessed ranks.

This was because one had to be at least at the 4th layer to have leeway in spiritual Qi, and cultivation also became familiar, leaving spare time.

“However, it is not that there are absolutely no people who use spells in the early Qi Condensation stage…”

Jin So-myeong let out a sigh.

He stopped trying to search for the reason spell cultivation was hard by force.

Actually, the fundamental reason was simple and clear. He just did not want to face the truth.

All of it. It was because his spiritual root aptitude was poor. The spiritual root also influenced the sensation of handling spiritual Qi.

“It is fine. If I do it diligently, it will happen someday.”

He composed his mind, which was about to weaken.

He did not give up cultivation even during the days when he did not have the Supreme Great Ability.

He was tenacious enough to climb Mount Red Yang while risking his life every single day for three years.

Compared to the difficulties suffered during his mortal days, the current situation was heaven.

“Phew…!”

Jin So-myeong, who corrected his posture, opened the Wind Control Art book.

Although he had already memorized all of it without missing a single character, he intended to read it carefully again.

“The effects of the Wind Control Art are broadly two kinds.”

One is controlling the wind, and the second is making the physical body light.

Only when handling both simultaneously at will could one fly in the sky riding the wind.

Certainly, it belonged to the difficult side among basic spells. Strictly speaking, it was a form in which two kinds of spells were combined.

‘Should I practice from other easy spells first to get used to it?’

However, he did not want to do that. Because the Wind Control Art hit right on his fancy.

He had been very interested in flying in the sky from long ago.

If only he learned the Wind Control Art properly, it was no different from one of his dreams being realized.

‘It will also be of help to self-defense.’

Speed is the basis of combat. Just being faster than the enemy makes advancing and retreating free.

The Wind Control Art had many uses in various ways. It was fully worth the effort to learn.

“Mmm.”

Jin So-myeong’s thoughts, which were pondering a solution, reached the Supreme Great Ability.

This omnipotent power was his greatest reliance. It was natural that it came to mind whenever a problem arose.

However, this power had too many uses. Because it was always lacking, he had to consume it prudently.

‘Let’s think.’

While cultivating for the past two months, he poured most of the Supreme Great Ability into strengthening the spiritual root recovery power.

As a result of steadily strengthening the recovery power.

Now, the spiritual root overload was cleared if he rested for only 8 hours. It meant he had become able to cultivate twice a day.

He also reaped an unexpected harvest, as the natural recovery power of his body had also become stronger.

Little cut wounds and such were to the extent of recovering in an hour.

‘But this method has also blocked.’

The recovery power, which was expanding rapidly, stopped at some point.

It did not increase, as if blocked by a wall.

A limit had arrived in strengthening physical recovery power in a rule-of-thumb manner without knowing anything.

‘I should obtain and learn a technique that trains the body. Then I will be able to break through the limit.’

Jin So-myeong, who smacked his lips in regret, pondered again about the usage place of the Supreme Great Ability.

He had to judge whether he could use this useful ability in spell cultivation.

Actually, the places to use the Supreme Great Ability were overflowing.

He could improve the spiritual Qi absorption capacity of his spiritual root. He had only hesitated because it was regrettable in terms of efficiency.

‘…Let’s try it first. Let’s judge after seeing the effect.’

Concentrating his mind, he exerted the Supreme Great Ability.

For the Wind Control Art cultivation, the moment one mysterious golden bead was consumed.

Bang!

It felt as if a bomb had exploded in his head.

The memories of learning the Wind Control Art while suffering for two months passed like a panorama.

The spell formulas that were tightly blocked somewhere and had not been understood shattered to pieces.

The characters that explained the spell decomposed one by one. Floating through his head, they formed a single line.

In an instant, they became a complete spell formula and were clearly engraved.

“Ah.”

His fingertips trembled at the euphoria given by enlightenment.

The refreshing sensation of knowing swept through his limbs and bones along the nerves.

To the point that his mind was hazy, as if he had drunk sweet alcohol heavily!

“I entered the gateway.”

The moment he extended his sword gesture finger with intense conviction.

Whoosh!

A strong gale swept through the cave dwelling.

It was a rough wind enough to make even a sturdy adult stumble!

The gale that was wandering haphazardly without rules gradually began to follow the guidance of spiritual Qi.

Like a cloud supporting a dragon. It softly wrapped around his body.

“I floated!”

His body, lightened to one-third, floated into the empty air.

Stumble!

He fell onto the ground without even enduring for one second properly, but it did not matter.

The Wind Control Art was originally like this.

It was a spell that exerted proper power only when used along with the propulsion of kicking off the ground.

“Good!”

Jin So-myeong clenched his fist tightly.

The effect of the Supreme Great Ability was even better than expected!

It felt like he had consumed the legendary Enlightenment Pill that was said to grant the enlightenment of Buddha.

While enjoying the lingering imagery of enlightenment, he could not bear it at all. He consumed one more golden bead.

“Huh?”

However, strangely, the effect was not that good this time.

It seemed the proficiency in the Wind Control Art had increased, but it was bland. It was a world of difference from the initial dramatic effect.

He exerted the Supreme Great Ability once more, but it was the same.

‘…It is because there is no experience of hard cultivation for two months.’

Before long, he realized the difference.

The numerous questions and clumsy understanding accumulated while practicing the spell himself.

Because they all gathered and sublimated, he was able to obtain intense enlightenment.

‘It is fine. This is enough.’

He was not disappointed. He was satisfied just by having gained conviction that if he only made efforts, he could complete the spell grandly someday.

How many people in the world could not even do this?

There was absolutely no reason to be disappointed.

‘After cultivating myself. When experience gathers moderately, I just need to trigger enlightenment. In the meantime, I will focus on improving spiritual root aptitude.’

Once the rough direction was decided, his mood became pleasant.

Swish!

When he extended his sword gesture finger, wind arose. As he felt the wind raging along with the spiritual Qi, his hands itched.

‘Let’s go out.’

Coinciding with his mind being moved. He immediately left the cave dwelling.

He headed toward a deserted wasteland located outside the Outer City.

This was because he wished to try casting the proper Wind Control Art in the outdoors where the natural wind blew.