Chapter 19 – A Gift That Came on Its Own

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Translated by Frog in the Well

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net
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Jin So-myeong passed by the log cabin and headed toward the backyard.

A look of satisfaction appeared on his face as he arrived at the spiritual field .

In the kitchen garden of about ten pyeong, undergrown rice was planted in an orderly manner, and it was a place that somehow made one’s mind feel peaceful since it was covered with soil containing spiritual Qi.

‘Is this spiritual rice ?’

It was a mysterious rice that fully grew in just a single month and would exceed a height of two meters when completely grown.

If one cooked and ate rice with this spiritual rice, one’s constitution would become healthy and it would also be quite helpful for cultivation.

All cultivators who could afford spirit stones ate spiritual rice instead of ordinary rice.

‘I should also start changing what I eat soon.’

Eating Rank 1 spiritual rice every day consumed three spirit stones a month, but he could afford that much now.

Jin So-myeong, who was looking at the spiritual rice left behind by the previous tenant, Baek Gwi, fell into thought.

‘It is a bit off to eat this, so would it be fine to sell it?’

He carefully observed the green, unripe rice; he mobilized his senses as much as possible, but he could not feel anything suspicious.

However, he felt a little uneasy.

He did not forget Baek Gwi’s malice-filled expression; he worried whether some secret poison might have been sprinkled on the spiritual rice.

‘…Forget it. Even if all these sprouts fully grow, they are only worth three spirit stones. That is about as much as I can earn in a single day in the Secret Realm of the Mind.’

Jin So-myeong pulled out every single sprout in the field; he intended to burn them completely.

Whoosh!

As he flicked his finger, a flame emerged in the air.

It was a flame the size of a candle light, but it flickered precariously, looking as if it would go out at any moment.

Jin So-myeong frowned.

‘To think it is this difficult just to gather fire-attribute spiritual Qi.’

The flow of spiritual Qi was unnatural; it felt as if it was catching on something.

His spiritual root aptitude was not good, but it had never been this severe.

After flicking the flame to burn all the sprouts.

He focused once more, the moment he resonated with the water Qi filled in the atmosphere.

Hum!

A single drop of water condensed in the air swam freely through the sky, far more proficiently than when he manipulated the flame.

Jin So-myeong, who was stroking his chin, muttered.

“The water attribute is certainly comfortable.”

Taking the opportunity, he even tested the other Five Elements attributes, Wood , Metal , and Earth .

Fortunately or unfortunately, there was no great difficulty except for the fire attribute.

Perhaps because he frequently used the Cloud and Rain Summoning Art while gathering dew, the water attribute felt the most comfortable, and the rest were similar.

‘Am I a possessor of four spiritual roots of Wood, Metal, Water, and Earth? It is a bit of a pity that I do not have a fire-attribute spiritual root…’

It was a pity because fire-system spells were famous for their strong power.

Not having a spiritual root did not mean one could not cast spells of the corresponding attribute; the efficiency was simply extremely terrible.

Also, having many attributes in a spiritual root was not necessarily good, nor was having few attributes bad.

Having diverse attributes allowed one to use all kinds of spells, granting excellent versatility, while a single-attribute spiritual root showed extremely powerful performance when handling the corresponding energy.

Each had their own advantages and disadvantages, so the quality of a spiritual root was simply the most important.

‘…Could I also create a fire-attribute spiritual root with the Supreme Great Ability?’

He consumed a single golden bead as a test, but there was no response.

It seemed he would have to try after finding out a proper method.

Jin So-myeong, swallowing his disappointment, turned his gaze.

He looked at the clean field where the dense spiritual rice had disappeared.

‘…Baek Gwi. Surely that guy did not play any tricks on the ground?’

Kicking the dirt floor, he wore a bitter smile; it was tiring to have so many doubts.

He shook his head and headed for the market.

It was to obtain spiritual crops to plant in the empty kitchen garden.

“Welcome!”

“I am looking to buy some spiritual crop seeds; how much are they?”

The shopkeeper, who looked like a simple farmer, replied with a smile.

“Of course, it varies widely depending on the type. What kind of spiritual crop do you want?”

“Hmm… please recommend something that is easy to grow and sells well.”

“I recommend White Jade Rice , a Rank 1 low-grade spiritual crop. When it is fully ripe, it gives off a fragrant smell, so it tastes good, and it is also a spiritual rice that helps with cultivation. It grows well and is easy to raise as long as you give it plenty of spiritual Qi.”

When he asked about the price, it was cheaper than expected; it was only one spirit stone for a hundred seeds.

“You said I need to give it a lot of spiritual Qi, but if I plant it in a spiritual vein, I will not have to worry about it, right?”

“That is natural, of course. If it is a Rank 1 low-grade spiritual vein, you have to provide spiritual Qi occasionally, but if you plant it in a mid-grade or higher vein, it will grow well on its own.”

“That is good. Is there anything else?”

“There are many. If eaten consistently, Red Blood Rice strengthens one’s blood Qi, so it is highly popular among body temperers. This spiritual crop is slightly tricky, as you must provide the blood of a Rank 1 demonic beast every month. Also, the Black Soft Fruit…”

He listened to the ensuing explanation meticulously.

The types of spiritual crops were diverse, besides rice.

He thought about buying and raising a more expensive spiritual crop, but he could not help but shake his head soon.

This was because the higher-grade the spiritual crop was, the more difficult it was to raise; if too much trouble went into raising it, it would hinder his cultivation.

‘Forget it. Focusing on spiritual crops just to earn a few more spirit stones is a loss.’

He had no need to work.

Why should he do that when he had a constant source of income? It was enough to simply focus on cultivation and raise his realm.

In fact, most cultivators could not receive such treatment.

The Hundred Arts of Cultivating Immortality .

Elixir refining, talisman crafting, and so on; they had to choose and dedicate themselves to one of the hundred arts necessary for cultivating immortality.

This meant that since cultivators were also human, they had to work to make a living.

Being able to focus solely on cultivation was a special treatment that only the geniuses of giant immortal sects could receive.

“I will go with the White Jade Rice. Please give me three spirit stones’ worth.”

Jin So-myeong, who was pondering, decided on the first recommended one.

He resolved not to consume much time in raising the White Jade Rice either.

He decided to invest only twenty minutes a day, just as a way to practice the Cloud and Rain Summoning Art.

Having finished his business, Jin So-myeong asked just in case as he was about to step out of the shop.

“Shopkeeper. By any chance, is there a way to find out if there is poison in the ground?”

“Of course, that is simple. You can just try planting Dragon Glow Grass.”

“Dragon Glow Grass?”

“It is a Rank 1 high-grade spiritual crop. It is famous for being difficult to grow. Since it is extremely sensitive to turbid Qi, it dies immediately if touched by even a slight amount of poison. If the Dragon Glow Grass sprouts, you can consider that ground safe.”

If that was truly the case, it was perfect for his situation.

“Oh, how much is the price?”

“Since it is a high-grade spiritual crop, it is quite expensive. It is one spirit stone per seed. Actually, because Dragon Glow Grass has to be grown for at least three years to have commercial value, I do not recommend it unless it is for a special purpose like yours, customer.”

“…One. No, please give me two.”

It was better to check and verify for sure rather than continuing to use an uneasy land.

“Haha. That is a wise decision! Please feel free to come anytime if you have any questions about spiritual crops.”

Just as he stepped out of the shop while receiving the shopkeeper’s friendly farewell.

‘…This feeling?’

Jin So-myeong’s fingertips twitched.

A subtle unpleasantness was captured by his senses. It felt as if someone had brushed past the fine hairs on the back of his neck.

‘Someone is watching me.’

Moreover, it was a filthy gaze filled with malice.

Jin So-myeong, who was frowning, soon acted leisurely.

He openly scanned the street crowded with a vast number of people all the way. Naturally, as if appreciating the scenery.

‘…I cannot find them.’

Unfortunately, the result was not good.

Although he could feel that someone was watching him, he could not determine the specific location.

This was because there were too many people on the street. There were too many factors obstructing his senses.

However, guessing the suspect was not difficult.

‘It is obvious.’

It was certainly Baek Gwi, who was kicked out of the cave dwelling today.

To think he would try to harm me merely because I am the successor of the cave dwelling. It was absurd.

‘What a truly ill-tempered guy.’

A sigh escaped him at this harsh world where one could not even move comfortably without power.

In this world, there were no such things as human rights for the weak.

One of the reasons he risked his life to become strong was the exploitation he experienced during his days as a mortal.

Jin So-myeong, who was lost in thought for a moment, moved his feet.

“Welcome! How may I help you?”

Wandering around various shops, he purchased spiritual rice and other necessities for cultivation.

‘It is certain. They are continuously following me.’

The stealthy gaze followed him incessantly wherever he went.

Jin So-myeong did not return to the cave dwelling even though the tail’s presence became certain.

If he went to the cave dwelling, he would be safe for now thanks to the formation, but that was all.

“Shopkeeper. How much is this demonic beast meat?”

He roamed the market alongside the persistent tail. He did not hesitate to enter secluded alleys either.

Had about thirty minutes passed?

As he moved away from the center of the Inner City, the population density decreased rapidly.

As the streets grew quiet, the things that obstructed his senses disappeared one by one.

And.

‘Found you.’

He finally succeeded in identifying the tail.

Although his face was not visible as he wore a bamboo hat low, it was not difficult to recognize who the bastard was.

‘It was Baek Gwi, as expected.’

Inwardly, he could not help but shake his head.

Baek Gwi had tailed him as soon as he stepped out of the cave dwelling.

He did not know if they had met by chance and followed or if the bastard had been continuously seeking an opportunity, but it was not particularly important.

Since he harbored malice merely because I am the successor of the cave dwelling, he would not be wronged even if he died.

Since he knew the opponent clearly, there was no longer any reason to hesitate.

Swish.

He turned his steps. He left the safe Inner City and headed for the wasteland beyond the Outer City.

Hoping Baek Gwi would not disappoint him, he focused his senses behind his back.

Was it because he had identified him once?

Even without turning his head, Baek Gwi’s presence was clearly felt.

As the bastard entered the wasteland, he became a faint transparent figure, but somehow it looked strangely clumsy.

‘What is it?’

Although he did not explicitly show it, doubt welled up.

For a stealth technique cast by someone in the mid-stage of Qi Condensation, it was far too easy to detect.

It was completely different from when he previously lured Wang Shin to Mount Red Yang and killed him with the Dew Tree.

At that time, the opponent’s presence could only be felt by consuming even the Supreme Great Ability to amplify his senses.

‘Is Baek Gwi’s skill inferior to Wang Shin’s, who was a spy? Or is it because my skills have improved?’

While that might be partly true, it somehow did not seem to be the only reason; a cultivator’s intuition whispered that there was another reason.

Curiosity welled up, but he soon pulled himself together.

In a battle situation, one must never let their guard down.

‘That bastard’s realm is higher than mine. If I am preemptively attacked, it will be dangerous.’

He had to concentrate.

If he were to be surprise-attacked and die after clearly detecting the opponent, he would be so full of resentment that he would not even be able to close his eyes.

Without letting his guard down for a single moment, he walked as if running toward Mount Red Yang.

Before long, he arrived at the entrance of the mountain, and the moment he pushed through the thick bushes and entered.

Rustle!

He consumed the Supreme Great Ability to erase his presence. Taking advantage of the brief moment his figure was hidden by the lush leaves, he vanished.

“…!”

Flinch. He could feel Baek Gwi, who was chasing from behind, panic as if it were visible.

Rustle!

Soon, the sound of parting bushes was heard, and Baek Gwi rushed in after him.

The bastard, who was carefully examining the ground, narrowed his brows.

“Where did he suddenly disappear to…? How could a mere early-stage Qi Condensation ant do this?”

Jin So-myeong, who was standing right next to him, held his breath.

He slowly lowered his posture so as not to make a sound, concentrating.

The moment Baek Gwi squatted to closely examine the traces left in the soil.

Slice!

The sharp blade of the Rank 1 flying sword sliced through the air.

Leaving only a faint cutting sound, it passed through the tender skin and neck bone simultaneously.

“I-Impossible… Cough!”

A single strike.

It was so fast that the severed neck remained attached for a brief instant.

Ending with a meaningless last word, Baek Gwi’s head dropped with a thud.

Thud!

The headless corpse collapsed belatedly. It was a hollow end for someone who swaggered around as a mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivator.

The only struggle the bastard put up was flailing in the air as if trying to grab onto something.

“Whew.”

Jin So-myeong let out a sigh.

Although the situation ended with just a single swing of his sword, his shoulders were stiff because he was extremely tense.

Moreover, it was not simple.

He poured all his abilities into that single moment.

Not only did he use the Supreme Great Ability for stealth, but he also did not forget to reinforce the sharpness of the flying sword.

The sword strike just now was a swift sword that consumed three golden beads simultaneously.

Massaging his shoulders, he suddenly came to his senses. This was Mount Red Yang, teeming with demonic beasts.

If the smell of blood dispersed, all kinds of beasts would swarm in.

He had to gather the harvest and leave quickly.

‘I wonder if there is a storage pouch.’

In fact, to low-level cultivators, a spatial pouch was close to a luxury item.

Although it was true that it helped in battle by lightening the body, it fell far short of a battle-use dharma treasure.

A storage pouch was something usually prepared with peace of mind only when one reached the late stage of Qi Condensation.

However, because Baek Gwi had left empty-handed when moving out, it was worth expecting.

Swish.

After warily scanning the surroundings out of habit, he searched Baek Gwi’s bosom.

How many seconds had passed? He was able to verify the gift that Baek Gwi had taken the trouble to seek him out and bring.

‘It is a storage pouch!’

The corners of Jin So-myeong’s mouth rose involuntarily. Taking the risk was rewarding.

This was because a storage pouch was a high-priced item that easily exceeded two or three hundred spirit stones even if sold second-hand.

‘Ah.’

Smiling happily, he flinched.

Belatedly, he frowned at his own appearance of being pleased after killing someone, but he lightly shook it off.

‘What can I do?’

It was a harsh world where just surviving was difficult.

To cultivate here, there was no choice. If he disliked such a side of himself, he would have to hide deep in the mountains and farm for his entire life.

No, even if he did that, it was obvious that all kinds of bastards would seek him out and harass him, so there was no way from the start.

Having secured the storage pouch, Jin So-myeong searched the corpse, but no other items were particularly visible.

Crackle!

He consumed five Supreme Great Ability beads.

After purifying any tracking means that might be in the storage pouch, he hurriedly left Mount Red Yang.

“Now, let us see how much there is.”

Returning to the cave dwelling, he swallowed his saliva.

The time to check the harvest was always welcome. Anticipation welled up, and he rubbed his palms together without realizing it.

He lined up the items contained in the storage pouch all the way and began the appraisal.

‘First, there are eighty-three spirit stones alone… and even two Qi Condensation Pills. What is this? He said he did not even have money to pay rent, but he is quite wealthy.’

It was far more abundant than expected.

He thought the bastard was poor because he could not even pay rent properly, but that was not it at all. For a mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivator, he was wealthy to this extent.

“Good for me.”

An involuntary hum came out of him. The naturally upturned corners of his mouth would not come down.

He would sell off every single bit of the harvest obtained from Baek Gwi today.

The storage pouch was no exception; he intended to convert all of it into spirit stones.

And…

He would invest all of it into the Secret Realm of the Mind. Just imagining how much his daily income would explode made him look forward to it.

“Ten spirit stones a day is not far off.”

He tossed a word of gratitude to Baek Gwi, who had given such great help. It was hard to even calculate how many years of time the fellow had saved for him.

After observing a brief moment of silence for the fellow who had hastily departed for the underworld.

‘Now, only becoming a mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivator remains.’

Jin So-myeong, recalling his next goal, shined his eyes.