Chapter 2 – Earning Spirit Stones

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Translated by Frog in the Well

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net
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Having entered Mount Red Yang, Jin So-myeong looked at the night sky and gauged the time.

‘Is it approximately four in the morning?’

The sun had not risen yet. Although the mountain path was dark, he did not stop his steps.

Rather, he hurried even more.

Snap!

He moved forward, cutting down the thickly overgrown bushes with his broadsword.

‘Hoo. Even though it is a path I travel every day, for it to grow like this.’

This path was a route that Jin So-myeong usually frequented. Nevertheless, there was no trace of human traffic at all.

It was because of the vigorous vitality of Mount Red Yang.

Even mere weeds grew continuously. More often than not, they grew taller than a person’s height.

Mount Red Yang, a spiritual mountain , did not allow human traces to remain.

Just as sweat was trickling down from the arduous mountain climb.

Saak.

Goosebumps rose at the minute sound of rustling grass. His alertness surged to the extreme at the foreign noise.

Gulp…

He concentrated all his nerves to sharpen his senses.

He constantly sniffed, on guard for the gamey smell of a beast.

How much time had passed? Although his shoulder muscles grew stiff, the surroundings remained quiet.

Clench!

Gripping the broadsword in his hand, he lowered his posture. He prepared himself to react at any moment.

‘Hmm…?’

However, no matter how much time passed, the mountain path was still quiet, as if the spine-chilling sensation he had felt a moment ago was a mere illusion.

Having been on guard for a long time, Jin So-myeong frowned.

Focus was a limited resource. There was nothing good about dragging out time like this.

The moment he hesitated and carefully took a step.

Swoosh!

Along with a chilling sound cutting through the wind, a blurry afterimage flew in like an arrow.

“Heup?!”

Something struck the broadsword he swung reflexively.

Thud! Falling to the ground with a heavy sound, it hissed and made a beastly noise.

Jin So-myeong’s eyes grew serious.

He had clearly slashed it with the sharp broadsword, but not a single drop of blood splattered; instead, only a heavy resistance was felt, as if striking a rock.

It meant the opponent’s hide was incredibly tough.

‘Double-Horned Serpent !’

Under the moonlight, a triangular snake head was visible along with a blurry form; it was a venomous snake with deadly poison called the Double-Horned Serpent.

His heart pounded along with the tension.

If he had not luckily reacted just now, he would have at least been grazed by the venomous fangs, and then it would have been the end.

‘I almost died.’

The Double-Horned Serpent was not an ordinary beast; if struck by its poison, even a beast the size of a bull could not endure three breaths.

Hiss!

A tongue licking the air was visible, along with fangs glistening with venom.

“Hmph!”

He glared murderously at the creature circling the surroundings as if targeting prey.

He could not take even a single step back.

If he was pushed back in momentum, it would be the end; if he did not want to die, he had to fight!

How long had they confronted each other with him clutching the broadsword tightly?

Slither.

The tension suddenly dissolved; the Double-Horned Serpent, which had been seeking an opportunity, gave up and disappeared into the darkness.

Massaging his fatigued shoulder muscles, he marveled anew.

‘It’s my own body, but it is impressive.’

The Double-Horned Serpent was as fast as an arrow; it was amazing that he had reacted to that speed.

Even though it was a mortal’s body that had not even learned martial arts, it was sturdy and quick; his senses were also sharp, enabling him to detect numerous dangers.

‘Indeed. If I couldn’t even do this much, I would have died long ago.’

If not for such a body, he would not have survived for three years on Mount Red Yang.

Taking deep breaths, he stretched to loosen his tense muscles; he was skilled, which was natural since he had experienced such things countless times over the past three years.

Just as he was about to leave after resting enough.

‘…What is this pile of dirt?’

Traces of digging were visible on the ground. Approaching carefully to examine it, his eyes widened.

“Oh?”

Fragments of colorful grass were faintly visible through the dirt.

With his eyes flying open, Jin So-myeong dug up the ground using his broadsword, and after rummaging for a long time, he cheered.

‘Three-Color Herb!’

Deep in the pit, he discovered two stalks of Three-Color Herb with their roots half cut off.

It seemed likely that someone had discovered a habitat of Three-Color Herbs and dropped a few stalks while harvesting.

It was great luck for Jin So-myeong.

‘No wonder. I was wondering why the Double-Horned Serpent was here.’

Habitually keeping guard on the surroundings, he harvested them in a hurry.

Although he would not receive the full price because the leaves were torn and the roots were damaged, it was still Three-Color Herb.

It was worth at least eight Spirit Stone shards.

Storing them carefully in the bundle he had brought, he nodded with satisfaction.

Since he had drawn one step closer to his goal, his mood could not help but be excellent.

‘If I sell these Three-Color Herbs for eight Spirit Stone shards, the Spirit Stone shards I possess will total 108; I only need to gather two more from now on!’

Calming his beating heart, he left the area; since the sun had not risen yet, there was still much to do.

As time passed and it reached the point when the sun was faintly rising.

‘Found it!’

Discovering a massive tree, Jin So-myeong’s eyes shone.

A thick giant tree over twenty meters tall, it was so massive that looking up at the top made his neck ache.

This tree, which he named the ‘Dew Tree’, was Jin So-myeong’s small treasure.

It was a major source of income that he had luckily discovered half a year ago and relied upon.

If there was anything special about this tree, it was that its leaves were larger than five palms combined.

The leaves were so soft and thick that they could be used as cushions.

“Phew.”

Catching his breath, he approached quietly; he did not forget to keep guard on the surroundings.

Three hanging tree branches happened to be at eye level. He closely examined the blue-green leaves hanging at the ends of the branches.

‘As expected! They are here today too!’

Transparent dew as large as an adult’s fist formed in the center of the leaves was visible.

As one could tell by its size, it was not ordinary dew; it was miraculous water possessing special efficacy, having absorbed plenty of spiritual Qi .

A subtle fragrance wafted gently from the water droplets that glistened with reflected moonlight.

It was a refreshing scent that cleared his chest all the way through.

A feeling of wanting to be intoxicated by it without any thoughts!

This dew had many uses; it could be used to manufacture pills or for cultivation.

As it was valuable to cultivators, he could naturally sell it to obtain Spirit Stone shards.

Taking out the gourd bottle he had brought, he brought it close to the dew.

Trickle.

He poured it carefully so as not to spill it; he collected a total of three transparent water droplets.

‘This much should be worth at least one Spirit Stone shard.’

Slosh!

Shaking the gourd bottle pleasantly, he plugged the cap.

Nodding with satisfaction, he glanced upward.

The Dew Tree was incredibly massive. Naturally, there were far more than three leaves; the foliage grew denser toward the top.

‘…Dew must have formed up there too.’

However, it was a pie in the sky; even the lowest ones were at least five meters high, so he could not collect the dew at all.

When he first discovered the Dew Tree half a year ago, he had almost died after climbing the trunk.

‘I almost died from being bitten by a tiny venomous insect; I was bedridden for three days.’

Without being greedy, he quietly withdrew.

He set off to search for other trees with dew or spiritual herbs.

Since the dew holding spiritual Qi would dry up completely once the sun rose, he had to hurry.

‘If only I can find just one more shard’s worth…!’

*

Red Yang Market.

A boy around fifteen years old walked down the street with a worn-out bundle slung over his back.

He seemed to be walking leisurely, but he was different if looked at closely; his brightly shining eyes did not rest even for a moment.

Moving slowly, he kept guard on the surroundings; whenever someone approached close, he naturally drifted away to increase the distance.

The hand placed on the hilt of the broadsword at his waist also did not leave for a moment; he prepared to draw it at any time.

Step, step.

How long did he walk?

The boy, Jin So-myeong, arrived at the shop written as Spirit Elixir Pavilion .

“Welcome… Huh?”

The lively voice cut off abruptly.

A young girl who appeared to be around Jin So-myeong’s age pouted her lips.

“Why did a mortal brat come here? Get out quickly before you get scolded; our Spirit Elixir Pavilion is a place that does business with Qi Condensation cultivators.”

Just before Jin So-myeong could respond to the blunt tone.

“Haha. So-ah. That child is my guest, so send him up.”

A calm voice resounded from the second floor of the Spirit Elixir Pavilion.

“M-master?”

The flustered girl’s eyes flew wide open; having blocked the path confidently, she hastily stepped aside.

Bowing politely, Jin So-myeong passed by her and went up to the second floor.

At the same time as stepping onto the second floor, a bitter smell of herbs wafted over.

Soon, his gaze met a man who appeared to be in his mid-to-late thirties sipping tea.

Jin So-myeong bowed politely to him, who wore a gentle and kind smile.

“How have you been, Senior Bang?”

“Mm, you’ve come.”

Savoring the tea fragrance like a scholar, Bang Il scanned Jin So-myeong.

“Kid. You are truly lucky; how on earth did you survive for three years while climbing Mount Red Yang every single day… Tsk, tsk.”

“Haha, indeed.”

Smiling like an innocent child, Jin So-myeong politely held out the gourd bottle and bundle.

“Senior Bang, I will be in your care today as well.”

“Let us see.”

Examining the spiritual Qi-laden dew contained in the gourd bottle, Bang Il nodded with a satisfied expression.

“Good! Good! As expected, you are diligent; since you collected it at dawn today, the spiritual Qi has not escaped yet, so I will give you two Spirit Stone shards for this much, and as for this… Hm?”

Opening the cloth pouch, Bang Il let out an exclamation of surprise.

“Three-Color Herb? Although the roots are damaged, the spirituality still remains… Good! I will give you eight Spirit Stone shards for this. Do you agree?”

Fortunately, it was the same price that Jin So-myeong had expected.

Indeed, Bang Il possessed the credibility of a merchant; it was a rare conscience in a harsh world.

Of course.

That was also why Jin So-myeong frequented this Spirit Elixir Pavilion.

“Yes! I will sell all of them.”

“Excellent, you are straightforward!”

Crystals as small as fingernails popped out from Bang Il’s waist.

Whoosh!

Ten Spirit Stone shards flew through the air and landed softly on Jin So-myeong’s palm.

“Thank you! But Senior.”

“Hmm?”

Hesitating for a moment, Jin So-myeong took out a worn-out pouch and held it out politely.

His fingertips trembled slightly at the heavy weight.

No one, except Jin So-myeong himself, would know how precious what was contained in this shabby pouch was.

Swallowing in tension, he smiled forcedly and spoke.

“Senior, would it be possible to combine all these Spirit Stone shards and exchange them for a Spirit Stone?”

“…A Spirit Stone? A real Spirit Stone, not shards?”

“Yes.”

As if doubting his own ears, Bang Il tilted his head; after a moment, he spoke with wide eyes.

“Kid. Have you by any chance gathered all the Spirit Stone shards?”

“Yes. I have gathered 110 shards, just as you mentioned in the past.”

“Heh.”

Bang Il stood without speaking for a long time.

Taking the pouch Jin So-myeong held out, he shook it this way and that to gauge the weight.

“A mortal kid without a single proper skill gathered 110 Spirit Stone shards? How long did it take?”

“Ahaha. Since I haven’t learned anything, it took three years.”

“Three years!”

Bang Il’s exclamation was filled with astonishment. He marveled while looking at the boy who was smiling like an innocent child.

Whether he felt a strange emotion, he muttered so softly that it could barely be heard.

“A young kid without a master, let alone parents, risked his life for three years without giving up…?”

At this moment.

Bang Il’s attitude changed. A sincere curiosity settled in the gaze looking at Jin So-myeong.

Discarding the air of playing around to kill boredom, he spoke seriously.

“Yes. I remember. I indeed said that if you gathered 110 Spirit Stone shards, I would exchange them for a Spirit Stone; when was that?”

“It was two years ago.”

“Haha. Come to think of it, your interval for selling dew grew shorter since then. To climb Mount Red Yang every day with a mortal’s body… Thinking about it now, surviving is truly a miracle.”

Stroking his chin for a long time, a blue haze wavered in the pupils of Bang Il.

He was casting the Spirit Eye Art , an eye technique capable of seeing through all mysteries.

‘Ugh.’

Meeting that bizarre gaze, it felt as if he was facing a tiger; Bang Il in front of him felt like a monster rather than a human.

His hands and feet trembled finely, but he forced a smile. Jin So-myeong continued to act as an innocent child.

How many breaths had passed?

Having examined him for a long time as if appraising an object, Bang Il shook his head.

“…Not only your persistence but your character is also remarkable. However, to have a Mixed Spiritual Root. It is truly a pity; there is no possibility of achieving greatness.”

Having acted as an innocent kid as much as possible, Jin So-myeong grew tense inside.

Bang Il’s evaluation was a fact he already knew, so it did not particularly hurt.

‘Please.’

He only hoped the transaction would end quickly.

According to what he had observed over the past three years, this cultivator named Bang Il was at least trustworthy.

He was the most conscientious merchant he had met since reincarnating.

As the owner of the Spirit Elixir Pavilion, his reputation was also good; he was famous for keeping his promises.

He was the best option among the people Jin So-myeong could choose right now.

‘I have no choice but to trust him.’

To Bang Il, a Qi Condensation 4th layer cultivator, a single Spirit Stone was not a treasure.

‘Would it be like a million won to an office worker who earns ten million won a month?’

He judged that the man would not tarnish the shop’s credit over a mere single Spirit Stone, nor would he commit robbery against a kid who had diligently collected dew for three years.

Just as Jin So-myeong was swallowing.

Stroking his chin for a long time as if in thought, Bang Il suddenly chuckled.

“Good! A merchant must keep his promises; here, one Spirit Stone.”

Toss!

It was hearty; a blue crystal the size of a thumb flew, drawing a parabola.

With his eyes widening, Jin So-myeong hastily snatched it.

Lest someone might see, he hurriedly clenched the Spirit Stone tightly; he could not hide his fingertips that trembled finely due to the joy surging from the depths of his heart.

A Spirit Stone!

A real Spirit Stone, not fragmented shards!

An important treasure for him to achieve the Dao !

With just this, he could step onto the path of an Immortal and begin cultivation!

‘I finally obtained it.’

Biting his lips tightly, Jin So-myeong trembled with agitation.

The days of suffering like a dog rose in his memory, making his eyes grow red.

Now, the day he would condense spiritual Qi and become a Qi Condensation cultivator was not far off.

“Thank you!”

He quickly put away the Spirit Stone and bowed.

Although it would be nothing but ordinary currency to the owner of the Spirit Elixir Pavilion, Bang Il, to him, it was a hope that would change his fate.

It was a lamp to improve his life!