Chapter 53

Chapter 53

Cultivation Through Copulation.

Episode 53: The Treasure Map (4)

“It’s so nice to see you all, nice to see you all indeed. It’s rare to see the elders of the three major sects because they’re so heavy-bottomed. I’m very pleased!”

His booming voice spread around, shocking the disciples who dared to listen to the elders’ conversation.

Disciples below the Foundation Establishment stage collapsed or coughed up blood at the sound of Sang-gwan Geuk’s voice.

Elder Han and Elder So frowned, protecting the disciples from Sang-gwan Geuk’s voice.

Elder Han breathed under her veil, providing the disciples a mysterious refreshing sensation to dispel Sang-gwan Geuk’s loud noise, while Elder So scattered a piece of cloud from his sleeve to aid the disciples’ recovery.

Thanks to the elders’ help, many disciples were able to catch their breath.

After confirming that the disciples were safe, Elder Han and Elder So glared at the ruthless Sang-gwan Geuk, who used his power against juniors without hesitation.

In the cultivation world, using power against juniors was considered a very cowardly act.

But would a demon like Sang-gwan Geuk care about such a taboo?

In this regard, the Orthodox sects scorned the Demonic cultivators for having no shame, while the Demonic cultivators pointed fingers at the Orthodox sects, calling them hypocrites.

Elder Han turned her head away sharply, as if just looking at Sang-gwan Geuk was unpleasant.

Perfected Dao Sect’s Elder So also seemed displeased with Sang-gwan Geuk, but being that he was in the same Core Formation stage, he couldn’t ignore him.

Elder So asked Sang-gwan Geuk.

“What brings the Deathblood Sect here? This is the border between Dark Moon Sect and Perfected Dao Sect. Has the Deathblood Sect brought people into the two sects’ territory to declare war?”

Sang-gwan Geuk replied fiercely, his rough voice betraying an undeniable aggression.

“War? If I could, I would have started it several times. I’m here to ask that we also get a foot in that ruin. Why are the Three Great Sects called the Three Great Sects? Isn’t it because we all want to do good together?”

At that moment, Elder Han interrupted.

“This is the territory of Dark Moon Sect. Are you suggesting we share what belongs to Dark Moon Sect now?”

At Elder Han’s stubborn words, Elder So from Perfected Dao Sect frowned. Even with the Deathblood Sect here, you’re still not willing to cooperate with us? Aren’t we supposed to unite as Orthodox sects?

“It’s not solely Dark Moon Sect’s territory. Why do you say this is Dark Moon Sect’s territory?”

“It’s deep within the boundaries of Dark Moon Sect. Naturally, it belongs to Dark Moon Sect.”

Elder So who had just crossed swords with Elder Han felt his excitement rising again.

Are we going to go at it now?

“Is Dark Moon Sect saying they truly don’t need Perfected Dao Sect’s help?”

“What help? The Dark Moon Sect never wanted any help from the start.”

From Elder Han’s perspective, it didn’t matter whether they competed against the Perfected Dao Sect or both the Deathblood Sect and Perfected Dao Sect. Whether it was one-on-one or a three-way battle, it wasn’t significantly different from the Dark Moon Sect’s standpoint.

Anyway, none of the three forces could afford to neglect the Foundation Establishment Festival.

Since all resources were being allocated to the Foundation Establishment Festival, this left only surplus resources for the ruins.

The power among the three forces was relatively similar. Perhaps Dark Moon Sect, caught off guard, was the least prepared.

In such a situation, it was a good strategy for the Dark Moon Sect to lead it into a three-way battle, keeping both the Deathblood Sect and Perfected Dao Sect in check.

The three elders talked for a long time before dispersing back to their respective forces.

Elder Han dropped a bombshell on his disciples.

“The Three Great Sects will all be entering the ruins.”

All?

The disciples were astonished.

This place, if they pushed it, could be considered to be within the boundary of Dark Moon Sect. The Dark Moon Sect could assert priority here, yet the other two of the Three Great Sects were trying to stake a claim. How shameless.

But everyone knew there was no other way.

Why are they called the Three Great Sects?

Isn’t it because of the balance of power among the three sects that they are called the Three Great Sects?

If two of the sects applied pressure, there was no choice but to comply with their demands.

If it was unfair, they should have been the number one sect, not just one of the Three Great Sects.

The disciples of Dark Moon Sect simmered with anger. However, there was a silver lining; since the three sects were entering jointly, the tasks would be assisted by the Perfected Dao Sect and the Deathblood Sect.

Even so, because each sect didn’t know what tricks the other two sects might pull, they worked together under surveillance, but the Dark Moon Sect disciples found it somewhat easier.

How much time had passed?

A disciple, while driving a probe into the ground, shouted.

“I found the entrance!”

The entrance leading into the ruins was opened.

The entrance to the ruins, located under a triangular roof, was blocked by a firmly closed iron door. For a cultivator, an iron door was merely a gateway that could be opened, but this door was protected by a formation, making it difficult to open easily.

The three elders gathered in front of the door, chatting quietly.

No disciple could hear what was being discussed among them.

However, seeing that all three elders maintained a calm atmosphere, it seemed the discussion was not without progress.

Separately, the atmosphere in front of the ruins was bustling. Despite the elders’ calm meeting, the tension among the disciples of the three sects was intense.

“The Perfected Dao Sect, acting so despicable. Aren’t they ashamed as a righteous sect?”

“The Dark Moon Sect is so petty. Can’t they share benefits with fellow righteous sects?”

Even amidst their quarrel, the Perfected Dao Sect and the Dark Moon Sect did not hide their disdain for the demonic cultivators. In this regard, the disciples of both sects were in agreement.

“The Deathblood Sect? Those filthy demonic bastards aren’t even worth dealing with.”

The disciples of Deathblood Sect stood idly by, seemingly unafraid of their camaraderie, not even glancing in their direction.

Yuk-gyeong stood amidst them, observing the disciples of the Perfected Dao Sect and Deathblood Sect.

It was fascinating to see disciples from other sects for the first time. The Perfected Dao Sect disciples were all dressed in jade-colored clothes. Are they not much different from the Dark Moon Sect? Why do the Deathblood Sect disciples look so dark? The dark circles under their eyes suggest they haven’t slept. Each of them carry a scar that makes them look menacing.

At that moment, someone approached Yuk-gyeong.

Seeing the fluttering green robe with herbal patterns, it was clear he was a disciple from the Dark Moon Sect’s Medicine Hall. An inner disciple at that. The robe was like a uniform that indicated their affiliation from the outside.

“Disciple Lee Yuk-gyeong.”

“Yes.”

The inner disciple from the Medicine Hall approached Yuk-gyeong and handed over a small bottle. Yuk-gyeong accepted the bottle in a state of confusion.

The Medicine Hall disciple explained to Yuk-gyeong.

“This is a Foundation Pill1.”

Oh, oh, oh, a Foundation Pill? Really? I didn’t even go to the Foundation Establishment Festival?

Startled, Yuk-gyeong inspected the Pill bottle, checking the bottom and the opening, and even smelled it. Watching this, the Medicine Hall disciple smiled as if finding it endearing and said.

“That’s the Foundation Pill given to you by the Sect. It’s to commend you on your rapid growth and encourage the Single Spiritual Root owner. The Sect Leader said that you can take it anytime to achieve the Earthly Path Foundation, but always keep in mind the insight of the Mortal Path Foundation.”

Ah, indeed. The Mortal Path Foundation is good as well. I’ll keep that in mind too.

“This disciple accepts his teaching.”

“Yes. It seems I can’t stay here much longer. I’ll see you later within the Sect. Take care.”

Indeed, the atmosphere here was tense. With the opening of the entrance, the struggle for the ruins among the three sects seemed to be starting in earnest, and everyone was on edge.

Yuk-gyeong rejoiced like a free spirit even in such a tense atmosphere. The Foundation Pill, it’s the Foundation Pill! Does this not mean the Earthly Path Foundation is a sure thing?

“Thank you, Senior Uncle!”

“Haha, just call me senior brother. After all, since you now have the Foundation Pill, you’re practically an inner disciple. The next time we meet, greet me as Senior Brother.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother!”

Upon saying so, the Medicine Hall disciple quickly left.

Yuk-gyeong watched until he completely left before opening the medicine bottle to see the Foundation Pill.

As he opened the bottle, a refreshing medicinal scent wafted into his nose. Hmm, the scent of medicine. It’s so good. As expected, the Foundation Pill is different. The scent feels stronger than any medicine I’ve seen before.

There were a total of 10 pills. It was enough for him to achieve the Earthly Path Foundation. No, it was more than enough.

Since the Earthly Path Foundation breaks through the Foundation Establishment stage with its medicinal properties, three to seven pills were needed to achieve it. The Sect provided more than enough, considering even that.

Long live Dark Moon Sect!

Today, his love for the Dark Moon Sect overflowed.

After the elders’ meeting ended,

the three major sects gathered their disciples before entering the ruins.

The disciples of Dark Moon Sect gathered closely, waiting to enter the ruins. Each had a solemn expression as they prepared their weapons and checked their talismans or Spirit Stones.

Now, there was no emotion in their eyes toward each other.

In front of the ruins and opportunities, distinctions like righteousness, demonic paths, friends, or foes all faded away.

Only strength would qualify one to seize the opportunities.

Among them was a man with a somewhat relaxed and comfortable expression. It was none other than Yuk-gyeong. He still wore a silly grin, perhaps because he was pleased about receiving the Foundation Pill.

Yuk-gyeong spotted a familiar face there.

“Yeong-yeong!”

“Yuk-gyeong!”

Yu Yeong-yeong. She was Yuk-gyeong’s fellow initiate and close friend.

She was still brightening her surroundings with her radiant beauty. The male disciples around her glanced at her, as her beauty was well above average.

Yuk-gyeong greeted her warmly. Memories of the Servant Hall came to mind. While everyone else took on tasks, I would sneak off to train.

Those memories weren’t that long ago.

“It’s really been a while. You’re already at Qi Condensation 2-Star? Your growth is remarkably fast.”

Yuk-gyeong was genuinely surprised. For Yeong-yeong, a cultivator with a Three Spiritual Root, to reach Qi Condensation 2-Star already was impressive. Considering it usually takes years to reach Qi Condensation 1-star, Yeong-yeong’s talent was outstanding.

Of course, compared to Yuk-gyeong, it was still just a drop in the ocean.

Yeong-yeong, as expected, replied with a sidelong glance.

“Coming from someone who reached Qi Condensation 8-Star in just a week, that’s a compliment that makes me uncomfortable. It feels like you’re teasing me.”

“Yeong-yeong, you know me. I mean it as a sincere compliment.”

Yuk-gyeong was a very unique case, so it was right to compare someone like Yeong-yeong to other ordinary cases.

If compared to Yuk-gyeong, many geniuses in the world would pale in comparison. People might even start questioning if they were truly geniuses.

To maintain self-esteem, one had to avoid comparing themselves with Yuk-gyeong. Yeong-yeong was very well aware of that fact.

“Yes, I know. How have you been? I heard you’re doing well at the Medicine Hall. I watched the martial arts tournament and the magical arts competition. I cheered for you, but you didn’t know, right?”

“Oh, really? You came to see me. You should have come to say hello.”

“Do you want me to get trampled to death while trying to greet a busy celebrity? No, thanks. It’s nice to see you like this. I thought about visiting the Medicine Hall sometimes, but I’ve been too busy with my own work.”

“Which place are you affiliated with, Yeong-yeong?”

“I’m with Iron Star Peak. It’s the same place as my sister.”

“Oh, Iron Star Peak.”

Iron Star Peak, where the Technique Hall was located, needed many people. Moreover, her sister was there, so it made sense for her to go there.

While having a brief conversation with Yeong-yeong, Yuk-gyeong noticed a woman looking at the sky beside Yeong-yeong.

She was a face Yuk-gyeong knew.

One that he knew very well.

They had even intertwined bodies.

Though she didn’t know it.

Footnotes:

1: TL/N: This was originally translated as Foundation Establishment Pills ↩️