A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 159: Masters Grace (5)

Whoosh!

Enveloped in a sea of white clouds, a group of cultivators soared through the sky.

Wrapped in the aura of the Flying Escape Technique, emitting dull radiance, they flew far into the distance. Among them were disciples of the First-Cloud and a few from the Second-Cloud from the Azure Heaven Creation Sect.

Leading the group are two First-Cloud disciples, with five Second-Cloud disciples following behind. At the center of the group flies Seo Eun-hyun and Oh Hyun-seok.

"When will we arrive? It feels like we've been flying for almost half a day..." 

Oh Hyun-seok asked.

A First-Cloud disciple at the forefront shouts back

"Just a bit more patience, we're almost there."

"Hmm, I'm curious, though. Have the senior brothers visited this place before?"

"Well, it's our first time too. Azure Cold Island is vast, and it took us a while to get used to it. As for other Human Race Sky Islands, we've only visited a few islands nearby."

"I'm looking forward to it. The Human Race Grand Alliance headquarters, it's sort of like a capital, right?"

"I suppose so."

As they chatter and fly through the clouds.

Whoosh!

"Oh, there it is..."

As the clouds part a Sky Island far larger than any they had seen before appears before them. At first glance, its about twenty times the size of Azure Cold Island.

An overwhelmingly thick and vast barrier surrounds it, with heaven and earth spiritual energy enveloping the entire land.

"The Human Race Grand Alliance's headquarters, Heavenly Human Island...!"

Awe-struck, the disciples of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect gape at the overwhelming sight of Heavenly Human Island.

"Al-alright, everyone, let's go in."

The highest-ranking First-Cloud disciple, holding an identity plaque proving their affiliation with Azure Cold Island, flies towards Heavenly Human Island.

As they approach the barrier of Heavenly Human Island, the identity plaque glows, opening a small hole in the barrier.

Entering the Island, Oh Hyun-seok marvels at the dense spiritual energy inside.

"I know Azure Cold Island is rich in spiritual energy, but this is almost two to three times denser."

"No, actually, it's more like five or six times denser. The spiritual energy you felt on Azure Cold Island was from one of the most potent spiritual veins."

The group's leader, a First-Cloud disciple named Cheongmun Gyu, inhales the spiritual energy of Heavenly Human Island.

"Let's find the teleportation array that can take us near the Light Spirit Pond."

"Yes!"

At the Human Race Grand Alliance's main base, Heavenly Human Island, one can find teleportation arrays linking to other racial territories within the alliance.

Although only arrays to races with friendly relations with the Human Race are activated, most races near the Light Spirit Pond benefited from trade with the Human Race, so there are no issues.

"Light Spirit Pond's water!"

"Light Spirit Sacred Water?"

"Light Spirit Sacred Water has come in!"

Oh Hyun-seok looks around and comments.

"Seems like the water from Light Spirit Pond is quite popular."

"Appears so...."

The First-Cloud disciples are equally puzzled, exploring various parts of Heavenly Human Island.

Then, Seo Eun-hyun calmly explains.

"The water from Light Spirit Pond, also known as Light Spirit Sacred Water, significantly boosts vitality when consumed. It's sought after as a reserve life source, allowing one to exhibit undying supernatural powers for a moment. When placed inside a puppet and specially processed, the puppet can recover from damage on its own, making it a coveted treasure among puppet masters that make their eyes burst from their heads."

"Oh, Junior Seo, how do you know this?"

"I just heard some rumors. But, the presence of Light Spirit Sacred Water nearby suggests there's a teleportation array to Light Spirit Pond close by."

Seo Eun-hyun points to a location.

"Many people's intents are moving towards that spot. It must be the teleportation array. Let's go."

"Oh, o-okay."

Guided by Seo Eun-hyun, the group is able to arrive in front of a gigantic tower.

At the bottom of the tower, which is built with a total of five floors, numerous people are lined up waiting.

"This seems to be the Light Spirit Pond teleportation array. Now that we've found the teleportation array, let's go to the headquarters of the Human Race Grand Alliance, finish registering for the Mad Lord scouting mission, then use the teleportation array."

Led by Cheongmun Gyu, they head to the alliance's headquarters in the center of Heavenly Human Island.

While looking around, Oh Hyun-seok notices Seo Eun-hyun also looking around here and there.

"Ah, Eun-hyun, you find this place interesting too?"

Amazed at seeing Seo Eun-hyun's human-like behavior after a long time, Oh Hyun-seok looks at him with wonder.

Seo Eun-hyun, while looking around, replies.

"Yes, well, I suppose so. Since it's my first time here, observing will make it easier when I come again in the future."

"Ha, you're thorough."

Laughing, Oh Hyun-seok suddenly feels a chill run down his spine.

'What's that?'

Startled!

It wasn't just Oh Hyun-seok.

The entire expedition team that came with him, as well as other cultivators passing by on Heavenly Human Island, all suddenly stop in their tracks and look up at the sky.

Shortly after, the chilling sensation that had been swirling around them disappears.

"What was that?"

At the sudden eerie sensation, one of the Second-Cloud disciples from Azure Heaven Creation Sect asked those around him.

Then, Seo Eun-hyun, with a stern face answers.

"What we just experienced was the presence of an Integration stage Grand Cultivator. An Integration stage Grand Cultivator's consciousness is overwhelmingly larger than ours. They could have easily hid their presence from us... It seems they chose not to take such consideration and briefly observed this area with their consciousness."

Hearing Seo Eun-hyun's words, one of the Core Formation cultivators passing by nods grimly.

"Indeed, in recent decades, Grand Cultivators of various races have been flocking to the vicinity of Heavenly Human Island, where the Human Race Grand Alliance is located, to search for something. It's become so common now that everyone just accepts it as normal."

"I see, thank you for letting us know."

Seo Eun-hyun expressed his gratitude to the Core Formation cultivator.

"This is troubling. It's hard to say whether this is good or bad"

Cheongmun Gyu, with a troubled look, heads into the grand palace of the alliance's headquarters, and soon after, comes out with a mission confirmation plaque.

"Well, for now its settled. We've properly confirmed our mission to scout the Mad Lord, so we can use the teleportation array."

Thus, they boarded the teleportation array heading near the Light Spirit Pond.

Whoosh!

Oh Hyun-seok looks around.

"Is this place near the Light Spirit Pond?"

The spiritual energy around them is refreshingly stimulating to life force.

Oh Hyun-seok clenches his fist.

'Somehow, I feel like training here might make it easier to break through my current realm.'

Cheongmun Gyu looks around around at the members and says,

 "Remember, we didn't come to the Light Spirit Pond area for leisure. We have to observe the Mad Lord, who is said to have been expanding his conquests near this area, for the next 5 years. Any questions?"

"I have a question. I heard that elixirs that can help me break through my cultivation are grown near the Light Spirit Pond. Would it be permissible to gather some to reduce future risks during our mission?"

At Seo Eun-hyun's question, others also show interest.

"It's fine. But make sure not to provoke the local races, and try to exchange through trade as much as possible."

"Yes, thank you!"

"You all seem excited about getting Light Spirit Sacred Water, but let me remind you again, don't steal or coerce to obtain resources. Got it?"

"Yes!"

"Then, I'll give everyone about a day to explore the area near the Light Spirit Pond."

With that, Seo Eun-hyun and the rest of the expedition members dispersed in an instant.

Oh Hyun-seok wonders.

'Is Light Spirit Sacred Water really that amazing?'

Swoosh!

Days passed.

Led by Cheongmun Gyu, the expedition arrived at a certain location.

"This is"

There are traces of a massive battle.

The ground was overturned, and several giant valleys had formed, with remnants and pieces that look like puppet parts scattered around.

"This was one of the territories of the Cold Spirit Race."

Seo Eun-hyun, with a slight frown, looks around.

"The Mad Lord passed through here."

Cheongmun Gyu frowns at the sight, saying.

"Mad Lord, this lunatic. The scale of his madness has grown even larger than when he was in the lower realm."

"Let's move towards where we can see the Mad Lord's Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress."

"Alright."

They followed the trail of destruction.

After a while, Cheongmun Gyu stopped in mid-air.

A vast primeval forest near the Light Spirit Pond!

At the edge of that primeval forest, far away at the end of a mountain range, a small dot is visible.

"There it is. The Mad Lord's Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress."

At Cheongmun Gyu's words, Oh Hyun-seok frowns.

"That speck over there, you mean?"

"Yes."

"Isn't that too far? We were told to scout, but with this distance I'm not sure if looking is even possible"

"What are you talking about? Don't underestimate that madman's capabilities. This distance is just right. Any closer and we'd be captured and transformed by that lunatic."

Shiver!

Perhaps due to bad memories of the Mad Lord, Cheongmun Gyu shuddered and shook his head.

Did he say there was a time when he narrowly escaped after being captured by the Mad Lord in the lower realm?

Oh Hyun-seok recalls the story Cheongmun Gyu had told about his entanglement with the Mad Lord.

Suddenly, he frowns.

"Anyway, having to observe the Mad Lord here for five years is a bit worrying."

"What's there to worry about? For cultivators, five years pass in the blink of an eye. It seems junior is not yet used to the sense of time cultivators have, having not practiced the cultivation methods for long."

Cheongmun Gyu chuckles and pats Oh Hyun-seok's back.

Oh Hyun-seok sighs softly and settles down atop a tree in the surrounding forest.

Well, worrying about it here won't do any good. I should continue my training as usual. I should talk to Seo Eun-hyun too, see if we can find Team leader Kim if we get a chance.'

It was then, as he crossed his legs in meditation.

'...?'

Below the tree, Seo Eun-hyun is placing his hands on the ground, doing something.

"Hey, Eun-hyun. What are you doing?"

At Oh Hyun-seok's call, Seo Eun-hyun replies calmly.

"I'm about to draw a circuit that leads to the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress from underneath the ground."

"What?"

"If my circuit reaches the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, we can know about Kim Yeon's situation without attracting the attention of the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress or the Mad Lord. Please trust me on this."

"Ah, well Of course, I trust you. Why even say that?"

"Thank you. Please don't mention this to Cheongmun Gyu and the senior brothers. They might not believe it."

"Sure, I understand."

He nods and looks at Seo Eun-hyun.

"There must be a way."

He trusts Seo Eun-hyun.

Even though he had been acting strange lately, he is still the person who was once his junior at work.

Trusting someone who was once a junior isn't a big deal for him.

Whoosh!

Five years flew by in an instant.

Whoosh!

Light swirls around Oh Hyun-seok, being absorbed into his body.

Boom!

His energy soars to its peak.

"Core Formation Grand Perfection, Celestial Dominion!"

Finally, he has reached the end of Core Formation!

Oh Hyun-seok stands up, his eyes shining.

It's not just about reaching the peak

It feels as if given the right opportunity, he can reach the Nascent Soul stage in no time.

The land near Light Spirit Pond always flows with a peculiar vitality, which greatly aided Oh Hyun-seok's body refining method, speeding up his cultivation.

"Finally"

Oh Hyun-seok smiles contentedly.

"Finally, I've caught up to Seo Eun-hyun in terms of cultivation stage."

Indeed.

While Seo Eun-hyun had reached the pinnacle of Core Formation, the Celestial Dominion, over the past five years, he hadn't achieved enlightenment or advanced to the Nascent Soul stage.

He hasn't moved beyond the Grand Perfection of Core Formation.

Thus, Oh Hyun-seok finally caught up to Seo Eun-hyun in terms of cultivation.

Well, even if we're equal in cultivation, it doesn't necessarily mean I can win in a fight

Rumble...

Oh Hyun-seok somehow feels that, at this moment, he can have a proper spar with Seo Eun-hyun.

Now that our mission period is coming to an end, I should spar with him and ask what we'll do about Team Leader Kim.

He uses the Flying Escape Technique to approach Seo Eun-hyun, who is touching the ground with his eyes closed.

"Seo Eun-hyun! Have you found a way to contact Team Leader Kim Yeon yet?"

"No. After making contact with the circuits in the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, it took quite some time to steal one ten-thousandth of the control from the Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress. In a few days, we'll be able to contact Chief Kim Yeon."

"Is that so? So, in a few days, our purpose for coming here will nearly be achieved."

"That seems to be the case"

"Then, we'll be leaving soon after that."

At Oh Hyun-seok's words, Seo Eun-hyun looks at him and replies.

"You're suggesting a spar, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry, but prioritizing finding out Kim Yeons situation as soon as possible is more imp-"

Before Seo Eun-hyun can finish speaking,

Oh Hyun-seok launches a punch towards Seo Eun-hyun.

Boom!

A blue flash shot towards Seo Eun-hyun.

Seo Eun-hyun quickly dodged and glared at Oh Hyun-seok.

"What are you doing Ah, so you came with that resolve?"

"Ha, you speak as if you know exactly what's in my heart!"

""

"Its always been like that. You seem to know everything, yet you never speak of the important matters, you dont speak properly, nor do you try to converse with me. And yet, those occasional human moments of yours are exactly how I remember the Seo Eun-hyun I know!"

Boom!

Oh Hyun-seok stomps the ground.

The surrounding earth rumbles.

"What the hell is it? Whats the issue that caused you to avoid talking with me after coming to this world and starting your training?

The air around them stirs violently.

Who are you! Are you the Seo Eun-hyun I know, or someone else?"

Oh Hyun-seok stares intensely at Seo Eun-hyun.

Seo Eun-hyun sighs softly after a moment of silence.

"It's dangerous to spar here, let's move elsewhere."

With that, Seo Eun-hyun propels himself off the ground and flies away.

Oh Hyun-seok follows suit.

After flying over the forest for a while, they finally land in the middle of a vast wasteland, beyond the forest.

"Honestly, I don't think you can defeat me, Chief Oh.

"Ha, calling me 'Chief'"

Oh Hyun-seok smirks.

"I haven't been called that in a private setting since I was promoted. Calling me that I wonder if you're really the Seo Eun-hyun I know. Shall we find out?"

At that moment, Oh Hyun-seok's aura explodes.

Boom!

The ground upheaves as he stomps.

Instantly, Oh Hyun-seok's figure melds into the earth and vanishes.

But Seo Eun-hyun, with an expressionless face, swings his hand in one direction.

A massive explosion reveals Oh Hyun-seok, who lunges at Seo Eun-hyun with a punch.

Whoosh! Boom!

As the air explodes, Seo Eun-hyun smoothly catches Oh Hyun-seok's punch and moves in close, extending his palm.

But in the next moment, Oh Hyun-seok's body flashes, and he moves above Seo Eun-hyun.

Rumble!

He slams his leg down where Seo Eun-hyun stands.

The ground explodes, and in the next moment, the surroundings turn into a sea of lava.

Flames engulf the sea of lava as Oh Hyun-seok shoots towards Seo Eun-hyun.

Bang Bang Bang!

Each of Oh Hyun-seok's punches carry the power and speed of a mid Nascent Soul!

Seo Eun-hyun, using his Flying Escape Technique, footwork, and sharp energy, dodges Oh Hyun-seok's attacks with all his might.

And, Oh Hyun-seok starts to gather even more power.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Oh Hyun-seok's speed increases.

Now, just his movement alone causes the air to explode, sending shockwaves in all directions.

Gradually, Oh Hyun-seok's punches start to just graze Seo Eun-hyun.

'I'm going to hit, I'm going to hit!'

And finally.

Swoosh!

Oh Hyun-seok's body glows with a five-colored light and suddenly shoots towards Seo Eun-hyun.

And then.

Thump!

His punch 'connects' with Seo Eun-hyun!

Kugugugu!

Seo Eun-hyun is pushed back, crashing into a corner of the wasteland.

"Huff"

Oh Hyun-seok lands on the ground smirking.

"How about that? Do you think I can handle a fight with you now?"

Shhh

Seo Eun-hyun stands up from the large crater created by the impact, dust swirling around him.

Creak.

His arms are broken.

But as he walks out of the dust pit, life force flows into his arms, healing them.

Creak

"...Well, you can indeed keep up with me to some extent now."

He looks at Oh Hyun-seok.

Oh Hyun-seok flinches!

Oh Hyun-seok feels as if hes facing a massive beast, feeling like he is thrown unarmed in front of a tiger as a mere mortal.

His spine chills, and his senses scream in alarm.

Gulp!

'That guy'

"Now, then"

'He's about to use his real power.'

"I'll fight you properly."

With those words, Seo Eun-hyun forms his hand into a knife-edge and takes a stance.

The next moment.

He swings his hand blade horizontally.

Swoosh!

"!!!"

Oh Hyun-seok, feeling a life-threatening crisis, hurriedly ducks.

At the same time, he catches a glimpse of the ground he had lifted and the mountains he had caused to rise being sliced horizontally behind him.

From now on, it seems I can use my techniques.

Seo Eun-hyun smiles.

However, Oh Hyun-seok does not feel that its a smi