A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 166: Drastic Change (5)

The first Devil Race invasion was successfully carried out, and I received recognition for handing over the mass of tentacles to the upper ranks.

Capturing a Devil Race commander was considered a significant achievement, especially according to the testimonies of my subordinates who said I defeated a Nascent Soul stage devil.

I was awarded the plaque of a 100-Man Captain, enabling me to lead a 100-Man unit.

Wo-woong!

"There's someone in our 1000-Man unit who rashly tried to ascend stages before joining the invasion of the Devil Realm, fell to a Heart Demon, and was decapitated... It seems you had confidence in your skills to ascend stages. I look forward to working with you, 100-Man Captain."

Wi Yeol, a Heavenly Being stage General of the 1000-Man unit I belong to patted my shoulder.

I looked at the spirit plaque, dharma treasure, and Vast Cold Jade that are all issued to every 100-Man Captain.

'Vast Cold Jade...'

From now on, I, too, will have to stand at the forefront of the Devil Race invasion operations, eroding the land of the Devil Realm with Vast Cold Jade.

After expressing my gratitude to the upper echelons, I went to my assigned post.

The area was already filled with dense heaven and earth spiritual energy, making it effortless to breathe and for cultivators below the Qi Building stage to use their spells without any inconvenience.

And that means,

"Hey, use your spells properly!"

"Raise the wall!"

"Build the roof!"

Even with only Qi Building stage cultivators, its possible to build houses in the Devil Realm's land as if we are in the vast Bright Cold Realm.

Already, the vicinity is filled with numerous houses made of mud and wood, palaces, and mansions galore.

The incredible changes are the result of Qi Building stage cultivators earnestly diving into construction work.

"Ah, 100-Man Captain, you've arrived!"

Yeon Jin, who had briefly been my superior, and his 10-Man unit members came out from a manor to greet me.

"As expected, Cultivator Seo... no, 100-Man Captain. I knew you were more skilled than me and would succeed someday, but I didn't expect you to rise so quickly. This mansion has been allocated to you as the 100-Man Captain."

"Ah, thank you, Cultivator Yeon. Everyone, come in for now."

I lead the 10-Man unit members into the manor.

"You've been assigned to my 100-Man unit, and as more reinforcements arrive, our unit will be replenished with more personnel. Let's get along well until then."

"Yes, 100-Man Captain!"

"It's an honor!"

I share a moment of light drinks with Yeon Jin and the 10-Man unit inside the manor.

After laughing and chatting for a while, they returned to their original places, and after sending them off, I looked up at the sky from the silent mansion.

"..."

The land is illuminated by spiritual energy, but the sky of the Devil Realm is still dense with devilish energy.

"Something feels off."

I feel as if theres a hole in my chest.

A feeling of having lost something.

But I can't figure out what it is.

Something seems wrong, but I can't remember what it is exactly.

And so, time passes again as an invader.

Initially, the ranks of the expedition force of the Devil Realm were purely based on cultivation stages.

However, as the invasion progressed, ranks gradually became divided based on contributions.

Even as a Core Formation stage cultivator, I established far more merits than cultivators of the same realm or even Nascent Soul stage cultivators and was eventually awarded the spirit plaque of a Thousand-Man General.

I heard that from the rank of Thousand-Man General, one could be granted the authority of a provisional governor to manage colonies in the True Devil Realm.

'A governor...'

After the 1st invasion of the Devil Realm,

The erosion of the Devil Realm continued steadily, and we had just finished the ninth invasion operation.

Wo-woong!

Spiritual energy fills the Devil Realm

I see the remnants of the Devil Race who had not yet fled and the human cultivators literally 'hunting' these remnants.

I blankly stare at this scene.

Oh Hyun-seok and Kim Yeon approach me, clicking their tongues in disapproval.

They, too, had earned the plaque of a 1000-Man general through their numerous contributions.

Oh Hyun-seok speaks up.

"Honestly, we came here under our masters orders... but Im not sure if this is right."

"...I think the same. I thought the Devil Realm was a place inhabited only by devils..."

What we saw were Human Race members holding dharma treasures, chasing after the Devil Race, separating their flesh from bone, draining their blood, and even absorbing and storing their souls.

"...I can't tell who's the devil and who's the human."

"Exactly. I heard even the simplest devils possess intelligence, especially those above the Core Formation stage..."

Listening to their conversation, I feel a turmoil in my chest.

Emotionally, I found myself empathizing with the Devil Race.

But rationally I understood the actions of the human cultivators hunting the Devil Race.

'Why?'

Its a feeling I have been experiencing lately.

My rationality and emotions are in stark contrast.

'Strange...'

What is right and what is wrong?

I absentmindedly stroke my chest, unable to remember something I might have forgotten, and gaze into the distance with Oh Hyun-seok and Kim Yeon.

"Provincial governor of the occupied territory?"

I ask, not quite understanding.

"Yes, Seo Eun-hyun. You've been appointed as the provincial governor to oversee the territory from the newly occupied Devil Ridge Mountains to the Black Pearl River."

I question Hyeon Woon.

"Although I have achieved many merits I am still at the Core Formation stage... Wouldn't it be better to entrust this to someone at the Heavenly Being stage?"

"On the contrary, that's why Im assigning you as the provincial governor. The other Heavenly Being stage cultivators have crucial roles in the next operation, and it will be problematic if we are missing even one or two in order to manage the occupied territories."

"I see."

"Moreover, recent reports suggest you've been showing signs of mental instability. Soldiers who have been on the battlefield for a long time sometimes experience psychological issues. Taking a break as a provincial governor and reaching Nascent Soul can solidify your mental foundation. Since you've previously attempted to ascend to the Nascent Soul stage on your own, what better opportunity can there be?"

I fall silent for a moment at Hyeon Woon's words.

He has a point.

But what concerns me is...

'Hyeon Woon, the color of his intent...'

Lately, I've been feeling an increasing sense of alienation from the color of his intent.

He had received reports of my mental instability, but it seems he is unaware that his own mind might be deteriorating.

'What should I do...'

After pondering for a moment, I decided to dismiss it as one of the mental illnesses many cultivators experience during war.

'It's not my problem anyway.'

"If you say so, I will accept the position of governor."

"Good, from today, you are the provincial governor of the 8th erosion area."

I receive the spirit plaque from Hyeon Woon and walk out of the manor where he resided.

As reinforcements joined the expedition force, more and more human cultivators moved to the front lines.

After defeating the Devil Race, the occupied territory was quickly transformed into a bustling area by numerous human cultivators.

Many Qi Building stage cultivators gathered, swiftly building cities and fortresses.

I pass through the bustling area and head to the manor assigned to me.

Inside, the 100-Man captains of my 1000-Man unit were gathered, sharing conversations.

"Ah, the 1000-Man General has arrived!"

"1000-Man General, did you receive anything this time?"

Most of the 100-Man Captains are at the Nascent Soul stage, but none of them look down on me.

In fact, none of them can defeat me in a one-on-one fight.

Recently, even General Seo, who has somewhat recovered to the Nascent Soul level, is under my command, so my skills are certainly not lacking.

Among the 100-Man Captains, Yeon Jin, who followed me and made more contributions, is also there.

Hes staggering around, his face flushed from drinking among the Nascent Soul stage cultivators.

"Listen, everyone, I will not participate in the next 10th erosion operation."

"Really...?"

"What, why is that"

I announce that I have been appointed as the provincial governor.

"No! Where else can you find someone as capable as our 1000-Man General! Is this really right?"

"Chief Strategist Hyeon Woon, I've disliked that guy from the start! Let's smash his head in and bring our 1000-Man General back!"

"Oh my~ How many among the other 1000-Man Generals are as capable as Seo 1000-Man General!"

"Everyone Thank you."

Truthfully, the 1000-Man unit I've led has indeed been on a winning streak.

Not because we achieved major contributions every time, but because we managed to secure many minor contributions while ensuring the majority of our forces returned safely, which is a well-regarded aspect within my 1000-Man unit.

It was thanks to my tendency to focus on securing minor contributions while paying attention to the safety of my subordinates rather than chasing after major merits..

"Ah, 1000-Man General. So, you wont be standing on the front lines anymore?"

Yeon Jin asks,blinking his eyes drunkenly.

"Thats the case."

"Ah Then, I will follow you to the 8th occupied territory Please dont forget my loyalty to you, 1000-Man General!"

"Haha! Yeon Jin, its not loyalty to the 1000-Man General, but fear of being assigned to another 1000-Man unit with a lower survival rate if the General is absent, right?"

"You funny guy! Hey, everyone! Lets pour more into Yeon Jins glass and teach this coward a lesson!"

After chuckling at Yeon Jin, who is surrounded by Nascent Soul stage cultivators and sweating profusely from the alcohol, I enter my mansion within the manor.

Inside, a large mass of tentacles is rolling and squirming.

Its the Devil Race commander I first captured as a prisoner, named Gyeon Shin (Seeing the New).

After the interrogation of the prisoner was completed, instead of sending him directly to an alchemist, at my request, he was able to survive as my pet beast.

"Cultivator Gyeon, it seems you are doing well?"

[Ah, Lord Seo. Have you come? As you can see, I am living well thanks to your grace.]

"Theres no need for formalities. Anyway, it seems the time has come to release Cultivator Gyeon."

At my words, the tentacles twitch and turn towards me.

"Ive been appointed as the provincial governor of the 8th occupied territory. They told me to rest there for a while. So, once we arrive near the 8th occupied territory, Ill release you."

[Thank you, Lord Seo. Among all the humans Ive met, you are the one most faithful to your promises.]

"..."

When I first handed over Gyeon Shin, I requested that he be treated well as a prisoner.

However, the prisoner treatment among humans meant turning them into pet beasts by implanting a spike in their head or extracting their core to make elixirs.

Therefore, just before Gyeon Shin was sent to an alchemist, I managed to save him by claiming I would make him my pet beast.

Of course, to control a pet beast, one has to learn a special method or implant a spike in their head.

After taking Gyeon Shin, I removed the spike implanted in his head to free him from control.

I apologized for not being able to promise proper prisoner treatment and promised to release him later.

"Listen here, Cultivator Gyeon."

[Yes, please speak.]

"...Although Im not well-versed in the affairs of the Devil Race, from Cultivator Gyeons perspective... do you think the Devil Race is more benevolent than humans?"

[Benevolent... It depends on what criteria you use for 'benevolence.']

"Hmm?"

Gyeon Shin continues, squirming his tentacles.

[If capturing other races indiscriminately to use them as elixirs is considered evil, then generally, the Devil Race is benevolent. However, my race, the Yuchok tribe, suppresses the minds of other beings to control them, parasitizes their bodies to suck nutrients and spiritual energy, and when the host ages, takes their life and moves to another host. There are also Devil Races that lay eggs in the bodies of other races, exploit other races, and frequently wage wars at the slightest provocation... In some aspects, we are not benevolent either.]

"..."

[My Yuchok Tribe has the talent for suppressing minds, so we can somewhat read the consciousness of others. It may sound presumptuous, but when I read Lord Seos mind... it seems you are pondering the morality of your actions.]

"...Thats correct."

Gyeon Shin continues.

[Had it been any other human asking, I would have said that humans are the filthiest and most evil. While there are numerous races, and the Devil Realm harbors many bizarre races, the truth is that humans are almost unique in taking prisoners directly to be made into elixirs. However, since you are the one asking, and answering without any malice towards humans but with a degree of objectivity...]

Gyeon Shin lifts one of his tentacles to meet my eye level.

[The law of the jungle. That's the undeniable truth of this world, a fate all beings are born into. We, the Devil Race, also feel aggrieved by this invasion and hold great animosity towards humans... But to be honest, if the Devil Race were the stronger force, we too might have invaded human territories at any time, parasitizing human bodies as hosts, laying eggs in them, or exploiting them, just as I mentioned before. It's just that now, humans are stronger than us, so they invade the Devil Realm and turn the Devil Race into mere elixirs.]

"...Thank you for your answer."

After leaving Gyeon Shin behind, I head to my room.

'It's not a matter of good or evil but of strength and weakness...'

Yet, something about that doesn't seem right.

Gyeon Shin's words are clear and easy to accept, sweeping away the guilt blossoming within me.

But I feel there is something more than that.

Something more, forgotten deep within my heart.

Surely...

Three days later.

I set off for the 8th occupied territory with those who had decided to follow me.

8th Occupied Territory, Provincial Governor's Residence.

I was briefed by the administrator assigned to assist me in the 8th occupied territory about the situation there.

"...so, currently, there are seven Devil Tribes within our occupied territory."

"The number of tribes is not as many as in other occupied territories."

"Yes, our territory produces a metal called Devilish Gold from the Devil Ridge Mountains, so the resources we can exploit from the tribes are less significant than what we can extract from the mines. Of course, if the provincial governor wishes, we can make good elixirs from the remaining tribes..."

"That's enough."

I wave my hand to dismiss the topic.

"We don't need elixirs, let's move on to discuss resources and management of the occupied territory. From what I understand, the real importance of this 8th occupied territory isn't just that."

"Yes. As you may know, this 8th occupied territory contains a Void Spirit Pond."

Void Spirit Pond.

A place where the veil between dimensions is thin.

This thin veil, transparent like the water of a pond, hence called Void Spirit Pond, often yields spirit stones used in creating space magic artifacts such as storage bags, storage scrolls, and other storage devices, making it a valuable resource.

However, the true value of the Void Spirit Pond is not just that.

"Once the territory is fully colonized, I'll organize the Void Spirit Pond to thoroughly explore the lower realms heavily populated by humans."

Void Spirit Pond, also referred to as the "Unbound Flying Immortal Platform,"

By organizing the dimensional veil of the Void Spirit Pond and connecting it to a specific lower realm, the Void Spirit Pond can transform into a Flying Immortal Platform that welcomes those ascending.

"Though the Void Spirit Pond is unstable now, and it might take at least 1,000 to 2,000 years, it means, with time, we can develop the Void Spirit Pond into a Flying Immortal Platform. The provincial governor should focus on the Void Spirit Pond going forward."

"Understood. Let's go see this Void Spirit Pond."

"Yes."

I head with the administrator to the location of the Void Spirit Pond.

"Here it is..."

The Void Spirit Pond is beneath the governor's mansion.

Traveling through a bedrock cave underneath, the Void Spirit Pond can be found deep within the underground cave.

Wo-woong!

Upon arrival, I momentarily marvel at the grandeur of the Void Spirit Pond.

An ancient underground cavern.

There, spirit stones are sparkling green in various places, and below them lay a vast underground lake.

But its not a lake.

I point to one side of the Void Spirit Pond and gesture lightly towards the other side with my hand.

"This connects to the outer dimensions of the Devil Realm... the Void Spirit Pond."

"Correct. Unlike a normal lake, there's no movement on its surface at all."

I admire the landscape reflecting on the lake's surface like a mirror.

"Beautiful..."

"However beautiful it may be, please do not touch the surface of the lake. Unless you're a cultivator at the Four-Axis stage capable of withstanding spatial storms, touching the lake will either tear you apart from the spatial storms blowing from outside the lake Or, if lucky enough to survive, you'd fall into a strange dimension unknown to anyone."

"I'll be careful."

"Yes, and we've also set up a formation to prevent most people, except the governor, from approaching this area. While Void Spirit Ponds have been found in other occupied territories as well, we must be cautious to prevent anyone from tampering with it. If anyone tries to approach the Void Spirit Pond, it's only right for you, as the governor, to punish them without mercy."

"Understood."

After giving me a few more precautions about the Void Spirit Pond, the administrator suggested we l