A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 314: Have You Been Well? (4)

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Chapter 314: Have You Been Well? (4)

Silence lingers for quite a while.

Seo Li stands still, seemingly deep in thought, while Gyo Yeom feels his blood run dry.

"Um...cultivator?"

At Gyo Yeom's words, Seo Li looks at them with eyes flickering with ghost fire.

'Damn it, what is he thinking?'

Despite the significant differences in appearance among the various races, making it difficult to read expressions or interpret body language correctly, living beings generally share some common facial cues, like frowning.

While it was indeed challenging to understand the expressions of the Rotting Owl Race, Fungal Bone Race, and the cultivators of the Insect Race due to their vastly different lifestyles, Gyo Yeom is familiar with the expressions of the Human Race, who frequently trade with the Blood Shark Race.

As Seo Li's silence continues, the two Heaven Tribe cultivators, who had been tense, begin to laugh awkwardly.

"Haha, Human Race Daoist. You appear to be a cultivator from the Black Ghost Valley. May I ask why you need the Heavenly Lotus Fruit?"

[...]

Seo Li does not respond.

Seeing this, Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik laugh.

"If it's spirit fruits you need, we can compensate you later with fruits cultivated by the Tall Tree Race, such as the Tea Energy Fruit, the Sea Orchid Fruit, the Deep Sea Fruit, the Island Flame Fruit, and such...as a cultivator from the Black Ghost Valley, wouldn't these spirit fruits with deep-sea attributes be extremely useful to you?"

"Our Paired Wings Race will also offer compensation if you yield the Heavenly Lotus Fruit. I've heard that your Black Ghost Valley is recently establishing roots in our race's territory. We are willing to support the Black Ghost Valley at the racial level so, don't listen to that Earth Tribe scum.  Let's band together as fellow Heaven Tribe members and kill that Earth Tribe scum. What do you say?"

Finally, Seo Li opens his mouth.

[...No.]

"Hmm!?"

"What did he say?"

"Please say that again."

The three Four-Axis cultivators focus on Seo Li.

Then, Seo Li speaks a little louder.

[I'm saying...I'm not a crazed hedonistic murderer.]

"..."

"..."

"..."

His words bring silence to the room.

Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik laugh awkwardly.

"Ah, ahahahaha!"

"I-I see. That's right. That can be the case. Our Paired Wings Race also has people like you, who call themselves 'artists'. Of course, none are as...tremendous an artist as you. Who called you a hedonistic murderer? Your actions are um...'artistic expressions'."

Laughing awkwardly, Baek Wi-ik especially showers Seo Li with praises to win him over.

And Seo Li falls silent again.

Gyo Yeom smirks as he watches the two Heaven Tribe cultivators laugh awkwardly.

'Pathetic fools.'

They are pathetic.

These guys lack 'determination'.

They only want to escape the current crisis.

They can never compare to someone determined like himself.

Therefore, he will win in this situation!

"That's right. That Paired Wings pigeon is correct. Fellow Cultivator is most definitely an 'artist'! Those things on your shoulders must be your 'masterpieces'. They are undoubtedly excellent 'artistic expressions' of fine form...I understand your artistic expressions."

[...]

Up to this point, Baek Wi-ik had said similar things.

But Gyo Yeom ponders over his words and takes it a step further.

"However, do you think those Heaven Tribe fools understand your art? Absolutely not! They are just flapping their gums to escape the current situation! I, Gyo Yeom, dare to say this! As someone who understands your expressions of art, I am willing to become your 'work'!"

[...]

"Please give me the opportunity. Those Heaven Tribe bastards don't have the passion to become your 'work,' so you can't just give them a chance. So, let's join forces to rip off those liars' heads and then turn me into your masterpiece!"

Gyo Yeom smiles bitterly.

'I'll probably die now.'

He will become a 'work' of the mad Human Race devil and be displayed on his shoulders.

But those two Heaven Tribe bastards who stood in his way will die today as well.

At Gyo Yeom's words, Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik's faces turn pale.

The three Four-Axis cultivators' gazes are fixed on Seo Li.

Everyone is waiting for Seo Li's decision.

I'm speechless and stay silent for a long time.

'Damn it, has everyone been looking at me with those kinds of eyes all this time?'

The 'mad hedonistic murderer' that made the Demon Race scream and run away was apparently me the whole time.

'Just how are they seeing me to think that I'm such a depraved being?'

I'm not even Yuan Li, and I feel extremely displeased being treated as such.

'I'm not even the unpleasant-looking bizarre monster General Seo, so what's wrong with me!'

Suddenly, I feel a surge of indignation.

And for some reason, I feel a prickling sensation deep inside my heart essence again.

I press my head, feeling the headache.

'Well, yes...human aesthetics are diverse, and given that these are different races, they might find me frightening due to their different aesthetic senses...'

The main problem seems to be their misconception that I am carrying around the heads of other Four-Axis stage cultivators.

I decide to clarify the misunderstanding.

[This is not...artistic expression.]

However, Nok Ju, Baek Wi-ik, and Gyo Yeom nod fervently and respond in strange agreement.

"Of course, fellow Cultivator. It's not just a simple artistic expression."

"The profound meaning is not something ordinary people like us can grasp."

"Look at those Heaven Tribe fools. They don't understand! They lack the courage and will!"

[...First of all, stop calling it an artistic expression. And there's a misunderstanding. These heads are not of others. These heads are...different versions of myself. Understand?]

"..."

"..."

"..."

For some reason, I can see the intent of the other three Four-Axis cultivators rotting away.

I feel like I'm going crazy.

'Damn it, no matter how I explain, they won't get it.'

Just how in the world are they interpreting my words?

I eventually give up on trying to convince these Four-Axis cultivators, whose aesthetic senses are vastly different from humans.

It seems I had expected too much from vastly different races.

[Well, anyway...you asked why I need the Heavenly Lotus Fruit...? I'm here on behalf of the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect. They seem to require the Heavenly Lotus Fruit urgently, so negotiations are unnecessary.]

At those words, Gyo Yeom's face brightens, while Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik's faces darken.

Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik laugh awkwardly and speak.

"Haha, the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect. That's the sect under the command of Black Dragon King Hyeon Eum, right? I've heard of it. Though I don't know why they need the Heavenly Lotus Fruit, our Tall Tree Race..."

"Yes, and our Paired Wings Race also..."

The two cultivators begin explaining their circumstances.

However, I simply listen in silence, with ghost fire flickering in my eyes.

After hearing their explanations, I turn to Gyo Yeom of the Earth Tribe and ask.

[Why do you need it?]

At my words, Gyo Yeom flinches and cautiously replies.

"To cure my wife, I need an elixir called the High Lotus Pill. The most important ingredient is the Heavenly Lotus Fruit. All other ingredients can be substituted, but the main ingredient, the Heavenly Lotus Fruit, cannot be replaced by anything else. Just three drops of its juice will suffice!"

[Hmm...]

"Please, I beg you! Without my wife, my life is meaningless. I am a sinner and a trash-like person, but my wife is an innocent and kind person. Please...!"

I look at the begging Gyo Yeom and the Heaven Tribe cultivators, who have come with important missions for their respective races.

In my heart, I want to use the Thousand Lustrous Forest Sea or Yuan Li's secret technique to quickly cultivate the Heavenly Lotus Fruit, just as I had rapidly cultivated the Longevity Fruit before.

However, even at a glance, the Heavenly Lotus Fruit in front of me possesses such immense spiritual nature that even the Longevity Fruit can be considered insignificant in comparison.

The spiritual energy contained in this small fruit alone is enough to elevate a mortal to the Four-Axis stage, so what more needs to be said?

Moreover, the subtle divine aura I sense instinctively tells me that the Heavenly Lotus Fruit can never be artificially cultivated.

'It's unfortunate. If only there's a way to satisfy everyone...'

But it seems that won't be the case.

Thus, my decision is already made.

[I'm sorry, but from what I've heard, you two seem to have substitutes, but it appears that both I and this fellow do not.]

Gyo Yeom's wife.

And the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect.

Both require the Heavenly Lotus Fruit for their purposes.

The Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect also has the significant goal of escaping Hyeon Eum's grasp, so their justification isn't lacking.

Of course, there's no need to explain all this, so I look at Gyo Yeom and speak concisely.

[And, your story moved my heart the most...I will help you.]

"Th-Thank..."

[What is your wife's cultivation stage?]

"...She is in the same Four-Axis stage as I am..."

[Oh, I see. Then, once she recovers, I'll make sure to pay a visit, even if it's only to check up on your well-being. Stories of true lovers always move my heart.]

I laugh heartily and pat Gyo Yeom on the shoulder before stepping forward.

No matter how many times I think about it, I'm weak to stories of lovers.

My disciples Kae-hwa and Man-ho.

Su In and Hong Yeon from the Devil Realm.

Jeon Myeong-hoon and Jin So-hae too.

And myself as well.

So, when I heard Gyo Yeom's story, my heart stirred the most.

'Three drops should be acceptable to the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect.'

I find myself hoping for the happiness of Gyo Yeom and his wife.

For some reason, Gyo Yeom's intent seems to cool down and freeze, but having a cold mind in front of an enemy is a good sign.

'He must have a lot of combat experience. Not bad.'

JJeeeoooookk—

I open my 18 mouths and spread my arms.

[Now then. It's unfortunate, but come at me.]

Kyaaaaaa—

Oooooooo—

Chilling ghostly wails echo in all directions.

[Cover me. I will finish this in one blow.]

Chiiiiiiii—

I gather a curse spell in my left hand as I speak.

Having seen my curse before, Gyo Yeom's eyes shine as he blocks in front of me.

Nok Ju and Baek Wi-ik exchange glances.

Then, Baek Wi-ik forms a hand seal.

Paaat!

Simultaneously, three pillars emerge around Baek Wi-ik.

Late Four-Axis stage.

The level where the Four-Axis Canopy can be used.

The three pillars connect to form a 'canopy,' which expands, enveloping us and them.

In an instant, the surroundings transform.

We find ourselves moved from the Care Layer to a position in front of a massive stone building atop a high mountain range, among the drifting clouds.

Baek Wi-ik floats above the stone building, spreading six pairs of wings.

The Paired Wings Race is also known as the Heavenly Wings Race.

Most of their abilities come from those wings, and it is said that when light radiates from them, they can repel all devilish arts with the power of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness.

Chiiii—

My ghostly energy doesn't mesh well with their abilities.

Additionally, Nok Ju begins to take root, turning the surroundings into a forest.

[One side has Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness, and the other has the wood attribute...]

Wood overcomes Earth, so the wood attribute is the worst match for my yin attribute method.

Yin corresponds to Kun, Kun corresponds to Earth.

Moreover, this place is inside Baek Wi-ik's Canopy.

Inside here, Baek Wi-ik is practically no different from a Grand Perfection Four-Axis.

Kugugugugu!

Baek Wi-ik's light shines down on Gyo Yeom, while Nok Ju's summoned forest moves as if alive, restricting Gyo Yeom's movements.

[Guuaaaaaah!]

Gyo Yeom transforms into his true form and begins to grow larger.

His true form is a giant blood-red shark, summoning blood-red seawater around him.

On the high mountain range.

A green mountain range and a blood-red sea emerge, flowing down the mountains.

Nok Ju's forest binds Gyo Yeom, and Baek Wi-ik begins descending toward me.

Chiiiiiii—

The light from the Grand Perfection Four-Axis Baek Wi-ik bears down on me.

[Orthodox Axis Foundation, huh...]

I sense the precise power of the Five Elements within Baek Wi-ik's body and my eyes shine.

It's an Orthodox Axis Foundation obtained through proper rituals, not through killing others.

Although it's a Five Elements Axis, it is definitely far more stable and powerful than the typical Heterodox Axis Foundation cultivator's.

Kuguguguk!

The mountain range's attraction force holds me down.

The attraction force intensifies, crushing me with the light.

As long as I am inside Baek Wi-ik's canopy, the attraction force is entirely under his control.

Resisting Baek Wi-ik's attraction force, I emit my own attraction force and complete the curse spell.

Bathed in light, Baek Wi-ik calmly raises his hand.

Flash!

The radiant light pours down on me.

The curse domain surrounding me shrinks.

[Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness...good. Then, let me try.]

I reverse the curse.

Chchchchchchcht

The White Orchid Blessing Incantation envelops the surroundings.

The curse transforms into a blessing, shining white and begins absorbing Baek Wi-ik's light instead.

"Wh-What...!?"

Baek Wi-ik looks flustered, but the White Orchid Blessing Incantation has already grown to cover the entire mountain range, devouring his light.

Sensing the crisis instinctively, Baek Wi-ik stops emitting light and binds the blessing with attraction force.

And, as soon as I feel the light of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness disappear, I reverse the curse again.

Paaaat!

The curse spell, which has turned black again, converges into a single point.

The pitch-black curse burns ominously on my hand.

"Damn it...!"

Realizing the danger of my curse, Baek Wi-ik widens the distance between us.

But it's useless.

Woo-woong!

I release Gang Spheres around me and reabsorb them into my body.

Boooong—

In an instant, I reach in front of Baek Wi-ik and thrust the curse towards him.

"Ah ahhk! Get away!"

[That'd be difficult.]

I dodge the clumps of light he fires and close the distance to him.

Sensing the danger, he urgently projects light from his wings.

Instead of radiating light as before, the wings split into thousands of pieces.

The fragmented wings become hands of light, flying towards me.

I try to dodge, but the attraction force slows me down, and I am eventually caught by the hands of light surrounding me.

"Got you, now die...!"

[Hmm, got me?]

With the curse spell still on my left hand, I ignite ghost fire.

Kikigigik—

Kikigik—

Circuits begin to engrave themselves across my body.

Simultaneously, an enormous power surges through me.

Kuk-kuguguguk!

Ignoring the hands of light with sheer force, I begin approaching Baek Wi-ik.

He shouts in shock.

"Im-impossible! It shouldn't be ineffective against a ghostly being! Stay away!""

Kuaduduk!

In addition to the hands of light, the attraction force also ensnares me.

But I continue to take one step at a time, closing the distance towards him.

Baek Wi-ik looks terrified, but the distance between us steadily decreases.

Since the hands of light binding me are emanating from his back, he can't flee.

'Heavy...'

However, as I get closer, the attraction force grows stronger, slowing my steps.

And when I am about five steps away from him.

Kududuk!

Suddenly, trees sprout from the ground and entangle me.

[Ho...]

Gyo Yeom, who had been fighting Nok Ju evenly, seems to be running out of stamina and is being pushed back.

Having found some leeway, Nok Ju sends support in this direction.

Trees, hands of light, and attraction force!

Unable to overcome this combination, I finally fall to my knees.

Crash!

I collapse to the ground.

"Huff, huf huf huu...you were being cocky but is this all? Despite being called the Asura Race..."

Then, I open my mouth.

Jjeeeeooook!

Simultaneously, one of the faces attached to my shoulders retract into my body and emerge from my mouth.

Jjjuuuuuk!

The face that emerges from my mouth becomes a Ghost King, receiving my curse and flies towards Baek Wi-ik, hitting him directly.

"...! GYAAAAAAAAK!"

Baek Wi-ik screams so loudly to the point his eyes roll back, and he begins convulsing after receiving my curse.

At the same time, his hands of light and the attraction force.

And the entire Four-Axis Canopy begins to scatter.

Before I know it, we are back in the Care Layer, with only Baek Wi-ik thrashing before me.

Baek Wi-ik foams at the mouth and writhes in pain.

An excruciating torture for a Four-Axis cultivator that can't easily die from a heart attack!

In the end, unable to endure the pain, Baek Wi-ik disintegrates his own Heavenly Circle and Earthly Bearings to commit suicide.

After watching Baek Wi-ik's soul drift away through the plane of Soul to its place of resurrection, I turn to look at Gyo Yeom fighting Nok Ju.

Gyo Yeom is being pushed back by Nok Ju, but my joining the fight is inevitable.

Moreover, I see the cultivators from the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect from the distance approaching to join us.

[You're finally here. Help me subdue this Tall Tree Race person.]

"Apologies for the delay. There were a few things to handle below. Let's proceed with the support."

With the aid of me and the cultivators from the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect, Nok Ju gradually begins to be overpowered.

Gyo Yeom endures Nok Ju's attacks from the front, while I launch curses and ghost claws from behind, polluting Nok J