A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 355: Earth Axis (地軸)

Join the Discord for chapter updates and important news!

Chapter 355: Earth Axis (地軸)

A lifespan of ten thousand years has been gathered.

During the past years, I scattered sacrificial rituals across the Lower Realms to gather this Longevity Axis.

Through these sacrificial rituals, I accumulated 7,000 years of lifespan, and I took an additional 3,000 years from my own lifespan to reach a total of 10,000 years.

Now, the only thing left is to completely compress this Longevity Axis and make it mine, and to perform the ritual to announce to the Nether Ghost Realm that I have obtained the Longevity Axis.

Wo-woong—

I form an altar in the darkness and gaze upon the pillar of light that forms before my eyes.

A pillar created by the gathered lifespan of 10,000 years.

But why?

Why do I feel uneasy as I look at this pillar?

'Why?'

It's not like I am taking more lifespan from the living beings of the Lower Realms.

Neither am I lacking in the strength to save my colleagues.

Nor is it time to hesitate. Even at this moment, my comrades are defending the Twilight Domain with all their might.

So why am I hesitating here?

'Have I not put in enough effort?'

That isn't it either.

I always took the minimum compensation and provided the maximum benefit while receiving lifespans.

And even when I took the remaining 3,000 years from my own lifespan, I had to endure hellish pain.

Tearing my own lifespan apart was excruciating and a form of extreme suffering.

'Then why?'

Why am I hesitating at the last moment?

"...Hoo."

I take a deep breath.

Then, without further hesitation, I begin the ritual to compress the Longevity Axis.

Now, all that remains is to announce to the Nether Ghost Realm that I have completed the Longevity Axis!

There is no more time to waste!

Huarurururuk!

At the twelve directions surrounding the Longevity Axis, ghost fire blazes blue.

"The Earth Axis ritual begins now!"

Woo-woong!

I raise my hand to take the first step towards truly rising to the Earth Axis stage.

Earth Axis.

Why must the first stage of the Middle Boundary be the Earth Axis stage rather than the Four-Axis stage?

Earth Axis signifies the axis of a star.

The North and South of a star.

End to end.

The center that connects Pole (極) to Pole (極)!

That is the Earth Axis.

So what else would you call this stage which accumulates the attraction force that connects people to people and the world to me if not the Earth Axis?

'No...did I name it based on such logic?'

Thinking back, it wasn't that I conceptualized it logically and decided that the Four-Axis stage was the Earth Axis stage.

Suddenly, a 'name' was 'engraved' in my mind.

[It is right to call this realm the Earth Axis] was a fact so clearly imprinted in my mind that I started calling it the Earth Axis stage and only later attached such logic to it.

'...Just what is this?'

I don't fully understand, but I proceed with the Earth Axis ritual anyway.

It's similar to the Seven Stars Ritual.

But unlike the Seven Stars Ritual, there's no need to conduct the ritual toward the heavens; it's enough to perform it in a place where the dragon vein flows smoothly.

Using the Longevity Axis as the center, I need to sequentially infuse the energies symbolizing the twelve hours (時) of the Nether Ghost Realm into it.

It's then,

"...!"

I suddenly look at the ceiling of the basement.

Above.

[The Sky] begins to swirl with ominous energy.

'What...Heavenly Rejection? No...this is...!'

Jeon Myeong-hoon became a storm.

It's as if thunderclouds are densely gathering around him, scattering countless bolts of lightning rain in all directions.

The ghostly creatures with high cultivation scream and retreat, and the 'devotees' corrupted by the True Persons also recoil in fear from Jeon Myeong-hoon's lightning spear, which is no different from a Heavenly Tribulation.

Chijijijik!

Jeon Myeong-hoon dominates the battlefield with his lightning spear.

At this moment, he is the king of this place.

Kwa-jijijijik!

Red lightning swirls.

It sweeps in all directions.

It storms like a tempest.

It pierces like an awl.

It burns like fire.

Every time Jeon Myeong-hoon moves his six arms, the battlefield seems to fry in a sea of red lightning.

Kwa-jijijijik!

However, Jeon Myeong-hoon's expression gradually worsens.

'I'm slowly reaching my limit.'

The red lightning he is emitting from his entire body is in essence a transformed Heavenly Tribulation.

He is using the Heavenly Tribulation to fight his enemies, and this Heavenly Tribulation is becoming stronger as it is judged that Jeon Myeong-hoon is receiving 'external assistance.'

Since the Heavenly Tribulation is both an elixir and a dharma treasure for Jeon Myeong-hoon, it doesn't matter if it grows stronger to some extent.

However, he can feel it.

The Heavenly Tribulation in his hand is becoming heavier and thicker.

And it's becoming so hot that it's increasingly difficult for Jeon Myeong-hoon to handle.

'I can't keep this up.'

Eventually, the Heavenly Tribulation will become so out of control even Jeon Myeong-hoon won't be able to handle it, turning on him instead.

Of course, Jeon Myeong-hoon won't be harmed by the Heavenly Tribulation, but if it grows that strong, absorbing it could cause his dantian to explode.

Kwarurung!

He sounds thunder while breaking into a cold sweat internally.

'Damn it, hold on a bit longer, Jeon Myeong-hoon!'

He pushes himself harder, dancing while wielding the Heavenly Tribulation.

But the Heavenly Tribulation in his hand grows hotter, and Jeon Myeong-hoon finally gives up trying to control it.

Kwa-jijijik!

The Heavenly Tribulation in Jeon Myeong-hoon's hand flashes a brilliant light and slips from his grasp.

Then, the Heavenly Tribulation begins to engulf Jeon Myeong-hoon and enter his body.

His lifespan, cultivation, everything begins to surge wildly.

Kwarurururung!

[Gruaaaaahhh!]

Jeon Myeong-hoon's body grows even larger.

And at that moment!

Kwarurururung!

Jeon Myeong-hoon's body becomes the thundercloud itself.

As the giant figure made entirely of thunderclouds roar, the entire vicinity rumbles with a deafening crackle.

Kwarurururung!

Then, something like a translucent barrier forms around Jeon Myeong-hoon and spreads outwards.

The barrier expanded rapidly, eventually covering the entire Twilight Domain.

The Ghost Kings of the Four Major Factions see this and laugh dryly.

"...How insane. How is this possible? Reaching the Integration stage in the middle of battle..."

Jeon Myeong-hoon finally completes the process of Heaven and Earth Unity and enters the Integration stage.

[Come at me, all of you. As I've reached the stage, I will devour you all.]

Kugugugu!

Jeon Myeong-hoon's voice echoes from within his domain, spreading in all directions.

Tension rises in the eyes of those watching him.

"He already possessed formidable strength at the Four-Axis stage. How strong will he be now that he's reached Integration...?"

"As expected of the Chief Law Protector of the devilish cult...!"

But contrary to their concerns, Jeon Myeong-hoon is filled with tension.

'I've reached the Integration stage, but my power is far weaker than when I faced the Heavenly Tribulation.'

His strongest moment is when he faces the breakthrough Heavenly Tribulation.

Rather, the moment he succeeds and breakthroughs in cultivation is far weaker than when he is in the process of breaking through.

'Will bluffing work?'

Then, it happens.

The 96 Ghost Kings who have been attacking Jeon Myeong-hoon and the Twilight Domain retreat.

A look of hope crosses Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes.

'Did it work?'

And then.

An urgent voice comes from Seo Eun-hyun, who is supposed to be in closed-door cultivation.

[Jeon Myeong-hoon, be careful. They're planning something crazy!]

[What...?]

Then.

Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud, thud, thud!

The seven devotees who have been attacking with the Integration stage Ghost Kings, advance even further towards the Twilight Domain as the Ghost Kings retreat.

[Sending the Corrupted Bodies forward means...they're planning to draw on the True Persons' power...? This is madness...!]

Kugugugu!

The seven devotees each shake their many heads and stretch their hands and limbs toward the sky.

Then, light descends from the sky, as if connecting the devotees with the True Persons.

'I, I have to block...!'

Kurung, Kurururung!

But before Jeon Myeong-hoon can act.

Thunderclouds once again gather in the sky, blocking the sight of the True Persons.

The devotees trying to draw power from the True Persons are disconnected from them.

Jeon Myeong-hoon sees this and smiles with relief.

[You're late! You snail-like bastard!]

[Sorry about that...]

Kugugugugu!

A Ghost King with 19 heads flies to the side of the giant thundercloud figure.

The thundercloud figure forms a hand seal and points to the sky.

As Seo Eun-hyun finishes building the Longevity Axis, the thunderclouds that have been writhing as if ready to drop Heavenly Tribulation at any moment are unable to do so.

[I've delayed the Heavenly Tribulation a bit with my power. It should give us some breathing room...Anyway, Seo Eun-hyun...is it done?]

[It's done. Now...we just need to open the 'side path'!]

Jeon Myeong-hoon sighs lightly.

Currently, Seo Eun-hyun has built two of the Five Blessings Axes.

And according to Yeon Wei, three of the Five Blessings Axes are needed to open the shortcut.

Of course, with the two axes Seo Eun-hyun has built, if Jeon Myeong-hoon, who has reached the Integration stage, combines his power, it could count as having three axes and they could open the side path.

But the problem is that if Jeon Myeong-hoon focuses on opening the side path with Seo Eun-hyun, there will inevitably be a gap in their defenses.

[Without you or me...can they hold on without us?]

At Jeon Myeong-hoon's question, Seo Eun-hyun looks back.

The followers of the Twilight Domain who have followed him have come out, looking up at Seo Eun-hyun, who has completed his closed-door cultivation.

Including Jeon Myeong-hoon, the other colleagues, the Guardian Ghost Kings, and Yu Hye who had come as a guest. All his connections are looking at him.

Seo Eun-hyun smiles.

[Don't worry.]

Wooooo-woong!

Attraction force begins to emanate from within him.

Jeon Myeong-hoon is startled by the sight.

[You...! Didn't you say you had only two axes!? Did you deceive me!?]

[Hm...I didn't deceive you. I clearly explained last time that if you lowered your realm and converted through the Vast Cold Heavenly Circle formula, it would count as accumulating an additional axis. You just didn't listen, did you?]

Seo Eun-hyun clicks his tongue and chuckles, while Jeon Myeong-hoon becomes even more exasperated.

[Damn it! If you had something that good, you should have forced me to learn it!]

[Who was the one holding So-hae's hand saying, 'I must reach the next stage quickly,' and not listening? Anyway, I can open the side path on my own.]

With a look that seems to say 'trust me' from his 38 eyes, Seo Eun-hyun nods at Jeon Myeong-hoon.

[So, I'll leave the protection of the order to you, Jeon Myeong-hoon!]

[Ha...got it, Cult Leader!]

Seo Eun-hyun flies towards the direction of the Wuji Religious Order and begins forming hand seals.

[Now then...let's open the side path!]

And then.

Kugugugugu!

The dark clouds in the sky, temporarily sealed by Jeon Myeong-hoon and holding the Heavenly Tribulation.

That symbol of Heavenly Tribulation begins to disperse.

[...What?]

The next moment.

Jiiiiing—

A colossal [will] begins to descend upon the earth.

―In the names of the True Persons, we decree that all Heavenly Punishments occurring in the Nether Ghost Realm at this moment be postponed by one year. Clouds descending Heavenly Tribulations, disperse.

Jiiiiing—

The will of the True Persons resonate throughout the battlefield.

The dark clouds created by Seo Eun-hyun upon his breakthrough dissipate effortlessly, and the will of the True Persons descend upon the earth once again.

Kugugugugu!

Starlight falls from the heavens onto the seven devotees.

[Kuuaaaaahh!]

[Gaaaaaahh!]

[Guuuaaaaaah!]

The devotees all scream in agony.

Among those anxiously watching the battlefield behind Seo Eun-hyun, Yu Hye's eyes waver momentarily as she looks at them.

"W-Wait! Cha Jo-gwi-nim...!?"

She cries out, seeing one devotee in pain, receiving the light of the True Persons.

"Cha Jo-gwi-nim! Why are you there! Cha Jo-gwi-nim!"

However, the devotee transformed from Cha Jo-gwi seems unable to hear her words.

He merely mutters as he accepts the light from the heavens.

[I...will...save...definitely...save...]

The 96 Integration stage Ghost Kings behind the seven devotees, each in groups of twelve, begin forming hand seals.

Woong, woong, woo-woong—

The Integration stage Ghost Kings deploy their domain.

Their domains, no different from dimensional barriers, buzz and rise as pillars towards the sky.

These pillars meet the edge of the light falling on the seven devotees.

Towards the sky, the Ghost Kings project their attraction force.

Finally, a crack appears in the sky.

Zzuzzuzzuzeuk!

On the surface, it seems like nothing significant has changed.

The dark sky of the Nether Ghost Realm still holds stars, and the stars continue to gaze down upon the earth.

The only change is a transparent 'crack' in the sky.

However, through that crack, [power] from [above] begins to pour down.

――――――!

With an incomprehensible cry, the seven devotees simultaneously point their fingers towards the Twilight Domain.

The next moment.

Kugugugugu!

An irresistible weight descends upon the entire Twilight Domain.

Kwaaang!

Kwa-jijijik!

The domain unfolded by the Six Extremes Ghost King, Jeon Myeong-hoon, is utterly shattered.

Although Jeon Myeong-hoon does not die, he is left prostrated on the ground, unable to even make breathing sounds.

Seo Eun-hyun, who was trying to open a 'side path' above the Wuji Religious Order, is also slammed to the ground.

[Ku...uuuuugh!]

While Seo Eun-hyun doesn't end up prostrated like Jeon Myeong-hoon, he too is pinned to the ground, unable to do anything.

Moreover, the attraction force is even growing stronger.

Clatter, clatter, clatter, clatter, clatter!

The cursed dolls, the physical bodies of the Twilight Domain's ghostly creatures, begin to emit white steam as they start to break apart.

The True Persons are trying to annihilate the Wuji Religious Order.

'This is insane...'

The pressure is enormous.

At this rate, not only the Wuji Religious Order but the entire Twilight Domain will be crushed into dust.

Kuguguguguk!

Enduring the pressure falling upon me, I try to channel all the attraction force I gathered to open the side path to shield the Twilight Domain from the descending power.

This eases the pressure on the followers and Jeon Myeong-hoon significantly, but it increases the area of pressure on me, making it feel like my entire body is about to burst.

"Don't...joke...with me...!"

Without the energy to even use mental speech, I shout out loud with my voice.

The pressure that seems to intend to crush me here without giving me a chance to open the side path.

Previously, there seemed to be two options: drive me out or annihilate me.

But in reality, it's clear their primary intent is to annihilate me.

"Ku...grghrghhhh...!"

However frustrating it is, I have no power to stop this.

I can sense it.

This colossal, cosmic power is being exerted by the True Persons while in a 'wounded state.'

And it isn't even their direct power but merely an indirect force channeled through the devotees.

They seem to fear seeing the [Inverted Cone] from me again if they use their power directly.

However, even with that faint, indirect power, we are on the verge of dying.

In frustration, I shout toward the heavens.

"True Persons above! What wrong have we done!?"

But no answer comes.

Yet somehow, I feel like I understand.

Insects.

To them, we are no different from insects.

They probably didn't feel the need to explain anything to insects.

Yes.

The reason for their actions is clear.

It isn't because they find me disgusting or are angry about me showing them the [Inverted Cone].

They simply feel that the [being they mistakenly perceive to be behind me] is disrespecting and opposing them, and thus, they are venting anger out on what they consider as that existence's pawn—me.

'Ridiculous.'

Such an entity does not even exist.

How many times have I been mocked and ridiculed in this manner?

It's infuriating and unfair, but there's nothing I can do.

Merely, I can only be gradually crushed by the force of the True Persons.

'This time as well....am I going to die at the hands of colossal beings...?'

I can tell.

Being crushed to death by the will of the True Persons is the conclusion of this cycle.

There is no other outcome.

'I see...this is...our end...'

I close my eyes.

And accept death.

'If I am to die like this...'

I begin to deconstruct the Longevity Axis I have just successfully built.

'Let me return it.'

Tststststst—

Over the years, as the Wuji Ghost King, I have lent power to the beings of the Lower Realms and received 'lifespan' in return.

Through those lifespans, I can sense the attraction force that connects me to them.

'I will return them.'

Through the attraction force, I tear apart my axis and return them.

From the Void Spirit Pond, countless rays of light pour out.

The lifespans used in my Longevity Axis are returning t