A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 819 Chapter 816

After sharing introductions with Makli Hweol, Makli Hyun-ah picks up a bunch of details about the Makli Clan straight from him.

"This spot serves as the central hall for the primary family. The family head, Grand Elders, and Elders gather here for their discussions."

"Over here lies the talisman workshop. A host of talisman masters craft talismans in this place and handle the Makli Clan's financial affairs."

"And this area is the Beast Stable, dedicated to training demon beasts. These creatures get honed here and deployed for all sorts of Makli Clan activities. Take that monkey demon beast named Amwon, for instance—it's got the Immortal Beast bloodline from the Mountain-Destroying Demon Ape. That little guy excels at massages, and when you get one boosted by the Mountain-Destroying Demon Ape's power, it leaves you totally invigorated. Plenty of visitors flock to the Makli Clan and..."

"The Makli Clan stands as an ancient and renowned lineage in Yanguo, split right now into the main house and the branch house. We're part of the branch house."

With Makli Hweol's guidance, Makli Hyun-ah gathers quite a bit of knowledge on the Makli Clan and the nation known as 'Yanguo'.

'To start with, this location...it's clearly not Earth.'

Apparently, this realm is a world named 'Penglai Island', also referred to as 'Penglai Star'.

Much to his astonishment, the folks he figured lived at a medieval Chinese tech level actually hold advanced insights into planets, stars, and celestial objects, complete with a remarkably precise world map.

"Way back in ancient eras, our forebears believed the world was flat. They figured a barrier known as the World Shield Force sealed off the edges of that flat land, trapping this realm in a confined space like a fishbowl. Legends claim the ancients viewed this world as existing within someone's mind, dubbing Penglai Star the Head Realm.

As Makli Hyun-ah absorbs the ancient lore that Makli Hweol reveals alongside the world map, a laugh escapes him.

"Puhaha, that's some wild fancy straight out of the ancients' playbook."

"Spot on. It's a hilarious notion, isn't it? Back then, solid cultivation methods likely hadn't been invented yet, making it tough to soar across the globe using the Flying Escape Technique and map it out properly."

"Cultivation methods... Flying Escape Technique..."

Makli Hyun-ah struggles to wrap his head around the concepts Makli Hweol describes.

In the end, he bites back his shame and quizzes Makli Hweol on these unfamiliar terms.

Luckily, Makli Hweol responds to every one of Makli Hyun-ah's inquiries with patience, showing no hint of ridicule.

'I feel like I've turned into an infant.'

This world overflows with mysteries he has yet to uncover.

"No reason to feel so awkward. You look like you're from some mortal nation... Plenty of clueless mortals out there don't grasp these basic truths."

Suddenly branded an clueless mortal lacking even fundamental knowledge, Makli Hyun-ah can only cough awkwardly, unable to argue back.

That's because Makli Hweol's recent explanation just taught him how cultivators draw a line between fellow cultivators and mere mortals.

So, that day, trailing after Makli Hweol, Makli Hyun-ah discovers key spots and vital warnings within the Makli Clan.

Plus, he picks up essential facts about the world at large.

***

"Alright...so the Makli Clan I'm in is the branch family, and..."

Makli Hyun-ah retreats to his assigned quarters and sorts through the info Makli Hweol shared.

Come tomorrow, Makli Hweol plans to present him to the family elders, and once he offers the fitting respects, Makli Hyun-ah will dive headfirst into studying cultivation methods.

From Makli Hweol's account, the 'Extreme Ghost Path Body' Makli Hyun-ah carries appears to be a major asset in the eyes of the Makli Clan's top figures.

"So the Makli Clan's main family goes by the Seogyeong Makli Line, named for Seogyeong City, Yanguo's old capital where they're based...and our branch family is the Lianshan Makli Line, tied to Lianshan City in Yanguo, right? The Seogyeong Makli Line follows the Devilish Path, draining human vitality, whereas the branch, the Lianshan Makli Line, broke away during Makli Cheon-sa's era and shifted to a neutral stance between righteous and devilish paths, focusing on beast taming and talismans...got it?"

And from what he gathered, the main family has steered clear of meddling with the branch until now, thanks to Makli Cheon-sa's sway, but with Makli Cheon-sa now ascended to the Middle Realm...

They're scrambling to swallow up the branch family.

"Ugh... Damn, this mess is tangled..."

Yet, as one might expect, the branch family—the Lianshan Makli Line—resents the main family's meddling, opposes turning Devilish Path, and especially since the Seogyeong Makli Line boasts way too many foes, they have no desire to merge back.

To put it simply, the branch family, the Lianshan Makli Line, believes the main family faces an imminent wipeout from a united enemy assault built up over years, and they want no part in getting dragged down with the doomed main family.

The main family, the Seogyeong Makli Line, figures absorbing the branch would let them withstand the full enemy onslaught, so they're eyeing the branch with frantic desperation, eager to pull them in.

In this tense setup, Makli Hyun-ah's arrival shines like a beacon of hope for the Makli Clan's branch, the Lianshan Makli Line.

"Are they aiming to join the 'Righteous Dao Immortal Sect Alliance,' that coalition of righteous-path sects and families, by leveraging my Extreme Ghost Path Body...?"

According to the details, thanks to Makli Hyun-ah's body and the split soul of Makli Cheon-sa within him, the Lianshan Makli Line can regularly connect with Makli Cheon-sa in the Middle Realm and even channel a sliver of her might, providing the clan with massive backing.

With strength like that, even the Righteous Dao Immortal Sect Alliance would take notice, so it looks like they plan to exploit him to break free from the old Makli Clan and push for a fuller transformation.

'Family power plays...I'm so over them...'

He thinks back to his Earth family.

The Lee clan's semi-chaebol dynasty.

There, brutal infighting raged like dogs tearing at each other, involving marriage alliances with the rival Jeon clan semi-chaebol and cutthroat battles for gains against the Oh clan's competing firm.

That's the flavor of family intrigue Makli Hyun-ah endured.

Of course, as the illegitimate offspring, Makli Hyun-ah stayed far from the heart of those schemes.

He had no shot at it anyway.

Still, just witnessing the brutal undercurrents his sister Lee Seo-ah faced showed him how vicious and sneaky such battles get.

'Yet another family...another cursed one... If I'd foreseen this, I never would've picked the Makli Clan on that form...'

Letting out a regretful sigh, Makli Hyun-ah flops onto the bed in his Makli Clan quarters and gazes up at the

ceiling.

In this unforgiving Makli Clan, can he even scrape by...?

His concerns already stack up like towering peaks.

'Well...what if survival proves tough?'

Makli Hyun-ah slides under the covers, places Jegal Mikhail's remains beside his pillow, and shuts his eyes.

'If thriving's impossible...I'll just scrape by like back on Earth...'

Avoiding the family's clashes entirely.

Hiding in some quiet nook of the home, enduring a dull, reclusive existence—those were the days...

He can simply revert to that routine.

No, probably...

Odds are high it'll play out that way.

For Makli Hyun-ah is just worthless trash, devoid of skills or promise.

He's always been that sort...

***

"Wood attribute single spiritual root!? A Heavenly Spiritual Root bearer! And that's not all—a Ghost Path Body!? An Extreme Ghost Path Body with top-tier purity!? Ancestor, what in the world is this!!?? "

The following day,

Before Makli Hyun-ah, a bunch of elderly grandmas and grandpas buzz around, poking and prodding his frame.

Confronted by the Makli Clan's Grand Elders and Elders, Makli Hyun-ah stutters, utterly lost on how to react.

'Wh-What's happening here?'

"It's brimming inside with the Ancestor's split soul... Once Lord Makli Cheon-sa completes ascension and hits the Four-Axis stage, we'll basically command Nascent Soul-level might from then on... Hahaha, even if the Ancestor acts aloof toward the clan, she looks out for us this much before departing!"

The Lianshan Makli Line's current family head,

Makli Hong, lavishes Makli Hyun-ah with praise that leaves him utterly dazed.

"You're our Lianshan Makli Clan's shining hope! Haha, quick, escort him to start learning the techniques. He needs to hit Qi Building at minimum so the Ancestor can descend without hassle!"

Having pushed past Grand Perfection Core Formation into half-step Nascent Soul, the family head showers Makli Hyun-ah with lavish commendations and presents, then leads him straight to the Makli

Clan's library.

Makli Hyun-ah can't make sense of it.

What potential does a guy like him hold to earn such a warm reception?

He'd get it more if they'd brushed him off with mild disinterest.

But gazes brimming with such keen interest and warmth...

That's the kind of focus Makli Hyun-ah has never known in his entire life.

'Wh-What's all this...?'

And for Makli Hyun-ah, who has never tasted such spotlight before, this level of scrutiny weighs heavily.

'Ugh...This pressure chokes me differently from Earth days...'

Tucking his stuff and the gifts from the Elders and Grand Elders into a fascinating 'magic artifact' dubbed a 'storage scroll' that the family head hands over as a gift, Makli Hyun-ah makes his way to the Makli

Clan's library.

"From this day forward, you'll master the Makli Clan's techniques and advance. Come on, let's head inside."

Makli Hweol tugs the overwhelmed Makli Hyun-ah toward the Makli Clan library, chuckling 'hoho'.

He even appears to relish watching Makli Hyun-ah squirm under the flood of attention.

Before long, in the library's depths, Makli Hyun-ah encounters the Elder serving as its keeper.

"I'm Makli Hye-seo, the librarian and Cultivation Elder who aids family members with any cultivation uncertainties."

A stunning woman in a blue palace robe eyes Makli Hyun-ah and says.

"I've caught wind of your background. You're Lord Makli Cheon-sa's adopted daughter, they say?"

"...I'm...her son."

"Oh, my error. Anyway, you're allowed to select up to three method manuals from the library. Hweol will assist in choosing top-notch ones."

"Ahaha, looks like I'll need Daoist Makli Hweol's...guidance."

At Hye-seo's remark, Makli Hyun-ah attempts to thank Makli Hweol ahead of time.

But then Makli Hye-seo drops some cryptic words.

"The Makli Clan's library spans a vast area. Should you somehow part from Hweol briefly and wander off...opt for the books with white covers. The Extreme Ghost Path Body naturally attracts ancient energies..."

He misses the tail end of her whisper as Makli Hye-seo fades her voice.

Makli Hyun-ah just sees it as a tip to stay glued to Makli Hweol and avoid getting lost, then begins exploring the library side by side with him.

"To begin, I ought to learn Daoist Makli Hyun-ah's tastes. With your Wood Spiritual Root, a wood attribute method fits best... Wood methods branch into many lineages. Daoist, any styles that appeal to you?"

Makli Hyun-ah skims the method-types pamphlet Makli Hweol offers and clears his throat.

'Mm...way too many choices.'

For the moment, Makli Hyun-ah steers toward the traits he noted on the pre-transference survey to narrow it down.

'I pegged my nature as Devilish Path leaning among righteous and devilish, so devilish techniques suit me better, and since I hate frontline brawling or direct combat, I went for the Makli Clan, known for directing demon beasts and battling via talismans...'

Makli Hyun-ah's eyes lock on a specific section of the method-types pamphlet.

'Talisman Path Method for wielding talismans. Beast Taming Method to control demon beasts. And given I lack the grit for grueling training, Invoking Spirit Method—borrowing power from superior beings to coast along—is my limit.'

For wood attribute methods, sticking to Talisman Path, Beast Taming, or Invoking Spirit works best, ideally with a devilish tilt if possible.

He'd answered the survey thinking such a setup would suit him perfectly.

'They mentioned Mount Sumeru World involves tons of battles...so it's a setup with demon beasts tanking upfront, me lobbing talismans from the rear, and if foes punch through, I invoke aid from a mighty entity and leech off their strength.'

Makli Hyun-ah's strategy boils down to one thing.

Freeloading.

Nothing but freeloading.

"Daoist Makli Hweol, I reckon I'll go with..."

He reveals to Makli Hweol his picks: Talisman Path, Beast Taming, and Invoking Spirit methods.

"Wise selections. The main house thrives on devilish arts' reputation...but our branch, the Lianshan Makli Line, excels in talismans and demon beast control. These align perfectly with our clan's strengths. Plus, they mesh well with the Extreme Ghost Path Body's traits."

Makli Hweol offers a subtle smile at Makli Hyun-ah's decisions and takes the front.

"Follow along. We'll head to the area stocking the methods you picked."

The pair navigates the library awhile, with Makli Hyun-ah sticking close to Makli Hweol until they reach the zone packed with Talisman Path, Beast Taming, and Invoking Spirit methods.

"This whole area holds the methods you named. The wood attribute versions sit among books with blue bindings, so focus your search there."

"Got it, thanks, Daoist Makli Hweol!"

He expresses gratitude to Makli Hweol and scans the expansive section all around.

"Let's see... Hmm...nothing here really hooks me... Maybe deeper in...?"

Makli Hyun-ah ventures a bit further into the section.

Yet the deeper shelves feature tomes with tough titles and intricate descriptions.

"Better consult Daoist Makli Hweol. Um, Daoist...?"

And abruptly,

Makli Hyun-ah notices Makli Hweol's presence has vanished.

"...Daoist...? Daoist Makli Hweol?"

Hyun-ah attempts to retrace to his starting point for Makli Hweol, but oddly, he can't pinpoint his prior spot.

'Was the library...always this sprawling...?'

No trace of Makli Hweol anywhere, and the library feels eerily vast.

All at once, fear grips Makli Hyun-ah, as if he's stranded in an empty, echoing library.

'If I call out, someone might search for me...? But yelling in a library—okay? Ah, perhaps Elder Makli Hye-seo could assist? Oh yeah, hold on—now that I recall, Elder Makli Hye-seo mentioned something odd. If I get lost, go for white-covered books...'

Right then, as Makli Hyun-ah remembers Makli Hye-seo's counsel,

His gaze lands on three white-covered books tucked into a nearby shelf.

"Huh...?"

Those white volumes snag Makli Hyun-ah's attention.

He checks the label at the shelf's edge.

"Non-Immortal Family Methods category (R).....?"

'What's an Immortal Family Method, and what's non? '

He flips open Makli Hweol's method-types booklet, but it lacks any mention of Immortal or Non-Immortal Family Methods.

"Does this entire shelf count as Non-Immortal Family Methods? No clue what that means..."

Scratching his head in frustration, Makli Hyun-ah follows Makli Hye-seo's suggestion and draws out the three white books.

Curiously, though from varied paths, their cultivation stages link seamlessly.

"This covers Qi Refining to Core Formation. This one spans Core Formation to Four-Axis and Integration... And finally, this claims cultivation from Four-Axis and Integration all the way to True Immortality?"

Thanks to yesterday's crash course on Immortal Cultivation basics from Makli Hweol, he's grown a bit versed in the stages.