A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 822 Chapter 819: Side Story - Talisman War Great Death Mausoleum (2)

Makli Hyun-ah holds a brief conversation with the raccoon demon beast, centering on the creature's special power.

"So... your power is 'incitement,' isn't it?"

"Incitement! Kindly use the more elegant term 'Demon Beast Inducement'."

"Understood, understood... Anyway, you can enchant roughly ten other demon beasts and direct them as closely as possible to your desires, correct?"

"Indeed, that's right. This is an extraordinary power that only I possessed on the mountain I called home. In my view, I'm likely the sole possessor of it."

The raccoon demon beast brags confidently about his demon beast power, while Makli Yoeo, who shifts a stack of hay, lets out a sigh and remarks casually.

"All raccoons possess that demon beast power. Foxes occasionally wield it as well."

"Keeeeeeek! I'm a badger demon beast!"

"Yes, yes, I understand..."

Watching the raccoon demon beast throw a tantrum, Makli Hyun-ah muses to himself.

'Not terrible...?'

He appears foolish and quite obstinate, yet...

That suggests he's straightforward to manipulate in line with Makli Hyun-ah's intentions.

Moreover, with his demon beast power to incite other demon beasts and steer their behaviors...

'Hmm... this could actually work well?'

Such a power proves essential for the Great Demon Pacifying Heaven Formation that Makli Hyun-ah aims to set up.

Naturally, given the deployment with low-stage Qi Refining demon beasts...

It might be more fitting to label it the Small Demon Pacifying Heaven Formation instead of the Great one.

"Excellent. You're chosen, raccoon demon beast! You're under my command now!"

"Why am I under your command? And I'm no raccoon or similar; I'm a badger!"

Makli Hyun-ah accepts the raccoon demon beast, who stubbornly claims to be a badger, from Makli Yoeo and pulls him from the iron cage.

The raccoon demon beast wriggles, emitting 'Keeek' sounds in an attempt to escape Makli Hyun-ah's grasp, but as a demon beast merely at Qi Refining 2nd or 3rd star, he stands no chance against Makli Hyun-ah at the Qi Refining 6th star.

Besides the raccoon demon beast, Makli Hyun-ah obtains seven rabbit demon beasts from the Beast Stable for the raccoon to command and boost his influence, then heads deeper into the Beast Stable to reach a training area for demon beast contracts.

"Ah, Cultivator Makli Hyun-ah. Are you here to tame a demon beast?"

"Yes. I'm here to tame this raccoon demon beast."

"Raccoon...? Do you mean a raccoon-dog demon beast?"

"Ah... yes, sort of like that."

Makli Hyun-ah recalls that the Makli Clan doesn't sharply differentiate between raccoon-dogs and raccoons, so he responds accordingly for the moment.

"In our home region, raccoon-dogs resembling this one are referred to as raccoons."

"Hooh... the sound somehow resembles certain phrases Elder Makli Hye-seo occasionally employs."

"Oh, really?"

"Haha, indeed. I've caught them a few times while passing by the Elder's cave dwelling... Oh, that's beside the point. Anyway... at the main house's training grounds, you may bring a demon beast and tame it yourself via Beast Taming techniques or a demon beast contract, or our trainer cultivators can apply brainwashing spells, hypnosis arts, Beast Taming methods, and similar on your behalf to tame it for you. There's also the basic, old-fashioned approach of using whips and meat for training. The spirit stones required for the training grounds vary by the chosen method... which will you select?"

Upon hearing mentions of whips, hypnosis, and brainwashing, the raccoon demon beast displays a frightened look and gazes up at Makli Hyun-ah, who coughs lightly before replying.

"For the time being, I'll employ Beast Taming techniques or a demon beast contract."

"Haha, got it. I'll lead you to a secluded training ground. Should you struggle with the Beast Taming techniques or demon beast contract, or fail entirely, just inform us. We cultivators at the training grounds boast vast experience in demon beast taming, so we can pursue this raccoon-dog to the depths of hell and break it in for you if needed."

"H-Hiik..."

The raccoon huddles in fear, shielding his head and shaking, and after thanking the training ground cultivator, Makli Hyun-ah proceeds to the designated spot.

The Makli Clan Beast Stable's training grounds lie beneath the earth, split into multiple areas.

Entering a training ground leads to a compact stone room with an entirely exposed ceiling, resembling a sheer drop.

Makli Hyun-ah enters that stone room, places the raccoon demon beast down, and inquires.

"You overheard that, didn't you? I'm sorry, but it'd be wiser for you to willingly form a demon beast contract with me and depart. If you resist without cause, those fearsome training ground cultivators will seize you, subject you to hypnotic brainwashing, or tame you like a wild animal with whips... so, what do you say? Ready to contract with me?"

The raccoon, quivering throughout, responds.

"O-Of course, contracting with you doesn't seem so bad. Compared to foraging daily in the wilderness and dodging predators... Even at Qi Refining 1st star, a tiny badger like me frequently perishes just encountering a regular tiger or bear—not even demon beasts—due to the sheer size disparity."

"Hooh... so even within Qi Refining, a common predator can kill you because of the weight difference?"

"That doesn't occur at mid-stage Qi Refining or above, but for a low-stage demon beast like me, it's different. Honestly, consider it, Cultivator! Picture wandering the mountains and facing a bear! Bears rip humans to shreds!"

"Uh... you're right."

"Anyway! I don't strongly object to human care. Security is assured, after all. But... I'm a badger. If you refuse to acknowledge my species, I can't offer genuine loyalty!"

"Mm... but you look like a raccoon..."

"Keeeeek!"

"Hm... alright, fine. Then, what's your name?"

"M-My name? That... I can't reveal it."

"Hmph, then I'll uncover it on my own."

With that, Makli Hyun-ah produces a pre-prepared talisman.

Having advanced the Naming Family Method to a notable level, he can now extract the opponent's very 'name,' making it irrelevant.

Makli Hyun-ah presses the talisman against the raccoon's head, and for an instant, something surfaces on it, but then the talisman ignites with a pop and vanishes.

"Mm? This occurrence is..."

Recalling details from the Naming Dao Conferring Gods Canon, Makli Hyun-ah nods.

'It states that nameless beings, or those of excessively high status, can't have their names easily revealed via talisman, right? Besides, as if this raccoon possesses any name.'

"Very well, since you lack a name, I'll assign one. From here on, I'll address you solely by it, and I won't fuss over whether you claim badger or raccoon-dog. We'll avoid clashing on touchy matters. Sound good?"

"Hm... well, that's acceptable. If you show that level of regard, I'll agree."

The raccoon agrees with a nod, and Makli Hyun-ah draws out a piece of talisman paper to etch the raccoon's new name upon it.

[Makli Badger]

"Starting today, your name is Makli Badger. I'll simply call you Badger."

The raccoon, evidently unhappy with the name, stares at Makli Hyun-ah in bewilderment, but Makli Hyun-ah ignores it and affixes the talisman to his head.

"Name activation!"

Chiiiiik—

Shortly, the talisman, infused with Makli Hyun-ah's spiritual energy, combusts, embedding the name into the raccoon's form.

Thus, his name officially becomes Makli Badger.

"No, how is this better than labeling people 'Makli Black Person,' 'Jegal Yellow Person,' 'Namgung Red Person' based on skin color for black, yellow, or red individuals? What sort of name is that?"

"Q-Quiet. Or do you truly desire something like Makli Black Person?"

"...Argh, never mind. Call me anything..."

After a heavy sigh of resignation to his name, Badger finalizes the demon beast contract with Makli Hyun-ah, linking through an exchange of spiritual energy and demonic energy.

Following that, Makli Hyun-ah establishes demon beast contracts with the seven rabbit demon beasts at Qi Refining 1st star... or rather, Qi Gathering level, brought from the Beast Stable, then exits the training grounds.

***

"So... to set up the formation, you need to build social standing via our recognition."

"Essentially, yes. Your incitement power..."

"It's Demon Beast Inducement!"

"Alright, alright. In essence, employ that incitement technique to sway those rabbits into respecting me."

For the Great Demon Pacifying Heaven Formation, at least eight demon beasts are required.

Yet, given the low-stage Qi Refining levels of these rabbits and the raccoon, the resulting formation won't amount to much, so it's better termed the Small Demon Pacifying Heaven Formation.

"For now... I grasp your intent. But respect must arise sincerely from within. My Demon Beast Inducement art directs demon beast behaviors. I could compel a clover-craving rabbit to eat a carrot instead. However... I can't force a sated rabbit to consume more."

"So, I require reasons for these rabbits to admire me?"

"Precisely."

"Then, what must I do to earn the rabbits' respect?"

"That... I'll inquire with them first."

Badger confronts each of the seven rabbit demon beasts individually and exchanges words with them.

It appears to be demon beast language, which Makli Hyun-ah fails to comprehend.

After some time, concluding the demon beast language exchange, Badger approaches Makli Hyun-ah and communicates the rabbits' wishes.

"This rabbit desires a carrot."

"Of course, here you go."

"This rabbit wishes to consume clovers."

"Indeed, I've readied them beforehand."

"This rabbit wants its belly tickled."

"Sure, I'll do it as much as needed, you little rascal, you little rascal, you little rascal, you little rascal, you little rascal... uehe."

Makli Hyun-ah frenziedly tickles the rabbits' bellies and showers them with affection.

Via this, three rabbits seem to foster fondness for Makli Hyun-ah, allowing Badger to apply his demon beast power and elevate their regard for him.

Before long, the three rabbits, obeying Badger's commands, bow respectfully before Makli Hyun-ah and gaze upward with eyes brimming with admiration.

Savoring the rabbits' admiration, Makli Hyun-ah feels pleased and turns to the remaining four rabbits, questioning.

"What do these ones desire? If it's carrots, I've stocked plenty..."

"Uh... um... they want Master to lick them."

"What?"

Makli Hyun-ah, stunned, glances at Badger.

Badger, eyeing the rabbit with its outrageous demand and a sheepish look, translates the demon beast language.

"Uh... it craves the thrill of degradation from being licked by a superior..."

Makli Hyun-ah remembers rabbit habits.

Rabbits reportedly follow a custom where the higher-ranked individual receives licks.

This rabbit demon beast, having absorbed spiritual energy, possesses slightly elevated intellect, yet its urges have warped into something peculiar.

'Maybe I should stew it into rabbit soup... this insolent rabbit, overstepping its bounds, actually...'

Noticing Makli Hyun-ah's face and sensing the vibe, Badger sweats profusely and warns.

"If Master... intends to make rabbit stew by chance, you mustn't. These creatures are incredibly perceptive, so slaughtering their companion would make the rest defy you, and even the admiring ones would turn against you."

"Th-Then... could I return it to the Beast Stable and fetch a different rabbit...?"

"..."

Badger relays those words in demon beast language to the rabbit, which promptly hops about in fury.

Badger rubs his head and passes the rabbit's retort to Makli Hyun-ah.

"It declares, 'How can a lord discard a vassal so heartlessly? Is the bond between lord and vassal so trivial that you embrace it when pleasant and reject it when unpleasant? With that attitude, no rabbit will serve you! If returning to the Beast Stable is the plan, I'd sooner end myself here!'... that's the message."

Makli Hyun-ah fiercely curbs the impulse to stew it anyway.

'If you're so fixated on lord-vassal ties, what twisted fetish is demanding your lord lick you, you deranged rabbit...?'

"For now... you probably need to fulfill the wish. Otherwise, the other rabbits will..."

"Fine, be quiet!"

Ultimately, Makli Hyun-ah squeezes his eyes shut and extends his tongue toward the rabbit ahead.

Lick, lick...

For the ultimate talisman war contest... for the supreme Talisman War Great Death Mausoleum... he must claim these infuriating rabbit creatures as his own.

In the end, as he licks the rabbit with its mad demand, Makli Hyun-ah delivers the intense degradation the rabbit seeks.

After some moments, once the rabbit gratifies its desired thrill, it readily pledges loyalty to Makli Hyun-ah.

"...What's next?"

Expelling the rabbit fur clogging his mouth, Makli Hyun-ah glares at Badger with eyes red from rage and frustration.

Badger coughs and transmits the fifth rabbit's request.

"Uh, this one..."

"What is it!? Spit it out quickly!"

"Uh... yes... ha... It wants... to mate."

"..."

Makli Hyun-ah exhales deeply and nods.

"Alright, fine. Is there a particular rabbit it fancies? We could retrieve one from the Beast Stable or..."

"Uh... well, actually..."

Badger chats briefly with the rabbit, his face darkening progressively.

Frustration boils in Makli Hyun-ah, and he urges Badger.

"What is it now!? Don't say that rabbit's lusting after me or something?"

"Uh... it's not that intense a carnal urge. To us, humans resemble frogs, so without fur, we're not particularly drawn."

"Then who does it wish to pair with? Tell me fast!"

"Well... it's not an overly deviant lust, but... haah..."

For a stretch, the badger, causing Makli Hyun-ah mounting unease, seems to suffer a migraine at relaying it. After prolonged deliberation, he speaks and delivers the rabbit's wish.

"Among the cats wandering the Makli Clan, it mentions a snow-white cat. It desires to mate with that one."

Makli Hyun-ah contemplates seriously converting all these rabbits into a rabbit pill and opting for alternative demon beasts.

***

With a countenance steeped in disgust, as he observes the rabbit and cat purring in apparent mutual contentment, Makli Hyun-ah feebly questions Badger,

"The sixth rabbit?"

"Well... this one demands to discuss its compensation."

"Salary talks?"

"Yes... it insists you won't expect unpaid labor..."

"...Fine, okay. Let's hear its terms at least."

"It seeks three hundred fresh carrots monthly as salary. Beyond those, it wants regular fresh carrots and clovers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner... paid time off for birthing, rearing young, and holidays... and punctual work endings."

"...Well, alright..."

For a rabbit, the requests are extensive, but relative to the prior two, they're feasible...

Through Badger's facilitation, Makli Hyun-ah drafts a contract, swaps it with the rabbit, and secures its allegiance.

"What does the final one seek?"

"...Um..."

Badger hears the last rabbit's demand, then stares at Makli Hyun-ah with complete astonishment.

Makli Hyun-ah already senses an impending migraine, vowing that if this one too proposes some absurd term, he'll seize these rabbits and refine them into a rabbit pill without fail.

"It's inquiring if, by serving Master, it can witness enemy screams and savor fresh blood... and if it can battle the mightiest foes to claim near-impossible achievements..."

"..."

For a rabbit, the demand is outrageous, but upon reflection, Makli Hyun-ah finds it grantable.

"I'm set to confront a bear soon... ask if that caliber of foe suffices."

"Uh... it replies, 'If I truly get to fight a bear, I'll dedicate everything so my master can soak in its guts and blood and devour its raw liver.'"

"Uh... right, fine."

Thus, Makli Hyun-ah acquires seven rabbits offering unwavering support.

To the three rabbits with relatively sensible requests, Makli Hyun-ah assigns the names 'Big Rabbit, Middle Rabbit, Small Rabbit.'

And to the four rabbits whose demands, even by rabbit standards, were utterly wild, he bestows the names 'First Stew, Seco