Chapter 1196

<Chapter 1196> The Path of Radiant Ascension

Yo and I were standing on the stream below the waterfall. Thanks to my “Blessing of Water” skill, I could stand on water like it was nothing, while she used her inner energy to stay afloat.

“Refined the basic techniques of the Eternal Spring Style slightly, reworked the Eternal Spring Ki method, and lowered the entry difficulty.”

“So… anyone can learn Eternal Spring Style now?”

She nodded.

“Anyone can master the basics of Eternal Spring Style. But to reach higher levels, talent is still required. That’s no different from any other martial art, so it’s not really a flaw.”

She taught me the revised Eternal Spring Style. Maybe because I’ve fully grasped its essence, I understood her changes instantly.

Eternal Spring Style is divided into three main categories: Fundamentals, Combat Techniques, and Advanced Techniques. Most people fail because they can’t master the fundamentals, but thanks to her adjustments, more people will be able to learn them.

The combat techniques are applications of the fundamentals, which can be mastered through effort. However, the advanced techniques—split into Shadow Flow and Thunder Glow—are in the realm of talent. Only the gifted ones can hope to master those advanced moves.

This is more than enough for me. Jin Se-Young would agree too.

“Previously, I advised you to abandon the Shadow Flow of Eternal Spring Style and focus solely on Thunder Glow.”

“Yes. I’ve let go of any lingering attachment to Shadow Flow.”

“Heavenly Thunder Resolve will be a good alternative.”

“…Is this a mix of Heavenly Thunder Resolve and Eternal Spring Style?”

“The Eternal Spring techniques remain unchanged. The Eternal Spring Ki method has been complemented by Heavenly Thunder Resolve.”

“Is that even possible!?”

“The special nature of Heavenly Thunder Resolve made it possible. It’s a martial art, yet not quite a martial art.”

“What exactly is Heavenly Thunder Resolve?”

“It’s a cultivation method (心法). A practice that transforms your spirit into lightning, refining your mind. And when the mind changes, it affects the body too.”

“…It’s not a breathing technique?”

“Nowadays, people seem to equate cultivation methods with breathing exercises… but true cultivation methods are far more advanced. Of course, only proper ones.”

“Heavenly Thunder Resolve must be one of those proper methods.”

She slowly shook her head, rejecting my statement.

“Heavenly Thunder Resolve isn’t purely a cultivation method. It contains divine arts (仙術). It’s a martial art meant for ascension.”

Divine Arts.

Narrowly defined, it refers to the magical techniques of the Immortal Realm. Broadly speaking, it’s the pinnacle of all magical techniques.

And ascension? It’s similar to becoming an immortal, but slightly different. Ascension means transcending the rules of this world to become a god.

Not only does it contain divine arts, but it also aims for ascension?

“…So Heavenly Thunder Resolve is an incredible treasure.”

“Hmm. Just mastering it won’t lead to ascension. Still, if you achieve great success with it, you’ll uncover some clues to ascension.”

“Did Master master Heavenly Thunder Resolve?”

“I learned just enough to teach you. No plans to go further. It’s not suited for me, and besides, I don’t have the qualifications.”

“Qualifications? If Master doesn’t qualify, who does?”

She stared at me intently.

“Thunder Spirit (雷靈). Only those who possess the Thunder Spirit can master Heavenly Thunder Resolve.”

I sucked in a breath. Then sighed.

“…Master. To be honest, I don’t actually possess the Thunder Spirit.”


It was because of Gender. To be precise, what this world refers to as “Thunder Order” was slightly different.

“What kind of nonsense is this all of a sudden?”

“I simply handle Thunder Energy well. Everyone assumes I was born a Thunder Order user, but that’s not actually true.”

“……”

Ha unfurled her palm. Inner energy gathered there, coalescing into electric currents that crackled ominously.

“Yu-jin, generate Thunder Energy.”

Silently, I did as she commanded.

Crack.

Electricity coursed through my fingertips.

“Do you understand the difference between us?”

“Eh, no, I don’t.”

I answered honestly. Pretending to know would just make things exhausting in situations like this.

“I extracted my inner energy and converted it into Thunder Energy. On the other hand, you directly summoned Thunder Energy. Do you get it now? That’s why you’re a genuine Thunder Order user.”

“So… does that mean I’m really a Thunder Order user?”

“Are you doubting the discernment of your master? What a disrespectful disciple.”

“N-no! I trust you, Master!”

“I’ve combined Celestial Lightning Formula with Spirit Heaven Energy Technique into one martial art… Hmm. Actually, calling it an ‘energy technique’ feels off since Celestial Lightning Formula is involved… Let’s just call it ‘Heavenly Thunder Style.’ If you master this Heavenly Thunder Style, you will forever lose the chance to obtain the Shadow Arts of the Spirit Heaven Style. Will you still learn it?”

“But isn’t mastering Celestial Lightning Formula contingent on learning Heavenly Thunder Style first?”

“We can study them separately. It won’t be efficient, and it’ll take much longer to see results, but I respect your choice.”

“…My answer remains the same. I’ve chosen Thunder Light over the Shadow Arts of Spirit Heaven Style. I have no regrets.”

“Hmph. Very well. I shall teach you the incantations.”

Ha stepped forward. Her right hand rested atop my head—more precisely, at the Baihui point on my crown. Through this pressure point, her vital energy flowed into me. Slowly, she began reciting the incantations of the Heavenly Thunder Style while guiding the flow of her energy.

I desperately focused, trying to memorize both the incantations and the movement of her energy. But for my mind, it was impossible. There weren’t just one or two incantations; if we’re talking characters, it exceeded 2,000.

But I had the Tian Gang Star System.

“A new martial art has been discovered.”

“It appears to be an advanced form of Spirit Heaven Style that you’ve already mastered.”

“Evidence of Ascension has been detected.”

“Heavenly Thunder Style is being optimized.”

“Time required: Unknown.”

An alert window popped up.

I clenched my teeth. Alongside a pounding headache, the incantations of Celestial Lightning Formula and information about Heavenly Thunder Style flooded my mind.

Ha had already stepped back, arms crossed as she observed me.

“As expected. The Heavenly Thunder Style suits you perfectly. Perfect it here. The Water Qi abundant around you will assist you.”

Instinctively, I walked toward the center of the ravine and sat cross-legged above the flowing stream.

“Optimization time remaining: 1428 days, 14 hours, 25 minutes, 7 seconds.”

I closed my eyes.

This was a stroke of luck. I couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity.

‘Still, 1428 days is way too long…’

What exactly does “optimization” even mean? Currently, I’m at the 7th level of Inner Energy cultivation. My physical body is already exceptional at this stage.

‘Is my body still insufficient?’

I remained motionless, doing nothing. Yet changes were happening within me. Qi continuously circulated, centered around my inner core.

My scalp itched. When I tried to move my hand, another alert appeared.

“Do you wish to halt optimization?”

Even though my eyes were closed, the alert was crystal clear.

‘This is unsettling. I should stay still. Still, I don’t fully understand what’s going on…’

No matter how much I thought about it, my limited brainpower couldn’t grasp the situation.

‘Then…’

[Activating Genius Time for 10 seconds.]

[Genius Time terminated.]

[Using Moment (刹那). Remaining stacks: 6]

‘…I see. The Tian Gang Star System is using Heavenly Thunder Style to create a universe inside me. My inner core and will are the center of this universe, and the Heavenly Thunder Style itself is the universe.’

Thanks to Genius Time, enlightenment came to me.

My will resonates with the universe.

“Optimization time remaining: 981 days, 11 hours, 37 minutes, 44 seconds.”

The time has decreased.

With my will, I guide the completion of this universe.


He’s arrived.

『Time remaining until Optimization: 978 days, 7 hours, 5 minutes, 53 seconds.』

『Time remaining until Optimization: 974 days, 14 hours, 56 minutes, 5 seconds.』

『Time remaining until Optimization: 969 days, 2 hours, 28 minutes, 26 seconds.』

Bit by bit…

Every time I aided in the completion of the universe, the remaining time decreased.

•••

Woo Yu brought a sunbed to the front of the waterfall and sat down, slowly sipping on her cocktail while watching him sitting cross-legged at the center of the ravine.

It’s been half a month. Sung Yoojin’s butt was floating about 10cm above the water.

Pssht, pssshhh.

Lightning flickered around his body. This change had started occurring since noon today.

“Such success. Who would’ve thought he’d use the Thunder Sky Formula to gain enlightenment and glimpse the Three Summits’ realm?”

Sung Yoojin won’t reach the Three Summits’ realm this time. His preparation is insufficient.

“Still, once this opportunity passes, he’ll easily ascend to the Three Summits’ realm during the next one. His preparation is underway right now.”

This situation itself is absurd.

“But the world occasionally experiences absurd events, doesn’t it?”

In her opinion, there were two reasons why Sung Yoojin gained enlightenment.

The first reason was that the compatibility between the Celestial Lightning Formula and Sung Yoojin was too good.

“That guy already understood lightning. Now that I think about it, he called his lightning ‘thunder.’ His understanding of lightning might even surpass mine.”

The second reason was the Celestial Gang Star.

Born with the energy of the supreme star among all stars, the Celestial Gang Star. Somehow, its energy affected Sung Yoojin.

Having finished her cocktail, she looked up at the night sky. Countless stars twinkled. She couldn’t read the changing celestial principles according to the times, so she didn’t know what those sparkling stars signified. However, she was certain that somewhere out there lay the Celestial Gang Star.

“Someone who can read the celestial principles must have noticed the existence of the Celestial Gang Star by now.”

The world will change, and at its center will be Sung Yoojin.

Curiosity suddenly reared its head.

Woo Yu shook her head to suppress the curiosity. It wasn’t her concern.

“Lord Husband is still in meditation. When will it end?”

Behind Woo Yu, Mi Ling appeared. Having detected her transfer technique beforehand, Woo Yu wasn’t surprised at all.

“It will end when it’s time… I’m hungry. Bring me lamb steak.”

“I want a hamburger.”

“Lamb steak.”

“There’s no lamb.”

“I checked the fridge.”

“…It’s probably been too long and tastes bad by now.”

“You have fine spells. I trust your skills. By the way, I prefer medium-well.”

“Yes… I’ll prepare it. …Ms. Woo Yu, are you interested in learning how to cook?”

“No.”

“Tch. That’s unfair.”

As Mi Ling was about to return using the transfer technique, she saw a bolt of lightning fall from the night sky, her eyes widening. The lightning struck directly onto Sung Yoojin’s crown.

“Lord Husband?!”

“Calm down. My disciple is safe.”

From the cloudless night sky, lightning continued to strike.

“…My goodness.”

Sung Yoojin, struck by lightning, emitted thunderbolts in all directions. The thunder streams pierced into the ravine water, altering its flow. The waterfall reversed, and the lightning reflected off the water.

“What has he done to that waterfall?!”

“I did nothing. The lightning is just playing joyfully.”

“No, wait a moment. How can lightning feel joy? That makes no sense.”

“It makes perfect sense. There’s no rule saying lightning cannot possess intent.”

Mi Ling didn’t believe Woo Yu’s words. She quickly found the cause.

“Lord Husband. Your will is imbued within the lightning.”

“…Yes. My disciple holds the soul of lightning.”

The lightning raged until dawn, and then Sung Yoojin opened his eyes.

•••

A few days later, I departed from Nakyue Mountain to the Celestial Demon Sect.

An ambition stirred in my chest—to dominate the Celestial Demon Sect and become the true Celestial Demon.

I can do it.

Because I am vHeaven†Demonv.