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

Makli Hyun-ah converses briefly with the raccoon demon beast, centering on his special power.

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

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

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

"Indeed, that's right. This is a rare skill that only I possessed back on my home mountain. 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, shifting a stack of hay, lets out a sigh and remarks casually.

"All raccoons possess that demon beast power. Foxes use it from time to time 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 others and steer their behaviors...

'Hmm... this could truly 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 early-stage Qi Refining demon beasts...

He ought to label it the Small Demon Pacifying Heaven Formation instead of the grand version.

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

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

Makli Hyun-ah accepts the raccoon demon beast, who stubbornly claims badger status, 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 at merely Qi Refining 2nd or 3rd star level, he stands no chance against Makli Hyun-ah at the 6th star of Qi Refining.

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

"Ah, Cultivator Makli Hyun-ah. Here to train a demon beast?"

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

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

"Ah... yes, something along those lines."

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

"In our home region, these raccoon-dog types get called raccoons."

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

"Oh, really?"

"Haha, indeed. I've caught a few while wandering near the Elder's cave dwelling... Oh, that's beside the point. Anyway... at the main house's training grounds, you may bring your demon beast and handle its training yourself via Beast Taming methods or a demon beast contract. Alternatively, our trainer cultivators can apply brainwashing techniques, hypnosis arts, Beast Taming skills, and similar for you in your place. There's also the basic, old-school approach of using whips and meat. The spirit stones required for the training grounds vary by the chosen method... so, which will it be?"

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

"For starters, I'll go with Beast Taming methods or a demon beast contract."

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

"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 directed spot.

The Makli Clan Beast Stable's training grounds lie below ground, split across multiple areas.

Entering one brings you to a compact stone room with an entirely exposed ceiling, resembling a sheer drop.

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

"You caught that, didn't you? Sorry, but it'd be wiser for you to willingly form a demon beast contract with me and get out. If you resist without cause, those scary training ground cultivators will seize you, impose hypnotic brainwashing, or tame you like an 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 sound bad to me. Better than scraping for food daily in the wild while dodging predators... Even at Qi Refining 1st star, a tiny badger like me frequently meets a plain tiger or bear—not even demon beasts—and perishes due to sheer size disparity."

"Hooh... so even within Qi Refining, a regular predator can kill you over weight class issues?"

"That doesn't occur past mid-stage Qi Refining, but for low-stage ones like me, it does. Honestly, Cultivator, picture strolling the mountains and encountering a bear! Bears rip folks to shreds!"

"Uh... fair point."

"Anyway! I hold no strong grudge against human care. Security comes assured, after all. But... I'm a badger. If you deny my species identity, I can't offer genuine loyalty!"

"Mm... but you're a raccoon..."

"Keeeeek!"

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

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

"Hmph, then I'll uncover it myself."

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

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

Makli Hyun-ah presses the talisman to the raccoon's head, and briefly, something surfaces on it, only for the talisman to ignite with a pop and vanish.

"Mm? This is..."

Drawing from the Naming Dao Conferring Gods Canon, Makli Hyun-ah nods in recognition.

'Beings without names, or those of elevated status, resist casual name revelation via talisman, they say. As if this raccoon bears any name anyway.'

"Good, since you lack a name, I'll assign one. From here on, I'll use only that name for you, ignoring if you claim badger or raccoon-dog. We'll avoid poking at touchy topics mutually. Sound fair?"

"Hm... well, that's acceptable. If you show that respect, I'll go along."

The raccoon agrees with a nod, and Makli Hyun-ah produces a talisman paper sheet, etching the raccoon's fresh name upon it.

[Makli Badger]

"Starting today, your name is Makli Badger. I'll simply address you as 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 solidifies as Makli Badger.

"No, isn't this just like labeling black folks Makli Black Person, yellow ones Jegal Yellow Person, red ones Namgung Red Person? What sort of name is that?"

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

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

After a heavy sigh of resignation to his name, Badger seals the demon beast contract with Makli Hyun-ah, linking via exchanged spiritual and demonic energies.

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

***

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

"Something along those lines. Your incitement power..."

"It's Demon Beast Inducement!"

"Alright, alright. Basically, employ that incitement art to sway those rabbits into respecting me."

For the Great Demon Pacifying Heaven Formation, eight or more demon beasts are required.

Yet, given the early Qi Refining stages of these rabbits and raccoon, the resulting formation won't impress, warranting the Small Demon Pacifying Heaven Formation title.

"For now... I grasp your point. But respect arises from within the heart. My Demon Beast Inducement art directs demon beast actions. I could redirect a clover-craving rabbit to munch a carrot. However... I can't force a sated rabbit to eat extra."

"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, engaging in some exchange.

It resembles demon beast speech, though Makli Hyun-ah fails to comprehend it.

After some time, concluding the demon beast speech dialogue, Badger approaches Makli Hyun-ah and passes along the rabbits' wishes.

"This rabbit desires a carrot."

"Of course, here you go."

"This rabbit craves clovers."

"Indeed, I've readied them ahead."

"This rabbit wants belly tickles from you."

"Sure, I'll indulge that plenty, 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 warm to Makli Hyun-ah, allowing Badger to deploy his demon beast power and elevate their regard for him.

Before long, the three rabbits, obeying Badger's commands, bow courteously before Makli Hyun-ah, gazing up with eyes brimming with admiration.

Savoring the rabbits' respect, 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, eyes Badger.

Badger, facing the rabbit's outlandish demand with mild embarrassment, translates the demon beast speech.

"Uh... it seeks the thrill of degradation from a superior's lick..."

Makli Hyun-ah remembers rabbit customs.

Rabbits follow a hierarchy where higher ranks receive licks.

This rabbit demon beast, enriched by spiritual energy for sharper wits, has warped its urges into something peculiar.

'Maybe rabbit stew would suit it... this insolent rabbit, overstepping so...'

Noticing Makli Hyun-ah's look and sensing trouble, Badger sweats profusely and warns.

"If Master... contemplates rabbit stew, absolutely refrain. They're sharply perceptive, so slaughtering a friend would turn the rest against you, even those already respectful."

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

"..."

Badger relays the idea in demon beast speech, prompting the rabbit to hop furiously.

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

"It declares, 'How can a lord discard a vassal so heartlessly? Is lord-vassal bonds so trivial—kept in pleasure, discarded in hardship? With that attitude, no rabbit will serve! If returned to the Beast Stable, I'd rather end it here!'... that's the message."

Makli Hyun-ah fights the impulse to stew it on the spot.

'If lecturing on lord-vassal ties, why demand your lord lick you, you deranged rabbit...?'

"For now... you must fulfill the request. Otherwise, the others 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 tournament... for the supreme Talisman War Great Death Mausoleum... he must claim these infuriating rabbit pests as his own.

Thus, while licking the rabbit's bizarre demand, Makli Hyun-ah delivers the intense degradation it craves.

Soon after, content with its desired thrill, the rabbit eagerly pledges loyalty to Makli Hyun-ah.

"...Next one?"

Expelling the rabbit fur clogging his mouth, Makli Hyun-ah glares at Badger with fury and frustration in his reddened eyes.

Badger coughs and shares the fifth rabbit's wish.

"Uh, this one..."

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

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

"..."

Makli Hyun-ah heaves a profound sigh and consents.

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

"Uh... actually..."

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

Annoyance boils in Makli Hyun-ah, and he demands from Badger.

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

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

"Then who does it aim to mate with? Tell me now!"

"Well... it's not wildly deviant, but... haah..."

The badger, causing Makli Hyun-ah mounting frustration, appears pained at relaying it. After prolonged hesitation, he speaks and delivers the rabbit's want.

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

Makli Hyun-ah contemplates transforming all rabbits into a rabbit pill and opting for different demon beasts entirely.

***

Face twisted in disgust, gazing at the mutually content rabbit and cat purring away, Makli Hyun-ah feebly questions Badger,

"The sixth rabbit?"

"Well... this one wishes to discuss wages."

"Salary talks?"

"Yes... it questions if you'll demand unpaid labor..."

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

"It demands three hundred fresh carrots monthly as salary. Beyond salary carrots, it wants regular fresh carrots and clovers for every meal... paid leave for birthing, rearing young, and holidays... plus timely work release."

"...Well, sure..."

For a rabbit, the requests abound, yet versus the prior two, they're feasible...

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

"What does the final one seek?"

"...Um..."

Badger hears the last rabbit's condition, then regards Makli Hyun-ah with complete stupefaction.

Makli Hyun-ah anticipates a pounding headache, vowing that another absurd demand means capturing these rabbits for a rabbit pill.

"It asks if, serving Master, it can witness enemy screams and sip fresh blood... and battle top foes to claim near-impossible glories..."

"..."

For a rabbit, the request defies norms, but upon reflection, Makli Hyun-ah sees it as grantable.

"I'll face a bear soon... inquire if that's opponent suffices."

"Uh... it replies, 'If truly battling a bear, I'll offer my all so Master bathes in its guts and blood, gnawing its raw liver.'"

"Uh... right, fine."

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

To the three with reasonable asks, Makli Hyun-ah assigns 'Big Rabbit, Middle Rabbit, Small Rabbit.'

And to the four with utterly mad demands even for rabbits, he bestows 'First Stew, Seco