A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 826 Chapter 823: Side Story - Nation Founding (1)

"Nobi-ah. Repeat that once again."

"...Yes...Senior."

"Uhehehe...you're addressing me as Senior..."

Makli Nobi, once serving as Makli Hyun-ah's senior, couldn't achieve a breakthrough at the Core Formation stage and lingered in the mid Qi Building realm for fifty years.

Due to this setback, Makli Nobi, now essentially reduced to Makli Hyun-ah's plaything after their cultivation levels flipped, clenches his teeth in frustration.

"You rascal, are you gnashing your teeth before your Core Formation senior? Should I yank out every last tooth to make you behave!?"

"...Please...forgive...me...Senior."

"Uhehehe, just kidding, just kidding. Ease up on that expression."

Makli Hyun-ah playfully messes up Makli Nobi's hair with rough strokes.

Makli Nobi shoots a humiliated glare at the gesture, yet a peculiar feeling wells inside him, flushing his cheeks crimson.

Those former superiors to Makli Hyun-ah quickly dropped below him, thanks to his Extreme Ghost Path Body and Wood Heavenly Spiritual Root, allowing Makli Hyun-ah to lord over them as their senior.

Yet Makli Hweol consistently remained a full realm ahead of Makli Hyun-ah, placing them on equal footing where they address each other as Daoist.

"Moreover, with the elder token and the paperwork granting control over the western sea region—territory of the Makli Clan—in your hands...head to that sea area, pick out a handful to serve as cultivation protectors enforcing the Daoist's orders from here on, and get moving swiftly. Crossing the vast mountain range demands proper preparations."

"Got it, Daoist."

Acting on Makli Hweol's suggestion, Makli Hyun-ah starts choosing his cultivation protectors along with trusted aides.

"To begin with, Makli Nobi, you're my top cultivation slave."

"I-It's protector! Slave? I'm no slave!"

"But aren't you Nobi?"

"Eiik!"

With Makli Nobi in tow, his face burning red, Makli Hyun-ah roams the Makli Clan grounds, gathering additional members.

"Cultivation protector number two, I pick you, Makli Bi-yeol!"

Over the last fifty years,

What prevented Makli Hyun-ah from losing his mind during solitary cultivation, keeping him grounded, turned out to be the Talisman War tournament.

Whether competing or judging in Talisman War events scattered across various spots, Makli Hyun-ah organized tournaments throughout Shengzi under the Righteous Dao Sect Alliance and traveled far to promote Talisman War everywhere.

And the figure who brought joy to such a Makli Hyun-ah was the consistent top performer in Talisman War tournaments, the innovator of numerous Talisman War adaptations.

The unrivaled master of Talisman War, none other than Makli Bi-yeol.

"Th-Thank you for choosing me, Senior, but why bring someone like me, stuck at early Qi Building?"

"Because your Talisman War carries that special charm. In particular, your spell talisman 'Vile One Reborn' stirs my emotions every single time."

"I appreciate your praise!"

Makli Hyun-ah buzzes with plans to practice the Confucian Family Method in the western sea region while unwinding via Makli Bi-yeol.

"They allow up to three cultivation protectors...who for the final spot?"

Having appointed Makli Nobi and Makli Bi-yeol as cultivation protectors, Makli Hyun-ah ponders his next choice.

"If you're truly stumped, consider a recommendation. Among the promising juniors under Cultivation Elder Makli Hye-seo who just entered Qi Building, plenty stand out as reliable."

Makli Bi-yeol suggests the emerging talents from Makli Hye-seo's guidance to Makli Hyun-ah, who nods in agreement.

"Solid plan. Then off to Elder Makli Hye-seo we go!"

Shortly after, Makli Hyun-ah reaches Makli Hye-seo and eyes the fresh Qi Building recruits, musing to himself.

The cultivators who advanced to Qi Building in the last decade total thirty-six, each appearing quite capable.

"Let's see...who does Elder Makli Hye-seo suggest?"

"Hmm...all hold potential, but if I pick the best, these twelve shine brightest. Select from them."

Makli Hyun-ah examines the list from Makli Hye-seo and contemplates.

—Makli Jegal (Zhuge).

—Makli Namgung (Namgong).

—Makli Murong.

—Makli Sichuan.

—Makli Hwasan (Mount Hua).

—Makli Shaolin.

—Makli Donald.

—Makli Hwangsil (Imperial Family).

—Manli Minrap.

—Makli Makli.

—Makli Emei.

—Makli Cheonma (Heavenly Demon).

"Hmm...time for interviews."

In this manner, Makli Hyun-ah, practitioner of the Naming Family Method, launches into interviews, prioritizing the most bizarre names.

The initial candidate is Manli Minrap, whose name strikes Makli Hyun-ah as the oddest.

"Hey, Manli Minrap. Why aren't you a Makli?"

Manli Minrap, shrouded in bandages with only eyes visible, scratches their head before replying.

"I'm from a far-off eastern tribe. I traversed the Heaven-Treading Desert, arrived in Shengzi, joined the Makli Clan through marriage, and it's been five years now. Haven't taken the Makli name yet, but I've mastered a special technique that could aid you."

"I see...?"

Makli Hyun-ah probes further, wraps up the interview, then summons the next oddest name.

"Makli Makli—just why is your name Makli Makli?"

"As far as I know, my parents chose it so I'd embody the Makli Clan itself."

"Got it. What technique did you study?"

He continues the interview with Makli Makli, but beyond the quirky name, nothing distinctive emerges, so he dismisses him.

Makli Hyun-ah then brings in Makli Cheonma, the third strangest name in his view.

"Makli Cheonma, as you know, my technique ties into names. Thus, I'm extra attuned to others' names. But Makli Cheonma—that wild moniker could harm my cultivation. Why bear such a name? And with it, can you deliver benefits that offset its bad vibes for me?"

For Makli Cheonma, disliking the savage name, he ramps up the pressure in the interview.

Makli Cheonma handles the questions steadily, but Makli Hyun-ah, still irked by the name, rejects him.

After wrapping up interviews with the more normal names, Makli Hyun-ah finally selects Makli Donald.

"Let's get along great, Makli Donald. From now on, as my cultivation protector, you'll support my governance in the western sea region!"

"What an honor! The entire clan reveres Senior Makli Hyun-ah, inventor of Talisman War and its tournaments, so I longed to join you... Thank you so much, truly!"

"Don't celebrate too soon! If your efforts fall short, back to the main house you go. Oh, the interview flowed so nicely I overlooked the name issue. Who named you?"

"Elder Makli Hye-seo did."

"Understood. Then I eagerly await our collaboration, Makli Donald!"

Thus, Makli Hyun-ah assembles three fitting cultivation protectors and completes preparations for journeying to the western sea region to pursue the Confucian Family Method.

***

Hwiiiooooo—

Makli Hyun-ah, alongside Makli Hweol, soars over the great mountain range aboard a flying magic artifact.

"Uuu, this night breeze bites cold."

"Hoho, that's why I urged haste in preparations. Beyond the western great mountain range lies the sea and its archipelago, bringing icy sea winds... Plus, the Lightning Path sects in the range vent all yin energy skyward, making night travel chilly. For Cultivator Makli Hyun-ah, without Immortal Family Methods, it's even tougher."

"Uuuuuuu...I should've picked up Immortal Family Methods...such regret."

Makli Hyun-ah, shivering wildly from the chill, inwardly curses the frailties of the Naming Family Method.

The flaws in Non-Immortal Family Methods, unlike true Immortal Family Methods, lie in their limited boosts to lifespan and vitality.

For instance, most Immortal Family Methods grant vast lifespan extensions upon realm advancement, and even at Qi Building, pure spiritual force yields exceptional recovery and resilience.

Yet Makli Hyun-ah's Naming Family Method focuses on sealing and claiming [names], sacrificing those superior defenses and vitality in return.

"Immortal Family Methods excel in enduring long lives free of sickness. Eternal youth and vigor. In terms of raw life force, Non-Immortal Family Methods like Daoist Makli Hyun-ah's Naming Family Method can't compete."

"U-u-u-u-u-u-u..."

Aboard the flying magic artifact, Makli Hyun-ah trembles furiously and ignites a warmth talisman to heat himself up.

Within the carriage-like flying magic artifact, the Qi Building protectors and Makli Hyun-ah jitter nonstop, while only Makli Hweol at Grand Perfection Core Formation remains composed.

Makli Hweol tuts at the sight and remarks.

"...The chill hits you hard, but if it's unbearable, we could pause in the mortal village below the great mountain range and resume at dawn."

"I-If that's an option...with the protectors freezing too, no choice. Let's descend and rest."

Makli Hyun-ah perks up at Makli Hweol's idea and guides the flying magic artifact downward.

They land in a modest slash-and-burn farming village nestled within the great mountain range.

***

"Aigo, noble Immortals. Welcome to Seogyeong Village. Haha."

The village chief of the slash-and-burn farming village, despite the late hour, rubs his palms and beams at the sky-descending cultivators.

"The yin energy over the great mountain range overwhelms, so we'll overnight here before departing. In exchange, for any villagers ailing or diseased, we'll cure them with spells. Plus, a few gifts. Sound fair?"

"Aigo, no need for that. Hurry inside our home; we'll host you properly."

Makli Hweol directs the protectors to infuse vigor into the village's sick, wounded, and elders for healing, allowing Makli Hyun-ah and Makli Hweol to lodge in the chief's guest quarters.

"Ahh, so warm..."

Makli Hyun-ah devours the hot rice cakes offered by the chief and chatters away in the guest quarters.

"That yin energy atop the great mountain range packs a punch... Lightning Path sects dumping it into the sky... Come to think of it, isn't that like toxic runoff? No one gripes about it? Nomnom..."

He mutters complaints against the great mountain range's Lightning Path sects, polishes off the rice cakes, and abruptly finds his mouth idle.

'Nomnom... Requesting more rice cakes this late feels rude, huh?'

Right then, Makli Hyun-ah spots a face peeking straight into his quarters.

A young boy it is.

"Hmm? What's up, kid?"

Makli Hyun-ah questions the boy clutching a children's storybook to his chest, who pauses briefly before offering the book.

"This...my big sister gave it to me when she crosses the mountain for work at the wealthy estate, saying read it alone. But I can't read yet, so...could noona...perhaps...read it to me?"

"I'm no noona...haaah, fine. Hm...alright then."

Makli Hyun-ah licks his lips and accepts the boy's storybook as he says.

"My mouth's at loose ends, so fetch some snacks, and I'll read it for you."

A win-win arrangement for both.

***

After Makli Hyun-ah wolfs down the dongchimi noodles the boy prepares, he narrates the fairy tales to the child.

This collection of tales centers on themes of 'retribution' primarily.

The opening tale features a child sharing boiled potatoes with an elderly neighbor on a harsh winter day, earning blessings in return.

The next recounts an old man pleading to the heavens for more years, only to gain them through neighbors' aid instead.

The third depicts a puppet sorcerer and a Dragon King sowing chaos, each facing payback from their respective retribution spirits.

The fourth shows a lightning god avenged by the villagers he slaughtered.

The fifth involves a mountain spirit, tormented by the sun, who slays the radiant orbs.

The sixth chronicles a wicked senior brother and a kind junior brother who cherishes neighbors, meeting divergent fates.

'Is this truly kids' fare...?'

Makli Hyun-ah squirms at the tale's unexpectedly mature and brutal elements, but having savored the dongchimi noodles, he presses on without halting.

"Seventh tale...the legend of Lord Stars and Lord Heavens...huh?"

Toward the storybook's close, a tale titled <The Tale of Lord Stars and Lord Heavens> appears.

The narrative outlines how the Supreme Deity ruling the Star Kingdom seeks out the Supreme Deity of the Heavens to restore what the latter misplaced.

The tale concludes with the Star Kingdom's Supreme Deity, upon recovering the Heavens' loss, attaining serenity too.

"Mm...a fine yarn. And...huh?"

Makli Hyun-ah flips to the storybook's final page.

On that last sheet of an otherwise solid collection, a single illustration graces it.

—The Supreme Deity of the Star Kingdom, aiding the Supreme Deity of the Heavens, discovers he crushed the cherished face pouch of the Heavens' ruler in the process.

'Face pouch?'

In the tale, it's a pouch shaped like a face that the Supreme Deity of the Heavens totes, capable of holding anything.

—Regretful, the Supreme Deity of the Star Kingdom draws upon the land of the Mountain Divine Spirit, merges it with the broken face pouch, and shapes a spherical realm. In that orb, myriad beings thrive under the benevolence of the Star Kingdom's and Heavens' Supreme Deities...and they name it Penglai Star.

'Penglai Star...?'

The very planet they inhabit.

This reads less like mere fantasy and more like a foundational myth passed down on Penglai Star.

Still, what snags Makli Hyun-ah's attention isn't that revelation, but the 'illustration' on the final page.

'Face...?'

For the closing image portrays vast hands fusing a 'face' with a colossal 'landmass' to forge a 'star blending earth and visage'.

And beside the 'landmass' sits a world map familiar to Makli Hyun-ah.

Opposing it lingers the 'face', a shard from the Supreme Deity of the Heavens' face pouch.

Shiver!

For some inexplicable reason, viewing that depiction sends chills crawling over Makli Hyun-ah's skin unbidden.

Merely a storybook...yet it feels like peering into this realm's concealed truth.

'No way, it's just folklore. Not some absurdity like the Earth's far side being a giant mug... That's the delusion of those flat-earth fools.'

Makli Hyun-ah hastily dismisses the eerie vibe, shoos away the boy with the book, and retires for the night.

'Folks from ancient times sure spun wild tales.'

Imagining their world as a mashup of a human face and land chunk.

A captivating origin legend.

***

The following day.

"Hoho, I've been eager to reveal this to you, Daoist."

Departing Seogyeong Village, surmounting the great mountain range, and reaching the western sea region, Makli Hyun-ah's voice quivers as he gapes at Makli Hweol's display.

"Daoist...Makli Hweol...? What in the world is this...?"

A barrier it is.

That bizarre, aurora-like veil pulses endlessly, even appearing to whirl.

The immense light wall encircles the western sea region's border, stretching skyward without end.

Confronted by the spectacle, Makli Hyun-ah can't shake one notion.

A key claim from flat-earth advocates' theories!

"Didn't you mention the World Shield Force...doesn't exist...?"

"Hoho, quite the shock. Correct, this isn't World Shield Force. Peer closer, and you'll spot land beyond. The world extends past here, and it's undeniably spherical."

"Ah, ahh...then what purpose does this barrier serve...?"

"Well...I'm unclear on the specifics myself, but beyond this wall