A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 827 Chapter 824: Side Story - Nation Founding (2)

The fundamental principle of the Naming Family Method lies in separating the void from the tangible using names.

Names serve to pull elements from the void into the tangible world, while capturing names from the tangible realm and thrusting them back into the void.

This act warps the natural order and unleashes immense power, embodying the true essence of the Naming Family Method.

"Talisman War. Open!"

As Makli Hyun-ah utters the name of the technique known as 'Talisman War,' a protective barrier spanning five li in diameter instantly envelops the area surrounding them.

By invoking this name, he manifests into the real world the abstract concept of Talisman War, which previously existed solely in the void.

This forms a specialized domain of the Naming Dao Conferring Gods, perfectly suited to unleash the full might of Naming Family talismans.

Elder Seo Hae-ryeong of the Sea Dragon Race witnesses this spectacle and voices his awe.

[A domain of Talisman War? To deploy a barrier typically reserved for the grand competitions of the Human Race's Talisman War with just a single command... truly, you are the originator of Talisman War.]

With excitement gleaming in his eyes, he retrieves the talismans he've collected for Talisman War and proceeds to initiate the battle.

[I activate the Trap Talisman Coral Zone. Through Coral Zone's influence, this ocean region transforms into an ideal habitat that amplifies the strength of sea demon beasts. Leveraging Coral Zone's unique trait, I trigger a spell talisman from the sea demon beast lineage. Spell Talisman Vortex engages. Vortex's power draws an additional talisman from the Talisman War deck and activates it. Should that talisman belong to the water, wind, sea, or demon beast category, the synergy with Coral Zone and Vortex enables the summoning of a single demon beast talisman.]

Chwaaaaaah!

The spell talisman drawn by Seo Hae-ryeong bears the inscription 'Storm Talisman.'

[Spell Talisman Storm Talisman! Storm Talisman's effect summons a raging storm across this vast sea expanse.]

Under Seo Hae-ryeong's barrage of talismans, illusory corals emerge throughout the battlefield, while the surrounding waters surge upward.

Right away, a massive whirlpool swirls between the combatants, spawning towering waterspouts amid crashing waves, as ominous clouds unleash bolts of lightning and torrents of rain.

An environment primed for a sea dragon's fury takes shape.

Yet, the entity summoned from Seo Hae-ryeong's demon beast talisman defies expectations, not hailing from the Sea Dragon Race.

[I summon the demon beast talisman! Via the demon beast talisman's ability, I call forth the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect disciple, Jin Je-ja!]

[TL/N: Je-ja means disciple.]

Kwarururung!

Thunder booms fiercely, and amid the storm, a Core Formation-level figure clad in golden robes materializes.

Makli Hyun-ah tuts in dismay at the unfolding scene.

"I understand now... The Human Race crafts demon beast talismans by drawing out demon beast essences, whereas demon races like the Sea Dragon Race harvest human essences to forge human talismans..."

[Hm? Not exactly. I draw out and store the essence from Humans who fall to me in Talisman War duels. These are the trophies I've claimed so far. And should you fall in this Talisman War duel, you'd better be ready...!]

The thought of becoming prey for that ancient sea dragon sends chills down Makli Hyun-ah's spine, sweat beading unbidden.

'What a nightmare. Even reaching a stage equivalent to Core Formation, if that old Core Formation expert drains me, my vitality—far frailer than those practicing Immortal Family Methods—would leave me as a mere husk!'

—Makli Hyun-hok, I keep saying, use 'absorb' instead...

Makli Hyun-ah dismisses Jegal Mikhail's mental plea, letting it slide away, and meticulously selects his talismans.

The key difference between Earth's games from Makli Hyun-ah's homeland and Penglai Star's Talisman War is the utter unpredictability of an opponent's talisman choices.

'From the talismans I spread, those that escaped the Makli Clan and circulated across Penglai City, a great number fall under the ‘Sealing-Name talisman' variety...'

The talismans derived from the Naming Dao Conferring Gods Canon split into two primary categories.

Name-Sealing talismans require prior knowledge of the foe's name, inscribing it beforehand, then affixing it to seal away their abilities.

In contrast, Sealing-Name talismans operate without knowing the name; upon attachment or meeting activation criteria, they compel the name into the talisman, sealing the associated power as well.

The latter proves more challenging and intricate to craft, commanding greater worth.

Unlike Name-Sealing talismans with fixed targets, Sealing-Name talismans can capture and seal fragments of any power, elevating their already premium status.

This trait ensures that for Talisman War staples like spell talismans, trap talismans, and demon beast talismans, no hints emerge about the opponent's preparations.

In Talisman War, trap talismans encapsulate natural forces, laws, or similar phenomena.

Spell talismans capture segments of spell or demon arts wielded by self or others.

Sealing-Name talismans expand the possibilities for trap and spell talismans to near-endless varieties.

'My foe is a Talisman War virtuoso. Preparing for Talisman War prior to our encounter suggests he's sealed phenomena or demon arts in Sealing-Name talismans tailored against me.

'Meanwhile, anticipating no such duel, I've only packed my standard everyday talismans...'

Makli Hyun-ah's selection consists of commonplace talismans readily available in markets.

'Using these market-grade talismans, I must overcome the eccentric and formidable ones the Sea Dragon has readied. Only one path remains: delve into the core of the Naming Family Method.'

The core of the Naming Family Method involves discerning emptiness from substance via names.

"Activate Trap Talisman Mountain Soil. I flip over one trap talisman right away."

[Huh? Just one trap talisman? Have you lost your mind? Though you surely have a strategy. Advance, Jin Je-ja!]

The phantom of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect disciple parts his lips, expelling a crimson banner, then lashes out with it to hurl lightning.

Kwarururung!

Crimson bolts strike Makli Hyun-ah, forcing blood from his mouth, but in his response, he merely draws and reveals another trap talisman.

Such exchanges continue for five rounds, with Seo Hae-ryeong unleashing assaults each time, while Makli Hyun-ah reveals only five talismans in total.

At last, on Seo Hae-ryeong's sixth strike, he unleashes a barrage via the six summoned demon beast talismans, confident that victory awaits on the subsequent turn.

[Founder of Talisman War. Those reveals must serve a purpose, yet it appears I claim triumph next. Your life force dwindles to nothing.]

Kugugung!

Seo Hae-ryeong gazes upon Makli Hyun-ah and lets out a mocking laugh.

[Yield gracefully to defeat, and surrender your vital essence to me!]

At that instant,

As his turn returns, Makli Hyun-ah raises a talisman and speaks.

"Do you grasp the paramount idea in Naming Family talismans, Seo Hae-ryeong?"

[Hmm, what might that be?]

"Emptiness and reality. An unactivated talisman embodies emptiness, while an activated one becomes substance. Aligning this opposition of emptiness and substance in the Immortal Family manner yields Yin-Yang Taiji!"

Tststst!

Makli Hyun-ah's expression turns resolute, and the demon beast talisman he draws starts to glow.

"As yin diminishes, yang surges, and as yang fades, yin rises, yet Taiji maintains balance in motion, so strength in one bolsters the other, and weakness in one weakens its counterpart."

[Hhm... what point are you making?]

"The talismans I've revealed and left dormant in emptiness until now... yearn fiercely to shift into substance!"

[This yin-yang take on emptiness and substance in the Naming Family Method intrigues... but claiming talismans possess will? Even if they crave manifestation, how does it change anything? The result is set!]

"It does matter."

[What?]

"Talismans harbor souls and intentions!"

Seo Hae-ryeong stares at Makli Hyun-ah as if hearing absurdity, but Makli Hyun-ah stands firm.

"To clarify... they gain such essence precisely now. In this instant of Talisman War! Souls infuse the talismans! Talisman War pulses with life!"

[Declaring Talisman War alive—what utter drivel!?]

"If the soul of Talisman War eludes your belief, witness it firsthand! Summon demon beast talisman. Makli Nobi!"

"Uh, eot!"

Makli Nobi's illusory form appears, and promptly, the talismans Makli Hyun-ah had drawn and kept face-down on the Talisman War field all turn over simultaneously, radiating brilliant light.

[What!?]

Seo Hae-ryeong's eyes bulge in shock, and within that moment, the seawater-filled Naming Dao Talisman War domain,

hosts the sudden emergence of a vast clan compound.

It belongs to the Makli Clan.

The trap talismans and spell talismans Makli Hyun-ah had maintained in emptiness reconstruct around Makli Nobi's phantom, forming a scene from the illusion's recollections.

Thus formed stands the primary residence of the Makli Clan.

However, upon beholding this, Seo Hae-ryeong scoffs derisively.

[Hah, all this talk of emptiness and reality amounts to summoning a favorable battlefield for yourself, doesn't it?]

"Elder Seo, you've engaged in numerous Talisman War contests, yet you haven't delved deeply into the talismans employed therein."

[What?]

"Naming Family talismans... the longer they linger in emptiness, the more potent the urge to manifest as substance grows. One might call it an intensifying drive to emerge. Such potent drive instills a measure of independent will. Observe! Advance, Makli Nobi!"

Responding to Makli Hyun-ah's order, the conjured Makli Nobi phantom sweeps a hand through the air.

Concurrently, flashes of light erupt from the Makli Clan phantom encircling Makli Nobi's form.

Seconds later, the Makli Clan's defensive array springs to life.

Kugugugugu!

The whole Makli Clan estate glows as if seething, igniting and scorching Seo Hae-ryeong's demon beast talismans.

Seo Hae-ryeong watches in stunned silence, mouth agape.

[Th-That can't be...!]

Makli Hyun-ah speaks up.

'Talisman War diverges from Earth's version. Unlike the rigidly rule-bound games of Earth... this clearly extends real combat.'

"...Talisman War extends from sword discussion. It's a arena where theoretical clashes preview real confrontations, testing each other's prowess."

Sword discussion (僭瑜).

A verbal sparring simulation where skills are gauged, flaws mended, and insights gained.

Sword discussion's strength lies in injury-free mutual growth, but its chief flaw is the lack of intensity, remaining mere simulation.

Makli Hyun-ah's Talisman War serves as an advanced sword discussion, addressing that very limitation.

"Talismans may lack inherent souls. Yet this is a forum for exchanging insights. Thus, Immortal Cultivation insights animate Talisman War as its soul, colliding here. Hence, Talisman War possesses a soul."

Kururururur!

Prolonging the face-down state of trap and spell talismans infuses them with extended emptiness, heightening their self-directed emergence into substance.

Summoning Makli Nobi's phantom then channels those autonomous talismans to evoke the Makli Clan and its array.

Finally, igniting Makli Nobi's lineage triggers the array, swiftly overturning the tide and securing victory.

Such is the keen edge of Talisman War displayed by Makli Hyun-ah.

Seo Hae-ryeong acknowledges his loss in Talisman War.

[...I concede defeat. Victory is yours, Makli Hyun-ah.]

Tsuaaat!

With the outcome settled, the Talisman War barrier dissipates.

Seo Hae-ryeong offers Makli Hyun-ah genuine respect, bowing formally.

[Your notion that Talisman War holds a soul... I shall etch it into my core...]

"Your comprehension earns my gratitude."

Returning the gesture, Seo Hae-ryeong addresses Makli Hyun-ah.

[Having triumphed in Talisman War, the Sea Dragon Race formally pledges unwavering backing for Daoist Makli Hyun-ah as sovereign of the western seas.]

Wooo-woong!

Makli Hyun-ah senses his custom robe, tailored for cultivating 'Pacifying Myriad Demons Under Heaven Survey,' vibrate potently, channeling authority into him.

'Now, I merely need to gather this authority and elevate my cultivation level.'

Yet, despite the clear boon, Makli Hyun-ah can't muster a simple grin.

"Wait... are you truly accepting me based on Talisman War? Honestly?"

[Ahahahaha!]

Seo Hae-ryeong bursts into booming laughter at the query.

[Such innocence, Daoist Makli Hyun-ah. Do you believe we'd commit without gain for ourselves? From our vantage, silent observation suggests mutual benefit.]

"...? What do you mean by observation?"

Makli Hyun-ah fails to follow Seo Hae-ryeong's response, but Makli Hweol steps forward to clarify.

"You couldn't have monitored Daoist Makli Hyun-ah extensively. Your watch was fleeting, and even then, engagement occurred solely via Talisman War. Thus, if Elder Seo fixated on anything, it was Talisman War. Yet that doesn't imply such fondness for Talisman War alone to validate Daoist Makli Hyun-ah's skill therein. More likely, you assessed his profound grasp of the Naming Family Method itself. Right?"

[Hehe.]

"This indicates that Daoist Makli Hyun-ah's talismans and the Naming Family Method hold vital value for the Sea Dragon Race. Correct? If so, voice it plainly now. Daoist Makli Hyun-ah has lately mastered the Naming Family Method and intends to pursue another path... so embarking on new cultivation might limit his aid to you, Elder. Instead, be forthright and secure his assistance."

"Pardon? Uh ..."

Makli Hyun-ah starts to protest, 'Practicing the Confucian Family Method won't bar me from using the Naming Family Method,' but Makli Hweol's stern look silences him.

—Makli Hyun-jok, sense the atmosphere. He's signaling you to stay quiet.

Jegal Mikhail's mental scolding, attuned to Makli Hweol's demeanor, compels Makli Hyun-ah to hold his tongue.

In response, Seo Hae-ryeong eyes Makli Hweol sharply and replies.

[I pondered why they dispatched such an ingenuous Daoist to these perilous waters, but now I see a shrewd tactician accompanied him. Whether accurate... if true, it poses issues. Fine, I'll reveal all.

[Our Sea Dragon Race... nay, much of the Demon Race benefits greatly from Daoist Makli Hyun-ah's talismans.]

"Hoho...I see that among Demon Races, human artifacts or treasures seem inferior to their robust physiques... but why seek human creations?"

[For standard artifacts, treasures, or talismans, yes. Human elixirs boast fine effects, yet many clash with our physiology, rendering them pointless... However, Daoist Makli Hyun-ah's talismans stand apart. Those marvelous seals binding power to a name, regardless of form.]

Seo Hae-ryeong turns to Makli Hyun-ah and continues.

[We Demon Races, via talismans that bind power through names... seek to contain our inherent savagery.]

"Contain the savagery of demon beasts?"

Makli Hyun-ah blanks out momentarily at Seo Hae-ryeong's revelation.

'This could resolve swiftly with the Confucian Family Method...'

Particularly potent via Pacifying Myriad Demons Under Heaven Survey, demanding Demon Race recognition.

'I could quell the Sea Dragon Race's wildness in one fell swoop. If I mention it...'

—Kuaaaagh, Makli Hyun-jok! Heed Makli Hweol's glare! He'd slay you for such blunt naïveté!

'Kkuung...'

Nevertheless, as Seo Hae-ryeong presses on, Makli Hyun-ah can no longer restrain himself and interjects.

[Indeed, the Sea Dragon Race's savage essence. It forms the foundation to resurrect our fallen ancestor, enabling the Sea Dragon Race to fully ascend as an Immortal Beast lineage. Since our progenitor, 'True Person Yuk Jeung,' perished amid Immortal Beast transformation, our Sea Dragon Race inherited an incomplete Immortal Beast bloodline.]

'True Person Yuk Jeung...?'

"That True..."

As Makli Hyun-ah begins inquiring, 'Who exactly is this True Person Yuk Jeung?',