Cultivating in a Cringey Erotic Novel – Chapter 11

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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Following Myeong-ryong-geom, I arrived at a building on the outskirts of the Mount Hua Sect.

‘What’s this place used for?’

Myeong-ryong-geom, seemingly amused by my curiosity, smiled and said,

“Come in.”

“…”

He entered the building.

I followed, still puzzled.

A soft light emanated from within.

Candles had been lit, as if in preparation for our arrival.

“This way.”

“Understood.”

We stopped in front of a room.

“Go inside.”

I entered and was surprised.

‘A training room…!’

It was a training room reserved for elders and those of similar rank.

I took in the elegant surroundings, then was brought back to the present by Myeong-ryong-geom’s voice.

“Take this.”

“This is…?”

He held out his closed fist. I tilted my head, puzzled, but extended my hand.

Three pill-like objects dropped into my palm.

I recognized them immediately and murmured,

“…Elixirs.”

“Yes. These are Violet Essence Pills, from the Mount Hua Sect’s stores.”

“I understand Violet Essence Pills are only dispensed in special circumstances. Why are you giving such precious items to me…?”

Myeong-ryong-geom chuckled warmly.

“This is your reward.”

“…A reward?”

“For placing first in the recent examination. We would have given it to you sooner, but given the circumstances, we needed to discuss your… treatment.”

“I see.”

I nodded slowly.

Three Violet Essence Pills was a generous reward.

‘One pill is equivalent to seven years of cultivated internal energy… so, twenty-one years in total…!’

I swallowed hard.

Things were going surprisingly well.

I tried to find a reason to be suspicious, but there was none.

This was an incredible gift.

After consuming these pills and circulating my energy, I could easily surpass Seol Ah-yeon, whose internal energy had been far superior to mine.

‘There’s no reason to refuse this.’

I thanked Myeong-ryong-geom.

“…Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. You’ve earned it. Consume the pills here and cultivate your energy. I’ll stand guard. No one will disturb you.”

“Then…”

As I trailed off, he smiled faintly, opened the door to the training room, and stepped outside.

He was giving me privacy.

‘He’s even standing guard for me. This is incredibly fortunate.’

I nodded with satisfaction and looked at the elixirs in my hand.

They were reddish pills, shimmering with a faint light, clearly imbued with spiritual energy.

I made up my mind, sat cross-legged, and prepared to consume them.

‘I should take them now.’

I placed the pills in my mouth and swallowed them.

Gulp!

A surge of powerful energy coursed through me.

It felt like pure yang energy.

I closed my eyes and thought,

‘Focus.’

Consuming an elixir was only the first step.

The key was how well the user could absorb and refine the energy.

A martial artist’s potential was often judged by their ability to assimilate the energy from elixirs.

I focused all my attention on cultivating my energy.

“Hmm…”

It was hot.

As expected from yang energy, it felt like a burning flame was coursing through my heart and into my dantian.

Was this what it felt like for a human to transform into fire?

I continued to meditate, visualizing the flames.

‘The impurities in my meridians are being purged. The elixir’s energy is filling the gaps, transforming into internal energy.’

I could feel my internal energy expanding rapidly.

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‘…Astonishing.’

Myeong-ryong-geom, standing guard outside, was stunned by the energy emanating from within the training room.

Unlike other martial artists who consumed Violet Essence Pills, Eun Ha-seong was completely focused.

Complete focus during cultivation was rare.

‘He could be experiencing inner demons, or his pride could lead him to miss some of the energy… but he’s concentrating solely on cultivation, without a shred of hesitation or arrogance…!’

Myeong-ryong-geom swallowed hard.

He’d felt a certain fondness for Eun Ha-seong, which was why he’d gone out of his way to bring him to his personal training room.

It was a gesture of goodwill.

But Eun Ha-seong’s potential was so overwhelming, so electrifying, that he couldn’t help but murmur,

“…Was the legendary Martial God like this?”

The Martial God was a legendary figure from the past, considered the greatest martial artist of all time.

Myeong-ryong-geom had never met anyone with greater talent than Eun Ha-seong.

That was why he thought of the Martial God.

He doubted he’d ever see such talent again.

Then, a voice came from inside the room.

“…I’m finished.”

“Hmm…!”

“You may enter.”

Myeong-ryong-geom nodded and opened the door.

A faint, acrid smell wafted out.

He smiled brightly.

“…It seems you’ve successfully absorbed the elixirs.”

“Thanks to you, Elder. Thank you.”

“No. You did it yourself. I merely assisted.”

Myeong-ryong-geom looked at Eun Ha-seong.

The boy’s internal energy, once negligible, now radiated a faint aura, reminiscent of a first-rate martial artist.

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‘…About twenty years’ worth of internal energy absorbed.’

I was satisfied, but also slightly surprised.

Even with elixirs, it was normal to lose some of the energy during absorption.

I’d been worried about that, but now I realized there was no need.

‘It was a success.’

I thanked Myeong-ryong-geom again.

He beamed at me and said,

“Take this.”

“…Pardon?”

More elixirs?

I looked up in confusion.

He was holding three books.

“These are…?”

“The Ten Stages Heart Technique, the Azure River Swordsmanship, and the White Cloud Steps. They contain the principles of internal cultivation, swordsmanship, and footwork, respectively.”

“…”

“This is also part of your reward. Well? Will you learn them?”

He asked with a playful smile.

I couldn’t help but smile back.

“…Of course.”

“Excellent! Then I shall instruct you personally for the time being.”

“You, Elder Myeong-ryong-geom, will teach me personally?”

“Is there a problem with that?”

“Not at all, but…”

I trailed off.

It was a bit overwhelming that a Mount Hua elder would dedicate so much time to a mere probationary disciple like me.

While more instruction was always welcome, it still felt burdensome.

Myeong-ryong-geom seemed to sense my hesitation.

“Don’t worry. I’ve already spoken to the other elders. The Sect Leader has also given his tacit approval, so there won’t be any issues.”

“Hmm…!”

“If you’re still uncomfortable, you don’t have to think of me as your master. Consider me an instructor bestowing a reward. Simply focus on your training here.”

“…Understood.”

I nodded slowly.

It would be rude to refuse any further.

Besides, this reward was far greater than I’d anticipated.

I had no intention of refusing.

Seeing my agreement, Myeong-ryong-geom laughed heartily.

“Excellent! Then I look forward to working with you.”

“Likewise.”

I replied, with my voice filled with resolve.

He nodded.

‘I’m finally receiving direct instruction from an elder…!’

I smiled inwardly.

And so, my special training began.

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[T/N: This chapter includes an illustration. Check Discord for it.]

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