Reincarnation of the Cloud Dragon - Chapter 18

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This chapter is translated by Falnar Novels Team.
Support us by reading on our official site: https://falnarnovels.com
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Chapter 18.
“Sigh… there’s still more than half a year until the comprehensive evaluation….”
Do Chan Su’s fingers, which had been clicking across the abacus beads, came to a halt.
“…the tokens should be more than sufficient.”
His eyes widened at the staggering quantity of tokens Yun Cheon had produced.
‘How in the world did a trainee accumulate so many tokens? Even Kyoto would struggle to gather this amount….’
Yun Cheon then proceeded to rattle off a list of rare medicinal ingredients used to stabilize twisted meridians.
“The required herbs are ligusticum, astragalus, aged tangerine peel, bugbane, and bupleurum….”
Do Chan Su’s eyes narrowed.
The medicinal ingredients flowing from this young man’s lips were the sort that only those versed in medicine would even know existed.
‘This boy… he’s no ordinary trainee. He possesses considerable knowledge of herbs. But if this prescription is accurate….’
All the herbs he had listed shared a common characteristic.
They were medicinal ingredients prescribed when qi and blood were deficient.
‘He doesn’t seem to have studied medicine formally….’
Yet Yun Cheon himself appeared unaware of just how extensive his knowledge of herbs truly was.
This was because Yun Cheon had never formally studied medicine or pharmacology.
His daily routine had simply been gathering and drying medicinal herbs useful for treating external and internal injuries.
“If there are any other herbs that would aid in internal injury recovery and qi-blood stabilization, I would appreciate them being included in the prescription as well.”
Do Chan Su furrowed his brow.
‘…at this level, it’s not a simple internal injury. This is a congenital deficiency in qi and blood. Could it be…?’
Do Chan Su recalled the first appearance of Yun Cheon when they had met.
A gaunt frame, vitality visibly waning.
‘Does he suffer from severed meridian syndrome? How intriguing… a trainee from Zamadong afflicted with severed meridian syndrome.’
Do Chan Su retrieved a pill he had prepared in advance from the day Yun Cheon’s first order had arrived.
“Tsk tsk… I didn’t expect you to return so quickly. For now, this is the best I can offer.”
Do Chan Su produced a small bundle of pills from beneath the counter.
“It will take some time to prepare the remaining herbs. I’ll send word when they’re ready.”
“…understood.”
Yun Cheon gathered the bundle of pills and his remaining tokens, then immediately departed from the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.
“Truly a curious matter. Even the Demonic Physician’s Hall is researching methods to treat severed meridian syndrome….”
Complex thoughts flickered across the old man’s aged eyes as he fingered the abacus beads.
“Are there truly multiple people suffering from such a rare and severe affliction, one seen only once in decades?”
* * *
Yun Cheon’s footsteps grew heavy as he left the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.
The fatigue accumulated in his body from the sparring match with Chuk Mu Gwang came crashing down upon him.
His body felt as heavy as water-soaked cotton.
Yet despite the aftermath of the match, his senses remained sharp and honed.
Something was detected by those heightened senses.
‘…who is it.’
I paused momentarily, but to avoid suspicion, I rubbed my arm where the iron ring hung and continued walking.
He feigned deep contemplation as he stepped into the damp, shadowed corridors of Qian Mo Cave.
‘This presence… it doesn’t seem to be a trainee.’
Trainees who had finished their training passed by in small groups, but his attention was fixed elsewhere.
When had it started?
After the sparring match with the instructor?
Or perhaps after leaving the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion?
‘Either way, someone is definitely following me.’
The gaze was persistent.
Though not as sharp as killing intent, it tracked my every movement.
‘At least they don’t intend to harm me immediately.’
Yun Cheon did not break his stride.
Turning around carelessly would only provoke the pursuer further.
Instead, he naturally headed toward where trainees gathered in greater numbers.
Appearing oblivious to the pursuit, Yun Cheon seamlessly blended among the trainees and returned to the Stone Chamber.
‘…Is it a shadow sent to observe my performance?’
Knock, knock—
Just as he was about to catch his breath, someone rapped on the Stone Chamber door.
When he opened it, Yu Ha stood there with a casual expression.
“Ah, I smell medicine. Did you spend all your tokens at the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion?”
Yun Cheon’s brow furrowed slightly.
“Not yet—I haven’t even received the medicines I ordered. What brings you here?”
“What brings me here? That’s cold. I simply came to check on my fellow trainee’s wellbeing.”
Yu Ha’s gaze lingered briefly on the bundle of short rings hanging from Yun Cheon’s waist.
“Judging by your sharp reaction, it seems you’ve also attracted attention?”
“…You as well?”
Yu Ha nodded.
“It appears we’re already being watched. So, what are you thinking? Is there an organization you’d prefer to be assigned to?”
“…I’m not entirely sure.”
For Yun Cheon, an organization that could bring him closer to the Demonic Physician would be ideal.
However, the problem was that he knew nothing about the Demonic Cult’s organizational structure.
“There’s no need to be so guarded. I simply wish to offer advice as someone who has invested in you.”
“Advice…?”
“Since you’re not from this sect, you wouldn’t know anything about the organization’s structure.”
Yu Ha struck at the heart of the matter immediately.
He then held up three fingers toward Yun Cheon, who sat across from him.
“From what I can see, there are three places worth your interest.”
He raised his first finger as he spoke.
“First, the Inspection Bureau. It’s the organization that enforces the sect’s discipline and roots out traitors and corruption within. They have the authority to investigate and interrogate anyone they deem suspicious. It’s the optimal position for infiltrating the sect’s power structure.”
Yun Cheon nodded.
The blade of the Inspection Bureau was turned inward, toward the sect itself.
‘If my opponent is a member of the Demonic Cult, I can cut through them without hesitation….’
The appeal lay in not needing to wield the blade outside the Demonic Cult’s boundaries.
‘…But how far can I climb, starting from the bottom of the Inspection Bureau?’
If there were backing forces, it would be a comfortable position, but the organization was not easy to ascend through.
That was how Yun Cheon viewed the Inspection Bureau.
Yu Ha then folded his second finger.
“Second, the Black Shadow Squad. They are blades that move through the darkness of the sect. Assassination, espionage… they handle all manner of dirty work. They don’t care about your origins or background. After all, you’ll be sent to the Central Plains and given a false identity.”
This time, it was the complete opposite of the Inspection Bureau.
If the Inspection Bureau was a blade turned inward, the Black Shadow Squad was a covert blade wielded outward.
‘…Operating under a concealed identity has its appeal.’
But ultimately, the one holding that blade was the Demonic Cult’s leadership.
If things went well, I could become a spy for the righteous sects, but there was a strong possibility I’d end up taking on unwanted missions.
‘If I’m not careful, I could become expendable.’
Yu Ha spoke while observing Yun Cheon’s expression.
“It seems neither place is particularly appealing to you? Then there’s only one left.”
He folded his final finger.
“The Ten Thousand Demons Hall.”
A meaningful smile played at his lips.
“On the surface, it’s a place that serves the sect’s elders. It may seem the least attractive of the three, but….”
Yu Ha met Yun Cheon’s eyes directly as he spoke.
“If you can earn the trust of an elder, everything changes. By assisting an elder, you can move freely between the sect’s inner and outer sanctums without restriction, and you can even gain access to the sect’s deepest secrets and resources.”
He paused for a moment, then delivered the decisive statement.
“…Moreover, the Demonic Physician is one of only five Venerables among the elders. So… the Ten Thousand Demons Hall can be said to be closest to him.”
Yu Ha clearly already knew what Yun Cheon urgently needed.
‘…Sharp-witted bastard. You knew there was something wrong with my body.’
“Of course. Your appearance when we first met. And the two places you’ve been using tokens—the Spirit Nourishment Hall and the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. That much information is sufficient. The others still seem unaware.”
‘…Did you come to recommend the Ten Thousand Demons Hall to me?’
“Well… the choice is yours. Someone like you could distinguish yourself anywhere.”
Yu Ha spoke with certainty about Yun Cheon’s abilities.
“Still, personally, I’d rather you didn’t take the long way around. I’d prefer you fixed your body first. It would be more interesting that way.”
‘…Helpful information. I’m grateful.’
“Don’t mention it. Isn’t it every investor’s hope to maximize their return on investment?”
After Yu Ha finished speaking and vanished without a sound, silence once again filled the Stone Chamber.
Yun Cheon turned over the information Yu Ha had left behind in his mind.
‘A cunning fox… does he have backing in the Ten Thousand Demons Hall?’
Even as Yun Cheon saw through Yu Ha’s intentions—appearing at precisely the right moment to provide information—
he couldn’t help but acknowledge the value of what had been given to him.
‘…Still, thanks to him, the path is now clear.’
He began coldly weighing the three organizations against each other.
‘The Inspection Bureau. The power to probe within the sect is tempting, but… ultimately, if I can’t cure my severed meridian syndrome, that power is nothing but an illusion.’
He erased the first option without hesitation.
‘The Black Shadow Squad. The prospect of venturing into the Central Plains is tempting. I might investigate the hypocrisy of the Martial Alliance and gain access to the surviving disciples of Kunlun. But….’
Yun Cheon gazed down at his own body.
‘If I become a disposable blade with this cursed form, unable to even properly command my inner energy, then my fate would be nothing but abandonment once I’ve served my purpose….’
I would be discarded before I could even exact proper revenge.
‘In the end… is there truly only one path, as he suggested?’
The Ten Thousand Demons Hall.
For Yun Cheon, a Kunlun Sect disciple, to serve as an attendant to an elder of the Demonic Cult was a blow to his pride.
Yet at the end of that path lay his only hope: the Demonic Physician and the Shedding Demon Bone technique.
‘Yes, I had the order wrong.’
Revenge, the position of Heavenly Demon—all of that comes after I survive and grow stronger.
What I need most urgently now is survival.
Healing this accursed body of mine.
‘If I use the position of being close to an elder wisely, I can seize both the power of the Inspection Bureau and the freedom of the Black Shadow Squad—everything.’
My decision was made.
Yun Cheon’s eyes hardened with resolve.
‘For now, the Ten Thousand Demons Hall is the best choice.’
To achieve that, I had to catch their attention in the upcoming comprehensive evaluation.
The talents the elders of the Ten Thousand Demons Hall desired were predictable.
‘…What aged masters desire most is a talented successor.’
Merely serving as an attendant would not secure an elder’s trust, let alone my freedom.
In the end, the path was clear.
‘Proof of my talent.’
My gaze turned toward the bundle of elixir pills hanging at my waist.
“First, let me try this….”
The result of investing a full one hundred and fifty tokens.
Yun Cheon sat cross-legged on the cold floor and without hesitation tossed one elixir pill into his mouth, swallowing it whole.
The moment the pill descended past my throat, a crystalline stream of energy spread throughout my entire body.
‘Excellent….’
Like gentle rain moistening parched earth, the medicinal energy seeped softly into every corner of my withered and twisted meridians.
The subtle pain that had constricted my entire body eased, and a sense of stability returned.
‘Even with such potent medicine, it only prevents further deterioration—it cannot open the pathways….’
I clenched my fists tightly.
“Still… for now, this is enough. The tokens were well spent.”
* * *
After that day, time flowed swiftly.
Yun Cheon rose earliest and trained latest into the night.
This was not merely because I was diligent, but also to maximize the training efficiency of the Heaven and Earth Unified Technique.
Many inner energy cultivation methods relied on ‘seated meditation’—circulating energy while sitting.
What I had learned was ‘moving cultivation’—training through bodily movement.
Moreover, he was distributing his energy throughout his entire body rather than storing it in the dantian.
Thanks to clearing the blockage in his meridians that had been clogged by medicinal residue, Yun Cheon’s body transformed noticeably with each passing day.
The ragged boy who had looked on death’s door when he first entered now possessed a well-proportioned, impressive physique.
‘…Still incomplete as a martial artist’s body, though.’
Iron rings still encircled his limbs.
Though they appeared identical to the naked eye, their weight had doubled each month, reaching astronomical proportions.
Like every other morning, Yun Cheon cultivated the Heaven and Earth Circulation Technique, then concluded with the Life-Sustaining Breathing Method.
It was at that moment.
“All trainees to the Training Ground!”
Every trainee in Zamadong was summoned to the central Training Ground.
Their faces reflected both anticipation and tension.
“Finally… is it today?”
“I’ll show everyone the skills I’ve honed!”
It had been exactly one year since Yun Cheon entered Zamadong.
In other words, today was the comprehensive evaluation.
On the platform stood not only all the instructors.
But also the two senior instructors Chuk Mu Gwang and Iron Fist Ga Cheon Ak were lined up.
However, unlike usual, the very center of the platform stood empty.
The instructors had stepped back one pace, leaving the vacant seat between them.
“…There’s an empty seat!”
“Aren’t the instructors overseeing this?”
“…This is different from what I heard?”
The Training Ground stirred with whispers.
It was at that very moment.
Whoosh—
As if he had been standing there from the beginning, a man materialized like a shadow in the empty center of the platform.
A robe black as ink, the utterly ordinary face of a middle-aged man.
Yet the instant he appeared, absolute silence flooded the entire Training Ground.
Even Chuk Mu Gwang and Ga Cheon Ak bowed their heads without the slightest movement.
Goosebumps erupted across Yun Cheon’s entire body.
‘There was… no aura at all!’
This was the first true master he had encountered since entering the Demonic Sect.
‘At minimum… peak realm… and beyond!’
The man opened his mouth softly.
“Greetings, trainees of Zamadong.”
His voice was low, yet it seemed to inscribe itself directly into everyone’s consciousness.
“I am Gal Mu Heun, the Master of the Demonic Sect and supreme instructor overseeing all of this institution, including Zamadong—One Stroke Seizes the Soul.”
One could discern his formidable power from the energy alone carried in his voice.
“This comprehensive evaluation is, in a word, a stage to prove your own ‘growth.'”
At those words, everyone’s expressions turned puzzled.
‘Proving growth?’
Gal Mu Heun continued as if he had anticipated their bewildered reactions.
“When you all entered, you started from different starting lines. The duration of your martial training, your constitution, your age… all of it.”
His words rang true.
Some trainees didn’t even know how to read, let alone practice martial arts.
Others had entered at the threshold of first-rate mastery, nearly at Kyoto’s level.
Yun Cheon recalled the pompous faces of the Snake and Scorpion Ink Family members and several Demonic Cult disciples.
“Therefore, it is difficult to assess your talents by merely discussing the superiority or inferiority of martial arts. If a man who has trained for ten years and one who has trained for a single year were to spar, wouldn’t the outcome be obvious?”
Several trainees’ faces darkened.
They were all disciples from prestigious families who had trained in martial arts before entering.
‘…Interesting. So he’s chosen this approach.’
Gal Mu Heun stepped closer to the trainees and spoke.
“Therefore, regardless of different starting lines, pay it no mind. My evaluation is unrelated to that. What matters is how much further you have progressed from your starting point.”
“…?”
The trainees wore bewildered expressions, uncertain how such a thing could be judged.
“Hehe, worry not. Kyoto, who has taught you all this time, shall personally serve as your sparring opponent.”
“…!”
Even Kyoto appeared flustered, clearly not having been informed of the test’s contents.
Gal Mu Heun continued, savoring their reactions.
“The rules are simple. You must endure against your instructor Kyoto for ‘the time it takes to drink tea.’ The use of inner force is forbidden.”
The Training Ground erupted in murmurs.
“The opponent wasn’t another trainee?”
“Against Kyoto, who is at minimum a first-rate master, for the time it takes to drink tea…?”
Gal Mu Heun continued as if he had anticipated the response.
“Of course, Kyoto will show restraint according to your starting levels. Those who cannot even endure that… will simply vanish from Zamadong.”
A chilling silence fell over the Training Ground.
“Merely surviving is the way of the weak. The strong prove themselves and seize what they desire.”
He withdrew a palm-sized black iron badge from his robes and displayed it.
“After half a quarter-hour passes, Kyoto will affix this badge to his chest. From that point on, Kyoto will fight with full strength, and you will be permitted to attack.”
Gal Mu Heun’s eyes gleamed with avarice.
“Beyond merely enduring, if you successfully land an attack on Kyoto, I will grant bonus points. And if perhaps….”
His gaze pierced through every trainee in the Training Ground.
“You succeed in removing this black iron badge from Kyoto’s chest, I will grant you one wish of your choosing. Of course, within the bounds of what I deem feasible.”
“…!!!”
The Training Ground surged as if about to explode.
A wish granted by the Master of the Demonic Way Hall.
It was the greatest reward and authority a trainee of Zamadong could imagine.
While all were consumed by excitement and greed, only Yun Cheon read the situation with cold clarity.
His gaze no longer fixed upon the Master of the Demonic Way Hall.
Yun Cheon focused on identifying who would be his sparring opponent.
I stared intently at Ma Chung and Kyoto standing in the distance, my gaze piercing through them.
‘…This is my chance.’
While others worried about enduring half of Ga Cheon Ak’s assault, my mind was consumed by a single thought alone.
‘Seize the Black Iron Token and open the path to the Demonic Physician.’

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This chapter is translated by Falnar Novels Team.
Support us by reading on our official site: https://falnarnovels.com
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