Tststststs!

I accelerate my consciousness, linking Bi Yul through the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon to draw him into my accelerated mental world.

'Explain the methods.'

Bi Yul begins to explain the methods one by one.

[The Silver Basket Devil Technique is an ancient devilish art from the primeval era, its origin so ancient it's untraceable. It is said if mastered, one can even manifest the domain of the Integration stage at the Heavenly Being stage. However, its origins are unknown, and it is said that it is connected to some ancient being...]

'Rejected.'

I interrupt Bi Yul and erase the Silver Basket Devil Technique from my mind.

Connected to an ancient being and origins unknown?

It's highly likely to be connected to True Immortals like the Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique or the Red Lightning Heavenly Tribulation Method.

The Mount Tai Splitting Emperor Technique is something I intend to obtain not to learn, but to interpret the writings I acquired in the Head Realm, and I have no plans to directly connect with a suspicious entity.

[Yes. Next, the Purple Yang Mad Devilish Art is particularly outstanding in offensive power. It allows for much faster cultivation, speeding up the advancement of cultivation by tens of times, and possesses strong Yang Force, making it a natural predator to Yin-based methods and even reducing the damage from other Yang-based attacks.]

'Hoo...'

This sounds quite appealing.

Especially since there's no mention of sacrificing anyone, and particularly because the cultivation speed is tens of times faster, which is a significant advantage for someone ordinary like me.

[However, there is a very, very minor side effect.]

'What is it?'

[First, the strong emergence of Yang Force in the method causes the skin to turn purple.]

'Hmm...So that's why it's called 'Purple Yang'?'

[Yes, that's correct. And secondly...]

'There's another side effect?'

Changing skin color is not a big deal.

Having purple skin might look bizarre at first, but there are many ways to handle it.

[The Purple Yang Mad Devilish Art stimulates the upper dantian, causing hair loss. The creator added a ritualistic meaning to this; having hair actually weakens the effectiveness of the method. In other words, you become bald.]

"..."

Purple skin and being bald...

Thinking it over, I feel I can endure that far.

[And third...]

'You're saying there's another side effect?'

[Since it is a Yang-cultivating method, it causes an extreme surge of sexual desire due to the extreme Yang nature boiling within the body.]

'...'

I sigh silently.

'If sexual desire boils over, dealing with people like Zhengli could become troublesome...'

With my willpower, I can withstand the lust.

However, if an enemy like Zhengli starts to amplify sexual desires on purpose, it will be difficult to resist.

'It can't be helped. If I can endure it somehow, even if it means castrating myself..'

[The fourth side effect.]

I glance at Bi Yul as he continues with the side effects.

Was this method recommended because it has so many side effects?

[The Purple Yang Mad Devilish Art is...a celibate practice.]

"..."

[If any form of essence () is expelled, you will lose all your spiritual power and become crippled.]

In short.

Purple skin and head turning bald regardless of what one does.

With boiling sexual desire, yet if you expel essence, you become crippled because it's a celibate method.

[Thus, it is said that those who practice the Purple Yang Mad Devilish Art gradually turn mad due to unexpelled sexual desire and become Mad Devils ().]

'...Why would you recommend this to me?'

[Because the noble one is a distinguished being from the Netherworld, and it is impossible for someone of the noble one's stature to be dominated by mere sexual desire!]

I sigh inwardly, unseen by Bi Yul.

If I truly was an incarnation of a Death God from the Netherworld, there'd be nothing to worry about, but I still can't maintain my sanity around Zhengli without castrating myself.

And even if I do castrate myself, since lust and spiritual power are related in the Purple Yang Mad Devilish Art, casually removing parts could lead to a significant loss of spiritual power.

'I reject it.'

[Yes, understood. Next is the Corpse Devouring Secret Ritual Tome.]

Just hearing the title "Corpse Devouring" makes me frown.

'Is this, by chance, a method involving eating corpses?'

[Yes, that is correct.]

'Rejected.'

[Ah, but it's really a powerful devilish art...]

'Enough. Next.'

[Understood. Then, the Serene Soul True Secrets is...an evolved method deriving from the two basic cultivation methods of Black Ghost Valley, the Ghost Guiding True Scripture () and the Pacifying Soul Art (). My Lord is aware that the basis of the Ghost Path includes Consoling the Spirits () and Pacifying the Soul (), right?]

'Well...I know that much, but I want to understand your perspective, so explain.'

[It's an honor...! Dealing with ghosts essentially involves a kind of contract. The core basis of controlling ghost souls is the promise to help them move on to the Netherworld. While the Pacifying Soul Art performs rituals to show the ghost souls the way to the Netherworld, the Serene Soul True Secrets go further by offering rituals that comfort the souls' pain and emotions.]

As I listen to the explanation, I realize something.

'Serene Soul True Secrets is...not a devilish art.'

[Yes, it is solely for deeper communion with ghosts...a kind of consciousness method.]

'Hmm...'

I like the fact that it isn't a devilish art.

However, in terms of utility, Serene Soul True Secrets is an inferior substitute for the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon.

It might be slightly better than the Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon in terms of 'communion with ghosts', but it's completely inferior in other aspects.

Since controlling ghosts is sufficiently managed with just the Yin Soul Ghost Incantation as it is now, there's no real need for more.

It's a method redundant like a chicken rib, so I feel no need to learn it.

'Rejected.'

[Next is the Yama Hidden Inheritance Will. It's a devilish art that calls upon the power of Yama, one of the Judges and Death Gods of the Netherworld...]

'Rejected'

[Next is the Expending Soul True Devil Method. It absorbs wandering souls into the body, leaving only the minimal soul necessary for sending them back to the Netherworld while consuming the soul essence for tremendous power...]

'Rejected.'

As I reject every method suggested, Bi Yul seems to shrink back, lacking confidence as he reluctantly offers the last recommended devilish art.

[The last is the Ghost Immortal Kui Devillish Secrets. It is a method where one gathers ghostly energy, causing their Nascent Soul to undergo Ghost King Transformation (), slowly refining oneself into a Ghostly Being ().]

As I listen to the details of the Ghost Immortal Kui Devillish Secrets, I frown.

'Isn't Ghost Immortal Kui Devillish Secrets also a method that grows stronger by consuming soul essence?'

[While it does absorb some of the soul essence, unlike the Expending Soul True Devil Method, which consumes the soul essence itself, this method primarily absorbs the death energy accumulated around the soul essence.]

'Hmm...?'

[In other words, since my Lord is already surrounded by the energy of death, there's no need to consume soul essence directly! There is just the very minor side effect of being somewhat more difficult, but for my Lord from the Netherworld, that shouldn't be a concern.]

'Interesting...'

Then, it can be considered more of a regular cultivation method than a devilish art.

I realize that of all the recommended methods, Ghost Immortal Kui Devillish Secrets is the most appealing to me.

'In addition, it's a method that can reach the Four-Axis stage...'

I release the acceleration of my consciousness and pick up the scripture for Ghost Immortal Kui Devillish Secrets that Bi Yul recommended.

I then head to find the Repository Keeper Song Gil and hand him the scripture.

"I will go with this."

"Ghost Immortal Kui Devillish Secrets?"

Song Gil looks puzzled.

"Is there a problem?"

"Ghost Immortal Kui Devillish Secrets...due to its extreme difficulty, it is a method that is discouraged. Certainly, it boasts powerful effects if mastered but...it's not highly recommended."

"That's fine. Please give it to me."

"Well...do as you like. However, once you've chosen Ghost Immortal Kui Devillish Secrets, the method cannot be changed and you'll need to accumulate over 100 points of merit in Black Ghost Valley to re-enter the depository next time. Do you understand?"

"I'll keep that in mind."

After selecting our methods, we leave the library.

Eub Yeon is waiting for us, and once we are all outside, he begins to explain.

"Now that everyone is here, let me explain our sect's merit system."

His explanation continues.

"The merit point system is adopted by many cultivation sects. By completing tasks for the sect, you are awarded merit points, which can be used to access the sect's repository, utilize the features of the Nether Crossing Ship, or seek teachings from the Ghost Kings. Moreover, seniors are required to perform sect tasks at least once every ten years. You can receive assignments for these tasks at the Duty Hall, and I recommend you visit there."

After giving us a few more explanations, Eub Yeon bids us farewell.

[Then, this concludes the orientation to Black Ghost Valley. I hope all the seniors become prominent figures of our sect. Farewell.]

After he finishes speaking, he turns into a stream of black smoke and flies towards the Nether Crossing Ship.

The five of us scatter, each exploring either our cave residences or various parts of the Nether Crossing Ship, and I ask Bi Yul to find the place called the Duty Hall.

'The merit system...'

I recall that the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect had something similar.

However, Jeon Myeong-hoon and I were exempted as the future of the sect.

In the Azure Heaven Creation Sect, merit points weren't a thing. It was purely based on strength. You could gain access to the sect's facilities by wrestling and winning against the librarian, or by defeating seniors in duels.

At the Sea Dragon Palace, I emptied Seo Hweol's vault, so I never felt any inconvenience in training, and I naturally needed nothing when living as a puppet under the Mad Lord.

Thus, experiencing such a system is new to me.

Upon arriving at the Duty Hall, the sounds of ghostly wails fill the air.

Minor spirits are fluttering around muttering something, and upon listening closely, they are all discussing missions.

Sensing the presence of the Bi Yul within me, the minor spirits shiver and tremble as I enter the Duty Hall.

However, they don't flee in complete panic as if they are somehow magically brainwashed.

[My Lord, would you like to take on a mission?]

'I want to see what missions are available.'

[Understood. I will assist to make it easier for my Lord to browse.]

Wriggle, wriggle...

Bi Yul raises his head above my shoulder and shouts loudly within the Duty Hall.

[Come here!!!]

At the commanding ghostly tone of a Heavenly Being stage Ghost King, all the minor spirits that had been roaming around chanting tasks flock towards us.

At this sight, all eyes of the Black Ghost Valley disciples choosing tasks in various parts of the Duty Hall turn towards us.

"What's with that guy?"

"The ghostly cry just now...a Heavenly Being stage Ghost King?"

"He commands a Heavenly Being level Ghost King? Could he be a Black Grand Elder?"

"That can't be. He must be a new Yin Soul disciple. New Yin Soul disciples have to serve a Ghost King for about half a year before they earn their own ghosts or guardians. It's just a phase."

"It seems that the Ghost King he's serving is quite benevolent. Taking the effort to gather spirits for his junior..."

Though they notice Bi Yul and don't say anything outright, I can see the intent behind their glances.

Everyone seems to look down on me.

'Hmm, it seems everyone here harbors at least a Nascent Soul stage Ghost King within them.'

It's evident that, unlike me who had 'brought over' a Ghost King by begging at the shrine, they had nurtured their own Ghost Kings with strong bonds.

'Those must be ghost path companions...ghost persons.'

The primary souls that the disciples of Black Ghost Valley typically command are called ghost path companions or ghost persons. These are spirits that grow alongside the disciples, aiding their cultivation in the Ghost Path Method.

I observe them briefly behind the Black Devil Mask before no longer paying them any mind and listening to the spirits instead.

[Deliver a letter to a Heavenly Being cultivator on Heavenly Human Island...5 merit points...]

[Go hunting on Jabu Island and collect Demon Cores...15 merit points.]

[Establish a Black Ghost Valley branch among the Heaven Tribe. Exemption from mandatory tasks for a thousand years, 60,000 merit points...]

I browse through the missions.

'The higher the difficulty of the mission, the greater the reward.'

The mission with the highest merit points involves going to one of the Heaven Tribes, the Celestial Wing Race, incorporating them, and establishing a branch of the Black Ghost Valley composed of them.

It exempts the mandatory tasks every ten years for a thousand years and offers 60,000 merit points.

'In other words, it's a mission that requires at least a thousand years of hardship.'

I have no interest in struggling with local forces in the territory of the Celestial Wing Race, so I immediately lose interest and look at other missions.

Meanwhile, a ghost mutters something that catches my attention.

[The Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect is looking for a curse sorcerer to assist with a task...400 merit points...]

"Hoo..."

Given the substantial merit points and it being an area of my expertise, I reach out to the spirit repeating that task.

'Seo Li is adapting well to Black Ghost Valley.'

Once he gets a bit more accustomed, I plan to use him to look for Kang Min-hee.

'Well then, maybe it's time I make a move too.'

Swoosh...

I use the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts to slip out of Heavenly Cauldron Mountain unnoticed by the other Grand Cultivators.

A few days later.

I arrive at the entrance to the True Devil Realm.

'In the current Human-Devil Great War, the human forces are being pushed back by the True Devil Realm's Grand Cultivators.'

However, the humans are preparing a garbage plan known as the Realm Annihilation Heavenly Void Formation.

A move intended to inflict maximum damage on the Devil Realm before retreating.

'I can't let that happen.'

The reason for preparing such a trashy plan like the Realm Annihilation Heavenly Void Formation is simple.

'They must think they have a way out.'

Even if they inflict tremendous damage on the True Devil Realm, they think it's fine as long as they can escape to the Bright Cold Realm.

There is only one way to deal with this.

'I'll make sure they can't return.'

I pull out Seo Hweol's face from my storage scroll and cover my own with it. Then, I release the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts right in front of the entrance to the True Devil Realm.

'I'll close the entrance to the True Devil Realm.'

I won't close it completely.

I plan to make it so that with enough force, they can reopen it from the other side.

Closing the entrance to the True Devil Realm means they can't activate plans like the Realm Annihilation Heavenly Void Formation because there's no retreat.

Moreover, the Black Dragon King Hyeon Eum would not be able to enter the True Devil Realm through this entrance to threaten Oh Hyun-seok, nor will Azure Tiger Saint be able to cross over.

Furthermore, by causing trouble while wearing Seo Hweol's face, I can instill profound hostility in the Human Race towards Seo Hweol.

Lastly...if news of Seo Hweol's survival reaches Gyu-ryeon's ears, her anger towards me will also significantly decrease.

It's a strategy that kills five birds with one stone.

Take that, Seo Hweol.

"Who goes there!"

The Four-Axis stage cultivators guarding the entrance to the True Devil Realm ask warily as they suddenly notice me.

Covering myself with the aura of an immortal beast, I disguise myself as if I am a member of the Demon Race.

In this state, I mimic Seo Hweol's calm and relaxed voice.

"My name is Seo Hweol."

Kuguguguk!

A white mist-like power along with demonic power envelops my hand, forming the shape of a dragon claw.

"I am the Grand Prince of the Sea Dragon Race."

The entrance to the True Devil Realm trembles as if it will shatter.

Translator Notes: I'm not really too sure what the Kui means in Ghost Immortal Kui Devilish Secrets. Kui can be referring to one of the 28 lunar mansions in Chinese astronomy, however, (Kui) is a character composed from the component (d, meaning "big"). It's been used to describe being in tight spaces and interestingly, kind of looks like a person spreading out their limbs. So, the Kui might be referring to the soul that's confined in the physical body becoming free by transforming into a ghost or something of that sort.