Nano-engineering Immortal Cultivation Chronicle

Episode 1: Reincarnation

‘Ki-hyun! This is the last glass.’

A haggard-faced middle-aged man stared at his shot glass with a look of bittersweet regret. As he gazed into the clear liquor, it felt as if his entire life was reflected within it. He had been born pure and lived passionately, just like this transparent drink.

Nanotechnology researcher. That was the title his colleagues and juniors had given him. After graduating with a degree in chemical engineering and joining a company, he had risen to become the head of a research lab—a social success by any standard.

But none of that mattered anymore.

A week ago, he had received a notice at the hospital: at most, one month left to live. That was all the time he had remaining.

Drip.

Lifting the glass, Park Ki-hyun downed the soju in one gulp, then stared blankly at the empty shot glass. He had raced forward, always looking ahead, but once he lost his health, everything seemed meaningless. Like this empty glass, he had nothing left.

Emptiness. Death.

As his mind grew hazy, Park Ki-hyun suddenly wondered what would happen after he died.

‘They say you reincarnate after death. Is that really true?’

He let out a dry chuckle. Park Ki-hyun thought that if he were to be reborn, he’d rather it not be on Earth, but in another world. Not as a human with a mere hundred-year lifespan… He wanted to be reborn as a being who could live for a thousand, even ten thousand years.

Thud!

With his head slumped onto the table, Park Ki-hyun drifted into a strange dream—a dream in which he soared through the sky after being reincarnated.

*

“Ow, my head…”

Waking from sleep, Park Ki-hyun clutched his head with both hands, feeling as if it were splitting open. It was a pain so sharp it felt like an awl was drilling into his brain. The agony was so intense he wanted to scream, but he bit his lip and endured, worried about disturbing his neighbors.

Grit. Grind.

As he clenched his teeth, his mind suddenly went white, then dark. It was as if his thoughts had been cut off, like a film reel snapping.

Buzz…

Gradually, the darkness lifted and the world brightened again, but his mind was still foggy.

What was my name again? Park Ki-hyun? Jang So-cheon?

Suddenly, the names were jumbled in his head. He was definitely Park Ki-hyun. But memories of a boy named Jang So-cheon were flooding in, mixing everything up.

Jang So-cheon! Second Star Level of the Qi Refining Stage. An inner disciple of the Extreme Heaven Sect at Spirit Gathering Mountain. He even had random knowledge about cultivation techniques and herbs…

He couldn’t make sense of any of it.

Am I going crazy?

Ugh!

As Park Ki-hyun tried to sit up, he realized something was wrong with his body. One leg was splinted with wood, and he was lying on a bed.

“Oh!”

Suddenly, a memory from three days ago flashed through his mind—Jang So-cheon’s memory.

That day, Jang So-cheon had been wandering the mountains in search of herbs when he saw a white fox slip into a boulder on a cliff. It hadn’t squeezed through a crack; it had simply melted into the rock. Intrigued, he watched, but the fox never reappeared.

Cautiously, Jang So-cheon approached the rock and tapped his Heaven and Earth Pouch at his side. The Heaven and Earth Pouch was about the size of two palms and, thanks to an enchantment, could freely store and retrieve many items.

Jang So-cheon drew his Blue Silver Sword from the pouch and poked the rock with its tip.

Clang!

It wasn’t an illusion—just an ordinary rock.

Clang! Clang!

Still curious, Jang So-cheon kept poking the spot where the fox had entered, only to confirm that the rock was as hard as iron.

“I definitely saw it go inside…”

Determined, Jang So-cheon channeled Spiritual Energy into his sword and struck the rock with all his might.

Slash! Clunk!

The rock was sharply cut, and he felt something catch. There was something inside the rock that even a sword infused with Spiritual Energy couldn’t cut through.

“What is this?”

Jang So-cheon swung again, pouring even more Spiritual Energy into his sword.

Crash!

The cliff collapsed, burying Jang So-cheon beneath it.

“Aaagh!”

Pinned under a massive boulder, Jang So-cheon screamed at the top of his lungs. His cries brought the team leader running, who rescued him and brought him to the infirmary.

“Ugh…”

Shaking his head at the absurd memory, Park Ki-hyun looked around, starting to suspect that this wasn’t Earth. The structure and architecture of the room were straight out of a historical drama. The blanket and clothes weren’t modern either. Most of all, the bizarre memories in Jang So-cheon’s mind only reinforced the idea that this was another world.

‘Did I really reincarnate into another world, just like I muttered while drinking?’

Swish.

Raising his hand, Park Ki-hyun’s eyes widened. It wasn’t the rough hand he was used to seeing every day.

Suddenly, his hands flew into action. He lifted the blanket, touched and tapped all over, and ran his fingers over his once-balding scalp—only to have his hands drop in shock.

There was no doubt: he had been reincarnated.

“This can’t be…”

Stunned, Park Ki-hyun sat there in a daze, but soon found himself thinking that maybe this was for the best. Life on Earth hadn’t been particularly happy. He’d never married, having been a lifelong bachelor devoted only to research—a dull existence. And now, he was doomed to die from illness.

But here, there was no need to worry about lifespan. Even though he’d landed in another world, he’d been reborn as a healthy fifteen-year-old. With proper care, he could live another seventy years or so.

Thinking that living as Jang So-cheon might not be so bad, Park Ki-hyun began to seriously sift through So-cheon’s memories.

“Oh!”

As he reviewed Jang So-cheon’s memories, Park Ki-hyun’s face lit up in surprise. The Elder Jang Mun of the Extreme Heaven Sect, to which he belonged, was in the late stage of the Spirit Refining Stage and over four hundred years old. The Supreme Elder was a Void Refining Stage master—an incredible nine hundred years old, and still healthy.

“Immortality?”

If Jang So-cheon’s memories were true, Park Ki-hyun had stumbled upon an incredible opportunity. His wish to live for a thousand years might not be just a dream.

According to Jang So-cheon’s memories, the cultivation stages were: Qi Refining Stage, Spirit Refining Stage, Void Refining Stage, and Refined Body Stage—the Qi Refining Stage being the very bottom.

The Qi Refining Stage started at the First Star Level, then progressed to Second Star, Third Star, and so on, up to the Twelfth Star Level, at which point one could advance to the Spirit Refining Stage. Each stage was divided into early, middle, and late phases, making the Qi Refining Stage a total of thirty-six levels.

Jang So-cheon’s current cultivation was early Second Star Level—almost the lowest of the low.

But there was no reason to be discouraged; cultivation could be improved with effort.

‘This is cheating… Anyone would agree that living as Jang So-cheon is a better deal.’

There was nothing more to consider. Deciding to live as Jang So-cheon from now on, Park Ki-hyun reviewed his own memories and grinned. His memories as Park Ki-hyun were still vivid.

‘Ki-hyun! Sorry, but I’ll have to forget your memories from today. From now on, I’m Jang So-cheon. Jang So-cheon of the Extreme Heaven Sect, early Second Star Level of the Qi Refining Stage!’

To adapt to this place, he had to seal away one set of memories. He couldn’t live with a split personality. In that case, it made sense to suppress Park Ki-hyun’s memories.

Still…

There was no need to seal away the chemical knowledge that had made Park Ki-hyun a nanotechnology researcher. That knowledge would be a huge help with Spirit Refining Technique.

Recalling Jang So-cheon’s memories, he realized that life here wouldn’t be easy either. Still, with a good Master and companions, Jang So-cheon considered himself lucky.

*

“So-cheon! Are you feeling alright?”

After lying down for a while, a burly man with a face like a bear entered the room. It was Gwak Mu-jin, the leader of One Group in the Herb Gathering Hall.

Behind him came the handsome vice-leader and a cold, beautiful woman. The last to enter was a large young man named Makjang. Makjang twisted his lips in displeasure at the sight of So-cheon lying in bed.

“Look at our youngest, living the easy life. While the rest of us risk our lives gathering herbs, you get to lie around all day. Must be nice, huh?”

Smack!

Before Makjang could finish, someone slapped him on the back. It was Han Sa-jeo.

“Ow! Han Sa-jeo! Why do you always hit me? That hurts, you know!”

“I hit you because I want you to hurt. Now shut that filthy mouth of yours!”

“Grr!”

Makjang started to protest, but when he caught Han Yeo-ok’s icy glare, he immediately backed down.

Whoosh.

A cold flame flickered in Han Yeo-ok’s eyes—a dangerous sign.

“Tch…”

Makjang ended his rebellion with a meek grumble and retreated to the side, biting his lip as if to say he was done talking.

Jang So-cheon looked up at the team leader standing by his bedside. The leader was at the Tenth Star Level of the Qi Refining Stage and was also highly skilled in medicine. He was the one who had treated So-cheon’s fractured leg, applied medicine, and splinted it.

“Leader! Like Makjang said, I’m getting restless just lying here. I feel almost fully recovered, so I’d like to join the herb gathering from tomorrow.”

At So-cheon’s words, Gwak Mu-jin lifted the blanket and examined the injury, pressing on the spot where the bone had cracked.

“Ugh!”

When So-cheon’s forehead creased in pain, Gwak Mu-jin gave a cool assessment.

“Not tomorrow… Maybe the day after. You can rejoin the herb gathering then.”

“Understood. By the way, do we know where we’re headed the day after tomorrow? Is there a set location?”

“Why? Is there somewhere you want to go?”

Gwak Mu-jin asked with a smirk. Though So-cheon’s cultivation was low, he had good instincts and rarely regretted following his suggestions. The only downside was that he rarely voiced his own opinions.

“If there’s no set destination, how about we return to Black Dragon Gorge, where I got injured? I have a good feeling about that place.”

“Really? If our youngest wants it, then that’s where we’ll go. It’s a bit far, but you’ll be alright, right?”

When Gwak Mu-jin looked around at the team, no one seemed to object—if anything, most looked intrigued. After all, So-cheon, usually so reserved, had taken the initiative to choose the gathering site.

The vice-leader, Sanggwan Cheonse, was among those who noticed the change.

“Brother Jang! You seem a lot more cheerful since you got hurt. It’s good to see.”

“Haha! I’ve had a lot of time to think while lying here. Looking back, my old personality wasn’t all that great. I’m trying to change.”

“How so?”

“I want to learn from the good qualities of those around me.”

“Is there anything to learn from me?”

“You have the most to teach, Vice-leader. You’re thoughtful and cautious, but once you’ve made up your mind, you act decisively…”

“Brother Jang, you may not realize it, but those traits aren’t always good—especially if you want to be popular with women…”

“Well, you never know.”

So-cheon glanced at Han Yeo-ok sitting at the end of the bed.

“Why are you suddenly looking at me…?”

Han Yeo-ok looked flustered as she glanced at So-cheon, then quickly at Sanggwan Cheonse.

“There’s something to learn from you too, Han Sa-jeo.”

“W-what is it?”

“You’re loyal. And your focus is incredible…”

“Loyalty? You think I have that?”

“Yes, a lot. I hope you’ll keep looking out for me.”

“……”

She didn’t reply, but there was a faint blush on Han Yeo-ok’s cheeks. Known as the Ice Witch for her frosty demeanor, Han Yeo-ok still took good care of So-cheon—because he reminded her of her younger brother who had died young.

“Is there nothing to learn from me?”

Suddenly, the bear-like face of the team leader loomed in front of So-cheon.

“I’ll tell you later, Leader. Actually, I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor? What is it?”

“I’m bored, so could you bring me a book on herbs when you go back? A thick one, please.”

“A book?”

“Yes. Only you can check out books, right? I’ll return it in perfect condition.”

“Haha! Just like the vice-leader said, you really are a different person since you got hurt. Don’t worry. And while you’re resting, make sure to practice the Qi Circulation Breathing Method. You know Law Power is good for healing, right?”

The Qi Circulation Breathing Method was the most important Secret Technique Manual in the sect, practiced by all disciples of the Extreme Heaven Sect. So-cheon had learned it since he was three, and even now practiced Qi Circulation Meditation for at least two hours a day.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Alright, we’ll leave you to rest. Take it easy.”

“See you later, brother.”

“Thank you, Sa-jeo.”

“Bye.”

“Take care.”

Makjang, who had left with the others, returned to the infirmary less than an hour later—on orders from the team leader to bring So-cheon a book on herbs.

Thud!

Makjang dropped the book by So-cheon’s pillow, and So-cheon asked him,

“Hey, why are you always so grumpy? Is it because you don’t like me speaking informally?”

“What?”

“Should I start using honorifics? You’re three years older and your cultivation is higher.”

“In the Qi Refining Stage, even if someone’s a level or two higher, we’re all friends. Besides, you started earlier than me, so why would I want you to use honorifics?”

“Then why are you always so prickly? Do you not like me?”

“That’s not it.”

“Then what is it?”

Sigh.

Makjang let out a deep sigh.

“I’m just frustrated with myself. Most people here have the Three-Yin Muscle Body Type, but I only have two attributes. What’s the point of having just two? Two-Yin Muscle Body Type…”

“Hey, I only have two Spirit Root Attributes—Wood and Fire. But you have Water, which helped you reach late Second Star Level so quickly. I’m still stuck at early Second Star Level because Fire isn’t even helpful for growth.”

“Aren’t you frustrated? Han Sa-jeo is only three years older than me, but she’s already at the Fifth Star Level.”

“Han Sa-jeo has the Four-Yin Muscle Body Type. That’s rare—there are only two on Present Ghost Peak, not counting our Master, Wuji Perfected One. Han Sa-jeo is the only one…”

“……”

“So don’t feel inferior. Didn’t you hear? Even the founder of our Extreme Heaven Sect had the Two-Yin Muscle Body Type…”

“Honestly, I don’t believe that. How could someone with only two attributes reach the Refined Body Stage?”

“Would they really make up a story like that? If the founder could do it, so can we—if we work hard enough. Let’s keep at it!”

“I was feeling down all morning, but talking to you helped a bit. See you at the herb gathering the day after tomorrow.”

“Yeah.”

After Makjang left, So-cheon let out a long sigh. He’d often struggled with the same worries Makjang had just voiced. But he’d never found an answer.

He had joined the Extreme Heaven Sect at a young age and trained in the Dormant Dragon Pavilion for ten years, yet his cultivation was still only early Second Star Level. Other kids were at Third or Fourth Star Level, and some even graduated at Fifth Star Level. Of course, So-cheon was the youngest, but that was little comfort. Even when he reached their age, he’d probably still be stuck at Second Star Level.

‘Let’s look at it differently. I’m lucky to have joined the Extreme Heaven Sect with the Two-Yin Muscle Body Type. No point blaming my unchangeable Spirit Root Attributes—better to read as many books as I can. That’s the only way I can change myself.’

Encouraging himself, So-cheon picked up the thick herb book and started reading from the beginning.

But something was strange.

Before, he’d get sleepy after just a few pages, but now he was turning pages with ease. He wasn’t just skimming the pictures—he was absorbing the properties, effects, and uses of each herb in detail.

‘Did I become a genius or something?’

That couldn’t be. Neither Jang So-cheon nor Park Ki-hyun had ever been geniuses.

‘Then what is it? Did merging two sets of memories cause some weird side effect? But could that really make me this smart?’

Muttering to himself in disbelief, So-cheon didn’t slow down his reading. Who knew—his mind might suddenly revert to how it was before.

In the end, So-cheon stayed up all night reading.