I shouted in my mind for the status window.
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Name: Ho Cheon-an
Age: 23
Stage: First-Class
Personality: Average
Strength: 14 Agility: 14
Stamina: 12 Qi: 16
Luck: 9 Earthly: 11
Bone Strength: 8 Spirituality: 9
Focus: 9 Energy: 9
Five Elements: 9
Traits:
[Drifter] – You are unwelcome anywhere. (Relationship with others -5)
[Tendon Cut] – The tendon in your left wrist has been severed. (Strength -1)
[Underdeveloped Body] – Your growth was stunted in childhood, but you have somewhat compensated through later efforts. (Bone Strength -1)
[Tenacity] – Injury effects are reduced, and your survival rate at the brink of life and death increases.
[Stubbornness] – Your mental strength is remarkable, regardless of your physical condition. (Focus +1)
[Bastard Blood] – Your origin is still humble. However, the future is uncertain. (Final Stage -?)
[Luck] – Techniques that touch the heavens sometimes deceive even the heavenly scales.
Final Stage: First-Class
Realization: None
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As a result of using the Soju Hwa Loon Method and burning all the spiritual medicines I had obtained, my Qi level reached 16.
“Hmm.”
Even though I consumed a spiritual medicine that would usually allow me to surpass the limit of 30 for a First-Class Qi, having only reached 16 was quite a bitter result.
“Your movements have changed.”
“Indeed.”
My control over my Qi had suddenly become easier. This was likely due to the removal of the chunks corresponding to the opposite of each attribute. Even the charging technique, which used to be awkward and creaky, could now be utilized much more naturally.
It was a change that was satisfactory enough for Hyeok Gi-rin, who was currently acting as my swordsmanship master, to nod his head in approval.
“With this level, you should be able to challenge First-Class Swordsmanship.”
“Oh. Finally.”
“Senior Ho now possesses the ability to trigger chain reactions of Qi. You have met the basic requirements to digest proper First-Class sword techniques. Do you perhaps have a specific First-Class martial art in mind, Senior Ho?”
“I do.”
I took out the Secret Manual from my pocket and handed it to Hyeok Gi-rin. It was a technique I had acquired five years ago, ranking among the best of First-Class swordsmanship.
“Indeed, impressive swordsmanship.”
Of course, it wasn’t a technique on par with those of the Nine Great Sects. Hyeok Gi-rin praised it with his eyes, but it wasn’t as if he genuinely found it astonishing. In his view, this martial art might well be a rather ordinary sword technique.
“[First Swing of the Azure Cloud Sword]… Overall, it has a good balance in swordsmanship and includes a considerable number of the fundamental principles of sword techniques.”
That was the strength of the First Swing of the Azure Cloud Sword. There wasn’t anything particularly unique that could overpower other martial arts, but it had the basic skill set of most sword techniques.
“However, the application is overly complicated with too many variations.”
That was also the weakness of the First Swing of the Azure Cloud Sword. While having a vast array of techniques and variations allows for a wide range of responses, it simultaneously meant that it lacked any outstanding advantages.
“Still, mastering this sword technique would be very beneficial for establishing the foundation of swordsmanship.”
“Thank you in advance.”
Hyeok Gi-rin began to teach me the First Swing of the Azure Cloud Sword as if it were no difficulty at all. He was instructing the martial art with such ease that it was hard to believe it was my first day seeing it.
Despite the fact that it was a martial art significantly lower than his realm, his understanding was impressive enough to allow him to teach it to others just after a single look. After all, as the representative of the Jeomchang faction, he must have some exceptional innate talent.
As Hyeok Gi-rin was teaching the First Swing, he suddenly turned his head. I could see Tang Do-yeon and Tang Do-gyeong approaching from a distance.
“Haha, I hope I’m not interrupting your time.”
“Oh, Brother Tang has arrived.”
As soon as Tang Do-gyeong appeared, Hyeok Gi-rin instantly switched to a masculine tone. Having spent a week together at Samayeom’s residence, Tang Do-gyeong and Hyeok Gi-rin had become quite friendly. While they each had different natures, they both fell under the category of chivalrous individuals and represented the latter ranks of the Jeomchang and Tang Clan, respectively.
The elements necessary for them to become closer were already in place.
Though the two were united in spirit, they didn’t have any particular common ground to bond over. Hyeok Gi-rin was utterly devoid of talent for gambling, and he wasn’t adept at drinking, either.
As a result, they naturally focused on sharing their martial arts.
To Tang Do-gyeong, who needed practical experience to complete the Tang Clan’s Bat-Leaping Tiger Method, Hyeok Gi-rin was the perfect sparring partner.
Thus, a time to practice my swordsmanship under Hyeok Gi-rin was followed by a sparring session between Tang Do-gyeong and Hyeok Gi-rin. They exchanged moves through sparring, enjoyed lunch, and had reflective discussions.
The two always maintained their distance around the field as they prepared for a match.
“Then, let’s move forward with the contest today.”
“I shall learn a move from you.”
As the duel commenced, Tang Do-gyeong stepped back and launched his saber attack, while Hyeok Gi-rin controlled the pace, narrowing the distance.
Hyeok Gi-rin displayed movements that essentially traced a large circle, but whenever he saw an opening from Tang Do-gyeong, he would compress the distance in an instant and thrust inward.
In terms of duel records, Tang Do-gyeong’s record was a total loss. Naturally, Hyeok Gi-rin was stronger, but the Four-Finger Saber Technique could be considered the pinnacle of the Tang Clan’s Bat-Leaping Tiger Method.
The signature of the Four-Finger Saber Technique is its extreme speed and relentless thrusting.
While Tang Do-gyeong was an expert of the Peak Stage, his mastery of Hidden Weapons couldn’t be considered at that same level. He had only recently started integrating hidden weapon techniques after neglecting them for a long time, which was to be expected.
Thus, relying solely on hidden weapons to gain an advantage over Hyeok Gi-rin was nearly impossible.
Therefore, the only ground for competition was in exchanging blows, but in this regard, the divide between martial arts and experience was starkly apparent. The Four-Finger Saber Technique had been perfected over countless years, while the Tang Clan’s Bat-Leaping Tiger Method was still incomplete. The gap was clear.
The incomplete initial moves of the Tang Clan’s Bat-Leaping Tiger Method lacked the refinement needed to exploit the openings in the Four-Finger Saber Technique.
The outcome was essentially predetermined, but as always, both participants were wholeheartedly engaging in their duel.
“Don’t those two ever get tired?”
A glance towards Tang Do-yeon revealed a face clearly expressing boredom. She probably couldn’t wait to take the Bicheongmacha for a spin.
“Ah~ Is there no one who will ride the Bicheongmacha with me?”
Tang Do-yeon blatantly whistled and gazed my way. Naturally, I averted my eyes entirely. I could hear her clicking her tongue, but this was a life-and-death situation for me.
As I navigated Tang Do-yeon’s persistent gaze, today’s duel ended with another victory for Hyeok Gi-rin.
“I’ve learned a move.”
“Senior Tang’s hidden weapons seem to be increasing by the day.”
“Haha. It’s all thanks to Brother Hyeok’s guidance.”
Although Hyeok Gi-rin was the one winning the duel, it was always Tang Do-gyeong who was satisfied with the result. He gained a lot simply by understanding the improvement points of the Tang Clan’s Bat-Leaping Tiger Method and attempting new techniques.
As an observer, I thought that there was a need to improve the transition between the techniques of strength and hidden weapons. While it was effective to use that well-crafted double-edged approach to deceive opponents, the investment in actions to mislead was perhaps excessive.
Well… it’s easy to point out flaws but fixing them is hard. Right now, I couldn’t think of a solution myself.
I shook my head, trying to shake off these thoughts. The Tang Clan’s Bat-Leaping Tiger Method was endearing to me since my gambling techniques were embedded within it, but now that it belonged to the Tang Clan, I ought to let it go.
Time to focus on my own martial arts training.
“Everyone seems to be gathered here.”
“I greet the Governor.”
Just as I was pondering this, Samayeom appeared. He wouldn’t be departing during lunchtime unless something was happening. It seemed as though Samayeom read my curiosity and opened his mouth.
“A letter has arrived from the Tang Clan and the Jeomchang faction.”
Tang Do-gyeong and Hyeok Gi-rin each unfolded the letters that Samayeom had brought.
“Hmm… It appears to be a return order.”
“Same here.”
Sacheon City was rapidly returning to its former state. Most of the looted items had found their owners, and the merchants who reclaimed their belongings were busily resuming trade.
Rumors that the bandits had been suppressed were circulating widely, leading to an increasing number of people heading to Sacheon City, in close proximity to its previous bustling atmosphere.
Now that Sacheon City had normalized sufficiently, it was time for the three of us to return.
I licked my lips in regret.
I knew all too well that Tang Do-gyeong, Tang Do-yeon, and Hyeok Gi-rin couldn’t stay in Sacheon indefinitely, but that didn’t lessen the sadness. Both the hidden weapon techniques taught by Tang Do-gyeong and Tang Do-yeon, as well as the sword techniques that Hyeok Gi-rin guided me on, had greatly contributed to my growth.
“Also, the Sect Leader has invited Senior Ho. Miss Black Cat has been mentioned as well.”
“Hmm… it also states that the Family Head wishes for Senior Ho’s visit.”
Hyeok Gi-rin and Tang Do-gyeong’s eyes met.
“Hmm…”
“Hmm…”
After a brief tension-filled eye battle, Tang Do-gyeong was the first to break the silence.
“Hahaha. Brother Hyeok. The Tang Clan and Senior Ho are close friends. On a smaller scale, I have a connection with you, and on a larger scale, the entire Tang Clan owes a debt of gratitude to Senior Ho. It would only be fitting for us to entertain Senior Ho.”
“Hohoho, Senior Tang, what are you saying? Our Jeomchang faction certainly owes a great debt to Senior Ho as well. Acknowledging the enlightenment given to Jeo Il-ye and fully annihilating the wicked men who preyed upon Jeo Il-ye alongside our Jeomchang faction… We absolutely must show our gratitude.”
Seeing their mutual understanding, Tang Do-gyeong’s expression stiffened, and Hyeok Gi-rin’s gaze narrowed.
The competitive spirit from Tang Do-gyeong’s youth in the Fighting Dog Tang Do-gyeong era was still present, and Hyeok Gi-rin’s formidable aura now began to emanate as it had when he had single-handedly dominated the bandits.
“Ultimately, Senior Ho would likely find it more comfortable with our Tang Clan. Personally, the Family Head shares a bond with you, and there are plenty of people to catch up with, such as my sister, Rye-ah, and Feng Ying Hall Master.”
“Hohoho, I believe that for Senior Ho, who is passionately immersed in martial arts training, the Jeomchang faction will be of greater help. If you train while receiving the energy of the Su-nam Mountain where the Jeomchang faction is situated, you’ll achieve results in no time.”
“Alright! Above all, the opinion of the party in question is of utmost importance! Senior Ho! Let’s head back to the Tang Clan together!”
“Exactly! Senior Ho Warrior! Would you like to visit the Jeomchang faction? Our main sect will ensure you’re treated well!”
With their overwhelming pressure, I took a step back. How did things suddenly turn out this way? Regardless of which choice I made, it was a case of pros and cons.
If I went to the Tang Clan, I would likely experience significant advancements in hidden weapon techniques. Plus, there was a high chance of receiving spiritual medicine corresponding to the attributes of the Seven Treasures.
On the other hand, going to the Jeomchang faction had its own distinct benefits. Starting with the enlightenment I provided to Jeo Il-ye, I also resolved Jeo Il-ye’s vendetta. Considering that the Hwangbo Clan and the Aemiseong were severely damaged in reputation during this operation, unlike the Jeomchang faction, that wouldn’t have gone unnoticed either.
As for the matter of martial arts advancement, it seemed more likely that I would continue receiving instruction from Hyeok Gi-rin, making that avenue more attractive. Despite both Tang Do-gyeong and Tang Do-yeon being experts of the Peak Stage like Hyeok Gi-rin, it was clear that his teaching ability surpassed theirs.
“Hmm…”
Regardless of which path I chose, the other party would undoubtedly feel slighted. While I was mulling it over, Tang Do-yeon rested her hand on my shoulder and spoke.
“You should go to the Tang Clan! I’ll swiftly escort you in the Bicheongmacha!”
“Ah.”
“Ah.”
“…Ah.”
And so, my next destination was decided.
