The Black Cat immediately began observing the Unknown Elder.
“Today, we start with 100 repetitions of Move #8.”
“Aaaah!”
“You clumsy fool! Don’t drop your legs like that!”
‘Ugh, senior.’
With emotions thickly layered, it was hard to tell if this was a punishment or a training session, and the Black Cat shook her head disapprovingly.
It was a situation ripe for letting go of discipline due to an offense, yet the Unknown Elder chose to push Ho Cheon-an even harder.
‘There’s nothing wrong with channeling anger into something productive, but…’
Watching the Unknown Elder roll Ho Cheon-an around mercilessly, the Black Cat felt a hint of unease.
She felt no discomfort when the Unknown Elder announced the training for Ho Cheon-an and continued with the regimen afterward.
To the Unknown Elder, Ho Cheon-an represented a prime target, especially after believing the disciple had run away and severed the lineage of martial arts.
Observing Ho Cheon-an being roughhoused without mercy led the Black Cat to think, ‘No wonder the disciple ran away.’
The Unknown Elder dedicated everything to teaching Ho Cheon-an. Aside from the time spent preparing meals for their group, even the seemingly pointless repetition of training was shared with Ho Cheon-an. The more the Black Cat watched, the clearer it became that such passionate guidance was nearly impossible to deliver.
Thanks to the fervent teaching from the Unknown Elder, Ho Cheon-an learned and absorbed countless things.
He fully mastered the Single Cut Blade Technique, the Seven Thunder Defense Technique, and the Enlightened Cloud Thunder Technique, reestablishing his foundation as a martial artist and acquiring the requisite skills of the Martial World, even recently reaching the Peak Stage.
Ho Cheon-an, once only a nameless grandchild, had through rigorous training become a formidable heir.
Therefore, the Black Cat felt a sense of unease about the current training.
Smack!
“You fool! Put in more effort! In that last move, the flow is more about power than speed, so stop thinking about strength and focus on speed! You haven’t even mastered the proper movements yet; it’s infuriating!”
The Unknown Elder was fervently refining Ho Cheon-an’s postures and forms while observing the unfolding techniques.
With a limited time frame of just a week, the Unknown Elder was investing that precious time into polishing Ho Cheon-an’s techniques and establishing better training habits.
What the Unknown Elder was emphasizing and strengthening was undoubtedly necessary for Ho Cheon-an to reach greater heights.
However…
‘For the Unknown Elder, who needs to pass on martial arts, there must be mountains of things to convey to the senior right now…’
Ho Cheon-an’s behavior, questioning whether the Unknown Elder had anything to give, was exceedingly rude, yet the intent behind such actions was the product of reasonable judgment.
Simply leaving behind martial arts would hardly be considered passing it on.
Even if it were the techniques of a nameless, solitary master, it contained the history of the sect and the accumulated wisdom of the elders.
Even without the resources of substantial energy or spiritual medicine to pass down, the teachings and understanding of martial arts acquired by the Unknown Elder were invaluable intangible assets meant to be passed on to the sect or future generations.
‘If we’re talking value, the insights mastered by the Unknown Elder are far more precious than the Enlightened Cloud Thunder Technique…’
While the Enlightened Cloud Thunder Technique was undoubtedly a powerful martial art, the insights left behind by a martial artist of the Unknown Elder’s caliber were genuinely priceless treasures.
Thus, the Black Cat couldn’t help but harbor doubts about using such precious time, meant for preserving those insights as fully as possible, to instead improve Ho Cheon-an’s training habits.
“Spread your legs wider!”
“Aaaah!!”
The Black Cat stared intently at the two training with flamboyant enthusiasm, lost in thought.
* *
The core stone was checked.
The cracks in the core stone were gradually widening, and it wouldn’t be surprising if it broke into two pieces at any moment.
One might even worry that walking heavily would cause the core stone to shatter with the vibrations.
After lightening his body with lightness techniques, he exited the cave.
The elder, who could vanish at any moment, was completely savoring the happiness.
“Hehehe.”
The Master, constantly touching Hyeok Gi-rin’s cheeks, erupted in laughter. Usually, Hyeok Gi-rin would have already gotten angry and demanded not to be treated like a child, but today they seemed to be holding it in, perhaps aware it was time for parting.
Hyeok Gi-rin the Great Hero was indeed adorable.
Hyeok Gi-rin had all the features that any grandfather would find endearing, so it was no wonder the Master cherished them.
Even though the Master wasn’t touching Hyeok Gi-rin’s cheeks, there were plenty of reasons for feeling joyous.
“Please, eat, Elder.”
“Hehehe. Thank you. Hehehe!”
Because Tang Do-yeon and Tang So-yeol served the meal. Their cooking skills had reached a level so high that even seasoned cooks would struggle to compete. They had volunteered as assistants in the kitchen and had learned the Master’s culinary skills by watching closely.
Since it was a meal prepared by Tang So-yeol and Tang Do-yeon, I joined in and devoured it deliciously. The Master’s disapproving glances came my way, but it was warm food that I barely remembered the last time being served, so I shamelessly inhaled it.
After that, the Black Cat’s massage followed.
“Is it refreshing?”
“Ahh, it feels so good.”
Of course, it felt good. A chill emanated from the Black Cat’s hands.
“By the way, Elder.”
“Hmm?”
“Could you perhaps tell me the name of the martial art that conceals your face?”
“Hehe, why do you ask?”
“Seeing your back is intriguing. Due to my nature, I often have to hide my face, so it naturally piques my interest.”
“I learned that technique during my younger years, but I can’t recall its name. Hehe.”
“I see. It’s just a momentary curiosity, so you need not worry about it.”
Having received such gracious treatment, the Master…
Smack!
“You fool! Relax your muscles there!”
“Ah!”
During the afternoon training, I was more vigorously rolled around. Thanks to my companions’ enthusiastic care for the Master, I was subjected to harsher training. Is there anything more unjust than this?
As I grew stronger, the intensity of the training also increased, keeping things tough and unchanging.
“Never forget. One must always look upward during training. The moment you just settle for maintenance, a martial artist will stop at that very spot.”
I’ve heard this a thousand times. I sprawled out on the ground, gasping for breath, and asked,
“Master, isn’t there really very little time left? Can we afford to be doing this?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, to be honest, there are more important things than just watching over my training.”
At that, the Master chuckled.
“Are you saying you should toss away your lingering concerns?”
I didn’t really respond. It was a sensitive topic to talk about.
The Master standing before me was, in a sense, a reflection of the true Master somewhere, cast through formations like an illusion or replica.
If I were unaware of the structure of the formations, I might think of it as just a release of personal summoning, but the Master was indeed an expert at formations.
The end of the formation maintaining the replication of the Master signified, in a sense, the death of the replicated Master.
Despite being a replica, the time spent living alongside us in the formation was as real as anything.
Even if it’s a copy, the Master before me was the very figure who had watched my training for years in this cave.
At the same time, it was also the person who had shown affection toward my companions.
While my companions had accrued many blessings from the Master, surely something had accumulated within the Master’s heart too. Was it okay to just let that disappear without revealing it?
That was my question.
Smack!
“Ouch!”
I was suddenly given a smack on the head, that sharp sting made me roll on the ground and shout.
“Ahhh! I put in the effort to think and speak, and now you’re hitting me?!”
“Oh, you bumbling fool! Do you think I’m like you? I’ve been careful to ensure no lingering feelings remain, so you better do the same!”
The Master really was the type who never warmed up to anyone. “To do well and leave no regrets?” But the way the Master was looking at me right now exuded all sorts of reluctance!
Looking back, the Master was like this from the start.
The overwhelming obsession with my training and growth stemmed from an earlier disciple, Seo Hak, having ran away with the secret texts and sword, leading to the Master’s darker mood. Though hidden under a cheerful facade, while training me, I could feel the pent-up resentment.
“Sigh, fine, let’s just train. That’s what you want.”
If a person has a wish, it should be granted, so what else could I do? If they wanted to train, I had to endure it.
“Let’s start with the Seven Thunder Defense Technique again.”
I thumped the ground.
* *
‘It’s over.’
In the early dawn when my companions were still sleeping, the Unknown Elder took a final look at the state of the core stone.
The core stone’s appearance was such that anyone could tell it was nearing its end. Its body, covered in tight cracks that seemed it would crumble with the slightest touch, and its dimly lit blue glow were both alarming.
I worried the core stone might break from the vibrations of heavy footsteps.
Letting my body feel light with swift techniques, I exited the cave.
The elder who could vanish any moment was genuinely savoring this happiness.
“Hehehe.”
The Master constantly dabbed Hyeok Gi-rin’s cheeks and laughed. Normally, Hyeok Gi-rin would have gotten angry and insisted on not being treated like a child, but it seemed they held back, perhaps aware that parting was near.
Hyeok Gi-rin the Great Hero was undeniably adorable.
Hyeok Gi-rin exhibited all the traits that any grandfather would dote upon, it was no surprise the Master adored them.
Even outside touching Hyeok Gi-rin’s cheeks, there were innumerable reasons for happiness.
“Please, do eat, Elder.”
“Hehehe. Thank you. Hehehe!”
This was because Tang Do-yeon and Tang So-yeol had prepared the meal. Their culinary skills reached a level that could outshine even seasoned cooks. They volunteered to assist in the kitchen, learning by peering over the Master’s shoulder.
Since Tang So-yeol and Tang Do-yeon set the table, I also joined in and devoured it. Although I received the Master’s disapproving stares, I shamelessly inhaled the warm food, not remembering the last time I ate something similar.
Afterward, my massage began with the Black Cat.
“Feeling refreshed?”
“Ahh, it’s really refreshing.”
Of course, it was refreshing. A chill was emitting from the Black Cat’s hands.
“By the way, Elder.”
“Hmm?”
“May I ask the name of the martial art covering your face?”
“Hehe, why do you ask that?”
“Watching your back intrigues me. Due to my nature, I often have to hide my face, so I am inherently curious.”
“I got that technique in my youth, but I can’t recall its name. Hehe.”
“I see. It’s merely a fleeting curiosity, so you needn’t be concerned.”
The Master received such generous treatment…
Bang!
“You fool! Relax there, will you?!”
“Ah!”
In the afternoon session, I was rolled around more vigorously. Is there any greater injustice than that? Thanks to my companions’ thorough care of the Master, I was thrown into much harsher training as a result!
As I got stronger, the intensity of the training also dramatically increased, keeping everything hard and unchanged.
“Never forget this. In training, one must always strive to look upwards. The moment a martial artist decides to merely maintain, they halt in their tracks.”
I’ve heard this a thousand times! I lay sprawled on the ground, gasping for air, and asked:
“Master, isn’t there really very little time left? Can we afford to be doing this?”
“What are you saying?”
“Honestly, there are many things more important than just monitoring my training!”
At my words, the Master giggled.
“Are you suggesting I should drop any lingering feelings?”
I had no adequate response. It was far too sensitive a topic.
The current Master, in some way, was a reflection of the true Master, somewhere out there, cast through formations like a mere image or replica.
If I didn’t understand the structure behind the formations, I might fantasize it was just an opportunity for personal summoning, but the Master was undeniably an expert in formations.
The end of the formation maintaining the replica of the Master implied that, in a certain sense, it meant the demise of the replicated Master.
Even as a replica, the time spent alongside us in the formations was entirely genuine.
Even recognized as a copy, this Master before me was the one who had watched over my training for years in this cave.
Simultaneously, this was also the same figure who expressed fondness toward my companions.
Seeing that while my companions had accrued numerous blessings from the Master, surely there were feelings accumulated within the Master as well. Was it alright to just let that disappear without revealing it?
That remained my question.
Smack!
“Ouch!”
Suddenly, I received a smack on the head. That sharp sting reverberated in my mind as I rolled on the floor and yelled out.
“Ahhh! I finally muster the effort to think and speak, and you hit me?!”
“Oh, you clueless fool! Do you think I’m like you? I’ve ensured no lingering feelings remain because of the devotion I show; you should do the same!”
Really, the Master was an utterly unyielding figure. “Do well and leave no regrets?” But how could they still be looking at me with all that reluctance?
If I recall correctly, the Master had been like this all along.
The frustration stemming from the departure of the disciple Seo Hak, who ran off with the secret texts and sword, seemed to produce an almost obsessive fixation on my training and growth. Although they masked it with a cheerful demeanor, I could keenly feel the pent-up frustration while undergoing training.
“Well, let’s train then. Let’s do this.”
If a person has a wish, it should be granted, so I had no choice. If they wanted to train, I was to endure it.
“Let’s start with the Seven Thunder Defense Technique once more.”
I stomped the ground.
* *
‘It’s over.’
In the early dawn when my companions were still asleep, the Unknown Elder took a final look at the condition of the core stone.
The exterior of the core stone was unmistakably in a state signifying its end was near. It was covered in cracks threatening to crumble under the gentlest of touches, paired with a dimly glowing blue aura.
One could worry the vibrations from heavy walking might break the core stone.
After lightening his body with swift techniques, I exited the cave.
The elder, who could vanish at any moment, was fully enjoying this happiness.
“Hehehe.”
The Master, while continuously prodding Hyeok Gi-rin’s cheeks, let out laughter. Usually, Hyeok Gi-rin would have grown annoyed at being treated like a child, but they seemed to be holding it in today, perhaps sensing it was the time for departure.
Hyeok Gi-rin the Great Hero truly was adorable.
Hyeok Gi-rin possessed all the attributes a grandfather would find charming, so the Master’s fondness was only natural.
Even without touching Hyeok Gi-rin’s cheeks, countless reasons existed for appreciation.
“Please, eat, Elder.”
“Hehehe. Thank you. Hehehe!”
This delight stemmed from Tang Do-yeon and Tang So-yeol serving the meal. Their culinary prowess had escalated to a level that left even seasoned cooks unable to compete. They had volunteered as assistants, obtaining knowledge through the Master’s teachings.
With Tang So-yeol and Tang Do-yeon’s well-set table, I joined in and savored every bite. Even under the Master’s disapproving gaze, I wolfed down the warm meal, vaguely recalling the last time anything so delicious touched my lips.
Following that, my massage began courtesy of the Black Cat.
“Feeling nice?”
“Ahh, it’s truly refreshing.”
Of course it felt good; a chill radiated from the Black Cat’s hands.
“By the way, Elder.”
“Hmm?”
“May I inquire as to the name of the martial art that conceals your face?”
“Hehe, why do you ask?”
“Watching your back piques my curiosity. Due to my nature, I often find myself needing to hide my face, hence my unusual interest.”
“That technique came to me in my youth, but I can’t remember its name. Hehe.”
“Understood, it’s just a passing curiosity, so please don’t let it trouble you.”
Having been treated so extraordinarily, the Master…
Bang!
“You fool! Relax your muscles there!”
“Ah!”
In the afternoon training, I found myself even more roughly tumbled. Is there anything more unjust than this? Because of the meticulous way my companions cared for the Master, I ended up getting thrown into even harsher training!
As I grew stronger, the intensity of my training increased too, leading to a perpetually tough situation without change.
“Never forget this essential rule: during training, always look upwards. The moment you decide to merely maintain, a martial artist halts in their tracks.”
I’ve heard this a thousand times already! I laid sprawled out on the ground, gasping for breath, and asked:
“Master, isn’t there really very little time left? Is this worth doing?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Honestly, there are tasks much more vital than endlessly monitoring my training!”
Upon hearing this, the Master chuckled softly.
“Are you suggesting that I should abandon any lingering sentiments?”
I didn’t have a proper response, as it was far too sensitive of a subject.
The current Master was somewhat a reflection of the true Master somewhere, cast through formations like a mere illusion or replica.
If I were ignorant of the structure of the formations, I might mistake it for a simple release of personal summoning, but the Master was without a doubt an expert in formations.
The end of the formation sustaining the replica of the Master implied that, in a certain sense, it denoted the end of the replicated Master as well.
Even as a mere replica, the time spent co-living with us in the formations felt entirely real.
Even recognized as just a copy, this Master was the one who had overseen my training for years in this very cave.
Simultaneously, it was also the individual who had displayed affection toward my companions.
Reflecting on the fact that while my companions had accumulated numerous blessings from the Master, doubtless there were emotions stacked up within the Master too. Was it acceptable to let that pass away without being revealed?
That query lingered in my mind.
Bang!
“Ouch!”
Suddenly, I felt a smack on my head. That sharp sting echoed in my skull, and I rolled on the ground while letting out a yell.
“Ahhh! After all the effort I took to consider and express my thoughts, why are you hitting me?!”
“Oh, you hopeless fool! Do you believe I’m like you? I’ve ensured no residual feelings cling to me, because I was careful, so you better be the same!”
Really, the Master was someone utterly unyielding. “Do what needs to be done without looking back?” Yet here they were, gazing at me as if they were filled with reluctance!
Thinking back, the Master had always been this way.
The obsession stemming from the earlier disciple Seo Hak fleeing with the secret texts and sword had clearly been a source of resentment, leading to an unusual fixation on my training and progress. Although cleverly masked by a lighthearted facade, the pent-up bitterness was evident while I trained under them.
“Alright, let’s train then. We might as well.”
If a person has a wish, it ought to be granted, so I had no option but to comply with their desire to train.
“Let’s start with that Seven Thunder Defense Technique again.”
I stomped the ground with determination.
