Ho Cheon-an let out a long sigh.
“Have you forgotten what I’ve been up to?”
It’s not easy for a child’s body to endure a long journey, especially when that journey involves facing the most dangerous people in the Martial World and fighting like it’s mealtime.
How could anyone even think of traveling with a child in such a situation?
Moreover, Nab-in was weak due to her Absolute Pulse condition.
“Do you think you can handle a child? That guy Seo Gong looks sharp, and there are plenty of entities around.”
“No, it’s not that kind of problem.”
Jeong Sam chuckled.
“Then what should we do about Nab-in? I don’t plan on abandoning a child I’ve taken in, but how can the two of us handle a child suffering from Absolute Pulse together?”
Ho Cheon-an was at a loss for words.
To cure Absolute Pulse, one has to completely transform the body’s constitution, requiring great effort and a vast array of spiritual medicines and techniques.
It was impossible for Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang to manage all of that.
“If I were to check on her regularly…”
“Do you really have the time for that?”
Again, Ho Cheon-an found himself speechless. Jeong Sam clicked his tongue at Ho Cheon-an, who still hadn’t healed from the wounds of losing his companions.
“I may be ignorant, but I know this: Children with Absolute Pulse are often really talented, right? It might take some effort, but a bright child like Nab-in could make a great disciple.”
“Do you think you’ll be forever healthy? Even the greatest martial artists get old one day. Having a disciple to support you then would be a relief.”
When Ho Cheon-an didn’t respond, Jeong Sam nodded as if he understood.
“Right. It must be sudden for you. Think about it carefully.”
Ho Cheon-an found himself in a complicated state of mind.
* *
Children’s interests fade quickly.
After enough time playing with Seo Gong, the children moved on to other games, but Nab-in stayed right by Seo Gong’s side.
Ho Cheon-an watched the scene unfold.
What should he do about this child?
He couldn’t just leave a child with Absolute Pulse alone, but he also couldn’t take her with him.
Finally, Ho Cheon-an, who had been mulling over it, stood up.
He realized he had to check Nab-in’s condition, whether he took her in or not.
“Hey, do you like Seo Gong?”
“His fur is soft.”
Squeak.
As he watched Nab-in’s hand move to stroke the lazy Seo Gong, Ho Cheon-an chuckled.
Seeing Nab-in fit in so well with Seo Gong, he thought she would also get along with other entities, but…
‘What am I thinking?’
Ho Cheon-an sighed and shook his head, trying to clear his mind.
“Can I feel your pulse for a moment?”
Nab-in’s face showed a hint of distrust. She hesitated, then said,
“I-I’m healthy…!”
Ho Cheon-an could see the fear in Nab-in’s eyes.
Did she think she would be abandoned if her frailness was discovered?
Having come to that conclusion, Ho Cheon-an quickly changed his approach.
“Oh, if you’re healthy, then there’s no need to check. I just wanted to thank you for having fun with Seo Gong.”
Squeak.
Ignoring Seo Gong, who protested that he was the one playing, Ho Cheon-an patted Nab-in’s head. Nab-in eyed him cautiously, but she seemed to understand that she couldn’t reject this gesture either.
In that moment, Ho Cheon-an used the opportunity to feel Nab-in’s pulse.
‘Third pulse…?’
Third Absolute Pulse.
Ho Cheon-an sighed internally at the results of his examination. Whether it was first, second, or third, the symptoms of Absolute Pulse all led to a breakdown. Ultimately, as dark energy surged, it obstructed the pulse, causing the body to weaken and eventually perish.
A first pulse could be overcome simply by diligently practicing appropriate martial techniques from a young age. Since the symptoms develop slowly, there was plenty of time to build up strength.
But by the third, circumstances changed significantly.
It was still better than being affected by the complete Absolute Pulse before even reaching adulthood, but dealing with the third pulse was still exceedingly challenging.
No matter how diligently one trained their qi, the accumulation of dark energy typically outpaced the body’s progress. To control the flow, one needed to grasp the principles of qi management. Until then, they had to rely on spiritual medicines or the strength of others to alleviate the dark energy.
Reaching at least Peak Stage, or even Ultimate Peak Stage, would require the help of spiritual medicines or experts; true backing would be almost unheard of in the world.
It was beyond what Jeong Sam or Yeo Jin-sang could handle.
While Ho Cheon-an felt conflicted, he didn’t show it as he withdrew his hand from Nab-in’s head.
“Hey! Come and play some chess with me.”
“Coming now!”
Just as Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang called for Ho Cheon-an, Nab-in seemed to sense something in him and hastily took the still-floppy Seo Gong away somewhere.
“So, what is it?”
“She has the third pulse.”
“…I see.”
Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang sighed heavily but didn’t say anything further. Though they wanted to urge him, one didn’t simply decide to take in a disciple out of pity.
As Ho Cheon-an played chess, he continued to think about Nab-in.
‘A disciple.’
He had never once considered the idea of taking on a disciple until now. He had plenty of martial techniques and spiritual medicines, but while he possessed them, he didn’t particularly covet them. As he progressed, he had added a few techniques to his arsenal, but he never felt the need for lineage.
There was no profound teaching involved; it was merely an improvement to make use of his unique constitution and body.
What good would it do to pass on modified techniques like the Seven Extreme Transformation? If you’re not made of adamantine, you’d just get hurt from the impact.
‘I don’t necessarily need to take her in as a disciple to save Nab-in.’
Ho Cheon-an had enough money and spiritual medicines. With ample support, if he entrusted Nab-in to a renowned physician or a trustworthy sect, she might grow strong enough to overcome her third pulse.
But still, what would that be like?
Remembering Nab-in’s fearful face, worrying about being abandoned, Ho Cheon-an felt that option wasn’t palatable at all.
“Checkmate!”
“I lost.”
Not paying any attention to his game, Ho Cheon-an’s defeat was a foregone conclusion. Seeing him nod calmly, Jeong Sam rolled up his sleeves.
“What’s this? A smack to the forehead.”
“What?”
“Ah, has this old man gone senile? We always smack when we play chess… right? Isn’t that common practice?”
Although Ho Cheon-an glared at him in disbelief, Jeong Sam showed no sign of leniency. While he couldn’t say anything about taking someone else’s disciple, he wasn’t exactly happy about it either. What would be lacking in their Nab-in that he was still pondering?
“Ah, do what you want.”
Ho Cheon-an sighed and raised his forehead, and Jeong Sam concentrated his qi into his finger with all his might.
“Take that!”
Bam!
“Ow!”
A dull thud echoed, followed by a painful moan.
Jeong Sam was rolling on the ground, clutching his finger!
“Ow! My finger!”
“Are you okay?”
Ho Cheon-an looked at Jeong Sam rolling on the ground with disdain. Of course, this was the result of him slapping with all his might against someone with an adamantine body.
“Damn it! You think you’re just going to smash someone else’s hand to avoid a smack?!”
“I’m sorry, but my body is just tough, what can I do?”
“I can’t even play with you, you’re so gross!”
“Ha ha, shall we play some dice or card games?”
“Who’d gamble with you?!”
Ho Cheon-an laughed heartily at the two fighting and raging. Does age really change a person?
Suddenly, Ho Cheon-an had a thought.
If these two can build a family and take care of kids, am I not overthinking this?
“Have you ever taken in a disciple?”
“Hey, look at this punk changing the subject.”
“Why are you asking if you know the answer?”
Seeing Yeo Jin-sang’s irritation, Ho Cheon-an recalled the three young men who had come to fetch him. Those who had studied martial techniques even a little. In this mountain, these two were the only ones who could teach martial arts, so were they his disciples?
“I’ll give it a shot.”
“What?”
“I mean, I’ll try being Nab-in’s master.”
The fiery movements of the two instantly froze.
“Good. Good thinking!”
“Phew. Now I’m relieved!”
As he watched relief wash over their faces, Ho Cheon-an nodded. Yes, he had resolved to get back up. Just because destiny was right in front of him, could he really ignore it?
So, I’ll take in this child named Nab-in.
With that determination, Ho Cheon-an nodded again.
But.
There were things that Ho Cheon-an and the two had overlooked.
That the relationship between a master and disciple is a mutual agreement.
“Waaah! Don’t abandon me! I don’t want that grandpa! Whee!”
Nab-in, not wanting to leave Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang’s home, was screaming, leaving the three no choice but to sweat profusely in a panic.
* *
Ho Cheon-an decided to have a talk with Nab-in.
Yet, that too was no easy feat.
Whenever Ho Cheon-an’s face appeared, Nab-in would hide behind the skirts of Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang’s daughters or daughters-in-law.
Even Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang’s daughters and daughters-in-law, who had heard the situation, tried to persuade Nab-in. But looking at her tear-stained face, filled with questions of ‘Are you going to abandon me?’ they couldn’t bring themselves to separate her from them, forcing Ho Cheon-an to retreat time and again.
“Ugh.”
After wasting an entire day, Ho Cheon-an eventually realized he couldn’t solve the current situation by himself and hung his head low.
“Can you help me?”
Squeak!
At those words, Seo Gong turned his head away with a huff.
Seo Gong had a lot of grievances against Ho Cheon-an lately. Despite playing well with the children, he didn’t get a thank-you for it. Instead, he heard thanks for taking care of some random kid. After all that effort, he was focused solely on Nab-in and ignored Seo Gong entirely.
Ho Cheon-an, feeling the pressure, decided to placate Seo Gong first.
“Ah, how could I not know how hard you’re working?”
As Ho Cheon-an praised Seo Gong while petting him, Seo Gong’s head slowly lifted. After some time soothing Seo Gong, Ho Cheon-an took out a Spirit Herb from his pouch and offered it to Seo Gong.
“So I hope you can help me out a bit.”
Seo Gong sneakily eyed the Spirit Herb. With its golden, glimmering leaves and refreshing aroma, it was of a much higher grade than the usual Spirit Herbs he had. Seo Gong nodded eagerly and tucked the Spirit Herb into a pocket for later.
Squeak!
Deal struck!
Seo Gong immediately got to work. He approached Nab-in and began rubbing his body against hers.
“Wah? Why are you doing that?”
Wouldn’t anyone dislike a beloved pet expressing its affection out of the blue?
Having always been petted gently, Nab-in was startled, but soon a smile bloomed on her face.
Squeak!
As Seo Gong hugged Nab-in tightly, Nab-in was thrown off guard when he tugged on her hand with his tail, instinctively realizing he was urging her to go outside.
“I shouldn’t go out recklessly…”
Squeak!
However, as Seo Gong nudged her from behind, Nab-in can’t resist the urge to play with him any longer, stepping outside.
But her desire to play with Seo Gong could only take her as far as the village’s outskirts.
For Nab-in, anything beyond the village was terrifying territory.
Squeak?
Seo Gong turned back to Nab-in, who had stopped in her tracks. Even in his curious gaze, she just shook her head.
Nab-in remembered.
The fear of the wind blowing through the pitch-black darkness. The agony of wandering down an endless road under the blazing sun. The hunger that made her save a single potato to ease her pain. The chilling cold rising from the ground. And the worried face of her struggling mother.
Outside the village. For Nab-in, the world was synonymous with pain.
Squeak!
Not able to wait any longer, Seo Gong plunged into the bushes. Nab-in stared on, anxiously shifting her feet. Seo Gong had ventured out into the dangerous outside world.
“Ugh…”
Nab-in’s feelings of not wanting to enter the risky outside world clashed with her urge to bring Seo Gong back. Finally recalling Seo Gong’s tail and soft fur, Nab-in quivered and stepped into the forest.
Squeak! Squeak!
As the robust voice echoed ahead, Nab-in picked up her pace. Her mind was set solely on returning to Seo Gong.
When she finally broke free from the thicket, Nab-in came face to face with a gigantic beast that could swallow a child whole. Her entire body froze in fear, her breath stopped in her throat. The enormous beast, staring curiously at the petrified Nab-in, tilted its head and opened its mouth.
“Kang!”
Mi-ho emitted a cute little sound, lowering its body and wagging its tail. As Nab-in remained frozen in fear, Seo Gong suddenly leaped from the bushes, landing right atop Mi-ho’s head.
Squeak!
With his tail, Seo Gong patted Mi-ho’s head and scolded,
“I told you not to scare her!”
Mi-ho protested, looking wronged.
“Kang! Kang!”
“But look, she’s having fun right now!”
Although Nab-in had no idea what was happening between the two entities, she could sense that Mi-ho was a friend of Seo Gong’s.
“Ah…”
Gathering her courage, Nab-in knelt down and gently petted Mi-ho’s head. Mi-ho responded enthusiastically, nudging Nab-in with its snout. The tension and fear on Nab-in’s face melted away, replaced with a bright smile.
Squeak.
Seo Gong nudged Nab-in’s back, urging her to hop on Mi-ho’s back. No longer gripped by fear, curiosity and excitement bubbled up in Nab-in. What else could Seo Gong and Mi-ho show her?
With Nab-in riding on Mi-ho, the trio dashed through the forest.
“Wah!”
Overwhelmed by the exhilarating speed, Nab-in screamed, clutching tightly onto Mi-ho’s fur. For a moment, she hung on for dear life as Mi-ho bounded through the woods. As they came to a clearing, Nab-in finally looked up.
“Wow.”
There was a gathering of entities alongside Ho Cheon-an in that place.
