Childhood Friend of the Zenith

"How does this technique even work?

It resembles transformation arts, but I've never seen a method this intricate before.

"It had been roughly half an hour since I prepared myself to face Paejon’s reprimand.

Yet, Paejon showed no interest in my current state, fixating solely on the Qi Transformation Technique.

His eyes sparkled with fascination.

"Fascinating.

Is it possible to extend or shorten your arms and legs with it?

""I haven't tried, but it seems doable.

"Although the Qi Transformation Technique didn’t require an immense amount of internal energy, it did demand a highly refined and precise level of control.

It wouldn’t be practical to use it in actual combat as Paejon envisioned.

Perhaps with practice?

I wasn’t certain.

[It’s likely possible.

]“Pardon?

”Lost in thought, I was startled by Shin Noya’s abrupt interjection.

Possible?

Like Paejon suggested, could I extend my limbs during combat to disorient opponents?

[After all, Tang Jemoon used this in combat; it’s not impossible.

]"...

"I could practically visualize it as Noya spoke nonchalantly—Tang Jemoon using this technique in the heat of battle.

Stretching arms and legs like some kind of malleable dough?

I doubted its efficiency, but I couldn’t deny it would look odd.

[Forget the appearance.

The real issue is that you mustn’t show this martial art recklessly.

]Seeing Noya dismiss the odd appearance made me suspect he didn’t find the sight of it in battle particularly appealing, either.

With that out of the way, I decided to shift the conversation to another question.

"So why can't I show this martial art?

"The idea of not using Qi Transformation Technique before others—that was what bothered me.

[It’s not so much that you mustn’t show it to others.

To be precise, it’s about caution with anyone from the Tang Clan.

]“And why is that?

”[Kid, you probably already guessed it.

Qi Transformation Technique is one of Tang Clan’s secret arts.

]I nodded slightly.

Noya was merely confirming what I had suspected.

A transformation art this refined and exceptional certainly deserved the title of secret art.

[From what I can tell, it seems the Qi Transformation Technique has been lost.

]That was also true.

Given that such an intricate transformation art hadn’t spread, it was understandable that it was lost a long time ago.

"So, if anyone in the Tang Clan finds out, they’ll react strongly—is that what you mean?

"[Indeed.

Even if it’s considered lost, the head and elders are bound to know of its existence.

]"I understand, but… Noya?

"[Go on.

]"Are you okay with me keeping it, then?

"[...

]Noya seemed to contemplate my question for a moment.

The question was simple: since it was a lost secret art of the Tang Clan and Tang Jemoon had given it directly to me, wouldn’t it be appropriate to return it to the Tang Clan?

Usually, I’d just keep it without a second thought, but considering Noya’s relationship with Tang Jemoon, it felt a bit more complicated.

If Noya wished for the art’s return to the Tang Clan, I’d likely hesitate… maybe a lot… but eventually, I’d return it.

[There’s no need.

]Noya refused outright.

I felt compelled to ask again just to be sure, but the answer remained unchanged.

[Tang Jemoon didn’t specifically tell you to return it, so there’s no reason to force yourself to do so.

]“…However…”[Considering his personality, if he had wanted that, he would’ve said so himself.

The fact that he didn’t means it’s not necessary.

Besides…]After a brief pause, Noya’s voice grew cold.

[I have no desire to give it to the current Tang Clan.

]The rare, icy tone in Noya’s voice silenced me.

I had no further questions.

Frankly, this wasn’t the time for further conversation, either.

"Hmm.

"Paejon, who seemed mesmerized by the Qi Transformation Technique, was now prodding various parts of my body.

"So, this isn’t due to a martial technique.

"Paejon quickly deduced this, and interest gleamed in his eyes.

"Yes, that’s correct.

"This had been the main topic.

It was odd that Paejon, usually indifferent to anything but martial arts, seemed so absorbed in my transformed body.

One minor issue, though…"Your physique is extraordinary.

The density is remarkable.

""Elder…?

"Even though I knew there was no strange intent, the way he was poking and prodding wasn’t exactly pleasant.

Was he assessing my muscles?

After inspecting various areas, Paejon stepped back and inquired,"You must have had some remarkable experience.

""…""Something akin to bone renewal, but… somewhat different.

I assume the accumulation of Qi in your central dantian is related to that.

"Did he deduce that much just from a few glances and touches?

His casual remark was uncannily accurate.

Paejon’s gaze met mine, his uniquely intense, unfathomable eyes boring into me.

"Your stability in cultivation has improved.

""…Yes, it has.

""I always knew you were hiding secrets.

Seems they’re deeper than I anticipated.

""…"Each word he spoke carried weight.

Paejon had always been that way.

He seemed to care about nothing outside martial arts, yet…‘It felt like he saw far more than he let on.

’That peculiar sensation had always lingered.

"I see.

"Paejon posed a question.

"Is it something you can explain?

"I couldn’t readily answer that question.

Could I explain what happened?

Not likely.

Even though I’d become his disciple, forming a master-student bond with him, I hadn’t built enough trust with Paejon for that.

The same likely applied to him as well.

It would be too burdensome in many ways to explain this matter under the current circumstances.

Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Paejon looked away and said,"If it’s something you can’t explain, don’t worry about it.

That’s not what matters to me.

"I was surprised by how easily he let it go.

I had expected him to press for answers.

Once again, it seemed that martial arts were the only thing that truly mattered to Paejon.

And, as if on cue…"The only thing that matters is whether or not you can inherit my martial art.

Any issues with that?

"Paejon inquired whether my transformed body could learn Tua Pacheonmu.

As for my response…"No issues.

"Thankfully, it wasn’t a problem.

Though my humanity had changed, and my dantian had shifted, it shouldn’t hinder my martial training.

Hearing my answer, Paejon gave a slight nod.

"Then that’s enough.

"As long as I could learn the martial art, that was all he needed to know.

For some reason, that statement sent a chill down my spine.

It was a stark reminder that for Paejon, martial arts were everything.

[That’s obsession.

]The more time spent around Paejon, the more palpable his fervor for martial arts became.

If anything, he was probably the most fitting embodiment of a martial artist.

"Your body’s strengthened, but you don’t seem accustomed to the altered distance.

""…!

"Paejon’s words hit the mark.

I was so focused on maintaining my old form through Qi Transformation Technique upon arrival that I hadn’t adjusted to my larger frame.

I hadn’t even tested the full extent of my new strength and cultivation, given how busy I’d been.

"Hmm.

"Paejon seemed to mull this over briefly before a smile appeared on his face, as if he’d thought of something.

"And it’s perfect timing.

"A sense of dread washed over me as he smiled.

"Perfect timing… for what, Elder?

""Since you’re unfamiliar with your body and the level you’ve reached, isn’t there an ideal way to get accustomed to it?

""What do you mean…?

"I started to ask, confused.

Paejon loosened up and grinned.

"Come at me.

"Excuse me?

What?

"Elder?

""I’ve been curious to see how much you’ve changed.

This is a great opportunity.

""Wait a moment.

How exactly is this a great opportunity?

"Did he mean a great opportunity to beat me up?

Is that really what he meant?

I stared at him, dumbfounded.

"You’re itching to see for yourself, aren’t you?

This will be good for you as well.

"“…!

”Paejon’s words left me breathless.

Indeed, I’d been frustrated, unable to assess the full extent of my transformed body and new power.

But to do so… by fighting him?

While I did need to confirm my capabilities, fighting Paejon was not how I had planned to do it.

Not that I enjoyed being beaten senseless.

‘Or maybe… it won’t be one-sided this time?

’With my heightened level, things could go differently now.

Feeling a rush of excitement, I began to feel the heat rise within me.

"I also need to curb my overconfident disciple’s arrogance.

""…”Paejon must have sensed this, laughing as he spoke.

Damn, he saw through me completely.

How is it that everyone seems to read my expressions?

Resigned, I let out a soft sigh and raised my fists.

Judging by Paejon’s demeanor, there was no way he’d let me walk away.

Besides, there was indeed a need to test myself as he suggested.

It had been a while since we last sparred.

Though we’d had some practice bouts to train for Tua Pacheonmu, this would be the first real fight since the Sinryong Hall incident.

"This time, you can use more than just Tua Pacheonmu.

Use everything you’ve got.

""Are you certain?

""Oh?

Concerned for me, are you?

"Paejon chuckled at my words, clearly amused.

"Don’t worry, I’m not weak enough to be beaten by my snot-nosed disciple.

"Even so, I couldn’t help but feel a bit hesitant.

There was a distinct gap in our levels, after all.

"I can tell what you’re thinking, so let’s make a bet.

""A bet?

""Yes.

If you manage to land even a single hit on me, I’ll call you ‘big brother’ for the next seven days and nights.

""…""What do you say?

If not, then perhaps—"Before he could finish, I threw a punch.

Paejon tilted his head, effortlessly dodging it.

Damn, I missed.

"Ha.

"Paejon looked at me with an amused expression, as if baffled by my audacity.

He hadn’t expected me to throw a punch mid-sentence.

"It didn’t work.

"“Haha… how did I end up with a disciple like this?

"I’d thought it was the perfect moment for a surprise attack, but I’d failed.

A shame.

There was a cracking sound as Paejon straightened himself.

"Seems like… you need a bit of discipline.

"I could feel a faint trace of anger in his words, sending a chill down my spine.

Maybe I’d gone too far.

[Kid, you always manage to get yourself into trouble first.

]As Shin Noya sighed with exasperation, I gathered all my strength and charged at Paejon.

As dawn began to break, the Divine Doctor found himself squinting at an unexpected visitor who had shown up at such an early hour.

It was surprising enough that anyone would seek him out this early, let alone this particular individual.

"I apologize for showing up so early.

""I heard you had something to ask.

""Yes, it’s just…""Actually, before that—"The Divine Doctor cut him off, unable to hold back his question.

"What happened to your face?

""…”Gu Yangcheon fell silent at the Divine Doctor’s question.

The reason was evident.

When he’d run into him the previous day, Gu Yangcheon had looked completely fine.

But now, his face was so bruised and swollen, as if he’d been thoroughly beaten.

"Did you… get into a fight?

"He couldn’t bring himself to ask if he’d lost, but anyone could tell it hadn’t ended well for him.

But then—"Heh.

""Hmm?

"Gu Yangcheon suddenly grinned.

Did he get hit so hard that he’d lost his senses…?

The Divine Doctor frowned slightly, feeling a touch of discomfort.

"Still… I won the bet.

"Gu Yangcheon continued to smile, his swollen face looking oddly triumphant.