Duel for a Client
The park was peaceful.
A young man flew a drone, people rode by on bicycles, and an elderly man walked his dog.
Yeon Un-jae, sitting on a shaded bench, was in a foul mood.
None of his carefully cultivated informants had uncovered Choi Min-su's true intentions. If they were right, even key figures like Mun Hyo-rin or Lee Jung-san had no idea why Choi Min-su had challenged him to a duel.
Just as the Yeon Family Estate had erupted in chaos at the news of the duel, the upstart faction seemed equally stunned.
"...Choi Min-su, what scheme are you plotting?"
Yeon Sang-gon, leader of Cheonmu Pavilion, approached.
"This place is too exposed. We should increase your guards."
"You're right—you couldn't handle Choi Min-su alone. But there's no need. I came here without lifting a finger."
Yeon Un-jae waved toward the distant thicket.
The reporters hidden there bowed toward the Yeon family head. Among them were a few photojournalists clutching "cannon" telephoto lenses.
If Choi Min-su dared use force, those reporters wouldn't miss the moment. Regardless of the duel challenge, Choi Min-su would be expelled from the Dungeon Association on his own—and Yeon Un-jae could slowly tighten the noose around Cheonhondan.
"As expected of the family head."
Yeon Sang-gon withdrew.
Yeon Un-jae smiled faintly, pondering how to provoke Choi Min-su.
How about, 'How's your son doing?'
No, something more blatant would work better.
'Your child's mother must have been terrified. She'll need plenty of your comfort.' A young Choi Min-su would have exploded, but the sturdy old tree he was now might not bite.
'More children are better—plenty to fall back on if you lose one. Why not make another now?' That should do it. Even Choi Min-su would snap at words like those.
First, deliver the provocation.
Choi Min-su flies into a rage.
The reporters capture it on camera.
End of story.
A smile played on Yeon Un-jae's lips.
Then, murmurs rose from the thicket where the reporters hid.
Frowning, Yeon Un-jae spotted Choi Min-su emerging among them.
Hah, not your average guy. One of those reporters must have tipped him off—double-dipping for cash. I'll find out who and cut them loose.
After shaking hands and greeting the reporters, Choi Min-su strode toward the bench where Yeon Un-jae sat.
"You've lost weight, old friend."
"Thanks to your concern, I'm feeling much better now."
A cheeky response.
Yeon Un-jae shelved his original plan. Shaking this sly tanker with mere words was impossible. He needed to probe the man's intentions first.
"This duel between us will lead straight to Cheonhondan's destruction. You know that. Tell me what you really want."
"As a father who nearly lost his son, I have a small request."
Choi Min-su's demeanor was impeccably polite.
Yeon Un-jae found that humility suspicious. The greater the confidence, the easier it was to bow. It meant Choi Min-su's trap was that threatening—and flawless.
"Since the kidnapper was once under Yeon Ga's banner, I can't deny some responsibility. Speak."
"How many clients does the family head have?"
"...Five."
Yeon Un-jae's brow furrowed. The question was completely unexpected.
"Then, one more wouldn't hurt."
"What do you mean?"
"Take Kim Jun as a client."
"......"
Yeon Un-jae was speechless. It had been ages since his mind went blank like this. Few moments in his life had left him so utterly defenseless.
"You know Kim Jun is the master of Cheonroegeom. Wouldn't it be wise to claim him as a client before the truth comes out?"
"That's too much."
Yeon Un-jae hardened his expression. The sly facade shattered.
"I plan to take Kim Jun as my client as well."
"...What?"
Yeon Un-jae's eyes widened.
"We become his joint patrons—you and I. That solves the Cheonroegeom issue and quiets the rumors of discord in Cheonhondan. Kim Jun takes the awakening test at the Dungeon Association at our request. As the sword's master, he'll pass easily and be recognized as a Raider outright. Everyone wins. What do you think?"
Choi Min-su pressed relentlessly.
Yeon Un-jae stared at his junior for a long moment before speaking.
"You're serious."
"If you refuse this small request, I'm serious enough to duel you."
"Worth destroying Cheonhondan over a mere carrier?"
"He saved my son. I repay my debts."
"By challenging me to a duel!"
"Think what you will. But decide on my terms."
"Give me time to consider."
"One day."
Choi Min-su rose and walked toward the reporters without looking back.
Yeon Un-jae glared at the tanker's solid back.
Kim Jun sat cross-legged on the dim training room floor, eyes closed, spending the night cultivating inner energy.
Finally, a tiny grain of inner energy.
The small amount that had just passed his dantian climbed his back, passed through the crown of his head, descended to his chest, and was absorbed back into the dantian.
This cycle through the Du-myeok and Im-myeok meridians was called Small Circulation. For Kim Jun, one cycle took just over 30 minutes. It had started at over three hours but gradually sped up, dramatically shortening by dawn.
Another mass of inner energy crouched in his dantian.
The Cheonnoe Heart Technique left by Yeon Chung-jae.
The massive, sun-like orb merely watched the tiny inner energy pass by.
Kim Jun had deliberately kept his distance, fearing the cactus qi he'd absorbed would be stolen by the Cheonnoe Heart Technique.
Curiously, each Small Circulation slightly enlarged the Mukhon Gong. It felt like rolling a snowball on fresh powder to build a snowman.
Footsteps approached.
Ah! Master.
Kim Jun recognized them instantly. A little observation distinguished anyone's gait.
The training room door opened, and the floorboards creaked.
"Pulled an all-nighter?"
Kim Jun slowly opened his eyes to see Go Cheolmin in his ochre training robes.
"No sleep, yet I feel refreshed—like I just woke up."
"True warriors say they sleep sitting. You're already there. Cultivation eases fatigue, but it's no substitute for real rest. Remember that."
"Yes, Master."
Go Cheolmin moved behind Kim Jun and sat. Then he spoke.
"Begin Small Circulation."
Kim Jun nodded, closed his eyes, and the Mukhon Gong inner energy in his dantian stirred. Seized by his will, the tiny mass entered the Du-myeok.
Exiting the dantian, it rose along the Du-myeok through points like Huiyin, Mingmen, and others up his back. Passing Dachui without pause, it reached Baihui and entered the Im-myeok. The cycle took less than 20 minutes.
Go Cheolmin, palm on Kim Jun's back tracking the flow, was speechless.
I've never seen Small Circulation this fast. Bone Transformation? No blockages in his channels, so the energy surges freely. Even more astonishing—its density.
Ordinary Raiders generated misty, scattered inner energy from breath-qi absorption, requiring consolidation.
Each art had its method—jipgi or chwigong—tedious, time-consuming, and dangerous. Lose focus, and the energy scattered, leading to...
Qi deviation—a terrifying catastrophe.
Persevere through the risks, and it condensed into a pearl-like orb. Smaller and denser meant greater power.
This kid needs no consolidation. Skipping that slog—lucky, or...?
Then Go Cheolmin recalled Kim Jun's Bone Transformation training.
Not luck.
The fruit of effort.
Perhaps his own guidance had helped.
One Small Circulation ended. Checking his watch, Go Cheolmin's jaw dropped.
27 minutes.
What would people say? Average for martial Raiders: three hours. 27 minutes was miraculous.
"Now, stretch the inner energy long—like mist rising over a river. Vivid imagination shapes it to your will."
Go Cheolmin whispered.
Kim Jun focused, recalling the Han River fog.
The energy slowed, expanding in volume. The solid pearl grew, filling the meridians like mist.
"Excellent. Now imagine it spreading through your whole body. Core cycle stays in Du-myeok and Im-myeok, but enveloping everything."
Go Cheolmin stood and stepped back.
Soon, faint green mist seeped from Kim Jun's body, lifting him 30 centimeters off the floor.
The green mist swirled around him—the meridian cycle in action. Small Circulation mid-air.
Laughter nearly escaped.
Go Cheolmin clamped his hand over his mouth.
Inner energy and will unified. Crucial—some hoard it in the dantian, unable to wield it, courting disaster. And post-Bone Transformation... perfect. Vast power from a handful. Time to teach Mokhonbo.
Then Kim Jun opened his eyes.
"Huh?"
Startled by the swirling green mist, his body wobbled.
Thud.
He crashed to the floor, face paling, limbs twisting unnaturally.
Go Cheolmin rushed over, hands on Kim Jun's lower abdomen and back, injecting Mukhon Gong. The scattered energy, drawn by kin, returned to the dantian; pain eased.
Color returned to his face.
"...Master?"
"Cultivation is always risky. Issues arise anywhere, anytime. You opened your eyes mid-session, startled by the unfamiliar. That's why it scattered. Control it perfectly, every instant. Slack the reins, and it attacks you—your body. Never forget. Thousands of Raiders are half-paralyzed from ignoring this wisdom."
"Understood."
Kim Jun calmed his racing heart.
Realizing that pain was qi deviation's onset, his excitement for martial arts faded. One misstep, and it was a cliff fall.
"People think Raiders just get stronger. No. They risk this, endure countless agonies to ascend realms. Not just martial artists—mages too. Our qi deviation; theirs, disorder."
"Yes, Master."
Danger wasn't to avoid—it was an inseparable partner. Kim Jun nodded slowly.
"Now, learn Mokhonbo."
"Pardon?"
Kim Jun's eyes widened.
After nearly deviating, to learn a famed Five Elements art? Unimaginable.
"Don't want to? Fine."
"Who'd refuse?"
Having seen Go Cheolmin's Mokhonbo, Kim Jun brimmed with anticipation.
"First, Small Circulation to check your body. Inspect immediately if issues arise—before and after every session."
Kim Jun closed his eyes, circulated.
The pearl climbed his back to the crown, down through the chest. Only a twinge in his chest sternum; rest fine.
He reported to Go Cheolmin.
"Chest, good—legs unaffected. No issue for Mokhonbo."
Kim Jun clenched his fist.
"Mokhonbo is simple. But delving deep reveals new forms. At mastery, even shrink-ground—though I've never seen it."
Kim Jun's eyes sparkled.
Go Cheolmin continued.
"Inject Mukhon Gong into your legs for speed, distance, agility. Spread dantian energy like mist to your legs. Walk slowly. Feel the difference."
Kim Jun followed.
Energy split, descending to legs. His own legs felt alien, like after bedrest.
"Hoo."
Exhaling, he stepped forward with his left foot. Body tilted like on crutches. Go Cheolmin steadied his arm and shoulder.
"Trust me."
"Yes."
Right foot forward—his body launched skyward. No— a massive leap.
Head smacked the ceiling; he fell. Smiling Go Cheolmin caught him easily.
Rubbing his sore head, Kim Jun exclaimed excitedly.
"Feels like springs on my legs!"
"That's Tan in Mokhonbo operation. Master it, jump three stories easy."
Go Cheolmin taught Dang, Po, Chu next.
Kim Jun muttered, memorizing. He wouldn't miss a word.
"Tan-Dang-Po-Chu: Mokhonbo's basics. Master them for great effect. Loosen with Small Circulation before; check after."
"Yes, Master."
Kim Jun tried Tan—legs slipped wildly; he tumbled.
"Again."
Go Cheolmin, arms crossed.
Kim Jun pitched forward.
"Again."
Go Cheolmin.