True KHC: Shattering the Limits

I had broken through my limits. KHC had evolved into True KHC. I immediately tested the changed skills.

Visualize the flow of Straight Punch in my mind while circulating internal energy and mana. I can use internal energy, or mana. Or mix the two appropriately.

Two forces that seemed different yet similar, similar yet distinct, merged into one. The powerful streams of internal energy and mana coursed through my body and converged in my right fist. Like small streams joining a mighty river, my fist became a vast ocean.

Woooong!

Condensed power swirled. The immense physical force from my fist felt at least 1.5 to 2 times stronger than before. It wasn't just raw power—the technique's refinement felt deeper too.

Extend the fist slowly forward!

Countless movements Han Kangwoo had taught me flashed through my mind. Each one reassembled into True KHC's Straight Punch. As the rigid fist thrust straight ahead cleanly, I felt a thrill of ecstasy.

Kukukukung!

The fist aimed ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠at Biryu Waterfall unleashed a massive gust, splitting the cascading water. The condensed fist energy burst forth, racing straight ahead. An explosive roar like a bomb detonated echoed from the waterfall, sending sprays everywhere.

I did it!

It felt like the result of nearly half a year of training. Though I'd gone back and forth to reality midway, this was the longest I'd stayed in one world.

Yet it felt like only a few weeks had passed. Regardless of actual time warped by Han Kangwoo's power, the intense focus made time fly.

This is just like when I wrote my first novel.

The growth was incredibly satisfying. I checked my status.

Strength had broken past 400, and Agility exceeded 300. Plus, I'd hit 100% assimilation in Geukgeomcheonsun. No more stat penalties in this world.

Considering how growth slows at higher stats, this was insane. The result of brutal training and sex.

Impressive. Martial arts worlds are cheat codes with their fortuitous encounters.

"You've done it."

Han Kangwoo suddenly appeared behind me. He'd probably watched from the start.

"You've finally crossed that wall. Teaching you more here would only taint you. A house must be built by its owner. I've chosen the foundation—finish it yourself."

Gong Wuxian had trained for about half a year in perceived time too. Same for me.

"I still have much to learn."

Polite formality. Even if he pressed, I'd leave. Danyuha would be getting anxious by now. It took time to reach Jilin, and over a month here for training.

"No. If you ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠hadn't grasped everything by now, I'd have cast you out. You've done more than enough. And defying nature's laws has reached its limit."

Han Kangwoo pulled an hourglass from his robes. His face looked gaunt, unrecognizable. Warping time like this burdened even him.

"Go now. Return whence you came and wield what you've learned as you desire."

He flipped the hourglass, issuing his farewell.

I performed a final disciple's bow.

"I won't forget Master's grace."

He bowed deeply in return.

"Nor will I forget you, Disciple. Short as it was, it was joyful."

His speech shifted. That confirmed his tutelage ended. Time to go. His spirit eagle sensed the parting too, spreading wings and descending.

I bid the eagle farewell and turned away.

How strong had I become? Traversing worlds taught me stats don't fully measure power.

Luna exemplified it. The world's certified genius had innate combat sense. Her stats showed only a fraction. Even equal stats, she'd crush me.

Thus, my growth transcended numbers. The key change: perfect grasp of martial fundamentals. My skill now at least Peak realm.

Realms in Geukgeomcheonsun:

Street thug rabble.

Third-rate: Can swing fists or sword offensively.

Second-rate: Senses ki, builds internal energy, strengthens body.

First-rate: Controls ki manifestations like sword energy.

Super first-rate: Freely wields sword energy, masterful techniques.

Peak: Manifests sword gang or equivalent.

Beyond: Super Peak, Flower Realm, Mystic Realm, etc. Mine's at least Peak.

"Skill evolution's a huge gain too."

Fully comprehending Han Kangwoo's teachings evolved KHC to True KHC. Tangible change—skills transformed, power leaped absurdly.

Exiting Biryu Waterfall, I scanned around. The enveloping mythical golden moss scent lingered. Half a year with Han Kangwoo, yet surroundings unchanged.

Actual time barely passed.

Thanks to Han Kangwoo, a near-half-immortal absolute. Unlike the axe handle rotting unnoticed in fairy tales, he'd reversed it for me.

Gong Wuxian benefits from this in the original too.

Gauging time from surroundings:

Not even a month. Good. As planned, he used that ability.

Perceived training vastly outpaced real time, but lingering risks disappointing Danyuha in the Central Plains. Journey to Changbai took too long already.

Want to see Danyuha soon, but must gather everything first. And test my power en route.

Changbai teemed with test subjects: spirit beasts. Spiritual energy abound—deeper in, they'd swarm. Not all had premium inner cores.

Most barely medicinal herb quality.

Still better than nothing. I headed deeper, eager to vent this surging power ASAP.

Then a notification appeared. A quest.

Perfect timing. My boiling power demanded release. I began yokai hunting immediately.

Grrr!

A low beast growl. Source: a gray wolf, nearly 10 feet long. Like Solari World's Vice Vines.

Not yokai. Spirit beast by size? Shame.

Still decent punching bag. Its massive frame matched savage temperament. Spotting me, it bared fangs, growling threats.

Woooo!

Uncharacteristically lone for a pack wolf. Makes sense—spirit beasts rarely group. Han Kangwoo's eagle flock excepted; basically pets(?).

I planted my feet, clenched fist. Ready to strike or defend. Han Kangwoo's basics, ingrained.

The wolf's eyes locked on, pumpkin-orange hunter's glare. Pure killing intent.

No fear stirred. Such intent works on equals at best. Gap between us crystal clear. No need to shrink.