Something Is Amiss
The image of Jin Juje flickered through Bukjin’s mind. She was a woman so breathtakingly beautiful that she could make one’s heart stop. Since arriving in this world, Bukjin had encountered no shortage of beauties. There was the bold and striking Mok Simwol, the noble and flawless Im Jin, the pure and adorable Ya Mi-ang, the elegant and refined Ak Hong-hyang, and the curvaceous Baek Geum-un...
Wait, that brat is out of the question! Bukjin shook his head, clearing his thoughts. All these beautiful women were still essentially girls—buds that had yet to fully bloom. A woman’s charm was often at its most lethal once the flower had reached its peak. In that regard, Jin Juje was different from the others. She was a mature woman, a beauty who had fully realized the potential of her innate allure. She was like a rose in full bloom, its fragrance and form at their absolute zenith. Combined with her pure, sacred aura, her beauty was enough to shake the hearts of all living beings and topple entire fortresses.
Though they had only met once, the impression Jin Juje left on Bukjin was indelible. Every time he recalled her, he felt a faint sense of lightheadedness.
"What is it?" Bukjin asked, snapping back to reality.
Ya Mi-ang paused for a moment, choosing her words with care before speaking. "My Master used to oversee Sister Cheong-seon’s training. She told me that back then, the physical strength Sister Cheong-seon possessed was... terrifying. Even with her Mystic Energy sealed, she once lifted the statue of the Sword Lord inside the temple with a single hand."
She lifted the statue of the Sword Lord with one hand? That thing looks like it weighs at least 20,000 geun. Bukjin was genuinely stunned.
If that’s true... then my monster of a sister reached a physical strength of 20,000 geun a long time ago? If so, her record of 2,500 geun in the Five-Strength Test during the previous Academic & Martial Arts Competition was just child’s play. Which means... she just treated the competition like a casual outing and didn't even try? Was the gap between her and her peers so vast that she couldn't even find a reason to be interested?
Hearing Ya Mi-ang’s words sent a flurry of thoughts through Bukjin's mind. While he was deeply shocked, he couldn't help but marvel at the sheer power of this sister he had only heard stories about but never actually met. However, it was just that—marvel and surprise, nothing more. What felt even stranger was why Ya Mi-ang was telling him this now.
As if sensing the suspicion in his heart, Ya Mi-ang explained, "I get the feeling that you’ve been participating in this Academic & Martial Arts Competition quite reluctantly, Brother Jin. It’s as if you don’t find any of your competitors interesting. In truth, the significance of this competition is greater than you might imagine. If it weren't, so many geniuses wouldn't throw everything they have into it. Even our Temple, which holds great prestige within the North Sea Empire, is no exception. Perhaps the reason you lack interest is simply because you haven't found a worthy rival. Jo Pacheon exists, but he’s only half a rival at best. I thought your life-and-death bet with him was a way to force yourself to take this seriously. But actually, there is someone else besides Jo Pacheon who can make you feel that pressure. For example..."
Ya Mi-ang trailed off and lowered her head slightly. A faint blush crept across her cheeks. Bukjin stared at her, momentarily flustered, before letting out a dry laugh. He understood exactly what his junior sister was implying. The person she was referring to—the one who could pressure him—was herself.
By bringing up the precedent of Im Cheong-seon, she was subtly hinting that she, too, was holding back a significant amount of power in this competition. Is she saying she’s conserving her strength so she can concede the final victory to me?
The Academic & Martial Arts Competition carried immense weight. For many students, it was a dream opportunity they staked their entire lives on, and for the common citizens of the North Sea Empire, it was a once-in-a-lifetime gateway to success. But for Bukjin, who felt no sense of belonging here and was desperately searching for a way back to Earth, that meaning was largely lost. His lack of attachment to this world was evident in how little he cared about his missing father, Im Geun-nam, or his sister, Im Cheong-seon. If he didn't even care about blood relations, there was no reason to care about the honors this world provided. He was only dealing with Jo Pacheon because the man’s behavior was beyond the pale and had thoroughly annoyed him.
If Jo Pacheon hadn't appeared before him, Bukjin would have likely spent his time quietly, keeping a low profile while looking for a way home. Ya Mi-ang’s observation that he was "participating reluctantly" wasn't wrong. However, his lackadaisical attitude was also part of an act to drive up his own odds at the gambling dens.
"I understand what you're saying. Thank you, Junior Sister Ya." Bukjin offered no further explanation, only a smile.
Ya Mi-ang could tell he had grasped her meaning. Happy that he understood her heart, she returned the smile. After a few more moments of casual conversation, she stood up, picked up her tray, and took her leave.
Once she was gone, Bukjin continued his meal while pondering the other information hidden in her words. What else is there to this competition besides honor? Is there some significance I’m still missing? If even the Temple of the Sword Lord sends their top disciples to participate...
After much deliberation, he suddenly felt that these thoughts were nothing more than useless anxiety. He was a wanderer who would eventually leave this world; it was enough to just do what he wanted until that time came. He finished his meal, but even as he put down his utensils, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off—that he was overlooking something crucial.
When Bukjin returned his tray and stepped outside, he spotted Im Jin standing alone by the western cliff of the front plaza. she was gazing out at the vast expanse of the blue sea and sky. Watching her beautiful silhouette, her black hair fluttering in the wind, Bukjin finally realized what had felt so strange.
It was Im Jin. Usually, the genius girl would cling to him at every possible opportunity. Whenever Ya Mi-ang approached him, she would appear like an angry cat and hiss. Yet, when Ya Mi-ang had approached him in the dining hall earlier, Im Jin was nowhere to be found.
Is she finally heartbroken over my cold and heartless attitude? Is she giving up on me at last? Well, that’s great news. I won't have to worry about her anymore. Feeling lighter, Bukjin smiled and went to find Han Bul-bu. He intended to prepare for the next exam with him. Yet, for some reason he couldn't explain, a tiny, faint pang of sadness flickered in his heart.
In the waiting room, Jo Pacheon’s expression was grim.
"You already know what the afternoon exam entails, don't you? Do you have confidence?" A flicker of dissatisfaction crossed Baek Hae-geum’s stern face. Jo Pacheon’s performance in the previous exams had been far from satisfactory for the Sword Saint. It was a far cry from the absolute dominance Baek Hae-geum had envisioned. Instead, he was being pushed back by Bukjin, Im Jin, and Ya Mi-ang. Though he had taken first place in some categories, it had been a grueling struggle.
However, Baek Hae-geum was not an unreasonable man. He knew he couldn't blame Jo Pacheon entirely for the current situation. The skills displayed by Bukjin, Im Jin, and Ya Mi-ang had far exceeded his predictions. How did a small city like Unmong produce so many monster-like children? It was a statistical anomaly.
Jo Pacheon understood his master well. The moment he met Baek Hae-geum’s gaze, he knew the man was displeased. "Master, I will do my absolute best with every ounce of strength I possess," Jo Pacheon vowed once more.
Baek Hae-geum’s expression softened slightly. After a moment of thought, he reached into his robes and pulled out a small green bottle and a pill that emitted a faint golden glow.
A legendary pill that drastically increases cultivation and surges Mystic Energy upon consumption.
"This is the Baekun Talcheon Pill. Consuming it will boost your cultivation and elevate your Mystic Energy. Take it right now. I will stand guard and help you absorb its essence."
The fragrant scent of the pill wafted through the air. The Baekun Talcheon Pill was a sacred medicine of White Cloud City, a treasure worth a thousand gold pieces. Just smelling it made Jo Pacheon feel as though his mind was clearing and the Mystic Energy within his body was beginning to surge. "Thank you, Master!" Jo Pacheon exclaimed with joy.
The academy bells chimed, signaling the reignition of the Academic & Martial Arts Competition. Martial Arts Arena No. 4 was buzzing with anticipation.
Subject: Combined Test of Mystic Energy & Alchemy/Pharmacy
Format: Integrated Evaluation
"The exams to be held this afternoon are Mystic Energy and Alchemy/Pharmacy. However, the format this time is different from the previous ones. We will be combining both subjects into a single integrated test. Now, everyone, look over here."
Mae Ji-won, still serving as the chief proctor for the afternoon session, pointed to the center of the arena. There sat a rectangular object covered by a large black cloth. It was about half a zhang high, one zhang wide, and three zhangs long. It was impossible to tell what lay beneath the cloth, but a faint, eerie sound—almost like a living creature—emanated from it.