The Smartphone Will Freeze
In theory, warriors who reached high realms of cultivation possessed a longer average lifespan than ordinary people. This was because Mystic Energy constantly circulated through their bodies, keeping their physical forms healthy and robust. Consequently, they were relatively free from many diseases and the typical ravages of aging.
However, as is often the case, theory and reality yielded slightly different results. Warriors were far more likely to engage in life-or-death combat than the average person. Furthermore, they frequently ventured into the wilderness, exposing themselves to constant peril. Because of this, the majority of warriors regularly faced duels, dangerous adventures, and unexpected threats. Due to these circumstances, it wasn't uncommon for them to die younger than ordinary people.
They began their training to become strong and healthy so they could live longer, yet that very training often led to a premature grave. It was a somewhat tragic irony.
For those who had attained the rank of a true warrior, there was another criterion for measuring strength beyond the numerical grades—one that could be observed with the naked eye. This mark served as a definitive indicator of a warrior's power: the Attribute Awakening of their Mystic Energy.
At the Warrior Rank, Mystic Energy does not possess a specific attribute. The nature of an attribute is closely tied to the intensity of the energy itself. Since there is a limit to the strength of Mystic Energy within the Warrior Rank, it is impossible to manifest a unique elemental property.
Only after surpassing the 10th Grade of the Warrior Rank does the intensity of one's Mystic Energy undergo a leap in development. At that point, the energy finally reaches a level of density where it can awaken an attribute.
To explain these attributes in detail, the most common are the Five Elements: Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. There also exist Mutated Attributes derived from these five basics, such as Electricity, Ice, Heat, Air, and Sound. Rarer still are the Rare Attributes, which include Lightning, Light, and Darkness.
It is important to note that there is no direct correlation between the rarity of an attribute and its combat effectiveness. Currently, the attributes recognized as having the highest combat potential are Fire, Lightning, Electricity, and Ice. While Light and Darkness are the rarest, their powers are so bizarre and seldom seen that it is impossible to definitively state whether their destructive power exceeds that of Fire or Lightning.
The method of awakening an attribute is considered profound and difficult, even in this world where gods exist. To awaken an attribute, one must visit a temple and offer sincere prayers to receive the recognition and blessing of a divine spirit. Only then can the property of the Mystic Energy be obtained.
The specific attribute a practitioner receives depends on their constitution and innate talent. Generally, a warrior can only begin preparing for Attribute Awakening after completing the 10th Grade of the Warrior Rank. By performing acts of service like cleaning the temple, offering prayers, and presenting sacrifices, they eventually receive a divine blessing. Once the attribute is awakened, the warrior ascends to the Martial Master Rank.
A warrior in the Martial Master Rank can emit Mystic Energy outside their body. However, even this emission has its limits. While they can project the energy, they cannot yet materialize it into solid particles. They can emit light of various colors when using techniques or manifesting their power, but they cannot give the energy physical substance. Generally, the higher the realm, the more intense the light of the Mystic Energy; the lower the realm, the dimmer the glow.
“Hahaha!”
Bukjin, who had been reading this information, burst into a fit of giggles.
This is hilarious.
To Bukjin, the description of a Martial Master sounded like a walking streetlight. Naturally, a walking streetlight was stronger than an ordinary warrior, and those in the Martial Master Rank also enjoyed significantly longer lifespans. Above the Martial Master Rank was the Great Martial Master Rank, also known as a Grandmaster. Above that was the Heavenly Person Rank. The report didn't mention anything beyond that.
However, since Bukjin knew for a fact that gods existed in this world, he understood that the divine was the ultimate symbol of power.
Can a mere mortal become a god through endless cultivation?
Bukjin harbored this question but had no answer. Yet, a thought flashed through his mind.
If I can become a god through training, could I open a rift in the void, transcend time and space, and return to Earth?
He thought it might be possible. But becoming a god would be an unimaginably difficult task. Not to mention the great powers like the North Sea Empire or the Aurora Empire, even this Dongdojin Continent was filled with countless experts, as numerous as the stars in the night sky. Out of all those powerhouses, how many could actually become gods? Perhaps not a single one.
Reaching this conclusion, Bukjin decided that finding a way back to Earth through his smartphone was a much more realistic prospect. Regardless, the report's explanation was very clear. Bukjin could now accurately gauge his current strength, which was officially at the 9th Grade of the Warrior Rank.
His strongest areas were swordsmanship, Mystic Energy, and physical strength. His other stats mostly hovered around the 6th Grade level.
I hid a certain level of my skill during the evaluation. Taking that into account, my true strength is likely at the 10th Grade of the Warrior Rank. Does that mean my next step is to go to the Temple of the Lord of Swords in the city, pray, and awaken an attribute?
Bukjin stroked his chin as he finished the report. In truth, deep down, he was instinctively wary of places like temples and environments where one had to believe in gods. If a divine spirit truly existed and could hear the prayers of mortals, then his secrets—the smartphone and his status as a transmigrator—would be exposed.
Would it really matter if I don't awaken an attribute?
After much deliberation, he decided to set the matter of attributes aside for a moment.
More importantly, I don't know the true extent of Jo Pacheon's training. He's likely in the Warrior Rank, but I can't be sure of his exact grade. I managed to bluff my way through the invitation using the smartphone, but if it comes down to a real fight, I'm probably no match for him.
Bukjin analyzed the situation carefully. He had established a baseline for his own level versus Jo Pacheon's, and he couldn't afford to overlook the gap. Since he had accepted the invitation, he was obligated to participate in the Sword Trial.
According to Cho Heun, the Sword Trial wasn't just about settling the grudge between Jeong Sam-seok and Baek Hae-geum, one of the three great swordsmen of White Cloud City. It was also a stage to determine the hierarchy among the young geniuses of Unmong City. This made Bukjin even more interested in the event.
He wanted to be a reliable support for Jeong Sam-seok. He didn't expect to achieve a result that would shock the world; he simply wanted to protect himself and ensure he didn't become a burden to his master.
Considering what had happened at the Demon Sword Hall, Jo Pacheon was undoubtedly looking for a way to torment him. He had to be prepared.
“Sinsin,” Bukjin called out.
“Yes, Master. Did you call for me?”
The cheerful voice of a young girl rang out as AI Sinsin appeared, and a small screen floated in the air before Bukjin's eyes.
“Scan the mental power manual, Evil Dragon's Roar, and create an app for it. Then, download it to the home screen.”
“Understood!”
A moment later, he felt the familiar sensation of his Mystic Energy being drained.
“Ah…”
A small groan escaped Bukjin's lips. Based on his experience, he estimated that the Evil Dragon's Roar app would consume about 1GB of data.
After a short while:
“Master, the download for the Evil Dragon's Roar app is complete.”
“Run the app.”
“Yes, Master.”
According to the Evil Dragon's Roar manual, mental power cultivation was divided into three major realms:
Refining Essence into Qi .
Refining Qi into Spirit .
Refining Spirit into Void .
The mental power Bukjin had previously trained through the Understanding Mental Power - Beginner app was at the realm of Refining Essence into Qi. It was the most basic level of mental power. To use a metaphor, Bukjin's mental power was like a toddler who had just taken his first steps. Even this was only possible because he had broken through during his bloody battle with Sim Bi in the training grounds. Without that real-world experience, he would still be crawling on the floor.
The 'Understanding Mental Power - Beginner' app is just a basic cultivation method. Theoretically, it can only take me to the middle stage of Refining Essence into Qi. Once my mental power reaches the peak of that realm, I'll need to find a proper cultivation technique… And 'Evil Dragon's Roar' is a combat technique that utilizes mental power. It focuses on transforming mental energy to attack the enemy. As I continue to elevate my mental power realm, the power of 'Evil Dragon's Roar' will only grow stronger.
Thinking this far, Bukjin couldn't help but admire his own choices. He had just fully grasped the knowledge of martial realms by reading the report, and now, by analyzing the techniques he had selected from the library, the outline of his future training was becoming clear.
“Sinsin, take all the martial arts manuals I scanned at the library today, turn them into apps, and download them to the home screen.”
“Yes, Master.”
“If I run every app on the smartphone simultaneously at 100% power, how long will it last?”
“If you run all the apps at once, the smartphone will freeze.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Until a system update is performed, you cannot run more than eight apps at the same time.”
“Dammit!”
After pondering AI Sinsin's words, Bukjin spoke again.
“Then for now, keep High-level Mystic Energy Condensation, Peerless Sword Body, Four Moons Sword Style, Rain in the Clouds, Flowers Before the Moon Sword, Fragrant Jade Step, Understanding Mental Power - Beginner, and Evil Dragon's Roar running.”
“Yes, Master.”
The smartphone settings were complete. From then on, Bukjin attended his classes on time every day and enjoyed a pleasant, deep sleep in the classroom. The teachers, looking at him, couldn't say a word.
Time flowed by, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the Sword Trial arrived.