Chapter 23
Tian Ailang confirmed there were no issues with the ritual stone or the formation, then spoke up. He intended to begin the training for her treatment without delay.
"First off, since it's just the two of us, go ahead and take off the face cloth. Make yourself comfortable."
"Understood."
"And like we've been doing, we'll start with cultivating the Qi Arts family's heart method. Nothing special about it. You'll spend most of the day in meditative breathing. As you know, use the Qi Arts circulation technique I taught you. If you can freely manipulate the qi within your body, that'll mark success at stage two."
"Yes, Young Master."
"Whew. Alright, let's get started."
At Tian Ailang's words, Hwaran sat cross-legged in the center of the ritual stone and began her meditative breathing. It wasn't her usual inner power heart method, but the Qi Arts family's technique he'd taught her. The basic flow was the same as before—inhaling through the nose, gathering qi in the lower dantian, then slowly exhaling the turbid energy. The key difference was that the Qi Arts method treated the entire body as breathing pores, drawing in qi through every inch of skin.
If I can master this, Hwaran thought inwardly, it'll definitely be incredibly efficient. She felt like she was glimpsing why the Qi Arts Masters had been so overwhelmingly powerful.
Watching Hwaran focus on her breathing, Tian Ailang sat facing her and assumed the same posture. His own inner power still wouldn't budge, but he figured meditation or visualization training would at least pass the time.
* * *
Five months flew by in the blink of an eye. The formation was affected by the seasons outside, so the gentle spring breezes had given way to lush green leaves everywhere.
Hwaran opened her eyes with a soft exhale, her aura markedly transformed.
"Hwaran, at this rate, you've passed stage two and even dipped your toes into stage three. Impressive."
"It's all thanks to you, Young Master."
A bright smile lit up Hwaran's face for the first time in ages. Over those five months of focused breathing, bolstered by Tian Ailang's guidance, her inner power had advanced by leaps and bounds. The formation had played a huge role, of course. Already brimming with the energies of nature, the concentrated space within amplified efficiency several times over. And Hwaran's sharp intellect had accelerated her learning and insights.
Four months in, she'd fully sensed the qi inside her body and learned to project it outward. Just recently, she'd begun feeling the pulse of the earth. She wasn't skilled enough yet to infuse her inner power into it, but at this growth rate, Tian Ailang figured it was only a matter of time.
"Now the real work begins. Once you're comfortable sensing earth's energy, move on to water, wind, and the rest. Master all four elemental energies—earth, water, wind, fire—and you'll have the basics down."
"Yes, sir. I'll work hard."
Tian Ailang beamed at her spirited reply. Hwaran blushed and turned her head away.
* * *
Winter's biting winds returned once more. Taking a deep breath amid the frigid landscape, Hwaran reflected on the profound changes of the past year. She'd regained full control over her inner power at the consummate peak realm, and sensing nature's energies had become second nature. The formation had helped immensely, but Tian Ailang's guidance had been indispensable.
Whenever she breathed, he'd place a hand on her back, offering endless advice on the energies she perceived. Always by her side, he'd shared techniques for attuning to nature's forces and expanding her vessel to hold them. With her qi blockage already clouding her mind, his unwavering bright smile and encouragement had been a godsend. He was truly remarkable—and deeply appreciated.
Now, only one step remained: consuming the Obohyeonhyeonsindan to shatter her inner power's barrier. The culmination of a year's efforts hinged on this single session of breathing.
Complex emotions swirled within her as she gazed at Tian Ailang's profile, admiring the scenery beside her. Long lashes framing mysterious eyes, a straight nose flowing into smooth facial lines and flawless skin, down to the black hair she'd tied back for him in a half-up style. It was the beautiful face she'd seen countless times over the year.
Sensing her gaze, Tian Ailang turned to her.
"I'm getting all jittery for no reason, haha. But I believe in you, Hwaran. You'll definitely succeed."
She smiled back. In the year they'd spent together, it wasn't just his beauty that shone—it was his heart and demeanor. His steadfast gaze and consistent actions had given her endless strength. She'd never been this close to a man outside her martial brothers, let alone alone with one in a confined space for so long.
They'd grown close, with plenty of physical contact from training, yet he'd remained utterly proper. It had sparked playful pettiness in her at times—and quiet worries about her own appeal as a woman. Still, his reactions had been amusing when she attuned to water's energy. For pond sessions, she'd gone without clothes, and he'd always floundered, unsure where to look.
She stifled a giggle and turned back to him.
"Young Master, I'm ready."
He nodded and retrieved a small lacquered box from the thatched hut.
"Assume the position. We've got to do this in one go. Don't forget everything you've learned. You can do this, Hwaran. Believe in yourself."
She nodded with a smile. Though anxiety gnawed at her, his encouragement filled her with courage.
Tian Ailang opened the sealed box at the sight of her resolute expression.
Click.
A fresh, invigorating scent burst forth. He hurriedly handed her the Obohyeonhyeonsindan inside. The special box preserved the elixir because even spirit medicines had shelf lives. Prolonged exposure to air leached their potency. It wouldn't degrade rapidly, but for Hwaran, every sliver of possibility and miracle counted.
She popped the pill into her mouth. True to its ancient legend, it melted refreshingly on her tongue without effort, dissolving in saliva and flooding her body with energy in an instant.
Following Tian Ailang's teachings, she opened her entire body to draw in nature's qi while circulating the elixir's power within.
* * *
"Master, you're out here again today?"
"Just getting some air."
Ma Chung sat perched on a sawn-off tree stump, gazing at the formation. Ever since the two had entered a year ago, he'd made it a daily ritual—watching mornings and evenings for half an hour each. He knew the treatment wouldn't wrap up in a day or two, but worry for his granddaughter was inescapable.
To keep him from loneliness, his disciples—who were like children to him—took turns keeping him company. Bringing meals, sharing tea, and chatting had become cherished time for them all.
"Do you think the treatment's going well, Master?"
Ma Chung gave a faint smile at his disciple's question.
"I have to believe it is. In my view, the Qi Arts family isn't just unrivaled under heaven in inner power manipulation—it's the greatest across all ages."
"That impressive?"
Ma Chung nodded confidently.
"If the Qi Arts Master had craved power over factions, the murim landscape would look entirely different today. The nation's politics might have shifted too."
"Whoa...."
The disciple gaped in awe. Ma Chung chuckled.
"Hahaha. So yeah, we trust him. May the new family head, heir to old Cheondanho, work his miracle."
"Hearing you say that raises my hopes even higher. I just want Hwaran to succeed."
Ma Chung nodded with a grunt and rose.
"Let's head back now. It's getting chilly."
The disciple hurried to support him. Ma Chung looked hale, but at over 120 years old, his disciples always fretted. This was just habit born of concern.
Suddenly, the formation hummed.
Woooong—
Ma Chung and the disciple froze, staring puzzled.
Woooong—
Ma Chung rubbed his eyes. The formation he'd watched daily seemed to shimmer faintly.
Woooong—
"Huh? Master, isn't the formation acting weird?"
Confirming it wasn't his imagination, Ma Chung watched intently.
Woooong—
The formation rippled violently, stirring a breeze. Tian Ailang emerged.
His eyes widened at the two before him.
"Huh? How'd you know to be out here?"
Ma Chung startled at Tian Ailang's appearance. He held his pounding heart, waiting for his granddaughter to follow.
Woooong—
Another massive ripple, and Hwaran stepped out.
The disciple's eyes bulged like a rabbit's, jaw dropping as he flailed.
"Wh-what?! M-Master... am I seeing things?!"
Ma Chung couldn't respond. Tears streamed from his eyes as his granddaughter's radiant smile—the first he'd seen since her childhood—blossomed like light.
"Grandpa. And Senior Brother, it's been a while."
Hwaran approached with a joyful smile and gently wiped the tears from Ma Chung's cheek.
With trembling hands, he examined her face. The burn scars and wrinkles were gone, replaced by smooth, flawless skin. Her hidden beauty now shone, a national-level stunner.
"Hwaran...."
Tears flowed as she watched his.
"Yes, Grandpa."
"You've suffered so much. Truly, so much."
Whether he meant the time in the formation or the years before, Ma Chung clutched her, sobbing endlessly.
After a long cry, he turned, knelt before Tian Ailang, and offered a deep fist salute.
"Yi Gakwon's master, Ma Chung, pledges eternal loyalty to the Qi Arts family head. This old body may be frail, but I vow to serve your path till my last breath with the diligence of a lean horse. If your resolve from a year ago remains unchanged, I humbly beg you to accept."