Forging the Danjeon – Inner Cultivation Begins
Internal cultivation method. Anyone who's read a bit of wuxia knows what this is. In our world, mana or qi flows everywhere. What they call inner power is when you condense that 'qi' into true qi and store it up. The internal cultivation method is the foundation—it creates the dantian to gather qi and lets it flow effectively.
"You can really do that?"
A method I hadn't grasped even in my previous life, steeped in endless battles. Now, the theory was perfectly etched in my mind.
"If the theory holds, it's exactly the skill I need."
Ian's problem was a solid frame wasted on zero training. A good body gone to rot means no efficiency. The internal cultivation method would purify this trash heap of a body and toughen the flesh even more.
"Once I can properly wield qi, my physical abilities will skyrocket beyond anything before."
Chopping trees with a single stroke or smashing rocks barehanded. I'd gain power that's a privilege even for mana users in this world.
"Alright. Let's get started."
No reason to hesitate if I could learn it. I sat on the floor, crossed my legs in the lotus position, and focused my mind.
How to operate the internal cultivation method just... comes naturally.
Was this another effect of Sage's Signpost? The knowledge in my head wasn't mere theory. It was the 'sense' of a master who'd honed it through tens of thousands of repetitions.
"......"
I steadied my breath and, following the method, turned my senses inward. Soon, something invisible began to make itself felt. Like faint ripples flowing through my body...
Nature's qi itself.
If mana was a sharply honed wave, qi was like a forest steadily building from the roots. Unlike mana generated in the body, this was purer, more natural—a vibration closer to the world itself. I had to be the first on Earth or in this romance fantasy world to sense it.
"Huuuuuh."
Murmuring the method's incantation, I calmly regulated my breathing. I gradually drew the felt energy into my body.
Harder than I thought. Like a baby learning to walk.
Ian's booze-soaked flesh was like polluted mudflats. Taking in the sluggish energy demanded serious patience.
It's fine. I've got a lifetime of grit from enduring worse.
I didn't get frustrated by the slowness or impatient at the blockages. I just focused on immersing myself, even a little.
The clear energy began spreading through my turbid body.
"Hoo... Hoo...!"
Sweat poured like rain, soaking my shirt in seconds. But I couldn't stop. Breaking off now might make the qi backlash and burst my heart.
In the scorching heat, I stripped off the annoying clothes.
Don't run. Absorb the energy and shatter this body's limits.
Calming my mind, I gathered the rampaging qi into one. Under the method's control, I shaped it into a smooth flow. Like a muddy river cascading over mountains into a crystal stream.
I can feel it. My body clearing, purer qi claiming the space.
Driving out the foul energy, washing the organs. As the blockages of waste dissolved, my body reorganized itself. Already, changes rippled through—new strength surging, flesh hardening. A cleanliness incomparable to before.
Tough, but way more fun. I can feel myself getting stronger through the qi flow.
This was the key Sage's Signpost had given me. The shortcut to rebirth as a true martial artist's body.
The internal cultivation method wasn't just about gaining power. It awakened a body clogged with filth through purified qi. My heart thrilled at the thought I might end up stronger than in my previous life.
If I'm doing this, no turbidity left behind. Only the purest qi.
Two hours or so passed. Waste expelled with the sweat—I could feel it. Sticky sweat, rotten stench assaulting the nose. But oddly, pleasure outweighed disgust. Like clearing decades of phlegm in one refreshing go.
...Is this my first dantian?
In my lower abdomen, a small bowl formed, the size of a bead. Tiny qi swirled inside. Laughably small, but satisfying. I instinctively knew how much stronger this would make me.
If this were a wuxia world instead of romance fantasy, I'd be learning Tai Chi Sword or Plum Blossom Sword by now.
Qi held that much allure. Even in my past life, such rapid growth was rare.
"Hoo!"
Finishing the basics, I stood before the mirror. Stunning. The fierce face now glowed with calm vitality. Vivid energy coursed through my muscles. The body that creaked on every swing now felt centered.
"Face was decent before, but now it's even handsomer."
This guy should've been born in the modern world, not romance fantasy. As an idol or actor, he'd have owned buildings by now.
"But what I gained isn't just looks."
I clenched and released my fist lightly. Unmatched firmness and flexibility compared to before. Strength felt real. I'd only just toed the starting line.
"Where I go from the first step is up to me."
I couldn't even guess how far this inner power would take me.
"Pardon the intrusion, my lord."
Creeeak.
I'd spent quite a while on the cultivation. Visitors weren't odd. The problem? My naked state.
"......"
"......"
A hellish silence fell. I pondered how to avoid pervert status. Tavi, who'd seen the lord naked, froze solid.
"...Hoo."
Tavi's sigh broke the quiet.
"My lord, no matter how hot it is, you must observe decorum..."
Twitch!
Her jewel-like blue eyes, forcing composure, drifted downward slowly. Tavi's shoulders jerked, failing to hide her agitation.
"N-noseble... No, what is that body? Did you work out? You're sweating buckets—go wash up first."
Face flushed, Tavi forced calm. Her eyes still sneaking glances below.
Just close the door and leave, damn it.
Getting strong in romance fantasy was this hard?
***
Now I needed money. Secret funds, specifically.
So if I bolt to the academy or a city, I won't starve.
Lord duties were a pain, but poverty worse. For that, I needed cash stocked.
Even after I leave, funds will make things easier for Tavi running the territory.
And in this rural territory, money came from one hole only.
"From now on, recover the mana stones and monster corpses from the gate. All of it is money—handle with care."
"Yes, sir!"
Soldiers entered the gate on my order. A cleared gate let you come and go freely. Soon, wagons loaded with mana stones and wolf monsters rolled out. Gathered, the haul was no joke.
"...Impressive. So gates really have mana stones inside."
"Of course. That's why we clear them."
Besides stopping surges and the primary reward, the real value was mining these stones.
"This many will fetch a hefty price."
"...What's the mana stone market like these days?"
"Probably spiked. Gates bursting means demand for materials and weapons exploded."
"Oho, nice."
Mana stones fueled energy sources or equipment materials. All magic devices ran on them. Adventurer gear too.
"Anywhere you look, buyers are short. I'll scout a merchant guild fast as possible."
"What about using or selling in our territory?"
"No guild here can handle this volume. Michelin might've, but..."
Tavi'd formally executed even his corpse. For daring to kill the lord.
"Come to think, Michelin had quite the assets."
"Cash aside, plenty of goods. Spices mostly, it seems."
In this era, spices were top money-makers. Merchants and nobles hoarded or sold tons.
"Those need quick sale too. No need for that much in our territory."
"Warehouse is packed—any buyer guild needs serious scale."
"Hmm. Being rural hurts at times like this."
Mana stones and spices—both money-spinners, but no buyers.
What I needed was portable cash or gems.
Plus, sell those wolf hides too.
Time to call a big merchant guild. Small traders couldn't handle this.
"Ah, but other regions are gate-crazy too, right? Forget buyers—will guilds even move?"
"Reports say other areas took minimal damage."
"...Possible?"
These people were gate newbies. Fast response or not, damage was inevitable.
"Rural spots like ours lacked clearers."
"Luckily, gates hit cities with ample troops."
"Nationwide?"
Were gates picking by population?
"More precisely, most spawned in near-empty spots."
"So city gates..."
"Knights and adventurers made short work."
"Huh."
Gates targeted spots with capable clearers.
Then why our territory? Total backwater chaos.
Iana's doing? Heroine and ace swordswoman. She'd cleared faster if she'd jumped in early.
...Can't underestimate gates because of this.
We breezed the first threat. Boon or poison depended on how this world handled it.
"Not zero impact, of course. Cities took hits, chaos everywhere. Nation's in turmoil awhile."
"Well... bit fishy, but business is business. Guilds operating normal?"
"Moving faster, even. Danger always means profit."
True—cowards hiding now don't deserve wealth.
"Good. Tavi, find a solid guild quick and call 'em. No need my approval."
"Pardon? My call alone?"
"I trust your eye. If you pick it, it's good enough."
"My lord..."
Tavi stared.
"Saying that while dumping the work?"
"Busted?"
"Whatever... it's my job anyway."
"But the trust is real."
Her nape flushed faintly. Not used to praise?
"M-my lord, big trouble!"
Vice-captain rushed in.
"What, Hanson?"
"A gate! Second one's appeared!"
My eyes narrowed faintly. So soon after the first clear?
This a romance fantasy...?