Chapter 3: Master and Disciple (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 3: Master and Disciple (2)
Crackle!
The blue lightning gathered in Lee Se-ha's hand writhed violently.
"I have mastered the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula, a heart method that accumulates scorching Yang Qi," she explained. "I plan to teach you this martial art so you can break through your severed meridians one by one."
Lee Se-ha added, "If you were a woman, this method would be completely out of the question."
Namgung Jun nodded in agreement.
The Nine Yin Severed Meridian was not a condition so easily overcome simply by practicing a scorching Yang art. Even if one did, the Yin Cold Qi of the Nine Yin Severed Meridian would accumulate at an overwhelmingly faster rate. In most cases, clumsily building up energy would only trigger a clash between Yin and Yang, shortening one's life.
"But for a man, it's a different story," she continued. "If you use your innate Yang energy, the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula, and various spirit elixirs to accumulate scorching Yang Qi, there is a chance you can overcome the Nine Yin Severed Meridian. And I will actively help you do it."
Pondering her words, Namgung Jun calculated the possibilities.
The key is how quickly I can master the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula. For me, it should be possible.
There was no falsehood or exaggeration in her logic.
Even the Namcheon Palace did not possess a heart method capable of accumulating scorching Yang Qi. Besides, judging by the Thunder Qi she just demonstrated, it is definitely a superior martial art.
Not only that, but if he could absorb the residual energy from his severed meridians during the treatment process, he could surely achieve an immense level of power.
The Nine Yin Severed Meridian. It's a clear obstacle for now, but if I overcome it, it will become the foundation for me to surpass my past life.
Having organized his thoughts, Namgung Jun asked, "I am a complete stranger to you. Why choose me as your disciple?"
"Those who do not take responsibility for their own martial arts have no right to wield a sword."
Lee Se-ha playfully mimicked his voice before her expression turned solemn.
"I don't want a disciple who wields a sword lightly. I want them to possess a righteous heart."
"A righteous heart," Namgung Jun repeated, mulling over her words. "What happens if I don't accept your proposal?"
"You will continue to be targeted by demonic practitioners. It would be troublesome if you were captured by the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult."
Lee Se-ha held up two fingers.
"You would either have to stay in a safe house provided by the Azure Heaven Association or live alone in a secluded mountain valley under our secret protection."
Both options would require a significant amount of effort from the Azure Heaven Association.
Namgung Jun decided to test her. "Rather than going to all that trouble, wouldn't it be better to just kill me and eliminate any future problems?"
"If we did that, we would be no different from the Demonic Path," she said firmly. "We must protect those we can."
"Is there not also the saying, Sotamdaesil (小貪大失)? To covet a small gain only to suffer a great loss."
In this situation, the "small gain" was Namgung Jun himself.
For the first time, the smile vanished from Lee Se-ha's face.
"There are many who advocate for sacrificing the small for the sake of the great. Most people will try to grasp the great."
"That is true."
"In that case," she countered, "shouldn't there also be someone who tries to grasp the small?"
Pausing for a moment, Lee Se-ha spoke in a clear, unhesitating voice.
"I want to be that kind of person."
At her answer, the corners of Namgung Jun's lips curved into a faint smile.
A person who tries to grasp the small.
Few would go out of their way to expend effort on something so trivial and insignificant. If someone did, it meant they held a firm conviction.
She possesses her own sense of chivalry.
Namgung Jun acknowledged her. The bond between master and disciple was not a light one. He had no desire to become a disciple in name only just to obtain a new Yang cultivation art. If he was to be a disciple, was it not his duty to serve his master with all his heart?
Even with his survival at stake, he could not compromise on this. It was simply his nature.
But now that their exchange had shown him what kind of person Lee Se-ha was, he had no more reservations.
She was a woman fully worthy of being his master.
"I was wary of your sudden proposal and doubted you, young lady. I apologize."
"What? So that's what this was about?"
Her face flushed slightly as she pouted. But a moment later, a lively starlight shone in her eyes.
"So, what do you think after our little chat? Do you find me to your liking?"
Namgung Jun looked at Lee Se-ha as she tilted her head.
Is this fate?
It was a truly exquisite encounter. To him, Lee Se-ha was like a stroke of serendipity. If he hadn't met her, he would have had to search for a way just to survive, let alone face the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult. He should have been the one to bow first and beg her to accept him. For her to offer it herself was a stroke of heavenly luck.
Besides, I cannot face the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult alone.
Unlike in his past life, the Namcheon Palace was no more. He needed a new home and new allies.
"Yes," he said. "You are to my liking."
Hearing such a direct answer, Lee Se-ha seemed inwardly embarrassed. She cleared her throat and averted her gaze.
Meanwhile, Namgung Jun straightened his attire. He neatly folded his collar and smoothed the creases of his sleeves, his every movement exuding politeness and reverence. Lee Se-ha found herself captivated by his classical, dignified aura.
Having tidied his clothes, Namgung Jun slowly clasped his hands.
"Your disciple, Namgung Jun," he declared, then slowly bowed. His movements were so disciplined they looked like a martial arts form.
"Respectfully greets Master."
His solemn voice filled the room. In that moment, their bond as master and disciple was forged.
* * *
Now officially master and disciple, Lee Se-ha looked at her very first student and pumped her fists.
"Gung-jun! Let's start our martial arts training right away."
"...My surname is Namgung."
"Huh? I just assumed your surname was Nam! I've never even heard of a surname like Namgung before!"
Lee Se-ha slowly lowered her fists and, as if nothing had happened, handed him a book. Her fingertips trembled slightly, but Namgung Jun pretended not to notice and looked away.
"My disciple. This is the secret manual of the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula."
Her way of addressing him had naturally changed, but he didn't point it out. He actually preferred the title.
"Is it because you lived as a sword attendant? I'm glad you have a basic knowledge of the Jianghu and can even read. You're wonderful, my disciple."
Lee Se-ha began her instruction, explaining the very first mnemonic formula of the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula in detail.
Even if I just read the secret manual, it would be enough to get started.
Namgung Jun quietly listened to her teachings. Since this was his first time learning a scorching Yang art, her explanations were a great help and would significantly shorten his learning time. Moreover, as his understanding of the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula deepened with every word, he felt as if his skill would leap forward the instant he actually began to practice.
As he received her teachings, Namgung Jun could naturally gauge the depth of the martial arts Lee Se-ha had accumulated.
To have achieved the Three Flowers Gather at the Crown at the age of a Rising Star... She is a genius of a thousand years.
Lee Se-ha's talent was on par with even the Sword Emperor of his past life. It was a level of genius that naturally commanded admiration. When he eventually clashed with the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult in earnest, her presence would undoubtedly be an immense help.
While the disciple was evaluating his master...
Why is my disciple so clever? His comprehension is extraordinary. Is it because he was born with severed meridians?
The master was likewise assessing her disciple's aptitude. While explaining the mnemonic formulas, she would throw out pop questions to check his understanding, but he was never stumped. On the contrary, he sometimes gave unexpectedly profound answers that gave her new topics for contemplation. Because of this, it didn't feel like she was simply teaching a disciple.
It felt as if she were conversing with an equal—or perhaps an even greater master.
It feels like I've encountered a living miracle.
The way he answered in a straight, confident voice was incredibly reliable.
"So, in this mnemonic formula, one must circulate internal energy more vigorously to quickly pass through the Yuzhong Acupoint. Rather than letting it flow, it feels more correct to push it through."
"Exactly! My disciple is never wrong."
Lee Se-ha brought her teacup to her lips, only to realize the tea had gone completely cold. Looking out the window, she saw the sun was just about to rise.
"Has that much time passed already?"
They had spent the entire night on the lesson.
"Shall we get some sleep now?" Lee Se-ha asked with an apologetic look, but Namgung Jun shook his head.
"Since I have fully memorized the mnemonic formulas, I would like to try Qi Circulation right away."
After a moment's thought, Lee Se-ha nodded. "Normally, you can't feel internal energy right after learning a heart method. So, don't be disappointed if you can't feel it yet."
Namgung Jun sat cross-legged, and Lee Se-ha took her place behind him. This was to allow her to intervene immediately if any problems arose during his Qi Circulation.
"Hooo..."
As Namgung Jun began to breathe according to the mnemonic formulas of the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula, his eyes twitched. Something completely unexpected had just occurred.
I can feel the Qi? This quickly?
Usually, even geniuses with outstanding talent took seven days and nights to feel Qi for the first time. In his past life, it had taken Nam Young-shin four days.
Yet, this body felt Qi immediately.
With just a single cycle of breath.
Though it was a wondrous situation, Namgung Jun calmly operated the heart method. The internal energy rushing in with his breath gradually grew clearer. The Qi flowed down through the Tiantu Acupoint and Zhongfu Acupoint, racing along his meridians according to the circulation path.
The strength and width of these meridians make no sense either.
Although meridians are naturally tempered as one practices martial arts, innate constitution also plays a huge role. There was a reason martial artists inspected the bones and meridians of prospective disciples. If the meridians of an ordinary genius were like narrow mountain paths, the meridians of this body were like a grand highway where four carriages could run abreast.
The difference was immense.
With the memories of my past life and this body...!
Namgung Jun was certain. He could easily surpass the Sword Emperor of his past life. As long as he had a single sword, he would have nothing to fear.
Just as Namgung Jun sank deeper into his Qi Circulation...
Wuuuung!
"Ah?"
Lee Se-ha, who was watching him intently, widened her eyes.
He already feels the Qi?
She had been thinking of what advice to give him in case his concentration wavered and his breathing broke. Yet, far from breaking, Namgung Jun was already shaping the Qi into internal energy according to the mnemonic formulas of the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula.
If he maintained this momentum, he might even form a dantian during his very first Qi Circulation.
"No way... It took even me four days to feel Qi. Is this for real?"
Lee Se-ha was filled with excitement, even as she grew tense in case something went wrong. She was now certain that Namgung Jun possessed a talent far greater than she had ever imagined.
A talent superior to my own. To take such a genius as my disciple, have I used up all the luck of my lifetime?
As she stared at Namgung Jun's back with expectant eyes, her mouth slowly fell open.
Crackle!
Blue lightning rippled around Namgung Jun's shoulders. It was extremely faint and weak, but it was unmistakably the Thunder Qi of the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula.
Unbelievable!
The meaning of this faint Thunder Qi was simple. It was a sign that not only had he formed his dantian, but his Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula had also reached the fourth stage of achievement.
He had leaped over three stages the moment he initiated the technique.
Has such a thing ever happened in the history of the Jianghu?
As she seriously pondered the question, Lee Se-ha's mouth showed no signs of closing.
Oh my goodness! My disciple is a genius.
Her dark pupils sparkled as she stared at Namgung Jun.
Meanwhile, Namgung Jun observed the internal energy flowing through his meridians. It was fascinating, as the heart method and the nature of the internal energy were completely different from what the Sword Emperor of his past life had practiced. Thanks to the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula, the reality of his reincarnation into a new body finally sank in.
So this is scorching Yang Qi.
The warmth settling in his dantian was extremely faint, but because his body was so filled with coldness, it felt all the more distinct.
Having finished his Qi Circulation, Namgung Jun slowly opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Lee Se-ha, her clasped hands trembling.
"Master? Are you alr—"
Namgung Jun couldn't finish his sentence. Lee Se-ha had suddenly thrown her arms around him, hugging him tightly.
"My disciple! You're amazing! Well done!"
She hugged him out of nowhere and jumped up and down. In stark contrast, Namgung Jun remained extremely calm.
"Master, please calm down."
Only after a long while did Lee Se-ha contain her excitement, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
"I checked your pulse. The Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula has settled stably in your dantian! There don't seem to be any problems."
Releasing his wrist, she tilted her head in wonder. "Even for a genius, how is such an achievement possible?"
"It is thanks to Master's teachings," Namgung Jun offered a calm, humble reply, but Lee Se-ha shook her head firmly.
Then, after a brief moment of thought, she raised her right hand. "Can you try mimicking me?"
Crackle!
Vivid Thunder Qi gathered in her hand. She intended to see how he controlled his internal energy.
There's no need to hide my strength.
Although a maxim in the Jianghu warned against revealing one's strength, Lee Se-ha was his master. Rather than half-heartedly hiding his power, it would be better to show off his talent and learn high-level martial arts as soon as possible.
This much is easy.
Namgung Jun immediately conjured Thunder Qi in his own hand. Unlike Lee Se-ha's, which split into dozens of sharp, vivid branches, his only flickered faintly and crookedly. However, it was clear that he had successfully channeled the internal energy from his dantian, through his meridians, and all the way to his hand.
"My disciple really is a genius!" Lee Se-ha cheered, covering her mouth with both hands.
Having quickly adapted to his master's fussing, Namgung Jun asked calmly, "Master. I wish to learn other martial arts as well. Things like sword techniques and footwork."
"Of course you should. Once we return to the Azure Heaven Association, I'll find a martial art that suits you right away."
A new martial art.
No words could make his heart race more than those.
Of course, he remembered the martial arts of the Namcheon Palace from his past life, but he had no intention of simply repeating them. Since he regretted his past, he did not believe he could change his present with the martial arts of that past. One regret was enough.
Now that he had the opportunity to learn new martial arts, he intended to make active use of it.
And in the process, I must create a martial art that surpasses the ones I used in my past life.
Steeling his resolve, Namgung Jun clenched his fist.
"Shall we set off right away then?"
"Yes. Let's depart."
Lee Se-ha and Namgung Jun packed their belongings and immediately hit the road.
Toward the Azure Heaven Association.
Toward their new home.