Divine Transformation Technique (1)

I had to dive headfirst into work the moment I returned.

The unexpected trip to Luoyang had stolen far more time than I'd anticipated.

Damn, the Murim Alliance really does nothing but drag my life down!

I was grumbling inwardly about the Murim Alliance while buried in tasks when—

"Seo-ho!"

The door swung open, and Jeong Ho hyung strode in.

Ever since my return, his face had been brightening by the day.

"What's up?"

At my curt response, he chuckled and held out a letter.

"A letter from Father."

"From Father?"

Ah, so that's it.

After coming back from Luoyang, I'd sent Father a letter via Gold령 about the privilege granted by the Alliance Leader—the right to choose any spot in the merchant district.

It was a major matter, after all.

This was probably the official reply.

I took the letter and unfolded it.

I chuckled.

I already knew this from Gold령's earlier reply, so nothing new, but the letter brimmed with Father's excitement.

It was as if he were saying, Let's make a killing at this Murim Grand Assembly!

Ah, so that's the main point.

No helping it.

Things had been too easy up until now.

"What is it? Why that face?"

At Jeong Ho hyung's question, I gave an awkward smile.

"What face?"

"You look disappointed you can't work me harder."

Ugh, busted.

Jeong Ho hyung was sharper than he let on.

"Come on, what kinda talk is that? I'm not that shameless."

"Really?"

I grinned sheepishly and changed the subject.

"So, when are you heading back?"

"In about a month?"

"Good, that's a relief."

Jeong Ho hyung shot me a glare.

"Relief for who?"

I flashed a cheeky grin.

One realization from this ordeal: I needed a transformation technique.

Jin Yu Warrior and Seo-hyang needed to hide their identities.

And sometimes, even I needed to obscure my striking features.

So I'd recalled the transformation technique my master had used at the last Yongbong Tournament.

The art, taught to him by a close friend, was astonishing.

It could even alter one's energy.

Of course, it couldn't fully conceal the pure essence of the Taiyin Ice Sea Divine Art from fellow practitioners.

That day, I'd sent a letter to my master, and Gold령 brought the reply.

"Kkwi! Kkwi!"

Gold령 flapped in through the window, and Palgap, spotting it, quickly caught the little messenger.

"Kkwi?"

Using Palgap's hand as a perch, Gold령 hopped down into my arms with a boing.

I chuckled and stroked its back.

"Welcome back?"

"Kkwi!"

Watching that, I figured out why Gold령 always insisted on coming through the window.

"You just want my praise, huh? That's why the window route?"

"Kkwi?"

"No? Huh."

"Kkwi! Kkwi! Kkwi!"

"Oh... so, passing through walls makes you hungry faster?"

"Kkwi!"

"And more money means you're willing to phase through?"

I laughed.

"Just come in through the window next time."

"Kkwi...."

Gold령's ears drooped, and I smirked as I untied the letter from its tail.

My master's personal visit to the Beijing branch brought a smile to my face.

It meant I wouldn't have to step away myself.

Jeong Ho hyung would be thrilled.

"Kkwi!"

"Got it."

I handed Gold령 a silver coin.

Last time, I'd forgotten the three gold pieces, but Gold령 hadn't nagged—probably planning to charge interest past the due date.

So I'd paid the three gold and asked why no rush.

Its answer? Waiting for interest if overdue.

Watching Gold령 lick the silver at my desk, I thought,

This little guy's no ordinary bird.

......

A few days later.

My master arrived at the Beijing branch.

With only a handful of escorts, it seemed like a swift, secretive escort mission.

All his companions were top-notch experts.

I greeted him with a formal bow.

"Your disciple greets Master."

"Good to see you."

"Finishing an escort mission on your way back?"

"Indeed."

Master nodded.

"Beijing was the destination this time."

"I see."

I continued,

"I've prepared quarters in the branch for your comfort."

"I won't refuse."

"If you had, your disciple would have been heartbroken."

Master laughed at that.

I personally showed him to his quarters.

"Please use this."

The room was in a mansion we'd bought and rebuilt near the old Beijing branch site, now connected directly.

For family, dispatched staff, or VIP guests.

I could've offered it to Won the Escort Chief's group but hadn't wanted to.

"This will do nicely."

It was a detached pavilion, fully furnished, spacious, and airy—reserved for the most important visitors.

"Such fine lodgings! My thanks."

"No need for thanks. It's only right as your disciple. Please, no burden."

"Understood."

"Rest well. I'll ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠send word at dinner."

At dinner time, I headed to the banquet hall.

I'd prepared a feast for Master ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠and his group.

I'd sent Palgap to fetch them, and soon the whole party arrived.

"Brought them, sir."

"Good work."

I bowed to Master.

"You've traveled far—must be weary. We've a modest spread; I hope it suits your tastes."

"No worries. We eat anything."

Why did that sound so wistful?

Makes sense—they'd had no luxury to be picky on the road.

Anything edible to survive.

We sat and began the meal.

"Nice having a rich disciple."

"I'll earn more to treat you better."

My status as Master's disciple was public knowledge now—no need to hide it.

After a satisfying dinner, I arranged a private chat with Master.

"Your letter shocked me. I suspected the Murim Alliance, but confirmation..."

After hearing the full story from the Jegal Supreme Patriarch, I'd written Master immediately.

"Had you suspected already, Master?"

"Yes."

Master nodded.

"Escort work lets you hear and see much. The Alliance's moves seemed off, so I'd grown wary."

He continued,

"Now no need to poke around blindly for the culprit."

"But Master, the why remains. Without knowing why they targeted Mount Feng Palace, we can't ensure its safety."

"I agree."

Why had the Murim Alliance wiped out Mount Feng Palace?

Even burning everything.

"Still, turning suspicion to certainty—thanks to you, Little Palace Lord."

"You're too kind. It was nothing."

"Nothing? Come now."

Master grinned.

"I nearly ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠threw a punch—mind your humility."

Eek!

Can't block Master's fist.

"Yes, I'll be careful."

Master sipped his tea and got to the point.

"I understand wanting the transformation technique, but why now?"

"You said it yourself before: at peak first-rate, you can only tweak a feature or two. For real use, need super first-rate or higher."

"You remember well. Sharp memory, as expected."

"I've stabilized in my realm, so I requested now."

I added,

"And this time, I moved on the Alliance Leader's orders..."

"His orders?"

Ah...

Hadn't told Master yet.

"Time was short—no prior notice. Forgive your unworthy disciple."

"No matter. If the branch chief did it, there was reason. All went well?"

"Safe and sound."

I continued,

"Truth is, from my first meeting, the Alliance Leader felt off. And with what Jin Yu Warrior told me, I'd been on guard."

Jin Yu was the Leader's personal assassin, after all.

"I know of that."

No need for lengthy explanations, then.

I detailed the incident: Won's visit with the Leader's letter, which was a test.

The talk with the Guam Sect's head on Mount Tai, and me swiping the Buddha statue.

Telling Master about the statue theft showed my full trust.

We were bound by fate, after all.

"...And that's how it went."

"Close call."

"Yes, but it stayed mostly on plan, so resolved smoothly."

"Still, stay vigilant. Even if doubts eased, suspicion can return."

"Noted."

I went on,

"That's why I requested the transformation technique now—for future Alliance entanglements."

"So, you and your guards will learn it?"

"Yes, and Seo-hyang too, but..."

I trailed off.

Seo-hyang was new to Cheonryu Art, her realm still low.

Master nodded.

"Seo-hyang—no, my 'niece' now. I'll just use her name."

"Yes, as you like."

"What's her level?"

"Second-rate-ish."

"How long since starting Cheonryu Art?"

"About two years..."

"Second-rate in two years of Cheonryu Art... Hah! You might not realize as a genius yourself, but starting as an adult and progressing that far? Remarkable."

"Uh..."

Come to think of it, with my guards and I at high levels, I'd overlooked it—but yes, that's prodigy territory.

"Even for a genius, that's fast... Any spirit pills?"

"None."

I shook my head, considering one possibility.

Maybe her Ice Crystal Eyes synergized perfectly with ice arts.

Plus her sharp aptitude and diligent nature.

That combo yielded her progress.

But I couldn't tell Master.

Needed the North Sea Ice Palace Lord's permission for that.

"Bright future ahead."

"Yes."

"At that level, major changes are tough, but tweaks like lip/ear shape, adding moles—possible."

"That's plenty."

"And Jin Yu Warrior... peak first-rate, right?"

"Yes."

After a moment's thought, Master said,

"I'll need to meet Jin Yu Warrior."

I summoned Jin Yu Warrior, who arrived promptly.

"You called?"

"Master wanted to see you."

"I see."

Master eyed him appraisingly, then spoke casually—old acquaintances, it seemed.

"Notable progress in mental cultivation lately."

"!"

Jin Yu flinched but explained honestly.

"Actually, while you were at Mount Tai and Luoyang, I took leave. Spent it in meditation."

"Wise choice. Harmonized your arts and enlightenment."

As Master spoke, he suddenly moved.

Thud! Thump! Crack! Smack! Pow!

Master struck Jin Yu's body with precise punches, ending with one to the gut.

"Gah! Cough!"

Jin Yu spewed blood, collapsed, and passed out.

Too fast for even me to react fully.

"M-Master!"

Why this, all of a sudden?