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Chapter 527: Just One More Time

The sky is remarkably clear today.

As I stared up into the void, this thought inevitably crossed my mind.

The sunset was gradually sinking, and the sight of the sky being painted without a single cloud was truly beautiful.

A great sight, indeed.

“Brother, how long are you going to just lie there?”

At the sound of that voice, I turned my head slightly.

There sat Pejon, with his legs crossed on a rock, looking at me.

Seeing him, I asked, “Doesn’t your tone sound a bit odd…?”

What in the world is that ridiculous mixed phrase?

“What sounds odd, brother?”

“….”

Even after my criticism, Pejon stubbornly kept his words unchanged.

This guy really thinks adding ‘brother’ makes everything okay?

I was dumbfounded, with no words left to say.

“Ugh….”

It’s because I just got thoroughly beaten.

That’s also why I was staring at the sky. I couldn’t get up after lying down.

Forcing myself to sit upright, my joints screamed in protest.

With all my strength, I managed to raise my body and looked at Pejon with resentment.

“I told you I’m a patient….”

“You looked perfectly fine just now, brother.”

“… You plan on saying that continuously, don’t you?”

“What do you mean, brother?”

“…”

It seems this old man has a remarkably vengeful side.

‘He’s been acting too confidently.’

Knowing that he avoided me for several days to not be beaten again, I attempted a little teasing.

He said calling him ‘brother’ meant there wouldn’t be any disrespect.

I forgot that if I acted foolishly, I’d end up getting hit in the name of sparring.

“Ugh….”

It hurts more than last time.

There’s definitely some emotion behind that.

But I still couldn’t get the words out.

“… Are you not having a hard time?”

“What do you mean, brother….”

“Could you please stop that?”

It felt like I was being pinned down while receiving a bow, so I told him to stop.

Only then did Pejon grin and start twisting his wrist around.

The reason he asked if I was having a hard time was obvious.

‘My body shouldn’t be that soft.’

Sure, I just got beaten and it hurts, but

some parts of my body, that felt blocked like blood qi was stuck, felt refreshingly open.

This made it clear.

Pejon wasn’t just acting tough.

This is definitely—

‘Pushing through blockages.’

It was the same back when I got hit last time, but Pejon’s strikes usually helped my body.

He hit those eerily uncomfortable spots to clear the blockages.

So it’s even more astonishing.

‘How is this happening?’

Pejon’s realm is currently at the perfected peak.

He must have easily reached the Transformation Realm already, but being at the peak is different.

Yet with that level of skill, he perfectly overpowers me, a Transformation Realm martial artist.

‘He even performs pushing through blockages while fighting.’

And it’s not like I just stood there and took it.

‘I struggled desperately.’

I had tightened my teeth, trying to land even a single strike, but strangely enough, I couldn’t even graze him.

‘What’s the problem here?’

The difference in skill should be overwhelmingly in my favor. My speed is also greater.

Not to mention strength and inner strength—I should be far more superior.

Simply put, I should dominate in every aspect.

‘But I can’t even touch him.’

It’s utterly baffling.

While I was lost in these thoughts, Pejon spoke up.

“You’re lacking in perception.”

It was as if Pejon knew exactly what I was thinking and gave me an answer without me asking.

“Lacking in perception?”

“Yeah. With a low awareness, how can you see and dodge?”

He thinks I’m lacking in sight?

“… So you’re saying my inability to reach you is also due to my sight?”

“That’s not untrue. How could you reach what you can’t see?”

As my inner strength fused with my body, my reaction time sped up.

In turn, my vision widened and sharpened, so it didn’t make sense to say my sight was poor from my standpoint as a Transformation Realm martial artist.

However.

‘What Pejon is saying doesn’t mean that.’

It shouldn’t be taken at face value.

Just look at him now; he said that and is watching me with keen interest.

This guy is testing me.

‘How annoying. Just tell me straight out.’

Deliberately complicating things and then saying, “Try to figure it out.”

That must be the aim.

‘Tch.’

Is this part of my training?

Even if I don’t like it, I have no grounds to refute.

Because the value of the training Pejon offers is that significant.

Having definitely improved to an extent that I couldn’t even compare to before, I had no intention of shirking this.

‘Low awareness, huh.’

The gap between Pejon and me.

What could it possibly be?

‘… Blocked before I can reach. No, it feels like I’m blocked even before I start.’

It’s not about whether I see or not—he moves before I even have a chance to act.

Before I even think to kick, it’s likely Pejon is already intercepting by kicking my thigh.

Every one of my attempts is completely thwarted.

The genuine kicks I set up in between are all blocked.

The only way to break through this would be to move faster than Pejon could even respond.

‘On the other hand, for Pejon to be able to perceive this….’

It’s beyond just predicting my movements.

On top of that, it’s as if he creates a mental picture of my follow-up moves and fights accordingly.

If that’s the case, forgetting about the fact that it’s humanly impossible to achieve this with the brain…

“… You’re saying it’s not about awareness but rather fighting with your mind?”

“Haha.”

Pejon burst into laughter upon hearing my response.

“What a refreshingly simplistic answer.”

“I thought I was being clever.”

“Yes, simple, but not bad…. Since you got the right answer. But why can’t you do that? You know the answer, yet you don’t apply it?”

His words made me frown.

If I knew that, I’d have become Pejon myself, you old man.

I wanted to say that but swallowed my words.

I just got hit right where it still hurt.

“Looking at your expression, I can tell what you’re thinking.”

“I was just thinking how respect-worthy you are, senior.”

“What nonsense?”

“…”

Ugh.

So it really doesn’t work on him?

As I turned my head in disappointment, I could hear Pejon clicking his tongue lightly.

“I’m not disappointed at you for not being able to do this. In a way, it’s to be expected.”

“… So you’re saying you trained and managed to do it, is that what you’re implying?”

“Nope! I’ve always had it.”

“… Huh?”

“If I couldn’t do this, I wouldn’t be able to walk around claiming to be a master. Tsk.”

That old man nonchalantly admitting he’s something great turned my stomach.

“All I’m saying is, if you can’t do it, it doesn’t reflect poorly on me. Of course, even if you can’t do it.”

The corners of my eyes twitched with those words.

Each time Pejon smiled like that, it sent chills down my spine.

“I will make you able, so that’s not a problem.”

The scariest words in the world.

Whatever it takes, he’ll make sure it happens.

It felt similar to my own desire to thrive in this life, but having someone else impose that onto me was terrifying.

I asked, hiding my fear, “… So, you mean you’ll help me use my head better?”

“You’re making bizarre statements—how could I do such a thing?”

“Excuse me?”

The very same guy who just claimed he’d help me manage to achieve that now says this?

“What does that mean?”

“If this part doesn’t even make sense, then don’t try to understand with your head. You’ll only waste your time.”

“So… what do you suggest I do?”

“It’s a simple principle. If your head can’t understand.”

Shwoooosh—!

“…!”

A sudden, thrusting fist met my line of sight, and as I tried to twist my body to dodge—

Thud—!

The moment I tried to take a step back with my left foot, Pejon’s foot snagged mine, throwing off my balance.

My lower body collapsed, and I had to sit back down.

With a pathetic thud, I found myself staring blankly at Pejon.

Looking at me, Pejon said, “You have to understand with your body.”

What the hell is going on here? I was about to ask.

‘What is this?’

That last move felt… off.

The problem was, I didn’t know what was off about it.

Was it strange that I fell so easily?

Or was it that I couldn’t perceive Pejon’s movements, which made me seem foolish?

It was a strange feeling. A suffocating frustration that straddled the line between understanding and confusion.

[… Oh…]

Amidst all this, I heard Shin Noya’s voice, sounding somewhat amazed.

Does that mean Pejon has done something impressive?

“I’ll say it again, you’re underestimating yourself.”

Pejon’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

“I detest seeing someone with your body, possessing such potential, look down on themselves. Why do you see yourself as inferior?”

“That’s so out of nowhere… what do you mean?”

While such sudden words may seem incongruous, they were sufficient to wrench at my heart.

There’s no denying it.

The body I obtained through regression in extreme conditions is indeed outstanding.

To others, it’s a body that could incite envy.

Pejon decided to bring me on as an apprentice because he saw that.

But.

‘That doesn’t mean I’m a genius.’

It isn’t surprising that Pejon would have that misconception, but I knew.

I’m not one to be called a genius.

Even now.

I clearly hadn’t fully understood Pejon’s words in my head.

His remarks weren’t easy to digest.

“From the looks of your facial features, it seems you’re having some foolish thoughts again.”

Isn’t that a bit too much of an attack? After hearing that, I couldn’t help but chuckle awkwardly.

“Ah, how rude.”

Pejon called out to me.

“Regardless of how you judge yourself, truthfully, I have no interest in that. What you’ll eventually realize is but one thing.”

“And what is that?”

“You are the one and only successor of me, Pejon Bi Ju, and you shall become my life’s masterpiece.”

“…”

How can a person so casually say such things?

I was utterly captivated by Pejon’s confidence.

“If you lack confidence, then build that up and stack arrogance on top. And surround it with the ability to take responsibility. Even if you can’t, that’s fine.”

Thud.

I noticed Pejon’s body loosening as he spoke.

That sensation sent chills down my spine.

Immediately, I sprang to my feet and jumped a few steps back.

“If you need something, I will fill it. If you don’t understand, I will inform you. If you cannot harness your power, I will help you with that as well. Since I have become your master, I can do at least that. No, I must.”

“… Suddenly, why the enthusiasm?”

He seems to be far more spirited than before. Did something happen in the few days I haven’t seen him?

The old man felt oddly refreshed.

That was quite unsettling.

My instincts screamed at me.

If I’m going to run, I need to do it now.

Oblivious or not, Pejon continued with his words.

Just as I was about to bolt—

“It seems your body is prepared, so I thought it was time to move on to the next stage.”

“…!”

Pejon’s words made my feet freeze.

The next stage…

‘Is it the integration of Tua Pacheonmu?’

Just after managing to learn the basics of Tua Pacheonmu last time, he now intends to start training in the next level that he had left unaddressed for quite a while.

The problem is.

“… Now?”

Is he really doing it now? Stammering in confusion, Pejon shook his head.

“Not immediately. While your body appears ready, the most important part isn’t done yet. We need to satisfy that first.”

“Important part?”

“I told you earlier, change your low perception.”

“Ah.”

The reason why I couldn’t reach Pejon that I mentioned earlier.

And.

The meaning behind the strange sensation I just felt.

Is that what he is referring to?

Pejon explained.

If it doesn’t make sense, you should keep teaching until you understand.

“If you learn this, you’ll appear at least somewhat martial artist-like compared to now.”

“… So, I’m not a martial artist right now?”

“Well, you could be considered a snot-nosed kid who gets into some local brawls.”

“A snot-nosed…?”

[Ha ha, how can you say things that echo my own thoughts so perfectly?]

I feel like those two old men are picking on me.

It feels like a load of different things all rolled into one.

“If you reach that level, you won’t get beat up as easily even if you end up going around saying that.”

“I see.”

“Meaning I’ll allow you to take pride in being known as my disciple, Bi Ju.”

Upon my inquiry, Pejon spoke with a satisfied smile.

Those words mean I’ll be acknowledged as Pejon’s true successor.

A successor recognized by the Three Eminent Beings Pejon.

This essentially means I’m securing a position close to the King of Martial Arts in the future—but…

“… I really don’t need that.”

“…?”

I didn’t find that particularly appealing.

Even if he says to spread the word, I’d have no intention of bragging about it.

‘It’s not that I’m embarrassed… but somehow the thought of showing off feels a bit cringy.’

I felt something along those lines.

I am! The disciple of the great Pejon!

It feels like I’m flaunting, but…

The mere notion of it made me feel silly.

Goosebumps tingled along my arms at the thought.

Hiding those feelings, I looked at Pejon.

I noticed his eyebrows slightly twitching.

Is he angry? Feeling rushed, I quickly offered an explanation.

“Uh… I don’t mean that I don’t need it, but just that it feels—”

“… It’s fine if you don’t need it. I never said you had to go around bragging, after all.”

So he wasn’t angry? Well, that’s a relief.

“Ah, thank you for understanding….”

Thud.

“Huh?”

As a loud sound emanated from Pejon’s arm, I turned my head.

He was doing something with his fists, loosening up his body.

“Senior?”

“It seems I didn’t properly explain the training method, so I’ll share a bit more.”

“Wait a moment. Please don’t come any closer. Let’s talk from a distance, okay?”

“If you can’t understand with your head, it’s better to learn with your body. Do you know what the fastest way to do that is?”

“No, I don’t want to—!”

Swish—! It was as if my words fell on deaf ears, and Pejon suddenly lunged forward with a punch.

I barely managed to dodge.

Thud—!

“Gah…!”

I thought I dodged by turning my head, but somehow Pejon’s fist connected with my solar plexus.

Was that a feint? I didn’t see it coming.

My upper body bent automatically.

Pejon’s punch contained the essence of Tua Pacheonmu.

His strong energy broke into my body.

Even though I had hardened my inner strength to prepare for an unexpected attack, who would have guessed when that would happen?

‘… He broke through my weakest point.’

Somehow, he pinpointed the exact spot where my energy was weakest.

That wasn’t the end of it.

With the opening caused by my collapsing body,

Pejon kicked me away.

Bang—!

I slammed into a tree.

“Gah… ugh….”

I couldn’t even cough out a breath.

That last attack scrambled my energy.

It felt like the blood qi that had just stabilized was going haywire again.

How frustrating it was to stabilize it only to have it go off the rails.

As I glared at Pejon with a resentful expression, he only grinned at me.

“You’re learning by taking hits. That’s the fastest way.”

“… What the hell….”

I pouted inwardly.

That guy is obviously sulking.

Why do all these old men have such tight-knit personalities?

Sweat ran dripping down my face from the pain, and Pejon leisurely approached me as he spoke.

“Your instinct is sharp. It’s the second thing I hold in high regard after your physique.”

Using all my strength, I forced my body to rise. I was in a hurry.

His voice sounded much closer compared to the distance.

I moved my body in response to my instincts.

Trying to stay out of reach, but—

Tap.

Blocked.

Damn it… Pejon had already sealed off my escape.

My shoulders involuntarily jerked.

This wasn’t my intention; it was Pejon’s strength at play.

It wasn’t as if he was outmatching me, but he easily shoved me back.

“First off, I wasn’t pleased with your reliance on just your instincts, so I’ll break that habit this time.”

I spewed out my inner strength.

Gathering power in my heart, I intended to show my heat.

Boom—!

“Gah…!”

As Pejon’s attack cut through my flow of inner strength,

The backlash threw my body off balance for a split second, and Pejon seized my collar and threw me backward.

Though I barely managed to fall without mishap as I soared through the air,

As my dizzy vision gradually cleared,

“I only have one condition to end the training we will do going forward, you wretched disciple.”

Once again, Pejon’s voice rang out right next to me.

“You must block even one of my attacks. Succeed in that, and this training will conclude.”

“… What…!”

What the heck does that mean? I wanted to shout, but before I could, Pejon’s knee was already entering my face.

I raised my hands to block it.

Bang—!

I managed to stop one, but—

The impact sent my head spinning.

‘Such bullshit…!’

Multiple attacks came raining down.

To just block or dodge was all I could manage state-wise, and just as I tried to gather myself amid the chaos,

Pejon energetically threw various attacks my way, saying,

“It’s not about blocking or dodging; it’s about ‘stopping’ them. Keep that in mind.”

His voice rang crystal clear.

‘What a load of crap.’

Gritting my teeth, I reflected on how sudden and jarring the training methods were.

“…”

While Gu Yangcheong was getting relentlessly hit by Pejon,

Gu Cheolun stood back, observing from a distance.

Watching his son scurrying around and getting beaten to the ground.

Even while witnessing that, Gu Cheolun’s gaze remained unfazed.

Just calmly observing the scene.

At that moment.

“I see you aren’t intervening. I wonder why?”

Someone approached Gu Cheolun and asked.

In response, Gu Cheolun turned to face the other person. He showed no surprise, having anticipated their arrival.

The one asking was a handsome man with white hair and an emotionless expression.

Looking at him, Gu Cheolun spoke softly.

“There’s no reason for me to intervene.”

“Even when your only son is in such a predicament?”

Gu Yangcheong was destined to inherit the position of clan leader and lead the Gu Clan.

For such a child to face that kind of fate, it felt strange for Gu Cheolun not to step in.

“It’s rather strange for you to say you’re concerned about him when you’ve come all this way.”

“…”

Though the man’s statement caused Gu Cheolun’s brow to furrow slightly, he quickly reverted to his calm demeanor.

There’s no need to intervene when his son is in this predicament.

The reason is simple.

“I entrusted that situation to Pejon. I’m not foolish enough to interfere in a training session.”

“Is that so?”

The man nodded at Gu Cheolun’s response.

It didn’t mean he understood, but simply that there was nothing left to say since that’s what Gu Cheolun stated.

A brief silence lingered, and the man decided to ask Gu Cheolun another question.

“By the way, why did you call for me?”

The reason for the man’s presence here was that Gu Cheolun himself summoned the King of Demons.

Upon hearing that inquiry, Gu Cheolun revealed the purpose of summoning the King of Demons.

“I have a question I’d like to ask you, senior.”

Upon hearing that, the white-haired man, the King of Demons, turned his gaze to Gu Cheolun.

As Gu Cheolun’s crimson eyes glimmered, he looked at the King of Demons.

“What was that all about?”

“What do you mean?”

The King of Demons tilted his head slightly at Gu Cheolun’s inquiry, appearing to convey he didn’t quite understand what was being asked.

Gu Cheolun asserted firmly,

“The letter from the Tang Clan sent to the Gu Clan. You intervened, didn’t you?”

“…”

Just days ago, the Poison King’s letter arrived at the Gu Clan.

It was a message about how Gu Yangcheong was almost poisoned.

Gu Cheolun claimed that this matter was related to the King of Demons.

Upon hearing that, the King of Demons merely replied, “Hmm.”

A rare smile appeared on his face.

“You’re still as sharp as ever.”

And with his response, it felt as if the sky had darkened slightly.

 

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