Chapter: 492
“What on earth is the principle? It seems like a form of transformation technique, but this is the first time I’ve seen such an elaborate magic in action.”
About half an hour had passed since I revealed myself to Pajeon, prepared for a reprimanding. However, Pajeon still seemed more interested in the transformation technique than my current state.
His eyes were sparkling with curiosity.
“How fascinating! Is it really possible to shorten or elongate your arms and legs as well?”
“I haven’t tried it yet… but it seems feasible.”
To use gas transformation technique, you don’t need many payments, but it does require meticulous and precise operation. In actual combat, I don’t think I’ll be able to use it the way Pajeon desires.
Will it be possible once I get accustomed to it? I wasn’t entirely sure about this part.
[It’s probably possible.]
“Excuse me?”
I was slightly surprised by Shin Noya’s comment that interrupted my thoughts.
Is it possible? Like Pajeon said, to elongate my limbs mid-battle to create confusion?
[It’s not impossible; it’s something the Tang Clan utilized in battle.]
‘…’
Noya’s calm affirmation painted a vivid scenario in my mind.
I could just picture how the Tang Clan would exploit this in combat. But really, what’s with making limbs grow like stretched-out dough? I might not know how efficient it is, but it sure sounded bizarre.
[…] appearance aside, the problem is that you shouldn’t carelessly showcase your martial skills.
Seeing how he sidestepped the appearance issue, it seemed even Noya thought that using this in combat wouldn’t look appealing.
After that thought, I decided to steer the conversation towards another topic.
‘Are you saying I can’t show my martial arts skills?’
The notion that I shouldn’t showcase my gas transformation technique to others was the problem here.
[Rather than saying you shouldn’t show it to others, it specifically means you should be cautious around those from the Tang Clan.]
‘Why is that?’
[Well, as you’ve likely suspected, the gas transformation technique is one of the secrets of the Tang Clan.]
I nodded slightly. It was something I had anticipated from Noya.
With a skill so refined and impressive, it was definitely worthy of being termed a secret art.
[Looking at the current situation, it seems that the gas transformation technique has been lost.]
This also rang true.
Considering this level of transformation hasn’t been known, it wasn’t surprising to learn that it was a martial art lost long ago.
‘So, if the Tang Clan catches wind of this, their eyes will undoubtedly flicker with excitement. Are you saying that’s the case?’
[Precisely. Even if it was lost, the elders and family leaders would certainly know of its existence.]
‘I understand your point… but, Noya.’
[Speak.]
‘Are you truly okay with me keeping this, Noya?’
[…]
I felt Noya was pondering my question for a moment.
There was no confusion regarding what I meant.
I understood this was a forgotten secret of the Tang family. And if this was handed to me by the Dangjemun, I was wondering if it was alright to just keep it without returning it.
It felt a bit wrong to just swallow it whole, considering it was given to me directly by the Dangjemun.
‘Normally, I would have just gulped it down.’
Considering Noya’s relationship with the Dangjemun, it felt awkward to act otherwise.
If Noya wished to return the martial arts phrase to the Tang Clan, he would have done so without hesitation… no, a slight pause would have likely occurred before he did.
[There’s no need for that.]
Noya denied my concern.
Yet, I still asked again if it really was alright to keep it.
This time the answer was consistent.
[Since that person didn’t tell you much, there’s no need.]
‘…one.’
[Given his personality, if he wished for that, he would’ve brought it up first. The fact that he didn’t imply he doesn’t want you to do that. And furthermore.]
Noya paused for a moment, a moment of silence hovering in the air.
[I really don’t want to give it to the current Tang Clan.]
A rare chilly tone rang from Noya.
After hearing this, I found myself with nothing more to add, so I let the conversation lapse.
Honestly, it wasn’t a situation in which we could continue discussing matters anyway.
“Hmm.”
Pajeon, who had been ensorcelled by the transformation technique, was soon feeling various parts of my body.
“This certainly doesn’t seem to be a result of martial arts.”
Did Pajeon immediately comprehend it as well? Interest glimmered in his eyes.
“…Yes. You’re correct.”
This was the crux of the matter.
It was odd that Pajeon wasn’t interested in my transformed body but was instead lost in thought about the technique.
If there was any slight issue.
“The density of the body is astonishingly high.”
“Elder…?”
I was aware he meant no ill intentions, but having him poke around here and there wasn’t particularly comfortable.
Was he assessing the state of my muscles now?
Pajeon, who was busy feeling around, withdrew his hands for a moment and asked, “It seems there was some fortunate coincidence.”
‘…’
“It has a quality akin to transformation… yet distinctly different, I see. Is this a result of the bets gathering before the pause?”
Did he deduce all of that just from a few quick observations and touches?
It felt far too precise for something said so casually.
Pajeon’s gaze shifted toward my eyes.
I could see his distinctive, bright yet unfathomable pupils.
“Your realm has stabilized nicely.”
“…That’s right.”
“I had known you were quite the secretive child. But it seems this mystery runs deeper than I anticipated.”
“…”
Each word echoed profoundly within me.
Pajeon was always like this. He seemed uninterested in anything besides martial arts. Yet, I had a feeling:
‘It’s as though he observes far more than that.’
That strange sense of dissonance weighed heavily on my mind.
“Indeed.”
Pajeon queried, “Is there something you can disclose?”
I couldn’t answer that offhand.
Was I capable of explaining what had transpired?
No way, even having become a disciple to Pajeon and entered this master-disciple relationship.
I hadn’t built that level of trust with Pajeon yet.
I felt certain that Pajeon hadn’t either.
Given such a situation, explaining this was daunting.
Did he read that in my expression? Pajeon casually turned his head and stated, “If you can’t say it, that’s fine. What matters to me isn’t that.”
I couldn’t help but be startled at how easily he retreated from my question.
I expected him to cling onto the topic and prod for answers.
Was martial arts truly all that mattered to him, even more than last time?
As I mulled over my thoughts, it appeared it was indeed so.
“The crux is whether you can inherit my martial arts. Is there a problem with that?”
Pajeon was inquiring if my transformed body could learn the Tuapacheonmu.
If I were to respond regarding this matter:
“There isn’t one.”
Fortunately, there were no hurdles. Though I was not human anymore and the location of my danjeon had shifted,
I didn’t believe that would hinder my ability to learn martial arts.
Upon hearing my response, Pajeon nodded lightly.
“Then that settles it.”
What mattered was that I could still learn martial arts.
Strangely, that statement sent a chill down my spine.
It truly felt like martial arts were everything to Pajeon.
[What an obsession]
The bond of obsession and desire for martial arts. Being around Pajeon made that feeling considerably more intense.
If I were to contemplate this, wouldn’t he be a person most qualified to be labeled masterless?
“Hmm, while the body has been reinforced, your movements suggest you are not yet accustomed to the sense of distance.”
“…!”
I had to widen my eyes at Pajeon’s statement.
He hit the nail on the head.
Upon arriving, I had been maintaining my older body through the gas transformation technique, leaving me no time at all to adjust to this enlarged physique.
Additionally, since I’d been so preoccupied, I hadn’t even properly assessed how much stronger I had become right after my realm increased.
“Hmmm.”
Pajeon paused, seemingly deep in thought for a moment.
“Well, this works out nicely.”
He wore a slight smile as though an idea had crossed his mind.
That smile somehow felt ominous.
“What… do you mean it works out?”
“If your body is unfamiliar, and your level is uncomfortable, isn’t there a perfect way to address that?”
“What do you mean…?”
Just as I was about to question the sudden turn,
Pajeon relaxed his body a bit and smiled at me.
“Come at me.”
“Excuse me?”
What?!
“Elder?”
“I’ve been curious about how much you’ve changed, and it’s a fortunate opportunity.”
“Wait a second! What kind of opportunity are you talking about?”
Are you suggesting this is a good opportunity to hit me?
I stared at Pajeon, wondering if that was truly what he meant.
“You can tell from your eyes.”
“…?”
“You’re itching to check it out for yourself, aren’t you? Isn’t that good for you too?”
“…!”
I gulped at Pajeon’s words.
The transformation of my body and the increase in strength— I was struggling to fathom how drastic the changes had been.
Is he really suggesting that I find out by doing this?
It was indeed something I needed, as Pajeon had mentioned. However, I had no inclination to confirm it through a fight with Pajeon.
I wasn’t fond of being the one getting hit.
‘Except maybe it wouldn’t be all one-sided anymore?’
With my improved realm, it could be different from before.
As I pondered, a flicker of excitement welled up in me.
“There might even be a need to discipline a disciple who has become too overconfident.”
“…”
Had Pajeon even caught onto this mindset of mine as he smiled and spoke?
Darn it, I felt completely exposed.
It was utterly ridiculous how everyone could decipher my expressions.
With a small sigh, I lifted my arms.
Given the atmosphere, it didn’t seem like Pajeon would let it slide even if I refused.
Moreover, like he said, I had to check things out at least once.
How long had it been since I’d fought a demigod?
Sure, I had done a few one-sided sparring sessions to practice Tuapacheonmu, but
this was my first earnest fight since Shinryongwan.
“This time, you can use something other than Tuapacheonmu. Use everything you can.”
“…Are you sure about that?”
“Oh, are you worrying about me?”
Pajeon chuckled, finding my concern amusing.
“Don’t worry; I’m not so weak I’ll be beaten by a little disciple with a runny nose.”
Even if he said that, some worries remained.
The difference in realms was blatantly clear.
“I know exactly what you’re thinking, so I’ll make a wager with you.”
“A wager?”
“Yes! If I land even a single hit on you during this fight, I’ll call you ‘big brother’ for the next seven days and nights.”
“…”
“Well? If you don’t like it, I can think of another wager…!”
Whoosh—!
While he spoke, I lunged forward.
Pajeon swiftly dodged my outstretched fist by turning his head.
Dang it, I missed.
Hah…
Pajeon stared at me, bemused by my attempt.
His expression seemed to indicate shock that I’d tried to attack while speaking.
“It didn’t work.”
“Haha… How did I end up accepting such a student as my disciple?”
I thought it was the perfect moment for a surprise attack.
It didn’t work out. What a pity.
Crack! The sound of bones creaking emanated from Pajeon’s body.
“I suppose… I’ll need to teach you a lesson.”
Those words carried a hint of frustration that made me break into a cold sweat.
I felt I might’ve crossed the line a little too far.
[What a rookie. Why is it that you always throw the first punch?]
As Shin Noya let out a sigh, sounding utterly disappointed.
I gathered all my energy and dashed toward Pajeon.
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