As Hae-Hyuk came back and the clouds of dust dissipated, everyone could see the true damage dealt by the technique. The ground was utterly devastated. There was no need for more words as this was enough to illustrate the state of the training garden. Destroyed.

While Jin was dazed, it wasn't so for the elders. They had been apprehensive at first but this display was satisfactory. Truly a legacy skill. As Hae-Hyuk came back, the Sect Leader even asked: "What about the high-level of proficiency?"

Hae-Hyuk smiled and told him: "For your artifact, I am only willing to give you the early- and mid-levels. It is a great artifact but it isn't enough to buy the high-level of such a technique"

The Sect Leader pondered for a moment before nodding. It was true. That single pen might be a treasure but, in the end, it was only one treasure. Only one being could use it at a time. A technique could however be taught without limits. Just the might of the technique proved its worth. Imagine a dozen cultivators using it at once? How about a hundred? It was indeed worth being called a legacy technique!

The Sect Leader turned to discuss it with his elders. This wasn't a matter of pills and golds. While they paid a heavy price for the foundation techniques, it was still far from the worth of that single pen. It didn't mean they weren't willing to trade. On the contrary, they were. They knew that the master in front of them wasn't lacking in such techniques but they were. What was a single artifact in exchange for an opportunity?

They all agreed to the trade but had a condition. They wanted to make sure it was a legacy technique and thus wished to see the next stage of it. Even if they didn't get the manual, as long as they saw the direction to take, they might one day succeed themselves.

Hae-Hyuk agreed to show them the next step if they cut the deal. So, they did. He put the pen in his space ring and took out two new jade slips. He handed them over to the Sect Leader. Then, he said: "All of you better put up the greatest barriers you can muster"

The Elder's expressions turned serious as they did so right away. A true legacy technique at the high-level of mastery? They couldn't afford to be lenient in their barriers. This time, Hae-Hyuk walked a few hundred meters away before beginning to channel his spiritual energy.

The very same hammer that appeared at mid-level reappeared once again. However, this time, he wasn't alone. One more popped up alongside it, then another. Until there were 30 of them. And then, they began to fall. The sheer might of the destruction was beyond anything one could even hope to imagine.

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From the inside of the many powerful wards, Jin could see clearly. The hammers destroyed everything and reduced it all to nothing. And yet, as if it wasn't enough, the hammers didn't dissipate after falling once. Instead, they rose up once more before falling again. And they started falling in mixed order. The resounding noise of destruction was unstopped and continued for a few minutes.

The barriers broke one after another simply from the residual waves of power. The Elders had to force themselves to cast them again and again until all hammers disappeared and Hae-Hyuk reappeared. He walked towards the group with nonchalance and an amiable smile on his face. To think someone that seemed so gentle could be so damn strong...

Jin was amazed by the display of skill during the mid-level stage showcase. Now, he was scared. The might displayed by this skill was just that world-breaking. The Sect Leader and other Elders welcomed Hae-Hyuk with even more reverence than before. Even their ancestors wouldn't receive such grand treatment... Couldn't blame them though.

They were very happy about the technique they bought to the point that a new banquet was to be organized as soon as they returned to the sect. An extravagant lunch was to be made!

On the way back, Hae-Hyuk walked alongside his two disciples. He was praised to no ends by Min-Su and gave the kid a few pats on the head. He told him to work hard and expected him to reach far higher than that himself. Then, he turned to Jin and asked him: "Still not ready to acknowledge me as your Master?"

Jin answered him seriously: " You displayed your ability to provide for us and your might. Not only that but even though I've been quite rude, you didn't take it to heart and went along, displaying your care. There is only one thing left I must know"

Hae-Hyuk was a bit surprised at the answer. After such a display, there were probably not many youths who would say this kind of thing. Most probably would jump on the occasion and even beg him for the opportunity. They might even literally go kissing his boots... Hae-Hyuk had humored the kid until now, why not one more question? He was a patient man. He agreed to answer to the best of his abilities.

So, Jin asked him: "Why do you want to take me in as a disciple? You are impossibly strong and it seems like your knowledge of techniques is enough for you to be respected in any sect, hell, you could even make your own. So, why? I don't believe you're doing selflessly so don't bother with such lies"

Hae-Hyuk chuckled. Smart and cautious ones were not displeasing to his sight. He answered: "Indeed, there is a reason I am taking in disciples. I need something but can't get it. However, my disciples will have the opportunity to get it. I will teach you everything I can to the best of my abilities in hope that you will get that thing and bring it to me. That's the reason why I am taking in talented disciples"