It was only once Min-Su finished comprehending Domain that Hae-Hyuk decided to leave the sect. Jin had yet to even attempt External Manipulation, let alone Domain. Yet Hae-Hyuk made up his mind to go. Both disciples didn't care that much, they could keep training everywhere after all.

The sect's people were the sad ones. They really hoped that Hae-Hyuk would have stayed. As the trio left, they even sent them away while waving spiritual-energy-formed-hammers they learnt from Hae-Hyuk... It was quite the funny display. As night fell, they had reached quite far away from the sect.

Jin asked Hae-Hyuk: "Where are we going now, teacher?" and Hae-Hyuk answered him: "Tranquil Waterfall Institute. It's the next sect close-by. We will reach it in a few days" Jin didn't mind the destination but he was quite curious as to why they moved towards another sect and not a city or something. He was answered so: "A technique master sells techniques to sects. They go from one to another in search of wealth"

It made sense. So, he stopped questioning further.

And three days later, they reached that sect. Its doors and surrounding walls were a spectacular sight. Water kept cascading down the walls. A waterfall gate and waterfall walls. As they approached, he was told they worked like a fountain but weren't simply about aesthetics. The sect's top masters could use it to defend the grounds of the sect. It was a sect-protecting equipment, a wonderful masterpiece of craft that went perfectly with that sect's doctrines.

It was true proof of wealth and ability. And yet, even in such a sect that was no doubt of a higher standing than the previous one, the treatment remained the same. If not better. The sect leader went to welcome Hae-Hyuk and his disciples himself, along with a cohort of top elders.

It went on very much like at the previous sect. What was really frightening were the skills that Hae-Hyuk sold to this sect. They were the same as those he sold to the previous sect except that instead of hammers, they were shaped like rapiers (the favorite weapon of this sect).

As they reached the villa, Jin asked: "We're not being listened in, right?" to which Hae-Hyuk laughed. He truly found that question funny. Who would dare listen in on his conversation? Who would dare spy on him? No one. Unless they had a death wish. He reassured Jin while wiping a tear of laughter. And Jin asked him: "Aren't you a scammer?"

The atmosphere in the mansion hall went cold. Hae-Hyuk didn't expect to be insulted like so and even he didn't quite manage to keep his calm. If it hadn't been his disciple, he would have beheaded someone already. Tarnishing the image and reputation of a technique master was no joke. He asked Jin why he thought so.

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And Jin answered him: "The techniques you sold are copies of what you sold to the other sect. You only altered the shapes" Hae-Hyuk nodded to himself and the cold atmosphere vanished. He forgot for a moment that this new apprentice had no idea what technique masters were truly about. And he hadn't even learnt a technique too. He was still figuring out the principles. So, he put on his teacher mode and began explaining:

"First, never again insult someone's profession, especially technique masters. You might find yourself dead if you do so, ok?"

"...Ok"

"Now then. Are red and green apples the same? No. Yet they are still apples, right? So, why are they different? Because of their appearances for one. But also, because the different appearance is due to a change in its underlying principles. Those techniques may seem the same, and they do have things in common, but they are different. Rapiers are used to 'pierce' while hammers 'crush' which is already a big difference. Just because two things look the same doesn't mean they are, little Jin"

"I understand. Sorry about the previous words"

"It's fine"

"Then, are you going to sell derivatives of those skills to every sect we go to?"

"Of course. Why shouldn't I? They pay me well for it. There is a demand and I can offer, little Jin, why should I bother further?"

It was true. But it felt strangely weird. Jin couldn't help but associate a technique master with a scammer after this. The shapes of the technique were altered, true, but that was it. Sure, it ended up bringing a lot of differences and it could be called a new different technique but still. It did feel like a scam. One in which the scammed seemed to wish to be scammed.

"Are they not aware that the techniques you sell them are similar to their neighbor's?"

"They are aware of it. But what can they do? If they don't buy it, wouldn't they miss on the chance to acquire such techniques? You have to understand that just because someone else has it doesn't mean you shouldn't try to get it too. To a sect, techniques are a must and they will always wish for more. As long as it is not a replicate of something they already have, they will want it. It is similar to something the other sects have? So what? If they don't have it too, wouldn't they be laughed at by their neighbors for not having it? The world of cultivators is very competitive. Which is why a technique master will never be out of work and they are always welcomed everywhere"

It was indeed a scam. But a required one. An acknowledged one. All for the sake of constantly advancing. A technique master wasn't just helping one sect but all sects. They were bringing the overall might of every sect upwards. And solely by sharing derivates of a few techniques. It was impressive in its own way. And it piqued Jin's interest.

He looked at Hae-Hyuk and seriously asked him: "Can you teach me how to become a technique master?"

Hae-Hyuk laughed before he answered: "There are only two requirements to becoming a technique master: Reaching beyond the 50th stage of spiritual accumulation and grasping a hidden technique to uncover the techniques of everyone and understanding them on the spot. I will pass on my hidden technique to you and Min-Su as I promised to train you to the best of my abilities. As for reaching the 50th stage, that will depend on your own fate"

"That's more than enough, thank you"