The evening light dimmed across the slums, casting long shadows over the uneven ground. The sun hung blood-red on the horizon, as if it too sensed the violence about to unfold.
Tae-Won stood facing the Jin Clan disciples, his body still weak and unfamiliar, yet his mind sharp with centuries of battle experience. The meager Qi he'd managed to cultivate flowed through his Azure Phoenix Meridians, responding to his will with surprising precision despite its scarcity.
"Well, well, the trash lives," sneered the leader, a tall youth with piercing eyes. "I thought I'd finished you last time." He placed a hand on his sword hilt. "Looks like I need to be more thorough."
Behind Tae-Won, Ho-Jin stepped forward nervously. "Young Master, let me help—"
"Stay back," Tae-Won commanded, his voice firm but not harsh. "This is my fight."
[Warning: Current cultivation level insufficient for combat against trained cultivators.]
Tae-Won ignored the system's warning. In his past life as Edward Reinhart, he'd defeated gods with nothing but a broken sword and his wits. A few arrogant disciples wouldn't be a problem.
[Quest Alert: First Blood]
[Defeat the Jin Clan disciples to establish your presence in Murim]
[Reward: 100 Cultivation Points, Basic Combat Technique]
[Failure: Possible death, loss of followers]
[Accept? Y/N]
"Y," Tae-Won muttered under his breath, studying his opponents.
The Jin Clan disciples wore elegant blue robes that marked them as cultivators of status, but their stances revealed their inexperience. These weren't family members of the Jin Clan—just outer disciples, trying to earn their place.
"You still don't understand your place, do you?" The leader drew his sword in one fluid motion, the steel gleaming in the dying light. "Let me educate you."
Tae-Won didn't respond with words. His body moved with the precision of a seasoned warrior. He didn't need raw strength to win—he needed timing, cunning, and speed.
The first cultivator lunged at him, his sword slicing through the air toward Tae-Won's midsection. Too quick for an ordinary slum dweller to dodge.
But Tae-Won wasn't ordinary.
He sidestepped, not by force, but by guiding the Qi within him, allowing it to flow through his limbs like water finding the path of least resistance. It wasn't much—just a small trickle of Qi—but it enhanced his reflexes enough to avoid the blade.
"How did—" one of them gasped. "How did trash like him dodge that?"
The others hesitated for only a moment before surrounding him, their confidence returning. Five against one—the odds seemed insurmountable.
Tae-Won remained calm, analyzing their movements. These disciples had training, but their techniques were basic. Their Qi control was rudimentary at best.
One of them charged, executing a textbook strike. Tae-Won parried, feeling the weight behind the strike but finding it manageable.
[System Function: Technique Analysis Engaged]
[Analyzing Jin Clan Martial Arts... Progress: 10%]
The third cultivator stepped forward, his stance shifting subtly in a way that Tae-Won's experienced eyes immediately recognized as preparation for something different.
"I haven't practiced much," the disciple announced with unearned confidence, "but here it is—Jin Clan basic sword technique, first step: Wind Slash!"
Tae-Won narrowed his eyes, analyzing the stance. *Standard form, but his Qi circulation pattern is different from the others. He's actually channeling energy into the blade.*
The disciple's sword began to glow faintly with pale blue energy—not particularly impressive by cultivator standards, but a genuine technique nonetheless.
*This one actually has some training,* Tae-Won realized, adjusting his stance to counter what he anticipated would be a straightforward attack.
But as the blade descended, Tae-Won noticed something he hadn't accounted for—the Qi wasn't just enhancing the blade's sharpness, but extending its reach. The visible arc of energy stretched beyond the physical sword by nearly a foot.
*A projection technique?* Tae-Won thought, already shifting to evade—but his body's reflexes weren't as finely tuned as his mind's calculations.
He twisted away from where the physical blade would have struck, but the extension of Qi sliced across his abdomen, cutting through cloth and flesh alike. Blood immediately began to seep from the wound.
"Young Master!" Ho-Jin cried out.
"Stay back!" Tae-Won commanded, pressing a hand against the wound while keeping his eyes locked on his opponents. *I underestimated their training level. They're still novices, but that one actually has some genuine technique.*
The pain was sharp, insistent. Tae-Won could feel warm blood flowing between his fingers, the wound deeper than he'd initially assessed. Each movement sent fresh waves of pain through his torso.
*This could be problematic,* he thought, analyzing the injury without panic. *Not immediately fatal, but blood loss will soon affect my performance.*
The disciples grinned, sensing advantage. "Not so confident now, are you, slum rat?" one taunted.
Tae-Won ignored the taunt, his mind racing through options. The blood was flowing steadily, and he could feel his movements already becoming slightly sluggish. Another few minutes of combat like this, and blood loss would begin to seriously impair his reflexes.
*In my previous life, I could have regenerated this with mana. Perhaps Qi functions similarly?*
As he continued to dodge the disciples' renewed attacks—moving more conservatively now to minimize the strain on his wound—Tae-Won began to experiment. He carefully directed a portion of his meager Qi reserves away from his limbs, channeling it internally toward the damaged tissue.
[Analyzing Jin Clan Technique... Progress: 37%]
The process demanded intense concentration. Tae-Won visualized the Qi flowing through his meridians, diverting it to the wound, focusing it on knitting together the severed blood vessels first to slow the bleeding.
It wasn't instantaneous healing—he lacked both the Qi reserves and the precise knowledge for that—but the bleeding began to slow, giving him precious time.
"You're still standing?" the disciple who'd wounded him said, confusion evident in his voice. "That should have put you down."
Tae-Won straightened slightly, managing the pain through controlled breathing. "Your technique... it's incomplete," he observed, studying their movements with renewed attention. "The Qi projection extends your reach, but it lacks stability."
The wound continued to throb, a persistent reminder of his miscalculation. But now, at least, it wouldn't be immediately debilitating. He'd bought himself time to turn the tables.
[Analyzing Jin Clan Technique... Progress: 68%]
Tae-Won's lips curled into a small smile. "More than you might think."
The leader's patience wore thin. "Enough talk. Finish him!"
Two disciples rushed forward simultaneously, their swords gleaming. Tae-Won waited until the last possible moment before moving, his body flowing between their attacks with unexpected grace. Each movement carefully calculated to minimize the strain on his wound while maximizing efficiency.
[Analysis Complete: Jin Clan Martial Arts and Sword Technique – Basic Principles Understood]
Understanding flooded his mind—the sword forms, the stances, the Qi circulation methods used in the Wind Slash. Not complete mastery, but enough to turn the tables.
Tae-Won dodged another strike, then countered with precise movements that mirrored the Jin Clan's own technique, but refined, more efficient. His wound protested, but the pain had become manageable through his focused Qi control.
"Wait," the leader's eyes widened in disbelief. "Those movements—"
"Impossible!" another disciple exclaimed. "He's copying our techniques!"
Tae-Won seized the opportunity to disarm one of the disciples, claiming his sword. The weapon felt unfamiliar in his hand, but serviceable. He channeled what little Qi he had into the blade, mimicking what he'd just witnessed.
The sword glowed faintly—nowhere near as bright as the disciple's had, but enough to show he was using the same principle.
"Wind Slash," he said calmly, executing the technique with surprising precision.
The air itself seemed to part as a thin line of Qi extended the blade's reach. It wasn't powerful, but the precise strike sent one disciple stumbling backward, a shallow cut across his chest.
"How?!" one of them gasped. "How does he know our techniques? He's just a slum dog!"
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"Could it be?" another whispered, face paling. "Did he copy our technique just by looking at it?"
Fear replaced their earlier confidence as they realized this wasn't an ordinary opponent.
"Stand your ground!" the leader commanded, though uncertainty had crept into his voice. "We can't lose to a slum dog! We'll use the fourth step technique."
"The Destruction Blade?" one asked incredulously. "We've never successfully performed that before!"
"It's our only chance," the leader insisted. "Flow your Qi into me. I'll execute it."
The disciples gathered around their leader, placing their hands on his shoulders. They closed their eyes in concentration, channeling their combined Qi into him.
The energy began to coalesce around the leader's sword, growing denser until it was visible even to untrained eyes—a swirling mass of pale blue energy that hummed with power.
Tae-Won watched with fascination, analyzing the technique even as he calculated his chances. With his current Qi reserves, there was no way he could counter such an attack directly.
The leader raised his glowing sword high, triumph in his eyes. The air around them grew heavy with pressurized Qi as he prepared to strike.
"Young Master, run!" Ho-Jin called desperately.
But Tae-Won stood his ground, his mind racing through possibilities. Could he dodge? Redirect? Use the environment?
Before the leader could bring his blade down, a blur of white streaked between them—so fast that even Tae-Won's experienced eyes could barely track the movement.
A figure in pristine white robes appeared, moving with such fluid grace that it seemed almost supernatural. With a single flick of his finger, the mysterious newcomer dispersed the dense Qi surrounding the leader's sword, dissolving it like morning mist under the sun.
"What do you think you're doing, Min-Ho?" the newcomer asked, his voice cold and commanding. His elegant robes bore the emblem of the Jin Clan, but unlike the disciples, his bearing spoke of true authority.
"Y-Young Master Taekyung!" the leader—apparently named Min-Ho—stuttered, immediately dropping to one knee. "We were just—"
"This slum rat disrespected the Jin Clan name!" another disciple blurted. "We were teaching him a lesson!"
Tae-Won wiped blood from his wound, his expression neutral. "They attacked me and my friends unprovoked. I merely defended myself."
Taekyung's eyes, sharp and assessing, moved between the disciples and Tae-Won. Unlike the crude disciples, his presence carried genuine power—the kind that comes from talent and proper training.
"Silence," Taekyung commanded, his tone brooking no argument. "You've disgraced the Jin Clan name. Pooling your Qi for the fourth step technique against an untrained commoner? Pathetic."
His gaze hardened. "Instructor Gin will hear of this."
"Young Master, please!" Min-Ho begged. "We were only—"
"Enough." Taekyung's voice cut through the excuses like a blade through silk. "Leave. Now."
The disciples scrambled to comply, casting hateful glances at Tae-Won as they retreated.
"You'll pay for this," Min-Ho hissed under his breath.
When they had gone, Ho-Jin rushed to Tae-Won's side, eyes wide with concern. "Young Master, your wound—"
"It's not as bad as it looks," Tae-Won assured him, though blood still seeped through his fingers.
A notification appeared in his vision:
[Quest Complete: First Blood]
[Reward: 100 Cultivation Points, Basic Combat Technique - "Azure Dragon's Claw"]
[Bonus: +10 Cultivation Points for impressing an inner disciple]
[Current Realm: Body Refinement Stage 1]
[Qi Reserves: 0.8%]
Interesting, Tae-Won thought, dismissing the notification. My Qi reserves increased from combat more than from meditation. This constitution truly favors practical application.
He turned his attention to Taekyung, who was observing him with undisguised interest.
"I watched your fight," Taekyung said, his voice measured. "You copied their technique after seeing it only once."
His eyes narrowed slightly. "Someone with your talent doesn't belong in the slums."
Tae-Won studied Taekyung carefully. This young man, no older than seventeen, carried himself with the confidence of nobility. Not just a disciple, but likely an heir to the clan itself. Already he was identifying and recruiting talent—building his power base.
"I appreciate your intervention," Tae-Won said cautiously, "but why help me?"
Taekyung's lips curved into a small smile. "Talent is rare. Wasting it would be... inefficient." He gestured to Ho-Jin and the other children watching from a distance. "Join the Jin Clan. We can provide proper training, resources, shelter for your... friends."
In his previous life, Edward Reinhart would have accepted such an offer without hesitation—using it as a stepping stone to greater power. But something had changed. These children had sacrificed everything to save this body's original owner. They were loyal beyond reason.
"I'm sorry," Tae-Won said after a moment, "but the people behind me are my friends. I won't abandon them."
Taekyung tilted his head slightly, reassessing. "They could come with you."
"Even so," Tae-Won continued, choosing his words carefully, "I seek to forge my own path. Joining the Jin Clan would make me one of many—a follower rather than a leader. That is not the future I envision."
I need to understand this world better before tying myself to any faction, he thought.
A flicker of respect crossed Taekyung's features. "You understand the game already, I see." He paused, considering. "What if I offered an alternative? Not as a member of the Jin Clan, but as an ally."
"I'm listening."
"I control several properties in the eastern province—won through my own merit, not family inheritance. One such estate lies near the Heavenly Cloud Martial Academy, where I study." Taekyung's eyes gleamed with something like anticipation. "You and your companions could reside there. You could attend the academy, develop your talents without clan obligations."
Tae-Won considered the proposal. An academy would provide knowledge, connections, and opportunities to understand this world's power structure—all without the restrictions of clan membership.
"And what would you gain from this arrangement?" Tae-Won asked directly.
Taekyung smiled, appreciating the directness. "A potential ally with rare talent. Insurance against future... uncertainties."
Political maneuvering, Tae-Won realized. This young noble is preparing for future power struggles within his clan.
"If those are your terms," Tae-Won said finally, "I accept."
With a nod of satisfaction, Taekyung flicked his wrist, summoning a majestic bird with iridescent blue and gold feathers. The creature descended from the sky, wings creating gentle whirlwinds as it landed.
The children gasped in awe, their eyes wide with wonder.
"Is that... are we going to..." Ho-Jin stammered, unable to complete his sentence.
"Yes," Taekyung replied matter-of-factly. "We'll be flying there."
The journey took less than an hour—the vast slums giving way to lush countryside and finally to a modestly affluent town nestled between rolling hills. They descended toward a secluded estate near a clear, winding river.
The property wasn't extravagant by noble standards, but to children who had known only the filth and desperation of the slums, it was paradise. The moment their feet touched the ground, they scattered like leaves in the wind, shouting with unbridled joy as they discovered the clean river, the fruit trees, the open space.
"Whoa! Look at the water!" one child exclaimed, splashing in the clear pool formed where the river slowed.
"There's food growing on trees!" another shouted in disbelief.
Tae-Won watched them with an unfamiliar warmth in his chest. In his previous life, Edward Reinhart had viewed others as tools or obstacles—nothing more. But seeing these children experience simple pleasures for the first time stirred something long dormant within him.
"Your companions seem pleased," Taekyung observed, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"This is more than they ever dreamed possible," Tae-Won replied quietly.
After showing them to their quarters and ensuring they were settled, Taekyung departed with a promise to return in three days' time to discuss arrangements for the academy.
Alone in his new chamber, Tae-Won settled into a cross-legged position on the polished wooden floor. The room was simple but clean—a far cry from the filthy corner he'd awakened in just days ago.
He opened his palm, summoning the familiar interface of the system.
[System Rewards Acquired]
110 Cultivation Points (CP)
"Cultivation Points?" Tae-Won muttered, tapping on the notification.
[Explanation: Cultivation Points can be used to accelerate cultivation speed, purchase techniques, and unlock new talents or constitutions.]
He stared at the screen thoughtfully. "Isn't this essentially cheating?"
[Having a magical system interface is already considered cheating. This is merely an enhancement to your existing advantages.]
Tae-Won chuckled softly. "Fair point. But wouldn't rapid advancement raise suspicions?"
[Unlike your previous world, cultivators in Murim can absorb and integrate multiple constitutions. Defeating martial artists allows you to inherit aspects of their Qi and constitution. Multiple constitutions within one body is uncommon but not unheard of.]
That explained the "System Function: Technique Analysis" he'd experienced during the fight. Not just observation, but absorption.
"Show me what's available," Tae-Won commanded.
[Opening Shop...]
A list of items appeared before him, ranging from martial techniques to constitution enhancements. Tae-Won's eyes scanned the options methodically:
Martial Body Constitution (Uncommon) - 75 CP
Advanced Cultivation Manual - 50 CP
Agility Scroll (Qi Steps) - 25 CP
He studied each option carefully. The Martial Body Constitution would complement his Azure Phoenix Meridians, enhancing physical strength while the Phoenix constitution focused on Qi refinement. Together, they would create a solid foundation.
"I'll take the Martial Body Constitution and the Agility Scroll," he decided.
[Confirm purchase: 100 CP total?]
"Confirmed."
A soft golden light enveloped his body, sinking beneath his skin. His muscles tightened subtly, his frame becoming more solid without adding bulk. The wound on his abdomen tingled as the enhanced constitution accelerated his healing.
Knowledge of the Qi Steps technique flowed into his mind—not just movements, but the theory behind them, the subtle shifts in weight and Qi circulation that enabled enhanced mobility.
[Your constitutions will gradually merge over time, creating a unique foundation for future advancement.]
Tae-Won rose to his feet, testing his enhanced body with a few experimental movements. The difference was subtle but unmistakable—increased strength, better balance, more efficient Qi circulation.
Moving to the center of the room, he began practicing the Qi Steps technique, his feet barely touching the floor as he moved in intricate patterns. With each repetition, his control improved, his understanding deepened.
This is just the beginning, he thought, a familiar determination filling him. In his previous life, Edward Reinhart had conquered empires and challenged gods. In this new world, with these new tools, what heights might he reach?
Outside, the children's laughter echoed across the estate as they played in the fading light of day. Tae-Won paused his practice, listening to the sound.
Perhaps this time, the path to power need not be walked alone.
The Phoenix was rising, and this time, it would soar higher than ever before.