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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Teottry
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Mancheon offered a formal bow to the unknown person, a gesture of respect to a master. This scene would have been shocking to any martial artist, who valued the student-teacher relationship as highly as a familial bond, unlike modern people who simply paid to learn anything useful.
But what could he do? Old, young, woman, man, unknown identity – it didn’t matter. This was a long-awaited spark in the otherwise monotonous world of martial arts. He would learn what he wanted to learn.
Whether or not this nameless master knew his inner thoughts, he accepted Mancheon’s bow and his offered gift, thus accepting him as a disciple. They formally entered into a master-student relationship.
“Good. Then, before I formally teach you the Dog Beating Staff Technique, I will first instruct you in an internal energy cultivation method.”
Mancheon already knew about internal energy cultivation from Jang Sam. He understood it as a breathing technique that creates a mana storage within the body.
“The internal energy cultivation method I will teach you is the Orthodox and Upright Internal Energy Cultivation Method. It is a traditional Taoist method primarily practiced by the Quanzhen School, and is thus also called the Quanzhen method.”
*Orthodox and Upright Internal Energy Cultivation Method… It sounded impressive. Usually, such long names indicated either an incredibly powerful technique or a completely useless one. Since he was going to learn it anyway, he hoped it was the former.
“Compared to the ascending internal energy cultivation methods practiced by renowned sects, both righteous and unorthodox, the Quanzhen method accumulates internal energy at a slower pace.”
He wasn’t aiming to become the world’s strongest, just learning it for self-defense, like chasing away dogs. Still, the comment about the slow accumulation of internal energy bothered him.
“Uh… since I’m learning it, wouldn’t a faster one be better? Isn’t there anything else?”
“Haha~ Do you think I would teach my disciple an internal energy cultivation method with only drawbacks? Hear me out.”
The master simply chuckled good-naturedly at his complaint and continued his explanation.
“The advantage of the Quanzhen method is its consistency. For the first 10 years, the development of internal energy is slow, but after 10 years, it increases exponentially.”
*Hmm~ A long-term investment technique. A “hold and wait” type of martial art.
Since there were no games or internet in this world, he had plenty of time. He could diligently practice for 10 years.
“Also, as it is a Taoist internal energy cultivation method, practicing it purifies the body’s energy. You won’t catch minor illnesses, and aging slows down. Above all, it’s a safe method for accumulating internal energy, so there’s no risk of Qi deviation.”
The master extended his long arm and pressed and manipulated the pressure points on Mancheon’s right leg. It tickled.
“This is why I intend to teach you the Quanzhen method. If you practice it, the condition of your leg will improve greatly, and you’ll be more comfortable.”
Mancheon’s eyes widened in surprise at the words that his disability, which always held him back, would improve.
“My disability will get better if I learn martial arts?! Damn it! I should have learned it sooner! I’ve wasted 10 years of my life!!”
“Haha~ Be grateful that you didn’t learn it haphazardly. People have different constitutions. If you learn a martial art that clashes with your body, you could experience Qi deviation and die.”
In any case, it would be beneficial to learn it. There was no reason to refuse. Classic Korean mind – unable to resist anything that’s good for the body.
Mancheon remained silent to avoid interrupting the master’s explanation, focusing his mind and etching every single phrase of the Quanzhen method into his memory.
[Calm the mind, forget emotions]
[If the body is weak, strengthen the Qi]
[When the heart dies, the spirit lives]
[When Yang prospers, Yin dissipates]
He sat in a lotus position, constantly repeating the four phrases and exhaling. He maintained a clear mind and banished distracting thoughts. He would continue this process until he reached enlightenment.
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Indeed, learning the Orthodox and Upright Internal Energy Cultivation Method changed Mancheon’s life.
He used to ignore places where dogs barked, and when bored, he’d steal candy from children.
But after learning the Orthodox and Upright Internal Energy Cultivation Method, he made a conscious effort to maintain decorum.
Just now, he would have taken all the candy, but out of pity, he only took half, to teach the children about the harsh realities of society.
He used to walk slower than a waddling duckling, but now, thanks to the improvement in his leg, he was faster than a duck.
Also, no matter how shitty he felt, he would look at his reflection in the bathhouse mirror and ask himself, “Who am I?”
“Sima Mancheon (司馬瞞天), user of the Orthodox and Upright Internal Energy Cultivation Method.”
Smiling like that made him feel better.
This must be why they say martial arts shape a person.
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“Your internal energy is slowly accumulating. Now, I shall teach you the Dog Beating Staff Technique and the Seven Star Formation.”
As Mancheon practiced the Quanzhen method before his master, seemingly satisfied with his progress, the master introduced new martial arts techniques.
That’s right. He initially became a disciple to learn the Dog Beating Staff Technique. He’d been so engrossed in learning the Quanzhen method that he completely forgot about it. But… what was the Seven Star Formation? Judging by the name, it sounded like an ultimate move.
“Master, what is the Seven Star Formation?”
Mancheon raised his hand and asked. The master drew a picture of the Big Dipper on the dirt ground with a twig and explained.
“The Seven Star Formation is a battle formation developed by Wang Chongyang, the founder of the Quanzhen School, by applying the principles of the Big Dipper.”
Tianshu – Tianxuan – Tianji – Tianquan – Yuheng – Kaiyang – Yaoguang
“It’s a formation with profound principles, but to put it simply, it’s a group tactic where seven martial artists who have cultivated the Quanzhen method each take a position of the Big Dipper and work together.”
The master pointed with the twig to Tianquan, the star connecting the bowl and the handle of the Big Dipper.
“The one who takes Tianquan becomes the commander of the Big Dipper, directing the other stars. It’s an excellent combined attack formation where they drive the enemy into a corner, and the power of the techniques is amplified by the formation’s power.”
*So, Tianquan is the raid leader, and the Seven Star Formation is like a group buff skill that combines the power of seven people.
“When masters of the Quanzhen method deploy the Seven Star Formation, even against the greatest martial artist in the world, the outcome of the battle becomes unpredictable, a truly even match.”
“Uh… the fact that it’s only a draw even with a 7-on-1 gank seems a bit strange. Is it really that good?”
“Haha… The opponent is the greatest martial artist in the world, you know. And if you grasp the principles of the Seven Star Formation and engrave them deep in your heart, you will attain mastery of the logic of formations, allowing you to hold your own even in battles against multiple opponents.”
*So, to fight against a combined attack formation, you need to master combined attack formations? It seemed to make sense, but also not? Well, there was no harm in learning. I had time to spare anyway.
“I’m not a martial artist anyway, so I won’t have to fight or coordinate with them. But since you’re offering to teach me, there’s no reason to refuse. I will gratefully learn it.”
“Good. However, both the Dog Beating Staff Technique and the Seven Star Formation are very difficult to master. If you neglect your training, you won’t be able to properly learn either of them. Are you prepared?”
Mancheon, in response to his master’s question, hardened his still-chubby face with determination and replied.
“Master, I am Sima Mancheon (司馬瞞天), the genius who deceives even the heavens. Don’t worry and teach me.”
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Two hours later.
Teehee~ The Dog Beating Staff Technique is too difficult, de gesu~! It’s a lie, rehu~!!
Dog-Beating Staff Method – Hellhound Roadblock (惡犬攔路): In the case of a ferocious dog blocking the path, do such and such.
Ugyaeeeeeek! Kieeeeeeek! Ukkiiiiik!
What the… how am I supposed to “such and such”?! If I could do it, why would I be learning the Dog-Beating Staff Method in the first place?! Tell me! Tell me how to efficiently clobber those mutts!
I’ve barely learned the first move, and my head’s already splitting. None of this makes sense. When Master demonstrated it, it looked so cool and effective. When i do it, it’s just stick-wiggle-wiggle.
At this rate, it’s less “Dog-Beating Staff Method” and more “Embarrassing Myself Staff Method.”
Embarrassing Myself Staff Method! Defu~ The mutt’s already a dead dog walking, desu~!! Now show your submission by exposing your belly, de gesu!!
He sighed involuntarily.
Sigh, fuck. I shouldn’t have boasted about being a genius who deceives even the heavens. I’m so embarrassed I want to hide in a mouse hole.
Still, my pride won’t let me quit after I’ve started. So, I wracked my brain and contorted my body, desperately trying to unleash the Hellhound Roadblock.
He swung his Staff, imagining a vicious dog in front of him. He swung it wildly, thrust like in fencing, pounded like a laundry bat on clothes by the river, swept the ground like a broom. Eventually, overwhelmed by stress, he gnawed on the Staff and rolled on the ground.
The master, who had been watching him from behind the entire time, stroked his long beard with a satisfied look and said,
“You’re doing well.”
“Huh?”
If it had been sarcasm, he wouldn’t have been so bewildered. But it wasn’t sarcastic at all. It was genuine praise.
At his perplexed response, the master gave his usual benevolent smile and instructed him.
“Don’t overthink it. The Dog Beating Staff Technique was created by a beggar. You’re doing very well right now.”
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Seems like the old man is from beggar sects?! 😱😱
Well, the dog beating staff is usually a beggar technique, so I was kind of expecting that from the start. I’m more curious about where he picked the cultivation technique and the formation up from.