Chapter 121:

Chapter 121:

“Master-disciple relationship.”

When translated literally, it means the relationship between a master and a disciple.....

However, I had never imagined that I would become someone’s disciple.

It was reasonable.

In the past, there was no one willing to take an inept Awakener like me as a disciple.

After I began ascending the Tower, I didn’t really need a master.

Absorbing stats, skills, and abilities through my necromancy ability....

I could obtain most things I wanted. It was only natural.

Since realizing my talent during the 12th floor trial, I had gained expertise not only in skills but also in techniques.

Because of this, even throughout my life, I had never truly thought about the concept of a master-disciple relationship.

But... “If we form a master-disciple bond, what will I learn?”

“You will learn many things. First, you’ll learn about my martial arts...”

“I’m willing to learn. Should I start calling you ‘Master’ from now on?”

“........”

I immediately agreed to White Crane Sword Saint’s proposal to become her disciple.

That was understandable as well... ‘ White Crane Sword Saint is a challenger who has climbed beyond the 40th floor.’

The fact that I could learn from White Crane Sword Saint was akin to a stroke of luck.

There was no reason to refuse when a challenger who had climbed beyond the 40th floor was willing to directly pass on their techniques.

‘Even NamGung hyuk’s swordsmanship was already so powerful, but White Crane Sword Saint’s swordsmanship should be even more worthwhile.’

Moreover, by looking at White Crane Sword Saint’s abilities, I could gauge how strong she was.

The opportunity to learn from a powerful individual was clear, so I didn’t hesitate much.

Although my answer might seem purely opportunistic, White Crane Sword Saint seemed surprised by how quickly I agreed.

“Sung Yeun, I’m not forcing you into this. You can take more time to think if you want...”

“I understand. However, I have no intention of refusing this opportunity to learn.”

It was sincere.

Ever since I read the message from the God of Battle during the 13th floor Integrated Trial, I had felt this way.

Becoming stronger and stronger, to the point where even a god wouldn’t dare to treat me lightly—that was my goal.

“.......”

After seeming to ponder for a moment, White Crane Sword Saint nodded.

“......Sung Yeun, if that’s your intention, I will accept. Just don’t regret it later.”

Regret.......

the appearance of this word was unexpected, and I posed a question.

“Are you planning to treat me so harshly that I’ll regret it?”

In truth, if the situation was harsh enough to lead to regrets, I would welcome it.

Harshness could also raise skill proficiency and experience due to the necromancy’s mechanics.

And through that process, there could be achievements even in techniques that weren’t skills.

If results could be achieved not only with skills but also with techniques, then it could be considered the best outcome.

However, judging by White Crane Sword Saint’s reaction, she didn’t seem to have such harsh plans in mind.

“It’s not like that...”

“.......”

“For someone like me, a master is usually a once-in-a-lifetime presence, so don’t worry about regrets.”

“Ah.......”

I see.

But even so, I didn’t have any particular thoughts about that.

‘If having a master is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, isn’t that actually a good thing?’

There would be no opportunity to have someone as powerful and with such strong principles as White Crane Sword Saint among the martial artists.

Most of the people in the martial arts world that I had encountered were arrogant and narrow-minded, with nothing worth learning.

Techniques?

While I could steal them, I could never learn them officially in the martial arts world.

‘Among the martial artists, where could I find someone to be my master...?’

If I was going to choose a master, it would be better to do so here.

Thus, I felt I wouldn’t regret the decision.

“It might be a bit long-winded, but to put it simply, I’m asking whether you’ll regret becoming my disciple.”

“If that’s what you’re asking, then you don’t need to worry. I won’t have any regrets.”

My immediate answer seemed to pleaseWhite Crane Sword Saint, as her face slightly reddened.

“Is that so....”

However, that feeling was short-lived.

“Then, according to the protocol, I will formally introduce myself.”

Suddenly, a seriousness swept over White Crane Sword Saint’s face, and her lips began to move.

“I am the 17th generation head of the Baek Swordsman Family(白氏劍家), and simultaneously, the foremost expert of the entire martial world.”

Despite the forceful and intense tone that almost seemed to carry weight in her words, what stunned me even more was the self-introduction she was giving.

“The person who will become your master is Baek Seolhwa (白雪花), a martial artist...

It turns out my administrator was the foremost expert of the entire martial world.”

»————- ★ ————-«

Foremost expert of the martial world.

The meaning was simple.

It referred to the strongest of the strong in a world without a foe to match strength.

Of course, the modifier “foremost” was added, but that wasn’t the important part.

“What’s important is that the person who will be my master is that powerful.”

As I absorbed this information, I completed the introduction, as White Crane Sword Saint had instructed.

Satisfied, she opened her mouth.

“It feels uncomfortable, like evil energy, for some reason..... Other than that, I couldn’t sense anything.”

The diagnostic result seemed to indicate that it would be okay as long as the lingering influence of Blood Demon Hole was removed.

Since Blood Demon Hole didn’t refine external mana like ordinary Breathing technique, it didn’t qualify as a formal Breathing technique.

“That’s a relief.”

I immediately started explaining about Blood Demon Hole.

I told her it’s one of the abilities I received from the three administrators on the 12th floor.....

When activated, it allows for the conversion of some mana into inner strength.

Hearing my explanation, White Crane Sword Saint regained her vitality and chuckled lightly, a glint returning to her eyes.

“That’s not a Breathing technique, it’s an ability.

It’s true that it’s derived from Breathing techniques you’ve learned in your lifetime, but you can’t consider it as a Breathing technique.”

“I see.”

“I checked it rather rudely because I was so surprised.

I’m sorry, my emotions got carried away for a moment because you said you had learned a separate Breathing technique...”

“It’s fine.”

It was understandable.

If the martial arts one can use depend on Breathing techniques, she must have been quite surprised.

It’s the same as accepting me as her disciple, but the techniques she can pass on, being limited due to my former abilities.

As I understood this, White Crane Sword Saint quietly murmured, “But I don’t really like it...”

“.......?”

“To think that the mixed-blood subject of a Bloodline Religion would support such a humble Breathing technique as an ability...”

“Well, of course, it’s not that Sung Yeun is a bad person. It’s impolite of the creator to give such a thing without understanding the subject.”

With this evaluation of White Crane Sword Saint’s character, I slightly amended my initial thoughts.

‘She might be an individual of character, but she’s truly from the martial world.....

Despite being the same administrator, she instantly revealed hostility toward the Bloodline Religion’s thing, so it’s highly likely she has a merciless attitude towards enemies.

Of course, that might not be an issue.’

“So, this isn’t truly a Breathing technique, so it shouldn’t be a problem?”

“Well, that’s true, but having something like this might mean it’s better not to learn Breathing techniques.

“......?”

“Your can accumulate mana even without learning Breathing techniques, and if you learn Breathing techniques as an ability, you can use various techniques interchangeably.”

“That’s true, but is it really okay?”

“Well, when it comes to martial arts, my martial arts aren’t heavily influenced by Breathing techniques, so it’s fine. However, what you just mentioned about Breathing techniques is an important part of the priest’s conversation...”

“I see.”

It seemed that if you could use various techniques according to the situation just by converting mana, then it would indeed be better.

Moreover, White Crane Sword Saint’s martial arts were unaffected by the nature of inner strength, so it should be okay.

With this understanding, White Crane Sword Saint seemed uncomfortable with the atmosphere, perhaps because of the topic she raised.

“.......Hmm! Well, let’s start with sword techniques. Watch me first and try to imitate.”

As I thought about finally getting into the main subject, my mind quickly focused.

“Understood.”

I adjusted my stance and watched White Crane Sword Saint demonstrate her sword technique.

“The skill ‘Battle Focus’ is activated.”

“The user’s concentration is enhanced ×4.”

While I concentrated on using the skill “Battle Focus”......

I suddenly saw the sword in White Crane Sword Saint’s hand move rapidly.

It was so accelerated that even in this world, if I had just been watching, I probably wouldn’t have been able to observe it.

Moreover, this was being shown to me, so I might have even missed the delayed speed.’

I was in awe of White Crane Sword Saint’s skills while secretly drooling.

But awe was awe, and I quickly refocused my mind.

It seemed that in this accelerated world, I was observing her sword technique as if engraving it into my mind.

And then,

“.....Now, the first form of my sword technique of the White Sword Seven Styles, White Sword Island Sun .”

White Sword Island Style.

The name of the form implied a swift and powerful sword strike that cut through the sea like light.

“You might not have seen it properly......I’m sorry. This is the minimum required speed for White Sword Island Sun ...”

White Sword Island Sun seemed apologetic, but contrary to her concerns, I had seen the sword quite clearly.

“That’s fine. I think I can follow along if it’s at this level.”

Continuing, I slightly distanced myself from White Sword Island Sun and recalled her sword technique in my mind.

White Sword Island Sun carried the momentum of slashing through everything in its path, as if it intended to dominate space itself.....

‘It’s like it’s pulling everything in, preventing escape...’

Perhaps it felt like it was also affecting gravity.

I pondered briefly, then raised the sword in my hand, mimicking the motion White Crane Sword Saint had shown me.

‘Is this how it’s done?’

Following my instincts, I recreated White Crane Sword Saint’s sword technique as closely as possible.

Although it wasn’t actually imbued with intent, when intent was applied, a certain level of nature was manifested in the sword.

With the acceleration provided by Battle Focus in this world, I managed to perfectly reproduce White Sword Island Sun.

“The skill ‘Battle Focus’ is deactivated.”

With the deactivation of Battle Focus, I turned to face White Crane Sword Saint.

“Is this the correct way?”

This was a question about whether the form I had just displayed was close to the correct answer.

And the answer to that question seemed to be astonishment, as White Crane Sword Saint looked at me as if she couldn’t believe it.

“It’s unbelievable... You got it right.”

[To be continued.]