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Translator: Vine
Chapter Title: Heavenly Martial Arts Library (1)
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The characteristics I installed in "newbie mode" proved helpful in many ways.
In particular, 'Divine Calculation, Ghostly Scheme' performed exceptionally well.
Of course, it wasn't the kind of intelligence that would make the Murim Alliance tremble, the Demonic Cult wary, and the Imperial Palace send love calls, like the greatest strategist of all time.
Rather than making me a genius, it felt more like I became a manufactured genius.
The most dramatic change, especially, was in my memory and retention.
I, who once struggled to memorize even 100 English words, could now commit an entire book to memory in one go.
...Though it did come with a strange feature that allowed me to check the IDs of those with fluctuating favorability.
Surprisingly, the 'Jade Bone Immortal Wind' characteristic was an overrated hype.
It was just a scam coin.
If I were the only one with exceptionally handsome looks, it would undoubtedly have been helpful.
But due to the 'Appearance Buff' mode, the average Murim appearance shot up too high.
If only it had been a "hypnosis app in Murim" mode...
Tsk.
What's past is past.
[Baekhwa Academy Gallery]
[Author: OO (Me)]
[Title: URGENT) Ran out of lube, used corn syrup, now I can't pee T_T]
[(Composite image of the Murim Alliance Leader holding a scroll that says, 'Like and comment so others fall for it lol')]
They say top-scoring freshmen get to pick one secret manual from the Heavenly Martial Arts Library, right? So jealous.
If it were you guys, what would you pick? Is something like the Heavenly Demon Divine Art even there?
- Title, you f*cker.
- Do you seriously think the Heavenly Demon Divine Art would be in a righteous sect academy?
- If you haven't learned a proper internal energy cultivation method, that's probably your best bet?
- L (Author) What's better????
- What did you do with corn syrup???
- L Oh sh*t, I'm hard.
I checked the fishing rod I'd cast a little while ago and saw that fish were biting.
Most were useless comments from people who'd fallen for the bait and were fuming, but there were a few useful pieces of information.
For example:
- IcePrincess (SNOWWHITE_04): Princessie thought really hard~ If you're a fiery, cool man♥, I think the Blazing Radiance Heart Art would be best O_
A recommendation from a 28-year-old woman acting foolishly behind anonymity.
- OO (IWantGYOMI): If we're talking about martial arts not tied to prestigious sects, then Falling Shadow Palm, Flying Heaven Sword Art, Crimson Flame Palm Art, Demon-Slaying Blade, Shadowless Steps, and Divine Maiden's Hand are good choices.
Unlike the vulgar ID wanting 'GYOMI', there was also a knowledgeable friend who recommended a reliable list, including names I'd heard even in my previous life.
- AnimalLover (CUTY_RAMG7): Thousand-Hand Ghost Heart Art!!
...Even without seeing the ID, I think I knew who this was.
Anyway, after drawing a few more aggro responses, I gathered various opinions and stored them in my head.
I had decided on three manuals.
First, the Thousand-Hand Ghost Heart Art, which was a quest item.
The other two were the Flying Heaven Sword Art (飛天劍訣) and the Fatal Shot (奪命射).
These were a sword art and an archery art, respectively.
The sword, often called the king of all weapons, was naturally a required major to learn.
As for the bow?
Though I was currently inhabiting Geum Sihyeon's body, my original lineage was from the nation of ranged fighters.
I also had a romantic ideal.
When I was a snot-nosed kid, I read a novel in my father's study—I didn't even know what wuxia was back then.
Ghostly archery skills and swordsmanship comparable to a god!
Though when I reread it after growing up, the bleak plot made me cough up blood, it had certainly stimulated my childlike imagination.
When I played League of Legends, I dominated the world with a single arrow.
When I played Overwatch, Hanzo was my one and only pick.
Anyway.
Shoot arrows from afar, and when the enemy approaches, swing the sword.
Isn't that the perfect counter-strategy?
"Hooaah..."
Fatigue slowly crept into my eyes. I pulled my gaze from my smartphone and looked ahead.
"Therefore, if your martial arts foundation is solid, it's best to join the advanced class. Although sparring classes take up a significant portion, it can actually be an opportunity to gain a lot of practical experience."
It was the second day since my admission to Baekhwa Academy.
The introductory guidance lecture for freshmen was in full swing.
To use a modern expression, it was a freshman orientation.
What could be learned at the academy?
What processes would freshmen go through in the future?
It was a time for lengthy explanations of various things.
The skip function was still not activated.
Moreover, the pleasant academy life with a super-beautiful woman sitting next to me... also did not exist.
Instead.
"Argh...!"
"Seriously, you suck. Why would you play that there?"
"Quiet, Geum-gajom."
There was Murong Taek, half-slumped, constantly playing games on his smartphone.
And Yunhak, busily moving his hands, trying to transfer all information onto paper.
It was a combination that reeked of sweat.
Today's introductory guidance lecture could be summarized as follows:
The **Advanced Class** does not require completing basic courses. However, one must pass a separate qualifying exam.
The **Intermediate Class** requires completing only a few mandatory basic courses, with the remaining courses being optional.
The **Beginner Class** must diligently complete all basic courses set by the academy. Promotion to the Intermediate Class is based on these results.
If I could pass, the advanced class would be the optimal choice. However, there were some points of concern.
There's a saying, "An awl in the pocket."
It doesn't mean hitting the center of the scrotum and saying 'good job'... it means that a talented person, like an awl in a pocket, will inevitably stand out.
In most cases, this can be positive.
But for me, someone without strong backing in the Murim world, it inevitably leads to a situation where the "sharpest stone gets the chisel."
I had already faced unfriendly gazes during the entrance ceremony.
They must be displeased that I, from a 'money-grubbing' background with almost no ties to martial arts, was standing above others.
That's why they probably targeted 'Geum Sihyeon,' who was rumored to be a prodigy since childhood, and tried to poison him.
Well, now I'm immune to all poisons.
Anyway.
While my internal energy was abundant, I didn't yet possess the martial power to defeat those who harbored animosity towards me.
Even my internal energy cultivation method and sword art were, at best, second-rate martial arts.
That's why I did my best in the entrance exam.
I needed to quickly visit the Heavenly Martial Arts Library and learn techniques that could replace my current ones.
Then, even if I entered the advanced class, I could cultivate freely without having to worry about others.
Feeling bold, I decided to ask the martial arts enthusiast for his opinion.
"Junior."
"..."
"Yunhak."
"What?"
Such a petty guy.
"When are you planning to visit the Heavenly Martial Arts Library?"
"Well..."
Yunhak spoke evasively, trailing off.
He could learn the Beggars' Sect's martial arts from his master anyway.
It seemed like he was having the 고민 (troubles) of someone who had too much.
This is why those from prestigious sects are like this.
"This Senior plans to go today."
"Oh? Already? Do you have any martial arts in mind?"
"I've thought of a few, but I'll decide once I see them. Do you have any recommendations?"
"Hmm."
Yunhak pondered for a moment.
"If it exists in the library, the Blazing Radiance Heart Art would be good."
Surprisingly, he came to the same conclusion as IcePrincess.
It was a martial art I had never heard of.
"Why?"
When I asked with pure curiosity, Yunhak immediately spoke as if possessed by the god of martial arts, spouting forth information.
"The Blazing Radiance Heart Art is an internal energy cultivation method containing extreme yang energy, and it is the unique martial art of the Blazing Radiance Sword Saint, who also helped establish Baekhwa Academy. Its power is said to be formidable, especially when dealing with the wicked entities of the Blood Sect."
Yunhak paused for a moment.
He then gave me a look as if he could see right through me.
"This might sound a bit bad, but it seems like it could sufficiently replace the low-level internal energy cultivation method you've learned. And it's also a martial art that has no ties to the current prestigious sects."
...That was quite a sharp observation.
"Thank you for the detailed explanation."
We weren't yet completely open with each other, but for his sincere explanation and goodwill, I bowed my head slightly, genuinely.
My father had told me that a man's neck should be stiff, but in times like these, it was important to express gratitude fully.
Yunhak looked slightly surprised, then let out a hearty laugh.
"I've heard the cultivation process is a bit tricky and arduous, but well, I'm sure you can handle it well. Probably."
Why was he suddenly laying down ominous groundwork? And what was with that 'probably'?
***
The Heavenly Martial Arts Library was a popular workplace among Baekhwa Academy staff.
The reason was simple.
Hardly anyone came because access qualifications were strictly limited.
It was truly the cushiest job!
Therefore, there wasn't a fixed staff; instead, substitute shifts were arranged, almost like a semi-vacation.
This week's lucky winner was Murong Seol.
It was sufficient compensation to forget the pain of staying up late for several nights preparing for the entrance exam and ceremony.
In fact, Murong Seol's assignment was decided precisely as a form of such compensation.
Slumped in a soft chair, legs covered with a blanket.
A sweet fruit tea served on the side table, her thumbs constantly tapping away on her smartphone.
Murong Seol, who was unreservedly venting her accumulated frustration in the gallery, then.
"Hmm...?"
She felt a strangely familiar presence slowly approaching and tilted her head.
There was no one expected to come, she thought, quickly removed her blanket, straightened her posture, and returned to the appearance of a diligent worker. Immediately after.
"Excuse me. Is anyone here?"
A man entered the Heavenly Martial Arts Library.
It was a face Murong Seol knew.
"Geum Sihyeon...?"
It was the top-scoring applicant from the general admissions pool, whom the martial arts instructors were already paying attention to.
Murong Seol's eyes softened.
But as much as she felt favorably towards him, there was also a slight concern.
"It's only been two days since you enrolled. Wouldn't it be better to think a bit more before deciding?"
To choose a martial art already? She thought it might be too naive and hasty a decision.
"It's alright. I have something in mind."
Seeing the confident look in his eyes, Murong Seol nodded, thinking there was no need to add anything more.
"Follow me."
After passing through the narrow, labyrinthine corridor from the entrance, they arrived at the entrance to the basement.
"You received the explanation during the entrance ceremony, right? The time limit is half a shijin. You are free to browse, but if any damage occurs to a manual you are viewing, you'll accumulate quite a large number of demerits. And as you know, you can only take one manual out. If you are caught trying to take one out secretly, you will, of course, be expelled."
Murong Seol unconsciously wore a gentle smile on her lips as she watched Geum Sihyeon listen intently with a serious expression.
Then, the entry procedure—
To prevent any misconduct like taking PDFs, smartphones were confiscated.
Fumble, fumble, fumble.
Hmm, his body is solid.
I can feel his biceps...
"Th-that part..."
"Ah. It's standard procedure. Please bear with it."
There definitely seemed to be something suspicious between his legs.
But because he said that, Murong Seol couldn't bring herself to touch there, her hand sliding down to his sturdy thighs and firm calves.
Murong Seol, whose expression hadn't changed at all as she nonchalantly completed the body search procedure and satisfied her private desires, cleared her throat.
"...You may enter now."
Finally, she handed him an hourglass designed to track the passage of time inside and activated the mechanical formation.
Creak—
The door leading into the Heavenly Martial Arts Library opened slowly with a sharp sound.
"Now, may you find a fortuitous encounter."
"Thank you."
As Murong Seol offered her blessing, Geum Sihyeon bowed his head in response.
Murong Seol was deeply moved by his politeness, which was unlike the much-talked-about, troublesome Murim-Z (MZ) generation nowadays.
Immediately after Geum Sihyeon entered the Heavenly Martial Arts Library, the Murong Seol who had shown warm consideration as a senior and instructor to a junior and student vanished, and the void was filled by an ultra-super happy Ice Princess, who was once again overjoyed today.