"Picked this up on the way."

"...Did you seriously just drop by just to dump trash on me as soon as you got back?"

…What kind of reaction is that?! Even after giving her something valuable, she still acts like this!

Sure, Glacial True Qi is notoriously difficult to master, but it’s undoubtedly a powerful martial art. And considering Seol Lihyang was born with a Pure Yin Physique, even its usual drawback wouldn’t be an issue for her—

"Ah."

As I was silently grumbling over her lack of appreciation, I suddenly noticed something.

The manual’s condition.

The exterior was visibly worn, and, likely due to the Ghost Shadow Thief’s harsh life on the run, it wasn’t in the best shape.

The edges had water stains, as if it had gotten wet and then dried, and the spine was slightly warped.

Shaking my head, I clarified,

"I was joking. I happened to come across a powerful Glacial Qi technique and thought it would be useful for you."

"This thing???"

"Despite how it looks, it's actually the core internal energy technique of the Northern Sea Ice Palace."

"Uh… huh. But… is it really okay to just learn another sect’s martial arts? Did you even get permission?"

"Nope. Didn’t ask. It was stolen in the first place."

"S-Stolen?!"

At least she had learned enough under the Blood Venom Unit's commander over the past month to understand that stealing martial arts could lead to serious trouble.

"G-Give it back! I appreciate the thought, but there’s no need to go that far! Besides, isn’t the Northern Sea Ice Palace a really powerful sect? I think I learned about them before…."

"You’re right. It’s the strongest faction in the Northern Outer Lands. But don’t worry—first of all, I didn’t steal it myself, so even if trouble arises, it won’t be the worst-case scenario. And secondly, given their own circumstances, there’s a good chance they won’t even bother making a fuss about it."

"So… you're saying it's fine???"

"It should be. And even if it’s not, I’ll make sure it is, so don’t worry about that."

"...Just in case, how exactly do you plan on handling it?"

"Through sincere apologies and some negotiations, of course."

"Wait—so you're not just gonna pull out your sword and fight?!"

…I think I’m starting to understand how Seol Lihyang sees me.

As I let out a long sigh, Seol Lihyang awkwardly scratched her cheek, looking a little embarrassed.

"Sorry. I was just so surprised…" She hesitated before adding, "Anyway, you’re sure it’s fine?"

"Yeah. But don’t try learning it on your own."

"Not like I could even understand it if I tried."

"Good point. Now that I think about it, maybe it's still a bit too early to give this to you."

As I tucked the Glacial True Qi manual back into my robes, Seol Lihyang glared at me in disbelief, her lips twitching in frustration.

I’d seen this exact expression countless times before in my past life.

"You can't just take back a gift like that!"

"I’m not taking it back permanently. I just got ahead of myself and mixed up the order of things."

Tomorrow, I’d show this to Tang Jincheon and discuss it with him. He was probably already searching for a suitable ice-based technique for Seol Lihyang, so this might actually help.

The fact that it was from the Northern Sea Ice Palace wouldn’t be too big of an issue either.

According to the Ghost Shadow Thief, Glacial True Qi was an unusual case.

Someone like Tang Jincheon would definitely know how it was regarded in the martial world.

While it was a legitimate martial art with some symbolic significance, the truth was…

Because no one had successfully mastered it in ages, it had fallen into obscurity—to the point where people wouldn’t even mind if someone else picked it up.

And besides, Seol Lihyang wouldn’t even understand the manual right now. She had only just begun her martial arts training.

"So just wait a little longer."

"Ugh… fine."

She slumped her shoulders in disappointment, so I chuckled and reassured her,

"Don’t look so down. In return, I’ll tell you what happened while I was gone."

"Oh! Right! Master told me you were in some really dangerous situations!"

"Hmph. That wasn’t even close to dangerous. Listen up—so, in Shaanxi, there’s this place called Daemang Mountain…"

Perched on the edge of the veranda, I started recounting my experiences—though with some minor adjustments.

For instance, I downplayed how I discovered the cave, making it sound like a complete accident. Or I toned down the brutality of my fights against the assassins.

Perhaps because she had lived in a small world her entire life, Seol Lihyang’s reactions were incredibly animated.

She gasped just hearing the name "Shaanxi", her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Then, when I offhandedly mentioned that I used to be considered a genius, her expression turned oddly skeptical.

As I continued—telling her about the unusual terrain that led me to the cave, the encounter with the Ghost Shadow Thief, the battle with the assassins, and my visit to Wudang—she hung onto every word, reacting differently each time.

I wouldn’t exactly call myself a skilled storyteller, but having such an enthusiastic audience made it a lot more fun to recount my adventures.

By the time I had squeezed out every last detail, Seol Lihyang was staring at the ceiling with a dazed expression.

"I’m so jealous… Do you think I’ll be able to go on a martial journey someday?"

"If you train hard, there’s no reason you can’t."

"Really? Do you think I could be as strong as Sister Tang by the time I turn twenty?"

"Hmm… That might be a bit difficult. Tang Sowol started training at a much younger age and has consumed countless precious elixirs."

"Then… what about half of that?"

"More than half, definitely. You’re not lacking in talent. But instead of aiming for five years, I’d recommend aiming for three."

"Why? What happens in three years?"

"Actually… Tang Sowol and I just got banned from leaving the city for three years."

"Wait, what?!"

"We’re allowed to move around Chengdu, but we’re strictly forbidden from traveling any farther."

She blinked, momentarily at a loss for words, before nodding slowly.

"Huh… Now that I think about it, that makes sense. But… why three years specifically?"

"Because that’s when the Yongbong Gathering will be held. It’s a massive event that takes place every five years, and I guess they couldn’t justify stopping us from attending."

"Oh! The Yongbong Gathering! I actually learned about that! It’s the huge tournament where the Murim Alliance gathers all the young martial artists from the Central Plains, right? If you perform well, you can even earn a title or receive rare elixirs!"

"For the most part, yes. But one small correction—it’s not open to all young martial artists. Only those from the orthodox sects."

The orthodox and unorthodox factions had a bit of leeway, as long as someone wasn’t infamous.

However, the entire demonic faction was outright banned from participating.

In other words, just being a participant in the Yongbong Gathering was enough to prove one's status in the martial world.

Seo Mun-Hwarin was likely planning to use the Yongbong Gathering to wipe his identity clean.

…Though in the end, she would fail and end up joining Black Blood Lotus.

If my memory was correct, that would happen exactly three years from now, during the next Yongbong Gathering.

Rather than letting her fall into Black Blood Lotus, I wanted to bring Seo Mun-Hwarin into the Tang Clan instead.

Which meant I absolutely had to participate in that gathering.

As I nodded to myself, deep in thought, Seol Lihyang hesitantly spoke up.

"Do you think… I could participate in such a huge event too?"

"Anyone can enter. The difficult part is getting a good result."

"Mmm… If I train really hard, do you think I could barely make it to second-rate within three years?"

She looked up at me anxiously, shifting restlessly.

It seemed she had been eating well and resting properly in the Tang Clan—her cheeks were noticeably rounder now.

Compared to how skinny she used to be, she looked much healthier.

For a moment, I wondered if this was what Seol Lihyang from my past life might have looked like if she had put on some weight.

She was probably feeling discouraged comparing herself to me and Tang Sowol, but...

Seol Lihyang was actually a genius in her own right.

She had once forcefully modified an incompatible martial art and reached the Flowering Stage.

She had also taught herself the basics of sound-based martial arts just by listening to courtesans sing.

If someone like her were given a proper environment, proper guidance, and three whole years to train…?

"Well…"

If things went well, she might even reach the beginning of the first-rate level.

Seeing my hesitant expression, Seol Lihyang began to look uneasy.

"Ugh… Three years… Is that really enough? If I end up embarrassing you and Sister Tang, maybe I should just go as a spectator instead…"

"You don’t need to worry about that. No one starts off as a strong martial artist. Everyone has had a time when they were weak, so no one will mock you just for that."

"There were plenty of people like that in the Hao Clan."

"That’s because they’re an unorthodox sect. I was talking about the orthodox side. Besides, even if you don’t reach first-rate, keep in mind that you’ll only be eighteen by then. Reaching first-rate at that age is already considered an incredible feat. Most participants will still be stuck between second-rate and third-rate."

Because the Tang Clan produced many first-rate martial artists and attracted other high-level warriors, first-rate masters seemed common here.

But in reality, reaching first-rate meant becoming a master in one's field—it was no small feat.

"So, don’t overthink it. Just focus on training. Since I’m here, I might as well help you out a little before I leave."

"Huh? You’re gonna train me? But I’m still not that confident…"

Seol Lihyang hesitated as she stood up, clearly unsure.

I shook my head.

"Not quite. The Blood Venom Unit Leader is probably guiding your training just fine. What I’m going to do is something simpler—Meridian Acupressure."

"Meridian Acupressure? What’s that?"

"It’s a technique that uses internal energy to stimulate pressure points, relieving fatigue and enhancing recovery.

If you think of acupuncture and blood-sealing techniques, it’s similar in principle.

The only difference is that instead of paralyzing or disabling someone, it’s used for healing and support.

While doctors and skilled martial artists could use it for medical treatments, I wasn’t that proficient.

For me, it was just a simple trick—

—But when it came to Seol Lihyang, things were different.

In my past life, unlike Tang Sowol, who had maintained a certain level of formality, Seol Lihyang had pestered me constantly with all sorts of unreasonable requests.

It was partly because we had started off as bickering rivals and partly because she simply didn’t know how to express embarrassment properly.

Because of that, she had often asked me for ridiculous favors…

And one of them was Meridian Acupressure.

Back then, Seol Lihyang had a limp, and after walking around all day, she would complain about exhaustion and ask me to relieve her pain before bed.

So while I might not be an expert in Meridian Acupressure, I had plenty of experience using it on her.

As she tilted her head in confusion, I smirked and tapped the floor.

"Lie down on your stomach."

"Huh? Like this?"

Without hesitation, she lay down in front of me.

I then climbed on top of her back.

"W-Wait, what?!"

Startled, Seol Lihyang tried to push herself up, but I gently pressed her back down.

"Stay still."

"W-What?! What are you trying to do?!"

Though her voice grew louder, she obediently stayed in position.

Rather than answering, I simply focused my internal energy into my fingertips.

Then—

Press.

"Hiyaaak?!"

Her back arched like a bow in response.