A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 4: Director Kim is a Martial Genius (1)

Once I verified our coordinates, I moved toward the still-unconscious Director Kim and nudged him until he woke.

"Director! Director Kim, wake up!"

"Ugh... hmmm..."

Director Kim pushed himself up sluggishly, his eyes scanning our surroundings with confusion.

"...Deputy Manager Seo? Where have we ended up...?"

"...Right here."

I gave the Director a concise summary of our current situation.

We had landed in this place after that hunchbacked old man forcibly cast us through a rift in space.

It appeared to be a realm reminiscent of ancient China, a world where martial artists were a living reality.

"...So much has transpired that I can no longer make sense of anything."

"I agree."

"I keep hoping someone will wake me from this nightmare..."

In an instant, Director Kim’s face seemed to have withered, aging him by a decade.

"...I don't know if I should feel relieved or cursed for lacking any special talents. Should I be glad those monsters didn't take us, or was I simply discarded because I'm useless...?"

"..."

I found myself unable to offer him any words of comfort.

During my previous life, I was nothing more than a clueless herb gatherer who lived in ignorance.

While I had managed to survive the last three days with the others in relative comfort, it was solely due to the knowledge gained from my regression.

Stripped of that, I am not a particularly extraordinary individual.

"First, we shouldn't linger in this back alley. Let's move out."

"...Yes, alright."

Director Kim and I stepped out into the vibrant, crowded streets of Seokyung City.

The central district of Seokyung City was teeming with life, as packed with people as any modern commercial hub.

"Umm, I can't understand a word. It sounds like a form of Chinese, but why is everyone staring at us?"

"It is likely because of our attire."

I had used the shirt I wore during Manager Kim's farewell meal as kindling, leaving me in nothing but an undershirt.

Director Kim, meanwhile, was dressed in hiking gear that looked completely alien in this setting.

"...This is a problem. By the way, Deputy Manager Seo, do you actually speak Chinese...?"

"Yes, luckily, I underwent Chinese language training. From what I can hear, the dialect is quite similar to those in southern China. I believe I can manage basic communication."

"Wow... That is incredibly fortunate...!"

Naturally, I was lying.

The language of this realm, rooted in oracle bone script, shared no common ground with Chinese.

Whether it was traditional, simplified, or any modern dialect, none of it would function here.

'In my first life, I had to grovel and stay with beggars for two months just to learn how to speak...'

I wouldn't have to repeat that struggle this time.

"Since these clothes are making us stand out, we should purchase new ones."

"How? I doubt they'll accept our currency here..."

I gave a faint, knowing smile.

"Our money might be worthless, but wherever there are people, there is a need for medicine."

I walked into a nearby apothecary and sold a variety of herbs—hemostatic plants, warming roots, and fever-reducing leaves.

These were merely the most basic, low-grade specimens I had collected on the Ascension Path.

However, because these herbs had soaked in spiritual energy and grown undisturbed for years in the forest, they were several times larger than local varieties. The pharmacy paid out a significant sum.

"Haha, Deputy Manager Seo. Your skills are useful even in a place like this. Did you get a good price?"

"...It seems so."

Despite my words, I scowled at the payment the shopkeeper had handed over.

'He definitely ripped us off.'

It was the price of looking suspicious.

We only received this much because the herbs were of such high quality; if they had been ordinary, we might have been chased out empty-handed.

Regardless, it was enough to buy a change of clothes.

I visited a humble fabric shop nearby and purchased two sets of commoner's clothing.

Once we had changed into these inconspicuous outfits, we returned to the street.

'The cost of living here is staggering.'

Prices seemed to be triple or quadruple what they were in Lianshan City.

Consequently, our initial funds were already depleted.

"What's the next move, Deputy Manager Seo?"

"Give me a moment, Director. I'll need to sell more of the harvest."

I went to a different apothecary to sell more herbs.

This time, the owner didn't penalize us for our appearance, yet the price offered was still far below market value.

I returned to the fabric store, bought slightly better attire, and then visited yet another pharmacy.

With my improved clothing, the owner finally offered a fair price for the herbs.

For the final step, I went back to the shop and bought a set of silk robes. Dressed as a nobleman, I navigated the busy streets of Seokyung City until I found a prestigious apothecary to sell my yellow bamboo roots.

"Ah, my lord! To bring such a magnificent elixir to my humble shop..."

The shopkeeper treated me with immense respect, eyeing the silk I wore as he took the yellow bamboo roots.

"In my estimation, this root is at least eight centuries old. It should be worth ten horse-shaped silver pieces at minimum."

"Indeed! In fact, for quality this rare, it is worth fifteen!"

"I thought as much. Bring the payment quickly."

I accepted the owner's profuse thanks and walked out with fifteen horse-shaped silver pieces.

"Heh, heh. Simply incredible, Deputy Manager Seo. Is that the last of it?"

"Yes, for now."

I actually had several more yellow bamboo roots in my possession.

Furthermore, the one I had just sold was the smallest of the lot.

After purchasing silk clothes for Director Kim, I visited the local government office. With a well-placed bribe to an official, I secured a residence permit.

By the time I had purchased a modest house and a plot of land on the outskirts of Seokyung City, only one silver piece remained.

"We will stay here from now on. Now that we have a roof over our heads, I will begin teaching you how to read and write, Director."

"I'm in your debt, Deputy Manager Seo. No, that doesn't feel right."

He looked slightly awkward as he spoke.

"Since we aren't at the company anymore, calling you Deputy Manager feels out of place. How should I address you...?"

"...Just use my name."

"Thank you, Seo Eun-hyun."

With our titles settled, we began discussing our long-term survival.

"The only reason we obtained this much wealth so fast is because of the herbs from the forest. Once those are gone, we'll struggle for food and shelter. We need a sustainable livelihood."

"How should we earn a living... should we start a business trading herbs for silver?"

It was a sound idea.

Given our significant starting capital, Director Kim Young-hoon—who had been a high-level executive at a major firm—certainly had the business acumen to keep us comfortable.

'But that isn't enough.'

Since I have been given the chance to regress, shouldn't I aim for something greater?

'Director Kim Young-hoon is a once-in-a-century martial arts genius.'

In my past life, he became a legendary warrior just by practicing low-tier techniques found on the street for a few months.

He eventually mastered high-level arts to become the undisputed champion of Yanguo's martial world.

What if I provided him with elite martial arts from the very beginning?

'I could accelerate the rise of the world's greatest swordsman by thirty years...!'

And I would reap the rewards of his ascent.

"Director, this world is governed by the laws of Cultivation and martial prowess."

"Hmm...!"

"If we simply do business, we could be crushed at any moment by the feuds between different Sects. Wouldn't it be wise to learn some self-defense martial arts?"

"That is a very good point..."

His expression brightened with a hint of excitement.

"But martial arts are usually kept secret from outsiders, aren't they? How would we even find someone to teach us?"

Director Kim’s eyes sparkled, his mind clearly filled with tropes from the martial arts novels he had read.

"I just made fifteen silver pieces from a single root. Is there anything in this world that money cannot solve?"

"Ahem...!"

"Of course, before we do that, you must master the local tongue and script."

"Hmm..."

For the following three months, I instructed Director Kim in the language while we lived off the proceeds of another herb sale. He threw himself into his studies with desperate intensity, perhaps as a way to cope with the grief of being separated from our world.

Simultaneously, I taught him a breathing exercise known as the Cheonji Heart Method—a basic, third-rate internal art—pitching it as a simple health routine.

Three months passed.

"Lately, I've noticed a strange warmth in my lower abdomen. Even when I'm just sitting, I feel these sudden pulses of energy..."

'Incredible.'

I was forced to acknowledge Director Kim's terrifying potential.

The Cheonji Heart Method is a foundational internal art. Its purpose isn't to store massive amounts of Qi, but to help the practitioner 'sense' it by forming a base in the Dantian.

It took Director Kim only three months to perceive the Qi within his body—a feat that takes an average person at least eight months using this specific method.

'He has already mastered the Cheonji Heart Method.'

I couldn't help but feel a pang of self-pity.

It had taken me thirteen months to feel Qi using the same technique. My talent was significantly below average. If the gap was this wide with third-rate arts, the distance between us would only become more staggering as we moved toward higher Cultivation.

"...Well, since you've gained a grasp of the language and writing, let's find a Sect for you to join."

"Let's do it! Haha, I’m finally going to learn real martial arts...!"

While I had been teaching him, I had also been gathering intelligence on the various power players in Seokyung City.

"The Demon Slaying Sect, Self-binding Temple, Surpassing Bird House, Seven Mysteries Gate, Wolf Fang Gang, Dark Night Association, and Dragon Fighting Stronghold are the seven pillars of this city."

I broke down the nature of each organization for him.

The Demon Slaying Sect, Self-binding Temple, Surpassing Bird House, and Seven Mysteries Gate were known as righteous Sects.

The Wolf Fang Gang, Dark Night Association, and Dragon Fighting Stronghold were the dominant unorthodox or 'evil' factions.

Locals referred to these seven together as the 'Four Stars and Three Demons' of Seokyung City.

The Demon Slaying Sect focused on blade and sword styles; the Self-binding Temple was a Buddhist monastic order; the Surpassing Bird House operated as an information network similar to the Hao Moon; and the Seven Mysteries Gate was an ancient institution teaching a wide array of styles.

On the darker side, the Wolf Fang Gang utilized brutal, practical combat; the Dark Night Association specialized in infiltration and agility; and the Dragon Fighting Stronghold was renowned for its grappling and unarmed strikes.

"Director, which one interests you?"

Truthfully, with his talent, Director Kim would reach the top regardless of which door he knocked on.

He didn't hesitate for a second.

"Demon Slaying! I want to join the Demon Slaying Sect. After all, a hero should carry a sword, and a man should master the blade, right?"

'He chose the exact same path he took in my previous life.'

It was a solid choice.

The rebirth of the greatest blade master I had ever known was beginning.

Together, we made our way to the Demon Slaying Sect's headquarters.

The main branch was situated in the eastern district. As we approached the massive compound, the air was filled with the rhythmic shouts of disciples training. Two guards, armed with swords and sabers, stood watch at the gates.

"Stop. State your business with our Sect."

The guards were cautious but polite, likely influenced by our expensive silk clothing.

"This gentleman is my... elder brother. He has heard of the Demon Slaying Sect's prestige and wishes to learn your martial arts."

"Hmm..."

The guard's gaze drifted to Director Kim.

He saw a middle-aged man with a receding hairline and a bit of a stomach.

"...I mean no offense, but at his age, the path of martial arts will be grueling."

"Haha. Even so, please let us speak with your superiors. Even basic self-defense would satisfy him."

I offered a gentle, persuasive smile.

I spoke of 'basic self-defense,' but I knew that within months, these people would be begging Director Kim to become their lead disciple.

The guards looked at each other, sighed, and stepped aside to let us in.

Before long, we were granted an audience with the Hall Master of the Demon Slaying Hall, a man named Heo Baek.

"So, you are seeking to learn self-defense..."

"Yes. If possible, the most effective techniques you can offer."

I presented a silk-lined box to Heo Baek.

Inside were fifteen of the twenty silver ingots I had secured from my herb sales.

Heo Baek peered into the box, verified the silver, and cleared his throat.

"Ahem... very well. I shall admit him as an outer disciple. As a courtesy, I can arrange for him to be taught a few techniques usually reserved for inner disciples. However, his rank will remain that of an outer disciple. There are no special favors for those who buy their way in. Furthermore... we will only accept one of you."

"Um..."

"Hmm..."

Director Kim looked insulted by the meager offer and started to stand up. I placed a firm hand on his shoulder to keep him seated and addressed Heo Baek.

"We are honored, Hall Master. That will be perfectly fine. My brother will join as the outer disciple."

"Fine. Report to the Hall of External Disciples shortly."

Heo Baek dismissed us with a wave of his hand and departed.

Once we were alone, a bewildered Kim Young-hoon turned to me.

"Eun-hyun, what's the point if I'm the only one learning? If it was going to be this costly, we should have tried another Sect..."

"No, it is better this way. You are the one who needs to learn."

"But you're younger! You'd have a much better chance at this than me..."

"...I've never been gifted with physical labor. I'll use the remaining silver to start a business and support you. That is my role. You just need to focus on yours."

"But..."

Kim Young-hoon looked guilty for a moment, then his expression hardened with resolve.

"Fine. If that's how you want it, I'll give it my all so I can protect you. I just hope this old body can still handle the basics."

"Have faith in yourself."

"Thank you..."

And so, Kim Young-hoon entered the Demon Slaying Sect as an outer disciple, granted access to basic forms and three secret inner techniques as a reward for his massive donation.

Seven months later.

The Demon Slaying Sect was turned upside down.