A few awkward seconds passed before he spoke again.

"Alright, I'll tell you more about her, but you need to answer my question first."

"What is it?"

"Let's talk about your physique. What do you know about it so far?"

So we finally got to this topic. And here I was, secretly hoping he had forgotten about it. Luckily, I already rehearsed the answers in my head.

In addition, he clearly wasn't into formal talk, so I loosened up a bit. No point pretending otherwise.

"Well, my body is stronger, my senses are more attuned—and isn't that normal for people who awaken their powers?" I feigned ignorance.

"Yes, but your ability to absorb concentrated energy from Tower materials is extremely rare. On top of that, your fighting style is remarkably refined. I tested you because Alexa told me about the way you fought. It reminded her of ancient martial arts in the Dark continent.

"She knew martial arts? And the Dark Continent… this is the first I'm hearing of it."

"It's okay that you didn't know. Nowadays we call it the Dark Continent, but in the old days, before the Towers, it was the Eastern Continent," he explained, leaning back.

"Back then, some individuals could already perform supernatural feats after years of training in temples. One even stopped a drill with his bare skin. But because most considered it nothing more than a gimmick, the practice slowly disappeared into history."

I instinctively nodded, intrigued. "You sure know a lot about this."

He paused, as if recalling something. "That's because my great-grandfather came from the Eastern Region. I heard the stories firsthand from my father, who heard them from his father, and so on."

"So you're not even sure it's true? Could just be a myth."

"It could be, but since the era of the Seekers, I've seen things far more unbelievable than martial arts."

"Are you perhaps a martial artist? And if so, who taught you this technique?"

He hit the mark. Someone did teach me—but it wasn't a person. It was my system.

"Why are you so interested in whether I'm a martial artist or not?" I asked, keeping my tone casual.

"I want you to pass on your martial arts to the Order, so we can strengthen our fighters," he explained.

"The Dark Continent is completely isolated now. I can't go digging up manuals or techniques there. So if you already know it, that means someone taught you."

Things weren't looking good. If there was one thing I hated, it was giving away something valuable for free. I preferred hoarding all the good stuff for myself, thank you very much.

And even if I decided to teach it, I would prioritize only those who were completely loyal to me.

"Sorry, but I really don't have a master,"

His eyes narrowed, the sigh dragging out from doubt.

"So you're telling me you somehow mastered the spear at that level without any training—or a master?"

"I don't really know what to say. Like I mentioned, when I awakened, I already found myself capable of those moves. Besides, no one really knows the true essence or origin of awakening, so I might just be a unique case."

His expression turned solemn, and he nodded slowly, finding my explanation plausible.

"You're right," he broke the silence. "This isn't the first time someone has diverged from a normal awakening."

Finally. He actually bought my story.

"Can you teach those moves, regardless?"

Damn it, so he was still not over with his interest in my martial arts.

Too bad for him. I'm not in the business of giving away winning cards. Maybe if a newer, shinier power shows up that renders martial arts irrelevant, I'll consider sharing. Until then? Hands off—this is mine.

"I have no clue where to start. The moves came instinctively, so trying to explain the fundamentals would be pointless. And Alexa? She's got hints of martial arts herself, so clearly you've got your own techniques too."

He nodded, though his eyes looked disappointed. "Our techniques only get someone so far. They teach you to use a weapon, but they'll never let you outmatch someone with real power."

Recalling my fight with Alexa, I couldn't help but agree with him.

She has an overpowered ability to blink in and out of existence, but she lacks the technical skill to fully maximize her potential. That's why I was able to neutralize her without even using much of my shadow ability.

With Qi and proper technique, she'd be terrifying. Killing an S-Rank in one blow wouldn't even be out of her reach.

But that was easier said than done. Without the system, just sensing Qi in the body would take years. Unblocking the meridians? Even more.

From Mortal Breathing to Root of Qi? One year. Qi Refinement? Five. Body Refining? Another five.

Technically, the dense energy in this world could speed things up, but even a genius would still need at least three years to reach my current cultivation level.

Not that I was planning to hand out tips for free.

"I know you're still wary. That's okay. But let me make you a suggestion—one that could benefit both sides."

"Go on. I'm willing to listen."

His warm and friendly smile came back after hearing my answer.

"How about I let Alexa train under you? Even if you don't know the fundamentals, just sparring with you could help her improve. It's clear she has a very powerful ability, and all she needs is the right technique and experience to use it effectively."

"DEAL!"

No need to think twice. That was the best outcome I could hope for.

"Actually, I'll counter that deal, Master Tang," I said. "I'm willing to take on ten students—but they'll need to meet my criteria."

His eyes lit up, and he nodded hastily, clearly afraid I would change my mind.

"First of all, they must be at the very least A-Ranks."

No protest followed—he probably assumed I had no interest in dealing with anyone lower.

"Second, they all have to be under 25. The younger the better."

This time, he actually asked why.

"I might not know the basics, but my gut says younger students will pick it up faster. Strong hunch, trust me."

Tang raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"You have a strong hunch, huh? Bold, but I can't deny it makes sense. Younger minds adapt faster… I suppose I'll have to trust your instincts on this one."

Of course, it's not like I had any ulterior motive.

"Third, they need to join my guild. I'm planning to start my own since I don't have a company left."

"I understand—that's not a problem. Most of our members are Seekers climbing the Tower anyway."

Good—this basically solved

my short-term recruiting problem. Honestly, I'm proud of my quick thinking. Spot the opportunity. Cash in immediately. Pro gamer move.

"And finally, the most important part… they all have to be female and good-looking. Anyone below an 8? Not happening. That's non-negotiable."

Master Tang blinked. Once. Twice. Then his mouth opened… and closed again. For a solid ten seconds, he looked like someone had taken his brain out.

"…You… you're serious?"

"I am, Master Tang. And don't get any ideas—I don't have any hidden agenda. I just go along better with women."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.