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 the surroundings with confusion.

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

"...Here."

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

We had landed in this place after that hunchbacked old man forced us through the rift in space.

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

"...So much has happened so fast; I can't even wrap my head around it anymore."

"I understand."

"I keep hoping someone will tell me this is just a nightmare..."

In that brief moment, Director Kim’s face seemed to age an entire decade.

"...I don't know if I should feel lucky or cursed for lacking any talent or special abilities. Should I be glad those monsters didn't take us, or should I feel miserable that we were simply discarded...?"

"..."

I didn't have a comforting response for him.

In my previous life, I was nothing more than a clueless herb picker who understood nothing of the world.

Even though I had managed to survive the last three days with the others in this life, it was solely due to the knowledge from my regression.

Stripped of that, I am not a remarkable man.

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

"...Alright, let's go."

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

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

"I can't make sense of anything they're saying. It sounds like Chinese, but why is everyone staring at us?"

"It’s likely because of our attire."

I had burned my original shirt for fuel during Manager Kim’s final meal, leaving me in just an undershirt.

Director Kim, meanwhile, was standing out like a sore thumb in his modern hiking clothes.

"...This is a problem. By the way, Deputy Manager Seo, do you happen to know Chinese...?"

"Yes, luckily I've had some language training. From what I can hear, it’s quite similar to a southern dialect. I believe I can manage basic communication."

"Wow... that is incredibly fortunate...!"

That was a complete fabrication, of course.

The language of this realm, rooted in its own ancient scripts, shared no connection with Chinese.

Traditional, simplified, or any regional dialect from Earth would be useless 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 targets for attention, we should buy local outfits."

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

I offered 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, including those for stopping bleeding, warming the body, and reducing fever.

These were the most basic, low-grade plants I had gathered along the Ascension Path.

However, because these herbs had soaked in massive amounts of spiritual energy and grew undisturbed in the forest, they were several times larger than local varieties. The pharmacist paid a significant sum for them.

"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 coins the owner had handed over.

'He definitely ripped us off.'

It was the price of looking suspicious.

We only received this much because the quality and quantity of the herbs were so high; had they been average, we might have been turned away empty-handed.

Still, it was enough to purchase new clothes.

I immediately sought out the most modest fabric shop nearby and bought two sets of simple, worn clothing.

Once we had changed into these plain garments, we headed back out.

'The cost of living here is staggering.'

It felt three or four times higher than in Lianshan City.

In the end, we had to spend every bit of the money we just earned.

"What's the plan now, Deputy Manager Seo?"

"Just a moment, Director. I'll need to sell a few more herbs."

I visited a different pharmacy and sold more stock.

This time, the price wasn't docked for our appearance, though I was still being undercut.

I returned to the fabric store, bought slightly better attire, and then visited a third apothecary to sell more herbs.

This time, seeing my improved clothing, the owner offered a fair market price.

Finally, I went back to the shop one last time and purchased a set of silk robes. Dressed as a man of means, I strolled through the heart of Seokyung City and entered a prestigious pharmacy to sell the yellow bamboo roots.

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

The owner treated me with immense respect, eyeing the yellow bamboo roots while I stood there in my silk finery.

"By my estimation, this root is at least eight hundred years old. It should be worth ten pieces of horse-shaped silver at the very least."

"Indeed! In fact, for quality this high, it’s worth fifteen!"

"As it should be. Bring the silver quickly."

I accepted the owner’s bows and departed the shop with fifteen pieces of horse-shaped silver.

"Heh, incredible, Deputy Manager Seo. Is that all of it?"

"Yes, for now."

I still had several yellow bamboo roots left.

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

After purchasing a silk outfit for Director Kim, I visited the local government office, bribed an official, and secured a residence permit.

By the time I had bought a modest house and some land on the outskirts of Seokyung City, I had only one silver piece remaining.

"We'll stay here for the time being. We have a roof over our heads, and I'll begin teaching you how to read and write, Director."

"I'm in your debt, Deputy Manager Seo. No, wait."

He looked slightly awkward as he corrected himself.

"We aren't at the company anymore, so calling you 'Deputy Manager' feels wrong. How should I address you...?"

"...Just use my name."

"Thank you, Seo Eun-hyun."

With our titles settled, we discussed our long-term strategy.

"The only reason we obtained this much money so fast is by selling the herbs from the forest. Once those run out, we'll struggle for food and shelter. We need a sustainable way to live."

"What if we started a business? Selling herbs and trading silver?"

It was a sound idea.

With the capital we had, someone like Director Kim Young-hoon—who had been a high-level executive at a major firm—could easily run a business 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 powerhouse just by practicing bottom-tier martial arts found on the streets for a few months.

He eventually mastered high-level techniques and became the undisputed number one warrior in the Yanguo martial arts world.

What would happen if I provided him with elite martial arts from the very start?

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

And I intended to ride the coattails of his success as much as possible.

"Director, this world is actually governed by martial arts and secret techniques."

"Hmm...!"

"Simply doing business in a place like this means we could be crushed by the feuds of martial Sects at any moment. Wouldn't it be wiser to learn some self-defense martial arts?"

"That's a very good point..."

He looked at me, his eyes gleaming with a newfound excitement.

"But isn't it true that martial arts are kept secret from outsiders? How would we even find someone to teach us?"

As we spoke of Cultivation and combat, Director Kim used terms from the novels he'd read, his interest piqued.

"I just made fifteen silver pieces from a single herb. Is there anything in this world that money can't buy?"

"Ahem, true...!"

"Of course, you'll need to master the language and the script first."

"Hmm..."

For the following three months, I instructed Director Kim in the local tongue and writing while we lived off the proceeds of another herb sale. He threw himself into his studies with everything he had, perhaps using the work to distract himself from the grief of losing our colleagues.

Simultaneously, I taught him a basic breathing exercise called the Cheonji Heart Method—a third-rate internal martial art—under the guise of a health routine.

After three months had passed.

"Lately, I've been feeling this strange tingling in my gut. Even when I'm just sitting, I feel these surges of energy..."

'Unbelievable.'

I could see the proof of Director Kim’s unnatural talent.

The Cheonji Heart Method is a foundational internal art; it isn't meant for 'storing' massive energy, but rather for 'feeling' it by building a base in the Dantian.

It took Director Kim only three months to sense 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 felt a pang of self-pity.

It had taken me thirteen months to feel Qi using that same technique. I am significantly slower than the average man. While the gap is only fourfold with third-rate arts, as we move into high-level Cultivation, the distance between his genius and my mediocrity will become an abyss.

"...Well, since you've gotten the hang of the language and the script, 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 martial organizations within 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 known as the seven great Sects of Seokyung City."

I broke down the details of each group for him.

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

The Wolf Fang Gang, Dark Night Association, and Dragon Fighting Stronghold were the city's notorious unorthodox powers.

Together, these seven were known throughout the city as the Four Stars and Three Demons.

The Demon Slaying Sect focused on the sword and blade; the Self-binding Temple was a Buddhist Sect; the Surpassing Bird House acted as an information network similar to the Hao Moon; and the Seven Mysteries Gate was an ancient organization with a vast array of techniques.

Among the unorthodox, the Wolf Fang Gang utilized brutal, practical combat; the Dark Night Association specialized in stealth and agility born from the city's underworld; and the Dragon Fighting Stronghold focused on pure, unarmed strength.

"Director, which of these Sects interests you most?"

It didn't truly matter; with his talent, he would thrive anywhere.

Without a second thought, Director Kim made his decision.

"Demon Slaying! Let's go with the Demon Slaying Sect. After all, isn't the sword the soul of a hero and the blade the mark of a man?"

'Just like before, he chooses the same path for his first martial art.'

It was a solid choice.

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

Together, we made our way toward the Demon Slaying Sect.

Their main headquarters was situated in the eastern district of Seokyung City.

Loud martial shouts echoed from within the massive compound. At the entrance, two guards armed with swords and blades stood watch.

"Stop. What is your business with our Sect?"

The guards were polite but wary, noting 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 shifted to Director Kim.

He saw a middle-aged man with thinning hair and a bit of a stomach.

"...I mean no offense, but starting martial arts at that age will not be easy."

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

I offered a gentle, persuasive smile.

I spoke of "basic self-defense," but I knew that within months, they would be the ones begging him to study their most secret techniques.

The guards traded glances, sighed, and eventually opened the gates for us.

A short while later, we were standing before Heo Baek, the Hall Master of the Demon Slaying Hall.

"So, you're looking for self-defense training..."

"Yes. If possible, the finest self-defense your Sect offers..."

I slid a silk-wrapped case toward Heo Baek.

It held fifteen of the twenty silver ingots I had secured from my herb sales.

Heo Baek opened the box, inspected the silver, cleared his throat, and spoke.

"Ahem... very well. I will accept him as an outer disciple. As a courtesy, I can arrange for him to learn a few inner disciple techniques. 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 take one of you."

"Wait..."

"Hmm..."

Director Kim, clearly offended by the lopsided deal, started to stand up. I placed a steadying hand on his shoulder and looked at the Hall Master.

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

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

With a dismissive wave, Heo Baek left the room.

Kim Young-hoon looked at me, completely baffled.

"Eun-hyun, what's the point if only I learn? If I knew it was this expensive, we should have looked elsewhere..."

"No, it's better this way. You need to learn."

"But you're younger; you have more potential for this..."

"...I've never been good at physical things. I'll use the remaining silver to start a business and support you. That is my strength. You just need to focus on your path."

"But..."

After a moment of guilt, Kim Young-hoon’s expression turned solemn.

"Fine. If you're sure, I'll give it my all to learn and 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 several foundational and three advanced techniques as a reward for his massive contribution.

Seven months later.

The Demon Slaying Sect was turned upside down.