After using Armament Technique, his spear strikes became much faster and stronger. Not only that, but he also used his dagger constantly.
It took him a few more minutes to perform every technique and martial art in his arsenal. He also used his Battle Soul moves.
After a long time, Tengu finally stood up. Just standing up made Kim tremble for a moment but he quickly control himself and stared at his master.
Tengu didn't hold anything. But, he started performing every martial art and technique that Kim showed.
Paralyzing Stab! Nightless Slash! Basic Dagger Technique! Basic Spear Technique! One Strike Art!
He only didn't show the Battle Soul arts.
Looking at his master performing those tricks as if they were nothing, Kim was having a hard time suppressing his excitement.
He didn't care if his master copied his moves.
In fact, he was glad that his master copied his move. Because he didn't just copy but also improved them. There was a huge distinction between copying and improving something you copied.
At this moment, he couldn't help but remember the times during exams.
His handwriting wasn't that good. And, he always wrote fast. So, there were a lot of mistakes.
During the exams, his friends used to copy his work. But unlike his, their papers would always remain clean. It wasn't because their handwriting matters.
It was because he had a hard time thinking of answers while they were just waiting for him to finish the answer to copy it.
But unlike those times, he found that he finally had a chance to improve. After performing his martial arts and technique, Tengu stared at Kim and asked.
"So, what did you learn from it?"
"Clean!"
Kim replied.
Hearing his words, Tengu was stunned for a moment.
He thought his disciple would shake his head. Even if that wasn't the case, he never expected to hear clean.
Even he didn't understand what his disciple meant. So, he smiled and asked.
"Why do you think so?"
"Because I don't think I should have the ability to perfect those martial arts and techniques this quickly. But, there was always one thing that I could've done better."
"Whenever I use my martial arts and techniques, they are meant to be used in a perfect situation. Except for those situations, I never use them."
"But when I did use them, I found that they were quite messy. There was no flow, no reason, no intention, nothing but just internal energy and movements."
"So, my answer is Clean. Because unlike mine, your performance not only had strength but also the intent behind every move. It wasn't like I was watching internal energy and movements."
"It was more like I was watching you. And, when watching you, I found that every move has been used smoothly and perfectly."
Hearing his words, Tengu was stunned for a moment. But, the next moment, he burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! This is the first time I have heard of something like that. Not looking at internal energy or movements but myself. Yes, I can feel it."
"Looking at me, you can see my own movements and predict the flow of internal energy. The way I perform those techniques and arts have a balance between them."
"For example, when I use Spear, I only focused on strength and accuracy. But, while using a dagger, I focused on speed and accuracy."
"Of course, I wasn't using any weapons but because I was using those arts smoothly, you will feel the effects of those weapons."
"In fact, this isn't something great. What's great is the Essence between your Martial Arts and Technique. Before I give you my explanation. I want to ask you something."
Hearing his words, Kim nodded his head.
"What would be the relationship between Essence and Clean you mentioned?"
"If you want to ask my own opinion then I would say. Clean has a direct relationship with Essence. Although their meaning might be different."
Tengu raised his eyebrows and asked.
"Oh, why do you think so?"
"Because the Essence of Martial Arts or Technique means using them with one intention. It has to be something that reflects the core of that martial art or technique."
"Which means essence basically is the representation of one thought. On the other hand, Clean means no dirt or dust. But, if we link it with Martial arts, then we could say it means one aspect."
"Whenever a martial art has more than one aspect on it, that becomes messier. For example, Spear is used for thrust."
"Whenever I use a spear, the main action would be thrust. That should be the cleanest performance. But since my strength isn't enough, I merge dark internal energy with it."
"That means, I am not using a spear, but rather a martial art. That martial art only has one aspect and that is to paralyze my enemy. Whether it is by using spear or sword."
"What I am trying to say is that Essence means perfection. When it is perfected, it doesn't need any more than one aspect of power which is also the cleanest power."
"Of course, these are my thoughts. They might not be necessarily true." Kim explained as he shrugged his shoulder at the end.
Hearing his words, Tengu thought for a moment and asked.
"So, you are saying that a spear is used only for thrust? And, because we are not strong enough, we add other powers, slowly losing their true essence."
"Actually, we might not lose its true essence. We just get distracted by something new. For example, while using Paralyzing Stab, I shouldn't be thinking of whether to use a spear or poison dagger."
"Poison Dagger can also paralyze people and if I use dark internal energy with the spear, it can produce a similar result."
"But when I first got this art, it was by combining the speed and poison of a dagger. It was only later I used spear with Dark Internal Energy."
"So, for me, Paralyzing Stab isn't about the weapon, it's about an effect. That means I am not losing its true essence. I am not changing the process."
Hearing his words, Tengu sighed.
"I don't understand how a kid like you can think like that. But then again, you were able to awaken the Battle Soul twice, you should be this talented."
"By hearing your words, I came up to my own conclusion. Clean and Essence are two branches of the same tree."
"For me, clean represents my movements and my performance while essence represents the power of those movements."
"Of course, I am not saying you are wrong. After all, it is true that only essence can represent the cleanest power."
"So, we will focus on two things now. First, improve your performance. Second, understanding the essence behind each art."
Hearing his words, Kim's eyes brightened. He was excited about the next training.
"So, to improve your performance, we must start with the basics."
"First training would be Patience."
When he said that, Tengu raised his hand and a powerful pressure burst out of him. This pressure was so strong that the ground beneath them started to crack.
Thud!
Kim suddenly fell to his knees. His eyes opened wide as the ground started pulling him.
"Your task is to stay like that for the entire night. I will keep this pressure and slowly increase it. You are not allowed to move even a little nor you are allowed to speak."
"Let your body relax and adapt to this pressure. Only then you will be patience enough to use martial art."
Hearing his words, Kim didn't know what to say. He just sat still. He was sitting on his knees so it was getting uncomfortable with each second.
But, he didn't have any choice. He must remain persistent.
Three girls who were watching it from the sides felt uncomfortable. They bit their lips in distress but they couldn't do anything.
After all, Kim needed to train on his own.
At this moment, Yeosho suddenly stepped forward. When she walked forward, they felt an immense pressure on her shoulder.
She was hundreds of meters away from them but she could still feel the pressure like a mountain.
But, she didn't give up. This was one in a lifetime chance to improve her strength.
Looking at her, the two girls felt a bit inferior. Hinata also took a step forward and tried to bear the pressure. Unlike Yeosho, she was a bit more comfortable.
So, she gritted her teeth and moved ahead of Yeosho.
Seeing her, Yeosho bit her lips. She didn't want to lose to Hinata but she had no way to move forward. This was already pressing her down.
On the other than, Neyol just watched and walked away.
'Although improving strength is important, I also need to take care of them. Hah! I guess, being older always makes you responsible.'
'Hmm! I should probably make a proper plan for the organization. Yeah, that's right. I should be the Wisdom that he talked about.'
New novel 𝓬hapters are published on fre ew𝒆bnovel.com