Tae-Won drifted in darkness, suspended between consciousness and something deeper. Pain radiated through his body in waves, each pulse a reminder of the duel with Jin Taekyung. His mind, however, felt strangely clear—detached from the physical discomfort as if observing it from a distance.

  Is this death? he wondered absently. Or just the aftermath of getting my ass handed to me by that pretty boy?

  The darkness shifted, brightening suddenly into blinding white light. Tae-Won winced, trying to shield his eyes but finding his body unresponsive. The transition was jarring—one moment floating in comfortable darkness, the next trapped in a painfully bright, confined space.

  "Where am I?" he muttered, finally regaining enough control to raise a hand against the glare.

  A massive notification appeared before him, hovering in the air like a translucent screen:

  [Welcome To Your "Inner World"]

  Tae-Won blinked in confusion. "My what now?"

  [INNER WORLD: The internal dimension of a cultivator where their ideal Qi and spiritual essence converge. A metaphysical, internal space that reflects one's cultivation foundation and spiritual understanding as well as their beliefs.]

  "Can you turn down the light?" Tae-Won complained, squinting against the brightness. "It's like staring directly into a star."

  The intensity immediately diminished to a comfortable glow, revealing his surroundings—or lack thereof. He stood in a perfectly cubic space, approximately one meter in each direction. The walls, floor, and ceiling were featureless, glowing with soft luminescence.

  "Great," Tae-Won muttered, reaching out to touch the nearest wall. "My inner world is a glorified closet."

  [NOTICE: User does not meet standard requirements for Inner World formation (requires Core Formation III). However, due to user's exceptional self-realization during combat and unique meridian structure, a pseudo-Inner World has been deployed as an emergency measure to prevent cultivation base collapse.]

  Tae-Won frowned, pressing his palm against the luminescent wall. "So this is... inside me?" The surface felt neither warm nor cold, solid yet somehow giving slightly under pressure. "It's rather small and empty."

  [CORRECT. As user's cultivation level and self-understanding increase, the Inner World will expand and develop accordingly.]

  He walked the perimeter of the space, which took all of three steps. The boundaries seemed both rigid and somehow flexible, as if they might expand with enough pressure or will. It reminded him of the way Qi felt when first learning to manipulate it—resistant yet malleable with proper focus.

  "What's the point of this place?" Tae-Won asked, examining the confined space with growing curiosity. "I haven't read anything about 'inner worlds' in the cultivation manuals."

  [The Inner World is a cultivator's "BASE." Once a cultivator becomes strong enough, they begin moving closer to immortality as their Qi evolves. The inner world serves as their personal domain.]

  [Once sufficiently powerful, a cultivator can deploy their inner world externally - known as "domain declaration." A cultivator's inner world can significantly boost cultivation while inside it, though the drawback is substantial mental and qi consumption.]

  Tae-Won's imperial instincts immediately recognized the strategic implications. "A personal domain that can be externalized? Now that sounds useful." He glanced around the tiny space skeptically. "Though at this size, I could barely fit a teacup in here, let alone create any sort of tactical advantage."

  He attempted to summon a small flame, the most basic Qi manipulation technique he'd mastered. Nothing happened. The flame that would normally dance across his fingertips refused to manifest.

  [USER CANNOT ACCESS ABILITIES WITHIN THIS PSEUDO-INNER WORLD. Current functionality limited to basic awareness and ENTRY/EXIT. Strengthen cultivation to access true capabilities.]

  Tae-Won attempted to summon his Qi again, focusing harder, but nothing happened. The familiar sensation of energy flowing through his meridians was absent here, replaced by a strange disconnection from his physical form.

  "Fine," he sighed. "How do I get out of here?"

  [WOULD USER LIKE TO RETURN TO PHYSICAL CONSCIOUSNESS?]

  "Yes," Tae-Won answered decisively, already planning how to research this phenomenon once he returned. If this inner world was as important as the system suggested, understanding its development could be crucial to his advancement.

  [INITIATING RETURN PROTOCOL]

  The space began to fade around him, the walls of light dissolving into darkness once more. As consciousness slipped away, Tae-Won caught a final notification:

  [SYSTEM NOTICE: UNUSUAL MERIDIAN ACTIVITY DETECTED - MONITORING...]

  Tae-Won gasped awake, his body jolting upright before pain forced him back down onto the bed. Sunlight streamed through the window of his quarters, indicating it was mid-morning. His mouth felt dry, his body aching with the aftermath of the duel, but his mind was surprisingly clear.

  "Twenty minutes there, but how long was I out here?" he muttered, wincing as he tried to sit up again.

  The room was familiar—his quarters at the Northern District compound. Someone had changed his clothes and applied medicinal bandages to his wounds. The scent of herbal remedies hung heavy in the air, a mixture of bitter and sweet aromas that indicated high-quality healing compounds. Far better than anything he'd been given during his time in the slums.

  Before he could make another attempt, the door burst open with enough force to nearly tear it from its hinges. Liu Feng led the charge, followed closely by Ho-Jin and several street children, with Elder Jin bringing up the rear at a more dignified pace.

  "Tae-Won!" Ho-Jin exclaimed, his usual stoic demeanor cracking as relief washed over his face. "You're awake! We were so worried!"

  Behind him, Min-Ji lingered in the doorway, arms crossed but relief evident in her eyes despite her attempt at casual indifference. "I knew you wouldn't die," she stated flatly, though the slight upward tilt of her lips betrayed her true feelings.

  Liu Feng immediately rushed to Tae-Won's side, his medical instincts taking over as he checked Tae-Won's pulse and inspected his eyes with professional precision. The street children hovered nervously around the periphery, their expressions a mixture of awe and concern.

  "How long was I unconscious?" Tae-Won asked, directing the question to Liu Feng, who was already checking his pulse with practiced efficiency.

  "Two days," Liu Feng replied, concern evident in his voice. "Your meridians were severely destabilized. Elder Jin had to personally apply three different healing techniques to prevent permanent damage."

  Tae-Won's eyes widened. Two days? But the inner world felt like twenty minutes at most. He filed this information away for later consideration. Time seemed to flow differently there—another aspect he needed to understand.

  "Two whole days?" Tae-Won repeated, genuinely surprised. "The last thing I remember is falling after that final exchange with Jin Taekyung."

  "You were impressive," Liu Feng said, his voice filled with undisguised admiration. "Many are saying you're the first Foundation Realm cultivator to ever stand against a Core Formation disciple for so long."

  Ho-Jin hovered awkwardly at the bedside, clearly unsure about proper protocol. He and Tae-Won locked eyes for a moment, creating a brief tension that even Min-Ji seemed to notice, her eyebrow raising slightly.

  "Just hug me already," Tae-Won said with a half-smile, breaking the awkward silence.

  Ho-Jin immediately embraced him with enough enthusiasm to make Tae-Won's ribs protest. Several of the younger children followed suit, piling onto the bed in a chaotic heap of limbs and excited chatter.

  Not so tight, you idiots, Tae-Won thought, wincing as pain shot through his still-recovering body. He caught Min-Ji's gaze, and the knowing smirk on her face suggested she could read his discomfort perfectly.

  "Careful with him," Min-Ji called out, finally stepping into the room. "He's still broken."

  "I'm not broken," Tae-Won protested weakly, though the pain radiating through his body suggested otherwise.

  "You took a direct hit from Jin Taekyung's 'Azure Skyfall Fist,'" Liu Feng corrected, gently moving the children aside to continue his examination. "Most Foundation Realm cultivators would have been completely shattered. Your meridians seem to have absorbed and dispersed the impact in a most unusual way."

  Liu Feng stood nearby, studying Tae-Won with undisguised admiration. "You stood against Young Master Jin Taekyung for so long, at your cultivation level—it's unprecedented!"

  Elder Jin cleared his throat, the sound immediately bringing order to the chaotic room. "If everyone's welcome back ceremony is complete, I would like to speak with Tae-Won in private."

  The children reluctantly filed out, with Ho-Jin looking back several times as if afraid Tae-Won might disappear if he took his eyes off him. Liu Feng followed last, gently herding the stragglers and closing the door behind him.

  Elder Jin took a seat beside the bed, his ancient eyes studying Tae-Won with newfound intensity. There was something different in his gaze now—a sharp, analytical quality that hadn't been there before, as if he were trying to see through Tae-Won's very essence.

  Tae-Won shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny but maintained his composure. Had the old man noticed something during the duel? Some hint of my Azure Phoenix Meridians?

  "I did say don't overexert yourself and just showcase your ability," Elder Jin began, his voice carrying no real reproach. "But you went overboard."

  Tae-Won nodded, accepting the mild criticism. "I didn't expect him to escalate so quickly."

  "Nonetheless," Elder Jin continued, his penetrating gaze never leaving Tae-Won's face, "the Jin Clan isn't the only one talking about you now."

  Tae-Won raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

  "Multiple sects and clans have heard about your performance," Elder Jin explained, gesturing to a stack of scrolls on a nearby table. "But more importantly, two prestigious martial academies have sent letters expressing interest in your attendance."

  The old man produced two elegant scrolls, each bearing an intricate seal. The first showed a cloud wreathed in lightning with a sword piercing through its center, while the second displayed a golden dragon coiled around a mountain peak.

  "The Heavenly Cloud Martial Academy and the Imperial Dragon Orthodox Academy," Elder Jin stated, his tone neutral but his eyes watching Tae-Won's reaction carefully.

  Tae-Won's eyes widened, first in surprise, then with excited recognition at the mention of the Heavenly Cloud Academy. "The Heavenly Cloud Academy? They're interested in me?" He'd been researching and planning to apply there anyway—it was the primary reason he'd agreed to Elder Jin's training regimen in the first place. Their reputation for accepting talented students regardless of background had made them his target institution from the start.

  "Yes," Elder Jin nodded, placing both scrolls on the bed. "And the Imperial Dragon Orthodox Academy as well, which I didn't expect."

  "I'm familiar with the Heavenly Cloud Academy from my research," Tae-Won said, picking up the scroll bearing the cloud and lightning seal. "But I've only heard passing mentions of the Imperial Dragon Academy. What kind of institution is it? From what I've heard, people don't take to it too kindly."

  Elder Jin's eyebrows rose slightly, his expression becoming contemplative. "The Imperial Dragon Orthodox Academy is among the oldest and wealthiest institutions in the realm. While the Heavenly Cloud Academy focuses on talent regardless of background, the Imperial Dragon traditionally accepts only those of noble blood and prestigious lineage."

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  "Then why would they show interest in me?" Tae-Won asked, genuinely puzzled.

  Elder Jin stroked his beard thoughtfully. "That's what makes their letter so surprising. The Imperial Dragon Academy almost never expresses interest in someone of non-noble birth, regardless of talent. While technically you're now my disciple and not simply a 'slum rat' as they might put it, you still lack the bloodline and family connections they typically require."

  Tae-Won frowned. "So why make an exception now?"

  "Your display against Jin Taekyung must have impressed them significantly," Elder Jin explained. "Or perhaps they have other motives. The Imperial Dragon Academy values power and potential above all else, even if they typically find those qualities exclusively among the nobility."

  "And they're both interested in me?" Tae-Won asked, picking up the scrolls to examine them more closely.

  Elder Jin's expression turned serious. "Word travels fast in Murim. Your display of skill against a Core Formation disciple, despite your own low cultivation level, has caught many eyes."

  "Well," Elder Jin nodded, placing both scrolls on the bed. "The entrance examinations for both academies are two months from now. They've both been pushed back due to... political issues."

  Tae-Won unrolled the first scroll—the Heavenly Cloud Academy's invitation. Its language was formal but warm, emphasizing their tradition of nurturing talent regardless of background or status. The academy expressed sincere interest in seeing Tae-Won apply, noting that his "remarkable potential deserves the opportunity to flourish among peers who value ability over birth."

  The Imperial Dragon Orthodox Academy's letter was different—more direct and assertive. It spoke of resources, connections, and power, subtly emphasizing the academy's superior wealth and political backing. It mentioned specifically that they were "always seeking exceptional talents to elevate from obscurity."

  Is this guy calling me a broke slum fuck? Tae-Won thought, his pride stinging slightly. Well, he's not wrong, but it still stings a little.

  "Both academies have their merits," Elder Jin commented, apparently reading Tae-Won's expressions. "The Imperial Dragon Orthodox Academy certainly has more resources and financial backing. Statistically speaking, their students receive more material support than any other academy in Murim."

  "But?" Tae-Won prompted, sensing the unspoken qualification.

  "But the Heavenly Cloud Academy has produced more true cultivators—those who reach the higher realms beyond mere material power," Elder Jin replied. "They claim to be open to all, and while that's not entirely accurate, they are far more accepting of lower-class students than the Imperial Dragon."

  "And what happens to those lower-class students?" Tae-Won asked, his instincts already warning him of the answer.

  Elder Jin's face darkened slightly. "At the Imperial Dragon, those without backing often become little more than servants to the noble-born students. Officially, they're called 'merit disciples,' but in reality..." He trailed off, letting Tae-Won's imagination fill in the rest.

  "And at the Heavenly Cloud?"

  "It happens there too, but less frequently," Elder Jin admitted. "Their focus on actual cultivation achievement creates a more... balanced environment."

  Tae-Won set both scrolls down, contemplating this new information. The System had provided him with basic information about the academies, but clearly, there was more to it than what was recorded in the common knowledge database.

  "As I mentioned when we first discussed your becoming my disciple," Elder Jin continued, "I was already aware of your interest in the Heavenly Cloud Academy. That was part of our arrangement—I would help prepare you for their entrance examinations. What's changed now is that you have options."

  Tae-Won nodded, recalling their previous conversation. Elder Jin had indeed offered to sponsor his application to the Heavenly Cloud Academy as part of their agreement. This development with the Imperial Dragon Academy was unexpected, but potentially valuable.

  "Which one of these do you think I should attend?" Tae-Won asked, though he already knew the answer.

  "Jin Taekyung's overconfidence gave you openings to exploit," Elder Jin replied. "But there are people at these academies who, despite your potential, will treat you like a true enemy from the start. They won't give you any gaps to exploit." He paused, studying Tae-Won's face carefully. "Your martial skills are certainly above your cultivation level, but that alone won't be enough. Either one would be beneficial for your growth, It is merely your choice."

  Tae-Won recognized the calculated risk. The academies would provide resources and connections far beyond what he currently had access to, but would also place him under greater scrutiny.

  Elder Jin stood, his movement fluid despite his apparent age. "We have two months to prepare and decide. When you're fully recovered, we'll begin."

  "Begin what?"

  "Seclusion training," Elder Jin replied, his expression revealing nothing of his thoughts. "There's a place where you can break through to Core Formation before the entrance examination."

  "Where?" Tae-Won asked, already trying to sit up despite the pain.

  Elder Jin's eyes held a hint of amusement. "Rest for two more days. Then we'll leave for the Northern Ice Peaks."

  "The Northern Ice Peaks?" Tae-Won repeated, surprised. "Isn't that territory controlled by the Frost Demon Sect?"

  "You've done your research," Elder Jin noted with a slight narrowing of his eyes. "Yes, it is. But there's a specific location within the peaks where the Qi is particularly pure and condensed."

  Tae-Won caught the subtle hint. "And that's important because...?"

  "Based on your performance and recovery, I believe you have a constitution that requires exceptionally pure Qi," Elder Jin explained. "The Northern Ice Peaks contain one of the few places where our training can maximize that potential."

  He already figured about how my Azure Phoenix Meridians work, Tae-Won thought, keeping his face carefully neutral. This old man is really clever.

  "And the Frost Demon Sect allows outsiders to train there?" Tae-Won asked skeptically.

  A ghost of a smile crossed Elder Jin's face. "The Sect Master and I have an... arrangement. You needn't concern yourself with the details."

  Tae-Won nodded slowly, recognizing another layer of political complexity he wasn't yet privy to. "How long will we be gone?"

  "The entire two months," Elder Jin replied. "We'll return just in time for the entrance examination—whichever one you choose to attend."

  "I haven't decided yet," Tae-Won admitted, looking at both scrolls again.

  "You have time," Elder Jin assured him. "But first, we need to ensure you have the strength to survive either one."

  A sudden thought occurred to Tae-Won. "Won't the clan object to your absence? You are a Elder, after all."

  Elder Jin waved dismissively. "I've already arranged for my responsibilities to be covered. Besides, training a personal disciple is considered important work—especially one who might bring honor to the clan at the academy examinations."

  Tae-Won nodded, understanding the political calculations at play. His success would reflect well on Elder Jin and, by extension, the entire Jin Clan. It was a symbiotic relationship, beneficial to both parties.

  "Rest now," Elder Jin commanded, rising from his seat. "Your body needs to recover completely before we begin the journey."

  As Elder Jin moved toward the door, Tae-Won called out, "Elder Jin?"

  The old man paused, looking back.

  "Thank you," Tae-Won said simply. "For everything."

  A flicker of something—perhaps surprise, perhaps satisfaction—crossed Elder Jin's weathered face before he nodded and left the room.

  Two days later, Tae-Won stood outside the Northern District compound, a large box of supplies in his arms. The morning sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting long shadows across the courtyard. He glanced around, expecting to see some form of transportation waiting for them.

  "Where's our ride?" Tae-Won asked, shifting the weight of the box in his arms. "Are they running late?"

  Elder Jin, carrying nothing but a small pouch at his waist, looked at him with mild amusement. "We don't have one."

  Tae-Won blinked. "What do you mean?"

  "We'll be going there by foot," Elder Jin stated simply.

  "Haha," Tae-Won chuckled, "you really know how to tell jokes, Master."

  Elder Jin's expression remained unchanged. "I'm telling the truth."

  Tae-Won's laughter died in his throat as he studied Elder Jin's serious face. "Are you serious?"

  "Does it look like I'm joking?" Elder Jin replied calmly.

  This old fuck is actually serious, Tae-Won thought, incredulity washing over him. He set the box down and turned toward the compound. "Well, then time to head back, because I am not walking that far."

  Before he could take a second step, Elder Jin moved with astonishing speed, grabbing Tae-Won and hoisting him over his shoulder like a sack of rice.

  "What the hell? Put me down, old ass!" Tae-Won protested, struggling futilely against the old man's iron grip.

  The air around them suddenly chilled. Elder Jin froze mid-stride, his grip on Tae-Won tightening painfully.

  "Did you just fucking call me old?" Elder Jin whispered, his voice eerily calm despite the killing intent suddenly radiating from him.

  Shit, Tae-Won thought, instantly recognizing his mistake. This guy is one of those senior seniles who claim they're young, isn't he?

  The tension in the air thickened as Elder Jin's eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. Tae-Won had unwittingly stepped on a landmine.

  Elder Jin despised being called one thing above all: "old." Sure, he looked ancient with his weathered face and long white beard, but appearance was deceptive in the world of cultivation. Each breakthrough increased your lifespan significantly, and Elder Jin had lived through centuries that had merely added layers of wisdom to his being. Unlike those other masters who constantly went through body reconstructions to maintain youthful appearances, Elder Jin wore his age with pride. His wrinkles and white hair weren't signs of decrepitude but badges of accumulated knowledge and power—visible proof of a journey few could comprehend.

  "No, no," Tae-Won backpedaled quickly, "I was just—"

  The killing intent lingered for a moment longer before Elder Jin's expression softened unexpectedly. His eyes crinkled at the corners as a surprising chuckle escaped his lips.

  "'Old ass'? No one has dared call me that in decades." He adjusted Tae-Won on his shoulder, his tone mixing amusement with grudging respect. "Most disciples would sooner cut out their tongues than speak to me with such disrespect. Perhaps there's more spirit in you than I thought."

  Tae-Won stopped struggling for a moment, sensing the shift in Elder Jin's mood. "So... you're not going to kill me?"

  "Kill you? No," Elder Jin said, setting Tae-Won down before promptly sitting on his back. "But I will make you regret it."

  "But do you understand the purpose of this, Tae-Won?"

  "It's to train my stamina and speed, isn't it?" Tae-Won asked, his mind already working through the logic.

  "Precisely," Elder Jin nodded, pleased. "And as expected, you understood it. Yes, it's to train your Qinggong. For a normal person, it would take a month or two just to get there by cart. However, we don't have that luxury." He reached into his pouch and pulled out several vials filled with glowing blue liquid. "So to speed things up, I brought Qi replenishing elixirs."

  "Don't tell me," Tae-Won groaned, already dreading the answer.

  "Yes, you'll be moving all the time," Elder Jin confirmed.

  "And?"

  "And I'll be sitting on you," Elder Jin added with a glint in his eye.

  "..." Tae-Won made another desperate attempt to break free, but Elder Jin easily caught him, flipped him onto his stomach, and promptly sat on his back.

  Tae-Won felt a wave of terrifying Qi wash over him as Elder Jin used his power to increase his weight to nearly 600 pounds—heavy enough to be a serious burden so that Tae-Won would nearly collapse.

  "It hurts!" he complained, gritting his teeth as he forced his body to inch forward. "I just recovered! Are you trying to kill me?"

  Elder Jin smirked. "I normally would have started with 250 pounds, but you pissed me off with that 'old' joke."

  "That's more than twice the weight!" Tae-Won protested, struggling to move at all.

  "Well, you can handle it," Elder Jin replied confidently. "You're at Body Refinement 3 now. This is pretty heavy, but it's not enough to kill you. Just enough to make you suffer appropriately."

  This crazy bastard, Tae-Won thought but kept his thoughts to himself this time.

  Elder Jin suddenly leaned down next to Tae-Won's ear. "You're holding a lot in, aren't you? Go ahead, I'm not going to kill you for what you say—you're still my disciple."

  Tae-Won managed a strained smile. "Thanks. I was just thinking about your great speed and strength... and accomplishments."

  Elder Jin looked at him with narrowed eyes. "I'm not falling for that."

  Tae-Won kept smiling.

  "Wipe that shit off your face," Elder Jin scoffed. "You look like a garbage collector."

  Tae-Won's smile vanished as he struggled to hold back his rising anger. "Oh, alright then, great Elder."

  "I know I'm great," Elder Jin replied with a smug nod.

  Tae-Won's anger slowly rose as he continued crawling forward, Elder Jin still comfortably seated on his back. Each inch gained felt like a kilometer, his muscles screaming in protest as he forced them to work against the crushing weight.

  "This is just the beginning," Elder Jin chuckled, settling in as if preparing for a long journey. "By the time we reach the Northern Ice Peaks, you'll either be much stronger—or dead."

  "Great options," Tae-Won muttered, focusing his Qi to reinforce his straining muscles. This was going to be a very long two months.

  He thought briefly of the two academy scrolls, safely tucked away in his storage bag. The choice between them seemed distant now, overshadowed by the immediate challenge of surviving Elder Jin's training. But deep down, Tae-Won knew the suffering would be worth it. Whether he chose the Heavenly Cloud Academy or the Imperial Dragon Orthodox Academy, he would need every ounce of power he could muster.

  I'll become strong enough that it won't matter which one I choose, Tae-Won vowed silently, forcing his body to crawl another painful inch forward.

  Elder Jin chuckled again, as if sensing Tae-Won's determination. He increased his weight by another hundred pounds, eliciting a groan of pain from his struggling disciple.

  "That's the spirit," Elder Jin murmured approvingly. "Hate me all you want—it will only make you stronger."

  And so they continued, a strange procession of two—an elderly master perched comfortably atop his suffering disciple, making their slow, painful way toward the Northern Ice Peaks and whatever fate awaited them there.