When I regressed, I was a martial arts genius

On his way back to school after dealing with the bullies, Jihoon said nothing.

Silence filled the air until the voice of his master, the Mugeukja, broke it.

[There seems to be a deep-seated sorrow in your heart. Most likely because of that place you mentioned earlier—the Divine Strength Sect, right?]
‘Yes…’

Jihoon’s usually bright expression was stiff and emotionless.

[What is it like there?]
‘The Divine Strength Sect teaches the martial arts of the Huangbo family.’

[The Huangbo family’s martial arts? A modern family inherits such techniques. That’s intriguing.]
Mugeukja showed genuine curiosity.

[You didn’t learn from the Huangbo family, did you?]
‘No, I couldn’t inherit their legacy.’

[Tell me more about that.]
‘When a child is born, there is a 95% chance that their parents’ heart formula will be passed down intact.’

Children born to awakened parents naturally become awakened.

The child is born with the heart formula.

Even if such children marry and have children of their own, the bloodline inheritance remains the same.

[What about the remaining 5%?]
‘The remaining 5% refers to those chosen to inherit a higher heart formula. Like the example of Steel Blood Sect’s Sword Dragon.’

The Steel Blood Sect was a modern family built upon the martial arts of the Namgung family.

Sword Dragon’s father was the head of the Namgung family and an awakened master of the Grand Sky Piercing Sword Technique.

Yet, Sword Dragon himself inherited the higher heart formula, the Sky Thunder King Divine Technique.

Such individuals were hailed as prodigies born with unparalleled bloodlines.

Jihoon’s situation was unprecedented—an extraordinary case that had never been seen before.

[Ha! What kind of a fucked-up system is this? Back in my day, even if you were born into a lesser family, you could still learn great martial arts from a good master.]
‘I feel the same way.’

[So your father abandoned you because of martial arts?]
‘Yes…’

Jihoon spoke casually, but it sparked anger in Mugeukja.

[To discard your flesh and blood over martial arts? Such a man cannot be your father! You have nothing to worry about anymore. I will teach you martial arts.]

Jihoon’s eyes widened in surprise.

In the modern era, the only ways to learn martial arts were limited.

One way was through bloodline inheritance based on heart formulas.

The other was obtaining martial arts manuals through gates, but the chance was slim.

Both methods had their limitations—heart formulas.

Even with an incredible martial arts manual, if the innate heart formula couldn’t support it, the martial arts couldn’t be mastered.

That’s why the family abandoned Jihoon as a failure.

‘Can that even be possible?’

[Of course, who do you think I am?]
The thought of learning martial arts from his master was beyond anything Jihoon had expected.

[Since we’re on the topic, do you want to choose a martial art to learn?]
‘Yes.’

Jihoon nodded eagerly.

Until now, Jihoon had been training in the basics. Finally, he was about to learn a new martial art, and excitement filled him.

What would it be? Ideally, a powerful, domineering martial art would be best.

With a hopeful heart, Jihoon waited for Mugeukja’s voice.

[Hmm… I’m pondering what to teach you.]
‘Any martial art you teach me, I’ll master it.’

[You have a very genuine attitude, disciple. I’ve selected a few, so go ahead and choose one.]

Mugeukja’s voice was playful, with a touch of mischief.

Ding—

With a notification sound, various items appeared on a hologram.

[Jejeonjong] [Nahanbo] [Cheonwangbo] [Hwanhwanmijongbo]

Jihoon’s eyes widened as he gazed at the martial arts.

‘Master, you knew about the Nine Great Families and Five Major Sects’ martial arts?’

[In my lifetime, I was known as a walking encyclopedia.]

In modern times, martial arts were in high demand, and one of the most popular sources of martial arts knowledge was wuxia novels.

Those unfamiliar with martial arts read these novels to study various techniques and learn which sects held the most powerful martial arts.

This was based on the standards of the first-generation awakened.

Nowadays, even regular high schools have added a “Martial Arts” course, making it impossible for anyone to remain ignorant.

‘Wow.’

The four martial arts were not just from the Nine Great Families or the Five Major Sects.

Each was a rare treasure.

If any of these were leaked, a bloodbath would likely ensue.

Jihoon’s curiosity about his master deepened.

‘But if I learn these, I feel like I’ll stir up trouble.’

[Why?]
‘Just like the martial arts here, each family establishes their power. If they find out I know their techniques, they won’t leave me alone.’

[Disciple.]
Mugeukja’s voice turned stern.

‘Yes?’

[Do you not want to learn martial arts?]
‘I want to learn!’

[Then stop hesitating and pick one of these four.]

‘Still…’

[Gaahhh!]
Mugeukja’s thunderous voice reverberated in Jihoon’s ears, causing him to instinctively cover them.

[How dare you question your master’s words? Back in my day… (insert lengthy tale)]

Jihoon mechanically nodded along to Mugeukja’s lecture.

[My master, the Heaven Extremist, told me to do as commanded. Do you understand?]
‘Of course. I respect you more than my parents.’

[Cough. A disciplined disciple indeed. I’ll let this slide this time.]

Before more lectures could come, Jihoon turned his attention back to martial arts.

One caught his eye.

Cheonwangbo.

A technique inherited from the Huangbo family, part of the Divine Strength Sect’s treasure trove.

It was also Jihoon’s sect’s foundational martial art.

As he carefully considered his choice, Mugeukja spoke again.

[Eh, just go with Cheonwangbo.]
‘Alright.’

Jihoon followed Mugeukja’s advice.

Among those four martial arts, Cheonwangbo was the best option.

After all, it was his family’s martial art.

No one would question him for choosing it.

[As you grow stronger, the chance for revenge on your family will come naturally.]
Jihoon immediately understood Mugeukja’s words.

The father abandoned him because of his inability to inherit the bloodline.

The man who loved the prestigious family more than his child.

If a child, who couldn’t inherit bloodline, mastered Cheonwangbo…

And even excelled at it?

It would drive them crazy.

Knowing how a failed disciple mastered the family’s martial art would be unbearable.

He felt a sense of triumph in the thought.

‘I’ll master it more perfectly than those who inherited the bloodline.’

As if reading his thoughts, Mugeukja patiently explained Cheonwangbo.

[There aren’t many basic martial arts as simple and solid as Cheonwangbo. By laying a strong foundation with this technique, you’ll easily master the martial art of Gunyeombu later.]

However, Jihoon had one concern.

‘Can I master Cheonwangbo with a different heart technique?’

[No need to worry. The Honyun Shin-gong is designed to encompass all martial arts. This grandmaster created it to encompass all techniques, and for you, I will guide you through unlocking the true power of Cheonwangbo.]

Despite the constant bragging, Jihoon trusted Mugeukja more than anyone.

[Return and train immediately.]
‘Yes!’

With a determined voice, Jihoon declared his commitment to growing stronger.

***

A month passed like this.

During that time, Jihoon meticulously memorized the form of Cheonwangbo in a remote mountain clearing.

At first, he was puzzled.

When learning martial arts, it would typically appear in the skill window immediately.

Then, why go through such arduous practice?

Soon, he understood Mugeukja’s intentions.

There wasn’t much time left before school started.

Until then, he would train to push his body to its maximum potential.

‘I’ll focus the inner energy on my legs and keep it as simple as possible.’

Jihoon’s form moved smoothly through the clearing.

A very straightforward form.

There was no twisting of the body or unnecessary movements.

[You’re doing well.]

Even though he initially disliked learning Cheonwangbo, a smile stayed on his face.

This B-tier martial art was leagues beyond the basic Sampo he had once known.

Learning martial arts alone was exhilarating.

[Keep using Cheonwangbo and listen closely.]
“Yes.”

[When I give you a martial art, it would usually be registered directly as a skill, but do you know why that isn’t the case?]
“I don’t know.”

[In my observation, the awakening practitioners here are significantly weaker compared to when I was in the martial world.]
“Why do you think so?”

[Because the martial arts are registered directly as skills, they only focus on increasing proficiency rather than understanding the essence of the martial arts.]
“You aren’t being overly biased because you’re Chinese, are you?”

Jihoon hesitantly challenged Mugeukja’s words.

[Gaaahhh! How dare you call your master a barbarian from that continent! You’ve got a lot of nerve!]
“No?”

[Of course not! I was a proud and mighty descendant of Goryeo!]
“Huh.”

Jihoon gulped hard.

Hearing Mugeukja’s knowledge of the martial world made him believe he was from a different continent, but it turned out he was a Goryeo descendant.

Who would have thought that a Goryeo native would be renowned in the martial world?

“I never imagined it.”

[It’s fine if you know now.]
“Suddenly, you seem even more respectable, Master.”

[With that level of respect, I’ll allow it.]
“But Master, I have a question.”

Jihoon asked with a curious expression.

“What were the strong figures back then?”

[It’s been so long, I barely remember… but two figures stand out in my mind: the 10th Heavenly Demon and the 14th Dalmadangjung. Those are the only two that come to mind.]

His voice was as casual as if he were mentioning neighbors next door.

But for Jihoon, it was awe-inspiring.

In martial arts novels, these two individuals were always considered the top masters.

Fighting descendants of the Heavenly Demon and Dalmadangjung was beyond comprehension.

“Have you ever fought them?”

[Is that a question?]
“How was it?”

Jihoon’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

[The reason I am called the Greatest of All Time is because I managed to subdue them.]
“You won.”

Jihoon clapped his hands in excitement, maintaining his stance from before.

Mugeukja responded in kind.

[It took me three days and nights of battling two against one to finally defeat them. It was my lack of skill that was to blame.]

Jihoon couldn’t help but be overwhelmed.

To have someone who defeated the 10th Heavenly Demon and 14th Dalmadangjung as his master was incredibly proud.

Of course, he wasn’t entirely sure if it was true, but he proudly praised his master nonetheless.

“Thank you for taking me in as your disciple.”

[A master can turn even a fool into a genius. Truly a remarkable person. Hehe.]

Mugeukja smiled contentedly.

He then returned to the main point.

[Here, the experience is still limited. In the martial world, by your age, you would have already ventured into the martial world to confront bandits and villains, risking your life. Hundreds of lives crossed paths each day… (to be continued)]

Mugeukja’s tale stretched on.

Jihoon mechanically nodded in response.

[Your peers are at best second-rate. The three you defeated are third-rate at best. At this level, you’re looking at something like an E-grade. In the martial world, that’s pretty much equivalent to someone who would get killed with just one sword strike.]
His master set the standard and Jihoon immediately understood.

He had read countless martial arts novels.

In those novels, second-rate was barely considered worthy of recognition.

Only those of first-rate were talked about in regions, known for their true skill.

Hearing that the level of the Martial Arts Academy was at a third-rate level, Jihoon felt a newfound confidence.

The confidence that he could surpass them.

However, his master’s next words shattered his pride into pieces.

[Right now, you’re at the same level as them. Simply put, you’re a novice who’s just started learning martial arts.]
“How can I become stronger?”

[Understand the true essence of martial arts. As I said before, if you’ve become my disciple, you should aim to be the Greatest of All Time.]
“But why be the Greatest of All Time?”

[Of course, because I, too, am the Greatest of All Time.]
Mugeukja’s serious tone shifted suddenly, showing his eccentric nature once again.

Jihoon had to adapt to his quirky personality.

“What training should I focus on?”

[Crossing the line between life and death. That’s the best time to gain enlightenment.]
Jihoon tilted his head slightly, puzzled yet intrigued.

In the current era, there were only a few situations where one’s life was truly at risk.

Fighting monsters that emerged from gates, battling for interests within families, or confronting the Sa Ma Ryeon crime organization.

Other than these three, there wasn’t much else…

A sudden thought struck him.

“Surely not!”

[You’re right. There’s a place nearby where stronger monsters appear.]
There was such a place.

The Green Zone Gate is managed by the Martial Arts Academy.

It was dangerous, even for a minimum C-rank awakener.

When Jihoon said nothing, his master asked again.

[There is, isn’t there?]
“Yes, but… I can’t go inside.”

[If you don’t want to get stronger, you don’t have to enter.]
Mugeukja provoked Jihoon further.

Fueling his determination, Jihoon made up his mind.

“I’ll go.”

[Good decision. Don’t forget that you have the Greatest of All Time as your master. Surely, I wouldn’t let my disciple die.]
“I trust you, Master.”

[No, don’t trust too much. Trusting too much in people is not a good thing.]
When told to trust, but then warned not to, Jihoon found his master’s true nature difficult to understand.