Chapter 61: I Thought I Was Rich, But…


    Zzz Zzz Hyonwon Kangs loud snores echoed through the room as he sprawled on his bed. His puffy, swollen face and double nosebleeds were a sight to behold.


    <em>Well, at least he hasnt broken anything.</em>


    One of Hyonwon Kangs standout qualities was his natural strength. Every day, he subjected himself to grueling workouts that would leave most people sore for days, yet hed wake up the next morning feeling fine. It was safe to say that he possessed phenomenal physical prowess.


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    Mnya Peng Sa-Hyuk you bastard just a bit more he mumbled in his sleep.


    A bit? Its a lot more, idiot, I scolded.


    After checking up on Hyonwon Kang, I moved on to the next room. There, Wiji Cheony fast asleep, curled up like a shrimp.


    Despite being fifteen, Wiji Cheons sleeping visage resembled that of a ten-year-old boy. When I first met him, he was an insane sword demon, but now, he exuded a much more innocent aurapared to his peers.


    <em>Well, he was a pure kid even when he was in the middle of qi deviation.</em>


    Pure as in he tore apart mountain birds and sliced up rabbits while harboring no evil in his heart.


    Mommy Wiji Cheon murmured, clutching the sword tightly to his chest.


    If youre seeing this, you are at the wrong ce.


    I stared at him, assessing his talents and weaknesses. Unlike Hyonwon Kang, Wiji Cheon had a slight build with thin limbs. He was still in the midst of his growth spurt, so there was room for him to grow taller, but for now, he looked like he would have an average physique as an adult. Decent for a swordsman, but not exceptional.


    Still, Wiji Cheons true talenty not in his physique, but in his insight - the kind of insight and focus that allowed him to independently master the intricate Unlimited Sword to a fairly high level, even though it was a fake.


    Above all, this boy loved the sword.<blockquote>


    A swordsman should love swords.


    Isnt that obvious?


    Most swordsmen see the sword as a mere tool, a weapon for killing. They use it, but they dont really love it.


    What do you mean by love the sword? Is it a matter of mindset?


    A sword is a sword.


    Master Sword Saint, Im not trying to preach here, but


    A sword is a sword. If you want to understand the sword, you have to look at it every  wees you.


    I couldnt help but remember Master Sword Saint caressing his beloved sword after mercilessly killing a human without hesitation. That sword that Master Sword Saint had cherished so dearly had shattered immediately upon his death.


    Mommy Daddy As if trapped in a nightmare, Wiji Cheon shuddered and clung tightly to his sword, cold sweat forming on his pale forehead.


    <em>Hes still dealing with the aftermath of his qi deviation.</em>


    Despite his cheerful facade, Wiji Cheon had only recovered from his qi deviation episode less than a month ago. While his physical health was nearly restored, the mental scars would take much longer to heal.


    Nooo Im scared


    I ced my hand on Wiji Cheons pale forehead and channeled some inner qi to warm him up. Its okay, its okay, Iforted.


    Wiji Cheons expression eased slightly. Daddy please dont go


    Dont worry, Daddy isnt going anywhere.


    As I gently stroked Wiji Cheons head, he gradually drifted into a deep  wees you.


    <em>Wow, I feel like Im raising my own child.</em>


    After ensuring that Wiji Cheon was sound asleep, I rose from my seat and stepped outside. The moonlit night enveloped me, and as I roamed the manors grounds, I thought about various things.


    <em>Master Crazy Demon and Master Sword Saint. Hyonwon Kang and Wiji Cheon.</em>


    Both possessed remarkable talents, yet upon closer inspection, they were entirely different types of prodigies. Hyonwon Kang had been blessed with extraordinary physical abilities, nerves of steel, and keen eyesight that allowed him to replicate most techniques after a single glimpse.


    In contrast, Wiji Cheon possessed insight, focus, and a profound connection with the sword that enabled him toprehend and master intricate martial arts forms. It was this affinity that made the enigmatic yet profound Unlimited Sword a perfect fit for Wiji Cheon.


    At the moment, Wiji Cheon was ahead of Hyonwon Kang. However, with Kangs unwavering dedication, stamina, and foundation in the Earth Shattering de, the gap would surely close as he learned the Asura Blood Heaven de.


    Most importantly, having a rival would help both of them grow.


    Y arent you reading this at ?


    <em>I can only imagine how formidable theyll be</em>


    I smiled with satisfaction. The thought of my hand-picked disciples making waves at the Heavenly Martial Festival was exhrating.


    <em>In the end, I guess Im a teacher through and through. However, if I want to get what I want, I have to first be stronger myself.</em>


    In order to properly guide these two prodigies, I had to first get stronger myself. Lost in thought, I continued my leisurely stroll.


    With regards to outer arts, I practice the Eighteen Strikes of the Viridian Forest daily, so thats not an issue. The real challenge is increasing my proficiency in the Heaven Defying Divine Art


    The Heaven Defying Divine Art was ssified into minor mastery, intermediate mastery, andplete mastery, based on ones level of achievement. Presently, I had achieved full minor mastery, having reached the three-star milestone of the Heaven Defying Divine Art, and was on the cusp of entering intermediate mastery.


    I need more elixirs.


    If youre seeing this, you are at the wrong ce.


    Once the Heaven Defying Divine Art surpassed four stars and ventured into intermediate mastery, the demand for elixirs increased exponentially. That meant that at least until the culmination of intermediate mastery, the Art would continue to drain my reserves.


    This is going to cost quite a bit. It seems Ill have to meet with Bok Man-Chun sooner rather thanter.


    It was time to formte my future ns.


    Suddenly, I felt a gentle touch on my back. Old man, yourete, I said.


    Hoho, I intended to surprise you from behind but I guess I was caught. Wiji Yeol, the head of one of the Eight Great ns of the extinct Blood Cult, grinned and scratched the back of his head.


    I presume you came from the smithy?


    Yes. Ive practically taken up residence theretely. Its been ages since Ive worked in a genuine smithy, so pardon me if I cant help myself.


    Ever since he adopted a false identity arranged by Cheong Cheon to enter the city, Wiji Yeol had beenboring at a smithy I owned.


    Take it easy, youre not a spring chicken anymore.


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    Ill try. Anyway, hows Cheon?


    Hes exhausted and turned in early. He spent the entire day sparring with the Azure Dragon Academy senior I brought.


    Ah, so today was the day the new kid was moving in. I hope they didnt sh too fiercely


    Dont worry. Until this morning, Cheon stuck to me like glue, but once heid eyes on his senior, he switched loyalties disgustingly fast.


    We shared augh and exchanged pleasantries for a while. It had been a while since Ist saw Wiji Yeol, and his countenance radiated joy.


    These days, Im really content. Its all thanks to you.


    Ever since I healed Wiji Cheons qi deviation, Wiji Yeol had regarded me as a lifelong benefactor.


    You not only saved my only grandchild, but you also provided us with new identities. Youve even fulfilled my lifelong wish Ill never be able to repay you in this lifetime.


    Then youll have to live a long life, so youll have plenty of time to repay the favor, right? I quipped yfully.


    Wiji Yeol burst intoughter and patted my shoulder. Hehehe, indeed, Ill need to live a very long life for your sake!


    If youre seeing this, you are at the wrong ce.


    Thats the spirit.


    Hehehehe!


    SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!


    <em>Ouch! My shoulder is stinging This old mans hand is like a pot lid</em>


    Realizing that I needed to change the subject swiftly before my shoulder was injured, I deftly sidestepped Wiji Yeol and changed the topic, asking, By the way, any progress on crafting a sword superior to the Blood Demon Sword?


    Wiji Yeol froze. Hmm Well, I do have something to report in that regard, he said hesitantly.


    Previously, I had entrusted Meteor Iron to Wiji Yeol, the Blood Cults premier cksmith, with the task of creating a sword that would surpass the Blood Demon Sword, and he had begun to work on it.


    Are you okay? Is something amiss?


    Wiji Yeol, who had been jovial just moments earlier, slowly met my gaze and apologized, Im sorry to say this, but uhm Its going to cost a substantial sum.


    I heaved a sigh of relief, relieved that the situation wasnt as dire as I had feared. How much are we talking about?


    Well, Ive itemized everything I need andpiled it for you. This is the list of equipment and materials.


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    Wiji Yeol delved into his bag, producing a long list of items along with their prices.


    <em>Its not as exorbitant as I thought.</em>


    Do we really need all this? Some of this stuff seems pretty expensive.


    To begin with, Meteor Iron alone is not enough to forge the sword. Its in short supply, and the swords strengthes primarily from an alloy of Meteor Iron and several other metals. In addition, well need a variety of equipment to work with different types of iron


    Hey, arent you the top cksmith of the Blood Cult? A craftsman who can create exquisite swords even in a humble forge


    Wiji Yeol blinked in confusion. What do you mean? Do you think a cksmith makes swords using only his bare hands? Its only natural that superior swords require first-ss materials and conditions. In fact, the more skilled the craftsman, the more particr he is about his equipment!


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    Trust me, if you can secure these items, I will forge a masterpiece that will undoubtedly surpass the Blood Demon Sword


    Wiji Yeols expression turned sour. This is way too much, huh I understand. In that case, Ill cut back on a few things and just leave the essentials


    No, dont skimp on your craft. I shook my head. To produce the finest work, one needed the finest materials and environment. Leave the list as it is. Ill procure everything you need.


    Thank you. And I apologize


    No need to apologize, I have the means, I replied, grinning sheepishly.


    <em>Well, at least, until this point, I believed I had the means.</em>


    The next day, I put on my Heo Cheon disguise and went to meet Bok Man-Chun.


    Greetings, Young Master.


    Y arent you reading this at ?


    Long time no see, Mr. Bok.


    During this absence, Bok Man-Chun seemed to have gained weight. Where he had once been rugged and exuded a rough demeanor, he now resembled an older man with a bulging belly.


    Noticing my scrutiny, Bok Man-Chun coughed and apologized, hastily covering his stomach with his hand. Ive been busytely, so I havent had time to train


    For a martial artist, admitting that one hadnt trained was a big problem. I briefly entertained the thought, but Bok Man-Chun wasnt my bodyguard; he was my business administrator, overseeing my variouspanies and collecting the profits.


    I handed him the list of items Id received from Wiji Yeol. I would like to purchase these items.


    Bok Man-Chun scanned the list and looked at the prices. His face quickly darkened. These items are quite expensive.


    I n to expand the forge a bit this time. You know the new old man upstairs, right? Hes a very skilled cksmith.


    Ah, yes Would you mind if it takes some time?


    The sooner, the better.


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    Bok Man-Chuns expression didnt brighten, but I wasnt too worried. I brought up the next issue. Additionally, I need you to acquire some elixirs, simr to what you did in the past, but this time I need a lot more


    I have to be honest with you, Young Master. Bok Man-Chun suddenly pulled out a ledger and handed it to me.


    Why are you giving me this now


    We have no money.


    What do you mean? <em>Havent I only recently inherited the wealth of Old Man Heo, one of the top ten loan sharks in Nanchang?</em>


    To put it simply, were broke. Bok Man-Chun said, unfolding the ledger in front of me.</blockquote>