The door to Muyeon's room creaked open, and he stumbled inside, his body battered and his muscles screaming in protest. Every step felt like a monumental effort, his legs trembling beneath him as he dragged himself across the threshold. His robes were torn and stained with blood, sweat, and dirt, his hair disheveled, and his face pale with exhaustion.
The day's training had been brutal—a relentless gauntlet of drills, sparring, and endurance exercises designed to push him to his absolute limits. His Ki reserves were nearly depleted, and his body ached in ways he hadn't thought possible.
Standing there, Muyeon's mind drifted back to the day's training. It had been a grueling ordeal, designed to push him to his absolute limits—both physically and mentally.
'She didn't hold back,' he thought, a faint smirk tugging at his lips despite the lingering pain. 'But then again, neither did I.'
The training had begun immediately after their sparring match, with Lady Mu wasting no time in putting him through a series of brutal exercises. Each one was more demanding than the last, a relentless gauntlet that tested every aspect of his abilities.
The first part of the training focused on Ki control. Lady Mu had led him to a secluded area of the courtyard, where a series of boulders and steel plates had been set up.
"Channel your Ki with precision," she had instructed, her voice cold and commanding. "Shatter the boulders and cut through the steel without wasting a single drop of energy."
Muyeon had obeyed, focusing his Ki into his palms and striking the boulders with pinpoint accuracy. At first, his strikes were too forceful, causing him to waste energy. But under his mother's watchful eye, he quickly adjusted, refining his technique until he could shatter the boulders with minimal effort.
The steel plates had been even more challenging. He had to channel his Ki into his sword, slicing through the metal with clean, precise strikes. It had taken hours of practice, but by the end, he could cut through the steel as easily as paper.
Next came the endurance training. Lady Mu had handed him a set of heavy stone weights, each one carved with intricate, Ki-filled symbols to increase their density.
"Run," she had said simply, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Muyeon had obeyed, sprinting around the courtyard with the weights strapped to his back and arms. The runes made them feel impossibly heavy, and within minutes, his muscles were screaming in protest. But he had pushed through, his determination driving him forward even as his body threatened to give out.
By the time Lady Mu called for him to stop, his legs were trembling, and his breath came in ragged gasps. But he had completed the task, earning a rare nod of approval from his mother.
The combat simulations had been the most intense part of the training. Lady Mu had summoned some Guards from the Clan, who were immediately ordered to attack him with all they'd got.
"Defend yourself," she had ordered, her voice echoing across the courtyard.
The Clan Guard had attacked without mercy, their strikes coming from all directions. Muyeon had been forced to rely on his reflexes and instincts, dodging and parrying while conserving his Ki. It had been a constant battle, with no room for error.
At one point, a Guard had landed a solid blow to his side, sending him sprawling to the ground. But he had gotten back up, his determination unwavering. By the end of the session, he had managed to defeat all the Guards, though not without sustaining several injuries.
Lady Mu had then moved on to pain tolerance exercises. She had struck pressure points on his body, sending waves of pain through his meridians.
"Endure it," she had said, her tone cold but not unkind. "Pain is a part of growth."
Muyeon had gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out as the pain coursed through him. It had been excruciating, far worse than anything he dealt with in his past life, but he had endured, his mental fortitude growing stronger with each passing moment.
Finally, Lady Mu made him practice the Right Sword, Left Palm technique repeatedly. She had watched him closely, correcting his form and pushing him to refine his movements.
"Again," she had said, her voice firm. "Your strikes are too slow. Your stance is unbalanced. Again."
Muyeon had obeyed, repeating the techniques until his arms felt like lead and his body threatened to collapse. But he had persisted, his determination driving him forward.
As he reflected on the day's training, Muyeon couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Despite the excruciating pain and exhaustion, he had endured—and he had grown stronger because of it.
'She's pushing me harder than ever before,' he thought, his mind racing with possibilities. 'But that's exactly what I need.'
He could already feel the effects of the training. His Ki control was sharper, his endurance greater, and his combat skills more refined. He was progressing rapidly, and he knew that with each passing day, he was inching closer to his goals.
'This is just the beginning,' he thought, knowing that 29 more days of his mother's brutal training lay ahead. 'By the time the Demon Academy starts, I'll be ready. But for now, I need sleep.'
But as he stepped into his room, ready for bed, the faint scent of herbs and steam greeted him, cutting through the haze of fatigue. His eyes widened as he took in the sight before him: a large, ornate wooden tub filled with steaming water, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Floating in the water were rare and priceless treasures, their presence a testament to his mother's growing favor.
Muyeon approached the bath, his sharp eyes scanning its contents. The water was infused with Ki-rich spiritual herbs and treasures, each one more valuable than the last. He recognized them instantly.
Heavenly Lotus Petals: Delicate and luminous, their petals glowed with a soft, golden light. Known for their ability to accelerate healing and replenish Ki, they were a luxury few could afford.
Dragon's Blood Resin: A thick, crimson substance that swirled in the water like liquid fire. It was said to strengthen the body and enhance endurance, making it a favorite among martial artists.
Phoenix Flower Pollen: Tiny, fiery fragments that danced on the surface of the water, infusing it with a warm, vibrant energy. They stimulated the meridians and boosted cultivation speed, a rare and potent aid.
Starroot Essence: A silvery herb that pulsed with a faint, celestial light. It purified the body and refined Ki quality, ensuring that every drop of energy was used efficiently.
Golden Spirit Ginseng: A gnarled root that glowed with a soft, golden hue. It revitalized the mind and body, dispelling fatigue and restoring vitality.
Muyeon couldn't help but smirk as he took in the sight. 'She's really spoiling me,' he thought, a flicker of satisfaction stirring within him.
His plan to win over his mother was working better than he had expected. The medicine bath was a clear sign that she was beginning to see him in a new light, and he intended to capitalize on that.
Without wasting another moment, he began to undress, his movements slow and deliberate. His clothes fell to the floor in a heap, revealing a body covered in bruises and cuts, the marks of a day spent pushing himself to the brink.
He stepped into the bath, the warm water enveloping him like a comforting embrace. The moment his skin touched the surface, he felt a surge of energy—a tingling sensation that spread through his body, soothing his aches and revitalizing his weary muscles.
Muyeon leaned back, letting the water cover him up to his shoulders. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his mind already shifting into a meditative state. He began to practice the Shadow Veil Breathing Art, the Dark Clan's highest-level breathing technique.
The technique was a closely guarded secret, passed down only to the most high-level and promising members of the clan. It allowed the user to absorb Ki with unparalleled efficiency, drawing energy from their surroundings and refining it within their body.
As Muyeon breathed in, he felt the Ki-rich energy of the bath flowing into him, filling his meridians and replenishing his reserves. The Heavenly Lotus Petals accelerated his healing, the Dragon's Blood Resin strengthened his body, and the Phoenix Flower Pollen stimulated his cultivation. The Starroot Essence purified his Ki, and the Golden Spirit Ginseng revitalized his mind.
The effects were immediate. His wounds began to close, the bruises fading as his body healed at an accelerated rate. His exhaustion melted away, replaced by a sense of renewed energy and focus.
'Hmm, did I just break through a minor realm?' Muyeon's smirk returned as he felt the subtle yet unmistakable changes within him. He had reached the Proficient level of the Advanced Realm far quicker than he had anticipated. 'Was it the spiritual herbs, or did my potential increase after being reincarnated?' he wondered, his mind racing with possibilities.
'Wait… Wasn't the original Muyeon only at the Intermediate Realm?' Confusion flickered through his mind. 'Since when did I reach the Advanced Realm?'
According to his memories, he should still be lingering at the late stage of the Intermediate Realm, not breaking through to the middle stage of Advanced. 'Did crossing into this world somehow enhance this body's power as well?'
Not that he was complaining—far from it. If anything, he welcomed the unexpected boost.
He took a moment to savor the feeling, the energy from the bath still coursing through his body, mending his wounds and revitalizing his spirit.
But as the last traces of Ki in the bath dissipated, leaving the water clear and still, Muyeon leaned back, letting the warmth of the bath soothe his aching muscles. His body felt lighter, his wounds healed, and his exhaustion replaced by a steady hum of energy. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as he allowed himself a moment of calm.
But his mind was far from still.
'One month,' he thought, his brow furrowing slightly. 'One month until the Demon Academy starts, which means I likely have three weeks before Yeo Woon obtains the Nano Machine, maybe even less...'
The thought sent a ripple of unease through him. He knew all too well what would happen if Yeo Woon obtained that power. The main character's rise would be unstoppable, and Muyeon's fate—along with the fate of his mother and the Dark Clan—would be sealed.
'I can't let that happen,' he thought, his jaw tightening. 'No matter what it takes.'
Muyeon began to assess his situation, his mind working methodically.
He was now at the Proficient Level of the Advanced Realm, which was unprecedented for a 15-year-old but still far from where he needed to be. He would need to push himself even harder if he wanted to stand a chance against Yeo Woon.
His efforts to deepen his bond with his mother were paying off. The medicine bath was a clear sign that she was beginning to see him in a new light, and he intended to capitalize on that. With her support, he could gain access to even more resources and training opportunities.
But sadly, none of that can compare to Yeo Woons Nano Machine…
The 7th Generation Nano Machine, a marvel of technology and engineering, is unlike anything the world has ever seen. Comprised of precisely 6,482,040,000 microscopic machines, it was a system so advanced that it defied detection.
The materials used in its construction were rare, harvested from the depths of space rifts, making it impossible to replicate or remove from the user's body. It was a symbiotic entity, bound to its host until death, at which point it would eject itself, leaving no trace behind.
Once injected, the Nano Machines spread throughout the body, weaving themselves into every fiber of the user's being. They connect centrally to the brain, forming a seamless network that operates with unparalleled efficiency.
The main character, Cheon Yeo Woon, would later refer to it simply as Nano.
Nano was a master of adaptation, capable of utilizing and harmonizing with multiple forms of energy. Whether it was Regular Qi, Demonic Qi, Solar and Lunar Energy, or even Yokai Energy, Nano could harness it all, making its user a force to be reckoned with. Its functions were vast and multifaceted, each one designed to enhance the user's capabilities to near-godlike levels.
Abilities and Functions.
Self-healing: Nano's self-healing ability was nothing short of miraculous. It operated passively, automatically repairing any injuries or wounds inflicted on the body.
The speed of regeneration depended on the severity of the damage, but even life-threatening wounds could be mended in a matter of hours.
Beyond physical injuries, Nano also protected the user from poisons, extracting toxins from the bloodstream and neutralizing their effects. It even prevented the user from being intoxicated or falling victim to illusions, ensuring that the mind remained sharp and unclouded.
Scanning: Nano's scanning function was a tool of unparalleled utility. It could copy text and images from books, storing them in its vast database for later use. It could also analyze facial expressions, allowing the user to discern truth from lies with uncanny accuracy.
When observing martial arts, Nano would break down the movements and techniques, sending detailed instructions directly to the user's brain.
It could also analyze facial expressions, allowing the user to discern truth from lies with uncanny accuracy, and translate languages and decipher ancient symbols, making it an invaluable asset in both combat and exploration.
Information Transfer: The information gathered through scanning was seamlessly transferred to the user's brain, allowing for instant comprehension and mastery.
Whether it was a complex martial art or a rare piece of knowledge, Nano ensured that the user could understand and utilize it with ease. This extended to physical transformation as well—Nano could reconstruct and develop the user's body to better perform the techniques it had analyzed, optimizing muscles, bones, and Qi pathways for maximum efficiency.
Emergency Defense Mode: Nano's emergency defense mode was a lifesaver in the truest sense. It could detect hidden or surprise attacks, activating protective measures to shield the user from harm.
This function operated autonomously, ensuring that the user was always protected, even when caught off guard.
Body Reconstruction and Enhancement: Nano's ability to reconstruct and enhance the body was one of its most impressive features. It could adjust the user's eyes to see in complete darkness or withstand blinding light, perfect for any environment.
It manipulated vocal cords to perfectly imitate accents and voices, a skill that could be invaluable in espionage. It maximizes the user's physical capabilities, transforming the body to better utilize techniques and skills.
Nano also created battle simulations using augmented and virtual reality, allowing the user to train and refine their techniques in a controlled environment. It analyzed mistakes in real time, providing improved methods and strategies to ensure continuous growth. Additionally, it could adjust the user's audio frequency range, enabling them to eavesdrop on conversations conducted through the Sound Transfer technique.
Gatelinium Nano Suit: The Gatelinium Nano Suit was the pinnacle of Nano's defensive and offensive capabilities. A sleek, black, full-body armor with a demonic mask, it was both intimidating and functional. Made from Gatelinium, a rare and durable material, the suit offered unparalleled protection.
The suit's features were as impressive as its appearance. It could gather oxygen underwater, allowing the user to breathe effortlessly in aquatic environments. It had a passive control mode, enabling it to take over the user's body and perform techniques autonomously during combat. It could become transparent or invisible, making the user nearly undetectable. It also had a flight mode, granting the user the ability to soar through the skies with ease.
The Nano Machine was more than just a tool—it was a partner, a guardian, and a teacher. It pushed the user to their limits, constantly evolving and adapting to new challenges.
For Cheon Yeo Woon, it was the key to unlocking his true potential, a power that would shape his destiny and redefine the world around him.
'I can't let him get the Nano Machine…' Muyeon thought, his expression darkening. The bad blood between them was undeniable. Lady Mu had killed Yeo Woon's mother and intimidated him into not training before the Academy, ensuring that he would start at a disadvantage. Not to mention the constant assassination attempts…
'Reconciliation is impossible,' Muyeon thought, his lips curling into a faint smirk. 'Not that I'd want it anyway.'
He knew that if Yeo Woon obtained the Nano Machine, it would spell disaster for him and his clan. The main character's growth would be exponential, and his vengeance would be swift and merciless.
'I have two options,' Muyeon thought, his mind racing. 'Either I steal the Nano Machine before he can get it, or I kill him before he grows too strong.'
Muyeon considered the first option, his brow furrowing as he weighed the pros and cons.
If he could intercept Yeo Woon's descendant from the future and seize the Nano Machine for himself, he would gain an incredible advantage. The Nano Machine's power would allow him to grow stronger at an unprecedented rate, ensuring his survival and dominance.
On the other hand, Yeo Woon's descendant was at least at the Master Realm, meaning Muyeon would need to bring at least two Masters to stand a chance. Convincing his mother and another Master to follow his lead without raising suspicions would be difficult.
'It's risky,' Muyeon thought, his expression grim. 'But it might be worth it.'
But, If stealing the Nano Machine proved impossible, Muyeon contemplated the second option: eliminating Yeo Woon before he could grow too powerful.
Killing Yeo Woon would eliminate the threat entirely, ensuring that the main character's rise to power never happened.
Once again, on the other hand, Yeo Woon was still a member of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, and the Demon Lords favored son, even if their father did his best to hide it. So, killing him would not be easy. It would require careful planning and timing, and there was always the risk of failure.
'Either way, I need to act quickly,' Muyeon thought, his jaw tightening. 'Time is running out.'
As Muyeon considered his options, his thoughts turned to the Multiverse Chat Group. The Plague Monarch was a powerful ally—if he could gain her cooperation.
'A well-crafted Quest could bring her to this world,' he thought, his mind racing. 'She could deal with Yeo Woon and his descendant easily.'
But there was a problem. The Plague Monarch was volatile and unpredictable. Her message earlier had been filled with anger and threats, and gaining her cooperation would not be easy.
'I'll need to tread carefully,' Muyeon thought, his expression thoughtful. 'But if I can convince her, she could be the key to my survival.'
After some thought, Muyeon opened the chat group, only to be bombarded with hundreds of angry messages from the Plague Monarch.
[Plague Monarch]: How dare you ignore me! Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?
[Plague Monarch]: If you think you can pester me and then disappear, you're sorely mistaken!
[Plague Monarch]: Answer me, you insolent worm!
…
..
.
The messages went on and on, filling his entire room with holographic screens.
Muyeon sighed, rubbing his temples as he read through the messages. 'This is going to be harder than I thought…'
A/N: 3264 words :)
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