Chapter 315: Preliminary Inspection (1)

'「Mimicry」, the new skills, my understanding of martial arts, and what I can do with them…'

Lost in thought, Hugo, standing in the center of the training ground, closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Several months had passed since he arrived in Ganghwange alone. And during that time, thanks to the constant consumption of 『Growth Elixir』, the support of 「Super Regeneration」, and his relentless training, he had changed significantly.

-Individual Name: Hugo

-Common Traits: 「Mind Herb」, 「Persona」, 「Super Regeneration」, 「Clear Mind」, 「Superhuman Strength」, 「Hypersensitivity」, 「Insight」, 「Xenoglossy」, 「Underwater Breathing」, 「Subspace Storage」, 「Limit Break」, 「Mimicry」

-Individual Traits: 「Versatile」, 「Tough」, 「Breathing Technique」, 「Qi Martial Arts」, 「Basic Medical Knowledge」

-Special Notes: The individual has become more proficient in controlling Qi. 「Robustness」 has evolved into 「Tough」 due to consistent external martial arts training. 「Breathing Technique」 accelerates internal martial arts training. 'Growth Elixir' grants additional growth buffs to all actions.

He was no longer the novice who had entered Ganghwange with a single skill. The combined effects of the elixir, various buffs, and 「Versatile」, which allowed him to quickly master any skill to a certain level…

…created a powerful synergy, transforming him into a skilled martial artist in just a few months.

'Studying medicine was the best decision. I started because I thought it would help me analyze how martial arts worked.'

It wasn't a strange choice, as martial arts and the body were inherently connected. Acquiring the 「Basic Medical Knowledge」 skill was an unexpected bonus.

'A fortunate miscalculation.'

The level of medical knowledge provided by the Zhuge Clan, the Immortal King Hans's anatomical knowledge, and Harley's understanding of living organisms likely played a significant role. As a result, he gained a deeper understanding of the physical changes that occurred when someone used martial arts, which would be incredibly beneficial for using 「Mimicry」.

'…No, that's not the most crucial factor for using that skill.'

Hugo chuckled. The most important factor remained. His greatest advantage, his secret…

'I'm never alone.'

Understanding and analyzing something was much easier with multiple perspectives, especially from a higher vantage point. And the fact that he had five other Transcendents connected to his mind, communicating in real time…

…and that they included combatants like Heinrich, with martial arts skills like 「Path of the Martial Artist」 and 「Logia Combat Technique」; Harris, who had mastered the supreme martial art 「Mooyoo Palgwae Bigong (Modified)」; and Harley, a master of physical combat with instinctive hunting prowess—

—was like having a team of university professors taking middle and high school exams. Even if their specialties were slightly different.

'And Hubert's 「Analysis」 will also be indirectly helpful.'

Hugo nodded, recalling the merchant avatar who had helped him learn martial arts. He was different from Harris, the high elf, who had already transcended limits.

Unlike Harris, who could learn supreme martial arts from the beginning, he had to start with basic techniques. But it was a necessary process, even for him, with his accelerated growth. He couldn't skip the essential steps.

'The martial arts manuals I have aren't very satisfying. …To properly utilize 「Mimicry」, I need internal energy cultivation techniques that prioritize stability and adaptability, rather than those with specific attributes. Where can I find something suitable?'

He had read some manuals provided by the Zhuge Clan, but they weren't up to his standards. Perhaps there were secret manuals in their vault, but those were inaccessible to him, a mere guest.

"Hmm."

As he pondered…

…a mischievous thought surfaced.

'…Should I just take them by force?'

It wasn't impossible. In these chaotic times, anything could happen. For example, an unknown master radiating demonic energy could attack the estate with an army of jiangshi. Or perhaps agents of the nefarious Blood Cult could infiltrate and steal from the vault!

But while these tempting thoughts lingered…

'Tsk, I'll wait a bit longer. It's not urgent.'

…he decided to postpone it.

'It would be a loss if I accidentally ruined my relationship with the Zhuge Clan. It would make my stay here uncomfortable. If I'm going to cause trouble, I should target somewhere else.'

He had plenty of options. The Wudang Sect was nearby, and further out were the Shaolin Temple, Mount Hua Sect, and the Nangun Clan.

'…Should I prepare a scenario?'

He organized his thoughts, and his hand instinctively tightened around his sword hilt.

Crack—

He felt the power surging from his muscles, enhanced by 「Superhuman Strength」 and his overwhelming stats. While he couldn't compare to true monsters like Harley or Heinrich, it was enough to be recognized anywhere for his external martial arts prowess. A sense of satisfaction filled him, and a smile crept onto his face.

"Ah, it's already this late."

He suddenly checked the position of the sun and quickly gathered his training sword, realizing the time. It was almost Shen Shi (3-5 PM), so he had to wash up and prepare for his appointment.

'I don't want to be lectured for being late again.'

He tidied up the training ground and headed towards his quarters, following the familiar path.

His next destination was also a place he had frequented over the past few months.

Fwoosh—

The gentle energy that illuminated the room faded.

A young girl, sitting on a chair with her eyes closed, slowly opened them and smiled.

"Are you finished? You've worked hard, Young Master Ha. Thank you again today."

Her clear voice echoed through the room.

And then the girl… no, Zhuge Huimei, the precious daughter of the Zhuge Clan, began chattering cheerfully.

"Ah, would you like to try this? It's a new snack from the kitchen. It's sweet and delicious. Of course, if you prefer the previous one, just let me know… Oh! You've already finished your tea. Let me refill it for you."

Hugo nodded, a forced smile on his face, as she continued her incessant chatter. He was used to this place and this situation, but he would never get used to her constant talking. And he had something to consider.

'This is strange. Like last time, there's no noticeable improvement after the treatment.'

They were currently in the reception room of Zhuge Huimei's quarters, which had served as a treatment room since she regained mobility. The initially daily treatments had become less frequent as her condition improved, and now they were more like weekly checkups. It was only possible because she had recovered enough to move around the mansion freely, but—

'Is this the limit of what divine power can heal?'

Hugo, practically her personal physician for the past few months, couldn't shake off a sense of unease. Her condition wasn't completely healed; it was merely 'mostly' healed. And he was well-versed in medicine, having acquired 「Basic Medical Knowledge」. The fact that he couldn't identify the cause…

Just then, Heinrich, having grown stronger after acquiring 「Grand Blessing: Wings of Radiance」, offered a new hypothesis.

'…It feels different. This isn't a disease, but… something related to the theology of this world? It would be best if Heinrich could examine her directly.'

The incident where the Society Master stole the Dragon Heart 22 years ago, in Ganghwange time. She was born around the time the world descended into chaos. And her mother had died shortly after her birth. She had blamed herself, believing she was cursed.

'But I can't summon Heinrich inside the estate. It would only cause misunderstandings.'

The Zhuge Clan would definitely notice someone suddenly appearing in their secure area. And they would quickly realize that the energy he radiated was the same as 'Ha Seunghoon', the guest who had been treating Zhuge Huimei. He couldn't predict how their relationship would change after that.

'The Zhuge Clan seems particularly obsessed with formations and security.'

It was understandable, considering they didn't have any Peak Masters, or even any Transcendent Realm experts. Their formations were the key to their power and influence, allowing them to deter other factions. They couldn't afford to lose their secure area.

'How can I create an opportunity?'

As Hugo pondered…

…Zhuge Huimei, oblivious to his silence, brought up a new topic. New information that even piqued his interest.

"Ah! Young Master, did you hear? We received an invitation from the Shaolin Temple in Henan."

"…An invitation? At a time like this?"

"Yes, it's something that happens every few years. A gathering for the major members of the Murim Alliance to discuss matters."

"I heard the Murim Alliance has been disbanded."

"But communication is essential. Especially now."

It wasn't strange for those who knew each other to gather and form a network, especially in these chaotic times, with enemies lurking everywhere.

"It's basically an expanded version of the exchanges between neighboring factions, like our clan and the Wudang Sect. There are no obligations, just a chance to meet and catch up."

Zhuge Huimei shrugged. It wasn't a sentiment one would expect from her, who had lived her entire life within the estate, her acquaintances limited to those within its walls.

'The entire continent is in chaos, but it's largely divided into three factions. A social gathering to maintain those networks.'

Those who occupied the dragon veins, those who wanted to seize them, and those who wanted to either expand their power or protect what they had. They could be broadly categorized as orthodox, unorthodox, and warlords, but even they were constantly fighting amongst themselves. And then there were the Demonic Cult, the most powerful single faction, the Blood Cult lurking in the shadows, and other minor sects…

'Hmm, it would be strange if there weren't such gatherings.'

Perhaps the unorthodox factions, warlords, and minor sects had also formed similar alliances.

"But is it even possible for envoys from each faction to gather in one place at a time like this? What if they're attacked by hostile forces along the way…?"

"Of course. That's why there has never been a gathering with all factions present. Especially those far from the location."

Attending such a gathering, braving the dangerous journey, would be a display of a faction's power. Of course, there were cases where they lost more than they gained.

"Our clan will definitely participate this time. The Shaolin Temple in Henan isn't that far. Hmm, the Moryong Clan in Liaoning and the Kunlun Sect in Qinghai will probably have a difficult time. I wonder if they even received the invitation?"

Hugo stroked his chin, a serious expression on his face, as Zhuge Huimei tilted her head, muttering to herself. His mind raced at the unexpected news.

'I was wondering what to do next. This is perfect.'

Such a convenient event! Gathering information was essential before taking action. This was a clear opportunity to venture out and meet new people. And the attendees would all be influential figures. And considering the inevitable ambushes along the way…

'A buffet! It's a buffet!'

A true feast for him.