When I regressed, I was a martial arts genius

Master Muguk was puzzled.

If he was a fool, he should stay a fool, and if he was a genius, he should remain a genius.

The fool he once thought of, Lee Jun, was gradually transforming into a genius.

He wasn’t a celestial body like the Heavenly Body—one born with innate talent.

[This is a new one entirely.]

Even after a long life, Master Muguk found Lee Jun endlessly fascinating.

Whether he knew it or not, Lee Jun approached Cha Kyung-jin with a question he had on his mind.

“Teacher, when I recklessly injected my inner power, I could feel the air around me breaking. Is the core of Ten Steps Divine Fist about controlling the amount of inner power?”

Cha Kyung-jin was once again astonished.

Lee Jun had accurately grasped the core of Ten Steps Divine Fist.

Ten Steps Divine Fist was a martial art created by lowering the wondrous inner power control of White Steps Divine Fist by several stages.

“Yes, that’s correct. You need to master inner power control for the aura to flow properly.”

Cha Kyung-jin’s voice wavered slightly, her eyes flickering left and right.

“Could you show Ten Steps Divine Fist again?”

“Not difficult.”

Lee Jun maintained his Ma Bo stance and assumed a straight punch posture.

Boom!

His stepping foot was engulfed in a whirlwind of energy.

The first mirrored the same spiraling air, concentrating it into one point. Then, he thrust his fist forward into the air.

Boom!

The overwhelming energy surged from his fist, tearing the air apart and crashing into the ground below.

“There’s no way!”

Cha Kyung-jin muttered in disbelief.

Whether she knew it or not, Lee Jun remained blissfully unaware.

“I succeeded.”

A bright smile spread across his face.

[You have successfully mastered Ten Steps Divine Fist.]
[Ten Steps Divine Fist has been registered as a general skill.]

Never before had he mastered the family’s martial arts, nor even the common skills given freely at school.

Now, he could replicate them just by reading the manual.

All of it was thanks to Master Muguk.

[Well, you’re not a complete fool after all.]

Master Muguk’s words seemed contrary to his thoughts.

***

Lee Jun didn’t merely excel in martial arts.

He also displayed remarkable proficiency in new techniques, swordsmanship, spear arts, and even poison techniques.

All the instructors had the same reaction as Cha Kyung-jin. At first, they were astonished, and then they viewed Lee Jun as a monster.

A legendary genius, known as the Sword Dragon.

Even compared to him, they praised Lee Jun as being equally impressive.

From that point on, the instructors began to pester Lee Jun relentlessly.

Not only did they offer to teach him the school’s common martial arts, but they also wanted to pass down their techniques.

Fleeing from them, Lee Jun sprawled out on the bleachers of the schoolyard.

“Ugh, why are they making such a fuss.”

He planned to catch his breath for a moment and then retreat to a quiet corner.

However, he sensed someone approaching him.

“Is this the place where Lee Jun enjoys spending his time?”

The person who appeared was Cha Kyung-jin.

Lee Jun sat up from his reclining position.

“I was just resting for a bit, avoiding the instructors.”

Cha Kyung-jin handed him a drink and sat beside him.

“Do you enjoy your classes?”

“Are you asking about the martial arts classes?”

“Everything.”

“I enjoy them. Every time I learn something new, it feels refreshing.”

“Isn’t it boring? From what I see, it seems like you could practice Ten Steps Divine Fist on your own.”

A small smile crept onto Lee Jun’s face.

Bored? Far from it.

The more martial arts he learned, the more exhilarating it became.

Unlike in his previous life, he could learn every martial art available.

“It’s not boring at all. For someone like me, who couldn’t inherit from my bloodline, even the common martial arts provided by the school are precious. It’s a hundred times better to learn than not to.”

He didn’t see the need to learn the instructors’ martial arts.

After all, what they taught was only common martial arts, and Lee Jun had already mastered the superior versions on his own.

Now, he simply wanted to solidify his foundation with common martial arts, as there was no better method for rigorous foundational training.

Cha Kyung-jin began to see Lee Jun differently.

Initially biased by his lack of bloodline inheritance, her perception shattered in an instant.

‘Maybe this person has potential.’

She was someone who had remained neutral within her family.

However, recently, the Shinjik Clan had been pressuring her to make a clear choice.

She needed to take a stance—either choose the eldest son, Lee Shin, or one of the youngest members.

However, another option presented itself.

A line of geniuses that rivaled even the Sword Dragon.

Cha Kyung-jin had already excluded Lee Shin from her considerations.

An embodiment of arrogance.

A man who lived solely for his pride and self-importance, someone she didn’t want to follow.

‘Should I test him?’

Just as she was about to speak to Lee Jun, the instructors who had been following him suddenly crowded around.

“Ah, there’s Miss Cha too.”

Among them, a middle-aged man holding a spear addressed Cha Kyung-jin.

He was the instructor teaching spear techniques. A master of spear arts from the prestigious Shinchangdo family, known for both his character and skill, he was called Gunjaryong.

“You’ve come late.”

“Miss Cha, what were you discussing with Lee Jun?”

A sense of vigilance was evident in the instructors’ eyes.

“I was simply asking if he enjoys his martial arts classes.”

“That’s all?”

“Is there anything more?”

“Well, that’s a relief. I was afraid you were trying to drag Lee Jun back into the ranks of the Shinjik Clan.”

Gunjaryong’s words made Cha Kyung-jin uncomfortable.

Had they not appeared, she would have casually inquired about Lee Jun’s thoughts. But now, they had anticipated her and made a preemptive strike.

“If the conversation’s over, I’d like to talk to Lee Jun.”

“I also have something to say.”

“You know I came to Lee Jun first, right?”

The instructors were competing to have a conversation with Lee Jun.

Seeing them, Lee Jun sighed.

It wasn’t that he felt bad.

In his previous life, this had never happened.

Instead, he used to beg the instructors for more lessons. He desperately wanted to learn more, hoping to gain his father’s approval, but it had all been in vain.

With his mediocre heart method, he couldn’t even learn the school’s common martial arts.

Now, it seemed as though he had earned the recognition of these instructors for his martial arts talent.

“I’ll only learn the common martial arts, so please leave.”

“Why don’t you want to learn more advanced techniques? I could teach you Shinchangdo’s spear techniques…”

“Mr. Jo! Keep the proper etiquette.”

“Mr. Park, I was here first.”

The instructors’ voices grew louder.

Recruiting talented individuals within the school was, on the surface, a formality.

However, when a genius appears, things change. Recruiting a genius is of utmost importance for them as well.

Their status within the clan rises significantly, and they can receive substantial support.

Perhaps they could even gain influence within the powerful 15 Families Alliance Association.

A single step towards social elevation.

Lee Jun feigned ignorance and asked them calmly.

“Why are you all bothering to teach me? Please, Mr. Jo Hak-du, go ahead.”

“Hm, I appreciate you giving me the floor first.”

Gunjaryong Jo Hak-du smiled victoriously, while the other instructors clenched their fists in frustration.

Jo Hak-du cleared his throat before diving straight into his explanation.

“In my opinion, Lee Jun was born to wield a spear. The reason you haven’t shown brilliance in martial arts is that you’ve been trying to master styles that don’t suit your body, preventing your true potential from shining. You are a spear genius.”

Jo’s praise for Lee Jun was high praise indeed.

Although his demeanor was gentle, he maintained strict standards and rarely offered praise to students.

Despite his high praise, the other instructors—Park, Shin, and even Cha Kyung-jin—were looking at Jo’s face in astonishment.

‘This guy doesn’t throw around compliments lightly.’

‘He has a knack for spear arts?’

‘Forget everything else; Lee Jun is a genius in Dokgong. If we lose such a talent, it will be a huge loss for our Mandokam family.’

Taking cues from Jo, the other instructors also began making their offers.

“Why not join our Iron Blood Sword family? Lee Jun, you’ll be with your friend, the Sword Dragon.”

Iron Blood Sword is the family that succeeded in the martial arts of the Namgung family. It was also where Lee Jun’s only friend was.

Soon, Shin’s voice echoed.

“I’m not joking. If you join our Mandokam, I’ll personally speak to the Iron King and ask him to craft the finest artifacts for you.”

Mandokam is the successor of the Sicheon Hall family’s martial arts. They excelled in Dokgong and stealth techniques.

It’s almost not an exaggeration to say that every weapon and armor sold in the market comes from Mandokam.

Their equipment, second only to the highest-quality artifacts from dungeons, was unrivaled, thanks to the Iron King’s unmatched craftsmanship, which even drew attention internationally.

Offering Lee Jun incredible conditions was no exaggeration.

“Thank you all for your offers, but I’m not interested in joining any of your families.”

“This kind of opportunity doesn’t come by often.”

“Exactly. We’ve set aside our pride to make these offers.”

Despite their earnest entreaties, Lee Jun merely smiled. He was confident in growing without their help, as he had his greatest mentor, Mugeukja, by his side.

However, the instructors misunderstood Lee Jun’s smile.

“If it’s about the Shinjik Clan, the Iron Blood Sword will protect Lee Jun.”

“The same goes for Mandokam. No, I’ll personally meet with your father.”

“It’s not because of that.”

Despite Lee Jun’s firm response,

“Oh, I didn’t give you enough time to think carefully.”

“I’m sorry. I got too eager. Your potential is too tempting.”

The instructors continued to misunderstand, but Lee Jun didn’t bother correcting them.

“It’s fine.”

“Please think carefully.”

“Opportunities of this magnitude don’t come often.”

The instructors left, each adding their own words, followed by Cha Kyung-jin, who paused briefly but eventually followed them out.

Left alone, Lee Jun lay back down on the floor, looking up at the sky.

“The weather is so nice today.”

Now that he was growing stronger, even with repeated rejections, offers kept coming.

As he continued to grow stronger, he wondered what would happen next.

Living in an era dominated by power was something he hadn’t truly appreciated before.

The feeling of being intoxicated by his current state was almost irresistible.

***

After school, Lee Jun had a regular destination—the underground warehouse of the main building.

Having slain the boss monster, Qinghu, the monsters continued to respawn.

A place where monsters endlessly reappeared. Here, Lee Jun thrived, feeding on the vitality of the Flame Beasts.

*[Vampiric Cultivation] absorbed a small amount of mana.
*Health +1
[Vampiric Cultivation] absorbed a small amount of mana.
…

…

Green Zone monsters were the best nourishment for Lee Jun.

Sometimes, his stats would increase alongside them.

Lee Jun withdrew his hand from the shriveled Flame Beast.

“Huuu.”

He straightened his back and looked around.

All around were the shriveled corpses of Flame Beasts.

After some time, they gradually turned into ash and disappeared.

Only Lee Jun remained in the desolate wasteland.

Once the monster’s seed had dried up, he moved toward the tree beside the oasis.

“The rewards are too slim for the effort.”

Having monopolized the Green Zone gate, Lee Jun barely received a single mana stone after the first few kills.

After nearly a month, with not a single mana stone dropping, he understood why the gate was closed.

Without the drop of a high-grade martial arts book like Vampiric Cultivation, the gate felt like a useless venture.

“I’ll need to raid a mana stone mine later.”

“Now that I have the mana stone from Qinghu, at least 10 million won should come from selling it.”

Living expenses and other costs were secured.

Now, he focused on his growth.

“Since I’ve dealt with the Flame Beasts, should I absorb the mana stone?”

This gate had nothing more to offer.

“There’s nothing more to gain here.”

*[The decision has changed. Your growth is faster than anticipated, so I’ll postpone absorbing the mana stone and take a bigger gamble instead.]