Zhang Dajing frowned unhappily at a house standing right before his eyes.0
'Sir Vator is supposed to stay in this shabby place?!'0
Calling this house 'shabby' was unfair, though. A Western-style double-story house with a nice little garden didn't deserve such a label, after all. In consideration of Vator's position and status, though? Zhang Dajing was offended by how run-down it looked. Wasn't Vator staying in the penthouse suite in South Korea's finest hotel until yesterday?0
“Mm...” Vator sheepishly scratched his cheek while staring at the house.0
“Sir Vator...! This, this is...! It's a clear insult to you, sir! We must lodge a complaint right away and...”0
“Looks like the front gate needs to be modified somewhat. With how small it is, I'll have to keep my head low whenever I want to go in or out.”0
“Sir Vator?!” Zhang Dajing reflexively cried out at how unperturbed Vator's attitude was. Of course, he quickly recognized his gaff and hurriedly covered his mouth.0
Vator looked a little taken aback. “Why are you losing your cool, Zhang Dajing?”0
“...My apologies, sir. I... It seems I've temporarily let go of my senses.”0
“I see. Just tell me what makes you so angry.”0
Zhang Dajing hesitated for a second or two before finally revealing the source of his ire. “Sir Vator, this is clearly an act of disrespect toward you. How can someone as noble as you stay in a place this shabby...!”0
“Zhang Dajing?”0
“Yes, sir.”0
“Have you forgotten that I'm the Warrior of the Wild Plains? I often sleep in a yurt, so why would a house like this be a bad accommodation for me?”0
Zhang Dajing faltered, still unwilling to concede. “E-even so…”0
Vator leisurely scratched his chin. “Besides, we're in a rural area. Look around you. I don't think you'll find better accommodation than this one nearby. That man, Lee Hyeon-Su, told us this would be our temporary residence until a better place is found. In that sense, this is a considerably good place to stay. We should actually be grateful.”0
Zhang Dajing sighed softly.0
'Even though he's someone great, Sir Vator doesn't value himself as highly as I do...'0
Vator continued to speak. “If you're really unhappy about this arrangement, we can always build a suitable residence, no? It's not like we're lacking in funds, anyway. Why do you believe the Koreans owe us a residence?”0
“Sir, in this day and age, even professional athletes are given nice houses and cars when they sign up for a team. But your worth far exceeds that of some common athlete.”0
“Yes, that's true. However, in sports terms, this is a newly established team, and it has only just begun investing and recruiting its players. Since I've decided to restart my career with such a team, I shouldn't expect the same level of treatment and fanfare from a top-tier team.”0
Zhang Dajing's eyes widened, and his jaw slackened in surprise as he stared at Vator. He didn't expect this kind of counter-argument.0
Vator shrugged his shoulders. “I'm actually a fan of American football, you see?”1
“...Honestly, sir, it fits you perfectly.”0
Never mind fit, Vator was born for that sport. Just look at his physique! Even though he wasn't wearing any protective gear, it looked like he was!0
“That's why you should stop with this unnecessary whining. That's not important to us, anyway.”0
“Yes, Sir Vator,” Zhang Dajing unwillingly nodded while licking his lips. Even though Zhang Dajin was bitterly expressing his dissatisfaction, the truth was that Lee Hyeon-Su had already apologized to them about this arrangement.0
Lee Hyeon-Su told them that this was only a temporary residence until a better, more fitting accommodation could be found, and that he'd do his absolute best to speedily resolve any inconveniences Vator might encounter.0
Even so, Zhang Dajing still wasn't happy about this. All because he didn't like how this situation had unfolded.0
“Let's go inside,” said Vator.0
“Yes, sir,” Zhang Dajing nodded, then watched Vator open the front gate and step inside. That was when a question suddenly popped out of his mouth. “By the way... Sir Vator?”0
Vator crouched past the front entrance, straightened up, then looked behind him. “What is it?”0
“Do you think it's possible, sir?”0
“It'd be nice if you're a bit more specific with your query, Zhang Dajing.”0
“...My apologies. I was wondering if the Koreans could resist the threat from Japan and China.”0
Vator's expression stiffened a little as he scratched his chin. It was as if he knew he should provide an answer but wasn't happy about its contents. “Logically, it's a hopeless endeavor.”0
“You think so, too? It's as I thought...?” Zhang Dajing grew anxious at that reply. His anxiety was understandable, however.0
He and Vator knew the truth about how powerful the Crimson King's faction was. Just this one faction was so enormously mighty that the likes of the mere South Korean Martial Assembly would never match up to it. But China had two other factions of similar strength!0
'It's like hitting a boulder with an egg...!'0
Of course, Zhang Dajing wasn't discriminating or underestimating South Korea's martial artists. Any faction in Europe possessing South Korea's might would've been able to declare themselves the king of that region. If every country in the world was ranked purely by its martial strength, Korea should occupy a spot in the upper half of that list.0
Unfortunately, it didn't matter how strong a wolf was when its hunting ground was a savanna shared with a tiger, a lion and a bear. Let this mighty wolf loose in such an environment, and it'd end up as a tasty meal for one of the apex predators in the area.0
So, could these wolves be trained and fed until they were strong enough to rival lions? Zhang Dajing was pessimistic about it. One transcendental expert wasn't quite enough to solve that quandary, after all.0
“Even if my master is the strongest expert in the entire world, it's still impossible for him to lead Korea and wage war with other nations,” said Vator.0
“Yes, I concur,” Zhang Dajing nodded. It seemed his opinion was practically the same as Vator's. But a question still remained, so Zhang Dajing decided to ask about it. “But... If that's what you think, why did you volunteer your support, sir?”0
Vator didn't have a choice but to follow whatever Kang Jin-Ho chose to do. However, that was different from volunteering to help Kang Jin-Ho with what he was trying to do.0
An unreadable smirk crept up on Vator's lips. “I saw a possibility, Zhang Dajing.”0
“Sir?”0
“I have two reasons. One, waiting for my master to give me the order would've been too boring, so I acted first. And... Like I said, I see a definite possibility here, Zhang Dajing.”0
“But, uh... Didn't you say...”0
“Of course a lone martial artist named Kang Jin-Ho can't change this place. However, my master isn't a simple martial artist, now is he?” Vator suddenly cut Zhang Dajing off with a deep smirk. He stared at the distant skies. “He's a demonic cultivator. Not just any, but a demonic cultivator the likes of which this world has never seen before!”0
“...Yes, that is true.”0
“A demonic cultivator only appearing in legends and tall tales has finally shown up in the real world, Zhang Dajing. Not only that, but...! Take a look at what he did to me. That should tell you that he possesses knowledge of many things beyond the scope of our imagination.”0
As he spoke, Vator's expression grew somewhat unreadable. At a glance, he seemed a little scared. From another angle, he seemed expectant, too. Perhaps that expression hinted at how complicated his thoughts were regarding Kang Jin-Ho.0
'Yes, Sir Vator has a point...'0
Zhang Dajing grimaced, knowing he had no choice but to agree with Vator's assessment. Even if Kang Jin-Ho's other qualities were ignored for now, he still couldn't be evaluated as a simply powerful martial artist. And the evidence for that was what he did to suppress Vator to this degree.0
No one could guess how many other bizarre knowledge and tricks Kang Jin-Ho had hidden up his sleeve.1
“Since we've already decided to stay in this place for the foreseeable future, I shall choose the option of getting even stronger... for both the organization and myself. Isn't this what you told me to do earlier?”0
“...Yes, sir.”0
“As I am, I cannot defeat my master,” Vator grunted loudly.0
Zhang Dajing tilted his head in confusion. “But... Sir, didn't you lose by only a proverbial hair's breadth?”0
“A hair's breadth, is it?” Vator chuckled loudly. “It might have looked that way to you, but you need to understand something. That hair's breadth cannot be bridged, Zhang Dajing. Even if I challenge my master ten times, a thousand times, no, a million times right now, I can never defeat him.”0
Zhang Dajing sucked in a deep breath. He couldn't tell if this assessment was the result of Vator's objective evaluation or if the mental coercion of never disobeying Kang Jin-Ho was too strong for the big man to overcome.0
Zhang Dajing's grimace deepened as he cautiously called out. “Sir Vator...!”0
“Don't be mistaken,” Vator cut Zhang Dajing off again. “I respect my master. I simply must. But this respect isn't simply about my master's strength. No, it's... I respect him as an individual. Even if I was stronger than him, I'd still objectively respect my master. That part will not change.”0
Zhang Dajing's complexion darkened even further. This was worse than Vator being forced to submit to Kang Jin-Ho's bizarre power.0
“This is why I'm confident about my thoughts not being swayed by other factors. I cannot defeat my master.”0
“Why do you say that, sir?”0
“Simple. My master's rate of improvement far exceeds mine.” Vator bit his lip. “I understand why you think my assessment is incorrect. Back then, my master wasn't holding back. There was not much separating us in terms of pure combat power. Such a paper-thin difference can easily be overcome through how we're matched up or what our conditions on the day are like. However...!”0
Vator's expression stiffened, his voice getting louder as if to make a declaration.0
“That was the story at the start of our duel.”0
Zhang Dajing looked even more confused. “Sir, I don't understand.”0
“It's not complicated, Zhang Dajing. By the time our duel was winding down, the difference between me and my master has widened to the point where I could never hope to catch up.”0
“B-but...! How is that even possible?”0
“It is possible. I saw it with my own eyes, after all. And I felt it through my body, too!” Vator tightly clenched his fists. He grimaced as if the sensations of that night's duel were washing over him again. “My master isn't improving his cultivation, but more like regaining what he has lost. And my duel with him laid the groundwork for him to become even stronger. I cannot fathom the heights of strength my master will reach, but... At the very least, his rate of improvement is truly peerless under the heavens.”0
“Mm...!” Zhang Dajing sucked in another deep breath.0
Vator's expression became fierce, determined. “That is precisely why I cannot win against my master. Especially if things stay this way. However, do not be mistaken about something, Zhang Dajing. My loyalty toward my master isn't enough to suppress my thirst for victory. I shall remain loyal to him. If he orders me to jump into a pit of Hellfire, I shall do so. However, what of it? Do you think I can't stay loyal if my strength exceeds my master's? Did the trustworthy retainers in history stay loyal because they were weaker and useless compared to the kings they served?”0
“No, Sir Vator. You do not fall behind anyone in comparison.”0
“For now, that is not true, Zhang Dajing,” Vator grunted. “However, I wish to reach that point someday. That means I must become stronger. But my current method isn't enough. I have painfully experienced my limits this time. To stand on equal ground as my master... I must dismantle my martial arts and start from the beginning!”0
Zhang Dajing finally understood Vator's intention. “I see. The best way to dissect your martial arts is to start teaching someone else...! You'd have to forcibly analyze everything from the very basics, after all!”0
Vator grinned warmly. “This is why I find your company quite pleasant, Zhang Dajing! I don't need to run my mouth off for too long with you.”0
“Please forgive me for failing to understand your intentions sooner, sir!”0
“There's nothing to forgive,” Vator chuckled, then stepped inside the house. “Zhang Dajing... I have submitted to Master, but that doesn't mean I'm satisfied with my current situation. No, I shall continue to grow stronger. For myself, and for my master's sake, too! I shall become stronger than anyone in this world! To achieve my goal, I am prepared to do anything. I shall analyze my martial arts, and if I see the need... I won't hesitate to accept my master's demonic cultivation methods!”0
Zhang Dajing was stunned by that declaration. “Sir Vator...!”0
“The strong will possess everything... I was reminded of this recently. It seems I've been too soft in my approach until now.”0
While watching Vator stride fearlessly inside the house without even bothering to look back once, Zhang Dajing slowly massaged his face.0
'Yes, Sir Vator hasn't changed.'0
Even if he was submitting to Kang Jin-Ho, Vator was still Vator. His mighty spirit of a martial artist wouldn't have been extinguished that easily. Although no one could predict what the future had in store for them, Zhang Dajing swore he'd stay by Vator's side until the...0
“...Kuh-hum! Zhang Dajing!”0
“Y-yes, sir?” Zhang Dajing's head quickly shot up when Vator called out his name, and his expression crumbled immediately at the sight greeting him back. Vator's super-wide shoulders had gotten stuck by the entrance of the house!0
“Go and... Mm, fetch some oil, Zhang Dajing.”0
“Yes, sir...”0
Zhang Dajing was about to tell himself he'd stay by Vator's side until the end, but he wasn't so sure anymore.
Zhang Dajing frowned unhappily at a house standing right before his eyes.0
'Sir Vator is supposed to stay in this shabby place?!'0
Calling this house 'shabby' was unfair, though. A Western-style double-story house with a nice little garden didn't deserve such a label, after all. In consideration of Vator's position and status, though? Zhang Dajing was offended by how run-down it looked. Wasn't Vator staying in the penthouse suite in South Korea's finest hotel until yesterday?0
“Mm...” Vator sheepishly scratched his cheek while staring at the house.0
“Sir Vator...! This, this is...! It's a clear insult to you, sir! We must lodge a complaint right away and...”0
“Looks like the front gate needs to be modified somewhat. With how small it is, I'll have to keep my head low whenever I want to go in or out.”0
“Sir Vator?!” Zhang Dajing reflexively cried out at how unperturbed Vator's attitude was. Of course, he quickly recognized his gaff and hurriedly covered his mouth.0
Vator looked a little taken aback. “Why are you losing your cool, Zhang Dajing?”0
“...My apologies, sir. I... It seems I've temporarily let go of my senses.”0
“I see. Just tell me what makes you so angry.”0
Zhang Dajing hesitated for a second or two before finally revealing the source of his ire. “Sir Vator, this is clearly an act of disrespect toward you. How can someone as noble as you stay in a place this shabby...!”0
“Zhang Dajing?”0
“Yes, sir.”0
“Have you forgotten that I'm the Warrior of the Wild Plains? I often sleep in a yurt, so why would a house like this be a bad accommodation for me?”0
Zhang Dajing faltered, still unwilling to concede. “E-even so…”0
Vator leisurely scratched his chin. “Besides, we're in a rural area. Look around you. I don't think you'll find better accommodation than this one nearby. That man, Lee Hyeon-Su, told us this would be our temporary residence until a better place is found. In that sense, this is a considerably good place to stay. We should actually be grateful.”0
Zhang Dajing sighed softly.0
'Even though he's someone great, Sir Vator doesn't value himself as highly as I do...'0
Vator continued to speak. “If you're really unhappy about this arrangement, we can always build a suitable residence, no? It's not like we're lacking in funds, anyway. Why do you believe the Koreans owe us a residence?”0
“Sir, in this day and age, even professional athletes are given nice houses and cars when they sign up for a team. But your worth far exceeds that of some common athlete.”0
“Yes, that's true. However, in sports terms, this is a newly established team, and it has only just begun investing and recruiting its players. Since I've decided to restart my career with such a team, I shouldn't expect the same level of treatment and fanfare from a top-tier team.”0
Zhang Dajing's eyes widened, and his jaw slackened in surprise as he stared at Vator. He didn't expect this kind of counter-argument.0
Vator shrugged his shoulders. “I'm actually a fan of American football, you see?”1
“...Honestly, sir, it fits you perfectly.”0
Never mind fit, Vator was born for that sport. Just look at his physique! Even though he wasn't wearing any protective gear, it looked like he was!0
“That's why you should stop with this unnecessary whining. That's not important to us, anyway.”0
“Yes, Sir Vator,” Zhang Dajing unwillingly nodded while licking his lips. Even though Zhang Dajin was bitterly expressing his dissatisfaction, the truth was that Lee Hyeon-Su had already apologized to them about this arrangement.0
Lee Hyeon-Su told them that this was only a temporary residence until a better, more fitting accommodation could be found, and that he'd do his absolute best to speedily resolve any inconveniences Vator might encounter.0
Even so, Zhang Dajing still wasn't happy about this. All because he didn't like how this situation had unfolded.0
“Let's go inside,” said Vator.0
“Yes, sir,” Zhang Dajing nodded, then watched Vator open the front gate and step inside. That was when a question suddenly popped out of his mouth. “By the way... Sir Vator?”0
Vator crouched past the front entrance, straightened up, then looked behind him. “What is it?”0
“Do you think it's possible, sir?”0
“It'd be nice if you're a bit more specific with your query, Zhang Dajing.”0
“...My apologies. I was wondering if the Koreans could resist the threat from Japan and China.”0
Vator's expression stiffened a little as he scratched his chin. It was as if he knew he should provide an answer but wasn't happy about its contents. “Logically, it's a hopeless endeavor.”0
“You think so, too? It's as I thought...?” Zhang Dajing grew anxious at that reply. His anxiety was understandable, however.0
He and Vator knew the truth about how powerful the Crimson King's faction was. Just this one faction was so enormously mighty that the likes of the mere South Korean Martial Assembly would never match up to it. But China had two other factions of similar strength!0
'It's like hitting a boulder with an egg...!'0
Of course, Zhang Dajing wasn't discriminating or underestimating South Korea's martial artists. Any faction in Europe possessing South Korea's might would've been able to declare themselves the king of that region. If every country in the world was ranked purely by its martial strength, Korea should occupy a spot in the upper half of that list.0
Unfortunately, it didn't matter how strong a wolf was when its hunting ground was a savanna shared with a tiger, a lion and a bear. Let this mighty wolf loose in such an environment, and it'd end up as a tasty meal for one of the apex predators in the area.0
So, could these wolves be trained and fed until they were strong enough to rival lions? Zhang Dajing was pessimistic about it. One transcendental expert wasn't quite enough to solve that quandary, after all.0
“Even if my master is the strongest expert in the entire world, it's still impossible for him to lead Korea and wage war with other nations,” said Vator.0
“Yes, I concur,” Zhang Dajing nodded. It seemed his opinion was practically the same as Vator's. But a question still remained, so Zhang Dajing decided to ask about it. “But... If that's what you think, why did you volunteer your support, sir?”0
Vator didn't have a choice but to follow whatever Kang Jin-Ho chose to do. However, that was different from volunteering to help Kang Jin-Ho with what he was trying to do.0
An unreadable smirk crept up on Vator's lips. “I saw a possibility, Zhang Dajing.”0
“Sir?”0
“I have two reasons. One, waiting for my master to give me the order would've been too boring, so I acted first. And... Like I said, I see a definite possibility here, Zhang Dajing.”0
“But, uh... Didn't you say...”0
“Of course a lone martial artist named Kang Jin-Ho can't change this place. However, my master isn't a simple martial artist, now is he?” Vator suddenly cut Zhang Dajing off with a deep smirk. He stared at the distant skies. “He's a demonic cultivator. Not just any, but a demonic cultivator the likes of which this world has never seen before!”0
“...Yes, that is true.”0
“A demonic cultivator only appearing in legends and tall tales has finally shown up in the real world, Zhang Dajing. Not only that, but...! Take a look at what he did to me. That should tell you that he possesses knowledge of many things beyond the scope of our imagination.”0
As he spoke, Vator's expression grew somewhat unreadable. At a glance, he seemed a little scared. From another angle, he seemed expectant, too. Perhaps that expression hinted at how complicated his thoughts were regarding Kang Jin-Ho.0
'Yes, Sir Vator has a point...'0
Zhang Dajing grimaced, knowing he had no choice but to agree with Vator's assessment. Even if Kang Jin-Ho's other qualities were ignored for now, he still couldn't be evaluated as a simply powerful martial artist. And the evidence for that was what he did to suppress Vator to this degree.0
No one could guess how many other bizarre knowledge and tricks Kang Jin-Ho had hidden up his sleeve.1
“Since we've already decided to stay in this place for the foreseeable future, I shall choose the option of getting even stronger... for both the organization and myself. Isn't this what you told me to do earlier?”0
“...Yes, sir.”0
“As I am, I cannot defeat my master,” Vator grunted loudly.0
Zhang Dajing tilted his head in confusion. “But... Sir, didn't you lose by only a proverbial hair's breadth?”0
“A hair's breadth, is it?” Vator chuckled loudly. “It might have looked that way to you, but you need to understand something. That hair's breadth cannot be bridged, Zhang Dajing. Even if I challenge my master ten times, a thousand times, no, a million times right now, I can never defeat him.”0
Zhang Dajing sucked in a deep breath. He couldn't tell if this assessment was the result of Vator's objective evaluation or if the mental coercion of never disobeying Kang Jin-Ho was too strong for the big man to overcome.0
Zhang Dajing's grimace deepened as he cautiously called out. “Sir Vator...!”0
“Don't be mistaken,” Vator cut Zhang Dajing off again. “I respect my master. I simply must. But this respect isn't simply about my master's strength. No, it's... I respect him as an individual. Even if I was stronger than him, I'd still objectively respect my master. That part will not change.”0
Zhang Dajing's complexion darkened even further. This was worse than Vator being forced to submit to Kang Jin-Ho's bizarre power.0
“This is why I'm confident about my thoughts not being swayed by other factors. I cannot defeat my master.”0
“Why do you say that, sir?”0
“Simple. My master's rate of improvement far exceeds mine.” Vator bit his lip. “I understand why you think my assessment is incorrect. Back then, my master wasn't holding back. There was not much separating us in terms of pure combat power. Such a paper-thin difference can easily be overcome through how we're matched up or what our conditions on the day are like. However...!”0
Vator's expression stiffened, his voice getting louder as if to make a declaration.0
“That was the story at the start of our duel.”0
Zhang Dajing looked even more confused. “Sir, I don't understand.”0
“It's not complicated, Zhang Dajing. By the time our duel was winding down, the difference between me and my master has widened to the point where I could never hope to catch up.”0
“B-but...! How is that even possible?”0
“It is possible. I saw it with my own eyes, after all. And I felt it through my body, too!” Vator tightly clenched his fists. He grimaced as if the sensations of that night's duel were washing over him again. “My master isn't improving his cultivation, but more like regaining what he has lost. And my duel with him laid the groundwork for him to become even stronger. I cannot fathom the heights of strength my master will reach, but... At the very least, his rate of improvement is truly peerless under the heavens.”0
“Mm...!” Zhang Dajing sucked in another deep breath.0
Vator's expression became fierce, determined. “That is precisely why I cannot win against my master. Especially if things stay this way. However, do not be mistaken about something, Zhang Dajing. My loyalty toward my master isn't enough to suppress my thirst for victory. I shall remain loyal to him. If he orders me to jump into a pit of Hellfire, I shall do so. However, what of it? Do you think I can't stay loyal if my strength exceeds my master's? Did the trustworthy retainers in history stay loyal because they were weaker and useless compared to the kings they served?”0
“No, Sir Vator. You do not fall behind anyone in comparison.”0
“For now, that is not true, Zhang Dajing,” Vator grunted. “However, I wish to reach that point someday. That means I must become stronger. But my current method isn't enough. I have painfully experienced my limits this time. To stand on equal ground as my master... I must dismantle my martial arts and start from the beginning!”0
Zhang Dajing finally understood Vator's intention. “I see. The best way to dissect your martial arts is to start teaching someone else...! You'd have to forcibly analyze everything from the very basics, after all!”0
Vator grinned warmly. “This is why I find your company quite pleasant, Zhang Dajing! I don't need to run my mouth off for too long with you.”0
“Please forgive me for failing to understand your intentions sooner, sir!”0
“There's nothing to forgive,” Vator chuckled, then stepped inside the house. “Zhang Dajing... I have submitted to Master, but that doesn't mean I'm satisfied with my current situation. No, I shall continue to grow stronger. For myself, and for my master's sake, too! I shall become stronger than anyone in this world! To achieve my goal, I am prepared to do anything. I shall analyze my martial arts, and if I see the need... I won't hesitate to accept my master's demonic cultivation methods!”0
Zhang Dajing was stunned by that declaration. “Sir Vator...!”0
“The strong will possess everything... I was reminded of this recently. It seems I've been too soft in my approach until now.”0
While watching Vator stride fearlessly inside the house without even bothering to look back once, Zhang Dajing slowly massaged his face.0
'Yes, Sir Vator hasn't changed.'0
Even if he was submitting to Kang Jin-Ho, Vator was still Vator. His mighty spirit of a martial artist wouldn't have been extinguished that easily. Although no one could predict what the future had in store for them, Zhang Dajing swore he'd stay by Vator's side until the...0
“...Kuh-hum! Zhang Dajing!”0
“Y-yes, sir?” Zhang Dajing's head quickly shot up when Vator called out his name, and his expression crumbled immediately at the sight greeting him back. Vator's super-wide shoulders had gotten stuck by the entrance of the house!0
“Go and... Mm, fetch some oil, Zhang Dajing.”0
“Yes, sir...”0
Zhang Dajing was about to tell himself he'd stay by Vator's side until the end, but he wasn't so sure anymore.
