Chapter 35

“What, what is this?!”

When I opened my eyes in the morning, I couldn’t help but doubt what I was seeing.

Perhaps because I had absorbed the energy of Fudo Myo-o, my dantian felt heavier than usual, but that was nothing compared to the embarrassment I felt.

…My morning wood wouldn’t go away. It felt like it was about to burst through my pajamas.

Embarrassed but needing to check my condition, I took off my pajamas and stood naked in front of the mirror.

My body, already well-trained through martial arts, looked even more solid today. And then-

I looked down. There it was, standing tall and proud, making its presence known.

It had always been decent, but now it was thicker, harder, and stronger.

…Honestly, do I feel good or bad about it? Of course, I feel good! But it’s complicated!

Is this how Peter Parker felt when he became a superhuman after being bitten by a radioactive spider? It’s a mixed feeling.

With great power comes great responsibility. So, what kind of responsibility will I have to bear?

Thoughts of Spider-Man’s struggles flashed through my mind. His life was full of ups and downs, enough to make you bite your fist and cry.

…Do I have to dance in the middle of the street, spinning my arms and winking at girls?

I closed my eyes and imagined the scene. It was funny and made me feel better.

Hmm~ Maybe it’s not so bad? As long as I’m happy, right?

I’ve always loved the Spider-Man series. It’s a timeless masterpiece in my heart.

Watch over me from above, Spider-Man. I’ll become the Spider Dancer of the martial world.

“Young Master~ Young Master~ Are you awake? It’s time for breakfast.”

The soft, beautiful voice of the maid brought me back from my delusions to reality.

I checked my reflection in the mirror. I was completely naked. This was bad.

“That’s strange? I heard something. Young Master, are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine! Don’t come in! You can’t come in!”

It was a desperate cry for both our sakes, but given my usual behavior, it wasn’t taken seriously.

“…Are you playing around again? Really~ If you’re late, Madam will scold you. Come out quickly.”

Creak~

The curtain that protected us was pushed aside, and our eyes met. The maid’s gaze slowly moved downward.

Creak…

Without a word, the door closed again. The maid’s footsteps faded away.

In the heavy silence and unspoken consideration, I looked into the mirror with tired eyes. I looked down.

Shamelessly, my angry member stood tall, ready to pierce the heavens.

‘…I want to crawl into a mouse hole.’

But I had to go eat, so I cried tears of frustration.

***

“Young Master! Young Master!”

After breakfast, I was taking a light stroll in the yard to digest before martial arts training when I saw Jang Sam-i running towards me.

“What’s the matter? Why are you like this?”

“There’s a rumor spreading among the maids. They say the reason you walk with a limp is because your… you know… is too big! Is it true?!”

I immediately raised my cane and struck Jang Sam-i’s head.

“Urk?!”

“Is it true?! You bastard!!”

Even after hitting him once, I wasn’t satisfied, so I hit him again.

“Urk?!”

“Stop talking nonsense. Go and shut their mouths!”

No wonder the maids had been glancing at my legs. The rumor had already spread.

I hope it doesn’t reach my mother or Yeonghwa. I may have thick skin, but I’m not shameless.

There’s a huge difference in shame between others hearing strange rumors and your family hearing them.

I couldn’t stay at home any longer, so I limped out with my cane, heading towards the mountain.

I needed to consult Mukgang about the changes in my body and learn how to control the energy of Fudo Myo-o that had settled heavily in my dantian.

Jang Sam watched as I limped away, sighing quietly.

…Why does this cripple keep running around? Can’t he just stay at home?

No, honestly, I don’t mind him running around. But why does every martial artist he meet have to be at the level of Hua Jing?

Eight Foot Freak, Zhuge Freak Dragon, and now Fudo Myo-o Mukgang.

Each one of them could single-handedly wipe out a small martial arts sect if they wanted to.

Being a bodyguard is a life-threatening job, but it’s really a living hell for the one being guarded.

I watched as Sima Mantian’s figure grew smaller in the distance. I sighed and erased my presence, following him at a safe distance.

***

After hearing my embarrassing story, Mukgang nodded calmly as usual.

“The changes in your body are proof that the energy you’ve accumulated and the energy of Fudo Myo-o are harmonizing well. Think of it as an early growth spurt and relax.”

“…But it’s a bit troublesome in the morning.”

“Normally, you would learn to control the energy through meditation first, but you used a shortcut, so the energy is running wild through your bloodstream. You need to control your mind and body through meditation.”

“…I’m not confident in meditation.”

According to Mukgang, the energy of Fudo Myo-o is a collection of yang energy, so when absorbed, it enhances basic physical abilities and prevents the invasion of demons and diseases.

Also, the Mystical Taoist Inner Energy Technique I learned from the Jeonjin Sect is influenced by Buddhism, so it has good compatibility with the energy of Fudo Myo-o, and there’s no risk of falling into demonic possession.

Anyway, it’s a relief that there’s nothing wrong with my body. Now I just need to train hard while Jang Sam-i shuts the maids’ mouths.

“Normally, you would first master the unmoving mind, the Fudo Mind Technique, through meditation. Then you would learn the Fudo Myo-o Step. But it seems things have gone the opposite way for you. I’ll teach you the Fudo Mind Technique now.”

“Uh… So I have to meditate again?”

In response to my question, Mukgang nodded without hesitation.

“The most important teachings of Fudo Myo-o are seated meditation and contemplation. From now on, you’ll have to train on your own. Don’t forget that.”

Mukgang’s words made it sound like he was about to leave, and my eyes widened.

“I haven’t fully mastered the Fudo Myo-o Step yet. Can’t you teach me a bit more before you go?”

Mukgang shook his head firmly.

“Today, I’ll teach you the Fudo Mind Technique and the second step of the Fudo Myo-o Step. Then I’ll leave. I’ve stayed in one place for too long.”

…I just found out there’s a second step to the Fudo Myo-o Step. And you expect me to learn both in one day?

Does this guy think I’m a sponge? That I can absorb everything he teaches?

If some teachers are the type to serve side dishes, set the table, and teach you how to use chopsticks and spoons, Mukgang is the type to just throw a piece of meat at you and tell you to figure it out yourself.

“What if I can’t learn both today?”

In response to my obvious question, Mukgang answered in his usual annoyingly calm voice.

“Aren’t you the genius who dares to deceive even the heavens, Sima Mantian? I believe you can handle this much.”

I realized one thing Mukgang and my master have in common.

These guys only acknowledge me as a genius when it’s convenient for them. They’re bad teachers who play with their students’ hearts.

I raised my head, puffed out my chest, and stood tall. I brushed back my hair. I imagined the best version of myself. Confidence boiled up inside me.

“Daring to challenge the genius of Sima Mantian, who dares to deceive even the heavens… You’ve got some guts.”

With a calm face full of confidence, I glared back at Mukgang’s calm eyes. I met his challenge head-on.

“Two, three, or even ten, it doesn’t matter. Teach me. I’ll learn it all.”

***

Meanwhile, in the Sima family’s kitchen.

Yeonghwa, who was carefully preparing ingredients to make a delicious lunchbox for her brother training hard in the mountains, overheard something.

“Whisper whisper… Young Master… naked…”

“Whisper whisper… legs… three…”

Unfortunately, she overheard the maids’ secret gossip.

‘Huh…? Huh…?’

Her mind froze at the vulgar and crude conversation. Without realizing it, she listened in.

She should have immediately told the maids to stop talking about her beloved brother’s… thing.

Her head felt hot, and her mind went blank. Her ears turned red, and her face burned.

Her throat tightened, and she couldn’t speak.