Night in the Blue Pearl Sect was quiet. Raon crept through the library, the faint glow of the moon reflecting off endless rows of dusty scrolls.
**Scanning manuscripts… 12% complete.**
He sighed. "I should be sleeping."
**You could. Or you could stop being a background character.**
"…Touché."
**Scroll after scroll revealed flaws. Missing stances, incomplete breathing cycles, sloppy translations. Even the Blue Pearl Flow the sect's techniques' were riddled with gaps.**
To the Blue Pearl Sect, Flow isn't just a technique it's a way of existing.
It means to move with the world instead of against it, to let Qi follow its natural rhythm like water running downhill.
Those who grasp the Flow can control movement, reaction, and even the air around them without resistance.
**These were probably written by dyslexic monks.**
Raon frowned. "...Can you fix it?"
**Already rewriting. Try not to break anything.**
The characters on the scroll began glowing faintly. The symbols rearranged themselves, forming complete patterns. Raon watched, stunned.
**Technique restored: Blue Pearl Flow Complete Form.**
He rushed outside, heart racing, and began testing it. The air around him shimmered as energy spiraled along his arms. His movements became smoother, lighter, faster. For the first time, his strikes cut through air with precision.
**Datian Formation stabilized. Rank: F+ (Barely human, but shiny).**
Raon laughed softly. "Barely human's still better than dead."
He didn't notice the footsteps until Elder Cho Ryang's voice thundered behind him.
"Who authorized you to practice at this hour?"
The voice hit like a hammer.
Elder Cho Ryang emerged from the shadows, and even in the darkness, his presence was oppressive.
He has a lean and wiry from decades of martial training, he stood around 5'7 with thinning gray hair kept in a traditional topknot. His stern gray eyes missed absolutely nothing, and deep wrinkles carved into his face spoke of years spent frowning at infractions. Right now, that perpetually suspicious, disapproving expression was focused entirely on Raon.
Raon turned, panicking. "I was... uh... testing something?"
Cho's eyes narrowed. "You've modified sect techniques."
"No! I mean, yes, but... listen, it works better!"
Before he could explain, his Qi surged uncontrollably. The ground trembled. A sudden burst of blue energy knocked the elder off balance.
**Well done. You just assaulted middle management.**
"Oh, shut up!"
Cho Ryang growled, stepping forward but a calm voice interrupted.
"That's enough."
The voice cut through the tension like a blade through water.
It was Master Hwan Dojin, with Jin standing beside him.
He approached with measured steps, and despite his age, there was nothing frail about him.
Muscular build defying his years, standing at 5'6 with short white hair in a two block cut that somehow looked both contemporary and timeless.
His skin was wrinkled, weathered by decades of cultivation, but strangest of all his eyes didn't open. They remained closed, giving him a perpetually content expression. Yet Raon could feel the man's gaze, sharp and clear as day, seeing more than ordinary vision ever could.
"Interesting," Hwan Dojin said, and though his eyes remained shut, Raon felt completely exposed. "That stance... it felt different. Balanced. Natural." Jin said.
Raon froze. "Uh… thanks?"
**Flirt harder, he's the MC.**
MC: Main Character aka protagonist...
"I will delete you," Raon muttered under his breath.
Hwan Dojin studied the air still shimmering with residual Qi. "Interesting. Continue your practice, Guard Raon. But under supervision."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
As the others left, Raon exhaled shakily.
**Congratulations. 2 days and your already an approved government threat.**