Chapter 39: The Difference in Level (5)
After Yeon Hojeong returned to his family, the atmosphere of the Yeon household shifted. To put it positively, it grew fervent. To put it negatively, it turned perilous. The reason lay entirely with Yeon Hojeong.
The day after his return, Yeon Hojeong appeared at the Yeon family's Grand Training Grounds. This open-air arena was accessible to all, frequently used for military inspections and family celebrations, its vastness unmatched.
Yeon Hojeong began sprinting recklessly around the perimeter of the expansive grounds. He ran endlessly along the 200-jang (approx. 600-meter) circumference each morning. After loosening his muscles through this marathon and devouring a hearty lunch, he alternated between all-out sprints and measured jogs in the afternoon.
The Yeon family's martial artists exchanged puzzled glances. The Young Lord's training amounted to pure physical conditioning. While stamina was undeniably vital, seasoned warriors each had their own tailored regimens.
The Young Lord's martial skills must be lacking, they concluded dismissively.
The next day, Yeon Hojeong rose at dawn to run again - but with a twist. He now wore a thirty-geun (18 kg) chainmail gambeson, the type reserved for the family's elite troops during hellish training sessions.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. By noon, the iron-laden Yeon Hojeong collapsed.
"Of course," the martial artists clucked their tongues as they carried him to his quarters. "No internal energy, just brute sprinting? Even veterans would break."
He returned the following day, appearing more human after rest and food. Yet he fell again - though having run slightly farther.
Five days later, he vomited blood and collapsed. Extreme training bred extreme consequences.
Though they shook their heads, the warriors couldn't hide their awe. Such desperate, consciousness-abandoning effort required monstrous resolve.
Ten days later, a revitalized Yeon Hojeong reappeared at the grounds - transformed. Faster. Lighter. Even with iron chains now wrapping his arms, his movements flowed smoother. For the first time, he completed a full day's training, earning applause from the grounds.
But this marked only the beginning. Each subsequent day's regimen grew more brutal than the last. Martial artists who'd initially scoffed at his simple methods now regarded him with reverence.
Four months passed.
As winter's final chill gripped the new year, Yeon Hojeong shed his chains and gambeson.
"Begin."
Whoosh!
Yang Heum closed the distance with a wooden sword, his strike sharper than ever - a mid-level thrust so fast even experts would struggle to parry.
Swish!
The blade sliced empty air.
Yeon Hojeong had sidestepped with a single fluid motion, simultaneously creating an opening. His fist shot toward Yang Heum's flank - not fast, but perfectly timed.
Yang Heum deliberately compromised his stance to kick the fist away, immediately following with Triple Exchange Kick - rapid-fire strikes targeting vital points on Yeon Hojeong's upper body.
Thud!
An elbow smashed Yang Heum's sole.
"Urk?!"
The youth tumbled, right leg numb from the impact on his Yongcheon pressure point. As he scrambled up, Yeon Hojeong's palm already rested against his chest.
Thoom!
Yang Heum flew backward, cratering the ground. Wisps of heat rose from Yeon Hojeong's extended palm - the Flying Swallow Chain Palm, a basic Yeon family technique.
"Lost?" Yeon Hojeong grinned.
Cough! "Y-yes... I yield!" Blood flecked Yang Heum's lips.
"My control remains clumsy. Apologies."
"The fault is mine!" Yang Heum stared in disbelief. "Was that... the Flying Swallow Palm?"
"Mm."
Gasps erupted from twenty watching Chanyeong Unit members. "Since when did basic techniques hit like siege weapons?"
"Look down."
They gaped at the two-chi (6 cm) deep footprint Yeon Hojeong had left.
"Zhenjiao stomping isn't for theatrics," he explained. "It harnesses rebound force and earth energy to amplify rotation and striking power."
Murmurs of understanding spread. This was why Shaolin techniques dominated - their stomps alone could suppress legions.
"So your running..."
"Maximized zhenjiao application through extreme conditioning."
Over months, Yeon Hojeong's footprints had varied wildly - sometimes invisible, sometimes cratering earth. What seemed erratic stamina was precise energy control.
"Incredible! How?"
"Possible? Of course. You've never tried, hence the disbelief."
"Should we train like you?"
"Foolish question. This is my path. Find yours."
Yeon Hojeong's smile softened. "Basics matter, but surpassing them requires understanding your nature and aspirations. Your growth reflects what you seek - whether 'one' or 'ten'."
As the Chanyeong Unit absorbed this, Yeon Hojeong turned to observing Feagle Unit members.
"Same applies. Complacency breeds stagnation. Want more? Set goals."
A young Feagle member raised her hand. "Liu Zhixia of Third Unit. May I ask..."
"Speak."
"Our unit training leaves no time for personal practice. Could we... reduce sleep to train?"
"You get four hours? Plenty. Cut it."
"But... would superiors allow?"
"Who'd stop you strengthening the family? Just don't neglect unit duties."
The girl brightened. "Thank you!"
"Save gratitude for results."
As Yeon Hojeong departed, Yang Heum called: "Young Lord! No more training today?"
He shrugged. "Taking a break."
Naturally, he didn't. Retiring to his quarters, Yeon Hojeong seized his spear.
Mornings: stamina and zhenjiao at the Grand Grounds.
Nights: spear arts in the rear garden.
Four months without fail.
Thwack-thwack-thwack!
Five wooden dummies hung in air. Each took a dozen spear strikes, shredded like prey under tiger claws.
Almost there.
His bout with Yang Heum had revealed new insights. A little more refinement, and he could upgrade his weapon.
Crash!
As he reared back for another strike, urgent knocking interrupted.
"Young Lord! The Family Head summons you."
"Hm? For what?"
"Unknown..."
Scratching his head, Yeon Hojeong muttered: "Guess I'm resting after all?"
