Daoist Yin-Yang Manual

Around the training ground, there were places necessary for living and a single bed. I carefully examined each one.

"Young Master Jin, can I help you?"

"Yes, I'll look over here."

A moment later, Seo Ryeo-hwa, who was checking under the bed, raised her voice.

"There's something here."

She said, pointing under the bed. I quickly approached where she was pointing. A small box was hidden in one corner under the bed.

'This is it.'

I carefully pulled out the box. It was made of old wood, but surprisingly, its condition seemed fine.

Inside the box was a small pouch. When I opened the pouch, I found a round, pill-like object. From the faint aura emanating from it, I could tell it was a medicinal pill.

"It's Bigeokdan."

Seo Ryeo-hwa said, looking at what came out of the pouch.

"It seems to have been prepared to endure for a long time inside the formation."

"Yes, with this much, we won't have to worry about meals for a few days."

I took out two Bigeokdan pills and handed one to Seo Ryeo-hwa. We swallowed the Bigeokdan together.

A bitter taste spread in my mouth for a moment, but soon my hunger was satisfied.

"It's a relief we have Bigeokdan."

I nodded at Seo Ryeo-hwa's words.

"Since our hunger has been appeased with Bigeokdan, it would be good to rest for a while."

Seo Ryeo-hwa also nodded as if agreeing to my suggestion. The fatigue of battle was etched on her face.

"That would be good."

I naturally turned my gaze to the single bed in the middle of the room.

"Sword Empress-nim, please use the bed. I'll sit and rest."

"It's fine. I'll just lean back and rest."

Seo Ryeo-hwa shook her head and said.

"Sword Empress-nim, there's no need to overexert yourself."

"The same goes for Young Master Jin."

We looked at each other and fell silent for a moment.

"Th-then... let's rest together on the bed."

Seo Ryeo-hwa said softly, her face flushed.

"But...."

"And in situations like this, it's important to maintain your stamina, isn't it?"

"Understood."

I replied with a smile, secretly welcoming the opportunity to be alone with her so closely.

'An unexpected opportunity.'

Before lying down on the bed, we stood guard for each other and began circulating our qi. After the qi circulation was complete, we lay down on the bed. Due to the narrow space, Seo Ryeo-hwa's shoulder touched my arm. I could feel her body heat right next to me, and a faint scent wafted from her sky-blue hair.

'Should I get a little closer?'

I deliberately shifted my posture and moved slightly closer. I could feel her body subtly flinch.

"Are you uncomfortable?"

"I'm fine. How about you, Sword Empress-nim?"

"I'm... fine too."

Her reply had lost its usual composure and was somewhat shaky. Feeling her gaze, I turned my head. The moment our eyes met, she quickly averted her gaze.

'Hmm, this isn't a bad reaction.'

I smiled subtly, looking at the tips of her reddened ears.

"Sword Empress-nim."

"Yes?"

She answered cautiously.

"If I'm making you uncomfortable, I'll sleep on the floor."

"It's fine. It's just... an unfamiliar situation."

I slowly leaned my body, getting closer to her. We were close enough to hear her breathing right beside me.

"It's narrower than I thought, would it be alright if I moved a little closer?"

At my words, she seemed momentarily flustered, but then she nodded and forced herself to maintain a composed expression.

"Th-that's right. There's no other choice."

Her voice was slightly trembling more than usual.

I smiled, observing her reaction. Her body heat and scent became even more distinct. The urge to pounce on Seo Ryeo-hwa right then and there grew stronger in my heart.

I moved my body a little closer to her. Our bodies were completely touching, and her body heat felt even more vivid.

Seo Ryeo-hwa said nothing, but I could feel her breathing quicken slightly. She seemed to be aware of the situation as well.

"Sword Empress-nim...."

When I quietly called her name, Seo Ryeo-hwa's face flushed even deeper. I could see her lips trembling slightly.

"Young... Young Master Jin... aren't we too close...?"

Our gazes met. I could see her eyes wavering.

'Should I stop teasing here? If I rush too much, she might feel repulsed.'

I chuckled softly, averted my gaze, and closed my eyes.

"I'm tired, so I'll sleep first."

At my words, her tension seemed to ease a little.

"Ah... yes...."

Seo Ryeo-hwa replied in a slightly relieved voice.

Feeling Seo Ryeo-hwa's body heat, I exhaled deeply. The fatigue of battle washed over me, and my consciousness gradually faded.

***

When I woke up, Seo Ryeo-hwa was quietly asleep beside me. Her sky-blue hair was slightly disheveled and touched my face. A faint scent wafted by, subtly stirring my heart.

I gazed at Seo Ryeo-hwa's sleeping face for a moment. Her lips were slightly parted, and her even breathing tickled my ears.

'It's about time to wake her up.'

Even if that powerful presence was trapped elsewhere, I couldn't let my guard down.

I carefully shook her shoulder and said.

"Sword Empress-nim, you need to wake up."

Seo Ryeo-hwa subtly furrowed her brows, then slowly opened her eyes. Her clear eyes looked at me.

"Young Master Jin.... Has it gotten that late already?"

She sat up, her face slightly flushed, and looked around. Her sky-blue hair naturally flowed down her shoulders.

"We still have some time, but we shouldn't stay here too long. We don't know when that powerful presence might come after us again."

"You're right. I was too carelessly asleep."

Seo Ryeo-hwa got up and lightly stretched her body.

"Would Sword Empress-nim like to try first this time?"

When I suggested it, she pondered for a moment.

"No. I'll watch Young Master Jin fight first."

I nodded and adjusted my sword. Thanks to the rest, my body had fully recovered. I felt much lighter than before.

"Then, I'll begin."

As I stepped onto the training ground, an illusion identical to me was created.

The fight with the illusion began again. Perhaps because my body was in much better condition than yesterday, the duel with the illusion was easier than yesterday.

However, that didn't mean I had the advantage. The fight with the illusion still gradually turned unfavorable.

In the end, I lost once again. The illusion disappeared, and I slumped to the floor. A deep sigh escaped me naturally.

"Young Master Jin."

Seo Ryeo-hwa approached and spoke quietly.

"Yes, Sword Empress-nim."

"The Cheolsan Gigong and sword art you're using don't seem to suit you well."

At her words, I looked up at her.

"Is that so?"

"The Jin Family's Cheolsan Sword Art is originally a sword art based on the essence of heavy swordsmanship. However, though Young Master Jin may not be aware of it, your movements are more suited to the essence of swift swordsmanship than heavy swordsmanship."

"The essence of swift swordsmanship.... I've been trying to follow the power of heavy swordsmanship all this time."

"Heavy swordsmanship is based on powerful destructive force and stable defense. However, your movements show aspects closer to fast and flexible light swordsmanship."

At her observation, I looked at the sword in my hand.

"Perhaps Young Master Jin is naturally following the essence of swift swordsmanship. By forcibly trying to follow the heavy sword method, you are limiting your own strengths."

I chewed on her words and slowly nodded.

"Then, what method would be good?"

"A sword art based on fast and continuous attacks would be suitable for Young Master Jin. For example, a sword art that flows naturally like water, such as the Shadow Moon Heavenly Sword Dance (Shadow Moon Heavenly Sword Dance) that I use, would suit you well. This would maximize your agility and flexibility."

"Shadow Moon Heavenly Sword Dance...."

At my words, Seo Ryeo-hwa smiled slightly.

"Perhaps Young Master Jin is more suited for the Shadow Moon Heavenly Sword Dance than Myeongwoo."

At her words, I paused for a moment.

"Me, more than Myeongwoo?"

"Yes. Young Master Jin, would you like to learn the Shadow Moon Heavenly Sword Dance from me?"

"I would like to learn. However, I already have a heart method I've mastered..."

At my answer, Seo Ryeo-hwa nodded slightly and smiled gently.

"It's fine. I've been observing Young Master Jin occasionally, and strangely, Yang energy and Yin energy are flowing harmoniously in your Dantian. Such cases are very rare."

At her words, I tilted my head.

"What does that mean?"

"Normally, if one learns a heart method with a completely different affinity from an already mastered one, the flow of qi can become misaligned, leading to side effects. However, Young Master Jin seems to have a constitution that isn't hindered by the natural flow of qi. Thanks to this, there's a high possibility that a new heart method won't conflict with your existing one."

I nodded in relief at her words.

"Then there won't be any problem learning a new heart method."

"That's right. However, you will need practice in coordinating your qi while simultaneously practicing your existing heart method. The Moonlit Clear Light Heart Method (Moonlit Clear Light Heart Method) especially requires delicate handling of qi flow."

"That's fortunate."

She continued with a smile.

"Young Master, before learning the Shadow Moon Heavenly Sword Dance, it is paramount to establish the bond of master and disciple. We cannot follow proper etiquette given the circumstances, but let's do it simply."

"Yes, Master-nim."

I performed the formal bows of respect before Seo Ryeo-hwa.

***Bonus Content***