Chapter 4: Ripples of Change
The sparring matches had earned Kang Hojin both recognition and curiosity in Qingyuan Village. As he walked back to the hut that now served as his home, he could feel the villagers' eyes on him. Some were filled with admiration, others with suspicion. But Hojin paid them no mind. His focus was on the new palm technique he had gained and how to incorporate it into his growing arsenal.
Seated cross-legged on the wooden floor of his hut, Hojin opened the system interface.
[Status Panel]
Name: Kang Hojin
Age: 14
Cultivation Level: None
Martial Techniques: Basic Palm Technique (Initiate), Movement Technique (Intermediate)
Quests Completed: 1
The "Initiate" rank for his palm technique was a reminder of how much work lay ahead. The knowledge provided by the system was clear and precise, but skill came from practice. Hojin resolved to master the basics before attempting anything advanced.
A knock on the door broke his concentration.
"Come in," Hojin said, rising to his feet.
The door creaked open to reveal Chen Rong, the retired soldier he had sparred with earlier. The older man stepped inside, his eyes studying Hojin with a mix of curiosity and approval.
"You've got potential, boy," Rong said, his voice gruff but kind. "But potential means nothing if it's wasted. Are you serious about the martial path?"
Hojin nodded. "I am."
Rong crossed his arms. "Good. Then meet me at the training grounds tomorrow morning. If you're willing to put in the effort, I'll teach you a thing or two."
Hojin's eyes widened in surprise. "Why?"
The older man chuckled. "Let's just say you remind me of someone. Don't make me regret it."
With that, Rong turned and left, leaving Hojin with a new sense of anticipation.
The next morning, the training grounds were bathed in the golden light of dawn. Hojin arrived early, eager to begin. Chen Rong was already there, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp.
"You're punctual. That's a good start," Rong said. "Now, show me the palm technique you used yesterday."
Hojin nodded and moved into the first stance of the technique. His movements were deliberate and precise, but Rong's critical eye caught every flaw.
"Your footing is too narrow. Widen your stance."
"Your strikes lack intent. Imagine your target's chest caving under your palm."
"Don't just rely on your arms. Put your whole body into the motion."
Hojin adjusted his movements with each correction, sweat dripping down his face. Hours passed as Rong drilled him on the basics, emphasizing the importance of form and control. By midday, Hojin's arms ached, and his legs felt like lead, but his technique had noticeably improved.
"Good," Rong finally said, nodding in approval. "That's enough for today. Rest up. We'll continue tomorrow."
As Hojin made his way back to the village, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. For the first time, he had a mentor—someone who believed in him enough to guide him.
That evening, Hojin's solitude was interrupted by another visitor: Li Mei (李梅), Elder Li Zhong's granddaughter. She was a spirited young woman with sharp eyes and a confident demeanor.
"You were impressive yesterday," she said, leaning against the doorframe. "But don't let it go to your head."
Hojin raised an eyebrow. "And why would it?"
Li Mei smirked. "Because too much pride leads to foolish decisions. Trust me, I've seen it happen."
She handed him a small bundle wrapped in cloth. "Grandfather asked me to bring this to you. He said you'd need it."
Hojin unwrapped the bundle to find a set of weights for training. He looked up at Li Mei, surprised by the gesture.
"Thank you," he said earnestly.
"Don't thank me," she replied. "Thank my grandfather. And don't slack off. We'll be watching."
With that, she left, leaving Hojin to ponder the village's growing interest in him. He placed the weights on the floor and resolved to integrate them into his routine.
Over the next few weeks, Hojin's days fell into a rhythm. Mornings were spent training with Chen Rong, afternoons were dedicated to chores around the village, and evenings were for solitary practice. The villagers began to see him as more than just an outsider; he was becoming one of their own.
Chen Rong's training was grueling but effective. The retired soldier taught Hojin not just techniques but also the mindset of a warrior.
"Strength is important," Rong would say, "but strategy wins battles. Never underestimate your opponent, and never let them see your full hand."
Hojin took these lessons to heart, blending them with the system's guidance. His progress was steady, but he knew he had a long way to go.
One evening, as Hojin was practicing in the clearing behind his hut, the system issued a new notification.
[New Quest: Unseen Threat]
Objective: Investigate the recent disappearances of livestock around Qingyuan Village.
Bonus Objective: Identify the source of the threat without alerting the villagers.
Reward: Enhanced Hearing Skill, Increased Favorability with Qingyuan Elders.
Failure Consequence: Decreased Reputation in Qingyuan Village.
Hojin frowned. Disappearances? He hadn't heard anything about this. But if the system deemed it important, he couldn't ignore it.
The investigation led Hojin to the outskirts of the village, where the forest grew dense and shadowed. Armed with a torch and his iron sword, he followed the faint tracks left by the missing livestock. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth, and every rustle in the underbrush set him on edge.
Hours passed with no sign of the culprit, but Hojin's patience paid off when he stumbled upon a clearing. In the center lay the remains of a goat, its carcass torn apart. Nearby, claw marks marred the trees, and tufts of dark fur clung to the bark.
As he examined the scene, a low growl sent a chill down his spine. Slowly, Hojin turned to see a pair of glowing yellow eyes staring at him from the shadows. A massive wolf emerged, its fur matted and its fangs bared. This was no ordinary beast; it exuded an aura of menace that spoke of countless battles fought and won.
The wolf lunged, and Hojin barely managed to evade its claws. He rolled to the side, drawing his sword in one fluid motion. The beast was fast, its movements a blur as it circled him. Hojin's mind raced as he recalled Chen Rong's teachings.
"Never let them see your full hand."
The wolf struck again, and Hojin countered with a feint, drawing the beast closer. At the last moment, he delivered a powerful palm strike to its flank, using the technique he had been practicing tirelessly. The wolf yelped and stumbled, but it was far from defeated.
The battle raged on, each exchange pushing Hojin to his limits. The system's interface flashed with warnings about his stamina, but he refused to back down. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he saw an opening. With a burst of speed, Hojin drove his sword into the wolf's side, ending the fight.
Panting, Hojin collapsed to his knees. The system chimed with a new notification.
[Quest Complete: Unseen Threat]
Reward: Enhanced Hearing Skill, Increased Favorability with Qingyuan Elders.
A wave of relief washed over him as he sat in the clearing, the wolf's lifeless body a testament to his victory. But as the adrenaline faded, Hojin couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The wolf was strong, too strong to be acting alone.
"What else is out there?" he murmured to himself, the forest's shadows seeming to whisper back.
Hojin rose to his feet, determination hardening his features. He had chosen this path, and he would see it through—no matter what dangers lay ahead.